Pit Boss vs. Traeger 2026: The Pellet-Grill Comparison Pitmasters Actually Use
Pit Boss wins on cubic inches, hopper, and searing. Traeger wins on app, support, and ecosystem. The 2026 head-to-head pitmasters actually use to decide.
Author: James Nicholas
NFA Firearms Manufacturer & Professional Gunsmith
The XDMAN has a talent for taking complex firearms subject matter and breaking it down into an easy-to-understand format that all experience levels can relate to. James is an 07/02 NFA Firearms Manufacturer, a Professional Gunsmith with over 20 years of experience, and a Firearms Writer, Photographer and Firearms Expert. Connect with him on Instagram, X, and Facebook as @therealxdman.
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Weber Searwood XL 600 vs. Traeger Ironwood XL: The 2026 Sear-Off
Smokefire wins searing crust and crown. Ironwood wins overnight reliability and app polish. The 2026 head-to-head — by cook style, not by spec sheet.
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Rib King NYC May 23: Inside the 2026 Pitmasters Competing for the Crown
More than 20 pitmasters compete for the 2026 Rib King NYC crown on May 23. The lineup, the format, the wood choices, and what to watch for at Brooklyn Navy Yard.
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Smoked Watermelon Ham: The Backyard Recipe That Fools Carnivores
A whole watermelon, salt-cured and smoked for 8 hours, comes off the grill looking nearly identical to a glazed Christmas ham. The recipe that goes viral every time.
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Puckett’s Restaurant: Only Visit If You Love Southern BBQ
Puckett’s Restaurant sits at the heart of Southern culture. It started as a humble grocery store. Now, it’s a beloved chain known for Tennessee hospitality. Its story began in the 1950s in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Over seven decades, it grew into a regional gem. Today, as of March 8, 2025, Puckett’s has locations across Tennessee…
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Kick Ash Basket: Will It Make Your BBQ Easier?
Want to grill like a pro with amazing results? Then, the Kick Ash Basket is your new must-have. First, this slick tool takes charcoal grilling to the next level. Plus, when you team it up with the Kick Ash Cans, it’s a match made in heaven for kamado-style grills like the Big Green Egg or…
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Chow Chow Relish: Southern BBQ History in a Jar, Make it Now
Chow Chow relish is a tangy, Southern BBQ gem that’s used as a condiment. It’s rare outside the Deep South, and even here in Alabama, it’s not at every BBQ spot. My first taste came at Full Moon Bar-B-Que. Not a plug—just a fact: with 16 locations and a solid reputation, they set the bar….
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Smoked Pork Ribs with Ramen Slaw: Fuse Your BBQ Now
Well, folks, gather ‘round the smoker, ‘cause ol’ Earl “The Rib Whisperer” Tatum’s got a tale to tell—and a recipe that’ll make your taste buds sing. Smoked Pork Ribs with Ramen Slaw ain’t just a meal; it’s a downright fusion of Kansas City soul and Japanese flair. Picture this: tender, smoky ribs, kissed by applewood,…
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How to Make Garlic and Smoked Tomato Salsa at Home
Lookin’ for a salsa that’ll knock your boots off? This here Garlic and Smoked Tomato Salsa is the real deal, y’all. I’m Travis “Smoke Daddy” Wheeler, comin’ at ya from Franklin, Tennessee, where we live and breathe that smoky goodness. This ain’t no wimpy dip—it’s got the grit of hickory-kissed tomatoes and a garlic punch…
