So you wanna learn, well here's some basics.
First let me just say, don't over complicate it! Everything I say here is a suggestion to help you get started, don't take it as gospel.
Choosing your grill. Many today are interested in simple, set it and forget it cookin'. I get it, you need a jumping in point. Now I'm gonna say something that makes me want to rip my fingernails out with pliers, but, for many, a pellet grill is a great way to get into the game. There I said it, I'm not proud. I never thought I'd get a pellet grill until my brother called me one fateful day and told me his story of his new pellet grill. Now there are pluses and minuses for the pellet grill. But lets use this section to get you in the game, you can level up after that should you choose to do such.
First: Keep it simple, for most meats, all you need is the basics, Salt, Pepper, and Garlic. Make that your foundation and you're well on your way. Now as many of you know, you can build on that base and come up with some great flavors like adding some heat with ground Cayenne pepper and maybe some smoked Paprika.
Second: Be prepared, get yourself situated for the cook, you don't need to be scrambling around when the meat is on. Foil, tools, sauce, seasoning. And please, invest in a meat thermometer! You need to keep an eye on temps, food in the bbq world isn't done by time, it's ALWAYS based on temps!
Third: Be patient and enjoy the experience! Meat isn't about time, it's all in the temperature!
Choosing your grill:
It's tough, I get it, many of you will start with standard charcoal grill and will add a pellet smoker in the future maybe. Weber grills are a staple in this field, they are time tested and bullet proof. Truth is, almost any grill can work. If you are going to start off with a charcoal grill, may I suggest something that you can adjust your heat such as raising/lowering the grate to manage heat. A Santa Maria style grill is great at this and very versatile.
I'll post up some samples of grills below, you can click on the picture for more info. Or hit up your local hardware stores. But please do your research first before you pull the trigger, check the rating and see what people are saying about each grill. A friend of mine who has a weber grill (Pictured middle), recently bought this add-on (Picture on the right) to it to turn it into a Santa Maria style grill, works really well.
Each picture is linked, often to Amazon. Great source for reviews and specs. Doesn't mean you have to buy it there!
Santa Maria style grill
Weber Grill
Weber Grill attachment
Offset Smoker
