The Wirecutter Show: Grill. Baby, Grill
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Kyra Blackwell, Rosie Guerin
Guests: Leslie Stockton (Senior Kitchen Writer, Wirecutter), Sam Sifton (Assistant Managing Editor, New York Times)

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Grill. Baby, Grill," hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Kyra Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, delve into the world of grilling. As summer approaches, the team provides listeners with expert advice on selecting the best grills, maintaining them, and mastering grilling techniques to elevate outdoor cooking experiences.

Grill Testing with Leslie Stockton

Leslie Stockton, a senior kitchen writer at Wirecutter with over two decades of professional chef experience, shares her extensive knowledge on grill testing.

• Testing Environment: Leslie recounts a recent comprehensive grill test conducted in a rented backyard in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. "We rented a backyard in Clinton Hill... You're covered in grease, you're sweating, there's meat. It's so much," she explains (04:31).

• Criteria for Evaluation:

  • Propane Grills: Leslie emphasizes the importance of a cast aluminum firebox for optimal heat reflection and resistance to corrosion. "You want a grill that doesn't flare up a lot... You want it to heat relatively evenly," she notes (06:08).
  • Performance: Consistent heating and minimal flare-ups are crucial for achieving perfect sear marks and flavorful results without excessive charring.
  • Top Recommendation: Weber grills emerged as the clear favorite due to their even heating and user-friendly design. "Weber has been our pick... It's the most user-friendly grill for your average home cook," Leslie states (07:28).

Grill Maintenance Tips

Maintaining a grill is essential for longevity and safety. Leslie provides a step-by-step guide to effective grill cleaning:

1. Initial Cleaning:

   • "I turn on the grill, let it get hot, and then I scrape the grates with a wire brush," Leslie advises (08:01).
   • This process removes carbonized food debris, making it easier to clean.

2. Final Wipe-Down:

   • Use a damp rag to wipe away soot and residual grime. "Use tongs... Don't wipe a hot grill with a damp rag," she cautions (09:03).
   • Finish by oiling the grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking during cooking.

3. Deep Cleaning:

   • Leslie recommends a thorough cleaning twice during the grilling season and a final clean at season's end to prevent grease build-up and rodent infestations. "Getting rancid and rodents... don't want that grease just sitting there," she emphasizes (10:53).

4. Grill Brushes:

   • While traditional wire brushes are effective, Leslie suggests alternatives like the Grill Rescue Brush, which uses fire-retardant fabric to steam-clean grates without the risk of metal bristles contaminating food. "It acts like the bristles because it's got some kind of texture on it," she explains (11:40).

Selecting Grill Tools

Choosing the right tools can significantly enhance the grilling experience. Leslie shares her top recommendations:

• Tongs: "Winco Restaurant Tongs. 12 inch... They're very inexpensive and they last a long time," Leslie recommends (14:06).

• Spatulas: The Mercer Hell's Handle Fish Spatula is praised for its versatility and durability. "It's perfect for almost anything... great on the grill," she asserts (15:26).

• Basting Brushes: Silicone brushes, particularly those by Oxo, are favored for their ease of cleaning and durability. "It's easy to clean again. You can throw it in the dishwasher," Leslie notes (16:06).

• Grill Baskets: Initially skeptical, Leslie now values grill baskets for their ability to cook small items like vegetables and shrimp without the hassle of skewers. "If you must skewer... grill baskets are superior," she concludes (16:29).

Gas vs. Charcoal Grilling

The age-old debate between gas and charcoal grilling is addressed with balanced insights:

• Leslie’s Perspective:

  • Charcoal Grills: Preferred for the rich, smoky flavor they impart. "Cooking over fire... I love charcoal grilling," Leslie shares (20:03).
  • Gas Grills: Valued for their convenience and speed, especially during hot weather when keeping the kitchen cool is a priority. "I don't want to rely on a charcoal grill to fire it up in the middle of the week," she explains (20:46).

• Balanced Approach: Leslie suggests that while charcoal grills offer superior flavor, gas grills are ideal for everyday use due to their practicality. "It works, and it just frees you up," she adds (20:48).

Grilling Tips for Novices (Sam Sifton's Advice)

Sam Sifton, co-founder of NYT Cooking and grilling enthusiast, provides guidance for those new to grilling:

• Understanding Grill Zones: Sam demystifies the concept of heat zones on a grill. "If you pour them off to the left side... you have a hot zone, a medium zone, and a cooler zone," he explains (25:45). This allows for versatile cooking techniques such as searing and slow-cooking simultaneously.

• Starting with Gas Grills: He recommends beginners start with gas grills to master the basics before exploring charcoal grilling. "The easiest way in is a gas grill because it's essential. It's just an outdoor stove," Sam advises (24:40).

• Practical Strategies: Emphasizing practice, Sam encourages regular use to build confidence and skill. "The more you do it, the more you're gonna figure it out," he states (27:22).

• Avoiding Fidgeting: Sam offers a practical tip for novices: "If you find yourself fidgeting around too much with stuff on the grill, then you're probably doing something wrong," he warns (28:19).

Recipes Recommendations

Sam shares his favorite grilling recipes that balance effort with impressive results:

• Meat Options:

  • Pork Butt: Slow-smoked for hours to achieve tender, flavorful meat. "If you take the Times recipe for the pork butt... it's outrageously good," he enthuses (30:05).
  • Bluefish: Ideal for smoking, especially varieties like snapper bluefish that are oilier and lend themselves well to rich flavors (30:05).

• Non-Meat Options:

  • Vegetables: Corn is highlighted as a foolproof option. "Let it get a little caramelized, put some cool toppings on it," Sam suggests (31:12).
  • Tofu: When properly pressed and marinated, tofu can achieve a delicious sear and absorb sauces effectively. "It just sucks up the sauce deliciously," he notes (31:12).

• Special Techniques:

  • Plancha: Using a flat metal surface over the grill for cooking delicate items like fish, ensuring they don't stick to the grates. "The plancha is the perfect thing to cook fish on because it's not gonna stick to the grates," Sam explains (31:04).

Hosting Tips and Beverage Recommendations

When hosting a barbecue, Sam emphasizes the importance of variety and moderation:

• Food Preparation:

  • Multiple Dishes: Serve quick-to-cook items like hot dogs alongside slower-cooking meats to keep guests satisfied while waiting. "Have some quickly cooked hot dogs or sausages... everybody can eat a couple and still wait for the ribs," he advises (33:35).

• Beverages:

  • Focus on Simplicity: Opt for a selection of cold beers and seltzers rather than a wide array of spirits. "Seeing spirits at a barbecue before dark, it's trouble," Sam recommends (34:44).
  • Non-Alcoholic Options: Include sodas and hard seltzers to cater to all guests. "My go-to beer at barbecues lately has been a non-alcoholic beer from Athletic," he adds (35:12).

Key Takeaways

• Grill Selection: Weber grills are top-rated for their performance and user-friendliness.
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning, including scraping, wiping, and oiling grates, is essential for optimal grill performance and safety.
• Tools: Invest in quality tools like Winco tongs and Mercer fish spatulas to enhance your grilling experience.
• Technique: Understanding and utilizing grill zones can prevent overcooking and improve food quality.
• Recipes: Start with simple, high-reward recipes like grilled chicken thighs and corn on the cob to build confidence.
• Hosting: Balance variety in food offerings and keep beverages simple to ensure a pleasant gathering.

Notable Quotes

• Leslie Stockton: "Weber has been our pick... It's the most user-friendly grill for your average home cook." (07:28)
• Leslie Stockton: "Grill baskets are superior [to skewers]." (16:29)
• Sam Sifton: "If you find yourself fidgeting around too much with stuff on the grill, then you're probably doing something wrong." (28:19)
• Sam Sifton: "Seeing spirits at a barbecue before dark, it's trouble." (34:44)

For more detailed information on grills, maintenance tips, and delicious recipes, visit Wirecutter's website or explore NYT Cooking for exclusive grilling recipes curated by Sam Sifton.