Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ

If you’ve been thinking about tackling your first brisket — or if your last one didn’t hit the mark — this guide is for you. Brisket can feel intimidating. It’s a massive cut of meat, it takes patience, and there are a lot of opinions out there about how to do it “the right way.” In this post, I’m breaking down the actual fundamentals that matter. No fluff. Just a clear, simple checklist to help you smoke a great brisket from start to finish. 1. Choose the Right Brisket Your result starts with what you buy. Go for USDA Choice or Prime.WagyuWeight:Where to buy: More marbling means more rendered fat during the long cook — which is exactly what you want. 2. Prep Your Smoker Clean smoker = clean smoke. Before your brisket goes on: cleanOffset smokers:Charcoal smokers: The first several hours are when the brisket takes on the bulk of its smoke flavor, so clean smoke matters. 3. Trim the Brisket Trim the night before if you can. ¼-inch (Pro tip: Put the brisket in the freezer for 1 hour before trimming — it firms up the fat and makes trimming easier.) 4. Season the Brisket Keep it simple. Texas Classic: 5. Fat Side Up or Down? This one depends on your cooker. Fat Side Up Fat Side Down The fat acts as a shield. Keep the fat side facing the heat. 6. Maintain Steady Temperatures Low and slow usually means: 225–275°F1 hour per pound Use a good thermometer setup. Wireless probe systems like ThermoWorks RFX make monitoring easier. Insert your probe into the thickest part of the flat, since that portion finishes first. 7. The Stall & Wrapping Around 160–170°F internal temp, the brisket will “stall.” It stops climbing in temperature. You’ve got two choices: Option A: Ride it out Takes longer, but preserves bark beautifully. Option B: Wrap This helps power through the stall and protect the meat. Here’s the ranking: Butcher Paper – BEST Foil Boat Method – VERY GOOD Aluminum Foil – DO NOT USE Don’t wrap too early — make sure the bark is set before you wrap. 8. Test for Doneness Don’t cook brisket to a number; cook it to feel. 203–205°Fprobe test When it feels right, it’s done. 9. Rest the Brisket (Critical Step!) This is where many cooks ruin a great brisket. Let it rest: Minimum:Ideal:Overnight: Keep it wrapped, and rest it in: Cambrocooler warmed with hot water first Resting allows juices to redistribute and the meat to fully relax. 10. Slice Properly Always slice against the grain. pointflat.burnt ends This ensures every bite is tender. Troubleshooting Too Dry? Too Tough? and Soft Bark? Final Thoughts Brisket isn’t difficult — it just requires planning and patience. Once you understand trimming, seasoning, temps, wrapping, and resting, you’re 90% of the way there. If you want the Ultimate Brisket Mastery Checklist, you can grab it inside the Backyard SmokeMaster Society: 👉 https://backyardsmokemaster.com/brisket101 Watch the full episode https://youtube.com/live/XdW3CW_kvrM?feature=share Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the website and helping me keep the BBQ fires burning!

I recently had the pleasure of joining Freddie Bell on the BBQ Radio Network for a soulful conversation about my BBQ journey — from my early days experimenting with a Weber Smokey Mountain to building the Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ community. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to grow from a weekend griller into a confident pitmaster. I share some of the lessons learned from my humble beginnings (including a friendly rib rivalry with my father-in-law!), the philosophy that guides my approach to barbecue, and why simplicity, patience, and grace are the key ingredients for great results. 🎙️ Highlights from the interview: Listen to the full episode below and hear the full story behind Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ. https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/bbq-radio-network/f3204540-a5e0-0138-e67d-0acc26574db2/backyard-pitmaster-kenyatta-robinsons-journey-from-costco-ribs-to-bbq-coach/599d4363-b063-42a4-ad3f-6658f961c8eb If the conversation inspires you to take your barbecue to the next level, join me inside the Backyard SmokeMaster Society — our free community for BBQ lovers — or become part of the Inner Circle to access exclusive BBQ Masterclasses, behind-the-scenes lessons, and live coaching sessions.

Every pitmaster knows the smoker gets all the glory — but your knives do the real heavy lifting. From trimming brisket to slicing ribs, a sharp, well-balanced knife makes everything cleaner, faster, and safer. In this episode of the Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ Podcast, Kenyatta breaks down the five must-have knives every backyard pitmaster needs — plus a bonus blade that might surprise you. Learn why a curved boning knife, brisket slicer, chef’s knife, cleaver, and paring knife each play a unique role in your BBQ workflow. You’ll also pick up tips on sharpening, using no-cut gloves, and even how to make bread knives and poultry shears part of your BBQ toolkit. 👉 Read more or listen to the full episode now to start cutting like a tremendous pitmaster.

Thinking about getting a Weber Kettle or already have one and want to unlock its full potential? You're in luck! The Weber Kettle is a quintessential barbecue tool, and with the right accessories, you can transform your grilling experience from basic to extraordinary. The host of the Backyard Smoke Master Barbecue podcast, Kenyatta Robinson, recently shared his top picks for essential and game-changing upgrades for the Weber Kettle. Query successful Here is a blog entry based on the provided podcast transcript: The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Weber Kettle Thinking about getting a Weber Kettle or already have one and want to unlock its full potential? You're in luck! The Weber Kettle is a quintessential barbecue tool, and with the right accessories, you can transform your grilling experience from basic to extraordinary. The host of the Backyard Smoke Master Barbecue podcast, Kenyatta Robinson, recently shared his top picks for essential and game-changing upgrades for the Weber Kettle. Basic Must-Have Accessories Before diving into advanced modifications, Kenyatta recommends a few fundamental accessories that every charcoal griller should own. Charcoal Baskets: Most Weber Kettles come with two charcoal baskets, which are invaluable for organizing your charcoal and managing temperature control. These baskets give you versatility and help you avoid a "raging hot fire". If your grill didn't come with them, or if you're looking for an upgrade, companies like Kick Ash make high-quality aftermarket baskets designed to maximize airflow. Chimney Starter: To get your fire started quickly and cleanly, a chimney starter is a must-have. Using a fire starter, like Royal Oak Tumbleweeds, is a great way to ignite the charcoal without resorting to lighter fluid, which can give your food a "nasty taste". Heat-Resistant Gloves: Safety is paramount when dealing with high temperatures. Good heat-resistant gloves are essential for protecting your hands, whether you're handling hot grates or moving charcoal. Long Tongs: Long tongs are crucial for handling food and stray pieces of charcoal safely. They also have the added benefit of making you look "official" while grilling. Instant-Read Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is vital for ensuring your food is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Kenyatta recommends digital models for a quick and accurate reading. A Tool Caddy: Keeping your essential tools organized in a caddy makes it easy to grab everything you need at once. An Apron: A good apron is essential for protecting your clothes from grease and splatters. Game-Changing Mods and Upgrades Once you have the basics down, these next-level accessories can seriously enhance your Weber Kettle's capabilities. Slow 'N Sear: This is a charcoal basket with a built-in water reservoir that allows you to cook low and slow, or achieve a high-temperature sear. It's a "fantastic accessory" that adds incredible versatility to your kettle. The Vortex: Shaped like a funnel, the Vortex allows you to concentrate heat in one area for high-temperature searing or to create a two-zone cooking environment. Kenyatta loves using it to make "super crispy wings". Hinged Grates: Upgrading to a hinged grill grate makes it easy to add more fuel or wood chunks without having to remove the entire grate. Wireless Thermometers: For next-level temperature monitoring, a wireless thermometer is a great investment. Brands like Thermoworks and Fireboard offer probes that provide accurate internal and ambient temperature readings, which you can monitor from your phone or a separate display. Rotisserie Attachment: Weber makes a rotisserie attachment for the Kettle that works exceptionally well for things like chicken. Heat Deflectors: Using a heat deflector helps to stabilize temperatures for long, low-and-slow cooks. Weber offers a low and slow kit that includes a ring to contain charcoal and a heat deflec...

When it comes to barbecue, the debate never ends—should you brine, marinade, or inject? Each method brings something different to the table. Brining boosts moisture and tenderness, marinades add quick surface flavor, and injections deliver deep seasoning in a flash. The “best” choice depends on your cut of meat, how much time you have, and the flavor you’re after.

Barbecue often gets a bad rap as being “unhealthy,” but the truth is—it doesn’t have to be. In this article, I share practical ways to enjoy smoked meat while keeping your health in check. From choosing lean cuts like chicken breast, turkey, and salmon, to balancing plates with grilled veggies and smoked sweet potatoes, you’ll see how BBQ can fit perfectly into a clean lifestyle. With portion control, mindful rub and sauce choices, and smart beverage swaps, smoked meat can fuel your body as much as it fuels your taste buds.

Pellet grills have made smoking more accessible than ever—but not all pellets are created equal. If you care about flavor, efficiency, and keeping your smoker running smoothly, it’s time to look deeper than what the label says on the bag. In this episode of the Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ Podcast, we dug into what makes a good smoking pellet, how to spot the not-so-good ones, and which brands you can actually trust. Why Pellet Quality Matters Sure, you can grab a cheap bag of pellets at your local big-box store, but here’s what most people don’t realize: Many “flavored” pellets (cherry, hickory, etc.) only contain a small percentage of that wood The rest is often made up of fillers like oak or alder Brands usually don’t disclose the exact ratio So while you think you’re getting 100% applewood, you might only be getting 20% apple and 80% oak. That can seriously affect both smoke flavor and performance. What Makes a Pellet Authentic? A high-quality pellet should be: Made entirely from the wood listed on the bag (no blends or fillers unless clearly stated) Food-safe (never use home-heating pellets) Low in moisture and dust Burn cleanly and consistently You want pellets that deliver flavor, efficiency, and low ash output—all signs of quality. Pitmaster-Proven Pellet Brands to Trust Here are some brands I’ve personally tested or consistently heard good things about: 🔥 Smokin' Pecan Made from 100% pecan shells Rich smoke flavor, low ash, long burn A bit pricier, but worth it ✅ Use code BACKYARDSMOKEMASTER at checkout to save 10% on your first order 🔥 Royal Oak 100% Charcoal Pellets New product: 100% compressed charcoal, not wood Surprisingly rich flavor for a pellet Ideal for folks who want that charcoal taste in a pellet grill 🔥 Lumber Jack Uses bark-on hardwood for more smoke intensity Offers both blended and 100% single-wood options 🔥 CookingPellets.com Longtime favorite in the BBQ world Offers pure hickory, cherry, and other trusted varieties 🔥 Bear Mountain Readily available (Home Depot, online) Some blends, some pure—but solid reviews across the board What to Avoid 🚫 Pellets labeled “blend” or “competition blend” without details 🚫 Heating pellets (meant for stoves, not food) 🚫 Bargain-brand pellets with no info about wood sources Also: Low-quality pellets = more ash, which can clog your firepot and trigger malfunctions mid-cook. Pro Tip: Read the Label & Do a Quick Search Before you buy a new brand: Check the label for wood type percentages Avoid vague wording Look up reviews or test results from trusted BBQ sites or YouTube channels Do Pellet Flavors Really Make a Difference? Short answer: yes—if the pellet is made with 100% of the wood it claims. The difference between 100% cherry pellets and a cherry/oak blend can be noticeable, especially in lighter meats like chicken or pork. And if you want to dial in even more smoke? Look for pellets with bark on (like Lumber Jack) or shell-based pellets (like Smokin' Pecan). Final Thoughts A pellet smoker is only as good as what you feed it. Quality pellets mean: Better flavor Fewer clogs and shutdowns Less cleanup More consistent cooks And while they might cost more upfront, good pellets pay for themselves by lasting longer and making your food taste better. https://youtube.com/live/UltbPPHEnj8?feature=share Want More Pro Tips? 🔥 Join the Backyard SmokeMaster Society and get plugged into a community that lives for flavor, fire, and fellowship. 🎧 Catch the full podcast episode on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to shake off the cobwebs and fire up your grill. From deep cleaning and seasoning to stocking your essentials, this guide helps you get prepped for a new season of great barbecue.

Even seasoned pitmasters have BBQ fails—from over-salted ribs to chicken that just won’t crisp. In this article, we share real-life grilling disasters, what caused them, and simple fixes to help you recover fast and get back to cooking with confidence.

Barbecue and love go hand in hand. In this heartwarming episode recap, Kenyatta and his wife Jeannine share how BBQ became part of their relationship—and offer up five grill-friendly date night meals that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic evening.

Thinking about getting into competition BBQ? Whether you’re eyeing your first local rib cook-off or aiming for KCBS Master Series, this article breaks down everything you need to know—from gear and timelines to what judges are really looking for.

Thinking about upgrading your backyard BBQ setup? Gravity smokers offer real charcoal flavor with the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking. In this article, Kenyatta Robinson breaks down how gravity smokers work, their biggest benefits, and whether they’re worth the investment for low and slow enthusiasts.

Discover the secrets to consistent, competition-worthy barbecue from your backyard. Learn the tips and techniques to elevate your grilling game and wow your guests.

Discover the secrets to perfectly smoked brisket with AI-powered techniques that outperform traditional methods. Learn the insider tips that will make you the neighborhood barbecue legend.

Here is the Meta Description for this blog post: Master the perfect steak every time with the reverse sear method - the secret technique that Backyard Barbecue Pitmasters use to achieve mouthwatering results. Learn how to cook steaks to perfection in this must-read guide.

Here is the Meta Description for this blog post: Master the art of offset smoker cooking and unlock the secrets to mouthwatering barbecue. Discover the techniques that will transform you into a backyard pitmaster and impress your guests.

Find the perfect wireless thermometer to take your backyard barbecue to new heights. Discover the top tips and tricks to choose the best wireless thermometer for your next cookout.

Discover the secrets to smoking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey with our expert tips and tricks. Learn how to achieve mouthwatering flavor and juicy tenderness that will wow your guests.

Barbecue is more than just food—it’s a way to connect, to celebrate, and to create lasting memories. In this special episode of the Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ Podcast, I opened up about the unexpected passing of my father and how barbecue played a role in bringing our family together over the years. This blog post is a reflection on that conversation and the importance of food in building traditions, honoring loved ones, and keeping memories alive. The Heart of Family Gatherings My father, known affectionately as E.J., was the heart of our family gatherings. Whether it was a random Tuesday or a big holiday like the Fourth of July, our home was always a welcoming place for family and friends. And at the center of it all was food. Barbecue, in particular, was something that signified togetherness, even though my dad wasn’t exactly a pitmaster. Growing up, I always knew that certain holidays meant my dad would be outside grilling. He didn’t fuss over rubs or intricate smoking techniques—he kept it simple. Burgers, hot dogs, hot links, and occasionally some ribs. There were no thermometers involved, no meticulous fire management. But none of that mattered. The most important thing was that everyone was together, enjoying food, laughing, and making memories. Learning the Craft As I grew older and became more passionate about barbecue, I started to realize that my dad’s approach to cooking on the grill wasn’t exactly what you’d call ‘technical.’ But what he lacked in precision, he made up for in heart. And that’s something I try to carry with me every time I fire up my smoker. When I started to refine my skills and take barbecue more seriously, my dad became one of my biggest fans. He especially loved my spicy grilled shrimp, jerk chicken, and ribs. Every time I cooked for him, he would rave about how good it was, and that’s something that will always stay with me. Knowing that I could bring him joy through something I was passionate about meant the world to me. Keeping the Tradition Alive Now that my dad is gone, I realize that barbecue is more than just a skill or a hobby—it’s a way of keeping his spirit alive. Every time I light up the grill, I think about him standing outside, flipping burgers, and welcoming everyone with open arms. I think about the warmth, the laughter, and the feeling of home that he created. That’s what barbecue is really about. For those of us who love barbecue, we know that it’s never just about the food. It’s about who we share it with. It’s about passing down recipes, sharing meals, and continuing traditions. So if you’ve ever lost someone who meant the world to you, I encourage you to find a way to honor them through the things they loved. Whether that’s cooking their favorite meal, playing their favorite song, or just taking a moment to remember them. Join the BBQ Community One of the things I love most about barbecue is the community. It’s a culture built on sharing, learning, and bringing people together. That’s why I created the Backyard SmokeMaster Society—a place where BBQ lovers can connect, swap recipes, and inspire each other to keep the flame alive. If you’re passionate about barbecue and want to be part of a welcoming, supportive community, I invite you to join us! Sign up today at https://backyardsmokemaster.com/society and become part of a family that shares your love for great barbecue and meaningful traditions. Final Thoughts Losing a loved one is never easy, but finding ways to keep their memory alive makes a difference. For me, that means keeping the barbecue going, sharing good food with family and friends, and remembering my dad with every meal cooked over fire and smoke. If you have special memories of barbecuing with your loved ones, I’d love to hear about them. Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Backyard SmokeMaster Society. Let’s continue to celebrate those we’ve lost by doing what they loved—gathering, cooking,

Get ready to spice up your Oktoberfest celebrations with a mouthwatering twist on traditional German fare! In this episode of the Backyard Smokemaster Barbecue Podcast, I'm joined by my lovely wife Jeannine as we explore how to elevate your Oktoberfest experience with some seriously delicious barbecue. We're diving into two main areas that'll make your taste buds dance: Meats that become incredibly tender when braised in beer A variety of German sausages perfect for grilling You'll discover how to transform tough cuts like beef short ribs, pork shoulder, and oxtails into succulent, fall-off-the-bone delicacies using the magic of beer braising. Plus, we'll guide you through a tantalizing array of German sausages, from the classic bratwurst to some lesser-known varieties that'll impress your guests. Key Takeaways: Learn which cuts of meat are ideal for beer braising Discover the perfect internal temperature for cooking sausages Explore different grilling techniques for various types of sausages Find out why sauerkraut is a must-have side dish for your Oktoberfest spread Sausage Spotlight: Bratwurst: The crowd-pleasing classic Weisswurst: A delicate Bavarian breakfast sausage Nürnberger Rostbratwurst: Small, flavorful sausages perfect for grilling Landjäger: A dried sausage that's great for snacking We even touch on the controversial topic of blood sausage - will we dare to try it? You'll have to tune in to find out! Listener Insights: Get tips on choosing the right beer for braising Learn about the health benefits of sauerkraut Discover which grills work best for cooking sausages Whether you're a seasoned grillmaster or just starting your barbecue journey, this episode is packed with ideas to make your Oktoberfest celebration unforgettable. So grab a cold one, fire up the grill, and join us for a mouthwatering adventure into the world of German-inspired barbecue! https://vimeo.com/1059217850/069961f549