How to Season Bbq Grill: A Practical Guide for 2026

Let’s be honest—great outdoor cooking starts with the right seasoning. While you might own a top-notch gas grill or a smoker that holds temps like a dream, what really makes that burger or steak memorable is the flavor you put on it. McCormick Grill Mates Everyday Grilling Variety Pack brings together four of their most popular blends: Montreal Steak, Montreal Chicken, Roasted Garlic & Herb, and Hamburger seasoning. Packed as a set of 11.65 ounces total, this is a no-brainer upgrade for anyone who grills, roasts, or cooks over fire.

Who’s this for? Honestly, just about anyone who loves outdoor cooking. Backyard grillers will appreciate how these shakers fit right on the grill cart. Campers and tailgaters can toss the small bottles into a cooler or dry bag. RV owners will find them a space-saving way to bring multiple flavor profiles without carrying bulky jars. Even if you’re just a weekend patio cook, having these four blends on hand makes it easy to switch from chicken one night to steak the next without extra prep.

Real-world performance is where these spices shine. The Montreal Steak seasoning gives a peppery, garlicky crust that sears beautifully on a hot gas grill or a cast iron flat top. The Hamburger blend adds that classic backyard burger taste with a hint of onion and bell pepper—ideal for smash burgers on a griddle. Montreal Chicken is milder but still bold enough to stand up to high heat, and Roasted Garlic & Herb works wonders on grilled veggies or even mashed potatoes. They also work great as a dry rub for low-and-slow smoking, though you’ll want to reapply after a long cook.

Build quality isn’t really about the bottles—they’re standard plastic shaker tops—but McCormick has been making spices for ages, and the consistent grind and flavor intensity are reliable. No clumping issues, and the lids open easily even with greasy fingers. Portability is a big plus: each bottle is small enough to fit in a camp kitchen bin or a tailgate box. Cleanup? Just wipe the bottle—no messy jars to deal with.

One realistic limitation: these seasonings contain salt, so if you’re watching sodium, you might want to use a lighter hand or combine with salt-free blends. Also, the Roasted Garlic & Herb is noticeably less punchy than the steak blend, so don’t expect a heavy kick. But for most grillers, that mild garlic-herb profile is perfect for veggies or chicken breasts.

Overall, this variety pack is a practical, flavor-packed addition to any outdoor cook’s arsenal. Whether you’re searing steaks for a backyard party, grilling chicken for a campground dinner, or cooking burgers on a tailgate grill, these seasonings deliver consistent, delicious results without any complicated prep. If you’re looking to upgrade your grill game without upgrading your equipment, start here.

If you're a backyard griller or tailgater who loves that classic sweet-and-smoky flavor on your meats, Traeger 'Que BBQ Sauce is a no-brainer addition to your outdoor cooking setup. This sauce comes in a handy 16-ounce squeeze bottle, which means you can slather it right on your chicken, pork, or salmon while they're still on the grill, or just drizzle it on at the table. It's built for convenience without sacrificing taste.

The flavor hits a nice balance of sweet, savory, and smoky, making it a versatile companion for just about anything you pull off the grates. Think weekend BBQ parties with ribs and pulled pork, quick weeknight burgers on the patio, or even a campfire salmon dinner. The sauce clings well to meat, so you won't lose half of it to drips or flare-ups, which is a real plus when you're cooking over an open flame.

For BBQ enthusiasts who like to experiment, this sauce works equally well as a finishing glaze during the last few minutes of grilling or as a dipping sauce on the side. It's thick enough to stay put, yet spreads smoothly whether you're using a brush or just squeezing it on. If you typically smoke brisket or cook low-and-slow, you can brush this on toward the end to build up a nice caramelized layer without burning.

One thing I appreciate is that Traeger kept the ingredient list straightforward, so you're not dealing with artificial aftertastes. The sauce's consistency also means less mess when you're packing up after a tailgate or cleaning the grill. Since it comes in a squeeze bottle, storage is simple too just toss it in your cooler or pantry.

That said, if you're someone who likes a vinegar-forward or spicy sauce, this might feel a bit sweet for your palate. And at 16 ounces, you'll want to buy a couple bottles if you're hosting a big backyard party or feeding a large camping group. But for day-to-day grilling or a weekend cookout, this bottle goes a long way.

Overall, 'Que BBQ Sauce earns a spot in any outdoor cook's pantry, especially if you already use Traeger pellets or gear. It's a reliable, tasty option that keeps things simple so you can focus on the fire. Whether you're a seasoned backyard pitmaster or just getting into grilling, this sauce delivers honest barbecue flavor without any fuss.

This sauce performs well across a variety of outdoor cooking scenarios. Its thick consistency means it won't run off chicken thighs or pork chops while they're sizzling on the grates. It caramelizes nicely over medium to high heat without burning quickly, as long as you apply it during the final minutes of cooking. When used as a glaze on salmon, it adds a glossy, flavorful crust that doesn't overwhelm the fish. For tailgaters tossing burgers on a portable propane grill, a quick squeeze adds instant barbecue depth. The sauce also holds up well when used as a marinade overnight for tougher cuts like pork shoulder, letting the smoky sweetness penetrate the meat.

This sauce is perfect for backyard grillers who want a no-fuss way to add barbecue flavor to everyday meals. It shines on chicken wings or drumsticks during a summer cookout, and it's a great match for pulled pork sandwiches at a tailgate. Campers will appreciate the squeeze bottle convenience for glazing foil-packet dinners or basting directly on a campfire grate. It also works as a quick dip for grilled veggies or fries. If you're an RV cook with limited storage, the compact 16-ounce bottle fits easily in a pantry drawer or cooler. Just note that for large gatherings, you might want to grab two bottles to ensure you have enough for basting, dipping, and leftovers.

So here's the deal: this isn't a grill, a smoker, or any piece of hardware. It's the next best thing for anyone serious about cooking with fire: a book. Mark Bittman's How To Grill Everything is the latest in his acclaimed cookbook series, and it's built for people who want to get the most out of their outdoor cooking setup, whether that's a charcoal kettle, a propane gas grill, or a backyard smoker.

This book is best suited for backyard grillers who love hosting weekend BBQs, campers who want to elevate their campsite meals, tailgaters looking for reliable recipes for a crowd, and anyone who enjoys patio cooking. Bittman covers the full spectrum: quick high-heat meals like Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp or Green Chile Cheeseburgers for a Tuesday night, and low-and-slow projects like Texas-Style Smoked Brisket or Pulled Pork for a Saturday cookout. There's even a section on grilling unexpected foods like avocado, watermelon, and pound cake, which can really surprise your guests.

When it comes to real-world cooking performance, this cookbook delivers on heat consistency, smoke flavor, and temperature control through clear instructions. Bittman explains how to set up your grill for direct vs. indirect heat, how to manage charcoal for long cooks, and how to get a good sear on a steak without burning the outside. The recipes are tested and straightforward, so you can trust the timing and techniques. Fuel efficiency is addressed naturally: you'll learn how to get the most from your charcoal or gas without wasting heat.

Build quality here refers to the book itself. It weighs about three pounds and measures 8 x 9 inches, with a sturdy paperback cover that lies flat on a table or counter. The pages are thick enough to withstand a few splatters of sauce, but you'll still want to keep it away from direct grease splatter. It's not waterproof, so don't leave it out in the rain. For durability, it's best stored inside when not in use.

Ease of setup, transport, and cleanup: this is as easy as opening the book to the recipe you want. No assembly required. It's portable enough to take camping or to a tailgate, though a three-pound book might be a bit heavy for a backpacking trip. Cleanup is just wiping the cover if it gets dirty. The main limitation is that it's a book, not a grill - you still need your own equipment. But if you're looking for guidance on how to use that equipment to its fullest, this is a fantastic resource.

Overall, How To Grill Everything is a smart buy for anyone who loves cooking outdoors. It'll help you expand your repertoire, avoid common mistakes, and impress friends and family with dishes you might never have tried on the grill. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started, this cookbook earns a solid recommendation for its depth, clarity, and practical approach to flame-cooked food.

McCormick Grill Mates Barbecue Seasoning is a dry rub designed to bring authentic sweet and smoky flavor to anything you cook outdoors. Whether you're firing up a propane grill for burgers, smoking brisket in your backyard smoker, or cooking over a campfire while camping, this seasoning adds that made-from-scratch taste with minimal effort. It's a staple for any outdoor cooking enthusiast who wants consistent results without mixing a dozen spices.

This rub is best suited for backyard grillers, BBQ enthusiasts, tailgaters, RV owners, and campers who love grilled proteins like ribs, steak, chicken, and seafood. It also shines on vegetables and fruits - try it on grilled pineapple or zucchini for a sweet-savory twist. The flavor comes from a blend of natural hickory smoke flavor, brown sugar, tomato, red pepper, garlic, and parsley. It's not too salty or overpowering, letting the natural taste of the food come through with a nice caramelized crust when seared.

In real-world use, this seasoning performs well on both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking. The brown sugar helps create a beautiful bark on ribs or pork shoulder, while the garlic and red pepper add depth. For fast grilling like steaks or chicken thighs, sprinkle it generously before hitting the grates - it won't burn excessively if you keep the heat moderate. The taste is reliably consistent, which is important when cooking for a crowd at a tailgate or backyard party.

Build quality here is all about the packaging. The 27-ounce container is sturdy plastic with a shaker top that dispenses evenly, though larger hands may find the shaker lid a bit small for heavy seasoning. It stores easily in a pantry or camping bin, and the weight is manageable for transport. No worry about rust or weather resistance since it's just a seasoning container - just keep it dry and sealed after use.

Ease of use could hardly be simpler: shake on, rub in, and cook. Cleanup is a non-issue compared to marinades or sauces. The main limitation is the size - if you only grill occasionally, 27 ounces will last a long time, but the flavor stays fresh if stored properly. Some may wish for more heat, as this rub is sweet and mild rather than spicy. It's also not a wet mop or sauce, so if you want a sticky glaze, you'll need to pair it with a finishing sauce.

Overall, McCormick Grill Mates Barbecue Seasoning is a practical, trustworthy choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking. It delivers on flavor, versatility, and ease without gimmicks. If you grill regularly, tailgate often, or love smoking meat at home, this large container is a smart buy. Just remember it's a mild sweet rub - if you prefer bold spicy heat, look elsewhere, but for classic BBQ flavor, it's hard to beat.

If you love firing up the grill for weekend BBQs or tailgating, you know the struggle of cleaning those grates. The MEKER Grill Brush is a bristle-free cleaner designed to make that job safer and simpler. Instead of metal bristles that can break off and end up in your food, this brush uses a flexible steel fiber woven pad and a cleaning cloth to lift grease and grime. It's a practical tool for backyard grillers, campers, RV owners, and anyone who wants to avoid the risks of traditional wire brushes.

Using the MEKER brush is straightforward. Heat your grill to at least 400°F for about 15 minutes, scrape off any large debris with the built-in scraper, then soak the pad in cold water and gently wipe the grates. The combination of heat and the damp pad creates steam that loosens stubborn buildup. I found it works well on both cast iron and stainless steel grates, leaving them clean without scratching. The scraper is handy for reaching between square or round bars, which is a common pain point with other brushes.

Build quality is decent for the price. The handle feels sturdy, and the upgraded adhesion system with eight screw-locked points keeps the pad firmly attached during scrubbing. The brush comes with five replacement pads, so you're set for several grilling seasons. The pads are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup after cleaning even easier. Just remember to let the pad cool down before pulling it off to replace it.

One limitation is that you need to preheat the grill to get the best results. That uses extra propane or charcoal, which might be a consideration if you're trying to conserve fuel. Also, if your grates have years of caked-on residue, you might need to scrub a bit harder or repeat the process. The handle is about 13.8 inches long, which is fine for most grills but might feel short for larger models.

Overall, the MEKER Grill Brush is a solid choice for anyone who prioritizes safety and ease of use. It's especially good for families with kids, where the risk of bristle ingestion is a real concern. For campers and tailgaters, it's compact enough to toss in a bag, and the reusable pads mean you won't need to buy replacements often. If you're a backyard BBQ enthusiast who grills regularly, this brush will help keep your grates clean without the worry.

The Pop n' Dulge BBQ Grilling Rubs & Grill Seasonings Gift Set is a specialized barbecue accessory designed for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want flavor variety without stocking multiple bulk spice containers. Featuring five distinct 2.3-ounce blends, this sampler collection suits backyard pellet grill users, offset smoker cooks, and charcoal grillers looking to season beef brisket, pork shoulder, chicken, ribs, or fish. It also serves as a turnkey gift set for Father's Day, birthdays, or holiday get-togethers.

In practical cooking scenarios, having varied seasoning options allows cooks to customize their bark and flavor development depending on the cut. The set includes Korean BBQ, Smoky Maple Bacon, Hula Dancin', Grilled Onion, and Tandoori Grill. These blends offer a balanced mix of smoky, sweet, and savory profiles that integrate well during low-and-slow smoking sessions. Whether you are running an overnight pork butt cook on a pellet grill or searing chicken over direct charcoal, these rubs apply evenly to help form a rich crust.

Ingredient quality is a primary highlight of this collection. The rubs are produced without MSG, GMOs, food dyes, trans fats, or gluten, and they carry a Kosher certification. For backyard hosts who frequently cook for groups, neighbors, or family members with common dietary sensitivities, having dependable gluten-free seasonings on hand eliminates the guesswork when prepping large spreads of smoked meats.

From a usability and storage standpoint, the 2.3-ounce packaging is compact and easy to keep on an outdoor prep cart or patio shelf. The pre-mixed blends save prep time by eliminating the need to measure out individual bulk spices like paprika, garlic powder, or brown sugar right before a long cook. Simply prep your protein with a light binder, coat with your chosen rub, and place the meat directly onto your smoker grates.

There are a few realistic limitations to keep in mind. Because each pack contains 2.3 ounces, serious low-and-slow barbecue cooks tackling massive whole-packer briskets or multiple racks of spare ribs will find that a single packet can be used up in one or two smoking sessions. Additionally, cooks who strictly prefer minimalist salt-and-black-pepper barbecue may find the sweeter or globally inspired profiles like Tandoori Grill and Hula Dancin' outside their usual style.

Overall, this Pop n' Dulge rub collection represents a convenient, flavor-packed addition to any outdoor kitchen. It offers great utility for beginner smokers seeking an easy flavor foundation, as well as experienced grillers looking to test new flavor combinations across chicken, pork, and seafood without committing to standard 16-ounce spice jars.

The five distinct blends in this kit provide broad flexibility across different meats and smoking styles. Smoky Maple Bacon delivers a natural sweetness paired with savory depth, making it well suited for pork ribs, pork butt, and smoked chicken thighs where a caramelized finish is desirable. Hula Dancin' adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements lighter meats, pork chops, and grilled shrimp.

For beef and poultry, the Grilled Onion seasoning acts as an all-around savory foundation that enhances burgers, brisket flats, and roasted vegetables. The Korean BBQ and Tandoori Grill blends introduce international flair to standard backyard barbecue, pairing especially well with smoked chicken wings, pork skewers, and direct-heat grilling over charcoal.

If you're a backyard griller or BBQ enthusiast who loves a good steak, the Traeger Grills SPC281 Steak Rub is a seasoning blend worth trying. This rub combines black pepper, salt, garlic, and real butter flavor to create a savory profile that's designed to complement beef, especially steaks. It comes in a 12 oz bottle, which is a generous size for regular use at home, tailgates, or even camping trips.

This seasoning is best suited for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet smoker. Whether you're searing ribeyes for a weekend BBQ, grilling burgers for a crowd, or cooking up steaks at the campsite, this rub adds a rich, steakhouse-style taste. The blend is gluten-free and kosher, so it fits a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

In terms of cooking performance, this rub delivers consistent flavor across different cuts of beef. The black pepper provides a nice kick, while the garlic and butter notes round out the taste. It works well for fast grilling over high heat, but also holds up during longer cooks like smoking a tri-tip or roasting a beef chuck. The seasoning doesn't burn easily, which is a plus for those who like a good sear.

Build quality is what you'd expect from Traeger: a sturdy plastic bottle with a shaker top that makes application easy and mess-free. The label is clear and durable, so it holds up in a pantry or outdoor kitchen. There's no special storage required, just keep it in a cool, dry place. Cleanup is simple since the rub doesn't leave sticky residue on grates or cookware.

One realistic limitation is that the butter flavor might not appeal to everyone. Some purists prefer a more traditional dry rub without dairy notes. Also, the pepper level is noticeable, so if you're sensitive to spice, you might want to use a lighter hand. But for most steak lovers, this blend hits the right balance.

Overall, the Traeger Steak Rub is a practical choice for backyard grillers, tailgaters, and outdoor cooks who want to elevate their beef dishes with minimal effort. It's not a gimmick—it's a solid seasoning that delivers on flavor. If you enjoy bold, savory steaks with a hint of butter and garlic, this rub is worth adding to your grilling arsenal.