Poppa's Corner

How to Help Dad Win at the Grill

Father's Day is coming, and maybe Dad just unwrapped a shiny new grill — or maybe he's been circling the same one for three years, quietly intimidated by it. Either way, the BBQ basics for beginner...

Must-Have BBQ Tools for Father's Day

Father's Day lands on June 21st, and if the dad in your life is serious about the grill, another tie isn't going to cut it. The right BBQ tools for Father's Day are the difference between a guy pok...

Big Poppa's Memorial Day Playbook

Memorial Day is the official kickoff to summer grilling — and for a lot of backyard cooks, it's the first time all year they're cooking for a crowd. Feeding 10 is one thing. Feeding 30 is a complet...

Drum Smoker or Pellet? How to Pick What's Right for Summer

Every summer the same question hits our inbox: "Should I get a drum smoker or pellet grill?" At Big Poppa Smokers, we built our reputation on the BPS Drum Smoker, but we know pellet grills have the...

Drum Smoker & Charcoal Grill Maintenance

Drum smoker and charcoal grill maintenance isn't complicated, but it is non-negotiable if you want consistent temperature control and clean smoke all season. Big Poppa Smokers built our reputation ...

How a Clean Grill Improves Flavor, Safety & Consistency

Here's a truth most backyard cooks don't want to hear — your grill is probably holding your food back. Not your rub choice, not your wood selection, not your thermometer. Your dirty grates, clogged...

The Spring BBQ Prep Reset Every Pitmaster Should Do

The first warm weekend hits and suddenly everyone's firing up their grill like they didn't abandon it in November. But here's what separates the pitmasters from the pretenders — spring BBQ prep isn...

5 Essential BBQ Tools for 2026

There have never been more BBQ gadgets on the market than there are right now. That is good for marketing, but confusing for real people just trying to cook great food. Our experience—backed by mor...

5 Skills Every Backyard Cook Should Master

Whether you’re firing up a pellet grill, experimenting with a drum smoker, or learning basic grill control, this Pitmaster’s Playbook outlines the five essential skills every backyard cook should m...

How to Host a Rib Cookoff Like a Pro

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your backyard into a smoky battleground of flavor, now’s your chance. Hosting a rib cookoff isn’t just about fun (though there will be plenty of that)—it’s about b...

You Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just These 5 Things to Start Grilling

This guide is made for beginners. Whether you're firing up a charcoal grill for the first time or figuring out the difference between barbecue rubs and barbecue seasoning, this blog will help you g...

New to BBQ? Start Here: Your No-Stress Guide to Getting Started

If you’re just stepping into the world of BBQ, welcome! Whether you’ve just unboxed your first grill or you’re staring at that shiny smoker wondering what to do next, this guide is for you. At Big ...

Smoker Maintenance 101: How to Clean, Store, and Extend the Life of Your Smoker

Regular smoker maintenance isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about flavor, safety, and long-term performance. Whether you’re using a drum, offset, or pellet grill, this guide breaks down exactly ho...

The Ultimate Father’s Day BBQ Gift Guide from Big Poppa Smokers

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and let’s be honest: Dad doesn’t need another tie, fancy soap, or novelty coffee mug. He needs ribs, rubs, and the sweet scent of smoke. He needs tools, gad...

The Ultimate Guide to BBQ Rubs, Smoker Accessories & Barrel Smokers

Discover the best BBQ rubs, smoker accessories, and barrel smokers to take your brisket, ribs, and chicken to the next level. Master championship BBQ today!