Grilling Guide

Kansas City sweetens with molasses, Texas relies on smoke, Maine on fruit. Four manufacturers compared — with their heat scales, their peculiarities, and the question of which meat each type is intended for.

Sweetness, smoke, and consistency reveal more about a barbecue sauce than any flavor description. Which sauce goes with ribs, wings, beef, or cheese – and why it should only be applied to the grill in the final minutes.