If America had a national food category, it’s safe to say that it would be barbecue and grilling. According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, an organization that collects industry statistics and identifies trends, the country’s passion for live-fire cooking is so strong that we purchased nearly 14 million grills in 2014 alone — and that means that we’ll be purchasing just as many (if not more) gadgets and tools to go along with all of those smokers, barbecues, and outdoor grills.
Read MoreGuide to Smokers and Grills
It’s grilling season and we’ve got the ultimate guide to the various types of grills and smokers that are sure to keep you cooking all summer long.

When it comes to barbecue and grilling cookbooks, there are literally thousands from which to choose.
And while there are so many among them that are chocked full of great recipes, tips, and how-tos, there are 10 that I would rank above all others when starting your personal collection.