Category: Reviews

  • The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    If you’re a hardcore tech enthusiast, you definitely keep your eyes open for crowdfunding projects. There’s always some crazy idea being crowdfunded on one of the various funding sites. While some of them are stinkers, a ton of awesome gems go up every day! Today we’ve got a roundup of some of the coolest crowdfunded gadget ideas you can’t get your hands on… yet! 

    Limbo Top 

    A favorite toy of mine as a child was a gyro-top that I would spin, and watch go on for minutes. The inertia, momentum and tilt would always fascinate me. A young Cameron would have been delighted by this high-tech Limbo Top, a new crowdfunded gadget from Kickstarter. The Limbo Top uses a mechanical gyro to keep the toy spinning via a battery. It sports an internal computer that helps it maintain equilibrium, which is delightfully mundane and awesome at once. While a number of technological advances have been world-changing, this one is quaint. One could almost describe it as cute! And you know you want one now. 

    Giiro Posture Robot 

    Straddling the line between clever, cute and helpful, this robot aims to straighten your posture out. You can see just how cute it is in the feature image! The little robot comes with a mat and connects to Alexa. When your posture slips into an unhealthy one, the robot lets you know. It stands the way you do in live time, and its facial expressions inform you of how you’re doing. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to encourage better posture, the Giiro Posture Robot is it. Just get ready to be nagged by an adorable machine about how you’re standing.  

    NILS Wearable Charging Cable 

    If you’re the type of person that always needs to charge your phone, but never carrying a charger, here’s your newest accessory. The charging cord has an interesting locking mechanism that keeps the delicate electronics from getting damaged. A thick, braided cord makes for a durable and fashionable gadget! Don’t worry about having to pack a charger or keep up with where you stashed it. While there are other companies already selling cords like this, the NILS one will be worth the wait: it’s inexpensive, durable and stylish. 

    Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget: Beeline Moto 

    They say the journey matters more than the destination. Envision a GPS-like device that helps you learn the route, rather than following the directions of a computer. That’s the idea behind Beeline Moto, a bicycle and motorcycle attachment that’s a sort of “smart compass.” The compass points in the general direction of your destination, allowing you to choose your own path there. This lets you learn the route more naturally, functionally a guided exploration of a space.  

    The compass can, however, be set to give turn-by-turn directions for when you’re in a hurry. But, that’s no fun! It’s the exploration mode that promises a different GPS experience. Limitations breed creativity, and this gadget exemplifies that. Sometimes the fastest route isn’t the best! 

    Feature Image Credit: The Verge 

  • PC Roundup: The Best PCs for Oculus Rift

    PC Roundup: The Best PCs for Oculus Rift

    The Oculus Rift virtual reality headset is an amazing way to experience immersive video games. Virtual reality experiences have been around for some time, but they are now more accessible than ever. In fact, they’re more accessible than you might think! Today we’re rounding up some of the best PCs for Oculus Rift; they cost less than you think! 

    Dell XPS Tower Special Edition 

    Retailing for right around $1,000, the Dell XPS Special Edition is a great pick for VR. It sports an Intel i7-8700 processor, clocking in at 3.2 GHz. While the processor is important, it’s the graphics card that powers a lot of your VR experience! This computer’s Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 won’t disappoint on that front, seeing to it that your games will look gorgeous. All that comes in a nice, compact case that takes up little room. That compact size does have its drawbacks, though. The case leaves little room to work in for upgrades, and the fans are quite loud. That said, it’s still a fine gaming PC, and perfect for VR headsets. 

    Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop 

    The second Dell to make the roundup, the Inspiron Gaming Desktop is a great value at $600. It sports the exact same processor as the Tower Special Edition, but it only boasts 8GB of RAM to the Special Edition’s 16. Similarly, it has an Nvidia 1060 GPU, a slight step down from the 1070. However, those small steps back result in a $400 price reduction, making this an excellent choice even for power gamers. And, as expected, it’s fantastic for VR. It has plenty of power to render immersive worlds and engross you in your games.  

    Our Favorite PC for Oculus Rift: Origin Neuron 

    The Origin Neuron is the very top of the line when it comes to gaming PCs. If you’re interested in high-end gaming at all, this is the computer for you. It also just so happens to be amazing for VR! Your games will run butter-smooth on this machine’s Nvidia 1080 Ti graphics card. The 5 GHz i7-7700K processor puts in some serious work for this rig, and its 16GB of RAM let you multitask with the best. As top-of-the-line computers go, you can’t go wrong with the Neuron. It retails for a hair over $950, and it’s well worth the price. If you’ve been itching to try out Oculus RIft VR, this is the machine to do it on. 

  • Laptop Roundup: Best Laptops of 2018

    Laptop Roundup: Best Laptops of 2018

    Today, we’ve got a laptop roundup to bring you some of the best laptops of 2018 so far. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, these are the cream of the crop. While your mileage may vary, we’ve included a few different choices in case your tastes differ from ours. Alright, let’s get into it: the best computers for the pro on the go! 

    MacBook Pro 13-inch 

    The MacBook Pro is a fantastic laptop for creative professionals. The model without the Touchbar is a fantastic value, but the Touchbar model is a tad pricey. If you’re interested in creating content and looking for a laptop to keep up, this is the one. Mac has a reputation for being great for creators, and they’ve earned it. A sleek interface, beautiful aesthetic and great design decisions bolster this laptop. The only drawbacks? It’s still relatively expensive at around $1,300, and the keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. That said, Macs are notoriously well-made and Apple’s customer service is top-notch. 

    Chromebook Pro 

    Samsung’s Chromebook Pro may be an odd decision on its face but hear us out. If you’re a student, or looking for a second computer, this inexpensive option is great. It’s got everything you need for studying, composing papers and taking notes. While you won’t be editing films or hardcore gaming, you probably don’t need that if you’re in the market for a Chromebook. It’s worth noting that the Chrome OS is a scaled-back, user friendly but overly-simple operating system. If you’re a power user, steer clear. If you’re just looking for an affordable laptop, though, this is a great pick. 

    Surface Pro 

    Microsoft’s Surface Pro is the very best 2-in-1 on the market, and that’s saying a lot. The crowded 2-in-1 market is an attempt to appeal to those that want something between a tablet and a laptop. The Surface Pro impresses on both fronts and compromises nothing to be the very best tablet and an excellent laptop. The power on this sucker rivals most other laptops in its price range. It just so happens to also have a detachable keyboard and a touch screen! Creative types, students and business professionals all love the Surface Pro. It even comes with a great stylus to get you started. All that, starting around $800. It’s a steal! 

    Our Favorite of this Laptop Roundup: Dell XPS 13 

    Our current favorite laptop overall is the Dell XPS 13. A fantastic all-rounder at a decent price, the XPS 13 is great for everyone. Well, everyone except gamers, but gamers already know what they’re looking for. Everyone else will love this sleek, fast laptop. The i5 version of the XPS 13 runs at $1,000, and the i7 runs $1,400, but that’s a reasonable price for this premium laptop. If you don’t mind footing that bill, you’ll get a powerful, zippy and portable laptop that’s sure to impress and delight. 

  • Big Sound for a Great Price: Sonos Beam Feature Roundup

    Big Sound for a Great Price: Sonos Beam Feature Roundup

    If your ultra-thin panel TV had to cut some speaker power to have such thin bezels, you may be looking for a good sound system. The problem is, you got that ultra-thin TV so that it would take up less space in your living room! Those sound systems are huge, and really defeat the whole point of your aesthetic decisions. And there’s no way you’re wearing headphones to watch TV.  What are you to do? Thankfully, the Sonos Beam is here, and we’ve got a feature roundup for you. Who doesn’t love big sound from a little soundbar? 

    The Sound 

    The most important factor of any soundbar is, well, the sound. If it doesn’t sound great, then why even get it, right? Well, rest easy, the Sonos Beam sounds amazing. The bass is clear and wide, and its dual woofers reflect the sound off your walls. The vocal clarity is super high, and the detail is excellent. If you often play music through the TV, this is a great choice. The only complaint regarding the sound quality? The bass isn’t quite deep, just clear. As such, action and superhero movies sound a little flat on the bar. 

    Voice Control 

    The Sonos Beam launches with Alexa functionality built in, and that’s a huge plus. The mic array on the Beam is quite good, although you do occasionally have to yell to be heard over music. The included HDMI port allows you to power your TV on and off with your voice if you TV has HDMI power state matching. Some find voice functionality unimportant, but others love it. It won’t detract from your experience, but it will certainly please those who love voice commands.  

    Pricing 

    Another important facet of any soundbar is the price. The entire purpose of going with a soundbar is avoiding the size and price of full sound systems, so you don’t want to spend too much. Thankfully, the Beam is the best value of any Sonos bar yet. The Beam comes in at a $400 retail price, which is great. For the high-quality package, that price is quite reasonable. 

    Sonos Beam Botton Line 

    If you’re in the market for a solid, affordable soundbar to round out your living room, this is a great choice. Consider the Beam if you’re short on space but want big sound! If you’re an action-movie fan, or just want deeper bass, consider going with a more robust sound system, though. 

    Feature Image Credit: BGR 

  • Which Pool Alarm is the Best for Your Family?

    Which Pool Alarm is the Best for Your Family?

    It’s the time of year that everyone’s opening their backyard pools! While having the pool open is awesome fun, it can also be stressful if you have small children. You’ve got smoke alarms, so why not have a pool alarm? If you have a pool and want to keep your family safe from injury, or worse, drowning, check out these great pool alarms. 

    Pool Guard Safety Buoy Alarm 

    This alarm is adorable and hilarious and helps keep your pool safe! It’s a bright red safety cone that floats on the top of the pool. How awesome is that? It’s designed to work best with above ground pools or small in-ground pools. It’s also great for spas. If you want a cute buoy for an alarm, here it is! 

    Poolguard GAPT-2 Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm 

    This gate sensor is awesome for more unusual gates. It’s a no-contact sensor, so installation is pretty simple. If other gate sensors have proved hard to use for your gate, this one is a great pick. The conatacts need only be attached to the gate and fence within a half inch or so of one another. Adults need only press the button to allow a pass-through, but kids that can’t reach the button will trigger the alarm. This makes it easy for pool parties and general use while still keeping the kids safe! 

    Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm 

    This is a straightforward alarm that works on any opening like a door or gate. It’s weather-resistant and will survive splashes from the pool, too! It’s easy to set up and install, and it has a very no-frills interface. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable alarm that will keep your backyard safe, this is the way to go. If you want something with more functionality, though, check out our final entry. 

    Our Favorite Pool Alarm: iSmartAlarm DWS3R Contact Sensor 

    If you’re in the market for a more advanced solution, this is for you. It sports wireless contacts that keep your pool safe, and it has a ton of integration. If you want to hook up motion detectors or cameras, those are also available. You can even synch it with an Alexa-enabled device to arm it with your voice. How cool is that? This one is easily our favorite pool alarm. 

     

  • Beau’s Number 1 App Review: Pokemon Quest

    Beau’s Number 1 App Review: Pokemon Quest

    Beau’s App series. Each week, I install whatever is the No. 1 bestselling app on the iOS or Android store and review it, to save you the effort in case it’s total waste of life. This week a game called Hole.io is still in the top spot but out of now where Pokemon Quest has jumped to the number 2 spot so today we will look in on the number 2 app.  Why isn’t it No. 1? not sure, its a very simple and basic game but it’s free. So let take a look and see what has this game rocketing to the top of the charts.

    Pokemon Quest

    There has been some hype and anticipation following the announcement of the latest game in the Pokespere. The last Pokemon game Go was a spectacle the likes of which we had never seen in the gaming world before. The first vidoe game bubble?

    Pokemon Quest is a free-to-play action-adventure game in the Pokémon series developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. Pokémon Quest features a blocky, voxel-style design similar to Minecraft. The game is set in Tumblecube Island, featuring cube-shaped Pokémon called “Pokéxel”. The Pokémon featured in the game are from the original lineup from the Kanto region in Pokémon Red and Blue. In the game, players control the base camp and the pokémon team. The player’s main task is to complete all the levels on the island, beating the wild Pokémon. The game process can be divided into four parts: base camp management, storyline, the Pokémon‘s training and the attraction of a new ones.

    Taking a left-turn from their typical animation style, the pokémon in Quest have been transformed into cube versions of themselves and inhabit a brightly colored — also 90-degree angled — terrain called Tumblecube Island. After choosing a pokémon companion to begin your quest, trainers are tasked with exploring the island for hidden treasure

    Getting Started

    You start off by selecting your first partner Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, or Eevee. Not sure the effect of your choice will have on the game but i choose Eevee because hes the cutest. you’ll attract new Pokémon to your team by cooking. You can cook by tapping the pot located at the center of your camp and selecting ingredients. The dish you create will determine which Pokémon you’ll attract and how many stages you’ll need to take on before it’s done cooking.

     

    Yes you can evolve Pokémon. All Pokémon that evolve in Pokémon Quest do so by reaching a certain level. There are two different ways to do this. One is by training, which involves sacrificing other Pokémon (don’t worry; they won’t die, they’ll just leave your team) to improve another. Think of it like a support group. Up to four Pokémon can be used to improve another.

    The other way is by using Power and Move Stones that you obtain through Expeditions. Each Pokémon has a Power Charm grid, which holds Power and Move Stones. As the Pokémon levels up, more slots open up.

     

    The Final Thought

    Just scratching the surface of this one and there is alot to this game. It is not the average time killing mindless tap app. I realized it is way to in depth for a app review. Im going to dig a little deeper into this game and for all of you Pokemon fans I highly suggest giving it a download. No this wont have the explosion and bubble pop the last Pokemon game had, that was something of legend. This will still be a very popular game and my define 2018 in itself.

     

  • Verizon’s Unlimited Internet Scam Breakdown

    Verizon’s Unlimited Internet Scam Breakdown

    Due to some massive fraud and outright lies to their customers, Verizon has to update their unlimited plans. They have some how managed to sell consumers 4G LTE service at the most expensive price rates in the industry while limiting them to dial- up internet speeds. For those of you to young to remember what dial up speeds mean its internet speeds of 56kbps. For comparisons sake the official legal speed requirements to have a mobile service labeled 4g is 4 Mbps. Nearly 900 times what Verizon is reducing its ” Unlimited” customers cellular service to. Now we get a price increase to combat the options to Verizon’s Unlimited internet ruse.   Let’s take a dive in to  how the Big Red Machine is  dividing up “unlimited” and reserving the most useful features and the best speeds for the more expensive tiers.

    Go Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data, but at any time, your service might be temporarily slowed down in favor of other customers when the network is busy or “congested.” Mobile hotspot speeds are restricted to just 600kbps. Video streaming off Wi-Fi is limited to 480p.

    $75 single line / $130 for two lines / $150 for three lines / $160 for four lines

    Beyond Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data free of potential slowdowns until you pass 22GB of usage in a month. The mobile hotspot feature offers full LTE speeds until you hit 15GB of usage. Video streaming is limited to 720p.

    $85 single line / $160 for two lines / $180 for three lines / $200 for four lines

    Above Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data free of potential slowdowns until you pass 75GB of usage in a month. Which is probably a ceiling you’ll never hit. Hotspot is full speed LTE until 20GB of usage. Video, even on the highest plan, is still limited to 720p. Each month, Verizon tosses in 5 TravelPasses (good for 4G speeds until you cross 512MB of daily usage) that work in over 130 countries.

    $95 single line / $180 for two lines / $210 for three lines / $240 for four lines

    Verizon charges an extra $10-per-month fee if you want to stream 1080p video on your smartphone. This add-on is only available to Beyond Unlimited and Above Unlimited customers.

    The Final Thought

    I have personally experienced the slow down, nay, collapse of the mobile service that I pay a premium price for. In a recent trip to the movies to see American Animals my internet speed was metered to the point of not being able to load a single fandango web page.

    I ran a speed test to reveal my internet speed had been reduced to  .03 Mbps. While  I wish i could say this was a extremely rare case and I was in the middle of the Daytona 500. I was not, just  a random Tuesday at off peak times. This seems to be the norm rather then the exception. Looks like ill have to fork over another $20 a month, per line, to get the service they originally roped me into.

    I wish we could blame this on net neutrality but they have been playing this game long before it was legal again.  I guess ill just be another one of Verizon’s massively duped customers.

  • VPN Roundup: Best Free VPNs

    If you’re looking to browse undetected, or speed up your internet connection, a VPN might be a good choice. 

    However, you’re probably a bit wary of paying for something that you don’t exactly understand fully. If you’re interested in trying out a VPN, but don’t want to spend money, we’ve got a list of the best free VPNs for you! Check it out!

    Speedify 
    As the name would suggest, Speedify makes sure your internet speeds are blistering fast. It uses any connections available to make sure you’re connecting as efficiently as possible. The only downside to this one is the small data allowance. You first free month, you get 4GB of downloads for free. Subsequent months, you get just 1GB. If you try it and love it, though, you can subscribe to get the full service.

    Hotspot Shield Free
    A free VPN powered by ads, Hotspot Shield Free is a solid option. While it’s free, you get access to 500 MB of download per day! The paid version gains access to full geo-spoofing features, but the free version is locked into a few pre-selected locations. If you’re looking to try some basic geo-spoofing features and use a bit of data, though, this is a great one to check out. Be aware, though, there’s currently a controversy surrounding Hotspot Shield’s advertisers. Do a bit of research and decide for yourself how you feel about the situation, as it’s still developing at time of writing.

    TunnelBear 
    TunnelBear is our runner up among free VPNs. While it has a cute, friendly design, it’s also a powerful VPN for anonymity and security. It would get higher marks if free users got more than a paltry 500MB of data per month. However, if you try the service and like it, paying for it isn’t terribly expensive. The paid subscription runs about $10 per month, but you get a considerable amount of protection and speed with your browsing. If you’re interested in trying it, the free option is very secure, if a little short on data.

    Our Favorite Free VPN Our Favorite Free VPN Windscribe 
    Those looking for a very secure free VPN need look no further. Windscribe has some phenomenal security features and eight different server locations. It doesn’t store what sites you visit, your connection logs or your IP stamps. Other information is deleted from the server about 3 minutes after your session ends. You get 10GB of data per month, which is rather generous for a free service, and you can get more for Tweeting about it and suggesting it to friends. It even sports a built-in firewall and ad-blocker! As free VPNs go, this one is your best bet. As free VPNs go, this one is your best bet. 

  • Our Favorite Grills to Heat Up your Next Cookout!

    Our Favorite Grills to Heat Up your Next Cookout!

    It’s that time of year: grilling season! Invite over some friends, grab some beers and get ready for an awesome cookout! What cookout would be complete without the star: the grill! To help you find the best one for your summer fun, we’ve got a list of our favorite grills! 

    Broil King Baron S520 

    If you’re looking for pure power out of your grill, this $650 entry to the list is for you. With a combined power of 50,000 BTUs from its five burners, you can guarantee you’ll cook your meals fast with this grill. It’s recommended that you exercise caution with this one: you don’t want to burn your meats! Experienced grill masters who want fast cook times should consider this one, though! If you can handle the heat, step into this kitchen! 

    Char-Broil Performance XL 

    Sometimes, you don’t need the very top of the line to have a good time. For those who want a solid grill for a great price, check out the Char-Broil Performance XL. A great budget choice for those looking to just cut up with friends in the back yard and grill a few burgers and dogs. Sporting five burners and running only $300, this is a great value! It’s even got an extra side burner for those smaller side dishes. It’s also great for grilling chicken, so if that’s your dish of choice, this one is for you! 

    Weber Spirit II E-310 

    A customizable and high-tech experience, those who want a flashy grill should go with this one. Retailing for $600, this one comes in a variety of colors to match your backyard aesthetic! If you have the Weber Temperature Probe you can keep an eye on the food without having to disturb it, which is awesome. Additionally, the unique tank design means you can keep tabs on how much propane you have at a glance! This means you won’t be running out right as you start making food for your guests! 

    Our Favorite Grill: Char-Broil Commercial Double Header 

    This Double Header will run you about $700, but it’s well worth the investment! If you’re a grilling multitasker, you’ll want this one. With two distinct cooking zones, you don’t have to worry about differing cook times or heat requirements. True grill masters will love the versatility of this one! While it isn’t the flashiest grill on this list, it’s easily the most rewarding for those serious about their grilling! 

  • Top Ten Outdoor Gadgets to Make your Independence Day Cookout Awesome

    Top Ten Outdoor Gadgets to Make your Independence Day Cookout Awesome

    The 4th of July is almost here, and if you’re like us, you’re excited to have everyone over for a cook-out! The best way to make a great impression on your guests? Awesome outdoor gadgets! Independence Day just comes around once a year, so make sure you cook-out in style!  

    Looftlighter 

    Photo Credit: Williams Sonoma 

    Resembling a lightsaber, the Looftlighter is a great lighter fluid-free fire starter. If you’re looking to light your grill up in style, look no further! The Looftlighter costs $80 and will save you hassle and help the environment! Not to mention, it’s super cool and your guests will be wowed by it! It works by directing superheated air at the end of the aperture, almost like a super-charged hair dryer. Just point in at some kindling and keep it in that direction until it lights up! Be careful with it, though, it’s tremendously hot! 

    Front Runner Outfitters Spare Tire Mount 

    Photo Credit: Front Runner Outfitters 

    For $137 you can have a spare tire holder that doubles as a grill. If you don’t think that’s awesome, I don’t know what to tell you. If you’re looking to have your Independence Day cook-out in the wilderness, drop the grate over a fire. It’s designed at the right height to sit comfortably above a fire and let you grill on its steel surface. How cool is that? Perfect for those who want to enjoy a nice wilderness afternoon with friends!  

    UE Wonderboom  

    Photo Credit: CNET 

    The Wonderboom is a compact, loud, waterproof speaker that’s sure to impress. If you want something you can toss in a bag and bust out at the cook out, this little wonder is it. The folks at UE outdid themselves with this one! It can bob about in the pool, no problem, kicking out huge sound and keeping the party going. If you’re the type that drops electronics in the pool, check out the Wonderboom! You can usually find them for around $70, although they’re often on sale for less. Between the stellar battery life, great Bluetooth connection and loud speaker, the Wonderboom is your best bet for compact speaker.  

    JBL Charge 3 

    Photo Credit: World’s Best Outdoor Speakers 

    Much like the Wonderboom, the JBL Charge 3 can withstand water like nobody’s business. If you plan on charging up your gadgets by the pool, this is a great option! It boasts a USB port to charge any gadget you care to bring with you. Your guests will love getting to charge up from your speaker, too! The battery life is also stellar, although charging other gadgets up with it will reduce it. The Charge 3 costs around $150, but you can often find it on sale for less. With loud, punchy sonics and a durable body, this is another great choice for the backyard!  

    UE Megaboom 

    Photo Credit: Forbes 

    We really like UE’s outdoor speakers! The Megaboom, the bigger cousin of the Wonderboom, is a beast. It’s a little expensive at $200, but it really delivers. It sports amazing sound quality and top of the line durability. It’s totally waterproof, of course, so it can survive any dips in the pool. It’s shock-resistant and durable, made for a pool party or camping trip. If you want a loud, durable speaker for big cook-outs, the Megaboom is what you’re looking for.  

    Onward GrillPro

     

    Photo Credit: GrillPro 

    For $18 you can pick up your very own cast-iron smoker box! If you’re looking for that smokey flavor but want to save a bit of money, this is a great way to do it. Just throw the damp wood chips you want to smoke in the box and toss the box on the grill. As your grill hood fills up, the smoke will impart its flavor to whatever you’re cooking. It’s a great low-tech gadget and awesome grill solution!  

    Maverick PT-100 Pro Temp

    Photo Credit: Meadow Creek Barbeque Supply 

    This fantastic thermometer from Maverick is every grill master’s best friend. When you’re working with meat, you want to make sure everything’s gotten to safe temperatures. If you’ve used thermometers for your grilled food before, though, you know how painful it can be to hold your hand over a lit grill. That’s why we recommend this $65 thermometer from Maverick: it takes lightning-fast readings. That way you can make sure the food is ready without having to risk burning your hand! It’s win-win! 

    GoSun

    Photo Credit: Solar Cooker at CantinaWest 

    If you live in a particularly sunny region, you might want to check out the GoSun portable solar cooker. It’s only 8 pounds, and it can get up to 550 degrees! That’s a lot of bang for your buck, considering it only costs $260! If you like cooking out while camping, or just want to take your grill to friend’s back yard, the GoSun is a great option. The added benefit of not having to fuss with propane or charcoal makes it that much sweeter! 

    Bitterman’s Himalayan Salt Block

    Photo Credit: Sur la Table 

    If you’re looking for something a bit different for your grill, try a Himalayan salt block! Sur la Table sells a Bitterman block for around $30, and it’s an interesting experience. You set the block on the grill and let it heat up to the right temperature. Then, you drop your meats on it and let them cook. The satisfying sizzle is a nice touch, but it’s the mineral salt flavor the block confers that steals the show. If you’re looking to wow guests with some culinary awesome-ness, this is the way to do it! 

    Our Favorite Outdoor Gadget for Independence Day: Grillbot 

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    A robot that cleans your grill for you? That’s exactly what Grillbot is for! Just plop him down on the gross, blackened grill after you’re done cooking. Like an awesome backyard Roomba, it’ll clean up your grill and let you spend more time enjoying your company and food. Nothing screams “it’s the future” like robotic servants making life easier, huh? You can grab your Grillbot for $90 from Amazon. This little guy is easily our favorite because he’s just so cool and handy! If you want your guests to think you’re a high-tech grill master, look no further than Grillbot!