Derrick Riches

Derrick Riches is a freelance technical writer, industry consultant and avid backyard chef. Derrick has served as About's guide to Barbecue and Grilling for well over a decade and in which time he has traveled far and wide to taste and talk backyard cooking. Over the years Derrick has cooked on hundreds of grills, smokers and pretty much anything else you can fire up on the patio.

At most parties, Derrick's the guy in the backyard with a pair of tongs and singed eyebrows. But his interest in barbecue goes beyond simply cooking. Derrick's an expert on the history of the open flame and a collector of fire makers and outdoor cooking equipment. He's cooked on everything from a $10,000 Gas Grill to a hole in the ground. He has also written for several publications on everything from custom barbecue design to party planning. He also consults to the grill industry and teaches outdoor cooking classes.

I address everything for the patio gourmet from traditional barbecue to modern grilling with recipes, tips, and techniques for the perfect steak, the ultimate burger, and the never-ending evolution of ribs. I also help readers wade through hundreds of models of grills and smokers as they find the perfect cooking equipment for their backyard.