Latest news with #Tom'sGuide
Tom's Guide
8 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
What is a kamado grill, and how do they work?
Grilling season is here, and it's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide. As the weather heats up, you might be rethinking your current grill situation. And if you're considering investing in the best grill for your yard this year, you may well have come across the name 'kamado grill.' So, what is a kamado grill, and how do they work? A kamado grill is a type of ceramic charcoal grill characterized by its distinctive egg-shaped design. They've gained popularity in recent years thanks to their versatility, easy temperature control, and great flavor. We tapped two grilling experts to learn more about kamado grills and determine whether they live up to the hype. Kamado grills have been used for centuries by chefs in China and Japan. Archaeologists have discovered clay cooking pots dating back 3,000 years, which they believe are the earliest examples of the modern ceramic kamado grill. The word 'kamado' translates to 'stove' or 'cooking range' in Japanese, providing insight into their functionality. Essentially, a kamado grill functions like a charcoal stove, capable of searing steaks, grilling burgers, baking pizzas, smoking brisket, and more. Today, kamado grills are more popular than ever, with several brands offering models at various price points to accommodate a range of needs and budgets. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As kamado grills have grown in popularity, several brands have jumped on the bandwagon. The two most popular brands in the U.S. today are Big Green Egg (the kamado grill pioneer in the American market) and Kamado Joe. However, established grill-makers like Weber, Char-Griller, and Grilla Grills have also entered the kamado grill market. There's more choice than ever before. You can get a basic kamado grill from Char-Griller for $200 to $400. However, you can also spend as much as $1,000 on a Kamado Joe Classic Joe grill or $1,600 on a Big Green Egg XLarge. Essentially, there's a kamado grill for every budget. The OG Kamado Joe, this bold red option offers 250 square inches of cooking space and a cast iron top vent to maintain a consistent temperature in the grill. It also comes with a stand and side shelves. 'Kamado grills are made of ceramic and operate in the same function as a drum smoker,' explains Shannon Snell, pitmaster at Sonny's BBQ. 'Coals and wood are started with fire and placed in the bottom of the kamado. Air vents located at the bottom are used to control oxygen airflow and regulate temperature.' Daniel P. Craig, founder and editor-in-chief at Kitchen Deets, explains how kamado grills utilize airflow to regulate temperature and cook a variety of foods. 'By adjusting the top and bottom vents, I regulate oxygen flow to the charcoal, controlling temperature from 225°F for smoking to over 700°F for pizza,' he says. 'The thick ceramic walls create consistent, radiant heat that circulates efficiently.' This unique design enables kamado grills to excel at heat retention. 'Ceramic grills hold heat better than any grill on the market,' Snell says. 'They are generally sealed very well and are nearly indestructible.' The dome shape allows for heat distribution from all directions, so food cooks evenly. Traditional rectangular grills often have hot and cold spots because of their shape. Kamado grills are also extremely fuel-efficient compared to other types of grills. 'The fuel efficiency amazes me—I can smoke for 12+ hours on one load of charcoal,' explains Craig. 'Kamado retains moisture better than any other grill I've used, preventing that dry barbecue I occasionally get from my offset.' 'Ceramic grills hold heat better than any grill on the market' The efficiency and versatility of the kamado grill mean you can cook a wide variety of foods. You can use a low and slow heat to cook ribs, pork butt, spatchcock chicken, and more. You can also crank it to a searing high heat for steak, pizza, and burgers. Grilling, smoking, baking, roasting—the kamado can do it all. If you're thinking of buying a kamado grill, there are several factors to consider first. Kamado grills are more complex than other types of grills, especially for beginners. 'The learning curve frustrated me initially — temperature adjustments take time, and I've overshot my target more than once,' Craig says. 'The ceramic can crack if heated too quickly, as I learned with my first unit.' Snell agrees. 'This grill does require a bit of flame management, and the temperature can be a little tricky when trying to even it out,' he says. However, if you're willing to learn proper kamado grilling techniques, the result is unmatched. 'Kamado bridges the gap between my gas grill's convenience and my offset's flavor capability,' says Craig. 'It produces better smoke flavor than pellet grills while being more user-friendly than traditional smokers.' 'It is nearly indestructible, does not rust, and lasts quite a while before you have to replace it,' says Snell. 'Also, once the vents are set and the temperature evens out, this grill is one of the most consistent when it comes to using charcoal and wood.' Consider your available space before purchasing a kamado grill. Although the grill itself doesn't take up a lot of space, you'll need to ensure the grill has proper airflow beneath it for optimal cooking. You'll also need to consider space for food preparation and trays—many kamado grills have side shelves to accommodate this, but others do not. You can also choose from several different sizes to fit your space, though smaller-sized grills will have less room for cooking food. Ultimately, your decision on whether to buy a kamado grill depends on your budget, experience level, and willingness to learn. 'Kamados work best for patient grillers who enjoy the process,' says Craig. 'I recommend them for cooks wanting versatility without multiple units, those interested in both grilling and smoking, and anyone who values fuel efficiency over convenience. They're perfect for the enthusiast willing to master temperature control through practice.' Snell agrees. 'Intermediate grillers would do well with this grill,' he says. 'This grill requires some understanding of how oxygen affects the temperature of the grill, but it's also user-friendly and controlled by a single air vent.' If you love the taste of grilled, smoked, and wood-fired food and want to learn a more traditional grilling technique, you can't go wrong with a kamado grill.
Tom's Guide
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix Tudum 2025 live event — preview, teasers and more news about 'Stranger Things,' 'Wednesday' and more
The countdown is officially on, streaming fans: Netflix's Tudum 2025 event is set to kick off tonight, May 31 at 8pm Eastern Time (5pm Pacific), streaming live worldwide from a sold-out IRL event at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. And with it will come exclusive sneak peaks and starry cast appearances from some of the streaming service's most anticipated titles. We're talking beloved returning series like "Squid Game", "Wednesday" and the final installment of "Stranger Things", as well as high-profile films like Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein", the "Happy Gilmore" sequel and "Wake Up Dead Man", the latest entry into the "Knives Out" universe. As has become tradition at the annual Tudum event, fans will be getting fresh intel like release dates, new trailers, first looks and the latest news on those Netflix properties—but you should expect plenty of surprises, too. Tom's Guide will be chronicling all of the action so you don't miss a thing — before, during and after the Tudum live event. Check back here throughout the evening for the latest news on your favorite Netflix shows, movies and more.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
Gas vs. charcoal grill — which one should you choose?
Nothing screams 'summer' quite like a freshly grilled burger or hot dog. But if you're looking to buy a grill, you might be stuck on the decision between a gas vs. charcoal grill. It's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide, meaning we're here to help you prepare for a summer of al fresco entertaning. And for some, that means choosing the best grill for your yard, whether that's a gas or charcal model. We consulted three grilling experts for their thoughts on gas vs. charcoal grills. Below, learn what they told us about food flavor, cooking experience, ease of use, and cost. Gas grills are fueled by a propane tank, which attaches to the grill and allows it to fire up. Once the tank is connected, you can simply push an ignition button, select your temperature, and start cooking immediately. This makes them ideal for quick weeknight meals or for busy families who need to get a meal on the table before soccer practice. However, gas grills don't impart the same flavor to foods that charcoal does, which could be a deal-breaker for some. Some of the best gas grill brands include Weber, Traeger, Charbroil, Monument, Blackstone, and Nexgrill. Charcoal grills are the more traditional option. Rather than gas, these grills use charcoal briquettes or lumps to create even heat that you can cook over. Charcoal grills take longer to heat up and cool down than gas grills and require additional clean-up. However, they give food a rich, smoky flavor that most people associate with barbeques; gas grills simply can't match this flavor. Some of the best charcoal grill brands include Char-Griller, Weber, Oklahoma Joe's, Masterbuilt, and Royal Gourmet. Gas Grills Charcoal Grills Flavor No flavor enhancement Adds a smoky flavor Cooking Experience Fast and easy Slow and more complex Ease of Use Simple for beginners Takes time to master Cost Higher initial cost, lower ongoing cost Lower initial cost, higher ongoing cost The most significant difference between gas and charcoal grills is the food's flavor profile. Charcoal grills give food a classic, smoky flavor, while gas grills do not. For many, that alone might be the deciding factor that pushes them toward a charcoal grill over a gas one. 'Charcoal can impart a wood-fired classic BBQ flavor that adds a layer of enhancement to many foods,' explains Danielle 'Diva Q' Bennett, world champion pitmaster and Traeger ambassador. 'There is no flavor enhancement from propane. It is clean-burning with no added wood-fired flavor.' Charcoal grills can also offer a better and more authentic cooking experience However, gas grills are a more convenient option for weeknight cooking. 'Heat management is very easy,' says Shannon Snell, head pitmaster at Sonny's BBQ. 'Turn the gas on, fire it up, and it's good to go.' Daniel P. Craig, founder and editor in chief at Kitchen Deets, agrees. 'My gas grill offers convenience I appreciate on busy weeknights—instant heat and precise temperature control,' he says. 'It provides more even cooking but lacks that distinctive smoky flavor I crave.' A charcoal grill is the best option for cooking over low, indirect heat. Therefore, if you're preparing an entire pork shoulder or rack of ribs, you can place them on the charcoal grill opposite the hot coals and let them slowly smoke. However, they can take 15 to 20 minutes to heat, which makes them less practical when you're trying to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Gas grills have better temperature control, so you can cook a variety of foods on them. At high heat, you can sear meat or grill burgers to perfection, though you can also cook more delicate foods on a lower heat. 'On a gas grill, typically, quick-grilled items are more suitable (thin meats, seafood, and slices of vegetables),' says Bennett. Winner: Although gas grills are more convenient, nothing beats the smoky taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill. Winner: Both types of smokers produce a rich flavor, but offset smokers create a more traditional smokiness preferred by professional pitmasters. Anyone can learn to grill, but the type of grill you choose will determine how easily you can master your cooking techniques. 'Gas grills are the easiest to use and maintain,' says Snell. 'Most gas grills have easy start-up instructions, and they require very minimal cleaning.' Simply push a button to ignite the grill and start cooking—no need to wait for the grill to preheat. Craig agrees about the simplicity of gas. 'I can cook within minutes and cleanup is simpler—no ash removal required as with my charcoal grill,' he says. The only potential downside is your propane tank running out of fuel partway through dinner preparation. Some gas grills have fuel sensors or gauges that will let you know when your tank is low so you can have a replacement ready to go and continue cooking. Charcoal grills are harder to use. Before you can grill your food, you'll need to set up the grill and preheat it to the proper temperature. When you're finished cooking, you'll need to let the coals cool down before cleaning up, which can take some time. Cleaning a charcoal grill involves emptying the ash collector after each use, which can be messy, whereas cleaning a gas grill is as simple as scraping leftover food off the grates using a grill brush. Winner: Gas grills are easier to use and clean than charcoal grills. The cost of a gas vs. charcoal grill might be your deciding factor. According to Craig, 'Charcoal grills are cheaper upfront but costlier to operate. I spend nearly twice as much annually on charcoal compared to propane, making gas more economical for frequent grillers like myself.' If you're working with a limited budget, it might be worth choosing the best gas grill your money can buy rather than taking on the ongoing cost of charcoal fuel. As Bennett explains, 'An inexpensive $100 charcoal grill may be initially cost-effective vs. a $500 gas grill, but the durability of the gas grill may be 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance, whereas the charcoal grill, depending on the thickness of the metal, may need to be replaced multiple times.' If you like the idea of having a covered storage area for your propane tank, the E-210 is a great option. It offers 450 square inches of cooking space total, with 360 inches of this sitting on the main cooking grid, a good amount of space for a two-burner grill. Winner: Gas grills are more expensive upfront, but cheaper to maintain over time. At the end of the day, your choice between a gas and charcoal grill will come down to your budget and your preferences. Charcoal grills are cheaper initially and give food a unique smoky flavor, but they take time to heat up, require extra clean-up, and can be more expensive to fuel over time. Gas grills often cost more initially but are cheaper to fuel. They also heat up faster than charcoal grills and have simpler maintenance requirements. Charcoal grills are better for those who crave the smoky flavor of traditionally grilled meat and want the rustic experience of cooking over hot coals. Meanwhile, gas grills are better for quick meals and weeknight cooking. The right choice depends on individual priorities.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Think you have nothing to hide? A VPN might still be useful
Here at Tom's Guide, we're big fans of quality VPNs. Whether its for streaming, avoiding censorship, or just peace of mind, there are plenty of reasons to use them. However, the fact of the matter is that not everyone needs, or uses, one of the best VPNs. We wanted to find out how many of our readers use VPNs, and for those that don't, why not? We put out a survey, and found that just over 45% of you don't use VPNs. A number of reasons were cited for this, including price, a lack of knowledge, tracking concerns, and having nothing to hide. Here, we'll break down some of these concerns and explain whether or not a VPN is right for you. NordVPN: the best VPN overallNordVPN is our #1 VPN. It's lightning fast, with over 7,000 servers worldwide. It can protect up to 10 devices and has a wide range of apps. It boasts class-leading privacy and security, utilises post-quantum encryption. Thanks to its unblocking capabilities, it's perfect for streaming. The 2-year plan starts at $3.39 per month ($81.36 up front pre-tax). This plan comes with a 1 GB Saily eSIM, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. 38% of readers said they don't really know what a VPN is, and 24% said they don't know the benefits. VPNs can be confusing – especially if you don't write about them everyday like we do – but they're simpler than you might think. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that protects your online privacy. Whenever you access the internet without one, your internet service provider (ISP) can see your internet activity and match it to your location and IP address. ISPs are well-known for storing and selling their users' data, and also often block certain websites they don't want people visiting – for whatever reason. Your information is also potentially vulnerable to being intercepted by hackers and tracked by third-parties. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel. You connect to a VPN server before the internet. This masks your location and IP address, meaning your ISP doesn't know what websites you're visiting. This means your ISP can't choose which sites to block, because it can't see them in the first place. If hackers intercept your data, it's protected by at least one layer of encryption and your data is safe. The most secure VPNs are beginning to adopt post-quantum encryption – the highest standard of encryption out there. However, while VPNs protect your online privacy, they don't make you anonymous. This is a common VPN myth and it's important to know the difference between anonymity and privacy. Beyond protecting your data, VPNs can help you watch your favorite shows if they're not available in your country. The best streaming VPNs can access all major streaming services, giving you access to a host of international streaming libraries. This is great if you're a Netflix subscriber. Different countries get different shows and movies, so using a VPN to change your location gets you access to tons more content. VPNs are a vital tool for combating censorship and bypassing internet restrictions. The best travel VPNs are the perfect vacation companions and you can even try one of the best gaming VPNs. 26% of respondents said they don't know how to use a VPN, but it's often as simple as downloading an app and clicking a button. If you're a VPN beginner, ExpressVPN is a great option. It's easy to use, quick, and packed full of features. There's an on/off button front and center, and it recently had a mobile app redesign making it even easier to use. You can read more in our ExpressVPN review. ExpressVPN: the best for beginnersIf you're a VPN beginner, you may be more comfortable with ExpressVPN. It features a simple on/off button for easy connection and has over 3,000 servers worldwide. It's quick, can protect up to 8 devices on one plan, and has implemented post-quantum encryption across the board. The 2-year plan comes to $4.99 per month ($139.72 up front) and includes 4 extra months of protection for free. There's also a 5 GB eSIM and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It's not illegal to use a VPN, but they shouldn't be used for criminal activity. Neither Tom's Guide nor VPN providers condone the illegal use of VPNs. Nearly 21% of you said you had nothing to hide. This may be the case, but it doesn't mean you don't need a VPN. Privacy apathy is a growing concern, but regardless of whether you have something to hide, there's no harm in protecting your data. Just because you don't have anything to hide, it doesn't mean your data is safe. Without a VPN, a majority of your internet activity is tracked and third-parties profit off selling your data. Recent cyber attacks on retailers in the UK have shown that your data can't always be trusted in the hands of businesses. VPNs themselves can't directly protect you from a cyber attack, but many providers include threat protection in their plans. Threat Protection Pro from NordVPN has been voted as the best VPN malware protection and it's very effective at detecting and warning you about malware and malicious links and sites, plus it blocks ads and trackers. NordVPN and ExpressVPN have identity protection features as well. NordProtect and Identity Defender both offer up to $1 million in cyber insurance should you fall victim to a hack or scam. There's also credit and ID monitoring, and cyber extortion protection. NordVPN Prime: total cybersecurity protectionNordVPN Prime is the most complete package NordVPN has to offer. It includes the VPN, Threat Protection Pro, a password manager, cloud storage, and NordProtect. You'll have up to $1 million in cyber insurance, as well as credit monitoring and a dedicated case manager. The plan is only available in the U.S. and is $7.39 per month ($177.36 up front pre-tax). As with all NordVPN plans, it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. For a limited time, it also comes with a free 10 GB Saily eSIM. Like just over 12% of readers, concerns around VPNs tracking you might be why you don't subscribe to one. Don't worry, reputable VPN providers will not track you. None of your usage data is logged, stored, or shared, and, as mentioned, some providers even include ad and tracker blocking features. A no-logs policy is a provider's commitment and promise to you that it doesn't record what you're doing when connected to a VPN. These are free to read on VPN provider's websites and are often independently audited by security companies. No-logs policies can even be proven in court. A recent case involving Windscribe was thrown out after the provider showed it was physically impossible to hand over usage data to authorities. The case showed just how important verifiable no-logs policies are. The most private VPNs collect as little data as possible, but some information must be stored. Most, but not all, VPNs require an email address to create an account and credit card information to pay for your chosen plan. A VPN can see where you connect to its servers from, known as your connecting IP address. But this shouldn't be logged and any further data is hidden, encrypted, and never stored. Providers such as Mullvad and Obscura VPN, don't require email or credit card information, with the latter describing itself as private "by design." Proton VPN is another privacy-focused VPN and has a host of anti-censorship features designed to protect the most vulnerable VPN users. You can even subscribe to Proton VPN Free without creating an account. Proton VPN: the most private VPNProton VPN is a provider which is dedicated to protecting your privacy. Up to 10 devices can benefit from rock-solid encryption and there's over 12,000 servers to choose from. It's fast, unblocks all major streaming sites, and has dedicated anti-censorship features, as well as one of the best free VPNs. The 2-year deal equates to $3.59 per month ($86.16 up front) and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Not wanting, or being unable, to pay for a VPN is understandable and something 36% of readers cited as a reason for not having one. We don't want there to be any obstacles to VPN protection, but they often require an up-front payment which isn't possible for everyone. If price is your biggest barrier to VPN protection, then one of the best free VPNs could be for you. Not every free VPN is trustworthy but those we recommend will protect your data with the same levels of privacy and security as their paid counterparts. Free VPNs don't have loads of features, tend to only protect one device, and can have monthly data limits. But they do the basics well and are a great first step into VPNs. Surfshark: the best cheap VPNSurfshark is our favorite cheap VPN. With speeds exceeding 950 Mbps in our testing, it's the fastest VPN we've tested and sits at #2 in our best VPN list. It's great for streaming, has some of the best privacy and security around, and can protect an unlimited number of devices. The 2-year deal works out at $2.19 per month ($59.13 up front before tax) for 27 months of protection. Surfshark has just launched its 7-day free trial and has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try before you buy. If you can afford to pay for a VPN but don't want to spend a fortune, then it's worth checking out one of the best cheap VPNs. Coming in at just over $2 per month, we rate Surfshark as the best cheap VPN overall – it's also the fastest VPN we've tested and number two in our overall VPN rankings. Private Internet Access (PIA) is another great option for around the $2 per month mark. PrivadoVPN is an even cheaper option, coming in at just over $1 per month. So ,no matter your budget, there's a VPN for you. It's never been more important to take control of your data and online privacy, and a VPN is the perfect tool to help you in that quest. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
I walked 8,000 steps with the Apple Watch 10 vs Garmin Forerunner 570 — and one was more accurate
These days, the best fitness trackers on the market do a hell of a lot more than just count your steps. Both the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Apple Watch 10 are designed to be worn 24/7, and can track everything from your heart rate variability to your menstrual cycle. But if you've wondered which is more accurate when it comes to step-counting, you've come to the right place. In my latest step-counting challenge, I strapped the Garmin Forerunner 570 to one wrist, my Apple Watch Series 10 to the other, and manually counted my steps to compare. Read on to find out which came out on top. Both watches count your steps by using an internal accelerometer, which measures the swing of your arm. Each swing counts for two steps. It doesn't matter whether you wear your watch on your dominant or non-dominant hand, or whether you're walking with your hands in your pockets, or holding something, the accelerometer should still measure your body's movement. I've used both devices for tracking my workouts in the past, although the Garmin Forerunner 570 is a newer device, only launching a month ago. If you've followed Tom's Guide for a while, you'll know this isn't my first step-count comparison. In fact, you can read what happened when I did the same test with the Garmin Forerunner 570's predecessor in my Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Apple Watch 10 face-off here. For all of these challenges, I use my trusty clicker counter. Every step I took, I clicked. When I got home, I downloaded all the data. If you own an Apple Watch, you'll also know that Apple doesn't include step count data in its workout summaries. You can see your overall steps for the entire day, but not how many steps you took on a particular walk (probably because steps aren't actually that useful a metric, but annoying for me when writing these articles.) Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This challenge was originally 10,000 steps, but I lost the beginning of my walk as the StepsApp on my Apple Watch decided to stop working. I switched to the Pedometer+ app and started again. Here are the results: Manual: 8,000 steps Garmin Forerunner 570: 8,100 steps Apple Watch 10 7,700 steps As you can see from the results, the Garmin Forerunner 570 was pretty much spot on, counting 100 steps more than I did. The Apple Watch 10, on the other hand, missed 300 steps. Of course, to truly test the accuracy of the two watches, you'd need to do a lot more testing on a much bigger scale. I'm also not saying that the Apple Watch 10 isn't accurate. The average person takes 2,000 steps in a mile, so missing 300 steps isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things. Interestingly, for the walk, my Apple Watch recorded the distance as 3.79 miles, whereas my Garmin recorded 3.85 miles. Again, we're talking about very small differences here. Without getting into the smartwatch vs sportswatch debate, it seems important to also point out that these watches do a lot more than just count steps. Without getting into the smartwatch vs sportswatch debate, it seems important to also point out that these watches do a lot more than just count steps. The Apple Watch 10 is the best smartwatch on the market and is like having your iPhone on your wrist. The Garmin Forerunner 570, by comparison, doesn't have as many smartwatch features but is Garmin's mid-tier Forerunner, designed to accurately track your marathon training. It's one of the best Garmin watches I've ever tested, and the bright screen is truly beautiful. Whichever device you choose to strap to your wrist, know that they're both counting your steps, so, unlike me, you don't have to. While counting steps isn't always the best metric to focus on when it comes to getting in shape and losing weight, it's a good place to start. A review of 32 studies, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that '10,000 steps/day is a reasonable target for healthy adults.' If you're looking for more inspiration, you've come to the right place — read what happened when I tried this Japanese walking method, as well as this 5-4-5 walking technique.
