With Father’s Day behind us and July 4 around the corner, we’re celebrating the days in between with Sear Series, a full week dedicated to good ol’ fashioned grilling. And where better to assemble than on The Inventory, the backyard of websites? We’ll bring the content and you bring the beers, as we’ve got a stacked lineup from some of your faves including Ignacia Fulcher whose brilliant mind came up with the Sear Series name (previously, we were going to call it Grill Week, can you imagine??), Jordan McMahon, Quentyn Kennemer, Jolie Kerr, Whitson Gordon, and more.
Not sure which grill to buy in time for the fireworks? Stay tuned. Looking for accessories to go with it? Chaya’s got you covered. Need a resource on how to grill vegetables? We’re on it. If you’re living in the city with no yard in sight, don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’m working on a roundup of mini appliances for small apartments so you can take your barbecue indoors. No matter your living situation—and without disregard for the fact we’re still in a pandemic—Sear Series aims to fill all your cookout needs. Now put on a mask, your cheekiest apron, bookmark this page, and follow us on Twitter because there’s A LOT of exciting things ahead, all of which will be featured below.
Here Are the Best Charcoal Grills You Can Buy Right Now
Top Featured Product: Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill | $25 | Amazon
It’s finally hot out. That means tasty barbeque and cute little socially-distanced kickbacks with good music. But first! You’ll need a grill to actually cook those kebabs and baby back ribs. Luckily, I’ve put together a brief roundup of well-known charcoal grills to suit your very specific needs. Who wants to deal with propane and gas when you can keep it old school and build upon smoky flavors? - Ignacia
The Five Best Kitchen Appliances and Tools for Beginners, According to Our Readers
Top Featured Product: Global 8" Chef’s Knife | $86 | Amazon
Not gonna lie, I was a little afraid to read all your comments in this week’s special Sear Series edition of Co-op. Seriously, you guys have raked me over the BBQ coals for some trivial things in the past, and I was wholly expecting someone to shatter my self esteem for that embarrassing ramen episode.
But alas, here we are with a ton of helpful responses with diversified picks from the Co-opulace—I love you guys and gals! - Quentyn Kennemer
It’s Time for a Novelty Apron Rennaissance
Top Featured Product: Grill Master Chef Apron | $20 | Amazon
In recent years, the aspirational cooking set—the Alison Romans, the Molly Yehs, the entirety of the Bon Appetit test kitchen—adopted a very specific style that spilled over to food Insta: Those drab, Eileen Fisher-inspired linen aprons became the official uniform of people who want to look like they toil over a Brooklyn stove.
But who in their right mind would want to look like they work in the Bon Appetit test kitchen these days? Cripes. And so, by the power vested in me, I am declaring that the time has come to cast off those twee chambray aprons and return to a better time, a time when an apron would demand loudly that anyone in its vicinity KISS THE COOK.
That’s right, the novelty apron is back. - Jolie Kerr
Yup, You Can Totally Wash Your Cast Iron Pans With Soap
Top Featured Product: The Ringer | $22 | Amazon
Cast iron cookware is a funny animal: It’s versatile and super durable but it’s also particular and can all-too-easily turn into a rust-covered piece of garbage. And then, there are all these rules that come with cast iron pans, whispered things about seasoning and scrubbing with salt and the dangers of soap … it’s just a lot.
But don’t let its care put you off of cast iron entirely. It’s great stuff and you have me to help you figure out the care part of things. The good news is that, when it comes to the cleaning part at least, most of the old cast iron “rules” can be tossed out the window. Here are the things you really need to know about washing and storing a cast iron pan. - Jolie Kerr
Eight Grilling Accessories to Complete Your Cookout, According to BBQ Buffs
Top Featured Product: Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter | $14 | Amazon
Ahh, summer. The smell of charcoal and grilled meat, sweet buttered corn, and of course, and maybe a beer or two, if you choose. Growing up, we only had the basics when we grilled. All we needed was a simple charcoal grill, spatula, and chicken wings. However, now that my palette has evolved and I enjoy cooking a variety of fabulous things, having some equipment would make grilling even more delightful.
I asked self-proclaimed grilling aficionados about their favorite piece of grilling equipment; turns out, not everything you need is expensive or hard to use. Here’s what they told me. - Chaya Milchtein
Five Grill Brushes That Won’t Kill You
Top Featured Product: Weber Grill Brush | $10 | Amazon
Here’s the jam: Grill brushes have a lifespan. Yup! The thing is, the lifespan of grill brushes is a thing most people don’t know about because they’re not told that it’s a thing. But! You have me and so now you know that grill brushes have a lifespan—and that it’s important to check it regularly for signs of wear and tear. And now I shall tell you why! Over time, a grill brush’s bristles will become frayed or start to come loose. And then one will end up in your food. You will ingest it. And I can probably leave it at that and move ahead to the part where I offer new grill brush recommendations! - Jolie Kerr
Vegetables Deserve to Be Grilled, Here’s How to Get Started
Top Featured Product: Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet | $39 | Amazon
The world has been cooking vegetables incorrectly for too long.
I’m convinced that we, as a species, are single-handedly responsible for the bad rap vegetables have gotten. Sure, steamed brussels sprouts are unambiguously disgusting. But it isn’t the sprout’s fault. For decades, parents, and grandparents have done vegetables a disservice, cooking them in the blandest ways possible and forcing us to choke them down, ensuring that we’d avoid them at all costs once we finally gained agency over our lives. But now I know better, and there’s no excuse for ignoring delicious plant-based sides in 2020—particularly when it’s so easy and delicious to toss them on the grill. - Whitson Gordon