You Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just These 5 Things to Start Grilling

Grilling Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated

You don’t need a culinary degree or a trophy shelf of competition wins to cook great BBQ. All you need are a few basic techniques, the right tools, and the confidence to fire up your grill. At Big Poppa Smokers, we believe that backyard BBQ should be fun, approachable, and packed with bold flavor.

This guide is made for beginners. Whether you're firing up a charcoal grill for the first time or figuring out the difference between barbecue rubs and barbecue seasoning, this blog will help you get started with ease.

And when you’re ready to go a little deeper? Check out beginner-friendly reads like:

• New to BBQ? 7 Tips to Make It No Stress and Tons of Fun
• How to Choose the Right Protein for Your Next BBQ
• Ultimate Guide to BBQ Accessories
  
  

Let’s get into the 5 things you really need to know to start grilling today.

1. Choose the Right Grill for You

There’s no single best grill—only the one that fits your style and needs.

Common Types of Grills:

• Charcoal Grill – Great flavor, traditional BBQ, low cost. Best for those who love hands-on cooking.
  
• Gas Grill – Convenient and fast. Perfect for weeknight grilling.
  
• Pellet Grill – Digital control and real smoke flavor. Ideal for low-and-slow BBQ.
  
• Griddle/Flat Top – Versatile cooking surface for smash burgers, veggies, fish, and more.

Each grill has its own strengths. Start with what you're comfortable managing and build from there.

Need gear? Big Poppa Smokers carries a full line of smokers, pellet grills, griddles, and accessories to get you started.

 

2. Learn the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Heat

This is the #1 rule that separates burnt chicken from beautifully grilled ribs.

What It Means:

• Direct Heat: Food is cooked directly over the flame or heat source. Great for burgers, hot dogs, steaks.
  
• Indirect Heat: Food is cooked off to the side, with heat circulating around it. Perfect for ribs, chicken, roasts.
  
  

Pro Tip: Set up your grill with two zones: one hot side for searing, and one cooler side for finishing or roasting.

Whether you’re grilling ribs or smoking pork shoulder, controlling your heat is key. That’s where pellet grills or smokers come in handy for beginners—they do the heat control for you.

 

3. Start with the Right BBQ Rubs and Seasonings

You don’t need a spice cabinet full of ingredients. Start with a few versatile barbecue rubs and seasonings and let them do the work for you.

Big Poppa’s Essential Rubs:

• Sweet Money.Seasoning – Balanced sweet and savory. Perfect for pork, ribs, and chicken.
  
• Double Secret Steak Seasoning – Rich, bold flavor for beef.
  
• Little Louie’s Garlic Salt with Pepper – All-purpose and beginner-friendly. Great on everything.
  
  

Sprinkle generously, let it rest, and let the flavor work its magic.  Remember to let your protein rest for 15 minutes before cooking.  This will allow time for the protein to absorb the seasoning and create a nice bark.

Looking for ready-made bundles? Our BBQ rub bundles take the guesswork out—just open, season, and grill.

4. Use the Right BBQ Tools (Don’t Overthink It)

You don’t need fancy gadgets—just a few quality basics:

Starter BBQ Tool Kit:

• Tongs & Spatula – Look for sturdy, long-handled versions.
  
• Instant-Read Thermometer – Know exactly when your meat is done. ThermoWorks is a trusted brand.
  
• Grill Brush or Scraper – Clean grates = better flavor.
  
• Fish Turner – If you’re cooking delicate items like fish or veggies.
  
• BBQ Gloves – Heat-resistant gloves like Big Poppa’s neoprene gloves are essential for safety.
  
  

Having the right gear boosts your confidence and makes grilling smoother.

 

 

 

5. Master Timing and Temperature (Not Recipes)

The real secret to great BBQ isn’t complicated recipes—it’s cooking your meat to the right temperature.

Basic Temperature Guide:

• Chicken (breast): 165°F
  
• Chicken (thighs/legs): 175°F
  
• Beef steaks: 130–135°F for medium rare
  
• Pork chops/tenderloin: 145°F
  
• Brisket: 200–205°F (low and slow)
  
• Fish: 130–135°F
  
  

And remember: let your meat rest after cooking. This helps keep juices inside where they belong.

Want to Learn More?

Check out these beginner-friendly blogs to keep building your BBQ confidence:

• How to Choose the Right Wood for BBQ
  
• BBQ for a Crowd: Tips for Feeding 20+ People
• When the Smoke Clears: Storing & Reheating Leftover BBQ
  

You don’t need to be a pro—you just need a plan. With these 5 basics and a few top-notch BBQ rubs and tools, you’re ready to start your grilling journey. Big Poppa’s got your back every step of the way.

Ready to cook? Check out our BBQ rubs, smokers & grills, and starter bundles for everything you need to fire it up right.

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FAQs: Beginner Grilling

What’s the easiest meat to start grilling?

Chicken thighs, pork chops, and burgers are forgiving and flavorful for first-time grillers.

Do I need to marinate meat before grilling?

Not necessarily. A good BBQ rub can add plenty of flavor without the mess or extra time.

What’s the difference between BBQ rub and BBQ seasoning?

They're often interchangeable, but rubs are usually more concentrated and used before cooking. Seasonings can be used before, during, or after.

How do I prevent food from sticking to the grill?

Preheat your grill, oil your grates, and don’t flip too soon. Let the crust form before moving.

Can I grill in cold or windy weather?

Yes! Just adjust your cook times and monitor your temperature more closely—especially on charcoal or gas grills.