5 Things to Do Before Grilling Season (So You Look Like a Cookout Pro)
TL;DR: Winter's almost over y'all! Your grill has been sitting under a cover (hopefully) collecting dust and FOMO. A little prep now means you're not scrambling when everyone suddenly wants burgers on the first 70-degree Saturday. Let's get your setup dialed with these five things before grilling season officially kicks off.
Products Featured:
- Touch My Butt Kitchen Towel, Cotton Twill
- Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter
- Royal Oak Lump Charcoal
- Life is too Short for Bad Jokes & Boring BBQ Bottle Opener
- Meat Church BBQ Rubs
- Killer Hogs BBQ Sauce
- Mouth Mop Napkins, 50 ct.
- Warning: Chef Has No Filter T-Shirt
- BBQ Because Therapy is Expensive T-Shirt
- Nice Butt Coaster Set, 4 pk
1. Deep Clean That Grill (Yes, Really & Unfortunately)
Why it matters:
Leftover grease, charred bits, and whatever else is caked on those grates is not "seasoning." It's a fire hazard and a flavor killer. Nobody wants last year's burnt chicken residue on this year's steaks.
How to do it:
- Pull out the grates and scrub them down with a grill brush or some soapy water
- Clean out the drip tray (it's worse than you think)
- Wipe down the exterior so it doesn't look like you found it on the side of the road
- Check burners or vents for blockages (spiders love to set up shop in there)
Pro Tip:
Once it's clean, keep a Touch My Butt Kitchen Towel nearby for quick wipe-downs between cooks. Functional and way funnier than that ratty old rag you've been using. Also, use those leftover ashes in your garden. They help your veggies grow and prevent tomato blossom rot.
2. Check Your Fuel Situation
Why it matters:
Nothing kills the cookout vibe faster than running out of propane or realizing you're down to a quarter bag of charcoal. Check your supplies now, not when people are already in your backyard expecting food.
What to check:
- Propane grillers: Check your tank levels. If you're not sure, swap it out. Better safe than sorry.
- Charcoal crew: Toss any old, damp charcoal and stock up on fresh bags. Spring sales are happening now.
- Get a backup. Y'all, always have a backup!
Upgrade your setup:
Grab a Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter and get your coals glowing fast and clean without that chemical aftertaste.
Royal Oak Lump Charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes. Toss the old damp bag and start fresh. Your steaks will thank you.
3. Refresh Your Grilling Gear
Why it matters:
If your tools are trash, your cookout will suffer. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade or replace what's broken.
What to check:
- Tongs can still grip
- Grill brush that still has strong bristles
- Temperature control system or thermometer that works
Upgrade your vibe:
Add a Life is Too Short for Bad Jokes & Boring BBQ Bottle Opener to your outdoor setup. Magnetic, functional, and makes a point. Plus, you're going to need that grill pop while you're waiting for your meat creation to cook.
4. Upgrade Your Cookout Essentials
Why it matters:
Grilling season isn't just about the food. It's about the whole experience. The gear, the laughs, the vibe. A few small upgrades can make your cookouts memorable.
What to add:
Quality napkins that can handle messy ribs and saucy wings. Mouth Mop Napkins do the job and get a laugh.
A fresh grilling shirt makes all the difference. The Warning: Chef Has No Filter Tee lets everyone know exactly what kind of cookout this is going to be.
Or go with the BBQ Because Therapy is Expensive Tee. Grilling is cheaper than a therapist and way more satisfying. Wear it proudly.
Coasters that protect your table and make a statement. The Nice Butt Coaster Set keeps water rings off your table and the laughs coming all cookout long.
Vibe check:
People remember the atmosphere as much as the food. Funny gear, good drinks, and a clean setup make your cookouts the ones people want to attend.
5. Restock Your Flavor Arsenal
Why it matters:
If you've been using the same spices and marinades since 2005, it's time to broaden your horizons. Fresh rubs, new sauces, and a variety of seasonings keep your cookouts interesting v. predictable.
What to grab:
- A solid rub collection with various flavor profiles (sweet, spicy, smoky, savory)
- Fresh BBQ sauces (try something new or create your own)
- Basic, quality spices that every pitmaster and grill master requires: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Where to start:
Meat Church BBQ Rubs are legit. The Holy Gospel, Holy Voodoo, and Honey Hog varieties cover everything from chicken to brisket.
For sauces, Killer Hogs BBQ Sauce delivers options that actually taste like something. Let them wonder what your secret is.
Don't Wait Until Everyone's Already Asking When You're Grilling
Be prepared! The first nice weekend is going to sneak up on you. One day it's 40 degrees, the next day it's 75 and sunny. When that first cookout happens, you want to look like the pro that you are.
Keep the Grilling Content Coming
Want more? Check out our Pitmaster's Smoker Prep guide and 10 Neighborhood Pitmaster Housewarming Gifts for more BBQ inspo. More at Shady's blogs!