BBQ Horror Stories: What Not to Do at Your Next Cookout

We’ve all been to a cookout where something went terribly, terribly wrong. Whether it’s a grill that won’t light, meat that’s still mooing when served, or an unfortunate fireball that takes out someone’s eyebrows, BBQ disasters are more common than you’d think. As professional pitmasters, we’ve seen it all. So, to keep your next cookout from turning into a horror show, here are a few mistakes to avoid.

One of the biggest disasters? Running out of food. Nothing will kill a party faster than realizing you’ve got a line of hungry guests and an empty smoker. It’s always better to have leftovers than to leave people licking their plates and wondering if there’s a secret second course. If you’re not sure how much to cook, the general rule is about a half-pound of meat per person. But let’s be honest, when BBQ is this good, people are going back for seconds.

Then there’s the dreaded raw chicken debacle. Undercooked meat is a surefire way to send your guests running for the hills—or worse, to the emergency room. We get it—no one wants dry chicken. But a little patience goes a long way. Use a meat thermometer, and make sure your chicken hits at least 165°F (USDA, 2023). No one wants their cookout to end with a food poisoning scare.

Another common BBQ fail? Playing with fire—literally. There’s a fine line between a good sear and a full-blown grease fire. Too much fat drips into the flames, and suddenly, you’ve got more of a bonfire than a barbecue. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare-ups and, for the love of brisket, never douse flames with lighter fluid unless you want to singe your eyebrows off.

Finally, let’s talk about the “set it and forget it” crowd. Low and slow is the name of the game, but that doesn’t mean you can just walk away. Whether it’s a forgotten brisket that turns into beef jerky or ribs that end up drier than the desert, good BBQ needs love and attention. Keep an eye on that smoker, check your temps, and resist the urge to open the lid every five minutes like an impatient kid on Christmas morning.

Avoid these BBQ blunders, and your cookout will be one to remember—for the right reasons. And if you really want to guarantee the best BBQ without the stress, give us a call. We’ll bring the fire, the flavor, and most importantly, a cookout that won’t end in disaster.