Embrace the Fall Season with Perfect Grilling and Smoking

As the leaves turn and the air cools, the urge to fire up the grill becomes irresistible. Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy the smoky goodness that grilling and smoking can offer. There's something deeply satisfying about gathering with friends and family around a grill, the smell of wood smoke, and the promise of tender, flavor-infused meats.

At American Made Grills, we believe in elevating this experience through thoughtful craftsmanship and versatile equipment. Whether you're an experienced pitmaster or just beginning your journey into smoking, our Hybrid Grill Series and smoker trays for the Estate and Atlas Series make it easy to capture that rich, smoky flavor that defines fall grilling.

The Science and Art of Smoking

Smoking is both a science and an art. The slow infusion of flavors over low heat transforms meats into tender, flavorful dishes. As the American Made Grills team, we're passionate about helping you master this technique. The key to great smoked flavor lies in choosing the right wood. Popular options like hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry each impart unique characteristics to your dishes.

• Hickory: Known for its robust and bold flavor, hickory is a popular choice for smoking pork and beef. It adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with ribs, brisket, and pork shoulders. When using hickory, be mindful of the strength of its flavor, as too much smoke can overpower your meat.

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  Applewood: Applewood is ideal for a lighter, fruitier smoke. It's perfect for smoking chicken, turkey, and pork, adding a subtle sweetness that complements fall spices. Applewood works best when paired with delicate meats, enhancing the natural flavors without overwhelming them.

• Oak: If you're looking for a versatile wood with a medium smokiness, oak is a go-to choice. It's excellent for smoking red meats, especially beef, and provides a rich, earthy flavor. Oak burns evenly and slowly, making it superb for longer smoking sessions.

• Maple: Offering a slightly sweet and mild flavor, maple is another excellent choice for fall smoking. It works particularly well with poultry and pork, imparting a caramel-like sweetness for dishes with fall-inspired rubs and glazes.

• Cherry: Like applewood, cherry adds a mild, fruity flavor to your meat. Its subtle sweetness pairs well with chicken, turkey, and pork, giving the meat a beautiful reddish color and enhancing its visual appeal.

These woods are just a few examples of bringing different dimensions to your grilled and smoked meals. But, no matter which wood you choose, the proper grill setup is essential to achieving the best results.

Achieving Smoky Goodness with the Hybrid Grill Series

Our Hybrid Grill Series is a powerhouse of versatility. It allows you to use multiple fuel sources—gas, charcoal, and wood—to tailor your grilling experience to your preferences. When it comes to smoking, the ability to switch between fuel types gives you unparalleled control over heat and smoke production. Want to keep things simple with gas and add wood chunks for smoke? Easy. Do you prefer the hands-on control of charcoal with wood chips for that authentic low-and-slow flavor? The Hybrid Grill delivers every time.

Because the Hybrid Grill allows for direct and indirect cooking, you can use it to set up the perfect smoking environment. Start by heating one side of the grill with your choice of fuel—gas or charcoal—then place your soaked wood chips or chunks on the heat. On the opposite side, place your meat, ensuring it stays away from direct flames. This indirect grilling method ensures your meat cooks slowly and absorbs the rich, smoky flavor without charring or burning.

With the Hybrid Grill Series, you don't have to choose between convenience and flavor. It offers the best of both worlds, letting you enjoy the full range of grilling and smoking experiences that fall offers.

Smoky Flavor with the Estate and Atlas Series Smoker Trays

For those who love the ease of a gas grill but want to maintain the deep, smoky flavor synonymous with fall grilling, we've designed smoker trays specifically for the Estate and Atlas Series grills. These stainless steel smoker trays allow you to infuse your meals with smoke without needing a dedicated smoker.

Using a smoker tray is simple: Fill it with your favorite wood chips—whether hickory, applewood, or any other wood—place it over one of the burners, and turn the heat to medium or low. The heat will cause the chips to smolder, releasing aromatic smoke that will envelop your food.

What we love about our smoker trays is that they offer a hassle-free way to add depth to your dishes, even if you're short on time. You get all the benefits of wood-fired flavor without committing to a longer smoking session, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.

Perfecting Your Smoke: Tips and Techniques

To help you achieve that perfect smoke every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Soak your wood chips or chunks: Soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before placing them on the grill helps them smolder and produce smoke without catching fire. For chunks, a longer soak of about an hour is recommended.

• Temperature control is key: Smoking is all about low-and-slow cooking. Keep your grill between 225-250°F for optimal results. The goal is to cook the meat slowly, allowing it to absorb as much smoke as possible while staying tender and juicy.

• Keep the lid closed: Resist the urge to check on your meat too often. Every time you lift the lid, smoke escapes, and heat fluctuations can affect the cooking process. Trust the process, and only open the grill when necessary.

• Use a water pan: Placing a water pan inside the grill helps maintain moisture levels, especially during longer cooking sessions. This ensures your meat stays moist and tender.

Fall Favorites: What to Smoke

Fall is a season of hearty, comforting flavors, and smoking is the perfect way to bring those flavors to life. Here are a few of our favorite dishes to smoke during this time of year:

Smoked Pork Shoulder: Let hickory or applewood work its magic on a pork shoulder, resulting in tender, juicy pulled pork perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.

Mesquite-Smoked Brisket: Capture the essence of Texas BBQ with a brisket smoked using mesquite wood. The rich, smoky flavor is sure to impress at any gathering.

Apple-Smoked Turkey: Elevate your next family meal by smoking a turkey with apple wood. The subtle sweetness complements the bird's natural flavors, making it a fall favorite.

Cherry-Smoked Chicken Wings: Transform ordinary chicken wings into a mouthwatering treat with the addition of cherry wood smoke. The fruity undertones pair beautifully with a variety of sauces.

Celebrate Fall with American Made Grills

As the days get shorter and the nights cooler, there's nothing quite like gathering around the grill with friends and family. At American Made Grills, we're dedicated to helping you make the most of this fall season with our versatile grills and accessories. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or new to using smoke, our products are designed to inspire creativity and bring out the best in your culinary endeavors.

Join us in celebrating fall flavors by exploring the endless possibilities of grilling and smoking. With the right wood, the perfect grill, and a little passion, you can create memorable meals that capture the season's essence. Here's to smoky goodness, great company, and the joys of outdoor cooking. Happy grilling!