Top 75 Best Manly Hobbies For Men
Oscar Wilde once said, “Only boring people are ever bored.” As with so much of his work, this statement cuts right to heart of a dilemma many modern men face — what to do with their time when funds are limited.
If you only think inside the box of life experience you’ve already gained, you may be at something of a loss as to how best to answer this question.
However, when you view life as a constantly evolving exploration of the world, it opens up seemingly endless possibilities.
One thing to keep in mind, Gentlemen, is that no experience is wasted or wrong. What you must do is constantly challenge yourself to learn new things, improve existing skills, and, above all, engage as fully as possible with your world. When you take this approach, there will never be another boring moment.
As well, it’s part of the process that makes you a fascinating human being, a truly manly and complex individual that everyone will want to get to know.
Check out this ultimate list of hobby ideas for men looking to make the best use of their free time.
Best Hobbies For Men
1. Cooking and Grilling
Being able to feed yourself well is a basic part of self-sufficiency, guys. Moreover, when you learn how things go together, and how to create a perfect meal from scratch, you make yourself an asset in any hungry situation.
2. Homebrewing Beer
This is an adventure in chemistry and physics that will teach you how to craft a product you want through empirical experimentation — trial and error — and help you to explore new and creative techniques.
It requires relatively few pieces of equipment (try a starter kit like this one from Craft a Brew), and the startup knowledge can be found for free. All you really need is time and some enthusiastic friends to play guinea pigs during the process of technique refinement.
3. Skiing and Snowboarding
If you want a way to become physically fit and improve your spatial reasoning skills, this is a great hobby. All it requires is snow, a little capital, and perseverance — the gear can be rented by the day.
These winter sports will teach you how to judge distance accurately, understand the way your body moves through space, and how to make correct decisions on the fly.
4. Leatherworking
This is a craft skill that will never go out of style. It teaches patience, and the direct relationship between cause and effect. Learning to work leather requires that you invest a little money and time, but beyond that the tools you need are inside your skull and at the ends of both your arms.
5. Chess
It’s the original board game. Mastering the techniques of a champion may take you the rest of your life, but learning the basics of strategy — observation, planning, judging the quality of an opponent’s skill — can be picked up relatively swiftly.
Moreover, these are skills that you can apply to every life situation, and which will stand you in good stead in the realm of interpersonal interaction. Chess sets can be procured for relatively small sums (we like this handcrafted wooden set from Wegiel). Technique guides are available in both print and online for free.
6. Rocketry
Similar to model construction, but with definitely real applications of physics and chemistry, this is the perfect hobby for honing your critical thinking and problem solving skills to a killing point.
What you learn through experimentation and research of fuel systems will stand you in good stead when solving problems in completely unrelated areas. Plus, nothing is more gratifying than creating something that works.
7. Investing
This is a hobby much like chess, in that it requires you to gain skill in planning, prediction, and observation of how human desires motivate human actions. You need not actively invest capital at first; simply watch the stock ticker, read the reports, and immerse yourself in the business of business.
8. Lockpicking
You don’t have to be up to no good to acquire this skill. The tools are simple, but buying a practice lock from the hardware store is advised, since picking damages the tumbler mechanism of a lock.
Being able to pick a lock works better than a coat hanger or credit card if you or another has accidentally locked themselves out of their car or home. It sharpens your fine motor skills and teaches you how to manipulate a complex mechanism you can’t directly study.
Believe it or not, this sort of hobby actually enhances your cognitive abilities in other areas, such as abstract problem solving.
9. Archery
This is no sissy hobby, guys. With access to a range where you can rent gear and practice, this is a relatively inexpensive hobby. Buying your own armguard, bow and arrows works as well, and can be done relatively inexpensively for beginners.
Archery teaches you focus and precision, all of which will stand you in good stead in a variety of pursuits.
10. Thrifting
Like American Pickers, you can spend a free hour or two every week browsing the flea markets and antique shops. With a bit of study about maker’s marks and unique features of the Real McCoy, you’ll learn to identify authentic antiques and treasures from cheap junk.
You’ll also expand your knowledge of contextual history, which is never a bad thing and makes for great conversation.
11. Tattooing
Dive in and ink up, Gentlemen. See the best tattoo ideas here for some inspiration.
As well as getting inked yourself, study the artistry behind the art. Learning the technique can even go as far as apprenticing yourself to an artist, should you find that you have a passion for creation of this sort. It will also enhance your eye for form, color, and imagery.
12. Bodybuilding
This is the art of the self. As well as enhancing your physical health and appearance, you’ll give an enormous boost to your self-esteem, because bodybuilding goes beyond lifting weights. It incorporates nutrition, concepts of balance and proportion, planning and pacing yourself, and goal setting.
Whether you go for the buff look or not, this is one of the best hobbies for men, because you’ll stand straighter and go after what you really want in life with greater efficacy.
13. Rock Sports
If you want the ultimate challenge of the Self, take up rock climbing, repelling, and other similar sports. While this hobby will require some investment of capital, because you must ensure your safety with proper gear and training, rock climbing teach you to actively evaluate your immediate environment, focus on details, and plan your moments.
It’s always a rush to feel you’ve succeeded and to know every inch of the rock face you just climbed with every sense you possess.
14. Classic Car Restoration
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Restoring a classic piece of fine machinery is a labor of love, sweat, and research. You’ll learn how to source quality parts for your baby, and how to install them — from the body to the minutest internal components.
It will require patience and a bit of money if you want to do it yourself, but another great, and often free way to experience this hobby is to work with someone who already does it.
15. Traditional Sports
Think you’re too old to engage in team sports? Think again. Whether your pleasure is rugby, soccer, baseball, basketball, American football or another team sport, adult recreational leagues exist in most places for most of these sports.
Pick one and rediscover the value of teamwork and planning. As well, it’s a great way to be both social and physical once you’ve left college and are a part of the adult working world.
16. Magic
This is the art of human nature, of misdirection coupled with delight. Magic is a wonderful hobby that makes for great icebreaking tactics in new social situations, and also teaches you to see what others might miss or hope that you will miss.
17. Paintball
This is a great hobby to take up, men. While it will cost a little bit of cash to gear up, and also if you wish to reserve a game space, it enriches your life immeasurably and provides valuable physical activity.
Especially when you play with a team, you learn cooperative planning and implementation skills that will work for you in every group endeavor. As well, you’ll become adept and assessing your environment, and picking up on small details. If you don’t you’ll soon be tagged with some bright reminders to work on your game skills.
18. Electronic Models
Building robots or other multi-component responsive devices will teach you about the human brain, and how it functions to send signals that beget action. Both computers and more simplistic mechanisms are based on our own organic processing units.
Plus, it’s a lot of fun to pit your latest invention against those of your friends in a Battle Royale. Trial and error will teach you how to perfect your creations for their intended uses, and engage you on a number of critical levels.
19. Survival
There’s nothing more stimulating or masculine than pitting your wits against adversity, especially in the absence of modern conveniences. Learning survival skills will enable you to assess problems in every aspect of modern life and plot workable solutions.
As well, with survival training, there is no buck-passing. You are ultimately responsible for your actions and their consequences, even if they are spurred by uncontrollable circumstances. That makes it a truly manly hobby. Skill level: Marcus Aurelius.
20. Cycling and Mountain Biking
Whether it’s on the trail or in the bike lane, cycling is a fantastic way to see the world through which you move in clearer detail than driving affords. As well, you’ll improve your health and your ability to assess upcoming obstacles.
Go ahead and invest in a good cycle like the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike and some quality safety gear. You won’t regret the purchase.
21. Photography
Few hobbies will acquaint you with beauty more thoroughly than this one, both that which is apparent and that which hides beneath the surface of the banal or the ugly.
By learning this skill, you’ll hone your eye for composition of elements, and notice the surprising, the striking, and the exquisite faces of the world wherever you go.
22. Reading
I cannot stress enough how vital it is to your manhood to be well-read. Push beyond magazine articles and blog posts, rediscovering the novel and the serious non-fiction literature.
If you think reading isn’t for you, it’s probably because no one ever exposed you to the worlds that await you between the covers of a book. See this list of the best 150 books for men to find out what you’re missing.
This is a hobby that requires nothing but time. Libraries still exist and will let you borrow books for free, so get there and get on it. It will make you more knowledgeable, more compassionate, more refined, and more awesome on every level.
23. Martial Arts
All disciplines represent the of focus and control of applied force. Martial arts also train you to understand how bodies move through space, how to understand your opponents, and how to respect both yourself and others.
Engaging in any of the many offered disciplines will improve you both as a man and as a part of the human community.
24. Skateboarding and BMX
These are both thrilling hobbies; though they require a great deal of practice to attain excellence, they offer substantial physical gratification. What these sports offer is an improved ability to accept the possibility of pain in the pursuit of that skill, and to face it without fear. Hesitation is often what leads to serious injury — going all out will save you in the end.
25. Geocaching
This is a good hobby for groups. You’ve got to work together to meet the deadline of this modern spin on “X Marks the Spot”. Geocaching will enable you to read a GPS and enhance your map reading skills in relation to the physical environment. This works your brain and your body at the same time, thus improving the functionality of both.
26. Knife Making
Possessing skill in making weaponry enhances your understanding of its weaknesses and how to repair damage, when possible. While this skill will give you a healthy respect for the damage such weapons can do, you will also know that if you are ever stranded, you can create the means of your survival through tool making.
If this interests you, also investigate flint knapping which is the way all stone tools and weapons are made. It’s one of the oldest technological skills possessed by our species.
Once you’ve mastered knife making, you might be interested in learning the art of knife throwing.
27. Landscaping
This element of outdoor design will sharpen your planning skills and your understanding of nested interrelated systems. Not only do shapes work together, but also water and earth features, species of plants, and symbiotic animal species working within the microenvironment that you’re landscaping.
28. Sculpting Stone
Michelangelo said that when he began with a solid block of stone, he could sense the sculpture within, asking him to reveal it. This was likely a result of his early years of working in a marble quarry, where he was taught to read the lines of stress and potential fracture within the stone itself.
This hobby is an ancient one that many men have elevated to an art form over time. The art of being a mason has even been entangled with mysticism — those amazing individuals who created stone lace and structures weighing millions of tons that seemed made of light — in the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe.
This skill requires that you hone planning and understand the application of force and directionality. What could be more awesome?
29. Wet Shaving
Believe it or not, this is one of the aspects of the Barbering art, and it requires great skill. Unlike our modern ritual of slathering on chemical foam and dragging a disposable razor sloppily over our face, this involves fine razors, soap, shaving bowls and brushes, and the application of steam to soften the skin and hair.
It has all the formality of the ancient Japanese Tea Ceremony, and is a major component of Suavity.
30. Electronic Music Producing
Whether you consider yourself musical or not, you should know that all of us are. In fact, the neural pathways in the brain that language uses are first laid down by rhythm and musicality.
There are a number of programs that will allow you to produce your own electronic music and even release it directly onto the web. William Congreve said, “Music has charms to sooth the savage breast.” That can be translated as an understanding of the soothing and elevating powers of music, both producing and appreciating it.
31. Writing
This is one of the most humbling activities you can undertake, and also one of the most worthwhile. It will teach you how to communicate, how to craft a narrative effectively, and also how to be interesting.
The best thing about writing is that everyone can do it, whether they think they can or not. All it takes is time and lots of practices.
32. Darts
Beyond the Friday night at the bar with the guys, learning how to play darts is a great hobby. That’s because it teaches you to hit a target for which you aim. It also drives home that precision trumps force nine times out of ten; a lesson that many guys could stand to learn if they haven’t already.
33. Sailing and Canoeing
This is yet another fantastic way to change how you view the world. Both sailing and canoeing teach you to interpret movement in a novel environment — on the water — and react with precision and assertiveness in the case of an emergency.
That’s because, when you’re in any watercraft, you are dealing with novel physics, and understanding them intimately is crucial in order to prevent minor accidents from becoming serious.
34. Flying
Speaking of novel physics, did you know air is considered a fluid? It reacts very much in the way a body of water does. Learning to fly, even small craft, will enhance your ability to interpret and react correctly in response to circumstances. This is a fabulous skill to cultivate, even if you have a “drinking problem” and your name is “Striker”.
35. Rock and Mineral Collecting
The earth yields many fascinating treasures, and you can easily cultivate this hobby. It will enrich your understanding of geophysical processes, and make you really interesting to take on a hike.
36. Drawing and Painting
Much like any art form, anyone can cultivate this skill set. What it requires is practice and letting go of fear, you can’t care what others think. You must learn to trust your judgment; once you’ve acquired the skills and know all the rules — break them with impunity.
This is a skill that will enhance your ability to discern patterns, both visual and behavioral, and is well worth cultivating.
37. Digital Design and Coding
Even if you only dabble your toes in the sea of code, it forms a huge part of a foundational understanding of how much of our world works. Should you apply yourself to learning it in depth, you render yourself free from dependence upon the knowledge and skill of others, which means they can’t lie to you or otherwise abuse that authority.
38. Astronomy
Carl Sagan. Do I need to say more? Be amazed. Be constantly aware of all the wonder there is, just beyond this pale blue dot of our planet. It will enhance your compassion for your fellow humans and make you a better person, too. I promise.
Invest in a telescope like this affordable model from Gskyer and start getting to know the universe.
39. Scotch Tasting
Technically both Scotch and Bourbon are also Whiskey, so cultivate a palate to discern the fine distinctions in flavor and subtle notes that dictate where your liquor has been. This is an interesting field not unlike wine tasting, but it definitely has a more traditionally masculine appeal.
40. Billiards
This is a game not unlike chess, but involving the application of physics: Force, spin, inertia, interference. If you cultivate this hobby, you’ll be a veritable Einstein of the tables.
It won’t stay confined to the fuzzy green surface of that table either. You’ll begin to see the same forces at work everywhere in your world.
41. Fantasy Sports
This pastime uses applications of combinatorics and statistics, even if you never knew those were relevant to picking your draft. Learn how to work the system by educating yourself in how these maths can work for you.
42. Rebuilding Motorcycles
Much like restoring classic cars, this hobby requires patience, sweat, skill, and research. But a beautifully restored classic bike is heartswelling to behold, especially when you know you rebuilt it.
43. Gold Panning
This is a fun hobby that can actually pay off, if you’re diligent and develop an eye for that telltale gleam. Plus, you’ll find all sorts of interesting stones, and spend time outdoors in fresh air and sunlight.
44. Fencing
This is not for fancyboys. This hobby will teach you the dynamics of both offence and defense, as well as train your physical coordination, and ability to determine the next move of your opponent.
It has real life applications and can often come in handy with self defense.
45. Volunteering
Studies have shown that doing things for others releases feel-good endorphins into our bloodstream. Improve your community; lend someone a helping hand; change the world one moment and one action at a time. You just might become addicted to doing good.
46. Poker and Cards
This and other card games are a great way to be social and also enhance your risk-benefit assessment skills, and learn to read other human’s non-verbal communications. So get the guys together for an old-fashioned poker night once a week.
If you gain proficiency, you might try making a bit of cash at sanctioned gambling venues.
47. Guitar
We’ve covered how we’re all musical creatures, so why not try your hand at learning a musical instrument ? The guitar is an excellent one with which to begin, because you can buy one cheaply (check out the highly rated Fender FA-115), largely teach yourself the basics, and it can go anywhere you do.
48. Golfing
While many may scorn golf as a sport, imagine trying to put a pea through the mouth of a soda can at 100 paces. Get the point? Golf is a fantastic way to get a lot of fresh air and exercise. However, to gain skill at this sport, you need to work on developing your spatial reasoning skills, as well as understanding how things like wind impact the trajectory of your ball.
In the process, you’ll learn the proper posture and form of a great swing — which is part of conditioning your body to act with precision and power on demand.
49. Coaching and Mentoring
Much like volunteering, becoming a youth league coach or giving time to a mentoring program impacts your community.
You are providing a young person with emotional support and guidance that they may otherwise lack, which could possibly change the entire course of their life. That should feel pretty good, Men.
50. Meditation and Yoga
Taking up this practice will enhance your experience of everything. Both disciplines rely on centering your Self. Yoga teaches you how your muscles are interconnected and how your body works, and can be a part of a great new direction in physical fitness for you.
51. Fishing
This is both a sport and a great way to be out of doors. Fishing involves an understanding of your intended prey, and how to lure and draw them in. This incorporates concepts of ecology, physics, and animal psychology.
More than that, it gives you time to simply be still, which is a skill that many Westerners have all but lost.
52. Traveling
The Dalai Lama says that you should travel somewhere you have never been each year. Stepping outside your comfortable groove of place and behavior, of your home culture itself, enhances your understanding of human behavior while also increasing your ability to empathize with individuals who are different from yourself.
That understanding and ability lead to a more peaceful outlook, a greater level of self respect, and deeper compassion for others in difficult situations.
53. Auto Racing
While you may never go in for taking rounds in a Formula One event, auto racing is an exciting hobby that can help you to gage cause and effect in very real terms.
There are many tracks that offer novelty lessons and instruction in the basics of this great hobby.
54. Fishkeeping
Keeping an aquarium could be a wonderful new hobby. Fish are less needy than cats or dogs, which can be ideal if you don’t get to spend a lot of time at home. As well, you are given carte blanche when it comes to designing the environment of your aquarium — within the needs of the fish you wish to keep, of course.
It would never do to introduce an aggressive species into an otherwise docile environment or put salt water species into freshwater.
55. Surfing
Much like rock climbing, this sport encourages you to develop a proficiency in assessing your immediate environment and the changing circumstances moment to moment. It’s just you and the wave.
This can often lead to a very centered and relaxed view of the world, which is not a bad thing by any stretch.
56. Bowling
Bowling is actually a lot of fun, if you play with some great team mates, whether informally or in a league. Once you relax and stop wondering where your shoes have been, you’ll realize that it is a consummate game of skill that has much in common with darts and archery.
The application of precise force and the ability to gage the path of your ball determine how successful you are.
57. Interior design
Don’t knock it, boys. Frank Lloyd Wright is famous for some of his iconic interior designs, such as wall-mounted globe lamps. It requires a deep understanding of how design elements function, both independently and together.
But, like everything else on this list, it is an understanding that is teachable.
58. Currency Collecting
Much like collecting interesting foreign stamps, collecting foreign or antique currency is an established enthusiasm. When you consider the amazing artwork that goes onto some of the bills in foreign countries, you may find yourself drawn in and passionately seeking a 1967 Quetzal note from Guatemala.
59. Foreign Languages
America is one of the least proficient countries in polyglot fluency. Learn a new language, especially one spoken in your community, and remove the veil of ignorance that hangs between you and what those people in the grocery store were saying.
60. Whittling
Minor woodworking can be an incredibly satisfying pastime, and also lead you to creating some beautiful art. Closely related to stone sculpture, wood is a softer and more forgiving medium and responds better to pressure, so you may find this preferable to masonry.
61. Genealogy
A Hopi woman once told me that White People were simply “sad” because they had no story. They did not know where they really came from.
For many of individuals, history is a distant story, one that doesn’t involve us. Discover your roots, and you just might be surprised.
62. Cigar Enthusiast
This can be a wonderful way to socialize. Much like wine and whisky tasting, it involves becoming sensitive to the differences in tobacco curing process, and even the wrapping materials.
63. Wine Tasting
All food takes much of its character from the soil, the air, and the water with which it is grown. Wine is no different. Grapes from one region will produce a wine with decidedly different characteristics than identical grapes grown in another region.
Learn about how wine is grown, made, aged, and paired with foods. It will broaden your understanding of how we experience our world through our senses even while it broadens your palate.
64. Movie Watching
This is a hobby version of the professional movie critic. It also pushes you to explore genres and titles you would never otherwise have chosen.
Watch to learn, about places, people, dramatic effects, and storytelling. Watch for pleasure and understanding.
65. Gardening
Marcel Proust said once, “Let us be grateful for the people who make us happy, for they are the charming gardeners of our soul.”
Gardening actually improves your mental and physical health — beneficial bacteria in the soil are inhaled that actually boost your mood!
As well, when you garden, you are nurturing a living thing, watching it grow and become. It is one of the most satisfying and simple hobbies on this entire list.
66. Fashion Design
When you understand how elements of style function together to create the latest trend, you can watch it trickle down from the runway to the thrift store. A deeper understanding of fashion will also allow you to dress yourself better and for less.
Plus you’ll become a regular Tom Ford when it comes down to knowing everything and anything about suits and style. Just do it, Men.
67. Snorkeling
This doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can kit yourself out for about $10, and then head for the nearest warm and sandy spot — preferably in clear waters like the Gulf of Mexico. This is part of experiencing the world directly.
Even though we’ve seen plenty of crystal clear water in the movies and on television, actually swimming next to a sea turtle is a life-changing experience. There is so much to be seen that cannot be truly understood until it is experienced.
Snorkeling and scuba diving allow you to get close to nature. So get out there and start experiencing.
68. Dancing
It’s not the facility of movement that women often gage to determine if you’re worth taking home. Rather, it’s about confidence to get out on the dance floor and move with her.
If you lack confidence in your ability, sign up for some dance lessons. It won’t kill you, and you’ll probably have a lot of fun.
69. Boxing
Here’s one for manly men. This martial art teaches you how your body can move through space, as well as how to gage the transference of energy via momentum. It’s one of the most intense yet rewarding hobbies for men.
You’ll take a beating from your coaches, but you’ll be grinning when you’re through.
70. Watchmaking
This is a skill that focuses ultimately upon precision and interrelatedness of complex systems in motion. Taking up this hobby will change the way you assess the world, but it will also broaden your understanding of the way that world works.
71. Woodworking
Much like masonry, woodworking relies on a developed skill for seeing underlying patterns of stress or growth within the medium. Because wood has greater plasticity and is more easily procured than blocks of stone, you might enjoy this particular hobby more, while still gaining the valuable skill of seeing deeply into the nature of things.
72. Internet Marketing
Much like buying and selling in the real world, internet marketing involves a deep understanding of the desires that drive purchasing decisions. Taking up this hobby could help you to hone your abilities in your main career, and even lead to a serious side career.
73. Metalworking
This may be one of the most interesting applications of a blowtorch I’ve ever seen. Metalworking can be an interesting and artistic skill to acquire.
Plus, if you become adept and understanding the mechanics and physical forces that govern your medium, you can use your skills to complete work on automobiles and other metal projects.
74. Camping
It’s said that one week in the wilderness will help you to completely reset your circadian rhythms. Getting out into the great outdoors has also been shown to help clinical depression, simply by walking through a pine forest.
Camping gives you healthy exercise, a chance to disconnect from the world of instant access via the phone and the computer, and lets you focus on more important things, like your state of mind or the nature of true happiness.
75. Model Crafting
This is a really fun hobby that can help you with focus issues, and attention to details. When you build a model, such as race cars or airplanes, not only do you have to put the parts together in the right way, but you must pay close attention to aspects of coloration and historical accuracy. It’s definitely something worth investigating.
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The 10 Best Grilling Tools for Your Summer BBQ
If you want to be a grill master, you need the right tools for the job. While having a top-quality grill is obviously vital, there are many other things you need to make your life at the grill as easy as possible.
There are plenty of tools out there that will enhance the flavor of your food and allow you to cook your meat and veggies to perfection. We’ve looked at a range of them from meat thermometers and grilling gloves to cedar planks and grill baskets.
While all these tools are different, they’re all great ways to enhance your grilling experience. We’ve searched high and low to come up with 10 that you’ll love. All you need to do is read on and choose the best grilling tools for you. Let’s get started!
Best Buy
1. Kizen Digital Meat Thermometers for Cooking
When cooking on the grill, it can be easy to be a little nervous about whether or not your meat is ready. With this Kizen meat thermometer, you can put those fears to bed and know exactly when your meat is done.
The reading on this thermometer only takes around three seconds, so you’re not going to be waiting around for your results. It’s waterproof and durable. This is a tool you’ll be using time and time again.
It’s versatile too. Thermometers are often required for beverage and candy making, among other things. This tool is perfect for them all and will give you readings to a very high level of accuracy.
It will automatically turn on/off when you take out the prong and there is also a temperature guide written on it. It’s very easy to use and the magnet and handle hole also makes it simple to store.
2. Alpha Grillers Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Tools Set
You can’t become a grilling master without having a high-quality set of grilling tools. While you can buy them all separately, it makes sense to get a set such as this. It’s brilliant and comes with a spatula, fork, basting brush, and tongs.
All of them are made out of thick steel so you don’t need to worry about them succumbing to the heat. They’re also fitted with silicone grips which keep your skin safe and the tools firmly in your hand.
Their design also makes them very simple to use, including the lockable tongs that allow them to stay compact when not in use. Added to this, all four of the tools have hooks for easy storage.
One downside of grilling tools is needing to clean them after use. With this set, that won’t be an issue. Not only are they easy to wipe down, but they are also dishwasher safe. This is perfect for anyone needing a brilliant set of essential grilling tools.
3. GEEKHOM Grilling Gloves
Your hands are going to be near very hot pieces of metal and you also have the risk of fat spitting onto your skin. For those reasons, it makes sense to invest in a pair of high-quality grilling gloves.
These are made of silicone which can cope with very high heat of up to 446F. On the inside is soft cotton, making the gloves very easy to wear. The material is breathable, so you won’t need to worry about your hands sweating.
The safety of these gloves doesn’t stop at the high-temperature resistance. They also cover your wrists and have a non-slip surface, allowing you to securely grip whatever you’re holding.
Usability is also exceptional as the gloves are non-toxic and machine washable. Five colors are also available, so you can pick ones that suit your style. If you want to grill in safety and comfort, these gloves are a must.
4. Kona 360 Clean Grill Brush
You’ve cooked all your food, everyone’s loved it, and you’ve had a fantastic day. You then look down at your grill and your heart sinks. You know that it’s going to take a long time to clean and you simply can’t be bothered.
If that sounds like you then you need to get the Kona 360 Clean Grill Brush. It will drastically cut down the time you need to clean your grill. It takes minimum effort and you won’t have that dreaded feeling after you’ve finished cooking.
A great aspect of this brush is that it can be used on all grill types. The three-pronged brush allows you to clean three times faster than most other models. It’s also very easy to use with the textured finger grip and 18” handle.
Impressively, the durability is also very high here. You get a limited five year warranty which is no surprise due to its solid construction. It’s going to last for a long time and you’ll enjoy that super-quick clean time and time again.
5. Primal Grilling Premium Cedar Planks For Grilling
For those that want a unique way of cooking their food, using cedar planks is a brilliant way to do it. All you need to do is soak them in water and then grill away. It results in food that is full of moisture and flavor.
These planks are quite thick which means they don’t burn easily at all. You can use them repeatedly before they become too charred to use. They come in a pack of five, which is going to last a very long time.
The natural cedar doesn’t contain any chemicals and is a very natural way of cooking food. It’s particularly good for fish but the planks will also enhance the moisture and taste of any meat, along with any veggies you want to cook.
When you’re finished using your planks, you can pop them in the drawstring bag provided and use them again whenever you want. You’ll love the results and if you’ve never done it before, you should definitely give it a try.
See more about - The 10 Best BBQ Grills For Your Summer Cookout
6. The Seasoned Griller Store Professional Grade Stainless Steel Grill Basket
While we love grilling, there’s no doubt that it can get messy. Veggies can also be very difficult to cook as they are hard to move around with your grilling tools and can easily fall between the gaps.
An ideal solution is to get this grilling basket from The Seasoned Griller. It’s a great way to keep all your cooking contained while heating it perfectly. The holes are big enough to allow the heat in without letting any food out.
It’s made of stainless steel and can be used on almost any grill. It is worth double-checking the dimensions to make sure it’s a good fit for your model. It’s not too big, so it shouldn’t be an issue. While it’s great for vegetables, you can cook anything with this and it makes it exceptionally easy. It saves cleaning your grill and prevents any lost food. It’s a great addition to your BBQ.
7. Victoria Cast Iron Grill Press
When it comes to pressing down your meat, most people will use the back of a spatula. It’s not what it’s designed for and isn’t great for the task. Instead, you should get a cast iron grill press.
It will help to reduce cooking time while also adding excellent flavor to your food. This model is seasoned with flaxseed oil to produce great results. It’s the ideal tool for searing or flattening meat.
It’s also simple to use, thanks to its excellent design. It has a removable cool-touch wood handle along with a textured bottom for a secure hold. It can be used for a wide variety of different meats and is ideal to have while grilling.
8. OXO Good Grips Meat Shredding Claws
Shredded meat can add an extra dimension to your food in both texture and taste. It works brilliantly with pork but you can also get wonderful results with the likes of chicken and beef.
When it comes to shredding meat, most people try to do it with regular forks, which can be extremely difficult. With these meat shredding claws, you’ll find the task to be incredibly easy.
The long handles and interlocking teeth mean that the task will get completed in no time at all. The grips are also comfortable and have a high level of heat resistance. If you want delicious shredded meat, then there’s no better tool than this.
9. Ofargo Plastic Marinade Injector
Adding flavor to your meat can be difficult. One method is to pierce holes into it with a fork or knife and try to rub marinade or seasoning in. The problem with this is that it’s not very efficient and produces mediocre results. With a marinade injector, you can put that flavor directly into the meat. The difference in results is huge.
You’ll find the meat to be much tastier and the flavor to be much more consistent throughout the meat. This injector is perfect for the job. It’s lightweight and compact so you can just place it on your shelf next to the grill, ready to go. It can easily be used one-handed and is food-safe too.
There are two different needles, one for sauce and another for liquid. It’s a great addition to your grill and takes the flavor to another level.
10. Hudson Durable Goods - Professional Grade Chef Apron
Unless you want clothes that are full of grease, food splashes, and charcoal stains, it’s a good idea to get an apron. This one comes in six different colors and they all look stylish. They’re made from heavyweight cotton that is very tough while still being comfortable to wear. Once you’ve finished using it, then you can throw it in the washing machine before using it again.
There are some great features here, such as the back straps which will prevent any neck pain. There are also four pockets and a towel look, for easy use. It’s easily adjustable and can be taken off quickly with the back buckle.
The versatile apron can be used for a lot more grilling and can be used time and time again. The quality is excellent throughout and most importantly. It’ll keep you and your clothes protected.
See more about - The 8 Best Aprons For Men Who Love To Cook
Grilling Tools FAQs
At a very basic level, you definitely need a spatula, fork, and tongs. After that, it depends on what you’re cooking and how you want it to be cooked. For safety, an apron and gloves are essential whereas other tools such as cedar planks are a great luxury extra.
Grilling tools need to cope with a high level of heat and need to keep you protected from that heat. They should also be comfortable and allow you to grill with ease. Once they tick those boxes, it’s all about how they make your life easier or improve the taste of your food.
This is difficult to answer as there is a vast range of brands that make a wide array of high-quality grilling tools. We think it’s more important to focus on the quality of the product if the tool meets your needs and the customer reviews. All the tools we looked at here get our seal of approval.
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The Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
The difference between bourbon and whiskey is as clear as mud when you’re trying to choose between brands and bottles. Bourbon needs to be American-made, aged in oak for four years, and have at least a 51% mash bill, while other American Whiskeys are made using wheat and/or rye or utilize other variations in the distillation process.
Whiskey was a term first employed during the late 1800s to differentiate Irish Whiskey and American liquor from Scotch whisky and Canadian whisky (which everyone called rye). The in-vogue Japanese whisky also went with the Scotch spelling (click here for the full breakdown of whisky versus whiskey).
The following article defines what mash bill is needed to make bourbon, but also identifies the other major American whiskey styles, bottled-in-bond, Tennessee whiskey, and single malt varieties that are beginning to become more prevalent in the US.
What Makes a Liquor Bourbon?
A frequent refrain that can be heard in Kentucky is: “Not every whiskey is a bourbon, but every bourbon is a whiskey.” To be called bourbon:
The liquor needs to be crafted from at least a 51% corn fermented grain mash bill that has been stored in charred oak barrels for four years. The spirit must have been distilled within the United States.
95% of the bourbon whiskey bottled in the U.S. is distilled in the state of Kentucky.
Is All Bourbon From Kentucky?
Kentucky is considered bourbon country, and your home bar is most likely to be stocked with expressions from the Bluegrass state. The majority of bourbon has been distilled in Kentucky since American whiskey production was drawn from the corn-producing farms of the 1700s.
Despite this, other regions – such as Tennessee, Colorado, California, and even New York – are beginning to craft and/or bottle amazing bourbon expressions. Just like with peat and barley malt for Irish Whiskey and single malt and blended Scotch in the British Isles, your liquor of choice comes from the source material.
Finding the best Kentucky bourbon is like finding the best single malt Scotch – it’s entirely subjective and based on a wide variety of factors including flavor, taste, aroma, price, and accessibility.
See more about - The Top 10 Best Kentucky Bourbon Brands To Try In 2021
Wheated Bourbon
Wheated bourbons are those made with a large proportion of the mash bills secondary grain being wheat, in addition to the mandated 51% minimum corn. Wheat as the secondary grain provides subtlety and contrast, adding a creaminess and gradual sweetness to the spirit than that derived from the majority corn, malted barley, or rye recipe.
Wheat is also useful during oak barrel aging, with a tendency to age much better than many traditional bourbons (up to around the 20 year mark).
Best choice: Maker’s 46 Wheated Bourbon
Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon and Whiskey
The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was a set of legal regulations created by the U.S. Government to standardize and authenticate the quality of American distilled alcoholic beverages, especially bourbon, wheat, and rye whiskey.
Prior to the time the Bottled-in-Bond Act was legislated, the American whiskey market was being decimated by inferior quality, unregulated booze. Bottled-in-bond is a whiskey label that adheres to a set of legal regulations contained in the United States government’s Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.
The regulatory jargon breaks down as follows:
- The whiskey must be the product of a single distillation season
- The distilled spirit must be made by one distiller at one distillery
- The distilled spirit must be at least four years old
- It must be stored and aged in government bonded warehouses
- The whiskey must also be at least 100 proof (50% ABV)
- Only water may be added to the mash bill
If you purchase a bourbon whiskey or rye labeled bottled-in-bond the regulations from the Act must be met.
Best choice: New Riff Straight Bourbon Whiskey
American Rye Whiskey
For a spirit to call itself American rye whiskey, the grain mash must be made up of at least 51% actual malted rye cereal grain.
Certified rye whiskey’s initial alcohol content can’t be higher than 160 proof, or roughly 80% alcohol before it’s distilled down and eventually bottled.
Aside from the straight rye whiskey, you’ll find some rye mash bills filled out with brown sugar, corn, or malted barley, or have the wooden barrel finish in wine, rum, or brandy casks to add another flavor dimension.
Best choice: WhistlePig Rye 10 Year
American Single Malt Whiskey
Single malt and blended whiskey expressions made from malted barley are becoming more popular craft spirits in the U.S.
With Scotch whisky at its highest popularity level of all time and the emergence of Japanese whisky as a power player in the billion-dollar market for blended malt whisky, there’s an opportunity for local distillers to make quality single malt. While it lacks the cultural cachet of Scotch, American malt whisky is meticulously crafted and caters well to craft distillation.
Best choice: Westward American Single Malt
Tennessee Whiskey
There’s a simple, yet important distinction between Kentucky bourbon and Tennessee whiskey which makes a huge impact on the taste and what goes on the label. The crucial difference is that Tennessee whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal as part of the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal filtration method in which fresh whiskey passes through charcoal chips and is then put in oak casks for maturation.
For a whiskey to attain the Tennessee label, it must go through the charcoal mellowing stage, in the state of Tennessee.
Best choice: Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey
Conclusion
To be called bourbon, your whiskey needs to be distilled in America for a minimum of four years in oak barrels, with a mash bill of at least 51% corn. If it’s predominantly rye, wheat, or malt grain-based, then by law the spirit can’t be called bourbon.
Figuring out what constitutes whisky or whiskey is a lot simpler than in the past when nobody really knew what was going on. The simplest way to remember is If the country of origin has an “e” in it, then spell it whiskey. See, clear as mud!
See more about - The 10 Best Bourbons Under $50 To Try In 2021
The 10 Best Jordans of All Time
Even if you are not a sneakerhead and don’t know all the nitty-gritty details of every pair of kicks on the market, you’re sure to recognize a pair of Jordans when you see them. Or not. I can spot a pair from a mile away; however, I have a friend that doesn’t know the difference between a pair of Nike Jordans and a pair of Adidas Gazelles, which is upsetting, but I digress…
One of the most classic and iconic sneaker styles ever, Jordans have been around for over 30 years and continue to be a part of rare and exclusive collaborations, making them a collector’s dream, with some pairs going for $12k or more. So get your wallet and credit cards out because you may just max them out as you go through this list.
Best Buy
1. Jordan 1 Retro Chicago (2015)
Undoubtedly the most popular style and colorway of all time as far as Jordan’s go. Last released in 2015, this iconic high-top silhouette has become the staple for street ballers, basketball fans, and sneakerheads alike. Since the airing of The Last Dance, the white/varsity red-black Chicago colorway has skyrocketed in popularity, but for the right price you can still get your hands on a pair.
2. Jordan 3 Retro Black Cement (2018)
To celebrate Mr. Jordan’s 55th birthday in 2018, the Jordan 3 Retro emblazoned sneakers feature the original “Nike Air” branding on the black cement for the first time since 2001. This mid-top kick has a black-based leather upper with cement grey, fire red, and white accents. Finished off by the iconic elephant print detailing, it’s one of the most iconic Jordan’s around.
3. Jordan 6 Retro Black Infrared (2019)
The Air Jordan 6 Retro “Infrared” is a 2019 re-release of the OG colorway. The shoe’s black nubuck upper includes a reflective 3M layer with perforations throughout for breathability. The heel, tongue, and lock sport Infrared accents, with the color also featured on the signature midsole detailing. Visible Air in the heel provides cushioning, while the translucent sections continue down onto the outsole for traction.
4. Jordan 1 Retro High OG Shadow 2.0
This very rare OG colorway has hit shelves only three times in the 30 year history of Jordans, making these a must-own for any AJ1 collector. The shoe features a black and grey leather upper with original “Nike Air” branding on the tongue tag and insoles, along with a white midsole and black outsole. It should be noted that the grey leather panels found on the “Shadow 2.0” are lighter in color than the original grey leather on the first “Shadow.”
5. Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Shattered Backboard
Released in 2015, the “Shattered Backboard” Air Jordan 1 High is inspired by a 1985 exhibition game in Italy in which Michael Jordan broke the glass backboard after a dunk. Constructed in high-quality tumbled leather in the original high top silhouette, the orange, black, and white colorway is taken from the team uniform MJ wore during the game and modeled after the OG “Black Toe” AJ1 color block. Highly limited upon its initial release, the “Shattered Backboard” Air Jordan 1 disappeared quickly and is now one of the most sought after pairs of not just Jordans, but of sneakers, in general.
See more about - The 10 Best Sneakers Under $100
6. Air Jordan 1 Retro Royal (2017)
An original colorway of Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe, this 2017 re-release receives an upgrade in regards to the quality of materials used and its shape, which is truer to the actual 1985 release. The Varsity Royal blue paneling appears in tumbled leather on the toe box, Swooshes, heel, and ankle.
Black premium leather covers the remainder of the upper to complete the classic color blocking. A clean, white midsole balances out the shoe, maintaining the iconic motif along with the Varsity Royal outsole.
7. Jordan 13 Retro Low Chutney
Putting a spin on the iconic Jordan 13 design, Tinker Hatfield designed the Chutney as a stand out in the Air Jordan family. And stand out they do.
The difference between this chutney design and a traditional 13 lies in the cut. These retros replace the classic high top style with a mid top and feature a tan suede upper.
8. Jordan 1 Retro High Dior
If you happen to have $10k-12k burning a hole in your pocket then here is a place for you to spend it. One of the most highly anticipated launches, The Dior x Air Jordan 1 High sneakers are the first collaboration between the luxury brand and sneaker giant.
Featuring a premium white leather upper with wolf grey overlays and the classic Dior logo on the swoosh, this version of the iconic high-top silhouette is a stand-out. The collar has also been altered, stamped with a special “Air Dior” logo.
9. Air Jordan 1 Retro High Rust Pink
Again, if you happen to have $6+ grand just waiting to be spent, first, what do you do for a living, if I may ask, and second, please buy these shoes. These Jordan 1 Retro High Rust Pink kicks were released in early 2017, adding a coral pink “Rust Pink” hue to the two-tone color blocking previously seen on other classic AJ1 silhouettes.
The black paneling features a premium tumbled leather construction, while the midsole appears in white.
10. Air Jordan 5 Retro SP PS “Off-White - Sail
Every sneakerhead remembers when Nike teamed up with Virgil Abloh for the now iconic “The Ten” collection. Abloh added a second colorway to his Jordan 5 collaboration with the Jordan 5 Retro High “Off-White Sail.” This release pays homage to the first pair of Jordans that Virgil ever owned, the Air Jordan 5.
In signature fashion, Virgil has reimagined this classic silhouette with his own recognizable style. This Jordan 5 consists of a sail textile mesh upper with translucent netted panels and circular window inserts throughout the shoe. 3M reflective tongues, fire red Jordan branding, and an aged translucent outsole completes the design.
See more about - How To Choose A More Ethical And Sustainable Pair Of Sneakers
