When someone asks me, “which grill should I buy?”, I don’t start by naming brands, I ask a few simple questions: How much time do you have to cook? What do you like to cook? Do you have kids? The answers to those tell me way more than any product brochure. I own all three: a propane grill, a pellet smoker, and a charcoal grill.  Each one fits a different kind of day, mood, and meal.

Some nights I want fast and easy. Other days I want low-and-slow smoking.  And when I really want that flame-kissed flavor, then it’s charcoal time. This article breaks down all three styles to help you answer the big question for yourself: which grill is best for you?

Propane Grills – Fast, Convenient, Clean

If you’re looking for speed and simplicity, propane is your best friend. These grills fire up with the push of a button and heat up fast, perfect for those nights when you get home, the kids are starving, and you just want to throw on some burgers without a big production. No chimney starters, no pellets, no waiting, just fire and food.

Propane grills are great for weeknight meals, quick sears, or anytime you don’t want to babysit the fire. You’ll lose a bit of that deep smoky flavor compared to charcoal or pellet, but you gain total control over the heat and super easy cleanup. And let’s be honest, when dinner needs to hit the table fast, convenience matters.

If your grilling style is more “let’s eat and get back to life” than “I’m crafting a 12-hour brisket masterpiece,” propane’s probably your pick. It’s also great if you’ve got a busy family, limited time, or just don’t want to overthink your cookout.  If you’re like me with kids, the sports take up a lot of time, so I don’t have a lot of time to grill.  And my kids love hot dogs, like most kids. So the propane is fast and easy.

Pro

• Quick heat-up time – Most propane grills are ready to cook in under 10 minutes, making them ideal for weeknight meals or last-minute cookouts.
• Precise temperature control – Turn a knob, adjust the flame. It’s that simple. No guessing, no stress.
• Clean-burning – Propane burns efficiently and leaves very little residue, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time eating.
• Low maintenance – No ash to dump or pellets to refill. Just keep an eye on the tank and you’re good to go.
• Great for multitasking – If you’re juggling kids, side dishes, and everything else, propane lets you grill without needing constant attention.

Cons

• Less smoke flavor – While you can add smoker boxes or wood chips, propane doesn’t give you that deep, smoky flavor on its own.
• Fuel management – Running out of propane mid-cook is a pain, so it helps to have a backup tank on hand or a built-in gauge.

Best For

• Families who want fast dinners without the mess
• People who grill often but don’t have hours to spare
• Anyone who values consistency and ease over smoky complexity

Propane Reviews

• Monument Eminence 605
• Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ
• Weber Spirit EP-435

Pellet Grills – Low & Slow With Flavor

Pellet grills are where wood-fired flavor meets modern convenience. These grills use compressed wood pellets for fuel, giving you that deep, smoky flavor you usually only get with offset smokers—but with way less hassle. Most pellet grills are equipped with digital controllers, so you can literally set the temperature, walk away, and let it do its thing. It’s basically a smoker, oven, and grill all rolled into one.

They shine when it comes to low-and-slow cooks—think ribs, brisket, pork shoulder—but many pellet grills can hit high temps for searing too. If you love barbecue and want consistent results without having to babysit your food for hours, a pellet grill is tough to beat. It’s like having a pitmaster assistant that doesn’t talk back.

Pro

• Incredible flavor – Real wood pellets give meat that authentic, smoky depth you can’t fake.
• Set-it-and-forget-it cooking – Digital temperature controls let you dial in the heat and walk away.
• Versatile – Great for smoking, baking, roasting, and even grilling, depending on the model.
• Consistent results – Internal fans and auto-feed systems maintain stable temps for long cooks.
• Clean-burning fuel – Pellets burn efficiently with minimal ash.

Cons

• Slower to heat up – Takes longer to preheat than gas or charcoal.
• Needs electricity – Pellet grills require a power source to run the digital controller and auger.
• More expensive – Generally pricier than standard propane or charcoal grills.
• Pellet storage – Pellets need to stay dry, so you’ll need a sealed container to store them properly.

Best For

• Backyard BBQ fans who love flavor and don’t want to manually manage temps
• Low-and-slow meat lovers: brisket, ribs, pulled pork
• People who love gadgets and precision cooking

Pellete Reviews

• Z Grill 700D3
• Z Grill 10004DE
• Z Grill 7002C2E
• Z Grills
• Traeger Pro 780

If you like wood but don’t want pellets

If you’re after pure, authentic smoke flavor, nothing beats a traditional wood smoker. These are the offset barrel-style smokers where you feed in actual chunks or splits of wood—no pellets, no gas, just fire and patience. Smokers like the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland give you that classic BBQ feel, where you’re managing airflow, fire, and temperature manually the whole way through.

This isn’t the set-it-and-forget-it crowd, it’s the “tend the fire every 30 minutes” kind of experience. But the payoff? Unreal flavor. The kind of bark, smoke ring, and depth you just can’t get with anything else. It’s more effort, for sure—but for some grillers, that’s the whole point.

Pro

• Best flavor, hands down – Nothing beats the deep, rich smoke from real wood.
• Full control – You’re managing the fire, airflow, and smoke.
• Authentic BBQ experience – This is how pitmasters do it. It’s the old-school way, and it shows in the results.
• No electricity required – Fire it up anywhere without needing an outlet or extension cord.

Cons

• Requires constant attention – You’ll need to monitor the fire and adjust vents frequently.
• Takes longer – Both the cooking time and the learning curve are steeper.
• Bulky and heavy – These smokers aren’t very portable and take up a good chunk of backyard real estate.
• Weather sensitive – Wind and cold can really mess with your temps unless you insulate or adjust constantly.

Best For

• BBQ purists who want full flavor and full control
• Weekend warriors with time and patience to spare
• Pitmaster hopefuls who love the process as much as the food

Wood Reviews

• Oklahoma Joe Smoker Review

Charcoal Grills – Classic, Bold, and Hands-On

Charcoal is the original grilling fuel, and for a lot of us, it’s still the most satisfying way to cook. Well, maybe not the true original of just a campfire, but it’s close. There’s something about lighting the coals and watching that flame roll up over a steak that just hits different. Charcoal grills bring the real fire, real flavor experience that gas and pellet grills just can’t quite replicate. The results? Bold flavor, perfect sear marks, and that unmistakable smoky taste.

That said, charcoal grilling takes a bit more effort. You need to light the coals (unless you cheat with a starter cube—no judgment), manage the heat zones, and clean up ash when you’re done. But the tradeoff is that it puts you in the driver’s seat. You control the fire, the heat, the timing—it’s a hands-on experience that rewards attention and skill. If you enjoy the process just as much as the food, charcoal might be your go-to. One of the great things about charcoal is you can still use chunks of wood so you can create a wide variety of tastes depending upon what you are cooking.

Pro

• Bold, smoky flavor – That classic grilled taste comes straight from the charcoal.
• High heat for searing – Perfect for steaks, burgers, and anything that needs a good crust.
• More control – Set up heat zones, go indirect or direct—totally customizable.
• Affordable options – You can get a great charcoal grill without breaking the bank.
• No electricity or fuel lines – All you need is charcoal and a lighter.

Cons

• Slower to heat up – Expect 15–20 minutes before you’re ready to cook.
• More cleanup – You’ll be dealing with ash after every cook.
• Learning curve – Temperature control takes a little practice.
• Less convenient for fast meals – Not ideal when time is tight.

Best For

• Grillers who want that true fire-cooked flavor
• Weekend warriors who love the process as much as the meal
• People who enjoy customizing their cooking zones and heat
• Those who don’t mind a bit of hands-on effort for top-tier results

Charcoal Reviews

• Weber Performer Deluxe Review
• IG Charcoal BBQ

So Which One Is Right for You?

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about one more type of backyard cooker that didn’t quite fit into this comparison: griddles. While they aren’t technically grills in the traditional sense, they’ve exploded in popularity lately for a reason. Griddles like the Weber Slate or Blackstone give you a flat cooking surface that’s perfect for smash burgers, bacon, pancakes, stir-fry, you name it. They don’t offer that smoky, fire-kissed flavor like charcoal or pellet grills, but if you’re feeding a crowd or love cooking everything in one spot, a griddle might just earn a spot next to your main grill.

Griddle Reviews

Weber Slate Griddle

Weber 36″ Weber Griddle

Still not sure which way to go? Here’s a quick breakdown to help point you in the right direction:

• Go Propane if you value speed, convenience, and no-fuss cooking. It’s perfect for weeknight grilling, family dinners, or anyone who just wants to fire it up and get food on the table fast.
• Go Pellet if you’re all about smoke and flavor but still want modern convenience. It’s ideal for low-and-slow cooks, brisket fans, and folks who want to set it and forget it—with results that wow.
• Go Charcoal if you want bold flavor and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. It’s perfect for weekend warriors, grill purists, and anyone who sees grilling as an experience, not just a meal.
• Go Wood Smoker if you’re ready to dive deep. If you want competition-level results, love tending a fire, and have the time to master a craft, a traditional wood smoker might be your calling.
• Add a Griddle if you want to expand your outdoor setup. From breakfast to smash burgers, a griddle brings something entirely different—and totally worth it—to your cookout game.

The best part? You can’t really go wrong. Each one brings something special to the backyard.

My Situation

I’ll be honest, I own them all: propane, pellet, charcoal, a wood smoker, and a griddle. And believe it or not, I actually use them all, just some more than others.

My go-to grill is propane, plain and simple. It’s all about convenience. I work during the day, and at night I’m running around to sports with the kids. Weekends aren’t much calmer. So it’s usually propane because it’s fast, reliable, and perfect for quick dinners, especially when the kids are asking for hot dogs or burgers. I can fire it up, cook, and clean up without much thought.

That said, once a month I like to slow things down and break out the pellet grill. I love cooking short ribs and other meats low and slow, and the flavor is hard to beat, especially with a good cut. When we’ve got a relaxing weekend morning, I’ll fire up the griddle for a big breakfast: bacon, eggs, pancakes … the works. It’s always a hit.

The wood smoker? That’s a whole different story. The flavor, texture, and hands-on experience are next level, way beyond what a pellet grill can do. But it’s also a commitment. You’ve got to tend the fire and stay close, and right now, that kind of time is hard to come by. If I use it twice a year, it’s a good year, but every time I do, I tell myself I should use it more.

Now, as for my favorite? It’s charcoal, hands down. When I’ve got a killer piece of steak, the charcoal grill is what I reach for. I’ll toss on a couple chunks of wood, season the meat with just salt, pepper, and butter, and let the grill do the rest. The flavor, the smell, the whole experience, it’s just unbeatable. I wish I had more time to cook on it, but when I do, it’s always worth it.

Wrap Up

So, which grill should you buy? The truth is, there’s no single right answer, just the right grill (or grills) for your life, your schedule, and your flavor goals. Each style has its own strengths, trade-offs, and signature experience. Whether you’re firing up a propane grill for a quick weeknight dinner, letting a brisket ride low and slow on a pellet grill, flipping pancakes on a griddle, or searing a steak over hot charcoal, it’s all about what fits your world.

I’ve been lucky enough to own and cook on all of them, and they each bring something different to the table (literally!). Some I use daily, others just a few times a year, but when I do, it’s always worth it. If you’re just starting out, pick what fits your routine. If you’ve already got one type, maybe it’s time to add another to your lineup. Whatever you choose, just make sure it gets you outside, gets the fire going, and gets something great on your plate.

Because at the end of the day, grilling isn’t just about food—it’s about the experience.

The post Propane, Pellet, Charcoal – Which Grill Is Best for You? appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I’ve been a Hilti fan for decades—since the late ’80s, actually—and that loyalty isn’t just about brand name. It’s about trust. Tools come and go, but Hilti has always stood out for one reason: quality. That’s exactly what you get with the Hilti VC 5, their compact wet/dry construction vacuum with a pushbar. Whether it’s their rotary hammers, impact drivers, or something as straightforward as a vacuum, Hilti doesn’t cut corners.

A lot of brands chase headlines—trying to be first to market, rushing products out to boost sales. Hilti doesn’t play that game. They take their time, and it shows. Every tool they release is built to withstand jobsite abuse, offer real value to workers, and function like a true professional-grade piece of equipment. The VC 5 is no exception. It might not be flashy, but it’s rugged, powerful, and designed to get the job done day in and day out.

Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Overview

This is the Hilti VC 5 in all its compact glory. It’s a wet/dry vacuum designed specifically for daily jobsite cleanups, whether you’re dealing with fine dust or wet messes. Despite its small size, it holds up to 5 gallons and delivers a strong 140 CFM of suction, which is impressive for something this portable. When equipped with the optional HEPA filter, it also meets OSHA 1926.1153 Table 1 compliance standards for silica dust, making it a serious tool for keeping your jobsite safe and clean.

1 of 2

The VC 5 is built to move with you. It’s got large rubber wheels in the back that handle rough jobsite terrain, and locking casters in the front to keep it steady when you need it to stay put. Whether you’re dragging it across concrete or rolling through a garage, it moves smooth and stays stable. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re constantly on the move.

Up front, the Hilti VC 5 keeps things simple and functional. The hose port is easy to access.  Just to the right is the on/off dial, which is large and easy to turn—even with gloves on.

Right on top of the VC 5, you’ll find one of its most useful features—the push-button filter cleaner. Just give it a press and it knocks the dust loose from the filter to help maintain suction without having to open the vacuum or dig anything out. It’s quick, easy, and keeps the performance strong, especially during heavy use.

The large carrying handle on top makes moving the VC 5 super convenient. It’s sturdy and gives you a solid grip when lifting it into a truck, carrying it up stairs, or just repositioning around the site. And when you’re not using it, it folds away cleanly so it’s not in the way or snagging on things.

1 of 2

One of the standout features of the VC 5 is the retractable push bar. When extended, it gives you easy control and maneuverability—especially useful when rolling it across larger job sites or rough surfaces. When you don’t need it, the bar folds back neatly into the body, keeping a low profile and staying completely out of the way.

The VC 5 comes with an 11.5-foot power cord, giving you plenty of reach to move around without constantly switching outlets. It’s long enough for most jobsite setups, and when you’re done, the cord wraps neatly around the back for easy storage.

On the side of the VC 5, you’ve got on-board storage that actually works. It’s built to hold the metal extension tubes securely, so they’re always within reach and not rolling around your truck or jobsite. Everything stays neat, tight, and easy to access, which means less setup time and fewer lost parts.

The Hilti VC 5 comes equipped with a 10-foot hose, providing ample length for most jobsite tasks. This allows for efficient cleaning without the constant need to reposition the vacuum. While a 10 foot hose is nice, it would be great to see Hilti offer an upgrade length for those who want something longer when you are cleaning a larger area.

1 of 2

The dust bag inside the VC 5 does a great job of trapping fine particles and keeping everything contained. What I really like is that when you remove the bag, it has a built-in cover that automatically seals it off. That means no clouds of dust flying everywhere when it’s time to empty it—just pull it out, toss it, and move on.

While the bag is nice, this is equipped with a HEPA filter which we all know is great for any jobsite.

1 of 2

The wide floor nozzle is perfect for quick cleanup of dirt and debris across larger areas. It covers a lot of ground fast and gets right down to the surface. What’s nice is that you can swap out the brush inserts for rubber blades, which makes it ideal for wet pickups too.

Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Performance

1 of 3

To put the Hilti VC 5 to the test, we ran it through three real-world scenarios: sawdust, bolts, and water. First, we dumped out a full bucket of sawdust and used the floor brush attachment to clean it up. Honestly, it picked it up way faster than we expected—no clogs, no lag, just clean passes. Next, we sucked up large nuts and bolts, and the hose had zero issue picking them up, which speaks to both the suction power and the durability of the hose. Finally, we hit the bucket of water—and the VC 5 sucked it completely dry in no time. No hesitation, just pure power. This vacuum definitely punches above its weight class.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tools In Action (@toolsinaction)

Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Value

The Hilti VC 5 starts at $349, and if you want the version with the push bar, it comes in at $414. And honestly? It’s worth every penny. You’re getting a compact, powerful vacuum, easy to move around, and built to handle tough jobsite cleanup without breaking a sweat. For how well it performs across dust, debris, and liquid, it easily justifies the price.

Hilti’s Tool Warranty: 20 years on materials and workmanship, 2 years on wear and tear, and in and out of the repair center in one day, guaranteed, or the repair is free.

But what really sets it apart is what comes with the vacuum—Hilti’s legendary support network. If something goes wrong, they’ve got people in the field who can get you taken care of fast. That means less downtime, fewer headaches, and more time actually getting work done. It’s not just about the tool—it’s about the total package, and Hilti delivers.

Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Wrap Up

The Hilti VC 5 might be compact, but it delivers big-time performance. It handles everything from fine sawdust to heavy bolts and even standing water—without skipping a beat. It’s easy to maneuver, easy to maintain, and powerful enough to handle serious cleanup jobs on any site. Add in features like the push-button filter cleaner, folding push bar, and on-board storage, and it’s clear this vacuum was built with the pro in mind.

At the end of the day, it’s a Hilti—built to last, built to perform, and backed by one of the best service networks in the industry. If you need a vacuum that’s ready to work, the VC 5 is more than up to the task.  It’s the best compact vacuum we have tested.

The post Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum – Tough, Compact, and Built to Work appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I know, I know, another grilling article. You’d think I’d be done by now and honestly, I was planning to be. Just one more and that was it. But then I was out back, giving my old Monument grill a long-overdue spring clean-up, and it hit me. I remembered the time I completely ruined one of my old grills by cleaning it the wrong way. I clogged the burners,  ruined them, and it was a mess. So I figured one more article on how to clean your grill after its winter rest.

To be fair, I leave my grills outside all year long, no covers, no shelter, just out there in the wild. So when spring rolls around, they look like they’ve been through battle. But over the years, I’ve figured out how to bring them back to life and ready for another summer gilling season. So before you fire yours up, here’s a no-BS guide to getting your grill clean, safe, and ready for action… without making the same mistakes I did.

Step 1: Do a Full Inspection First

Before you start scrubbing or spraying anything down, take a few minutes to give your grill a proper once-over. I like to think of this step as a grill health check, you’re not cleaning yet, just diagnosing. Pop the lid, open the cabinet if it has one, and take a close look at what you’re working with.

Start with the inside. If you’re like me and leave your grill outside without a cover, there’s a good chance you’ll find rust on the grates, maybe even on the burners or inside the firebox. Light surface rust isn’t the end of the world, but if things are flaking or falling apart, you might need to replace a few parts.

Next, look for spider webs, nests, or anything weird tucked inside, especially around the burner tubes. It’s surprisingly common, especially in propane grills, for spiders or bugs to block gas flow. I’ve also had the not-so-pleasant experience of finding mouse droppings or chewed insulation after a long winter. But it’s better to find it now than while preheating for burgers.

Don’t forget to check the gas lines and wires. On a gas grill, make sure the hose isn’t cracked and that the regulator still feels snug. Look around the ignition button too; if there are loose wires or corrosion, it might be time to repair or replace the igniter.

This step takes five minutes, tops, but it can save you a ton of frustration (and possibly an accidental flare-up). Once everything checks out, you’re cleared to move on to the fun part: deep cleaning the grates.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Grates (The Right Way)

Let’s be real, if your grill’s been sitting all winter, the grates probably look like something out of a horror movie. That’s okay. We can fix it. But here’s the key: don’t go at them like you’re sanding a deck. The wrong method (or the wrong tool) can damage your grates, especially if they’re porcelain-coated or cast iron, trust me, I found out the hard way.

Start by removing the grates and knocking off any loose debris with a stiff nylon or brass-bristle grill brush, never steel wire. Not only can steel damage the surface, but those bristles can break off and end up in your food later. If things are really caked on, soak the grates in warm, soapy water for 20–30 minutes, then scrub gently with a grill-safe pad or sponge.  I take mine off and use a power washer.

For cast iron grates, dry them completely afterward and wipe on a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent rust. Stainless grates? You can go a little harder, but still avoid anything too abrasive.  I use Barkeeper’s Friend on stainless steel and it works great.  For porcelain-coated? Treat them like nonstick cookware—gentle is the name of the game.

If your grates are beyond saving, pitted, flaking, or warped, it might be time to replace them. But if they’re still solid, a good clean will bring them back to life and help your food taste like grilled meat, not last summer’s leftovers.

Step 3: Clean the Burners, Tubes & Drip Trays

This is where the real performance of your grill lives and it’s often the dirtiest, most ignored area. The burners and drip trays do all the behind-the-scenes work, and after sitting all winter, they’re usually full of gunk, grease, rust, or worse.

Start with the burners. If you have a gas grill, pull them out carefully and look for clogs, rust, or spider webs—yes, spiders love burner tubes. A toothpick, small brush, or compressed air can help clear out the ports. Make sure the flame holes are clean and not blocked, or you’ll get uneven heating or flare-ups.

Next up: drip trays. Most grills have a removable tray or pan beneath the burners that catches grease and debris. These get nasty fast. Pull it out, dump anything solid, and soak it in warm, soapy water. If it’s lined with foil or has a disposable pan, now’s the time to replace it.  I have forgotten to replace mine and when a little water gets in there, it’s nasty.

While you’re in there, it’s not a bad idea to scrape out the bottom of the firebox. Just use a plastic scraper or putty knife and get all the flaky carbon and old food out. Trust me your grill will breathe better, and your food will taste cleaner.

Also check the Flavor bars or the bars above the burners.  I know they usually last for a long time, but if I see rust, I replace mine.  You can still use them but it’s just a thing I like to do.

Once the insides are clear and the burners are back in place, you’re on your way to a grill that not only looks better but cooks better, too.

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Outside

We spend so much time scrubbing the inside of our grills that the outside ends up looking like it just returned from a camping trip. But if you want your grill to last and look good doing it, you’ve got to give the exterior some love too.

Start with a damp cloth and a mild soapy solution to wipe down the lid, shelves, and control panel. For stainless steel grills, use a soft cloth and go with the grain, no scouring pads. If you’ve got years of buildup, a little white vinegar mixed with water can cut through grease without damaging the finish. Just avoid harsh chemicals or oven cleaners, they’ll ruin the look and may even damage painted or coated surfaces.

Check your knobs, ignition button, and thermometer, too. Make sure everything turns smoothly and hasn’t gotten brittle from cold weather. And if your grill has side tables or a cabinet, now’s a good time to clear them out and give them a quick wipe as well.

You don’t have to do this, but after I clean everything on the grill, I light it up and let it burn for 15 minutes.

What Not To Do

Here is a list of mistakes you don’t want to make that can turn a simple clean-up into a costly replacement.

Don’t use a wire brush with loose bristles. Those cheap steel brushes can shed tiny metal pieces that end up in your food, and trust me, no one wants to bite into a burger and end up in urgent care. Stick with a nylon bristle brush or a brass-bristled one that won’t damage your grates or your dinner.

Don’t use oven cleaner. It might sound like a good idea, but those harsh chemicals can corrode finishes, especially on stainless steel or porcelain coatings. Plus, they leave behind residues that can mess with your food’s flavor.

Don’t pressure wash the inside. Blasting the inside of your grill might seem efficient, but it can force water into burner ports, wiring, or insulation – setting you up for rust, mold, or worse. Save the pressure washer for the driveway.

Don’t forget to reconnect the gas line. Seriously. If you disconnected anything to clean, double-check your connections before you light up. A loose hose or regulator can turn that first cookout into a fire drill.

Wrap Up

Giving your grill a proper clean after a long winter isn’t just about looks, it’s about performance and extending its life. A little time now saves you from uneven heat, flare-ups, mystery smells, or the dreaded “why won’t this thing light?”.

I get it. Cleaning your grill isn’t exactly the highlight of Spring, but if you follow the steps above, you’ll be grilling with confidence in no time.

Or, if you’re feeling like skipping all the mess altogether, there’s always the other option: buy yourself a shiny new grill and pretend this one never happened.

The post How to Clean Your Grill After a Long Winter (Without Ruining It) appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to backyard grilling, Weber is one of those names everyone knows. It’s been a staple on patios for decades, known for reliable performance, solid construction, and grills that hold up season after season. The Weber Spirit EP-435 carries on that tradition with a mix of classic features and modern upgrades. It comes backed by a solid warranty too—10 years on the cookbox, lid, and stainless steel burner tubes, and 5 years on the cooking grates and flavorizer bars. That kind of coverage tells you they believe in what they’re building.

I’ve owned a bunch of Weber products over the years, including an older Spirit, a classic kettle, and my personal favorite—the Weber Performer Deluxe, which is still one of the best charcoal grills I’ve used. So when it came time to test the Spirit EP-435, expectations were high. I was looking for that familiar Weber build quality, smart layout, and a grill that makes life easier—not harder—on busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.

Our Weber Reviews

• A Look at the History of Grilling: Our Trip to Weber
• Weber Performer Deluxe Review
• Weber Slate Griddle

Weber EP-435 Overview

The Weber Spirit EP-435 has that classic Weber look—clean, sharp lines and a design that feels solid from top to bottom. It’s a good size without being massive, and the layout is simple to navigate, whether you’re cooking a quick dinner or loading it up for a weekend get-together.

With the lid open, you get a clear look at the cooking space and layout. The Spirit EP-435 gives you 533 square inches total—428 on the primary cooking surface and another 105 on the warming rack up top. The grates are cast iron coated in porcelain enamel, which means great heat retention and easy cleanup. Right below the grates are Weber’s signature Flavorizer bars, which help distribute heat and add a little extra smoky flavor by catching drippings and turning them into sizzle.

The four front knobs control the Spirit EP-435’s stainless steel burners, which put out a total of 35,000 BTUs. The two knobs on the right double as a sear zone controller, giving you 40% more power when you need that high heat for steaks or chops. Each burner uses Weber’s Snap-Jet Ignition system, so you get a quick, reliable light-up with just a turn and a push—no fussing with matches, lighters or the ignition that take batteries and work for about a month. The layout’s simple and intuitive.

1 of 2

The cabinet doors on the bottom give the Spirit EP-435 a clean, tucked-in look when closed, and inside there’s room for your propane tank and a little extra storage. This model runs on propane, but it can be converted to natural gas if that’s your setup. The enclosed design keeps things protected and gives the grill a more finished, premium feel compared to open-cart designs.

1 of 2

On the left side of the Spirit EP-435, there’s a 12,000 BTU side burner that’s perfect for whipping up sauces, boiling water, or cooking sides while the main grill is going. It has its own dedicated control knob, so it works independently from the main burners. When you’re not using it, the lid flips down to give you extra prep space, which always comes in handy. It’s one of those features you don’t always think about—but once you have it, you’ll use it all the time.

On the right side of the grill, there’s a small LED digital thermometer that gives you a quick readout of the internal grill temperature. It’s easy to see, even during the day, and helps you keep tabs without constantly lifting the lid. It’s a nice bonus feature that adds a bit of precision, especially for longer cooks where maintaining consistent heat matters – simple, but effective.

For me, while I like this and think it’s cool, I am still a fan of the old gauges that are in the lid, and you can see the needle move up or down.  Just a preference for me.

1 of 2

The right side shelf does more than just hold your tray of burgers. It’s part of the Weber Works system, which means you can leave it as a basic prep shelf or upgrade it with a range of accessories like cutting boards, containers, and tool hooks. It’s a flexible setup that lets you customize your grill space to match how you cook. Out of the box, it’s useful—but with the add-ons, it becomes a real workstation.

1 of 2

Both the right and left shelves come with built-in hooks that can hold up to two tools each—great for keeping your tongs, spatula, or brush right where you need them. But what really stands out is how solid these shelves feel. They’re not flimsy or wobbly like you find on some grills in this price range. You can actually lean on them, prep on them, and trust they’re not going anywhere.

1 of 2

The Spirit EP-435 has a well-thought-out grease management system that makes cleanup a lot less of a hassle. Grease drips into a disposable tray, which you can easily access and swap out from underneath. Even better, there’s a rear access panel that lets you remove the full grease pan from the back of the grill—no awkward reaching or tilting required. It’s a clean, simple system that makes post-cook cleanup quick and painless.

Weber Spirit EP-435 Performance

Right out of the gate, the Spirit EP-435 makes things easy. The Snap-Jet Ignition lights the burners fast and smooth—no clicking or holding buttons forever. The grill heats up quickly, which is huge when you’re short on time and just trying to get dinner done. Everything about it feels solid, from the lid to the knobs to the shelves. And even on a windy day, the flames held steady and the heat stayed consistent, which says a lot about the design and build. It just works the way a grill should.

So what did I cook?

1 of 3

For this cook, I threw on a ribeye and topped it with some lobster meat and a little sauce—surf and turf style. I also grilled up some burgers, chicken wings, and pork chops (though I forgot to snap pics of a few before they disappeared). Everything cooked up perfectly, and it was easy to manage the different temps and timing across the burners. Whether it was high-heat searing or indirect cooking, the Spirit EP-435 handled it all.

I debated whether to include this shot—it’s not the prettiest plate of food you’ll see. I used the warming rack to reheat a burger, a chicken wing, and some pork chops, then just tossed everything into a bowl. It might not win any presentation awards, but the food came out hot, juicy, and full of flavor. Sometimes it’s not about how it looks—it’s about how it eats, and this definitely delivered.

Weber Spirit EP-435 Value

The Weber has a price tag of $799 from Weber or Ace Hardware. For what you’re getting, the Weber Spirit EP-435 brings a lot to the table. It’s priced in that mid-to-high range, but the quality, features, and reliability justify it. You’re getting four solid burners, a sear zone, a side burner, a digital thermometer, and a build that actually feels like it’ll last—not just survive a couple seasons. The Snap-Jet Ignition, flavorizer bars, and solid shelves make it easy to use, and the whole experience just feels polished.

Sure, there are less expensive grills out there, but you’d be giving up things like the rock-solid lid, the flexibility of the Weber Works system, and the long-term durability. Plus, with a 10-year warranty on key components, you’re backed up well past the first few summers. If you grill often and want something that performs without frustration, this one’s worth the investment.

Weber Spirit EP-435 Wrap Up

The Weber Spirit EP-435 checks all the boxes for what I want in a gas grill. It’s easy to use, quick to light, heats up fast, and delivers consistent performance—even when the weather isn’t ideal. The build feels solid, the layout makes sense, and the extra features like the side burner, sear zone, and warming rack all actually get used—not just take up space.

Whether you’re grilling a quick dinner on a weeknight or loading it up for a full weekend cookout, the Spirit EP-435 handles it without missing a beat. It’s the kind of grill that just works—and when you’re juggling time, family, and food, that’s exactly what you want.

The post Steak Night Just Got Serious – Meet the Weber Spirit EP-435 appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to dig your tools out of hibernation and get them back in fighting shape. Whether it’s your mower, trimmer, blower, or chainsaw, nothing ruins a weekend faster than unsuccessfully trying to fire up a tool that hasn’t been touched since fall. That’s why a little spring lawn equipment maintenance goes a long way. With just a bit of time, you can get your gear running smoother, cutting cleaner, and lasting all season. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what to service, sharpen, and replace so your lawn equipment is ready to go when you are.  I understand that the world is changing from gas to battery, but we still need to maintain our OPE tools, plus there are still people who have gas.

What to Service

When it comes to service, the one great thing about a battery mower is you really don’t have to do anything for the service side except, charge your battery.  So this area really pertains to gas mowers, blowers, and other small engine products.

Change the Oil – If you didn’t do it in the fall before storage.

If your equipment has a gas engine – like a lawn mower, pressure washer, or tiller, changing the oil should be at the top of your to-do list. Dirty oil can wear down internal parts fast, especially after sitting idle all winter.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

A clogged or dirty air filter chokes your engine and reduces performance. Most are easy to pop out and clean with compressed air, or you can replace them for just a few bucks.

Inspect Spark Plugs

If your tool’s not starting like it should, a fouled spark plug might be the culprit. Pull it, check for gunk or carbon buildup, and swap it out if it’s past its prime. It’s cheap insurance.

Drain Old Fuel / Add Stabilizer

Probably the number one reason these tools don’t start, bad gas.  Gas doesn’t last as long as it used to.  Gas can go bad in as little as three months.  Sure, it will work in a car because it runs hot, but not in these small engines.

Old fuel is one of the top causes of spring startup issues. Drain last year’s leftovers and refill with fresh gas. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer if your tools tend to sit unused for long stretches.

What to Sharpen

This section is geared towards gas and battery powered equipment.  Even though battery-powered is simpler, you still have to sharpen certain items as they wear down after use.

Lawn Mower Blades

If your mower blade is dull, you’ll notice the grass looking ragged after you cut. A quick sharpening helps ensure a clean, even trim. Remove the blade (disconnect the spark plug first if it’s battery, make sure you take the battery out), give it a few clean passes with a file or grinder, and balance it before reinstalling. If it’s nicked or worn down? Time to replace.

Chainsaw Chains

Chainsaw not slicing like it used to? A dull chain makes the saw work harder, burns more fuel or batteries, and puts more wear on the motor. Use a round file or chainsaw sharpener to bring it back to life, or swap the chain if it’s past the point of saving.

Hedge Trimmers & Shears

Manual or powered, hedge trimmers need a sharp edge to slice cleanly through branches and stems. Lubricate the blades after sharpening to keep them running smoothly and prevent rust.

String Trimmers

While string trimmers don’t get “sharpened” per se, make sure the line is fresh. Old line becomes brittle and snaps more easily. Replace it with new, quality line and check that your spool is feeding correctly.  Line isn’t that expensive but there is nothing more frustrating than when the line keeps snapping or breaking.

What to Replace

Some parts just wear out.  It’s the nature of working outdoors. Spring is the best time to take inventory and replace anything that’s cracked, stretched, brittle, or just plain worn down. Replacing these now can save you from a breakdown halfway through a mow or a mid-season trip to the repair shop.

Belts & Cables

On riding mowers, tillers, and even snow blowers that didn’t get cleaned before storage, belts can dry out, crack, or loosen. Cables (especially throttle or drive cables) can fray or seize. If it feels sticky or inconsistent, it’s probably time for a replacement.

Fuel Filters & Fuel Lines

Rubber fuel lines and in-line filters can harden, crack, or clog over time, especially if fuel was left sitting in the tank over the winter. Check for any leaks, brittleness, or discoloration and replace if needed.

Spark Arrestors & Mufflers

If you’ve noticed poor performance or louder-than-usual noise, your spark arrestor screen might be clogged, or your muffler may have rusted. These are often overlooked, but they’re easy to swap out and it can make a big difference.

String Trimmer Spools & Edger Blades

If you’re using a string trimmer, make sure your spool is full and feeding properly. For edgers, check your blade, it wears down faster than most people think. Swapping it out makes edging cleaner and easier.

Wheels & Handles

Loose or cracked mower wheels and worn-out handles or grips are easy to ignore—but they affect maneuverability and comfort. Spring’s a good time to tighten, replace, or upgrade them while everything’s already out.

Other Items to Consider

Now that you’ve checked off the essentials, here are a few extra tools and add-ons that can make your spring lawn equipment maintenance faster, easier, and even more effective.

Fuel Stabilizer

Adding a stabilizer to fresh gas can extend its life and protect your engine, especially useful if you have equipment that doesn’t get used regularly. It’s cheap insurance against gummed-up carburetors.

Lubricants & Grease

WD-40 is great for freeing things up, but also stock up on proper grease or dry lube for things like wheel axles, trimmer heads, and cable housings.

Owner’s Manuals

Don’t toss them, use them. They’ll tell you the right parts, service intervals, and even torque specs. If you’ve lost yours, most can be found online with a quick search.  I can’t tell you how many I have tossed out thinking I won’t need them and then it bites me in the butt.  Yes, you can go online and find them, but it’s not always easy.

Spring Maintenance Wrap Up

Doing a little spring lawn equipment maintenance now means you’ll spend less time yanking on cords, unclogging filters, or replacing broken parts when the grass is knee-high. It’s one of those “pay now or pay later” situations—and trust me, it’s a lot nicer to deal with this stuff before everything grows wild.

But if all this sounds like a lot of work, here’s a pro tip: you can skip most of it by investing in some good battery-powered outdoor tools. No oil changes, no gas cans, no spark plugs, no drama. Just grab a battery, push a button, and go. You’ll save time, your back, and about 12 curse words per project. Just sayin’.

The post Spring Power Equipment Prep: What to Service, Sharpen, and Replace appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I’ve been a big fan of Z Grills for a while now, and after using several of their smokers, I’ve come to trust their quality and consistency. The Z Grills 700D3 keeps that streak alive—it’s a solid pellet smoker built for folks who want real wood-fired flavor without the hassle. Whether I’m cooking low and slow or running a quick smoke session for dinner, Z Grills has never let me down.

What’s even more impressive is their long game. Z Grills has been manufacturing grills for over 30 years, and they back it up with one of the best programs I’ve seen in the industry. If you buy a grill through their site, you can sign up for a program where they’ll send you up to ten more over your lifetime—one every five years for free, just pay $100 shipping. Check out this program on their website.

Z Grills 700D3 Overview

The Z Grills 700D3 has a clean, tough look right out of the gate. It’s built with heavy-duty materials and dual-wall insulation that helps it hold heat steady—whether it’s a calm day or a windy one. It comes with a 3-year warranty, and it’s a great fit whether you’re just getting into smoking or you’ve been at it for years. This thing isn’t just a smoker either—it can handle baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing, and even chargrilling.

The lid on the 700D3 feels solid and well-built—no thin sheet metal here. The handle stays cool during cooking, and the lid lifts smoothly without any wobble or flex. It’s a small detail, but it speaks to the overall build quality.

Open the lid and you get a good look at the 697 square inches of total cooking space. The main rack gives you 504 square inches to work with, and there’s another 193 square inches on the upper rack—plenty of room whether you’re smoking a few racks of ribs or loading it up for a crowd.

The heat baffle inside the 700D3 is noticeably thick and solid—definitely a step up from the thin, flimsy ones we’ve seen in some other smokers. That extra heft helps it hold and distribute heat more evenly, which means better consistency across the cooking surface.

Right under the baffle is the smoker box, and it’s easy to access and clean—something you’ll appreciate after a long smoke session. The design makes it simple to pull out the baffle and clean out any ash or buildup without making a mess.

The smoke stack sits on the right side of the 700D3 and helps control airflow and draw during your cook. It’s a classic pellet smoker design that does its job well and adds to that traditional look.

The grease bucket hangs off the side and does a good job catching drips during long cooks. I’d suggest grabbing some tin inserts for it—makes cleanup even easier since you can just toss the liner instead of scrubbing out the bucket.

The control panel on the 700D3 runs on a PID 2.0 controller, which keeps temps steady and makes low-and-slow cooks almost hands-off. It’s got a temp range from 160°F to 450°F, giving you plenty of flexibility whether you’re smoking or cranking things up to sear. The LCD screen is easy to read, even in daylight, and it shows both the grill temp and probe temps clearly. It also comes with two meat probes, which is great for monitoring multiple cuts at once without having to lift the lid.

The hopper on the 700D3 holds up to 28 pounds of pellets, which is more than enough for an all-day smoke. (According to Z Grills, a full hopper provides 28 hours of non-stop cooking.) The hopper easily fits a full standard bag, so there’s no need to measure or guess. There’s also a clean-out door on the back, which makes swapping out pellets or emptying the hopper super simple.

1 of 2

The front of the grill has two sturdy cabinet doors that swing open to reveal a good amount of storage underneath. It’s a great spot for keeping your pellets, tools, foil, or whatever else you use regularly. The doors close up tight and give the grill a clean look overall, while also keeping your gear out of the weather.

The grill rolls around on four casters, which also lock, making it easy to reposition when needed. I do wish the wheels were a little bigger and rolled a bit smoother, especially on uneven surfaces, but they still get the job done. Once locked in place, the grill stays put, so you’re not chasing it across the patio mid-cook.

Z Grills 700D3 Performance

1 of 4

This slideshow shows what I threw on for the first big cook—short ribs and chicken party wings. The “before” shots give you an idea of the prep, while the “after” shots show off that perfect smoke and color the 700D3 can deliver. The ribs came out with a nice bark and pull, and the wings had that crispy skin with juicy insides. It’s always satisfying when the results look as good as they taste.

Z Grills 700D3 Value

At $777, the Z Grills 700D3 hits a really solid price point for what you’re getting. The build quality is there—heavy-duty materials, dual-wall insulation, a clean layout, and thoughtful features that actually make your life easier. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it smoker thanks to the PID controller, and with the large hopper and consistent temps, it’s perfect for long cooks without babysitting.

Sure, I wish the casters were a bit bigger, but for most folks, that’s not even an issue—you’re probably parking this on your patio and leaving it there. Between the cooking space, versatility (smoke, roast, sear, bake—you name it), and how beginner-friendly it is, this smoker offers real value. Plus, Z Grills backs it with a 3-year warranty and that long-term loyalty program, which sweetens the deal even more.

Z Grills 700D3 Final Thoughts

The Z Grills 700D3 is everything I look for in a pellet smoker—solid build, great cooking performance, and features that make the whole process easier, not more complicated. Whether you’re just getting started with smoking or you’ve been doing it for years, this grill hits that sweet spot between ease of use and serious capability.

For under $800, you’re getting a lot: a big cooking area, reliable temp control, smart storage, and a design that feels built to last. Add in the lifetime program where you can get a new grill every five years, and it’s one of the best long-term values out there. Bottom line—if you want great results without the guesswork, the 700D3 delivers.

Other Z Grill Reviews

• Z Grills Review – Is this Top Dog or Should You Pass it Up?
• Z Grills Review – Backyard Warrior 7002C2E
• FREE Z Grills 700D3 Pellet Grill. Find Out How to Get Yours!
• Z Grills BBQ Legend Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

The post Z Grills 700D3 – Set It, Forget It, Smoke Everything appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

That’s right—Tools in Action is now officially on Discord and we’re fired up to finally have a place where we can all hang out, talk shop, and keep the tool talk going 24/7. Whether you’re a die-hard DIYer, a weekend warrior, a professional, or someone who just wants to see what’s new in the power tool world—we’ve got a spot for you.

Inside the server, you’ll find rooms for just about everything:

• Want to stay updated on our latest Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok posts? We’ve got a Social Media Feed for that.

• Want to catch up on our most recent write-ups and product reviews? Hit the Website News channel.

• Got thoughts on the latest power tools, hand tools, OPE, or test & measurement gear? We’ve got dedicated channels for each.

• Looking to swap or sell gear? Check out the Tool Exchange.

• Just wanna rant about your workplace or ask what tool you actually need? Yep—there’s a Workplace room for that too.

We’re keeping it fun, casual, and all about the community. So come on over, drop a meme, ask a question, or just lurk and soak it all in.

This is where the real tool talk happens—see you on Discord!

The post Wrenches, Power Tools, and Real Talk: We’re on Discord appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

As a busy dad, my time is limited. Between work, a quick 30-minute pit stop at home, and playing Uber driver for my kids, I don’t have hours to prep meals. When I do get a chance to grill, I keep it simple—salt, pepper, butter, and smoke. That’s it. So I need a grill that can deliver flavor and deliver it fast.

That’s where the Monument Eminence 605 comes in. It’s the granddaddy grill I’ve been looking for—big enough to handle a variety of picky eater requests at once, built with quality that doesn’t feel cheap, and loaded with features I’ll actually use. The searing station is a game changer for steaks, and the rotisserie is perfect for the rare weekend when I actually have time to let something spin to perfection. So let’s take a look under the hood.

Monument Eminence 605 Overview

The Monument Eminence 605 makes a solid first impression. The stainless steel finish gives it a clean, modern look without being over the top. It’s got size, presence, and feels like something built to stick around for more than a couple seasons. In fact this is a durable stainless steel grill with an enclosed back and waterproof seals.  And with a 10-year warranty backing it up, you can tell Monument stands behind it.

Once you open the lid, you really get a sense of how much space you’re working with. The Monument 605 gives you 640 square inches of primary cooking space, plus an extra 220 up top for warming or toasting. The stainless steel grates are solid—7mm thick—so they hold heat well and don’t feel flimsy. You can fit a lot on here, which is a win when everyone in the family wants something different or if you are hosting a party.

Under the grates, you’ve got stainless steel flavor bars that cover the burners. They help distribute heat more evenly and catch drippings, which means less flare-ups and more flavor. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re trying to keep things juicy without burning everything. Plus, they’re easy to pull out and clean when needed.

The 605 comes with six main burners that put out 89,000 total BTU’s, and each one has its own control knob. What’s cool is the knobs light up and change color based on the heat zone—making it easy to know what’s hot and what’s not, especially when you’re grilling at night. The electronic ignition fires things up fast with just a press, no fussing with lighters or matches.

1 of 2

Over on the right side of the grill, there’s a red control knob that lights up the rear infrared burner. That’s what powers the built-in rotisserie, and it gets hot fast. When you’ve got time to throw on a whole chicken or roast, this setup gives you that slow-rotating, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside kind of cooking. It’s a nice bonus feature that actually gets used.

The bottom of the grill has two solid cabinet doors that feel more like something you’d find on a good tool chest than a cheap grill. They’re thick, close with a solid click, and actually stay shut—no rattling or popping open. It’s a small touch, but it adds to that overall quality feel. Plus, there’s decent storage space inside for your tools, tank, or whatever else you want to stash.

1 of 2

Open up the doors, and there’s a nice setup inside. The propane tank is on the right side, and a wire shelf on the left side.  On the door sits a basket for waste.  If propane’s not your thing, it’s also ready for a natural gas conversion.

This is one of the smartest features on the grill. The propane tank sits right on a built-in scale that connects to the control panel, so you always know how much fuel you’ve got left. No more guessing or shaking the tank mid-cook. It’s a small upgrade you don’t see on most grills, but once you have it, you won’t want to go without it.

The grill sits on four casters that make it easy to move around the patio, deck, or my busted-up concrete driveway. While I wouldn’t mind if they were a bit bigger, they’re solid and roll well, even on uneven surfaces. They lock in place securely, so once it’s where you want it, it’s not going anywhere. For a grill this size, they do the job just fine.

1 of 3

On the left side of the grill, there’s an infrared sear burner tucked under a lidded side shelf. When it’s closed, it works just like extra prep space, but lift the lid and you’ve got serious heat ready to go. The front knob gives you full control, and the burner gets hot fast—perfect for locking in a crust on steaks or getting a quick char on veggies. It’s one of those features that’s actually useful, not just for show.

1 of 2

The right side of the grill doubles as a prep area and houses the main control panel. It’s IPX8 water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about a little rain or splatter messing it up. The panel gives you the grill’s internal temp, the propane level (color coded for quick checks), and readings from two included meat probes. It’s clean, easy to read, and adds a bit of high-tech.

1 of 5

Around the back of the grill, there’s a fold-down access door that gives you direct access to the drip pan. It’s a smart design that makes cleanup way easier—you don’t have to crawl underneath or reach blindly from the front. Just pop it open, slide the pan out, dump it, and you’re good to go.

1 of 5

The Monument app connects via Bluetooth and gives you a full breakdown of what’s going on under the lid. You can see the current grill temp, individual temps for both meat probes, and even set target temps so you get an alert when your food hits the mark. It also includes a built-in timer and a few recipe ideas if you’re looking for inspiration. The layout is clean and easy to navigate—definitely not one of those clunky apps you delete after one use.

Monument Eminence 605 Performance

1 of 8

Assembly was pretty straightforward, but I’d suggest taking your time with it. I made the mistake of rushing and forgot to run a few wires under the top before bolting it down—so I had to take the whole top off and fix it. Not a big deal, but definitely one of those moments where slowing down would’ve saved time. Overall, it took a little while to put together, but the instructions are clear and the parts go together without a fight.

Once it was built, the quality really stood out. Monument is known for solid grills, but this one feels like a step up. The layout is smart, everything is where you’d want it, and the features actually make grilling easier.

For its maiden voyage, I went with a mixed bag: cod, steak, and hot dogs. Why? Because no one in my house agrees on dinner. One wants fish, one wants steak (me), and someone always wants a hot dog. So instead of keeping it simple, we go full buffet. But it was also a great way to test the grill—especially the indirect cooking and the sear station.

The grill handled everything like a champ. The cod cooked cleanly and held together perfectly in the basket (not included). The steak came out great using indirect heat, and when it was time to sear, the side burner brought the heat. A lot of grills do fine with direct cooking, but indirect heat is where some of them fall short—this one didn’t. I used the top warming rack for the dogs, like I always do, and they came out just right.

Follower out social channels because we will be showing this off with a turkey on the rotisserie, a cowboy steak, a Tomahawk steak and more.

Monument Eminence 605 Value

When you stack the Monument Eminence 605 up against other grills in this size range—with six burners, over 89,000 BTUs, a sear station, and a rotisserie—it holds its own, no question. Grills with a similar feature set from big-name brands can run you hundreds more, and some don’t even include things like the motorized rotisserie or built-in tank scale.

You’re getting a lot here: solid build quality, smart layout, real cooking power, and bonus features that you’ll actually use—not just marketing fluff. It’s not a cheap grill, but it doesn’t feel overpriced either. For the money, it delivers performance and features that compete with much higher-end models, and that 10-year warranty helps seal the deal. Bottom line—this thing feels like a solid investment, not a summer throwaway.

My Final Thoughts

The Monument Eminence 605 checks all the boxes for me. It’s big, built well, loaded with features I’ll actually use, and it looks great on the patio. From fast weeknight cooks to weekend rotisserie sessions, it handles it all without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for a serious grill that performs like a premium model without the insane price tag, this one’s worth a hard look.

The post Monument Eminence 605: Big Heat, Big Flavor, Big Personality appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Ladders are an essential piece of equipment whether you are a painter, electrician, contractor, or just a general handyman or gal. Ladders allow us to access high up places, but they are not exactly easy to move from location to location. This is where telescoping ladders come in handy. They can extend out far enough to get the job done, but fold-up compact enough to easily transport. However, telescoping ladders have their pitfalls. That is why I’m so excited to review the Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder. Not only does it extend over 12 ft. and fold-up to a fourth of its size, but it’s packed with safety and stability features that promote safe use each and every time you step on a ladder.

Today we’re taking you through these key features on the new Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder, and an honest review of my experience using it.

Overview of Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder

1 of 3

• Model Name: Werner Telescoping Ladder
• Model Number: TS1250
• Key Features: Ladder fully extends out to 12.5 ft. and collapses down to 35 in. and has a 300 lbs load capacity. Storage strap and handle make it easy to move ladder when compacted. Great stability from 20 in. wide base and slip-resistant non-marring feet. Smooth close from one-click locks and speed controlled lowering. Non-marring XL bumpers prevent buffing on surfaces.
• Price: $369
• Where to Buy: Coming soon to The Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Features of Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder

The Werner TS1250 is a telescoping ladder for professionals. It’s designed to be versatile and portable without sacrificing stability and safety.

Ladder Sizes & Load Capacity

1 of 3

The TS1250 is approximately 20 in. wide, which provides ample space for climbing up and down any ladder. The full extension height is 12.5 ft. but collapses down to only 35 in., or about a fourth of the fully extended size. It also has a four-step partial extension option (top step is approx. 45″ off the ground). This ladder can hold up to 300 lbs., which is average capacity for this size telescoping ladder.

Portability

When collapsed the storage strap wraps around the steps, and a carrying handle allows you to easily carry ladder from site to site. The ladder is made from a lightweight but durable aluminum and weighs 33 lbs.

Stability & Safety

Again, this ladder is 20 in. wide with a five step “wide work zone” on this model. In addition to the stability you get from the width, the ladder also has anti-slip non-marring feet to prevent the ladder from sliding out from under you.

The Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder is ANSI-rated and OSHA-certified.

Easy to Use

1 of 3

Let’s take a moment to focus on the locks. Before you step on the ladder you have the lock indicators that provide a visual cue that the ladder is locked and safe to step on. When you’re done, these same locks have one-click unlock and speed controlled lowering.

Performance Review

I’ll be honest: telescoping ladders are kind of scary to use. In my experience they all have some flex to them because they don’t have the added support of a traditional ladder. However, I’m happy to report that the Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder had the least amount of flex that I’ve experienced with this kind of ladder. All-around I found this ladder to be very sturdy. You can feel the non-marring feet and bumpers working with the locks to keep the ladder stable and prevent slips.

There are other convenience features I like about this ladder, but I wanted to talk about this first because stability and safety are the most important features when it comes to ladders.

However, I’m also happy to report that this was easy to extend and fold back up. The storage strap held it together, the handle made it easy to carry. The one-click unlock worked and it closed smoothly.

Where to Buy Werner TS1250

The Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder is not available yet but will be available for $369.99 at The Home Depot and Lowe’s. This price is slightly higher than some of the telescoping and extendable ladders of the same height, but Werner is a well-known and reputable ladder brand. So, you may pay $20-30 more, but you’re getting a brand you know and can trust.

Hopefully, the Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder will be available soon so you can use it to help with those spring and summer projects.

Read more Werner reviews

The post Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Woodworking has been a hobby of mine for over 30 years and in that time I have made a lot of stuff: furniture pieces, custom gifts for family members, shelves and home features, and plenty more I’m likely forgetting. A lot of this wouldn’t be possible without the free woodworking plans I’ve collected over the years. Today I’m sharing my favorite FREE woodworking plans from my favorite builders and sites. These plans have helped me develop my woodworking skills and create one-of-a-kind pieces for myself, and my friends and family, and I hope to spread that experience to you.

We are sharing A LOT of woodworking plans today, but we organized them to make them a little easier to sift through.

If you don’t see a free woodworking plan for a specific woodworking project then please LEAVE A COMMENT and we will do our best to find a plan for you.

Woodworking Plans for…

• Beginners
• Home & Decor
• Kitchens
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Home Exterior
• Gifts

FREE Woodworking Plans for Beginners

Here are some of our favorite free woodworking plans for those just starting out. These projects are great for learning how to use the tools and basic principles of woodworking.

• Farm Table by Ana White
• Farm Table Benches by Ana White
• Bed Frames
• Bench with Hairpin Legs
• Outdoor Rustic Pallett Bar

BONUS! Recommended Woodworking Tools & Kits

For recommendations on woodworking tools and kits we have a few Tools in Action articles to help with that:

• 5 Woodworking Kits on Amazon
• 10 Essential Power Tools for Woodworking
• 10 Essential Hand Tools for Woodworking
• SHOKARI: How to Make Wood Look Distressed in 4 Simple Steps

Back to Guide

FREE Woodworking Plans for Living Spaces & Home Decor

• Fold-out Coffee Table Bed
• Mission Style Piano Bench
• Built-in Window Seat Bench with Open Storage
• Built-in Window Seat Bench with Hidden Storage
• Built-in Bay Window Seat with Storage
• Cubby Bench
• Organizer & Storage 3 Cubby Bench
• Built-in Bookcase
• Rustic Side Table

Back to Guide

FREE Woodworking Plans for Kitchens

Dining & Seating

• Farm Table by Ana White
• Farm Table Benches by Ana White
• Fluted Round Dining Table
• Bench with Hairpin Legs
• Kitchen Banquette
• Pallett Corner Bench

Kitchen Islands

• Kitchen Island on Wheels
• Kitchen Island with Side Storage
• “Sleek and Narrow” Pacific Kitchen Island
• Kitchen Island with Open Storage
• 3D-effect Butcherblock Countertop Island

Cabinets

• Basic Cabinet
• Chimney Cabinet
• Corner Cabinet
• Fold-out Pantry Cabinet

Misc. Storage, Decor, & Entertainment

• Modern Wall-Mounted Wine Rack
• Standing Wine Rack
• Wall-Mounted Spice Rack
• Slide-Out Cabinet Spice Rack
• Bread Board
• Scrap Wood Designer Cutting Board
• Kitchen Pantry
• Cocktail Bar with Mini Fridge Insert
• Wet Bar with Fish Tank Insert
• Barn Door Bookcase

Back to Guide

FREE Woodworking Plans for Bedrooms

Check out woodworking plans for various sizes and styles of bed, nightstands, dressers, and more. If you just need some basic plans, Kreg Tool has great plans for all your conventional bed sizes and styles.

Beds

• Adjustable Baby Crib
• Mid-Century Modern Baby Crib
• Storage Crib
• Wood Pallet Rocking Cradle
• Traditional Toddler Bed
• Toddler Floor Bed
• Farmhouse-style Twin Bed by Ana White
• Twin Murphy Bed by Ana White
• Floating Platform Bed (twin, full, queen, king, and California king)
• Twin Bunk Beds
• Twin Loft Bed
• Trundle Bed on Wheels
• Kids Clubhouse & Loft Bed
• Daybed
• Queen Bed with Twin Trundle
• Queen Modern Farmhouse Bed
• Queen Storage Bed by Ana White
• Queen Canopy Bed

Storage & more…

• Dressers
• 3-drawer Nightstand
• Modern Floating Nightstand
• Modern Nightstand with Top Drawer and Arched Cubby
• Rotating Bookcase
• Metric Bookcase
• Frameless Bookcase – any size
• Bookcase with Storage Cubbies
• Modern Dollhouse Bookcase
• Open Toy Chest
• Dollhouse
• Jewelry Cabinet

Back to Guide

FREE Woodworking Plans for Outdoors

• Woven Back Sitting Bench
• Outdoor Bench
• Garden Bench
• Outdoor Bar
• Outdoor Rustic Pallett Bar
• Garage or Storage Shelves

Back to Guide

FREE Woodworking Plans for Custom Gifts & More

• Desk Organizer
• DIY Baby Doll Crib
• Elegant Bench
• Child’s Workbench
• 3D-effect Butcherblock Countertop Island
• Modern Wall-Mounted Wine Rack
• Bread Board
• Scrap Wood Designer Cutting Board
• Fold-out Pantry Cabinet
• Cocktail Bar with Mini Fridge Insert
• Napping Bench
• Padded Stool
• Compact Folding Workbench with Storage
• Dollhouse
• Jewelry Cabinet

Back to Guide

MORE FREE Woodworking Resources

If you browsed this list then you may have noticed a few names pop-up again and again. So, if you’re still interested in more woodworking projects that weren’t on this list then there are a few sites I recommend:

• Kreg Tool
• Ana White

MORE Tools in Action articles on woodworking…

• Woodworking VS Carpentry: What’s the Difference?

The post FREE Woodworking Plans & Tutorials for Amateurs and Wannabes appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Well, we made it! The ball has dropped, 2024 is gone and 2025 is here. Happy New Year to you, our readers and followers. Thank you for another great year. You are the reason why Dan and I get to wake up every day and go play with tools. Because we owe you so much, we made a New Year’s resolution that we want to share with you.

Our resolution is to not just continue, but to work harder to bring you the best content related to the world of power tools and beyond.

But after we nap, of course. We stayed up late. We’ve enjoyed a lot of time with our friends and family. We’ll be back to our scheduled programming this Wednesday.

Help Us With Our New Year’s Resolution

We have tons of exciting articles, videos, shorts and more planned for you this year. But help us serve you. LEAVE A COMMENT about what content you like most, what tools you’re most excited about, or tell us straight out what content you’d like to see from us.

We appreciate your help with our New Year’s resolution. As a thank you, here is some help with yours. Here’s an article on 7 Tips to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution – yes, we’re using these tips too!

Anyway, if you’re anything like me then New Year’s Day is probably low-key and you’re not ready for tool news anyway. So, here’s some funny videos to start 2025 off with a laugh!

The post Happy New Year & Our Resolution to You appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Happy Wednesday and Merry Christmas to all of our readers who celebrate. The Tools in Action workshop is closed today so Dan, myself, and our staff can spend it with our loved ones. We hope you are doing the same.

No tool news today, but keep an eye for news on new tool releases from your favorite brands for 2025, tool storage and organizational tips, and how to trade tools for tax credits. Until then, we hope you spend time with your friends and family, eat lots of food, and stay in your pajamas as much as possible.

Here’s a list of FREE Christmas movies to make sure you don’t over-exert yourself.

Where to Watch Free Christmas Movies

Highlights of the free Christmas and holiday films on the most popular streaming services. All of these are available to watch for free or included in basic memberships.

Amazon Prime

• Candy Cane Lane
• Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
• Christmas with the Kranks
• Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
• Eight Crazy Nights
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• A Merry Friggin’ Christmas
• Scrooged
• A Christmas Karen

Hulu

• Elf
• Christmas Vacation
• Home Alone
• Eight Crazy Nights
• The Muppets Christmas Carol
• Jack Frost
• The Polar Express

Disney Plus

• The Santa Clause (series)
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• A Christmas Carol
• Home Alone
• Guardians of the Galaxy Christmas Special
• Countless Christmas specials

MAX

• A Christmas Story
• A Christmas Story Christmas (sequel)
• Elf
• Gremlins

STARZ

• Home Alone (series)
• Jingle All the Way
• A Christmas Carol

The post Merry Christmas appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Swap out the holiday ham for perfectly cooked ribeye steaks this Christmas. Monument Grills recipe for perfect ribeye steaks with hot butter gives your table a new, bold and buttery bite that doubles as a beautiful centerpiece meal that challenges tradition. Yes, holiday cooking can be stressful and steaks for a crowd can be intimidating. But when prepared with one of Monument Grills newest grill models, such as the Denali 605Pro or the Mesa 415BZ, quality construction and tech features, like app-integration, eliminate the guesswork for a consistent cooking experience that allows anyone to know how to grill the perfect ribeye steak.

Monument Grills was founded by a group of friends in Atlanta who believed the best memories were created around the grill. This led to a mission to build the best gas grills that brought people together. This Monument Grills ribeye recipe is guaranteed to bring everyone together this holiday season and looking forward to the holidays yet to come.

How to Grill the Perfect Ribeye Steak

What makes a great steak? To us the most important elements are the seasoning, the sear, and achieving that perfect cook throughout. This Monument Grills recipe for perfect ribeye steaks with hot butter has it all.

The step-by-step instructions and full ingredient list with measurements can be found on the Monument Grills site.

Seasoning

This ribeye recipe gets its flavor from getting double seasoned. First the steak is seasoned all over with Monument Grills Texas Beef Rub and then placed directly on the grill for seared-in flavor.

Once off the grill the steak is topped with compound butter made from a blend of softened butter, fresh chopped garlic and parsley, Monument Grills Texas Hot Pepper Sauce, and Monument Grills Texas Beef Rub. Multiple layers of flavors coat the steak as the butter melts, resulting in a flavorful and succulent steak.

Sear

A hot grill is the key to a perfect sear. This recipe calls for a 600° F preheated grill, which is easy for the Mesa 415BZ and Denali 605Pro. These grills only need 10 minutes to hit 650-700° F and burn between 62,000-78,000 BTU’s. Both grills have dedicated side burners that are perfect for searing, but the Denali 605Pro has its own built-in ceramic infrared sear burner on the grill itself.

The porcelain enameled cast iron grates also provide an even heat throughout to provide a perfect even sear and provide a natural non-stick surface to prevent your perfect ribeye from sticking to the grill.

Perfect Temperature

There are a few different ways to guess the “done-ness” of your steak, but the only way to know without cutting your steak is to check the temperature. The Denali 605Pro comes with two meat probes, perfect for this recipe, that monitor your steaks’ temperature via the Monument Grills app. No more guessing. You’ll know when your steak is cooked to your preference.

Not sure what temperature you or Uncle Eddie likes his steak? Here’s a quick steak temperature chart:

• Rare = 120° F
• Medium Rare = 130° F
• Medium = 140° F
• Medium Well = 150° F
• Well Done = 160° F

To learn more about the Denali 605Pro and Mesa 415BZ read our TIA Article: Monument Grills – A Gift Idea for this Christmas Season.

MORE Christmas Dinner Ideas

Now that you know how to grill the perfect ribeye then you might be looking for other dishes to fill your table this Christmas. Monument Grills has over 100 grilling recipes that range from meat, to seafood, and veggies. You can find sweet and savory dishes from appetizers to desserts, so there’s something to grill for everyone at Christmas dinner this year.

The post How to Grill the Perfect Ribeye Steak for Christmas Dinner appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

It’s our final day of TIA Christmas 2024 Gift Guides and today is our Best Stocking Stuffers!

Over the next couple weeks we will be sharing our top gift picks for all the people on your Christmas list this year. Gifts for guys, gals, techies, seniors, food lovers and more! You might even find something to add to your own list this year.

Gift Basket Items and Stocking Stuffers

It’s the little things that people remember. A gift basket or stocking filled with things they know were thoughtfully selected just for them, will make for a very memorable gift. For our Christmas 2024 Gifts for Guys, we put together some things we’d like to get in our stockings to help you get started.

Melinda’s Hot Sauce Variety Pack Gift Set

We all have someone on our list that likes things extra spicy! This Melinda’s Hot Sauce 5 Variety Gift Set makes the perfect gift to slip under their tree. You can also split up the set and slip a bottle into the stockings of your favorite hotheads. Either way, this gift will make their ears ring in the best sort of way!

Amazon Review: “Even the hottest still tastes good, not just like torture.”

Where to Buy: Amazon

Righteous Felon Craft Jerky 8-pack

What guy doesn’t like beef jerky? I sure do. And let’s face it, the best presents are the ones that you can eat. This Righteous Felon Craft Jerky Collection is at the top of our gifts for guys list thanks to its eight intriguing flavors that will have everyone asking to try a piece. You can also divide up the bags among stockings to make an excellent stocking stuffer. BONUS: this jerky is nitrate-free and looks reasonably healthy when compared to all the holiday cakes and cookies.

Amazon Review: As someone who cannot ingest a lot of nitrates and nitrites due to migraines, I love that this brand doesn’t add them to their products. They are really good and my favorite was the habanero beef stick. So spicy but in a way that you can still taste every other flavor, it’s not overpowering at all.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Gerber 15-in-1 EDC Pocket Multi-Tool

Needle nose pliers, multiple drivers, scissors, can opener, nail file – this Gerber 15-in-1 EDC Multi-Tool has everything you need to make everyday repairs and annoyances and easier. Fold it up and slip it into a stocking or gift it to your favorite buddy, this multi-tool is sure to blow his mind.

Amazon Review:I work in commercial glass and use this tool almost every day. The quality is beyond reproach and the blade holds it’s edge. I can literally walk up and fix a door, door hardware and many other tasks with just this tool.

Where to Buy: Amazon

OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmer

We all know someone who is always cold, especially this time of year. The OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmer can give them the relief they need whether they just got done shoveling the driveway, at their kids hockey game, or watching their favorite football team play on the coldest day of the year. It also doubles as a phone charger. I guarantee that whoever you gift this too will be singing your praises each time they use it.

Amazon Review: Good battery life, very versatile – his puts out a lot of heat, the battery lasts for a good while, especially on low settings, it fits neatly in a pocket, and it doubles as a power bank for your phone in an emergency. Well worth the money.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Mixology & Craft Whiskey Stones

Did you know that the ice in your freezer can put unwanted odors and flavors in your evening cocktail? These Mixology & Craft Whiskey Stones keep the taste of your drinks like your favorite whiskey pure and can keep your drink colder way longer than standard ice cubes. Plus, you can refreeze them and use again and again. Also, the granite cubes just look pretty cool.

As far as our gifts for guys goes, these granite freezer cubes are perfect for the mixologist or whiskey connoisseur in your group.

Amazon Review: I ordered these for my husband because he doesn’t like watery whiskey and he loves them! They are heavy and really nice, easy to clean, and I love that they come in a wooden tray to keep them from being tossed around in the freezer and possibly chipped.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Pickleball Towel – 25 different prints!

Pickleball is all the rage right now and I bet you know someone right now who has taken up this popular game. Cheer them on with a pickleball towel that let’s them know that they are a “legend” on and off the pickleball court. This towel is oversized, has different textures front and back, and a convenient clip for hanging.

This pickleball towel is our favorite, but there are 25 different prints to choose from total.

Amazon Review: Wonderful quality towel for pickleball – Awesome quality, cute design, carabiner clip quite handy. Definitely recommend this towel!!!

Where to Buy: Amazon

WILLUCK 12-in-1 Multitool Hammer

A multitool is a handy little tool with multiple items that are perfect for helping you out in a pinch, such as: a loose screw, an extra strength clothing tag, a bulging nail, a leaky pipe, and so on. The WILLUCK 12-in-1 Multitool is here to save the day. Best of all it folds up small to fit perfectly in a stocking or a gift basket.

Amazon Review: Great lil tool – It’s sturdy and got so many different useful tools. Used as little gifts. Great value for the money.

Where to Buy: Amazon

orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer

Know someone who is always cold AND appreciates beauty? The orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer is small and fit perfectly in a stocking. Or put it in a gift basket full of other great items to keep her warm like her favorite coffee, or a new blanket. I am definitely putting one or two of these in my wife’s stocking.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Kids – Gift Basket Items

Spin Master Games

The Spin Master Games Classic Board Games 6-Pack Bundle is an excellent gift basket addition as it offers a variety of classic games that are perfect for family game nights, ensuring fun and bonding time for everyone.

Amazon Review: Very high quality at a surprising low price. This will make a perfect stocking stuffer.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Kids – Stocking Stuffers!

WERNNSAI 3 Pcs Mini Kites

Every kid, big and small, loves kites. These are small enough that they can “fly” them inside or out. Easy to take along, and what kid doesn’t like to launch things with a rubberband?

Amazon Review: These are fun and easy to use! They fly so well!

Where to Buy: Amazon

Silly Putty

Some toys never get old and Silly Putty is one of them. This set includes 24 Silly Putty eggs. This is perfect if you have a lot of kids you are shopping for, they are also small and fit perfectly in a stocking or gift bag. Another bonus is that this toy is great to teach the younger generation of all the different ways to play with Silly Putty.

Amazon Review: When I was a kid, I would only get one piddly diddly pack of silly putty at a time. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciated what I got, of course but always wanted more. Well NOW, my kid can make a big glob of this stuff if she wants with the mega pack.

Where to Buy: Amazon

BomBoms Hot Chocolate, 12-pack

Hot chocolate bombs have become super popular in recent years and this BomBombs Hot Chocolate 12-pack is the perfect for the season. This set includes 12 different flavors ranging from classic double chocolate to bacon!

This is a great gift to give to kids, your favorite chocolate lover, a white elephant gift, or divide up among stockings.

Amazon Review: Tastes really good, and I like the fact that I have several different flavors to choose from! Highly recommended. I personally also used extra creamy almond milk and a handheld milk frother to fluff up the hot chocolate, FYI. Tastes smooth, full-bodied, and marvelous.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Magic 8 Ball

The Magic 8 Ball has been answering our most pressing questions and it’s not going anywhere soon. It’s the perfect gift for a coworker to pass the workday, slip into a stocking, or for the kid who won’t stop asking questions.

Where to Buy: Amazon

JBL Go 4 Portable Speaker

The music addict in your life will love the JBL Go 4 Portable Speaker. Get up to 7 hours of audio off a single charge. It’s also waterproof and dustproof so its safe to take to most locations. You can also sync it to other JBL speakers for a total surround sound experience.

Amazon Review: “If you’re looking for a compact, reliable, and surprisingly powerful speaker, the mini JBL portable speaker is a fantastic choice. Designed for people on the go, these speakers combine portability with sound quality, offering features that punch well above their weight.”

Where to Buy: Amazon

The Ultimate Game Night Gift Baskets for Family

Know a family that loves spending time together? This Ultimate Game Night Gift Basket from Beyond the Box is the perfect gift! It’s full of classic games such as Guess Who?, Jenga, and UNO! Plus, the gift basket includes some of your favorite snacks.

This gift basket is perfect to gift a family, your buddy, or watch it get fought over in the company gift exchange.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Funwares Minute of Fun Game – Minute to Win It Games

Dive into 237 thrilling minute games with this kit from Funwares.

Looking for a fun game night? Whether you’re a family with kids, teens, or adult kids you will find it here. Each game blends skill and luck to create a hilarious evening at home. You will find quick challenges like “Ping Pong Hop” where you hop across the room with a ping pong ball between your knees, or “Bounce and Spin”, bouncing a ball and catching it after a spin – whichever game you pick is bound to keep everyone entertained.

Amazon Review: I bought this for my sons 13th birthday. I didn’t know what the weather was going to be like and wanted to have inside games just in case it rained. The kids really enjoyed many of the games – stack dice with chopsticks, stack cups while doing planks, and trying to knock over pyramid of cups with rubber band. There are lots of games to choose from but we only used 5-6 since it was a beautiful day and kids wanted to play basketball and kickball. Thanksgiving is around the corner so we will take this with us to play with family. Happy with my purchase.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Families – Stocking Stuffers!

Monopoly Deal

Monopoly is one of the most classic board games, but a single game can last hours. Get the same thrill in only 15 minutes with Monopoly Deal.

Ditch the board and deal the cards, the first player to collect three complete property sets wins. This game can be played with 2-5 people of all ages, and it’s flexible on rules. It’s also nice and compact and makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

Amazon Review: Easy to learn, fun to play in a group, and much faster than the board game version. I love that this is small and easy to bring on trips. Highly recommend!

Where to Buy: Amazon

Foodies and Party Hosts – Gift Baskets

Here are four very unique gift basket options for your food-curious friends. Each of these companies offers several different gifting options – be sure to check them out.

Grilling and Smoking Fish Gift Set

Wildwood Grilling Store on Amazon has tons of great grilling products for grill master in your life.The Grilling and Smoking Fish Gift Set is particularly for the angler in your life as well. It’s complete with multiple types of planks to add a unique smokey flavor too, plus more kitchen supplies to ensure your fish dishes taste divine.

Amazon Review: “I bought this because I love to cook and I have loved using Wildwood products in the past. When I saw that there was a box that combined plank grilling with hamburgers, I was sold! It is an awesome box and the components included are of great quality. The hamburger press is solid, the smoker box is a sweet addition, and it comes with helpful recipe cards for how to cook hamburgers with the planks included. All in all, well worth the purchase and will make a great gift too!”

Where to Buy: Amazon

Bokksu Authentic Japanese Snack Box

Love Japanese culture but can’t afford a plane ticket right now? The Bokksu Authentic Japanese Snack Box gives you a culinary tour of Japan’s best snacks sent directly to your home. For the holidays this makes a perfect gift to give the travel bug or anime lover. It’s also a fun gift to send to someone away from home for Christmas this year.

Check out more authentic Japanese snack options from The Bokksu Store on Amazon.

Amazon Review: “I gave this to my sister who is intrigued by Japanese culture and she loved it so much. We both ate and reviewed the snacks together and overall had a great time. I recommend this if you want high quality and delicious snacks and are interested in Japan’s foods. Worth my money!”

Where to Buy: Amazon

Blind Taste Test Coffee Kit

A new coffee flavor is a great way to mix up your morning routine, especially during the cold winter months. This Blind Taste Test Coffee Kit from Uncommon Goods is a great way to try new flavors without any bias. Plus you’ll learn how to expertly “taste” each coffee as if you were a professional to take your coffee knowledge to the next level.

Almost everyone loves coffee so this is a great gift for nearly anyone on your list.

Check out more great gift options from Driftaway Coffee.

Where to Buy: Uncommon Goods

Foodies and Party Hosts – Stocking Stuffers!

We think we’ve put together the best list of stocking stuffers for Foodies and Party Hosts ever created. Check these out!

Wildwood Grilling Wraps

Grill something new with these Wildwood Grilling Wraps. This set is made from maple trees and impart a great maple flavor onto whatever you cook. The foodie in your life will love this new cooking method, plus the materials are sustainably sourced, too!

Where to Buy: Amazon

Jenaluca Herb Scissors

Love fresh herbs but hate slicing them? These Jenaluca Herb Scissors make cutting herbs easy. Each slice will be uniform and ready to brighten up any dish with fresh herb flavor.

Amazon Review: “I HATE chopping herbs. These scissors make it easy. Great quality and I love the little comb that comes with it for easy cleaning”

Where to Buy: Amazon

SOOFUN All-In-One Basting Bottle With a Built-In Brush

I bet you love to pack your food with flavor, but hate dealing with the brush and bowl to baste your food? The SOOFUN All-In-One Basting Bottle With a Built-In Brush makes that a thing of the paste, making it easier and cleaner to baste all your favorite foods while cooking.

Amazon Review: “Basting meat on the grill or smoker is a messy task, no matter how you try it. This nifty little gadget really helps though, in that it contains the sauce and squirts it through the brush, eliminating the need to dip and brush the ‘old’ way, so it saves all the drips and splatters for the food, instead of the ground etc. outside the grill.I’m a ‘gadget guy’ who likes to cook, and this one really gets my vote!“

Where to Buy: Amazon

Splatypus Jar Spatula for Scooping and Scraping 

Don’t let a drop of your favorite sauce to go to waste! The Splatypus Jar Scraper Spatula allows you to reach inside all of your jars to get every last bit of sauce out. This is perfect for the Condiment Queen in your life.

Amazon Review: “I use this daily in many different sizes of jars. It works really well and helps get everything out of the jars. It’s both flexible and hard enough for even thicker things like peanut butter. As an added bonus it’s really cute and fun to use. I love it!”

Where to Buy: Amazon

Alpha Grillers Meat Grip, Shred Claws for BBQ Meats

Shred meat like cooked pork shoulders or chicken thighs with ease thanks to the Alpha Grilelrs Ultra Sharp Meat Claws. You’ll be able to prep your favorite foods like pulled pork, braised short ribs, pulled chicken and more faster and easier than ever before.

Amazon Review: “Seem very sturdy. Did a great job shredding chicken for my Buffalo Chicken Dip, and a lot quicker and more comfortable than using forks. Easy to clean, and I like that they lock together for safe storage.”

Where to Buy: Amazon

Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice

Know someone who is a real whiz in the kitchen and is always eager to try new recipes? Then they’ll love these Food Dice by Two Tumbleweeds for cooking inspiration.

Think of them as Yahtzee for your kitchen. The set incudes five primary dice that you shake up in the included glass jar. Spill them out on the counter and read the suggested ingredients, seasonings, cooking methods and more to help you discover new culinary creations in your very own kitchen.

Amazon Review: “I bought these as a graduation gift for my nephew who had recently taken interest in cooking, and he absolutely loved them! They helped spur his creativity in utiilizing different ingredients and techniques than what he was used to! The glass tumbler and dice are very sturdy as well, enuring these will last!”

Where to Buy: Amazon

MORE Christmas 2024 Gift Guides

That’s a wrap on Christmas 2024 Best Tech Gifts! We hope our gift guides are sparking inspiration to help you find the perfect presents this holiday season.

Need more gift ideas? Check out our full Christmas 2024 Gift Guides!

• Christmas 2024 Best Gifts for Guys
• Christmas 2024 Best Gift Ideas for Her
• 2024 Best Christmas Gifts for Kids
• 2024 Unique Christmas Gifts for Friends, Teachers, Coworkers, and Gift Exchanges
• Christmas 2024 Gifts for Families
• Christmas 2024 Gifts for Foodies and Party Hosts
• Christmas 2024 Gifts – TIA Top Picks
• Christmas 2024 Best Tech Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Crafty Gifts for DIY’ers
• Christmas 2024 Best Outdoorsy Adventure Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Personalized Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Luxury Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Gifts for Seniors
• Christmas 2024 Best Games & Gift Card Ideas
• Christmas 2024 Best Stocking Stuffers

From all of us here at TIA, happy holidays and happy shopping.

The post Christmas 2024 Best Stocking Stuffers appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

It’s Day 13 of TIA Christmas 2024 Gift Guides and today is our Best Games and Gift Cards!

Over the next couple weeks we will be sharing our top gift picks for all the people on your Christmas list this year. Gifts for guys, gals, techies, seniors, food lovers and more! You might even find something to add to your own list this year.

TIA Top Picks

That Sound Game – Party Game For Adults & Teens! 

Love charades but want something that’s more challenging…and strange? Enter The Sound Game: a noisy game for weird people. Up to four teams with an unlimited number of players compete to guess what the heck that noise your making is or means. Technically the “sound master” can use movement to help others guess as long as they keep their arms behind their back.

The end result: the next best party game that will have everyone laughing!

A few of us here at TIA already purchased this game based on reviews and watching some of the videos (we highly recommend you watch videos of others playing just for the entertainment). We played it over Thanksgiving – it is hysterical. If you have a big family and/or groups of friends, get this game!

Amazon Review: Crazy, Fun Game! – This game is hilarious & fun. We did realize really quickly how difficult it is to only use sounds and it ended up being a really fun game of sounds with gestures, which made it even more hilarious. Highly recommend this game if you have a group of people to play with.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Herd Mentality: “Udderly” Hilarious Board Game for 4-20 Players

The TikTok sensation Herd Mentality is the “udderly hilarious” party game for family and friends and considered one of the best games available right now.

This simple cow-themed question game asks you what you’re thinking and rewards the likeminded with cows. However, be the odd one out and deal with the dreaded “pink cow of doom!” But whether your cows are black and white or pink, we guarantee you a great time!

This family-friend game is perfect for groups of 4-20 people, and recommended to those ages 10 and up. It is easy to set up and play, and the maker’s guarantee endless replay-ability. Plus, this version includes 20 additional questions for even more exciting game play!

Amazon Review: Totally funny game! – This game is great! Always laughing and fun discussions at each person’s turn. I don’t think I will ever get tired of playing. It’s fun to “moo” when someone is taking a long time to answer. Glad I bought this game.

Where to Buy: Amazon

I should have known that! – A Trivia Game About Things You Oughta Know

Most trivia games award points for correct answers, but not this one!

…I should have known that! subtracts points for incorrect answers. This deck is filled with 110 cards with over 400 questions. These questions range from history, pop culture, everyday knowledge, and beyond. You can expect questions like “How do you say ‘Japan’ in Japanese?” or “Is starboard on the left or right side of a boat?”.

Get questions right and your points remain, but get questions wrong and you’ll be screaming “Ahhh! I should have known that!”

Wondering how to play? All players start with the same number of points and the group choose that number, such as 30 or 50 points. Points are deducted for each wrong answer. The person with the most remaining points is the winner, but this is guaranteed fun and one of our best games selected for Christmas 2024.

Amazon Review: Brings knowledge and laughter together – We did an early Christmas exchange at our Thanksgiving gather. With 12 people with ages ranging from 13 to 75, this game was amazing. We laughed with and at each others knowledge and mistakes. What a wonder game to keep the family together. Four teens actually put their phones down and asked to join the fun.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Arcade1Up PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table, Full Home Machine, Black Series Edition

Nothing feels more top-tier than your own in-home arcade. The Arcade1up Pac-Man Arcade Game Table is one of those luxury gifts the whole family (or the whole neighborhood) can enjoy. And you can play more than just Pac-Man!

All 12 pre-programmed games include: PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Mappy, The Tower ofDruga, Rompers, New Rally-X, Rolling Thunder, Dig Dug II, Galaxian, PAC & PAL, and Super PAC-MAN.

Unsure if you’ll use this arcade table all year long? Get this and you can host your own Pac-Man tournaments. Keep a leader board in your home. Can’t figure out dinner? Winner chooses takeout and loser has to pay. Who knows, maybe Pac-Man is the next justice system for household disputes.

Amazon Review: Biggest No-Brainer – If you’re “thinking about it” and can afford it, buy this now!!! 1) An incredible value for what you get: numerous games, high tech, well-built; 2) Super solid construction, high-quality materials, accent lighting, easy to put together; 3) Beautiful design, actually enhances your space! 4) Countless hours of fun for the WHOLE family; 5) Basic: no internet connection, passwords, software updates, etc., just plug in and PLAY!!!

Where to Buy: Amazon

12 Games of Christmas – 12 Hilarious Holiday Games

The 12 Games of Christmas is one of our best games for Christmas 2024 because it keeps the Christmas fun going all season long!

This kit includes 12 Christmas-themed party games perfect for kids, teens, and adults. You can play solo games or group games. All the materials are also high-quality and built to last. So you can bust this out every Christmas season whether you’re looking for some Christmas party fun, or winter break activities for the kids. Either way, this game set could be the start of a new tradition the whole family will love!

Amazon Review: Bring on the laughs – This is so awesome for the whole family! The games are great. We especially like the Kazoo game. This makes a great family Christmas gift! Advent calendar activities to ring in the holiday cheer, lots of laughs, and all time memory making! You won’t regret buying this. It’s so much fun!

Where to Buy: Amazon

KLASK: The Magnetic Award-Winning Party Game of Skill – for Kids and Adults of All Ages That’s Half Foosball, Half Air Hockey

Games don’t have to be complicated to be fun, and with 500,000 games sold KLASK proves that simple games can be the best games. Invented in Denmark, KLASK is almost a Scandanavian take on air hockey, except ditch the electronics for magnets and you have a smaller table top version that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. All you need is two players and 10 minutes, but I guarantee those 10 minutes will spur countless rematches and tournaments.

KLASK may be made for players 8 and up, but I promise everyone in the whole family will be eagerly waiting for their turn to battle it out.

Amazon Review: Super fun game – I stumbled upon this on YouTube and was instantly hooked. Had to get it for the family. It’s been a lot of fun. I would recommend as a gift or for yourself, or a gift for yourself. It’s worth it.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Educational Insights Kanoodle® Ultimate Champion 3D – Brain Teaser Puzzle Game

Kanoodle: Ultimate Champion, brought to you by Educational Insights as the latest product in their line of fun brain-teasers and one of the best games of 2024.

Kanoodle includes a booklet with over 500 puzzle challenges of your choosing to play. How to play: use as few moves as possible to move the different colored and shaped pieces to fill in spaces before the timer runs out! This game is great for those who love to challenge themselves and is perfect for passing time on long car rides and flights.

Amazon Review: We love this! – We took this on a family vacation and it kept us all entertained and challenged. My son (6) was able to do some on his own and we did a lot together; my daughter (3) had fun handing us pieces. My brother-in-law had fun with it too and we got him one of the other versions for his birthday. It’s easy to keep in a purse for entertainment!

Where to Buy: Amazon

The Genius Square – Game of the Year Award Winner!

The Genius Square game is our top game for Christmas 2024. It has won the awards of “GAME OF THE YEAR: Product Of the Year / Educational Product Of the Year / Top Toy Award Winners! on Amazon. It also a 4.8 star rating with over 6,000 reviews.

This well-made table game that includes 2 grids, 7 dice, 2 sets of 7 blockers, and 2 sets of 9 colored shapes. Easy to travel with, easy to teach and learn, and simply enjoy the time! This puzzle game is SIMPLY GENIUS!” and can be played by those both young and old.

Amazon Review: The genius square is great for all ages – I am a senior citizen and really enjoy playing this game with my sisters or by myself. It is very entertaining when we have a girls weekend away. All three of us can play at one time and it’s a hoot!

Where to Buy: Amazon

Gifts for Families – Gift Basket Ideas

There are countless fun theme ideas for a family gift basket—like Movie Night, Game Night, “Let’s Bake Something,” Outdoor Adventures, and more!

Here’s a couple we love because they encourage family interaction.

The Ultimate Game Night Gift Baskets for Family

Know a family that loves spending time together? This Ultimate Game Night Gift Basket from Beyond the Box is the perfect gift! It’s full of classic games such as Guess Who?, Jenga, and UNO! Plus, the gift basket includes some of your favorite snacks.

This gift basket is perfect to gift a family, your buddy, or watch it get fought over in the company gift exchange.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Funwares Minute of Fun Game – Minute to Win It Games

Dive into 237 thrilling minute games with this kit from Funwares.

Looking for a fun game night? Whether you’re a family with kids, teens, or adult kids you will find it here. Each game blends skill and luck to create a hilarious evening at home. You will find quick challenges like “Ping Pong Hop” where you hop across the room with a ping pong ball between your knees, or “Bounce and Spin”, bouncing a ball and catching it after a spin – whichever game you pick is bound to keep everyone entertained.

Amazon Review: I bought this for my sons 13th birthday. I didn’t know what the weather was going to be like and wanted to have inside games just in case it rained. The kids really enjoyed many of the games – stack dice with chopsticks, stack cups while doing planks, and trying to knock over pyramid of cups with rubber band. There are lots of games to choose from but we only used 5-6 since it was a beautiful day and kids wanted to play basketball and kickball. Thanksgiving is around the corner so we will take this with us to play with family. Happy with my purchase.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Christmas 2024 Gifts for Foodies and Party Hosts – Games

Every hosts’ mission is to throw a great party. And a great party game always makes for the best parties. Here’s two of our favorites from DSS Games.

DSS Games Who’s Most Likely to… Kinda Clean Family Edition

Learn what your friends really think of this you with a hilarious game of Who’s Most Likely To…

This game includes 250 prompt cards for each player to pull. Each cards asks, “who is most likely to…” followed by ridiculous prompts, such as, “wake up with half a burrito in bed”, “own a Snuggie”, or “will do anything for $5”. Get seven cards and you’re out! Or, ditch the cards, to through the entire stack and award the player with the most cards as champion.

Amazon Review: Great party game! – Love to play this game with friends and family at holidays!

Where to Buy: Amazon

Who Can Do It …

From the makers of Who is Most Likely To… comes a game of equal hilarity but amped up competition. Who Can Do It… includes 250 action cards that challenges groups to find out who can pull off the prompt. Prompts range from as harmless as coming up with band names to as embarrassing as a worst selfie contest.

Amazon Review: Easy and fun – Got this for white elephant and couldn’t be happier. I have it at work so I can yell random cards and see who takes part.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Christmas 2024 Gifts for Families – Stocking Stuffers!

Monopoly Deal

Monopoly is one of the most classic board games, but a single game can last hours. Get the same thrill in only 15 minutes with Monopoly Deal.

Ditch the board and deal the cards, the first player to collect three complete property sets wins. This game can be played with 2-5 people of all ages, and it’s flexible on rules. It’s also nice and compact and makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

Amazon Review: Easy to learn, fun to play in a group, and much faster than the board game version. I love that this is small and easy to bring on trips. Highly recommend!

Where to Buy: Amazon

Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle

You don’t have to be a “gamer” to be excited about Nintendo Switch. This gaming console has three play modes: handheld, tabletop, and TV/display. Whether they are into new games or classics, Nintendo has a gigantic game library to choose from.

Amazon Review: Console – Christmas present great quality and hours and hours of enjoyment watching my family use it.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Spin Master Games

The Spin Master Games Classic Board Games 6-Pack Bundle is an excellent gift basket addition as it offers a variety of classic games that are perfect for family game nights, ensuring fun and bonding time for everyone.

Amazon Review: Very high quality at a surprising low price. This will make a perfect stocking stuffer.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Christmas 2024 Best Gift Cards 

Amazon Gift Card

Amazon is the largest online retailer, making an Amazon gift card a smart choice for a gift exchange where you don’t know who the recipient will be. It allows them to pick out exactly what they want, while you can easily set the amount to fit your budget.

Where to Buy: Amazon

BSIRI Jigsaw Safe Box- Secret Box Brain Teaser Wooden Puzzle Boxes with Hidden Compartments

Want to give a gift card but want to make it more interesting? Slip a gift card or cash inside this BSIRI Jigsaw Safe Box and watch the receiver work to fish it out. Better yet, give it to a group and allow whoever can keep open the box to keep the prize inside. As the chaos ensues you will get your own gift of a Christmas to remember and talk about for years to come.

Amazon Review: I got this in a setup for a new tradition I had started the previous year of giving my brother a puzzle box for Christmas this year. This puzzle took a bit longer than last years because he was trying to listen for clicks but it went over perfectly!

Where to Buy: Amazon

Challenging Brain Teaser Wooden Box

Another expertly crafted box to stash away cash and gift cards in. Use the BSIRI Canopic Chest as a creative way to wrap and store gift cards, or as a fun Christmas day game challenge.

Amazon Review: Well Made  – This fun box is made of beautiful real wood and worked perfectly as I learned how to open it. Great gift idea!!

Where to Buy: Amazon

BLIZ Money Puzzle for Gift Cards and Cash

This BLIZ Money Puzzle for Gift Cards and Cash dispenser is just as fun to give to kids as it watch them try to figure out how to open it so they can unlock their gift card.

Amazon Review: Great gift idea to add some fun into a present instead of just handing over a gift card. Took the kids are few hours to work it out but they enjoyed the challenge.

Where to Buy: Amazon

MORE Christmas 2024 Gift Guides

Want more gift ideas for other people on your Christmas list? Check out our full Christmas 2024 Gift Guides!

• Christmas 2024 Best Gifts for Guys
• Christmas 2024 Best Gift Ideas for Her
• 2024 Best Christmas Gifts for Kids
• 2024 Unique Christmas Gifts for Friends, Teachers, Coworkers, and Gift Exchanges
• Christmas 2024 Gifts for Families
• Christmas 2024 Gifts for Foodies and Party Hosts
• Christmas 2024 Gifts – TIA Top Picks
• Christmas 2024 Best Tech Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Crafty Gifts for DIY’ers
• Christmas 2024 Best Outdoorsy Adventure Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Personalized Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Luxury Gifts
• Christmas 2024 Best Gifts for Seniors
• Christmas 2024 Best Games & Gift Card Ideas
• Christmas 2024 Best Stocking Stuffers

From all of us here at TIA, happy holidays and happy shopping.

The post Christmas 2024 Best Games & Gift Card Ideas appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.