Did you know that 70 percent of adults in the United States own a grill or smoker?

Seasoning your grates involves using very high heat, so it’s important to use the right type of oil. Most grill manufacturers recommend Refined or Blended oil because they have a High smoke point. You can also use vegetable oil, sunflower oil or Cooking Oil. The high smoke points of these oils ensure that the oil won’t burn; which can ruin the seasoning process as well as the taste of your food.

If you’re not already, do you want to be part of this group? If so, keep reading.

Outlined below are some of the best BBQ tips for beginners. Whether you need help choosing a grill or cooking a delicious meal with the best BBQ sauce, you’ll find everything you need below.

How to Choose Best Grills for Beginners

For those who are in the market for a grill, these tips are essential. Listed below are some guidelines that will help you find the best grill for your backyard:

Fuel Type

Some of the most popular fuel types for grills include gas, charcoal, and pellets.

Gas grills rely on propane or natural gas, and they provide a great deal of control over heat distribution. Charcoal grills provide a very distinct flavor that some people prefer over other grill types, but they’re not as precise as gas grills.

As for pellet grills, they also yield a tasty and distinct flavor. However, they are also more expensive than gas or charcoal grills and can be harder to find. 

Size

If you plan on cooking for 4 or fewer people, a small or medium-sized grill with 2 to 3 burners will likely be sufficient for your needs. If you plan on hosting large parties and cooking for bigger groups, you will likely need to invest in a bigger grill with 4 or 5 burners. 

Bonus Features

These days, lots of grills come with bonus features like side burners or even smartphone apps that allow you to control the temperature from afar.

These kinds of features aren’t necessary, of course. However, they can be nice, especially for busy people who want to multi-task.    

How to Choose Between Best BBQ Smoker Options

Perhaps you’re more of a smoker than a griller. If so, consider these factors so you can choose a high-quality smoker:

Fuel Type

As is the case with grills, you also need to consider the fuel type for smokers. There are 4 main options for smokers:

  • Gas
  • Pellets
  • Electric
  • Charcoal

Gas smokers are very easy to use and provide consistent and stable heat to your food. Pellet smokers are even easier, though, and they do all of the hard work for you with just a push of a button. 

Electric smokers are similar to the oven in your kitchen. They allow for precise temperature control and offer a set-it-and-forget-it approach to smoking. Charcoal smokers, on the other hand, offer a more authentic and smoky taste, but they can be trickier to use.

Smoker Type

There are 3 different types of smokers to consider as well:

  • Offset
  • Vertical
  • Unconventional

Offset smokers have a heat source that is offset from the main smoker chamber. They are popular among barbecue enthusiasts and competitors, but they also require the most attention and effort when cooking.

Vertical smokers feature a heat source directly below the smoker chamber. These are popular among new smokers and allow for easier heat management.

Unconventional smokers are more similar to a standard grill. Some can even function as both a grill and a smoker, so they’re great for those who want the best of both worlds.

Smoker Configuration

The term “configuration” refers to your smoker’s placement and mobility.

If you want a smoker that you can move around your backyard with ease, a freestanding smoker is a better choice. If you prefer a larger and more aesthetically pleasing smoker, a built-in BBQ smoker might be a good option.

Insulation

No matter what kind of smoker your choose, gas or pellet, freestanding or built-in, make sure it has good insulation. Without good insulation, you will struggle with your smoker’s heat retention and smoke retention. This, in turn, will affect the flavor of your meals.

Consider a smoker with gaskets made from fiberglass mesh or felt. These materials are known for improving insulation, especially when you’re smoking in cold temperatures. Thick-gauge metal is beneficial, too, as it will absorb and radiate heat back into your food. 

What Are the Best BBQ Recipes?

Once you’ve chosen the grill or smoker of your dreams, your next job is to find a delicious BBQ recipe. Check out the best grill recipeces recipes. Here are two simple and tasty options that will help you turn your backyard into a good BBQ restaurant:

Easy BBQ Chicken

In a saucepan, saute 2 cloves of garlic in 2 teaspoons of butter. Then, add 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of celery seed and prepared mustard, plus 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

Grill 3.5 to 4 pounds of chicken for 30 minutes over medium heat. Then, baste with the sauce and grill for 15 more minutes. Baste and turn the chicken several times to coat it.

Chili-Rubbed BBQ Ribs

Combine the following ingredients in a blow:

  • 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of paprika
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 3 teaspoons of cumin
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt

Rub this mixture on 6 pounds of pork baby back ribs. Then, wrap the ribs in tin foil and grill over indirect medium heat for 1 to 1.5 hours.

While the ribs cook, prepare the glaze.

Combine 1 cup of soy sauce, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 2/3 cup of ketchup in a saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup of lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh minced ginger. Cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until the sugar has dissolved.

When the sauce is finished, remove the ribs from the foil and place them over direct heat. Brush them with the glaze, then grill over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes. Turn and glaze the ribs occasionally to cover them.

Upgrade Your BBQ Game Today

It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for the best bbq grill or need a new and tasty BBQ recipe to wow your guests. If you keep the information in this guide in mind, you’ll have no trouble finding what you need.

If you want a concierge service to do all the work for you so that all you need to do is sit back ang enjoy, you can hire the services of Tailgater Concierge for any tailgating events or barbecue parties.