This is our review of the best BBQ books for beginners.
I have learned a lot about barbecuing and grilling through the years on my own – by trial and error so to speak.
Like most things, the more BBQ knowledge you have the better you will be at setting up your grill or smoker or selecting the right wood to add delicious flavor to your food.
There is no better way to speed up the learning process than to be taught by BBQ experts.
We found that Meathead: The Science Of Great Barbecue And Grilling is the best BBQ book for beginners. And even if you have barbecuing and grilling for a while, this book certainly has something to offer to make you a better cook.
But, there are many good cookbooks out there to help beginner pitmasters.
That is why we put together a list of the best BBQ books. These cookbooks will take your barbecuing game to the next level.
And they are loaded with tons of recipes that you can master.
So let’s get started.
Contents
Our Best BBQ Books for Beginners
- Meathead: The Science Of Great Barbecue And Grilling (Best Overall BBQ Book)
- Project Smoke (Best BBQ Book for Smoking Meats)
- Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto (Best for Brisket Lovers)
- Michael Symon’s Playing with Fire: BBQ and More from the Grill, Smoker, and Fireplace (Best for Open Flame Cooking)
- Smokin’ with Myron Mixon (Best for Variety)
- The Barbecue! Bible (Best for Grilling Recipes)
- Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide to Real Barbecue (Best for BBQ Basics)
- The Kamado Smoker and Grill Cookbook (Best for Kamado)
- The Wood Pellet Smoker and Grill Cookbook (Best for Pellet Grill Owners)
- How to Grill: The Complete Illustrated Book of Barbecue Techniques (Best Illustrated BBQ Book)
All the barbecue books included on this list were written by expert pitmasters. They have been used by thousands of home chefs around the world to learn the ins and outs of barbecue cooking.
10 Best BBQ Books for Beginners Reviewed
Southern Living Magazine named this book one of the “100 Best Cookbooks of All Time“.
In his book, Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee Meathead Goldwyn provides readers with a comprehensive guide to the art of cooking meat.
He discusses the difference between heat and temperature, the way to calibrate and tune a smoker or grill, and why beer-can chicken is a waste of good beer.
By mixing science and intuition, Goldwyn covers everything from choosing the right cuts of meat to seasoning and smoking them for maximum flavor.
He also debunks some common myths about barbecue, such as the belief that searing meat seals in juices.
In addition to providing detailed instructions for achieving perfect results, Goldwyn also includes anecdotes about his own experiences as a competitive barbecue cook.
Barbecue Hall of Famer Steven Raichlen provides readers with a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the art of smoking food.
This book will help you master all the important smoking techniques such as hot and cold smoking, rotisserie smoking, and smoking with tea and hay.
Raichlen begins by discussing the history of smoking, tracing its origins to the earliest human civilizations. He then goes on to explain the different techniques and equipment used for smoking food today.
He also provides valuable tips on how to choose the right wood chips and how to control the smoke flavor. Plus he offers a wide variety of recipes for smoked meats, fish, vegetables, and desserts.
![Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IEB4L9NoL._SL500_.jpg)
Aaron Franklin is a barbecue legend, and his cookbook is a must-read for anyone interested in smoking meats.
This New York Times Bestseller begins with a brief history of barbecue, tracing its origins to the early days of America. Franklin and his coauthor Jordan Mackay then provide a detailed overview of the different types of barbecue, from Texas-style brisket to North Carolina pork.
The book also covers topics such as choosing the right smoker, working with various types of wood, and preparing different cuts of meat. Several recipes for smoked meats, sides, and desserts are included.
The book provides clear instructions and helpful tips that will enable even novice smokers to produce delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked meats.
This is a cookbook dedicated to the art of grilling and smoking. The book begins with a brief history of these cooking methods, tracing their origins back to the first use of fire for cooking.
Symon then goes on to discuss the different types of grills and smokers available, as well as the best techniques for using them. He then provides a detailed explanation of how to choose the right firewood and how to light a fire without using lighter fluid.
Next, he offers a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect level of char on meat, fish, and vegetables. The book includes over 70 recipes inspired by his restaurant, Mabel’s BBQ, in his hometown of Cleveland.
Playing with Fire has something to offer everyone who loves the taste of food cooked over an open flame.
Pitmaster and three-time world champion Myron Mixon shares his secrets for great barbecue in this cookbook. This includes more than 75 of his award-winning recipes.
Moving beyond traditional techniques, Mixon shows how to inject flavor into meats using a variety of methods, from marinades and rubs to brines and bastes.
He also provides detailed instructions for smoking pork, beef, chicken, and seafood using a range of different smoker types.
In addition to recipes, the book includes practical tips for selecting the best cuts of meat, as well as advice on how to store and prepare barbecue for competition. He gives advice that will end any anxiety over cooking times and temps and change your backyard barbecues forever.
“The Barbecue! Bible” by Steven Raichlen is one of the most comprehensive guides to grilling and barbecuing available. It is an International Association of Culinary Professionals award winner.
You’ll find plenty of useful information in this book. Raichlen covers everything from choosing the right grill to perfecting techniques for cooking specific dishes.
In addition to providing helpful tips and advice, Raichlen also includes 500 recipes for a wide variety of grilled and barbecued foods, from classic favorites like burgers and hot dogs to more adventurous fare such as smoked pork tenderloin.
Raichlen includes tips to solve common problems and provides answers to frequently asked questions. With its wealth of information and mouth-watering recipes, “The Barbecue! Bible” is sure to become a staple in any griller’s library.
In this cookbook Jeff Phillips provides a comprehensive overview of the art of smoking meat.
He shows you the ins-and outs of smoking meat, from choosing your smoker to maintaining fires. He provides detailed information on wood types and their best uses as well as what supplies are necessary to stock a smoking-meat pantry.
In addition, the book includes a section on troubleshooting common problems that can occur.
Jeff also includes a wide variety of recipes, ranging from smoked chicken quarters to Cajun-smoked frog legs – and much more.
This is the only guide you will ever need to master the art of barbecue.
The Kamado Smoker and Grill Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to cooking with this unique type of grill.
Author Chris Grove provides readers with step-by-step instructions for everything from choosing the right Kamado grill to smoking meats and vegetables. In addition, the book includes more than 75 recipes that showcase the versatility of this cooking method.
The kamado cooking technique is a valuable and delicious way to cook food. This book is organized into 52 tutorials that combine the best of both worlds: an awesome recipe with some great guidance on how you can make it in your own backyard.
This cookbook offers a bit of inspiration if you are looking for something a little bit different from traditional barbecue.
The Wood Pellet Smoker and Grill Cookbook by Peter Jautiakis is a comprehensive guide to cooking with wood pellets. He explains the benefits of cooking with pellets, including the fact that they add flavor and improve the texture of food.
The book also provides tips on how to choose the right pellets for your grill, how to store them, and how to use them.
With over 100 recipes, The Wood Pellet Smoker and Grill Cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves great barbecue flavor. Recipes are divided into categories such as chicken, beef, pork, and seafood, making it easy to find the perfect dish for any occasion.
In addition to traditional favorites like ribs and pulled pork, The Wood Pellet Smoker and Grill Cookbook also features innovations like Pellet-Smoked Salmon and Cherry-Smoked Chicken.
With clear instructions and mouth watering photography, The Wood Pellet Smoker and Grill Cookbook is the perfect resource for pellet grill enthusiasts of all levels of experience.
Barbecue enthusiast and author Steven Raichlen offers readers a comprehensive guide to grilling in this book.
Raichlen begins by discussing the different types of grills available, as well as the pros and cons of each. He then provides detailed instructions on how to set up a grill for cooking, including tips on how to control the temperature.
He also covers a wide range of topics related to grilling, such as choosing the right wood or charcoal, marinating meat, and even how to make grilled pizza. In addition, the book includes over 100 recipes for everything from burgers and steaks to seafood and vegetables.
And with over 500 full-color photographs and countless awards to its name, it’s no wonder that this book is considered a classic in the world of grilling.
What to Look for in a BBQ Book
When looking for the best BBQ book as a beginner, there are a few key things to consider.
The Basics
Check for books that cover the basics thoroughly. This includes different types of grills, essential tools, and basic cooking techniques.
Detailed Recipes
Look for books with clear and detailed recipes, preferably with step-by-step instructions and accompanying photos. This makes it easier for beginners to follow along and replicate the dishes successfully.
The Author
Consider the author’s credentials and experience in the BBQ world. Books written by renowned pitmasters or BBQ champions often offer valuable insights and tips that can enhance your cooking skills.
Approach
The book’s overall approach and style is important. Some BBQ books focus on specific types of BBQ, like Texas-style or Memphis-style, while others provide a more comprehensive overview of various BBQ traditions. Choose a book that aligns with your interests and cooking goals to make the learning process more enjoyable and rewarding.
Final Verdict
There is nothing like a good BBQ book.
This is especially true when it is written by an expert and you learn something new every time you read it.
Whether you have a pellet or kamado smoker, you can get some delicious recipes plus expert tips to grow your barbecue skills.
And a very good BBQ book is Meathead: The Science Of Great Barbecue And Grilling. It’s our pick for the overall best BBQ book for beginners.
But, if the other nine options suit your fancy, go for it! They’re all great choices that you are going to love.
FAQ for 10 Best BBQ Books for Beginners
What is the difference between barbecuing and grilling?
Barbecuing and grilling are two different ways to cook using heat. Grilling is fast and hot, perfect for burgers, steaks, and veggies. Barbecuing, on the other hand, is slow and low, used for tougher cuts of meat like ribs and brisket that need time to get tender.
What is the best meat to smoke for beginners?
For beginners, I’d recommend starting with a pork shoulder or a whole chicken. They’re pretty forgiving, meaning they’re less likely to dry out if you’re still figuring out your smoker. Plus, they offer a lot of flavor that makes the effort worthwhile.
