Backyard – Techin' Geek

Top 6 Smokers and Grills of 2026: Intelligent, Portable, Pellet

May 18, 2026spartaLeave a Comment

The Nomad showcases an innovative design that folds into a suitcase shape. Its robust handles and latches are built to last. Weighing in at 28 pounds, it is relatively heavy for one-hand carrying, yet its configuration and large handle simplify transportation compared to smaller, budget-friendly alternatives.

With a dual-venting system, the Nomad ensures adequate airflow, even when the lid is shut. The vents and raised fins on the base lift the charcoal, promoting air circulation beneath, which allows for precise temperature regulation at both high and low levels. This grill may be vital for enthusiasts of overlanding.

An Excellent Budget Portable Grill: WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson also commends the straightforward Weber Jumbo Joe ($90), a compact variant of the classic Original Kettle. It is an effortless selection for tailgating and can be utilized at home with a DIY stand. It is cost-effective, lightweight, and simple to use.

Other Suggested Grills

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 for $1,400: Pellet smokers often fail to reach temperatures above 450°F, lacking the sear provided by charcoal or gas grills. However, Recteq’s 825-square-inch, dual-pot X-Fire Pro aims to serve as a multipurpose tool, as stated by WIRED reviewer Kat Merck. In Smoke Mode, the left pot ignites for low-and-slow smoking. Shifting to Grill Mode activates both pots, with a damper over the right side for control ranging from a slight opening to 1,200°F. Achieving this high temperature takes about 20 minutes and can be ignition-filled if the fire pot is not well-maintained. For either intense heat or a gentler 600°F sear, it delivers a robust grilling experience. However, the dual igniters require a heavy-duty extension cord. While it doesn’t generate the same smokiness as WIRED’s top choice, the Recteq Flagship 1600, smoke tubes can be employed at lower temperatures for enhanced smokiness. The claimed 20-pound pellet capacity is split between the pots, necessitating multiple refills for prolonged cooking.

Traeger Woodridge Pro for $1,000: The Traeger Woodridge Pro has been a previous favorite pellet grill and smoker for many. It offers excellent value and functionality, making it popular in neighborhoods. It is easy to clean, user-friendly for perfect ribs, and spacious enough for two pork bellies. Although the new top choice Recteq comes with additional features, such as temperature history on probes and a gentler learning curve for smart capabilities, the Woodridge continues to be a favorite.

Traeger Timberline Wi-Fi Wood Pellet Grill for $3,300: For dedicated grilling and smoking aficionados, Traeger’s Timberline serves as an enhancement over conventional smokers. It acts as a comprehensive outdoor kitchen with wireless smoking technology, adding features like an induction burner suitable for searing with a cast-iron skillet or steaming vegetables. It can hold six pork shoulders or equivalent amounts of ribs or chickens. Former WIRED editor Parker Hall has served many with it and lauds its capability to cook meats uniformly. Available in an XL version for even larger capacity, it offers flawless smoking from the comfort of your home for those with no price concerns.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 for $899: This Masterbuilt intertwines the charcoal taste with precise temperature management typical of gas or electric grills, according to WIRED reviewer Chris Smith. The top-loading charcoal hopper uses gravity to deliver heat into an enclosed area, while an integrated fan allows for accurate temperature regulation via the device or an app. It achieves 700°F within 15 minutes while maintaining remarkably stable temperatures once established. Enhance smoke flavor by adding wood chunks to the ash bin, letting charcoal embers do their thing. Though versatile, it cannot sear over a flame and requires swapping out the internal housing before using the flat-top grill.

Yoder YS640S Pellet Smoker for $2,700: Most grills excel in one area but lag in others. Yoder’s YS640S is a multifunctional tool, thanks to its design that facilitates easy access to the auto-feed firebox. Like more affordable Traegers, this Kansas-made grill utilizes an electric fan and auger to supply wood pellets for a leisurely smoke. A control board gives temp alerts and Wi-Fi temperature management. Handling ribs and a chuck roast with ease, it maintains temperature well due to its sturdy 10-gauge steel construction, weighing about as much as a refrigerator. As a grill and potential pizza oven, it excels. Remove a steel plate above the fire pit for direct searing or swap in a pizza oven attachment ($489) for baking over 900°F.

A Grill to Avoid

Kamado Joe Konnected Joe for $1,900: This kamado-style grill wowed with features like electric ignition and Wi-Fi connectivity for monitoring internal and meat temperatures, which WIRED had previously endorsed. However, extended use revealed issues, with WIRED commerce director Martin Cizmar experiencing ongoing problems with tripping.

Oto Smart Sprinkler Review (2026): Solar-Operated and User-Friendly

May 17, 2026spartaLeave a Comment

Once set up, the configuration of the Oto sprinkler system resembles that of the Aiper and the pricier Irrigreen applications. You establish a zone and utilize the app to outline its limits. Like the previously mentioned systems, Oto’s sprinkler is built for precise watering, directing water in a narrow beam in one direction rather than a broad spray. However, Oto’s spray remains comparably slim, focusing on a specific, designated area instead of creating a two-dimensional sheet of water akin to Irrigreen’s “water printing” technology. This is clearly illustrated as you outline your yard’s borders.

Oto, akin to its rivals, permits you to designate each zone as a spot (for irrigating an individual tree), a line (for a flowerbed), or a 2-D space (for a yard). I experimented with all these modes but primarily concentrated on area zones, which present the highest complexity. In terms of defining an area zone, Oto’s setup is nearly the same as Irrigreen and Aiper, although it does respond slightly more slowly to inputs. Nonetheless, it remains very intuitive: A straightforward interface enables you to place points around the sprinkler to outline the zone’s borders. As soon as you complete a full loop around the sprinkler, the zone is established.

After configuration, every zone may be assigned a schedule with multiple options regarding watering days (odd days, even days, selected days of the week, or daily) and a start time (though it does not sync with sunrise or sunset). Each schedule comes with a weekly watering cap (in inches of depth), which is dispersed over each week’s watering intervals. Weather intelligence capabilities allow for the skipping of watering if your zip code receives significant rainfall or if wind speeds are elevated; both rely on internet reports, and you can modify the rainfall amount and wind speed necessary to trigger a skip. The app tracks the 20 most recent runs and includes a calendar for upcoming occurrences.

Oto’s method for watering a zone entails moving in circular arcs around the sprinkler, then progressively broadening the coverage with each pass. Additional “cleanup” runs ensure thorough coverage of the area without dry spots. The speed and size of the water beam guarantee effective coverage. After test sequences, the yard was sufficiently damp across the entirety of the zone, with no dry areas.

As with any sprinklers, fluctuations in water pressure can occasionally lead to over- or underwatering in particular zones, yet this was minimal with the Oto. However, watering at the outer end of Oto’s range may demand sufficient power to create a strong splashdown, potentially leading to soil erosion or harm to delicate plants.

The Oto also incorporates a “play mode” that allows you to utilize the sprinkler for a fun chase game or a random “splash tag” feature, where you attempt to evade being hit by water. Pro tip: Avoiding getting hit is nearly impossible.

Aiper IrriSense 2 Smart Irrigation System Evaluation: Clever yet Unreliable

April 5, 2026sparta

To utilize the Area mode, establish the region’s limits through the app, akin to other devices. Enable mapping mode, and the sprinkler will begin. Modify the water pressure to the level you prefer, targeting the edge of the yard but avoiding the fence, then drop a pin to establish the perimeter. Slightly twist the sprinkler nozzle and repeat, fine-tuning the flow to cover the intended area. Proceed until the full 360 degrees are completed, dropping pins to outline the entire yard. The system can accommodate up to 4,800 square feet, achieving 39 feet with the spray.

Inside the app, witness the map developing in real time. The task is straightforward, except for the final few points, where closing the 360-degree loop may pose challenges. The finished map might display a minor unclosed segment.

Watering can commence on demand or be set up on a schedule, with a “water consumption limit” dictating the volume of water, in inches, that is administered. Although exact precision is difficult to measure, the estimates appear plausible.

In Area mode, the IrriSense 2 disperses water in a singular direction, rotating clockwise through 360 degrees, then counter-clockwise, until the desired irrigation depth is attained.

The spray system of the IrriSense 2, described as a soft mist, operates more like a jet, particularly when reaching the yard’s far sides. This results in more water being distributed at the edges of the yard than at the center, a characteristic typical of rotary sprinklers. The system adjusts the pressure with each rotation, gradually decreasing it until the final sprays only extend a few inches from the unit. If a run is canceled prematurely, only the outer edges of the area will receive water.