Learning how to grill and BBQ can be a fun, educational, and rewarding adventure, but there’s always room for improvement. These are the best books for BBQ and for learning more about techniques, country-specific methods, and how to treat meat right.
The team at BBQ-Tech like to sharpen our skills and improve our techniques by listening to podcasts and — when we have the time — diving deep into the experiences and lessons that pitmasters around the world are willing to share.
Read on to explore the best books for BBQ in 2025. These books cover a variety of BBQ and grilling topics, including the science behind barbecue, smoking techniques, step-by-step methods, and recipe ideas.
1. Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling
Author: Meathead Goldwyn
This book explores the science of grilling and barbecuing, debunking popular misconceptions and offering methods based on scientific evidence. It aims to improve your BBQ skills by taking a scientific approach to food selection, seasoning, cooking techniques, and equipment.
Readers Review: The book’s thorough coverage and scientific explanations are valued by readers. “Meathead: The Science of Barbecue and Grilling by Greg Blonder and Meathead Goldwyn is excellent,” said one Reddit user. “For outdoor cooking, it’s similar to The Food Lab. I’ve read it from beginning to end, and it covers a wide range of topics and methods.”
2. The Bible of Barbecues
Author: Steven Raichlen
This comprehensive guide explores global grilling techniques and recipes. It provides information on grilling traditions from around the world and covers a variety of cuisines, making it an invaluable tool for anybody looking to diversify their BBQ repertoire.
Readers Review: The book’s extensive research and diversity are its highlights. A Reddit user commented, “Steve Raichlen BBQ Bible is a straightforward and well-researched guide on BBQ.”
3. A Meat-Smoking Manifesto: Franklin Barbecue
Authors: Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay
Written by famous pitmaster Aaron Franklin, this BBQ book offers in-depth research on the art of smoking meat. It provides readers with a thorough guide to becoming proficient in the art of barbecuing by covering subjects including meat preparation, fire control, and wood selection.
Readers Review: The readers appreciate the detailed advice and expertise shared. According to a Reddit user, “Franklin barbecue is great at breaking a bunch of things down to first principles.”
Author: Steven Raichlen
The art of smoking is the main topic of this book, which provides methods and recipes for both novices and seasoned smokers. It includes a variety of smoking techniques, tools, and recipes for everything from meats to sweets.
Readers Review: It is informative and motivating to readers. A member on Reddit said, “Project Smoke, by Steven Raichlen is really good and goes in-depth into smoking techniques.”
5. The Complete Illustrated Book of Barbecue Techniques: How to Grill
Author: Steven Raichlen
Summary: This instructional book provides extensive instructions on a variety of grilling techniques along with step-by-step images. It is appropriate for BBQ enthusiasts of all skill levels as it covers everything from fundamental to advanced techniques.
Readers Review: Readers like the clarity and visual guidance. According to one reviewer, “The step-by-step photos make it easy to follow and understand the techniques.”
6. BBQ USA: 425 Fiery Recipes from All Across America
Author: Steven Raichlen
This book showcases local barbecue recipes and techniques, taking readers on a culinary tour across the United States. It offers a diverse selection that showcases the rich barbecue traditions of different American localities.
Readers Review: The variety and local perspectives attract readers. “It’s like taking a BBQ road trip without leaving your backyard,” one reviewer said.
7. America’s Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from the Greatest Roadhouses, Shacks, Pits, Smokehouses, Rib Joints, and Restaurants in America
Authors: Paul Kirk and Ardie A. Davis
This book compiles the best recipes from well-known BBQ joints throughout the country. It offers readers real recipes and stories from some of the greatest barbecue restaurants in America.
Reader Reviews: The original recipes and insights are valued by the readers. According to one reviewer, “It’s like having a piece of America’s best BBQ spots in your kitchen.”
8. The Great Meat Cookbook: Everything You Need to Know to Purchase and Prepare Today’s Meat
Author: Bruce Aidells
This comprehensive book covers a variety of meat cuts and offers detailed instruction on how to prepare and cook them. It aims to instruct readers on choosing and preparing meat to perfection.
Readers Review: Readers find it comprehensive and educational. “This book is a must-have for anyone serious about cooking meat,” one reviewer said.
9. Smoke & Spice: Cooking with Smoke, the True Barbecuing Method
Authors: Bill Jamison and Cheryl Alters Jamison
This book provides recipes and tips for authentic BBQ flavours while introducing readers to classic smoke-cooking methods. It features local BBQ specialities and covers a variety of meats.
Readers Review: Readers like the variety and the traditional approach. According to one reviewer, this makes the cut as a great book for BBQ as “a great resource for anyone looking to master the art of smoking.”
10. Pitmaster: Barbecue Wisdom, Techniques, and Recipes
Authors: Andy Husbands and Chris Hart
This book shares the knowledge of award-winning pitmasters while providing a deep analysis of BBQ methods and recipes. It offers insights on BBQ at the competition level and covers a variety of styles.
Readers Review: Readers like the in-depth analyses and expert opinions. A reviewer said this book is “great for learning competition BBQ techniques and mastering different regional styles.”
These books provide insights, information and inspiration for all skill levels, from beginners looking for a detailed manual to seasoned pitmasters seeking innovative techniques. Every book for BBQ on our list offers something different, from traditional smokehouse secrets to scientific approaches to smoking.
If you want to improve your grilling skills, start with one of these books, and get ready to light up the grill with confidence!
