Hector Ruiz

Hector Ruiz - President / Founder / Pitmaster Lives in: Winter Garden, Florida Bio: Hector is the president and founder of BBQ Grill Academy. Hector has been in this field for over 20 years. Culinary creator, pitmaster, and editor-in-chief. Using charcoal, wood, and fire, he has transcended the capabilities of traditional smokers and grills to craft extraordinary culinary masterpieces over the past two decades. He is an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert whose mission is to educate others how to master their grills and the diverse range of foods that can be cooked on grills. His ability and creativity extend beyond traditional barbecue recipes. Extensive expertise smoking briskets, pork shoulders using charcoal, wood, and propane grills and smokers. Email: Hector@bbqgrillacademy.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbqgrillacademy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-ruiz-36aba9201

best wood to smoke fish

Best Wood for Smoking Fish: The List

When it comes to smoking fish, selecting the best wood is crucial to infuse the perfect flavors into your seafood delicacies. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a beginner, choosing the right wood adds depth and complexity to your dish. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top choices for smoking fish, taking into …

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pork belly cuts

Guide to Pork Belly Cuts: Everything You Need to Know

Pork belly cuts are a culinary delight that offers a delicate balance of succulent meat and crispy goodness. From juicy bacon strips to mouthwatering pork belly roast, knowing your way around different pork belly cuts is essential for any food lover. In this article, we will explore the various types of pork belly cuts, their …

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how to tell when ribs are done - 1

How to Tell When Ribs are Done: 4 Quick Checks

When it comes to cooking delicious ribs, determining when ribs are done is key. Achieving perfectly cooked ribs with a tender texture and smoky flavor requires patience and precision. In this article, we will explore various tried-and-tested methods to help you determine when your ribs are done to perfection. Know When Ribs Are Done Using …

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BBQ vs Grilling vs Smoking

BBQ vs Grilling vs Smoking: Understanding the Key Differences

BBQ vs Grilling vs Smoking, the big three in the outdoor cooking world. When it comes to outdoor cooking, three techniques stand out: BBQ, grilling, and smoking. While these methods all involve cooking delicious food over an open flame, they each have unique characteristics and outcomes. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the …

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Regional BBQ Styles in the US

Exploring the Mouthwatering Varieties of Regional BBQ Styles in the US

When it comes to Regional BBQ styles, few parts of the US come to mind and are very popular. Many people may not realize is that barbecue can mean different things depending on where you are in the United States. Each region boasts its own unique style and flavor profiles, making the BBQ experience an …

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 Unveiling the Facts: Exploring Fascinating Statistics on Fast Food

Fast food has become an integral part of modern society, providing convenience and quick meals for busy individuals. However, have you ever wondered about the intriguing statistics surrounding this popular industry? In this article, we’ll delve into some eye-opening data that sheds light on the world of fast food. The Global Phenomenon: Fast food has …

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Reverse Sear vs Sear Steak

Reverse Sear vs Sear: A Comparison of Two Popular Cooking Methods

Cooking a juicy and perfectly grilled steak can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right cooking method. Two popular methods are the “Reverse Sear” and the “Sear” method. While both methods produce delicious steaks, they have their differences. In this article, we will compare the Reverse Sear vs Sear method …

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the meatstick and meater compared

Meatstick vs Meater – A Detailed Comparison of Two Popular Smart Thermometers

The Meatstick Vs Meater topic has been a hot one in recent years and you could say these two brands are the most popular choices. The MeatStick and the Meater are both leading the wireless smart thermometer race and have inspired many household brands to release their own versions. Many of our readers get stuck …

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The Pit Boss Platinum Laredo 1000

The Pit Boss Laredo 1000 – In Depth Review 2023

I’m sure you’ve heard of Pit Boss by now. Pit Boss has been making affordable pellet grills for many, many years. Not only do they make pellet grills, but they also offer other types of smokers, including verticals. In recent years, Pit Boss has been working on improving the quality of its grills and matching …

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The Meater plus review

Meater Plus Thermometer Review by The BBQ Grill Academy Team

The Meater Plus is a new line of wireless grill thermometers and the future of cooking. BBQ meat smoking and grilling often require paying close attention to the meat’s internal temperature. When smoking meat, it is extremely helpful to monitor the progress of the internal temperature as it rises and, better yet, set alerts for …

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How to Clean Grill Brushes

how to clean grill a brush: 3 Simple and Effective Methods

Cleaning your grill brushes regularly is important to preserving their effectiveness, extending their lifespan, and keeping bacteria at bay. In this article, I will show you three methods to clean your grill brush and keep it in top shape. It’s not hard to clean these brushes, but it is important.  Why is it important to …

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New York Strip vs Ribeye

New York Strip vs Ribeye: What are the Differences and Similarities

Sometimes, choosing a steak comes down to personal preference, but being aware of the distinctions between the various steak cuts can help you make an informed choice and ensure that you get what you want.  In this article we will explain the differences between New York strip and ribeye. Both of these cuts of meat …

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Traeger Alternatives

5 Traeger Alternatives and Competitors offering Value, Features, and Quality

The Traeger name is synonymous with pellet BBQ grills, and for good reason. Traeger created the pellet grill and has produced a wide range of grill models over the years.  Traeger is the industry leader in grill technology and innovation, but all that innovation comes at a hefty cost. Also, not everyone wants a Traeger …

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Best Grills for Beginners

Best Grills For Beginners: 5 Great options to get you started in BBQ

If you’re new to the BBQ and grilling world, or simply looking for a grill to get you started, this guide will show you five great grills for those starting out in BBQ and grilling. We will share with you a list of the best grills for beginners and also what you should consider before …

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How to clean a flat top grill griddle

How to Clean a Flat Top Grill or Griddle: 3 Different methods and easy steps

In this guide, I will show you how to clean a flat top grill, more commonly known as a griddle. I own a Blackstone griddle and have tested various methods for removing food debris, old grease, and fat from its surface.  There are many “suggestions” on the Internet. People have come up with creative names …

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Ribeye vs t bone

Ribeye vs T bone Steak: What’s the Difference?

In this article, we compare ribeye and T bone steak and explain the main differences. Knowing the differences between various meat cuts is a good way to know what you’re getting on your plate, what flavor to anticipate, and, for steak lovers, which steak cut is superior to another. The primary distinction between ribeye and …

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Pork Butt Temp

​​Pork Butt temp: What Internal Temperature to Cook to and Other Important Target Temps for Great Results

One of the most mouthwatering BBQ dishes is made with pork butt. Despite its name, pork butt is derived from the pork shoulder. It is juicy and tender, and when cooked or smoked with the right wood at the proper temperature, it is delicious. The perfect pork temp is between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit …

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best smoker cookbooks

BBQ Books: The Top 6 Best Smoker Cookbooks in 2023

Picking up a BBQ cookbook to learn how to smoke meat is one of the best decisions a BBQ enthusiast can make. There are thousands of videos and articles available, but these smoker cookbooks are incredible sources of years of expertise and award-winning recipes from renowned and highly regarded pitmasters. BBQ is very subjective. What …

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oklahoma joe rider dlx

Oklahoma Joe Rider DLX Reviewed: The Good and the Bad

As a BBQ enthusiast, the name Oklahoma Joe brings to mind images of “rugged”, charcoal-burning smokers. That’s because Oklahoma Joe has been making rustic-looking charcoal grills and offset smokers for a long time now. The classic, solid wagon wheels are a recognizable and signature feature of Oklahoma Joe’s smokers. However, times change and every company …

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Traeger timberline xl

The New Traeger Grills Timberline XL – Review and What’s New

Traeger Timberline XL Review: New Features, Pricing, and Our Thoughts Traeger has just released their latest pellet grill, the Timberline XL. This model is an upgrade to the popular Timberline 850 and 1300 models. It features several new improvements, including a Wi-Fi-enabled controller, an upgraded auger system, and a redesigned hopper lid. The Timberline XL …

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the nomad grill

The Nomad Grill Smoker Review: A High-Performance, Portable Grill for Outdoor Enthusiasts

You love grilling outdoors but hate having to lug around a big, heavy grill, introducing the Nomad Grill. The Nomad Grill is the perfect grill for outdoor enthusiasts who like to travel, go to the beach, and camping. It is a high-performance, portable grill built to withstand the elements. The Nomad Grill is easy to …

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best wireless meat thermometers

Best Wireless Meat Thermometers you Can Use with Your Grill or Smoker Per Our Tests

A wireless meat thermometer offers flexibility, accuracy, and temperature information helpful for cooking food to the right doneness level. The best wireless thermometers can monitor the internal temperature of whatever you are cooking accurately and are one of the easiest ways to get consistent results to serve delicious food. These devices connect to your home’s WiFi …

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Z grills vs Pit Boss

Z Grills vs Pit Boss- A Head to Head Comparison of Two Popular Pellet Grills Brands, We look at performance, build Quality and value

If you are looking for a new grill, you have probably come across two popular brands: Z Grills and Pit Boss. So, in this article, we will compare Z Grills vs Pit Boss to help you determine which wood pellet grill is best for you. These two pellet grill companies are popular because they provide …

Z Grills vs Pit Boss- A Head to Head Comparison of Two Popular Pellet Grills Brands, We look at performance, build Quality and value Read More »

best wood pellets for smoking

Best Wood Pellets For Smoking in 2023: Better Flavors

After testing and cooking using different wood pellet brands, as illustrated below, we found that Bear Mountain wood pellets offer a delicate balance between quality, flavor, and value; and are our top choice and the best wood pellets for smoking just about anything. I share in this article our test results and the top wood …

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pit boss vs traeger

Pit Boss vs Traeger Pellet Grill: The Ultimate Comparison Guide to Help you Decide Which One Should you Buy

Wood pellets grills are a good addition to every house because they combine everything you love about a smoker and a standard grill. We will cross-reference Pit Boss vs Traeger grills and explain how they vary. Traeger and Pit Boss are among the first companies to mass-produce wood pellet grills and are the most popular. …

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best portable pellet grills

The Best Portable Pellet Grills: 7 Options Plus a Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide For 2023

What better way to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors than to take your portable pellet grill with you and cook delicious BBQ everywhere you go, even to the neighbor’s house? In this article, we will help you find the best options among hundreds of models. Not every portable pellet grill is of high quality …

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best drum smoker

The 7 Best Drum Smokers (Ugly Smokers): A Different Way to Smoked BBQ

So you have been doing your homework and have discovered drum smokers. You have fallen in love with the idea and now are looking for good drum smokers to add to your backyard collection. In this article, we will review popular models and help you learn what to look for in a good drum smoker. There …

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best portable smoker

The Best Portable Smoker for Road Trips, Camping, and Tailgating in 2023

Want to smoke meats and BBQ at your next camping trip or tailgate party? If you are searching for a good portable smoker, in this article I share my findings after testing and researching the top smoker brands and models. Sure, some small smokers can be portable, but small doesn’t always equal portable, or good.  …

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best charcoal smoker

The Best Charcoal Smoker: Guide and Reviews

Today we talk about charcoal smokers for smoking amazing BBQ feasts. Charcoal BBQ smokers are excellent for cooking authentic smokehouse-flavored BBQ at home. We like charcoal smokers because the combination of burning charcoal and hardwoods yields the richest, most authentic BBQ smoky flavor. If you master charcoal and fire control, these smokers will deliver the …

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