How to Choose and Use a Generator

Standby generators are handy in that they will power your whole home and automatically start once the power goes out. But they’re expensive and require professional installation that’s probably unnecessary for most households and the occasional power outage.

The average homeowner likely only requires a portable generator, which can still power major home appliances like the refrigerator. Ranging from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars, these generators come with a wide range of wattage.

Consult our guide on how much wattage certain appliances use on average to determine the appropriate size of generator you should get. Though the most powerful may weigh more than 200 pounds, others are under 50 for easier portability. These also grant you the versatility to take them camping or use them in an RV as well.

Don’t just buy a generator now and wait until the power goes out to learn how to use it safely. Most important to know is that generators must always be used outdoors the farther away from your home, the better due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust.

It may also be worth purchasing a generator with a carbon monoxide cutoff switch, which will detect the build-up and turn off the generator if levels get too high. Consult our guide for more safety tips you should learn before running your generator.

How We Selected These Generators

To select these eight generators, we thoroughly evaluated each product and relied on previous Popular Mechanics coverage on home and portable generators.

We surveyed the market and took into account both user reviews and professional reviews from trusted publications such as Wirecutter, The Spruce, and Safety.com. We evaluated these generators based on ease of operation, power, value, safety, and reliability to select the top performers.

1. Duromax XP12000EH Dual-Fuel Portable Generator

9,500 watts | 18HP 457cc OHV engine | 8.3-gallon tank | 74 dB | 260 lb.

• Runs on both gas and propane
• Heavy-duty frame
• Expensive
• Heavy

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With a peak of 12,000 watts, this Duromax is one of the most powerful portable generators. Its dual-fuel capability means it can run on propane or gas. A 20-pound propane tank at 50 percent max output will provide 20 hours of power, while gasoline at 50 percent will run for 10 hours.

the XP12000EH has a user-friendly electric start, as well as an optional recoil start just in case. The heavy-duty metal frame will also protect it when it’s outside amid potentially falling debris in stormy conditions, and the power panel includes individual breakers for added safety.

This generator may be heavy, so maybe don’t store it in the basement if you can help it, but its big wheels will help you transport it from the garage to outside before you fire it up. Besides, all Duromax generators come with a three-year warranty.

2. Champion Dual-Fuel Portable Generator

3,800 watts | 224cc Champion 4-Stroke engine | 3.4-gallon tank | 68 dB | 119 lb.

• Dual fuel
• Cold-weather start

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The most affordable full-size generator here, this Champion is loaded with plenty of power and features to get you through a storm. It’ll run on propane for up to 10.5 hours or a full tank of gas for up to nine.

In addition to its easy push-button start, its cold-start technology improves its ability to power up when the temperature drops, which is especially useful when you lose electricity in the middle of a blizzard.

The Champion also boasts features for safety and durability like a cast-iron sleeve, built-in surge protection, oil sensors, a folding handle, and a variety of outlets all of which make it a great buy for a relatively low cost.

3. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator

7,500 watts | 420cc 4-Stroke OHV engine | 6.6-gallon tank | 73 dB | 192 lb.

• Remote start
• Long run time
• Louder than comparable models

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This Westinghouse is only powered by gas, so it doesn’t have a propane fuel option like the Duromax and Champion above. But it provides a decent 16 hours of run time at 25 percent load. Its remote key fob can start it from up to 109 yards away, so you won’t have to go out into the storm to power it up.

Its steel frame adds protection to the six-gallon tank. If you want the option of propane power, Westinghouse offers a similar 7,500-watt model with dual fuel at a higher cost.

4. Wen 56200i 2,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

1,600 watts | 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine | 51 dB | 48 lb.

• Quiet operation
• Portable and versatile
• Energy-efficient mode
• Only runs up to 6 hours

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One of the quietest generators on this list, the Wen inverter makes about as much noise as a normal conversation. It’s safe enough to use to power laptops, phones, and other small electronics, but its 1,600 running watts can also provide enough juice to run for up to six hours at 50 percent capacity.

For more power, a parallel connection kit that’s sold separately can allow you to connect multiple generators to this model for added wattage. When you don’t need as much, it also has an “Eco-Mode” that saves gas by automatically adjusting its fuel use as you plug or unplug appliances.

Because it weighs just under 50 pounds, it’s a portable generator that you can fairly easily transport when camping as well.

5. Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator

2,200 watts | 121cc GXR120 engine | .95-gallon tank | 57 dB | 47 lb.

• Light and portable
• Fuel-efficient
• No push-button start

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The Honda EU2200i portable generator strikes a great balance between power, noise, and weight. With 2,200 running watts, it can putter on for four to nine hours on a single tank.

Like the Wen, it’s light and easy to carry, but is slightly more powerful and produces more noise as a result. This Honda doesn’t have an electric start, but its recoil is smoother than some alternatives.

6. Duromax XP4850EH 3,850-Watts Portable Generator

3,850 watts | 7HP 212cc OHV engine | 4-gallon tank | 69 dB | 127 lb.

• Runs on propane and gas
• Metal construction

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This Duromax compares to the Champion generator in terms of its wattage, weight, noise level, and dual-fuel options, but it costs just under $500. It can run with propane at half load for nine hours or gas for 11, which is slightly longer than comparable models in this price range. It’s also constructed out of metal but does lack some user-friendly features that the Champion possesses, like the cold-weather start.

7. DuroStar DS4000S 3300-Watts Portable Generator

3,300 watts | 7HP 208cc OHV engine | 4-gallon tank | 69 dB | 105 lb.

• Inexpensive
• Gas only
• No electric start

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The DuroStar is a less expensive, gas-only alternative to the 3,850-watt Duromax. It’s similar in terms of size and noise level but can run only up to eight hours with its four-gallon tank.

We think propane capability is often worth the extra price, but if you just need a mid-grade, gas-powered generator, this DuroStar is an affordable and reliable option.

8. Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station

505 watts | Lithium battery | 13 lb.

• Silent and exhaust-free
• Can use solar power
• Not for running full-size appliances

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Though it won’t power your whole home, the Yeti 500X backup battery can keep your phones, computers, and other electronics charged for days. At just 12 pounds, it’s a great option to take with you on car camping trips, but it also has enough power to keep small devices charged during a power outage.

According to Goal Zero, it has enough juice to charge a phone 40 times, a laptop 8 times, or run a TV for 3 hours. In our testing, the battery made it through two full days of heavy use when working from home. It’s also compatible with Goal Zero solar panels for recharging when off-the-grid.

While gas-operated generators require you to stock up on fuel, the Yeti has a much longer shelf life. It also has plenty of ports, including two USB-A, two USB-C, 12V, and two 120V AC inverters. For those looking for an easy, exhaust-free alternative to gas power, the Yeti is a safe bet. 

The post The 8 Best Portable Generators of 2021 appeared first on Atunity.

With an attractive design and excellent build quality to boot, it isn’t hard to understand why the Moccamaster has been popular for decades. Yet, with recent brewer innovations (e.g. variable temperature control), and Technivorm’s restrictive price points, the Moccamaster may no longer be the best value around.

Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT-741 10-Cup Coffee Brewer with Thermal Carafe

In this specific Technivorm Moccamaster review, we take a closer look at the popular Technivorm Moccamaster KBT-741. “Why would you pay $300 for a drip brewer?” uninitiated coffee drinkers may ask about the Technivorm-Moccamaster.

Most people, especially those who merely drink coffee to remain functional throughout the day, will be perfectly content with a generic Hamilton Beach or Cuisinart brewer. However, for a select few, the connoisseurs and aficionados, the difference between a generic brewer and the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT 741 is night and day; it is said to be the Rolls Royce of bulk brewers.

If you’re on the fence about the Moccamaster, we suggest exploring your options. High-end newcomers, the likes of Bonavita and Behmor, are beginning to undercut and outperform Technivorm machines. Be sure to check out our Technivorm vs. Bonavita comparison as well.

However, if your mind is set on the Moccamaster, you aren’t likely to regret purchasing it. It is an excellent machine, makes fantastic coffee, and looks absolutely gorgeous. And it’s still the king on our high-end coffee maker list.

Features of the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT-741 10-Cup Coffee Brewer

Like most high-end drip brewers, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741 is an extremely simple device. It does not boast programmability, it offers no gimmicks, and it lacks even the simplest automation. It’s main, and most important feature is technical excellence.

Behind the chemistry of ideal coffee, brewing lays an incredibly important variable: water temperature. To brew a truly excellent cup of drip coffee, your grinds should be steeped in approximately 200° F water. While most machines struggle to hit a consistent 180° F, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741 brews at a controlled 195-205° F from start to finish, every time.

Its incredibly powerful, 1000-watt, dual coil heater, and its insulated hot water siphon are essential to keeping the water temperature high. This, above all else, distinguishes the Technivorm Moccamaster from the droves of generic automatic drip machines.

Once the water is heated to the appropriate temperature, it never again touches plastic – an important point for drip coffee purists. An oversight of this consideration, incredibly common to low-end brewers, is the culprit behind plastic-flavored coffee. With the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, you’ll taste nothing but coffee.

Unfortunately, unlike Behmor’s Brazen series of brewers, the Moccamaster lacks temperature control. Even though you’ll be brewing excellent coffee each time, minor fluctuations in the water temperature will result in differing flavor expression across batches.

The KBT 741’s showerhead nozzle, which sprays ground coffee with hot water, provides even coverage and saturation for ideal extraction. Although many mid and high-end coffee brewers opt for larger, rounder showerheads, the Technivorm Moccamaster has no issues keeping it small and rectangular.

Another minor, yet notable advantage: the Technivorm Moccamaster brews up to 12 cups (1.8 L) of coffee per batch, a superior figure to the 8 and 10 cup limits found on competing high-end brewers.

To accommodate smaller batches, Technivorm has included a flow control on its filter basket. This is a simple mechanical solution to the problem of under-extraction. Depending on the quantity of coffee you are brewing, you can keep the flow unabated, reduce it by half, or close it off completely. Just be careful not to let the basket overflow.

The Technivorm Moccamaster includes an excellent dual-walled stainless steel carafe, a vacuum thermos design that keeps your coffee hot for up to 5 hours. Two carafe lids are also included alongside the carafe.

The first, a graduated brewing lid, minimizes temperature loss during the brewing process by directing the flow of the dripping coffee through an insulator tube.

The second, a locking lid, creates negative air pressure in the carafe by forming an airtight seal at the neck of the carafe. On the downside, the carafe spout struggles to maintain a consistent stream, which may result in frustration and spills.

For safety, the Technivorm Moccamaster uses a techno-mechanical switch on its base. If the machine detects that the carafe has been removed, it will interrupt the brewing process.

Aesthetics of the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT-741 10-Cup Coffee Brewer

At first glance, the Technivorm Moccamaster appears deceptively rudimentary; just a series of cones and rectangles. If you look closely enough, however, you might uncover a wealth of complexity.

You may notice the Fibonacci-Esque progression of component size, starting at the smallest foot and ending at the main column; or the off-center, yet satisfying, placement of the Technivorm logo; or the five distinct graduations of the water reservoir, running opposed, yet complementary; or the subtle crescent of matte on the glossy black filter cone.

Eventually, you may realize that there isn’t a single wasted design element in the Moccamaster’s design. Each part simply belongs, and any small change could throw the entire design off balance.

This incredibly balanced, minimalistic design has remained largely unchanged since the Moccamaster’s premier, in the 1970s. This is an incredible feat of design and engineering; It is exceedingly rare for a product design to forestall revision for more than a few years let alone thirty.

Build Quality of the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT-741 10-Cup Coffee Brewer

Assembled in the Netherlands, Technivorm’s aluminum beast is the epitome of brewer engineering.

Every component of the Moccamaster, from top to bottom, just looks and feels solid.

The machine’s asymmetrical base is sturdy, its welding is seamless, and its only button is solid. The Moccamaster’s water reservoir lid, showerhead bar, and filter basket all lock into place effortlessly, and stay there indefinitely. Finally, by virtue of top-notch machining, both carafe lids tighten to the neck seamlessly, with minimal resistance.

If the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT-741 has a weakness, it would have to be the flow control located on its filter basket. The slider feels flimsy, and setting your preferred flow can be a finicky process. Unsurprisingly, several customers have reported cracks and breaks. This, in turn, leads to leaking problems and burn hazards.

There are also several reports of mechanical failures floating around the web causes unknown. With Technivorm’s 5-year warranty, however, you will be covered in the case of mechanical failure.

Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT-741 – Pros vs. Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Optimal brewing temperature (200° – 205° F)
• Heated water never touches plastic
• Includes a dual-walled thermal carafe
• Brews larger batches than most high-end machines (12 cups)
• Flow control for optimal extraction on smaller batches

Cons

• One of the most expensive brewers available
• Flimsy flow control slider
• Thermal carafe spout is subpar
• Lack of variable temperature control
• No programmability

How Much Does The Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT-741 10-Cup Coffee Brewer Cost?

We partnered up with Amazon to provide you the lowest price for the Technivorm-Moccamaster.

The post The Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker Reviews appeared first on Atunity.

If it’s time for a new sleeping bag, the good news is that there are several great sleeping bag brands out there that will turn your camping trip into a sleeping success. But with so many sizes, temperature ratings, and price points, how do you know which one to choose?

Fear not! We have put together a list of the best sleeping bags for camping in 2021.

The Best Sleeping Bags for Camping

1. Western Mountaineering MegaLite

The Western Mountaineering MegaLite sleeping bag has been rated the best of the best by Outdoor Gear Lab. This luxurious, spacious sleeping bag comes with a lofty price tag, but it’s well worth the investment. Shoppers claim it’s the only sleeping bag you’ll ever need. 

Features we like:

• Fabricated with quality, durable materials that are designed to last
• Warmer than 30°F rating
• Spacious and luxurious
• Excellent weight-to-warmth ratio
• Weighs approximately 1.63 lbs

2. Chinook Polar Micro Mummy Down 32-Degree Sleeping Bag

If you’re looking for a sleeping bag that’s a little more budget-friendly, look no further than the Chinook Polar Micro Mummy found on eBay. This is the perfect solution for hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers that want to walk, hike, or ride to their camping destination and need something compact and lightweight. 

Features we like:

• Insulated with goose feathers for maximum comfort
• 32°F rating
• Ultra-compact and lightweight design
• Made with nylon and polyester

3. Coleman Green Valley Cool Weather Adult Sleeping Bag

If you’re looking for a great sleeping bag, but don’t want to invest some serious cash, then the best option for getting the best bang for your buck is the good, old, reliable Coleman brand. 

The Coleman Green Valley Cool Weather Sleeping Bag is super durable and will keep you cozy even when temperatures dip below freezing. Priced in the $50–$75 range, it’s the perfect starter sleeping bag for those who are still unsure if camping is for them.

Features we like:

• Equipped with a cozy cotton flannel fleece liner for extra comfort
• Accommodates sleepers five feet and 11 inches (and under) in height
• 30°F temperature rating
• Designed with ComfortSmart Technology
• Designed with a unique zipper system that forces fabric away from the zipper to avoid snags and rips
• ThermoLock System reduces heat loss
• Machine washable
• Carry bag included

4. Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag

For those who want to break into the backpacking community without breaking the bank, this sleeping bag provides the best of both worlds. The Kelty Cosmic sleeping bag is affordably priced in the $160–$190 range, and also offers many of the same features and quality as some other high-end, competing sleeping bag brands. 

Features we like:

• Extremely durable
• Water-resistant
• Rated for temperatures between 19–30°F 
• Designed with nylon and polyester
• Dual-sliding, anti-snag zipper design
• Comfortable hood help keep the cold out and the heat in
• Carry sack included

5. MILLET LD Baikal 750 Sleeping Bag

The weather can be somewhat unpredictable during the summer months. The occasional rain and thunderstorm can put a damper on any camping trip or outdoor adventure. 

Therefore, if you’re planning a multi-day camping trip, we recommend the Millet LD Baikal. Similar to our other suggestions, it’s lightweight, warm, and also waterproof! Made by the reputable Millet brand, it handles moist weather like a champ.

Features we like:

• Machine washable
• 43°F rating
• Synthetic
• Travel bag included

Turn Sleeping Bag Savings into Nonprofit Donations

Having a good sleeping bag can make or break your adventure or escape into the wilderness. Whether you’re a first-time fern dweller or a seasoned vet of the trails, you can be sure to enjoy your next adventure under the stars in a comfortable sleeping bag. 

You can shop for the best sleeping bags for your next camping trip or backyard camp out while earning cashback to save or donate to a nonprofit of your choice when you shop with Giving Assistant!

Learn how Giving Assistant works. Enjoy discounts and cashback deals to make the best of your summer! Install the Giving Assistant Button today for easy access to deals and savings every time you shop.

See Also:

• Best Sleeping Pad for Car Camping: to Help You a Good Night’s Sleep When Camping
• 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads Reviews
• Best Campfire Grill Grate for Cooking & Grilling

The post Best Sleeping Bags for Camping Review appeared first on Atunity.

Your kitchen is overflowing with equipment!

That’s understandable since making coffee the right way is an involved process. From a manual or electric grinder to blitz your beans to a scale to weigh them on, from a timer to a gooseneck kettle, the list goes on.

Increasingly, manufacturers are plugging this gap by producing multipurpose coffee equipment. We looked recently at coffee makers with built-in grinders and today we’ll be scoping out dual-brew coffee makers.

What are these dual-brew systems, then?

Also known as 2-way coffee makers, you’ll typically get a choice of two brewing methods although some machines offer even more.

Today, we’ll highlight a cross-section of the best 2-way coffee makers at varying price points and all offering a variety of brewing methods in a single powerful appliance.

If you’re impatient for the main event, here are the machine we’ll be exploring at a glimpse…

Our Top Picks for Best Dual Brew Coffee Makers

1. Our #1 Pick: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew

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Our overall favorite 2-way coffee maker is the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew. Priced keenly and built to stand up to daily use, what else makes this dual-brew coffee maker stand out?

Opt for K-Cup pods if you want the simplicity of single-serve. When you need to make a larger batch, brew up a full 12 cups of the other side of the FlexBrew. This brews into the glass carafe supplied. The heating plate ensures you don’t need to down the whole pot in an instant.

Programmable, come downstairs in the morning or home after work to freshly brewed coffee. What more can you ask for?

If it’s single-serve you’re after, you’ll have coffee in your cup in minutes flat.

Pros: Brew fresh coffee or use K-Cup pods. Make up to 12 cups in carafe. Make single-serve drinks in just 3 minutes.

Cons: Quality control is questionable and customer care underwhelming.

Bottom Line: The FlexBrew gives you the convenience of single-serve pods married to the economy and flexibility of freshly ground coffee. What’s not to love?

2. Also Great: Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System with Auto-iQ

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The classic Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System comes with Auto-iQ but what is that? In plain English, the machine automatically optimizes settings reducing user input to an absolute minimum.

Brew up a broad variety of drinks with the Ninja. You can even use bagged or loose tea leaves if you fancy a break from coffee.

A key selling point of the Ninja is the way it helps you make delicious cold brew in just 10 minutes. This brewing method typically requires 24 hours of waiting for the concentrate to fully infuse. Get the same results in less time with the Ninja.

Pros: Wide menu of drinks from coffee to tea. Make lip-smacking cold brew in just 10 minutes. Elegant aesthetics.  Multiple brew sizes and strengths so tweak your drink to perfection.

Cons: Tries to cover too many bases. Check contents of your package closely upon arrival.

Bottom Line: If you have a household where everyone likes different drinks, the Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System delivers something for the whole family.

3. Cuisinart SS-20

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The first of a pair of Cuisinart dual-brew coffee machines, the SS-20 punches above its weight.

The single-serve side of the machine delivers speed and efficiency without forcing you to use K-Cup pods. Instead, you get the proprietary HomeBarista filter saving your wallet and the environment. Beyond this, you can also use your favorite roast rather than being limited to a choice of capsules.

The highly insulated thermal carafe lets you make 10 cups at a time. There’s also a 12-cup variant if you need even bigger batches.

The machine accommodates travel mugs along with taller recipe glasses so you have all bases covered and a great deal of flexibility.

Pros: Brew single-serve or a whole carafe. Thermal stainless steel carafe for superb insulation. Charcoal water filter for crisper taste. Use K-Cup pods on one side of the machine and freshly ground coffee on the other. Accommodates taller recipe glasses and travel mugs.

Cons: Few reported issues of leaking from single-serve side.

Bottom Line: For a dependable and durable dual-brew coffee maker from a kitchenware specialist, the SS-20 from Cuisinart punches above its weight.

4. Keurig K-Duo

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Another entry from Keurig, a company with a near-stranglehold on the single-serve space.

One side of this machine lets you use the K-Cup pods you know and love. Get gourmet coffee at the press of a button with no waste.

How about when you’re entertaining or you want more coffee? Well, the glass carafe lets you brew a whole pot so you’ve got all boxes ticked.

Fully programmable through 24 hours, you can enjoy coffee on demand without needing to wait around.

You can also use a reusable filter with this machine which pegs running costs. If you only drink the occasional cup of coffee, the cost of pods is negligible. If, on the other hand, you’re nailing multiple cups a day, the expense soon starts to mount. Get exactly what you want every time with the K-Duo.

Pros: Benefit from single-serve convenience while also taking advantage of freshly brewed coffee. Glass carafe and warming plate. Reusable filter keeps running costs down. Programmable so wake up or return home to freshly brewed coffee.

Cons: Brittle build. Customer care can be disappointing.

Bottom Line: Another classic from the masters of single-serve coffee, the Keurig K-Duo also allows you to use your favorite ground coffee for greater flexibility and variety.

5. Cuisinart CHW-12

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The second Cuisinart on our list is another 2-way coffee maker allowing you to brew up a whole carafe of freshly brewed coffee or to use hot water on demand to create other drinks.

Since the carafe makes 12 cups, this machine is a neat fit for anyone who drinks large quantities of coffee.

With a 54oz water tank, you won’t be constantly scurrying to the faucet and the carafe temperature control lets you keep your leftover coffee warm to the precise level you prefer.

Completely automatic and ideal for beginners, this is a solid multipurpose coffee maker coming in at a reasonable price point.

Pros: Make a whole 12-cup carafe so great for large families. Multiple settings on heating plate. Carafe thrown in. 54oz water tank minimizes refilling. Drip-free pouring. Hot water on demand.

Cons: Build quality and lifespan could be improved.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a dual-brew coffee maker on a budget, the Cuisinart CHW-12 is ideal for light use.

6. Keurig K-Cafe

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Keurig dominate the single-serve coffee space and the iconic K-Café continues to fly off the shelves. What makes it stand out, though?

On the one side, you get the option of using K-Cup pods for great coffee at the push of a button in less than a minute. You can also press a reusable filter into commission to cut costs. You’ll need to buy this separately.

You can also choose to rack up an entire carafe of drip coffee so you have something for everyone however they like their coffee.

If you’re looking for a machine offering you the best of both worlds, the K-Café deserves a place on any shortlist of the best 2-way coffee makers.

Pros: Compact unit despite serving double duty. Single-serve pod convenience when you want it or flick to making whole carafes of freshly brewed coffee. Compatible with reusable filter. Accommodates travel mugs and recipe glasses.

Cons: Coffee not the strongest even on the most intense setting.

Bottom Line: A versatile, affordable and powerful dual-brew coffee maker, the K-Café lets you enjoy gourmet coffee at home on the daily.

7. DeLonghi Espresso and Drip Coffee Machine

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DeLonghi make some powerful coffee machines that are a delight to use and built to stay the distance. How about this espresso/drip combo?

Well, it’s another home run from DeLonghi. 15 bars of pressure provide all you need for mouth-watering espresso. That gets things off to a strong start.

Since espresso is hardly an all-day drink, take advantage of the drip side of the machine to brew yourself up a larger batch of less intense coffee.

You can program the machine with ease through 24 hours.

While the DeLonghi is certainly not cheap, if you invest in this machine, you’re highly unlikely to complain about value for money.

Pros: Outstanding reputation for quality. Make delectable espresso or a whole carafe of brewed coffee. Push-button ease of use. Highly programmable. Versatile.

Cons: More expensive than some of the opposition.

Bottom Line: If you have a fluid budget and demanding tastes, we’d suggest road testing this DeLonghi for all your coffee needs in a single unit.

8. Espresso and Coffee: AICOOK Espresso and Coffee Machine

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We’ll round out with something slightly different. Here at La Mano, we typically stick with recognized brands with just cause: they produce the best equipment. That said, we’re always prepared to give houseroom to newcomers and the AICOOK espresso and coffee machine is a solid 2-way brewer well worth your consideration.

Whether you prefer short, stiff shots of espresso or creamy lattes and cappuccinos, there’s no need to compromise.

Despite pretty powerful performance, this unit won’t eat up too much precious kitchen real estate.

Pros: Powerfully multipurpose unit. Make everything from espresso to longer, creamy coffees and drip coffee. Space-saver. Water tank slides out for ease of filling and cleaning. Generous 1.2L capacity.

Cons: Not the most recognizable brand.

Bottom Line: If you’re prepared to take a punt on an outsider, the AICOOK is one of the best 2-way coffee makers on the market with even more than that up its sleeve.

OK, with our reviews put to bed, we’ll tail off with a curated list of answers to the most frequently asked questions about 2-way coffee brewers.

Things You Should Consider

Before we push on with our reviews, what should you consider when you’re looking for the best dual-brew coffee maker?

Focus on the following areas and you should find your buying decision is a cinch:

• Types of Coffee
• Pods or Freshly Ground Coffee?
• Ease of Use
• Capacity
• Footprint

Types of Coffee

Think closely first about the way you like your coffee…

If you’re a committed espresso fan, many dual-brew machines come packing all the pressure you need for those short shots.

Are you quite happy with a pot of drip coffee? If so, most 2-way coffee makers deliver.

How about creamy espresso-based drinks? Some machines come with integrated frothers allowing you to build out latte, cappuccino, and macchiato.

All that counts here is finding a machine that has everything you need and nothing you don’t. We’ve included a broad array of machines so you should find something that takes your fancy.

Pods or Freshly Ground Coffee?

The bulk of the best dual-brew machines allow you to make single-serve coffee. This slashes wastage while speeding the procedure up substantially.

How do you want to make that single-serve, though?

If you don’t drink too much coffee, you might be happy with the idea of using K-Cup pods or capsules. If so, you’ll enjoy remarkable convenience, zero waste, and piping hot coffee in less than a minute.

For serious coffee drinkers, the cost of these pods soon escalates. It’s easy to find yourself dropping ten bucks a day on K-Cup pods which is less than ideal. Instead, opt for a machine that packs reusable filters and lets you use freshly ground coffee. You’ll not only have a wider choice along with guaranteed access to your favorite roast, you’ll save money in the long haul, too.

Ease of Use

Ease of use should be central to your buying decision. If you encounter any negative press about machines that are awkward to use, give them a swerve. It’s a buyer’s market and you don’t need to compromise.

If you end up with a machine that’s a pain to use or involves an inappropriate amount of waiting time, it’s likely to gather dust.

The best dual-brew coffee makers give you push-button ease along with the inbuilt kicker of making up a large pot that you can keep warm for hours. Don’t sell yourself short with a troublesome machine.

Capacity

Many dual-brew machines come with the choice of a 10-cup or 12-cup carafe. Think about the maximum capacity you’ll need but don’t buy larger than you’ll use.

You should also think about the capacity of the water reservoir. If you have a single-serve machine with a tiny tank, you’ll endlessly be refilling it. This in many ways destroys the convenience of a single-serve machine. We’d suggest tanks of 40oz and upward make the most sense.

Footprint

Last but not least, think about the size of the machine itself.

If you’re buying a multipurpose machine as a space-saving exercise, it defeats the object if you end up with a huge machine eating up the whole kitchen counter.

Strike that delicate balance between sufficient capacity and a footprint compact enough for your needs and the size of your kitchen.

Right, with those foundations in place, it’s time for the main event and our dual-brew coffee maker reviews.

FAQ

What is a dual-brew coffee maker?

To qualify as a dual-brew or 2-way coffee maker, the machine needs to present you with a choice of brewing methods. Some machines allow you to make espresso along with longer, creamier coffees.

Others give you the choice between using single-serve capsules or freshly ground coffee to make a whole carafe. Essentially, you’re getting a multipurpose appliance which is great news for your wallet while taking up less space in the kitchen.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using K-Cup pods?

The core benefit of K-Cup pods is the absolute ease of use. Fill the water tank, insert a capsule and you’ll have great coffee in less than a minute. There’s no messy clean-up and no waste. Keurig offers a huge choice of hundreds of roasts.

On the flip side, the cost of K-Cup pods mounts, especially if you’re a heavy coffee drinker. Made from non-recyclable plastic, the cost to the environment is also ruinous. Why not take advantage of these benefits without suffering the drawbacks? To do so, just invest in a dual-brew coffee maker.

Is a stainless steel thermal carafe or a glass carafe best?

Thermal carafes have better insulating properties and will keep your coffee warm for hours independently. Stainless steel is also rugged, easy to clean, and resistant to damage. A glass carafe, on the other hand, is much cheaper. These carafes are kept warm on the coffee machine’s heating plate. Glass is obviously fragile so you’ll need to operate with care.

Are all dual-brew coffee makers bulky?

Absolutely not. You generally end up with a larger machine since you have so much functionality baked in. That said, we have included today plenty of compact machines ideal if you live in an apartment or you have a crowded kitchen.

Are 2-way coffee makers expensive?

Surprisingly, these dual-purpose machines come in quite reasonably priced. As with any coffee machine, there’s a fairly broadband of prices depending on what you’re looking for. You can easily get away with spending less than a couple of hundred bucks for a first-class dual-brew coffee machine.

Conclusion

You should now have a thorough overview of all the best dual-brew coffee makers along with what to prioritize on the buying path.

Whenever you’re looking to buy any type of coffee equipment, you should always take the time before steaming in to analyze your needs. Think about how you and your family like your coffee.

Do you also enjoy tea, hot chocolate, and infusions? If so, you can find plenty of machines offering hot water on demand. If you’re an espresso-fiend, you have plenty of options there, too.

By targeting two of your favorite brewing methods in a single machine, you can free up valuable space in the kitchen while saving money at the same time. Who wouldn’t want that?

Don’t forget to bookmark La Mano. We’re all genuine coffee lovers here at the site and we have plenty more great guides lined up for you so come back soon!

The post 8 Best Dual Brew Coffee Makers Reviews 2020 appeared first on Atunity.

Luckily, the best campfire grill grate can save them and you from that. Without having to put yourself in danger or eventually fall into uncomfortable cooking practices, a grill rate for outdoor trips always helps.

There are thousands of options out there, though. So picking the right one can be sort of an issue if you don’t know what you need and why. Here, we are going to explain that.

If you are a camper, backpacker, or RV owner who wants a nice grill to cook meals over a campfire then read this article to find out which one to go for.

7 Best Campfire Cooking Grill Grate Review

Learning about them is always helpful. But nothing compares to reading some camp grill grates reviews and learning first-hand with the best models available. Here are 7 options we thoroughly recommend!

1. Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill – Editor Choice

FEATURES:

• Heavy-duty folding steel campfire grill.
• Steel-mesh grill top for sturdy support
• Designed to handle heavy cast iron cookware
• Legs fold underneath for compact storage

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Coming in three different sizes (Medium, Large and Extra-Large) this Texsport campfire grilling grate offers the chance to enjoy superb grilling without having to waste any time or effort in setting it up.

It is a rectangular model coming with a heavy-duty folding mechanism, boasting stainless steel construction with a welded design.

This allows the grate to last a lifetime, making sure your food is always cooked to the max without leaving flavor behind.

The top of the grill is comprised of a steel mesh, which allows heat to enter much more effectively into your meats. You can also place cookware over it if needed. It works well with cast-iron pots and pans without problems.

As it comes in different design sizes, you can get its Large size at 24-inches long and 12-inches wide. But you may also go for the 36-inches by 18-inches Extra Large design, ideal for large camping groups and those who have tons of space.

In case you want something smaller than these two, the Medium at 16-inches in length by 12-inches in width will be enough.

Whatever size you go for, the ability to fold will make this grill a much more practical product overall.

Pros

• Superb stainless steel build
• Handy folding mechanism
• Comes in three different sizes
• High-quality steel mesh aids heat transfer

Cons

• The rectangular design is not the easiest to carry around
• Tends to lose protective coating over time

2. Sunnydaze Fire Pit Grate – Heavy-Duty Steel – Best Value

FEATURES:

• Product Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 4 inches
• The 2-inch gap between each grate
• High-temperature heat resistant paint finish
• Weight Capacity: Holds up 200 pounds
• WARRANTY: 1 Year by manufacturer’s

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If a rectangular model doesn’t make it for you, then you can always go for a circular heavy duty grill grate like the Sunnydaze Round Fire Pit.

This model comes in 5 different diameters that you can get according to your demands. If you’re going for a small camping trip, then you can get the 12-inches design that holds enough food for two people. Otherwise, you can go for the larger models going from 24 to 40 inches, which could hold tons of food.

But the real advantage of this model is not the size availability, but the outstandingly sturdy construction with the 7/16-inches thick stainless steel. These bars will make the whole design, even in the grills which ensures a durable & heat-efficient product.

You will obtain small 2.5-inches legs as well for all models. These legs allow the food to sit at a decent height from fires. Another exciting factor is weight capacity. It can hold up to 200 pounds of weight in its largest model without issues.

On top of all that, it is large and efficient enough to keep fires working for long. If you want an utterly practical model then this one will work wonders.

Pros

• Comes in five sizes for extra options
• Ultra-thick & durable stainless steel build
• Decently-sized legs offer proper heating
• Ensures proper fires for long

Cons

• Rust fast due to lack of coating
• Small legs can be tricky to use

3. Coghlan’s Heavy Duty Camp Grill – Best Camping Grill

FEATURES:

• Product Dimensions: 23 x 9 x 15 inches
• Weight:  1 pounds
• Portable lightweight grill folds flat for easy storage
• heavy-duty nickel-plated steel construction

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The Coghlan’s portable campfire grill is a superb model for those who want a small option for their trips. You won’t have to pack up the grill on a huge backpack to bring it around.

Measuring 16-inches in width and 24-inches in length, you can enjoy enough space to fit food for up to 3 to 4 people without problems.

You can get it in both heavy-duty and standard models. The heavy-duty design offers a much more durable and sturdy option that can hold more food. But if you go for the standard model, you will get a thinner design that makes cooking a lot faster.

The grill comes with a stainless steel construction along with an iron mesh grate. This aids to achieve better heating overall, which makes sure your meats cook effectively.

Of course, the legs are totally foldable so you can make it small and fit inside any bag without issues. Pairing this up with the rest of the grill makes it one of the most practical you can find. So, it’s not an option to overlook.

Pros

• Comes in standard & heavy-duty models
• Sturdy steel frame with heat-efficient iron mesh
• Practical foldable design for storage
• Decent size for extra portability

Cons

• The standard option doesn’t hold too much weight
• Larger design than expected

4. AmazonBasics Folding Campfire Grill – Best Heavy Duty Folding Grill

FEATURES:

• Heavy-duty campfire grill for cooking over an open fire
• High-quality welded steel with a steel-mesh grill top
• Warranty: 1 Year by manufacturers
• Product Dimensions: 17.6 x 12.2 x 6.6 inches
• Weight: 4.92 pounds

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If there’s a brand that never disappoints then that’s AmazonBasics. Coming directly from the largest retail company in the world this backpacking grill grate will make your camping much better.

It stands out for a heavy-duty construction that stands several years of use without problems. You will get welded steel along with a steel-mesh top together making one of the sturdiest grills in the market.

If you need to cook with cast-iron cookware, this model won’t disappoint. But you can also place food directly, and it will perform amazingly well.

The legs are decently sized and come with a foldable design. You won’t have any issue installing the grill over the fire while having the chance to store in a breeze.

You will get the chance to pick either the Medium model at 16-inches by 12-inches in size or the Extra-Large design at 40-inches by 18-inches overall. The rectangular design is super handy, which ensures fantastic cooking experiences outdoors.

The best of all is the cost – for a superb price tag, you will have one of the most practical models out there.

Pros

• Long-lasting & sturdy steel build in its entirety
• Convenient folding legs for storage
• Excellent cost for the quality
• Works well with any kind of cookware

Cons

• Paint wears off fast and rusts
• Truly heavy and challenging to move around

5. Texsport Heavy Duty Barbecue Swivel Grill – Best for Portable Grill

FEATURES:

• Height adjustable to 17 Inch for optimal heat
• Rotates 360 degrees to protect from heat and flames
• Portable grill for cooking over a fire
• Product Dimensions: 24 x 18.5 x 3 inches

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When it comes to versatility, few models will offer the overall capacity of the Texsport Barbecue Swivel Grill grate.

As soon as you take a look at it, you’ll know this model takes grilling to another level. It comes with solid steel construction with a welded build ideal for durability & fast heat transfer.

The size is medium at 24-inches in length and 16-inches in width. When it comes to hosting food, you can make up to 4 dishes without problems over it.

But it is not the size of the construction that stands out, but the superb swiveling system. You’ll have the chance to adjust the height up to 17-inches if needed. And it still rotates 360-degrees so you can keep the grill close or away from the heat according to your demands.

This all comes with a stick design that goes into the dirt for sturdiness. You’ll have the chance to place any amount of food over the grill easily and still get decent sturdiness.

When it comes to bringing it around, you can disassemble and store in just seconds. This adds to its overall convenience level.

Pros

• Easy setup and disassemble
• Ultra-practical swivel & height adjustments
• High-quality construction for durability
• Ideal size for portability & results

Cons

• Hard to change the height while cooking
• Metal may bend over time

6. The Perfect Campfire Grill Pioneer – Best for Solid Steel Camping Grill

FEATURES:

• Solid steel camping grill
• Includes travel tote bag
• Measures 18-Inch in diameter
• Product Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 3 inches
• Item Weight: 8.55 pounds

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A swivel design is always worth considering. And the Pioneer model from The Perfect Campfire Grill is precisely that.

It is a 16 round grill grate that makes cooking outdoors a piece of cake. The design is sleek and comes with a stake that goes deep into the ground to offer excellent sturdiness.

The grill rack is large enough to fit several pieces of meat inside. And you can adjust height whenever you need, thanks to a long 36-inches stake. You’ll have the chance to cook your food however you prefer.

The entire grill comes with solid steel construction. You can place any type of food over, and it will still hold it without issues. This pairs up well with its raised edge, which makes sure the food never falls into the fire.

This design is straightforward. You’ll have the chance to disassemble and place inside a bag when needed. And you will also get the ability to bring around without having to carry too much weight for its exceptional thinness. If you like small but practical designs, this one won’t disappoint you.

Pros

• Well-made stainless steel build
• Small & ultra-portable design entirely
• Handy height-adjustment system
• Unique grill design prevents food from falling

Cons

• May feel a little flimsy
• Height-adjustment system can be tricky to use

7. Texsport Heavy Duty Adjustable Outdoor Camping – Best for Stainless Steel

FEATURES:

• Stainless steel rotisserie stops in 4 positions for delicious.
• 24″ x 16″ grilling surface.
• Weighs 16.5 lbs.
• Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 2.5 inches

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When it comes to heavy duty grill grates, few models like the Texsport Rotisserie will come truly useful. And that’s why we needed to mention it on this list.

The first thing you’ll notice is the extra-sturdy construction with stainless steel. Throughout the grill, you’ll get one of the most durable builds that ensure proper heat efficiency and prevents rust at the same time.

But the massive benefit of this model is the small yet highly convenient design. Offering 24-inches in length and 16-inches in width, you can host several pieces of meat without problems. This adds to its easy-to-assemble design, which you can also store effortlessly on your backpack before storing.

The best of all is the unique rotisserie arm which you can use to cook anything from chicken to fish and enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

You can also adjust the height whenever you want with its twin-steel side arms and a single-thumb screw system. For those who want the extra set of features, this model works wonders.

Pros

• Hugely practical rotisserie arm
• Twin-leg design for extra sturdiness
• Convenient height-adjustment system
• Durable & resistant steel build

Cons

• Installation can be pretty difficult
• Could be larger

What is a Campfire Grill Grate?

Before we go into details, let’s explain what a campfire grill grate is first.

In short, you could say that a campfire grill is like any other grill but much more comfortable and easy to use. You won’t need a cooking chamber, and you will have the chance to place it almost anywhere you want.

The design is specially made to fit over campfires and other similar places. You won’t need a gas stove or coal to make it work. Just place the grill grate over the campfire, and it will be ready to cook your meat.

Types of Campfire Grill Grates

Now that you are familiar with what a campfire grill grate is, it is time to go over the different types you will find out there. Here are three of them:

Flat Campfire Grill

As its name says, a flat campfire grill rack is a flat model that goes directly over the fire. There’s not much movement or versatility on this model. To make it work, you’ll need to place the grate over the fire, and that’s it. Some flat campfire grill grate come with a foldable design which can be really useful.

These are ideal for people who want something simple and straightforward. Without offering much adjust-ability, these are much easier & fast to use.

Tripod Campfire Grill

A tripod campfire grill grate hangs the grill in the middle of three legs that support the weight. This allows the user to hang the meat at the desired height, as most models come with their adjustable height feature. A tripod grill can be a little unstable, though. And setting it up can be tricky.

Those who want to hang their food away from the fire should go for a tripod model. The main advantage is that you can use one of these over large fires without problems.

Swivel Campfire Grill

Finally, we can find the swivel or adjustable fire pit grill grate. The significant advantage of this one is the ability to offer effortless adjust-ability to the height. There’s a slight issue on installation and weight capacity in this model, but with a sturdy option, there shouldn’t be a problem.

With one of these, you’ll have the chance to quickly change how far you want the food to hang over the fire.

Features of a Great Campfire Grill Grate

There’s no point in getting a grill grate for your outdoor fires if you don’t know what you can get from them. Here are some features that you should consider before buying;

Size

The size of the product will immediately tell you whether it is a good choice for you or not. It all depends on how you intend to use the grill, where you’re going to take it, and how much weight you can handle.

A small grate, for example, may come with a diameter or length of 12 to 14 inches. You may find smaller models at about 10 inches as well. These are ideal for individual meals and work well with extra small fires.

As for medium models, you are likely to find diameters and lengths going from 16 to 24 inches. These are ideal for most people who go camping, as they fit a normal-sized fire without problems.

But if what you want is a large or extra large campfire grill grate, then you’ll need something that’s at least 26 inches in diameter or length and could go up to 40 inches. These are only useful if you’re going camping with lots of people and have lots of space to store the grill.

Material

After picking the right size, you’ll need to consider the right build. Here, you’ll find two common constructions; cast-iron and stainless steel.

A cast-iron campfire grill grate is resistant to heat and durable. The issue is that cast-iron tends to rust fast and can be truly heavy.

If cast-iron doesn’t make it, you can go for a stainless steel burner BBQ campfire cooking grate that’s way more resistant to rust, light, and easy to handle than the former. It is also heat resistant and long-lasting but without too many drawbacks.

Design

The last thing you’ll need to think about is the number of design features you’ll get. Here, you’ll find all kinds of stuff from folding mechanisms to shape which can be round, square, or rectangular, and more.

Some extras that you can get can be a skewer for rotisserie, height-adjustment systems, and a secure assembly system. They will all make the grill much more practical.

Conclusion

As you can see after reading this article, the best campfire grill grate is the one that matches with your needs. With so many options and features to consider, we always advise going for the one that fits what you’re looking for.

Do that, and you’ll get a more-than-decent product overall. Choose your next adjustable campfire grill grate now, and you will have a super helpful item on your next trip. You won’t regret it!

The post Best Campfire Grill Grate for Cooking & Grilling of 2020 appeared first on Atunity.

The truly savvy folks among us, though, know that footballs are brown bass who like to dig deep and then rocket skyward with an air attack. From east to west, north to south, if the conditions allow you to chase them, this is the time to catch your personal best smallmouth. Here are 10 places to get it done:

1. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The Pacific Northwest may be known for trout and salmon, and the bass-crazed locals would just as soon want you to continue to think that. They know that they have world-class perhaps world record smallmouth in their midst, and big Coeur d’Alene may be the best of the lake the bunch.

Related: 10 Tips: How to Catch Bass

When the summertime crowds clear off and the temperatures drop, the bass frenzy heats up, and it almost always takes a 4- to 5-pound average to win a local tournament.

Top Smallie Tactic

Most of the local anglers are crazed over small kokanee salmon, and the not-so-hidden secret is that so are the bass. Get your big glide baits and swimbaits and get to work, replicating the big, protein-packed “baitfish” that smallmouth love most.

Pro-Tip

Experiment with your glide baits in a swimming pool or clear water pond until you can manipulate them expertly, forcing 180-degree turns. Often big smallmouths will follow but not commit, and a change of direction will trigger strikes.

2. Bay de Noc, Michigan

Escaping the people is easy in northern Michigan, but escaping the wind is a different situation altogether. If you can get out of it, both Little Bay de Noc and Big Bay de Noc hold monster populations of shallow-roaming smallmouths. Winter comes early here, but the fish continue to bite until the water is hard.

Top Smallie Tactic

Traditional smallmouth killers like jerk baits and tubes will continue to produce, but when fish get tougher, an overlooked clear-water killer is a small black or brown marabou jig. Find one in a 1/8 ounce size with a quality hook and prepare to get bitten by all sizes of smallmouths.

Pro-Tip

Invest in a reel with a quality drag system or learn to back reel. You will get many more bites using a thin-diameter line. Smallmouths don’t give up easily, so play them carefully.

3. Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota

Less than two hours from the hubbub of the Twin Cities, massive lake Mille Lacs has long been known as a walleye and muskie factory, but it was only recently that out-of-staters clued into the fact that it also has more than its share of 5- to 7-pound smallmouths. They get on boulders the size of Volkswagens and pull like there’s no tomorrow.

Top Smallie Tactic

Try a football jig on offshore structure. That’s what Texas pro, Keith Combs used to win the Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship here. He found the fish ganged up and feeding on crawfish.

Pro-Tip

On large bodies of water, use your paper maps or electronics to figure out how winds will affect your day. Sometimes a breeze will make the bite better, but it can also make things unsafe, so find safe havens and areas that will remain fishable.

4. Lake Erie, New York

Year after year, Buffalo Harbor in New York State continues to pump out some big smallmouths all season long. They relate to a well-defined offshore structure, and in the fall come shallow again to put on the feed bag. Nothing beats a tube for dragging or a drop shot for vertical fishing. Focus on rock and irregularities and you’ll find groups of big brown bass.

Top Smallie Tactic

For anglers who are good with their electronics “video gaming” fish getting on top of them and dropping straight down with a drop shot can allow for pinpoint presentations.

Pro-Tip

Learn to use both two-dimensional and down-imaging sonar and check how one differs from the other to decipher what you are seeing on the screen.

5. Columbia River, Washington

The Windsurfing Capital of the World is an unrelenting foe on some days, but when conditions are right few places produce the same number of mean-spirited 5- and 6-pound smallmouths. As with Coeur d’Alene, many of the locals prefer other species, and you may catch salmonids while chasing bass. Figure out how they relate to the current, and you can run a pattern up and down the river.

Top Smallie Tactic

Tubes and Carolina Rigs will always produce, but Columbia is one of the best topwater smallmouth venues in the world. Start with a walking bait like a Sammy or Vixen, and have a comeback lure like a tube or Senko ready for the ones that miss.

Pro-Tip

Smallmouths love chartreuse, so tip your soft plastics with a bit of dipping dye, and choose hard baits and spinnerbaits that have at least a dash of gaudy coloring.

6. Lake St. Clair, Michigan

St. Clair, sometimes referred to as the “Sixth Great Lake,” abuts Metropolitan Detroit and extends into Ontario. It’s shallower on the whole than similar waters like Lake Erie, has lots of grass in the 12- to 18-foot range, and a huge population of smallmouths. Popular humps and subtle drops produce year after year and draw anglers to one of the best urban fisheries in the world.

Top Smallie Tactic

The clear and relatively shallow water lends itself to a jerk bait presentation. While some anglers think it’s only effective in the pre-spawn, the universal baitfish shape produces any time smallies are snapping.

Pro-Tip

Use the light line with your jerk baits 10- to 12-pound-test fluorocarbon, or even 8 when fish are being difficult. It’ll allow your bait to get deeper and also maximize the action, without pulling your lure upward as it suspends in front of an investigating bass.

7. St. Lawrence River, New York

The winding St. Lawrence River leads to the massive expanses of Lake Ontario, but on the way, it passes the “Thousand Islands,” an endless smorgasbord of the bass-holding structure made better by the river’s heavy currents. There are backwater largemouths, too, but they play a secondary role to the bronzebacks that can be caught from dirt-shallow down into the depths.

Top Smallie Tactic

A drop shot reigns supreme, no matter the depth, but you’ll need to upgrade your weight to hold bottom in the strong current.

Pro-Tip

When fishing a drop shot, especially in the current, less can be more. Don’t manipulate the lure with your rod tip any more than necessary. Let the bait do the work for you.

8. Lake Pickwick, Tennessee/Mississippi/Alabama

Pickwick’s resurgent grass has produced teen-class largemouths in recent years, but that doesn’t erase its history and current status as a smallmouth mecca. They grow big here up to and including world-record class fish and a key area is a rocky habitat below the upriver Wilson Dam.

Top Smallie Tactic

If you’re willing and able to use it, an Alabama Rig in the current can produce not just one trophy smallmouth, but several of them. The strikes will be teeth-rattling and you may also tempt a largemouth on the same cast.

Pro-Tip

When fishing any tailwater or other heavy-current scenarios, make sure to wear a lifejacket at all times, and if you fish alone, let someone know of your plans. Pay attention to generating signals from the dam operator and don’t take unnecessary risks.

9. Lake Cherokee, Tennessee

Lake Cherokee is a classic highland reservoir with all three major species of bass, including large specimens of each. It used to be that most of the big ones were largemouths, but in recent years smallmouths have made a push to be top dog. They may scatter and suspend in the fall, but anglers who find offshore humps and “bowls” will eventually run into a wad of them.

Top Smallie Tactic

Bassmaster Classic champ Ott DeFoe recommends using a crankbait like a Rapala DT10 in 8 to 12 feet of water and focuses on points and drops that are getting pounded by the wind.

Pro-Tip

Just because a lake is at winter pool and falling doesn’t mean that the fish will abandon the shallows. If your offshore bite is not living up to its promise, there may be smallmouths living “in the dirt.”

10. Susquehanna River

If you like to wade, fish from a canoe or kayak, or better yet have access to a jet boat, the Susquehanna is calling your name. The central Pennsylvania portion, upriver from where it dumps onto the Chesapeake Bay, provides an endless series of rock ledges, boulders and gravel bars, the ideal smallmouth habitat. It’s a prop-eating country, for sure, but that’s what makes it great. Key on current breaks and catch them just about any way you want.

Top Smallie Tactic

Fish a jerk bait aggressively through current seams and in eddies to elicit hard strikes in surprisingly cool water. Either baitcasting or spinning tackle will work and don’t hesitate to go to a large profile body to force a “fight or flight” reaction from the biggest fish in the pool.

Pro-Tip

While smallmouths may eat jerkbaits aggressively on occasion, they’ll often slash at them and end up with hooks on the side of the head or in their chins. Then when they jump they get off. Make sure that your trebles are sticky sharp and don’t hesitate to change them regularly, even several times a day after bouncing off a rock.

The post 10 Best Fall Smallmouth Hotspots appeared first on Atunity.

Related: How To Catch Catfish

The best catfish baits are simply what they eat naturally and what appeals to their heightened senses of smell and taste. The best way to catch them is to place an attractive bait in the right place, at the right time and in the right way.

If you want to land more catfish including trophy giant-sized ones, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed some tried and true baits that consistently attract and catch catfish and also compiled a guide on the best catfish baits for the different types of cats and how to select baits and lures that will work best in your fishing place. Read on and find out what the best catfish lures and baits are.

Ready to get started? Let’s go.

1. Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait

Blood is a very attractive scent and flavor to catfish, especially the big ones. This Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait drives them wild and they can’t help but gobble it up.

It is made to have an extra sticky consistency so it sticks to worms or sponges well and disperses in the water slowly luring farther away cats to it. If you’ve been using live or cut bait and want to try something different, this dip bait should be on your list.

You can also use it to add scent to other baits or lures such as worms or chicken livers. This is a 36 oz. jar. For long-lasting service, it has a safety seal that keeps it fresh so it doesn’t lose its consistency and odor appeal.

• What Makes This Catfish Bait Stand Out
•  Blood scented dip bait
•  Sticky consistency
•  Strong smelling
•  Gradual scent dispersion

2. Team Catfish SI12 Sudden Impact Bait Jar

Team Catfish Sudden Impact has proven to have an immediate impact on cats and works very well especially on channel catfish. Its intense smell lures them in immediately and they hit it hard.

The bait breaks down gradually and the water spreads it out attracting even more cats. It is effective on all kinds of water bodies from lakes, ponds, creeks, and rivers.

It is made to be easy to apply and its fiber compositions ensure it stays on bare treble hooks. All you have to do is stir it up until its soft and load on the hook.

If you’re always using fresh or cut bait, this is worth trying to experience something different and increase your catch rate. This is a 12-ounce jar.

• What Makes This Catfish Bait Stand Out
•  Stays on hooks well
•  Effective stinky catfish bait
•  Versatile all-around bait
•  Easy to use

3. Catfish Chunks

Chicken livers are a time-proven catfish bait. These Berkley Gulp chunks look just like chicken liver and are enhanced with Berkley’s irresistible and fast dispersing scents and flavors to give them a strong, meaty scent and flavor that travels far and wide attracting all types of catfish but is especially effective on channel catfish.

Unlike real chicken liver, these chunks are easier to fish with as they are easy to hook and stay on well for prolonged durations. It is also more long-lasting than natural livers and can even be reused if it remains on the hook after a fish takes the bait. Every bag has 12 chunks.

• What Makes This Catfish Bait Stand Out
•  Scented and flavored
•  Easy to hook and they hold well
•  More durable than natural liver
•  Extreme scent dispersion

4. Sonnys Super Sticky Channel Catfish Bait

Channel catfish have a strong sense of smell and taste and have a soft spot for stink bait. Big catfish also love the smell and flavor of blood and this top-rated catfish bait has a blood flavor.

Its strong bloody smell attracts catfish almost immediately but also breaks down in the water and the scent and flavor disperse luring even more catfish.

Many anglers agree that Sonny’s Channel Catfish Dip Bait is one of the best stink bait for catfish and channel cats can’t resist it. You can rest assured that if there are channel cats where you’re fishing, they will bite.

For ease of use, this dip bait is made with a super sticky consistency and sticks to the sponge or vinyl catfish worm attaching it to the hook well. This is a 15oz Jar.

• What Makes This Catfish Bait Stand Out
•  Optimized for channel catfish
•  Irresistible stink
•  Attractive blood flavor
•  Super sticky consistency
•  Sticks to sponges and worms well

5. Danny King Catfish Punch Bait

Stink baits such as punch baits are some of the best catfish baits and this top-rated catfish bait disperses a potent scent that travels through the water drawing in catfish from all around. It is a tried and true bait for catching all types of catfish and is especially effective on channels. You can use it as your go-to bait, combine it with other baits or lures or try it when other baits don’t seem to be working.

To the human nose, it is extremely stinky but the best thing is that you don’t have to touch the bait with your hands. You just have to punch the hook into the container using a punch paddle or a stick and then pull it out using the line.

Its super-sticky consistent sticks to #4 or #6 treble hooks without the need for a screw, worm, or sponge to hold it. This is a long-lasting bait that is very convenient to have with you on all your angling excursions. This is a 14-ounce jar.

• What Makes This Catfish Bait Stand Out
•  Strong and fast dispersing scent
•  Long-lasting and convenient
•  Super sticky and sticks well on hooks
•  Easy to rig without getting messy

How To Choose The Best Catfish Bait

While there are some classic catfish baits with a universal appeal such as shads, worms, and chicken livers, the best catfish bait to use on a fishing trip will depend on the type and size of catfish you’re targeting and the body of water you’re fishing in. Read on to find out the best baits to use for the different types of catfish, the types of baits and lures that are good for catfish, and how to determine the best baits to use for your fishing place.

Type of Catfish

Catfish are available in plenty and there are different types of cats. The main types are the channel catfish, the blue catfish, and the flathead catfish. While they share the name, all catfish are not the same.

They’re all very different with very different food preferences and feeding habits and require different baits to catch them. What attracts them is their favorite food that they find naturally and certain flavors and smells that appeal to their senses.

This means that the best bait for catfish will depend on your target catfish. The best way to catch your target type is to do some research to find out what kind of food they eat, and understand their behavior and preferences. This will help you target them more effectively. Here is a guide to the best baits for the three most common species:

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are the most common species and the most popular type of anglers target. They are not as large as blues or flatheads but fight hard making them fun to catch.

Channel catfish are scavengers and the most opportunistic of the three. They like easy meals they don’t have to work hard for and feed on both dead and live things. Being omnivores, they eat all kinds of animal and vegetable matter.

They have a keen sense of smell and taste buds all over their bodies. They easily detect strong smells and flavors and are attracted to certain stinky baits. This is why chicken livers, punch baits, dip baits, fish guts, and spoilt shrimp perform very well at catching channels.

If you want to catch a lot of keeper-size channels, the best catfish baits to use are manufactured or homemade baits like dip and punch baits. These stinky preparations have a very strong smell designed to attract catfish and entice them to sample the flavor. The best baits to catch big channel catfish are natural ones such as fresh dead shad, perch, bluegill, and minnows used whole or cut into chunks.

Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are the largest of the three main types. This is no surprise as they are greedy feeding machines. They are always chasing prey and eating. They eat and eat until their bellies are stuffed and they regurgitate or have bits hanging out of their mouths. They are active and opportunistic feeders and eat both fresh and dead baits.

These big catfish like equally big meals and mainly eat the small fish found in their bodies of water. In most lakes and rivers, their staple prey is shad or skipjack herring. Freshly caught shads or skipjacks, dead or alive are, therefore, the best blue catfish bait and catching them is an essential part of blue catfish fishing. If you’re going after trophy size blues, you can hook them whole. For smaller blues, cut them into strips or chunks in proportion to the size of your target blues.

Second, best blue catfish baits are freshly caught carp, perch, bluegill, and other baitfish found naturally in their waters. For cut bait, oilier fish are the most attractive. They also love mussels and are wildly attracted to cow’s blood. It is also possible to catch blues using prepared stink baits like dip and punch baits.

Flathead Catfish

Flatheads, especially the big ones, feed mainly on live fish and are best caught using live baits. The livelier and wriggly on the hook, the more attractive. Hearty baits like live sunfish, shad, perch, bluegill, sunfish, goldfish, crawfish, or mudcats are the best baits for catching flatheads

Cut bait can also be effective in catching flatheads if you’re fishing currents or using techniques like drift fishing or trolling, as these move the baits in a life-like manner and trigger flatheads to bite.

If flatheads are your favorite type of catfish to fish for, learning to catch their preferred prey and keep it alive and lively for long durations is essential. Some tackle shops also sell live baits. Patience is also a necessary virtue, as they are not readily caught. Avid anglers consider one or two flatheads in fishing sessions a good catch and there are often outings without even a single catch.

Type of Bait

Catfish will bite almost anything as long as they are hungry and as long as it is attractive to their senses. The following kinds of baits have been tested and found to be especially irresistible to cats getting them to bite consistently:

Live Bait

Live fish are the best baits for catching big catfish, especially flatheads. Shad, sunfish, perch, bluegill, goldfish, minnows, crawfish, as well as smaller types of catfish such as bullheads, make excellent live baits.

Worms are irresistible to cats of all types and sizes. Their natural aroma and wriggling action drive them wild. They especially like big, juicy worms but a couple of small or medium-sized worms wriggling on a hook are also very effective. Nightcrawlers are among the best catfish baits and can be drifted, floated or bottom rigged. Cats also love leeches and frogs.

Dead Bait

Catfish have a highly advanced olfactory system and they are attracted to dead and smelly baits such as chicken livers, fish guts, mussels, and spoiled shrimp. Chicken livers are tried and proven catfish baits and the best known of all catfish baits. The strong, meaty and bloody smell attracts even big catfish and they can’t help but savor it.

Cut baits composed of fish cut into chunks, strips or fillets, in a size that will appeal to the size of cats being targeted are very effective. Freshly killed baits punctured to allow body fluids to disperse into the water also attract catfish.

Prepared Stink Baits

Prepared stink baits are also very effective catfish fishing baits. These homemade or store-bought concoctions have a very strong smell that gets the attention of the catfish in the vicinity.

They are also designed with a solid yet soft consistency to break down gradually so their scent and flavor spread in the water bringing even more catfish into the area. For this reason, they are especially effective where there is a current to carry the flavors and scents downstream.

Dip baits are gooey and stinky preparations designed to attract catfish. They smell awful to the angler but draw cats like magnets. However, it is not just the strong smell that attracts catfish and gets them to bite. A dip must have a cheese base, some kind of protein, or a blood flavor in it for it to attract cats. Dip baits usually have a thin consistency and require the use of a worm or sponge to hold the bait on the hook.

Punch baits are also stinky concoctions but have a thicker consistency and are easier to rig and much cleaner to fish with as you don’t have to touch them with your hands. You take a bare treble hook, punch it into the punch bait using a stick and then pull the loaded hook from the jar using the line.

Other Baits

Catfish will willingly sample anything that smells or feels edible to them and experimenting is part of catfish angling. Catfish anglers have thrown all kinds of things at catfish with varying results.

Other baits that have been found to work in different locations and circumstances include dog food, ivory soap because of its scent, marshmallows, fruits, spam, cow’s blood, bubblegum, oily pellets, and boilies with a fishmeal base. Cats also love human foods such as french fries, chicken or turkey hot dogs, meatballs, and chicken skins.

Artificial Lures

Live, cut, dead and prepared baits are the most effective way to catch catfish but artificial lures such as jigs, spoons, spinners, crankbaits, and soft-plastics also work if used properly especially when fishing clear waters. You may opt to use lures for catfish fishing to make the game more challenging and fun or have to use them where the use of live baits is restricted.

The best catfish lures look like the best catfish baits. They are realistic imitations of worms, shads, shrimp, leeches, minnows, frogs, and others. They are also enhanced to entice multiple catfish senses. Using scented lures or enhancing lures with dip bait, punch bait, or worms will appeal to their superior olfactory receptors.

Catfish can also detect vibrations in the water and adding noise-making or rattling elements to the lures will make it easier for cats to detect and come to inspect.

As long as the water conditions are right, an attractive lure is used and there are catfish around, they will strike. An essential part of successful catfish fishing using lures is researching the location you plan to fish to identify the conditions and techniques required to use them effectively. Also, working the best catfish lures during prime feeding times and areas produces the best results.

Fishing Place

Your catfish fishing place will also determine the best catfish bait to use. All kinds of baits can be used for cats but having the right bait at the right time and in the right location is essential for success catching them. The feeding action or presentation technique you employ also determines whether cats will bite.

Catfish are plentiful and can be caught in all kinds of water bodies from rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. Their natural diet will be composed of the baitfish and other food items that occur naturally in their bodies of water. Whether you’re targeting cats in lakes, ponds, or rivers, the best catfish bait will be their staple and preferred food in their natural habitat or manufactured baits that mimic them.

When catfish fishing, always read the water and pay attention to what the cats are feeding on, when, and how. You can then match the hatch by using what they are feeding on as bait or a duplicate as a lure and match the action by presenting it in a manner that looks natural. You will catch more fish this way.

It is also important to know the behavior of catfish in your fishing place so you can fish the bait using the right technique. In rivers, the current carries scents and flavors to catfish bringing them to the bait. In still waters, catfish tend to be in motion, sampling the water and using their highly sensitive senses to locate potential food.

The post 5 Best Catfish Baits on the Market You Can Buy appeared first on Atunity.

1. Save Shredded Worms 

When your plastic worms get torn up, save ’em. Bass like to ambush wounded prey, so a beat-up worm is perfect to use, especially in shallow water.

– Anthony Gagliardi, 2006 FLW Tour Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year 

2. Red Fools the Fish 

In shallow cover wood, stumps, clumps of grass I like to use a spinnerbait with a red or pink head, and a crankbait with red hooks. The red makes the fish think the bait’s injured, and they’ll bite at it.

– George Cochran, 2005 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship winner 

3. Skip Your Bait 

When you cast, stop halfway instead of following through, similar to a check swing in baseball. This makes the lure hit the surface of the water a few feet before your target, so the lure skitters over the water. It’s a good way to get under docks and other structures.

– Mike Iaconelli, 2004 CITGO Bassmaster Classic champion 

4. Keep Your Hooks Sharp 

I use a file to sharpen my hooks every time I catch a fish and before every trip. It takes 30 seconds. Bass has boney jaws, so a sharp hook is more apt to penetrate the fish.

– Mark Zona, host of ESPN Outdoors 

5. Look at Your Livewell Water 

When you put a bass in the live well, they’re notorious for spitting up what they were feeding on. From there you can tell what color lure or kind of lure to throw the rest of the day.

– Matt Herren, No. 2 ranked angler, 2006 Wal-Mart FLW Tour 

6. Face the Wind 

Sacrifice some distance in your casts and fish with the wind in your face. Bass always swim with the current, so it’s better for them to find your bait before they find your boat. Plus, the noise of water slapping your hull will carry away from the spot you’re fishing, which is good.

– Ish Monroe, winner of the 2006 Battle on the Border 

7. Fish Shallow in the Spring 

In the spring bass hang out in spawning beds. Concentrate on shallow areas, especially in pockets and coves protected from the wind because this is where they like to guard their eggs. They’ll bite as much out of irritation with the lure as they will out of hunger.

– Jay Yelas, 2003 Bassmaster Angler of the Year 

8. Make Your Bait Seasonal

Bass eat different bait depending on the time of year. The general rule is early in the year they like crawfish, so use peach-colored patterns. In the summer and fall they like shad, so use chrome or silver baits.

– Mike Hawkes, 2006 Wal-Mart FLW Series event winner, Lake Cumberland 

9. Fish before the storm

The best time to fish bass is before a front comes through, and the worst time to fish them is after. The pressure makes the bass more active, so watch for a wall of clouds moving in. When it’s too pretty out, the bass isn’t likely to bite.

– Forrest L. Wood, Ranger boat founder and namesake of FLW Outdoors 

10. Bug Those Bass 

Bass is an ornery fish. You have to keep tapping at it to upset it into biting your hook. Bass position themselves in cover, and like the lure presented to them at different angles. I’ve tossed lures a hundred times onto the same location until finally getting a bite.

– Ray Scott, bass fishing legend and founder of BASS

Bass Boats

Looking for a new boat? Bass boats are hands-down the ideal craft for chasing largemouth bass. Many of us, however, need one boat to serve multiple purposes maybe the kids enjoy water skiing, and a Fish-and-Ski would be better for your family.

Or perhaps you enjoy fishing for species other than bass sometimes, and an all-purpose fishing boat might prove an ideal choice. Whatever your personal preferences are, we know one thing for sure: the perfect boat for you is out there, somewhere. If you’re not sure which would be best, spend some time with our Boat Finder.

No matter which make or model proves perfect, we can help you find it.

More Fishing Tips: How to Choose the Best Prey for Successful Fishing

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