Backyard Embers exists because most “best grill” advice online is either recycled spec sheets or content dressed up as expertise it doesn’t have. We wanted something more honest.
Who’s behind this
Michael Probert is a backyard cook who’s spent years grilling, smoking, and firing up pizza ovens for family and friends on his own patio — nothing more, nothing less. He’s not a competition pitmaster, and Backyard Embers isn’t a testing lab. What Michael does full-time is the research: reading manufacturer spec sheets line by line, tracking what real owners say months after buying, and following the small group of BBQ specialists and testing-focused publications who cover this niche properly.
Why “Embers”
Embers are the heat that’s left after the flames die down — the part that does the real, patient, low-and-slow work. That’s the whole idea behind this site: no flash, no hype, just the steady work of figuring out what’s actually worth your money. Backyard, not “pit” or “championship” — because this is about your patio and your first cook, not a competition circuit.
How we work
Every recommendation on this site is research-led: manufacturer specifications, safety-recall screening, and a synthesis of reputable published reviews and real owner feedback. We never claim to have physically tested a product ourselves unless that’s genuinely true, and we never imply an in-house expert reviewed a page. Read the full breakdown on our How We Choose page.
Get in touch
Spotted something that needs fixing, or just want to say hello? Contact us — we read everything.