Mark Robson joins me this week to explore the world of grilling and smoking food. We discuss the excitement of grilling season, advancements in pellet grill technology, and share our personal grilling journeys since 2016. Mark highlights his Yoder pellet grill, Rectech, and Komodo Joe Big Joe, focusing on their unique cooking capabilities. Our conversation touches on smoked meats, jerky-making tips, and the importance of grill maintenance. We also reflect on the communal joy of grilling and speculate on future technologies, including AI integration. This episode is packed with insights for grill enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Mark Robson as we dove deep into the fascinating world of grilling and smoking food. Recorded on May 15th, 2025, we explored the current state of home grilling technologies, reminisced about our grilling journeys since our first episode together back in 2016, and shared tips and tricks that any grilling enthusiast would appreciate.

We kicked off our conversation discussing the allure of May in Bellevue, Nebraska and Ottawa, Canada, where Mark resides. The weather, along with the arrival of barbecuing season, invigorates the spirit of grilling. Our discussion segued into a nostalgic reflection on the evolution of grilling gear over the years, particularly in regard to pellet grills and the surprising investment in quality equipment. We emphasized how these tools have revolutionized the cooking process, allowing for precision and convenience that traditional methods often lack.

Mark provided insights into his current grilling setup, which now includes a Yoder pellet grill, a Rectech, and a Komodo Joe Big Joe, each serving distinct purposes in his culinary adventures. He detailed how specific features of these grills make them ideal for various cooking styles—from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. Our chat about these versatile cooking machines revealed a lot of technical nuances, including the importance of PID controllers and how they maintain temperature stability through algorithms, enhancing the overall cooking experience.

As the conversation shifted towards food, we shared our love for creating flavorsome dishes, particularly smoked meats and homemade jerky. Mark shared his juicily detailed jerky-making process, highlighting the ideal cuts of meat, marinades, and how to effectively use a smoker for this beloved snack. In addition, we discussed other delightful dishes like smoked cream cheese and the surprisingly exquisite results of combining various seasonings and cooking techniques.

We also touched on equipment maintenance—an essential part of the grill master’s routine. Whether it’s replacing a thermometer, cleaning out ash, or replacing parts that have seen better days, we emphasized that good upkeep can extend the life of your equipment and ensure optimal performance during those crucial cooking moments.

Reflecting on the community aspect of grilling, we highlighted how sharing meals and techniques with friends and family can enhance the overall joy of cooking outdoors. We recounted personal stories of gatherings and how specific recipes have become staples among our circle of acquaintances, especially catered to the preferences of guests.

Towards the end of our discussion, we even tackled the ever-evolving technology in grilling, speculating on future developments, including AI integration in cooking processes that could provide predictions and data-driven guidance for grillers at all levels. It’s clear that while technology advances, the heart of grilling remains the communal experience and the delight of flavorful, well-cooked food.

With an abundance of insights, techniques, and shared experiences, our episode not only reflects on personal journeys but also serves as a guide for those looking to elevate their grilling skills to the next level. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned grill master, there’s something for everyone in this fiery conversation.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg646

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #646 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

https://www.yodersmokers.com/pellet/the-ys480s-pellet-grill

https://heygrillhey.com/

https://www.solostove.com/en-us/p/pi-prime

https://www.smokingdadbbq.com/blog-posts/how-to-build-a-custom-kamado-grill-station

Chapters

[0:07]  Introduction and Welcome

[21:28]  Pizza Making Adventures

[39:21]  Cooking Techniques and Tips

[44:36]  Smoked Cream Cheese Creations

[59:54]  Cooking with Bacon

[1:21:18]  Technology in Grilling

[1:22:09]  Hard Drive Talk

Summary

• May Weather and Patreon Support[0:00]
  • Jim Collison discusses the weather in Bellevue, Nebraska, highlighting May as the best month due to the flowers and mild bugs.
  • Jim thanks the Patreon subscribers and affiliate users for their support, encouraging them to visit the average guy.tv for more information.
  • Jim mentions Gavin Campbell, a recent guest, and Mark Robson, who upgraded his amps to 200 amps, common for EV owners.
  • Jim and Mark reminisce about their first meeting in 2016 and the various tech gadgets they discussed, including pellet smokers, bear claws, and meat smoking guides.
• Mark’s Grilling Equipment and Upgrades[4:41]
  • Mark Robson lists his current grilling equipment: a Komodo Joe Big Joe, a Rec Tec 680 pellet grill, and a Yoder YS480 pellet grill.
  • Mark explains the features of his Yoder grill, including its heavy-duty construction, PID controller, and Wi-Fi capabilities.
  • Jim and Mark discuss the benefits of pellet grills, including their ease of use and consistent temperature control.
  • Mark shares his experience of buying a used Yoder grill for a good deal and the modifications he made to it.
• Beef Jerky Recipes and Techniques[12:29]
  • Jim and Mark discuss their favorite beef jerky recipes, including Jim’s honey bourbon barbecue marinade and Mark’s Dr Pepper jalapeno jerky.
  • Mark explains his process for making jerky, including the use of steak spice and reducing Dr Pepper for flavor.
  • Jim shares his method of slicing and drying beef jerky, emphasizing the importance of using a thawed but still firm piece of meat.
  • Mark mentions his experience with a Cuisinart slicer and the convenience it brings to making jerky.
• Homemade Pizza and Pizza Oven[21:21]
  • Mark Robson talks about making homemade pizzas using a Uni pizza oven, which he bought for $50.
  • Mark describes the pizza dough he uses, the toppings he prefers, and the process of cooking the pizza in the oven.
  • Jim and Mark discuss the benefits of using a pizza oven, including the high temperatures it can reach and the convenience of cooking pizzas.
  • Mark shares his experience of cooking pizzas for friends and family, highlighting the positive feedback he received.
• Smoking and Cooking Techniques[37:47]
  • Mark Robson shares his experience with smoking various meats, including beef ribs, steaks, and cream cheese.
  • Jim and Mark discuss the importance of cooking to the right temperature and the use of timers and thermometers to monitor the cooking process.
  • Mark explains his method of smoking cream cheese with different rubs and serving it with red pepper jelly or dill pickle slices.
  • Jim and Mark talk about the benefits of smoking different types of cheese and the process of vacuum sealing and storing smoked cheese.
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus and Jalapeno Poppers[54:19]
  • Jim and Mark discuss the process of making bacon-wrapped asparagus and the addition of cream cheese for extra flavor.
  • Mark shares his experience with making jalapeno poppers, including the use of different fillings and the benefits of slow smoking them.
  • Jim mentions the popularity of bacon-wrapped asparagus in his household and the addition of honey or balsamic syrup for extra flavor.
  • Mark talks about the challenges of making jalapeno poppers and the different techniques he has tried over the years.
• Tech Advancements in Grilling and Smoking[54:32]
  • Jim and Mark discuss the advancements in grilling and smoking technology, including Wi-Fi connectivity and temperature control.
  • Mark shares his preference for using pellet grills over offset smokers for their ease of use and consistent results.
  • Jim and Mark talk about the potential for AI to automate the cooking process and the benefits of having both pellet and wood-fired options.
  • Mark mentions the use of accessories like the Smoke Daddy saddle for adding wood chunks to pellet grills.
• Final Thoughts and Future Plans[1:03:09]
  • Jim and Mark reflect on their favorite grilling and smoking experiences, including the satisfaction of making homemade jerky and pizza.
  • Mark shares his plans for future cooking projects, including smoking different types of cheese and experimenting with new recipes.
  • Jim and Mark discuss the importance of community and sharing cooking tips and techniques with friends and family.
  • The conversation ends with a discussion on the future of grilling and smoking technology and the potential for new innovations in the field.
• Pizza Oven and Grilling Preferences[1:03:22]
  • Jim Collison discusses his pizza oven, mentioning he has replaced the innards multiple times and uses both gas and pellet options.
  • Mark Robson shares his experience with pizza cooking, mentioning he used his Komodo grill for an hour and a half to reach the desired temperature.
  • Jim Collison talks about the indirect heat method for pizza cooking and his preference for Detroit-style pizza.
  • Jim Collison apologizes to Randy for a disparaging comment about Detroit in a previous show and praises Detroit-style pizza.
• Gas vs. Charcoal Grilling[1:06:25]
  • Jim Collison expresses his preference for gas grilling due to its convenience and ease of impromptu grilling.
  • Jim Collison mentions his experience with a 10-hour smoke and making beef jerky, highlighting the versatility of his pellet grill.
  • Jim Collison talks about his next grilling goal: an overnight cook, which he has not yet attempted.
  • Mark Robson suggests setting alarms and planning cooks to achieve longer cooking times.
• Long Cooks and Smoking Techniques[1:08:28]
  • Jim Collison shares his experience with long cooks, mentioning a pork shoulder and beef jerky cook.
  • Mark Robson discusses his experience with consecutive long cooks, using a significant amount of pellets.
  • Jim Collison talks about his recent cook involving a pork shoulder and beef jerky, highlighting the importance of planning.
  • Mark Robson shares his experience with a large pellet grill and the efficiency of his Acorn grill compared to his Komodo grill.
• Brand Preferences and Pricing[1:10:56]
  • Jim Collison and Mark Robson discuss various grill brands, including Weber, Napoleon, and Pit Boss.
  • Mark Robson shares his experience with a Weber grill and its consistent temperature control.
  • Jim Collison and Mark Robson discuss the cost and efficiency of different grill brands, including the impact of tariffs on prices.
  • Jim Collison mentions his preference for gas grills due to their consistent performance and ease of use.
• Maintenance and Upgrades[1:13:30]
  • Jim Collison talks about the importance of maintaining his grill, including replacing burners and cleaning cast iron grates.
  • Jim Collison mentions his use of flat rocks and lava rocks for grilling, noting their durability and flavor enhancement.
  • Mark Robson discusses the maintenance of his pellet grill, including the need for TLC due to high usage.
  • Jim Collison shares his experience with different grill accessories, including front and side racks, and their impact on grilling efficiency.
• Future Plans and Upgrades[1:16:16]
  • Jim Collison and Mark Robson discuss potential upgrades, including Mark’s consideration of trading his Komodo grill for a smaller one.
  • Jim Collison talks about his interest in Yoder grills and their cost-effectiveness compared to Canadian prices.
  • Mark Robson shares his experience with Yoder grills and their durability, noting their simplicity and reliability.
  • Jim Collison and Mark Robson discuss the potential benefits of driving to the US to purchase grills and avoid Canadian taxes.
• Home Tech and Upcoming Shows[1:22:28]
  • Jim Collison announces upcoming shows, including an interview with Doug Milburn from 45 Drives about hard drives.
  • Jim Collison mentions an interview with TJ Huddleston about Home Tech Day in Columbus.
  • Jim Collison discusses a future interview with Schoon Over about his projects and experiences.
  • Jim Collison reminds listeners to join the live shows and engage in the chat during the interviews.
• Hard Drive Market and Pricing[1:26:41]
  • Jim Collison and Mark Robson discuss the current market for hard drives, including the impact of tariffs on prices.
  • Jim Collison mentions the availability of cheap hard drives from Walter Panther on Amazon.
  • Mark Robson shares his experience of buying hard drives from the US to avoid Canadian prices.
  • Jim Collison talks about his use of hard drives for Chia mining and the current market conditions.
• Final Remarks and Audience Engagement[1:29:08]
  • Jim Collison thanks Mark Robson for joining the show and making them hungry.
  • Jim Collison reminisces about the history of the show and its evolution over the years.
  • Jim Collison encourages listeners to join the live shows and engage in the chat during the interviews.
  • Jim Collison provides contact information for feedback and engagement, inviting listeners to send emails and join the live shows.

More from ChatGPT

Home Gadget Geeks Episode 646 focused on grilling, smoking, and cooking techniques with Mark Robson. Key highlights include: Grilling Equipment:

• Mark owns a Komodo Joe, Rec Tec 680, and Yoder YS480 pellet grills
• Discussed advanced features like Wi-Fi controllers and PID temperature management

Cooking Techniques:

• Shared recipes for beef jerky, pizza, smoked cream cheese, and jalapeno poppers
• Explored smoking methods, temperature control, and flavor techniques
• Compared gas, pellet, and charcoal grilling approaches

Technology Trends:

• Discussed advancements in grilling technology
• Explored potential for AI integration in cooking
• Compared pricing and features of different grill brands

Future Outlook:

• Considered potential grill upgrades
• Shared upcoming podcast guest lineup
• Discussed hard drive market trends

The conversation blended technical insights with passionate cooking discussion, highlighting the evolution of home cooking technology and techniques.

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Mark Robson, grilling, pellet grill, Yoder, Rectech, Komodo Joe Big Joe, smoked meats, AI integration