Get fired up! It’s National BBQ Month! This month’s roundup features practical tips, common grilling mistakes to avoid, and the latest BBQ gear that’ll take your smoking game to the next level. As we embrace the warmth of May, it’s the perfect time to refine our BBQ skills. Here’s a roundup of top tips and insights from the BBQ community this month:
Prep Your Grill for the Season
Summary:
After a long winter or off-season, grills tend to accumulate grime, rust, and leftover residue that can cause flare-ups, inconsistent heat zones, or even gas leaks. Taking the time to clean and inspect your grill ensures that it performs reliably and safely, and it helps your food taste better too. A little prep up front can save you from headaches during your first smoke or sear of the season.
What to Do:
Scrub the grates with a grill brush, clean the burners (if gas), check for clogs or leaks, and season the grates with a high-heat oil before your first cook.
Reference:
Better Homes & Gardens – Grill Maintenance Tips
Celebrate National BBQ Month
Summary:
May is officially National BBQ Month, and it’s a great excuse to get creative with your smoker or grill. It’s not just about meats either—now’s the perfect time to explore new rubs, sauces, side dishes, and grilling gear. BBQ Month is celebrated in backyards across the U.S. and serves as a reminder to enjoy food, community, and sunshine around an open flame.
What to Do:
Plan a backyard potluck, try a regional BBQ sauce recipe, or explore new tools like flat-top griddles or charcoal starters to elevate your game.
Reference:
Cozymeal – National BBQ Month Guide
Avoid Common Grilling Mistakes
Summary:
Even experienced grillers fall into habits that can sabotage a good cook. Common mistakes include putting cold meat straight on the grill, using too much direct heat, skipping the thermometer, or slicing meat too early and losing juices. These missteps lead to dried-out cuts, uneven cooking, and missed flavor potential.
What to Do:
Let meat sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before grilling, monitor internal temps with a thermometer, and let everything rest before slicing.
Reference:
AllRecipes – Common Grilling Mistakes
Master Grilling Techniques by Meat Type
Summary:
Grilling isn’t a one-size-fits-all skill. Pork, steak, chicken, and fish all require different heat zones, timing, and handling. Understanding how each cut behaves on a grill helps you avoid common pitfalls, like overcooked edges, undercooked centers, or charred exteriors with raw insides. Mastering this means juicier, more flavorful results every time.
What to Do:
Set up a two-zone fire (direct and indirect heat), and match heat intensity to the meat you’re cooking. Use a thermometer to hit the sweet spot for each protein.
Reference:
Simply Recipes – How to Grill Meat Guide
May is the month to reset your BBQ mindset and start the season right. By investing just a little time in prep, gear, and technique, you’ll enjoy better results and less frustration whenever you fire up the grill. Bookmark this roundup or share it with a friend. It’s the kind of advice every backyard pitmaster can use.
