Summer is prime time for the classic backyard cookout. Grills and barbecues nationwide will be buzzing with familiar favorites like steaks, hot dogs and burgers alongside tasty vegetarian choices such as black bean patties and grilled mushrooms.
But once you tally the beers, burgers and potato salad, throwing a backyard party can get costly. So how can you cut costs this summer?
We asked two pros: Natalie Ramsey, proprietor of Red Bridges Barbecue in Shelby, North Carolina, and long-time Food Network judge Dr. BBQ, better known as Ray Lampe from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Ramsey is the granddaughter of 2021 Barbecue Hall of Fame honoree Lyttle Bridges and stands out as the first female barbecue business owner in North Carolina. Lampe, also a Barbecue Hall of Famer, serves as an ambassador for Louisiana Grills and as a spokesperson for the National Turkey Federation.
Here are eight expert tips they shared to help you enjoy a flavorful summer cookout without overspending.
But first, let’s clear up a common question: Are you grilling or barbecuing?
Barbecuing vs. Grilling
The technical difference is straightforward, yet worth noting. “Basically, it’s low and slow versus hot and fast, direct versus indirect,” Lampe explained.
Barbecuing involves heat circulating around the meat or vegetable, cooking it slowly and evenly. Grilling applies heat from one direction and cooks much faster.
A bonus of barbecuing: cheaper cuts of meat often become the stars, such as the picks listed by BBQ Champs Academy.
“Barbecue naturally turns inexpensive cuts into something amazing,” Lampe said.
Both methods can produce outstanding results, but if you only own a grill, don’t fret. Keep reading for ways to convert your grill into a smoker or barbecue.
8 Low-Cost Grilling Strategies for Summer
These professional pointers will help you save money while boosting the flavor of your summer spread. We’ll use “grilling” broadly to mean any outdoor cooking — we know you do too.
1. Keep Accessories Minimal
Walk any outdoor cooking aisle or browse online and you’ll find a flood of expensive gadgets. Resist the urge! Ramsey and Lampe agree that only a handful of tools are truly essential for successful outdoor cooking.
For Ramsey, the must-have is wood. Wood chips add depth to the flavor of what you’re grilling or barbecuing.
Lampe’s essential tool is an instant-read thermometer, which is affordable and invaluable. “Knowing the internal temperature of meat is crucial to getting it right. Don’t guess or rely solely on time. An instant-read thermometer prevents mistakes,” Lampe said.
That means you can pass on many extras like basting brushes, rotisseries, grill brushes, serving trays, skewers, gloves and shears.
2. What to Think About When Buying a Grill
If you want to stir debate among enthusiasts, ask whether gas or charcoal is better. But from a budget perspective, both can be reasonable choices.
If you need a grill or supplies like charcoal, look for summer holiday discounts. Home improvement stores often run steep charcoal deals — stock up when prices fall.
Lampe stresses quality: pick a grill that suits what you plan to cook. “Choose one that’s well-made. You’ll use it often, and a good grill can last for years. Treat it as an investment,’’ Lampe advised. “Open it up and check the workmanship. Is the steel thick and sturdy? If it feels flimsy, it probably is. Opt for sturdier construction.”
3. Convert Your Grill into a Smoker
Want that smoky depth usually achieved by low-and-slow cooking? Dedicated smokers can be pricey, but a charcoal or gas grill can be adapted to deliver smoky results without the extra appliance.
“If you have a grill and want to try smoking, there are lots of ways to introduce wood flavor, even on a gas grill,” Lampe noted.
To emulate barbecue, learn about hot and cool zones and use items like wood chips, smoking liquids and water pans depending on whether you use gas or charcoal. Techniques vary, but both can get you close to authentic barbecue flavor without the sticker shock.
4. Embrace Meatless Choices
Along with watching for meat discounts (more on that shortly), “you can absolutely grill vegetables,” Lampe said. With meat prices high, it’s a smart move to spotlight meatless dishes, especially for large gatherings.
Veggie sides shine on the grill — try this mushroom antipasto salad from Epicurious. Vegetables can also headline the meal; these 38 meatless main courses from MyRecipes are crowd-pleasers. Don’t ignore fruit either — grilling intensifies its sweetness. Serve grilled peaches or pineapple alongside pork chops.
Veg Out Magazine lists plant-based grilling options like Beyond Burgers, which grill well but can be pricey — watch for sales and freeze extras.
5. Make Your Own Patties and Shop Clearance
Many shoppers pay extra for preformed patties or packaged cuts. Lampe recommends forming your own burgers, hunting sales, or even grinding your own meat to save money.
“Buy ground beef on sale, or grind it yourself and you’ll have excellent results,” he said. Budget-friendly meat grinders run around $15 to $40, while premium models cost about $200. It might be a worthwhile purchase if you planar to level up your grilling game.
6. Choose Cheaper Cuts
Look for more affordable options like beef back ribs or chuck eye steak.
For non-burger proteins, Lampe suggests watching for pork loin and recommends a brine. “Don’t shy away from chicken and turkey. Turkey provides excellent value on the pit and grill,” he said.
7. DIY Rubs and Sauces
Creating a tasty rub or BBQ sauce is simpler than you expect. Chances are you already have staples like salt, pepper, mustard, ketchup and vinegar in your pantry.
“On a budget, all you need is wood, ketchup and vinegar. Vinegar is the defining ingredient for sauce,” Ramsey said.
Lampe also encourages simplicity. “For a basic rub on a budget, raid the spice rack for salt, sugar, pepper and a bit of flavor. Paprika is nice because it adds color. Don’t be afraid to experiment,” he said.
Skip store-bought sauces and craft your own so you control ingredient quality and flavor. Start by exploring these 17 rub recipes and these 24 homemade BBQ sauce ideas.
8. Waste Not, Want Not
Food waste is a major issue in the U.S. Using every part of what you buy can mean big savings — and tastier meals — for your grill sessions.
There’s a wide world of unexpected grillable foods to reduce waste and liven up a backyard party. Bacon-wrapped asparagus? Absolutely. Wrap the usual ingredients for a Cajun boil in foil and let them roast over coals. You can even do grilled pizza.
Now all that’s left is to chill a cold one and enjoy the age-old pleasures of outdoor cooking.
Contributor Maya Rivera covers lifestyle topics. Former staffer Stephanie Bolling helped with this piece.
