Pitmaster Resource Hub

Best BBQ Rubs for 2026

In this guide, we are breaking down the 10 best BBQ rubs 2026 so you know how they taste, which meats they love, and when to use them. We will keep it simple, practical, and focused on real-world r...

Troubleshooting BBQ Temperature Problems

Temperature swings are one of the fastest ways to turn a great cook into a frustrating one. Before you blame your smoker, run this quick pitmaster checklist. It’s designed to help you diagnose the ...

10 Winter BBQ Tips

Most backyard cooks pack up their grills when temperatures drop. But winter BBQ isn’t a punishment—it’s a competitive edge. Cold air creates cleaner smoke, bark sets beautifully, and winter cooks s...

7 Ways to Step Up Your Grilling Game

The calendar flips, the temperatures start to shift, and suddenly you are thinking about new year BBQ goals instead of office resolutions. Good. Because while the gym will be packed for a few weeks...

5 Skills Every Backyard Cook Should Master

Whether you’re firing up a pellet grill, experimenting with a drum smoker, or learning basic grill control, this Pitmaster’s Playbook outlines the five essential skills every backyard cook should m...

7 Crowd Pleasing Appetizers New Year's Eve Party

When you think about New Year’s Eve appetizers, you are really planning the opening act for the entire night. Great snacks keep people mingling, laughing, and hanging around the table saying “just ...

BBQ Trends to Watch in 2026

Outdoor cooking is evolving fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be the year everyday backyard cooks feel more confident than ever. If you are just getting started with grilling or smoking, it can be ha...

Holiday Leftovers Made Easy: BBQ Recipes for Ham, Turkey & Brisket

The holidays are filled with joy, laughter, and great food — but once the big day is over, most of us stare at the fridge full of leftovers and feel… a little overwhelmed. The excitement of cooking...

Big Poppa Smokers 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

If you’re shopping for the BBQ cook in your life, or looking to drop some hints for your own wish list, Big Poppa Smokers has you covered. From award-winning rubs and sauces to top-tier smokers, ac...

The Top 10 Thanksgiving Emergencies

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and gratitude—but let’s be real, it’s also the Super Bowl of cooking stress. Things rarely go perfectly, and when they don’t, you need fast fixes. Here are t...

Beginner’s Guide to Smoking Meat for the Holidays

Ready to bring serious holiday flavor to the table? Whether you’re planning a smoked turkey for Thanksgiving, a luscious brisket for a crowd, or a show-stopping prime rib for Christmas or New Year’...

How to Brine a Chicken

In this Big Poppa Smokers guide, you will learn all about chicken brine. We will cover the science behind it and give you step-by-step instructions to make your own brine. We will also discuss diff...

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday: From Holiday Meals to Shopping Made Easy

The holidays should feel joyful and delicious—not like a never-ending checklist. Between planning the big meal, finding gifts that actually land, and juggling travel and guests, it’s easy to let st...

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal Survival Guide

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting. However, the planning, preparing, and executing of the perfect Thanksgiving meal can be daunting. Fear not! In this guide, we’ll take a dee...

How to Smoke the Perfect Turkey: 7 Tips for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may feel like it’s weeks away, but here’s the pro move: start planning now. The earlier you dial in your game plan, the smoother your big feast will be.

Top 7 BBQ Sauces You Must Try

If you’re hunting for the best BBQ sauces to keep on hand, start here. These are the Top 10 BBQ sauces we recommend at Big Poppa Smokers—competition trusted and backyard approved. We’ll share what ...

What Should I Cook First? Best Starter Recipes for New BBQers

Embarking on your BBQ journey is as thrilling as it is delicious. Whether you’re an aspiring pitmaster or a backyard cook looking to wow your family, learning BBQ is an adventure worth pursuing. Wi...

The Best BBQ Gloves Guide

Barbecue is as much about technique and safety as it is about flavor. When you cook low and slow, you need to handle hot grates and shred pork butt. People often forget one important tool - BBQ Glo...