Charcoal grill with smoke rising over grilled food on a backyard patio

Hickory & Ember

Practical, no-nonsense guidance for backyard barbecue and grilling, written for American home cooks.

Welcome to Hickory & Ember, an independent blog dedicated to helping home cooks across the United States get better results at the grill and the smoker. Whether you're choosing your first charcoal kettle, comparing wood chips and lump charcoal, or trying to understand safe internal temperatures, our articles aim to be clear, practical, and free of fluff.

Latest Articles

Equipment

Choosing the Right Smoker for Your Backyard

Offset, pellet, kamado, or electric — each smoker type suits a different cooking style, budget, and climate. Here's how to match one to your needs.

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Fuel

Wood Chips vs. Charcoal: What Actually Changes the Flavor

A breakdown of how different fuels and wood types affect smoke flavor, burn time, and heat control during a long cook.

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Safety

Grilling Safety Tips Every Backyard Cook Should Know

From safe internal temperatures to propane tank checks and fire extinguisher placement, these basics keep cookouts safe and enjoyable.

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New articles are added regularly. If you have a topic you'd like covered, you can reach the editor at info@hickoryandember.com.