Food and Drink – 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.

Tovala Family Meals Evaluation: Delicious Selections, Elevated Sodium Content

May 2, 2026sparta

A garlic-herb salmon served with risotto emerged as the top choice among the family dishes I tried. While the chopped asparagus appeared less appealing when topped with garlic butter, it was still flavorful and slightly crisp. The salmon was soft and flaky, and the sweet pea risotto was delightful due to the ample amounts of cheese, butter, and lemon, creating a rich blend of flavors.

The chicken parm was equally rich, evoking memories of family meals from my childhood during the 1980s, featuring cheese-covered chicken, garlic bread, and ricotta-stuffed shells. The main difference was the lack of vegetables, which my mother would have certainly included.

However, Toval’s meals face a nutritional challenge. For example, the chicken parm dish has 2,300 milligrams of sodium per serving, almost the entire daily limit for an adult. This sodium content is similar to comparable servings of Stouffer’s meat lasagna, but the Tovala meal also contains roughly ten times the cholesterol amount.

Other dishes similarly relied heavily on fats and salt for flavor, resembling indulgent restaurant fare rather than home-cooked meals. Whether this is a positive aspect is subjective.

Only one out of the seven meals I sampled was a total letdown: the teriyaki chicken dinner, which felt like a cultural misrepresentation of Japan. The dish featured sweet soy sauce over bland chicken, heavy egg rolls, and plain broccoli, reminiscent of ’90s mall food court “Japanese” cuisine. However, such a significant error was rare.

A larger issue with family-oriented meals is the consistently elevated levels of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Those who have the means and desire for convenient, hearty meals—such as parents with children or seniors—might look for more nutritious alternatives with reduced fat and salt.

After a few weeks of experimenting with recipes, I was relieved to notice my arteries feeling clearer. Tovala’s culinary strategy effectively bridges the divide between prepared meals and fresh food, showcasing their culinary prowess. It would be advantageous if they provided options that encourage a more sustainable diet.

Factor Meal Delivery Promotion: Complimentary $200 Withings Body-Scan Scale

December 31, 2025sparta

I admit to having an aversion to scales—the type that measures weight. My first reaction upon receiving a complimentary body-scanning scale with a Factor meal kit subscription was “Oh dear!”

I expected unpleasant or awkward news, possibly verifying things I was already aware of. However, I was incorrect on both fronts.

Factor, a meal service by HelloFresh, is recognized for delivering fresh, never-frozen prepared meals that are perfect for microwave cooking. I discovered from my review of Factor last year that air-frying them, ideally with a Ninja Crispi, enhances their flavor.

Factor is especially good for low-carb, protein-dense diets favored by those looking to shed pounds or gain muscle. Therefore, they provide a scale to monitor muscle increase, fat reduction, or both, promoting ongoing use of their service for fitness or wellness aspirations.

At present, Factor is providing a discount for the first week. Regular meals range from $14 to $15 each, accompanied by an $11 shipping fee per box—less expensive than most restaurant deliveries but pricier than homemade meals.

Subscribers who enroll before the end of March will receive a complimentary Withings Body Comp scale with their third meal box. This scale, valued at over $200, assesses fat, muscle, and bone composition, as well as stress and blood vessel elasticity. It’s regarded as WIRED’s premier smart scale, comparable to a fitness tracker for your feet.

To take advantage of this offer, use the code CONWITHINGS on Factor’s website or through the promotional link.

The scale that comes with the subscription is the advanced Body Comp scale from Withings, a pioneer in fitness tracking. It uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to gauge weight, body fat percentage, lean muscle, visceral fat, bone and water mass, heart rate, and arterial stiffness.

Collecting this data only requires standing on the scale for a few moments. The scale identifies you based on weight according to your profile description, cycling through metrics before delivering a cheerful weather update.

Your electrodermal activity, measured by skin response through foot sweat gland stimulation, indicates either stress or excitement. The Withings scale also assesses arterial age or stiffness based on blood velocity during heartbeats, supported by some scientific research.

Many doctors caution against treating body composition metrics as absolute. Others contend that previous “gold standard” measurements were not entirely accurate. This remains a topic of debate. Personally, I consider smart-scale readings as a means for tracking progress and pinpointing potential health concerns that may require medical attention.

Naturally, I was anxious. So much bad news all at once! I thought.