Best BBQ books: for meat-eaters and plant-based lifestyles

BBQs are the perfect excuse to gather friends and family for a flavourful and wholesome meal - and the best BBQ books can really help you to up your grilling game. Whether you're a seasoned grillmaster or a novice alfresco cook, there's always something new to learn in how to master your BBQ grill. From selecting the right cut of meat to perfecting your smoking techniques, mastering the grill takes time and practice. Luckily, there are plenty of books out there that can help you to level up your cooking skills. If you want to perfect the art of grilling, we round up the best BBQ books so you can level up and take your guests to flavour town.

We've scoured the web to bring you the most informative, inspiring and mouthwatering books on the market. Whether you're interested in a classic Texas-style spread or an all-vegan BBQ, there's a book out there for you.

Best BBQ books at a glance:

• Best for any skill level:  Weber's Complete BBQ Book - Buy now on Amazon
• Best for grilling meat: Seared: The Ultimate Guide to Barbecuing Meat - Buy now on Amazon
• Best for seasonal eating: Outside Recipes for a Wilder Way of Eating - Buy now on Amazon
• Best celebrity BBQ book: Rodney Scott's World of BBQ - Buy now on Amazon

In addition to finding the best BBQ books, every outdoor cooking enthusiast needs the right tools to elevate their grilling game. From BBQ grills and tabletop BBQs to whipe up a feast. Through to hybrid BBQs and Kamado grills, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Hungry yet? Let's tuck into this round up the best BBQ cookbooks so you can get grilling some tasty food - from juicy burgers and fall-off-the-bone ribs to grilled vegetables and sweet treats, these days there is something for everyone at a BBQ, even if you are vegan or gluten-free.

Best BBQ books

So, fire up your grill and prepare to take your BBQ skills to new heights, whatever the season.

Modern Garden Magazine's tips on smokers and BBQs

How does a smoker grill work?

Jill Morgan says that there are two ways to smoke food with a smoker: Hot smoking and cold smoking.

Hot Smoking: Considered the easier option, it’s perfect for experimenting with flavours and different wood types at home. Although it’s called ‘hot’ smoking, Jill points out that “cooking temperatures tend to be lower than those used for barbecuing.” With this method, your grub is cooked slowly as this allows those mouth-watering flavours to be absorbed.

Cold Smoking: This involves “soaking and drying food before it’s cured in the smoker,” says Jill. Therefore, this method requires “careful preparation overnight or over the course of a few days”. With this method, you can create culinary feats of cured and smoked favourites, such as smoked salmon and chorizo which are eaten raw. Or, you can cook after smoking and have bacon, too.

What is a hybrid BBQ?

Having grown in popularity in recent years, hybrid BBQs are great for offering that perfect mix between gas and charcoal cooking, reaping the benefits of both.

Jill Morgan says, "You can also use the gas burners to quickly get charcoal or briquettes lit and up to temperature, before cutting the gas to savour the delicious aroma and smoky flavours only given by traditional coals. Having these two fuel types within one unit also enables you to be really flexible with your outdoor cooking and adapt your methods depending on how much time you have available.

FAQs

What is the easiest BBQ to use?

If you're not a frequent BBQ user and are just after a small tabletop BBQ for the summer, charcoal grills tend to be the most simple to use. Not only do they give a gorgeous smokey flavour to your cookout, but they're also more affordable and just require charcoal to get cooking. It may take longer to reach the correct temperature but that's all part of the experience.

However, if you have the budget, you may find a gas BBQ more convenient. The heat can be controlled more easily for an even cook which might instil you with a bit more confidence too. However, you will need a gas canister.

Are there any BBQ books specifically for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, Charred by Genevieve Taylor and Vegan BBQ: 70 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes to Cook Outdoors by Katy Beskow are great options for vegetarians and vegans looking to expand their BBQ repertoire. They offer unique and flavourful recipes that are sure to impress.

What to read next:

Essential BBQ tools you need to become a grill master

Best fire pit tables for a cosy and contemporary garden

Our pick of the best smoker grills for your cookouts

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for A Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.