Fire It Up - It's BBQ Season

BBQ season is finally here—and whether you're a backyard hero or the King of the Cul-de-Sac, it pays to prep like a pro. Dust off that smoker, check your shelves, and get ready to bring the heat, because Big Poppa Smokers is here to make sure your BBQ season starts with a sizzle, not a scramble.

Before the crowds come calling (or the family starts asking what’s for dinner), here’s your 7-tip BBQ season prep list to make sure your game is tight and your grill is ready for prime time.

✅ Tip 1: Clean Your Grill or Smoker (Yes, Actually Do It)

We know, we know—scrubbing your grill grates isn’t exactly glamorous. But trust us, leftover gunk and grease from last season will ruin your flavor faster than a dropped brisket.

• Scrub those grates with a wire brush or grill stone

• Clean out the ash, drip pans, and grease trays

• Wipe down the exterior so your grill looks as good as your food tastes

Pro Tip: Give your grill a test burn to make sure it's firing evenly and no critters made a home in your burner tubes over the winter.

✅ Tip 2: Check Your Fuel Supply

Nothing kills a BBQ buzz like running out of pellets, charcoal, or propane mid-cook. Do a quick inventory check now.

• Stock up on hardwood pellets (we’re partial to oak, cherry, and hickory)

• Grab that extra bag of lump charcoal

• Check your propane levels—or better yet, refill before the weekend rush

Running a MAK Grill? Now’s the perfect time to grab an extra 20 lb. bag of your favorite pellet blend so you’re not caught mid-brisket.

✅ Tip 3: Restock Rubs & Sauces

A BBQ pitmaster without their seasoning lineup is just a person with fire. Make sure your flavor arsenal is locked and loaded.

Must-haves for the season:

• Sweet Money – the go-to for pork and chicken

• Cash Cow – championship beef rub

• Desert Gold – bright and citrusy, perfect for seafood and veggies

• Jallelujah Jalapeño – adds a spicy kick to everything

• Blues Hog Raspberry Chipotle – fan-favorite sauce

Pro Tip: Check your expiration dates. That rub from 2021? Toss it. Start fresh and go bold.

✅ Tip 4: Inventory Your Tools & Accessories

Tongs? Check. Thermometer? Working batteries? Gloves? Injectors? Time to make sure your tools haven’t wandered off or melted in the sun.

Essentials to have on hand:

• Heat-resistant gloves (neoprene or cotton + nitrile combo) - Big Poppa recommends: Knit/Cotton Gloves

• Digital meat thermometer - Big Poppa recommends: ThermoWorks

• Spray bottle or mop for spritzing - Big Poppa recommends: Solo One-Hand Pressure Sprayer

• Basting brush

• Extra foil and butcher paper

Bonus: Treat yourself to that new cutting board or griddle you’ve been eyeing. (You're a pitmaster, you deserve it.)

✅ Tip 5: Clean Out the Freezer (Make Room for the Good Stuff)

You know what’s lurking in there: that mystery meat from last fall, a single pork chop in freezer burn purgatory, and enough frost to build a snowman.

Make space for:

• Sam's Club-size packs of ribs

• Whole packer briskets

• Bulk chicken wings

• Sausages and brats

Pro Tip: Keep a notebook or phone list to track what you’ve got—especially if you’re buying in bulk for holiday weekends and tailgates.

✅ Tip 6: Plan Your First Big Cook

Go big or go home, right? Whether it’s ribs, pulled pork, or a monster tomahawk steak, make your first cook of the season something to remember.

• Choose a recipe you know—or something new you’ve been wanting to try

• Make sure you’ve got time, rubs, and rest (for you and the meat)

• Fire it up, invite some neighbors, and get your cook on

Need inspiration? Big Poppa’s recipe library is stacked with ideas.

✅ Tip 7: Get Social (and Not Just at the Cookout)

BBQ is about more than food—it’s about fun, family, bragging rights, and photos that make your friends drool.

• Follow @bigpoppasmokers on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube

• Post your cooks and tag us—we might feature your plate!

• Join a BBQ community or group to share tips, ideas, and maybe a few secrets

Final Thought: Don’t Just Grill—Grill With Purpose

This BBQ season, don't just go through the motions. Dial in your flavor, cook with confidence, and keep the fire fun. Whether you're feeding the block or just your backyard crew, Big Poppa Smokers has your back with the products and know-how to help you own the pit.