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10 Best BBQ Cookbooks UK 2024 | Tom Kerridge, DJ BBQ and More

Barbecue cooking tends to look a lot easier than it actually is, and if you're tired of meat that's blackened on the outside and raw in the middle, the right BBQ cookbook can feel like a revelation! There's so much more to barbecuing than chucking sausages onto the grill, in fact, for some, it's an entire mindset and way of living.


From the traditional American barbecue recipes of Texas and South Carolina, to vegan BBQ grilling and even smoky mezcal cocktails, there's a huge range of BBQ inspiration for you to sink your teeth into. In this article, we rank the top 10 best BBQ books in the UK on Amazon and eBay, to have you smoking and sizzling your way to success!

Last updated 14/07/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a BBQ Cookbook in the UK – Buying Guide

Before we light the flame of your imagination, there are some factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best BBQ cookbook. In this buying guide, we'll help you decide exactly what your priorities and interests are to match you up with a cookbook you'll come back to again and again.

1

Choose Your Book Based on Cooking Style

To the uninitiated, BBQ might seem like it's just about charring meat, but in fact, it's a whole world of traditions, techniques, knowledge and recipes, and many consider it an art form. In this section, we'll touch upon some of the themes and cooking styles that most barbecue books focus on.

Choose American BBQ Books for Barbecue Culture, Traditions and Recipes From the Different States of Southern US

Choose American BBQ Books for Barbecue Culture, Traditions and Recipes From the Different States of Southern US

The original concept of barbecue originated in the Caribbean, but barbecue as we now know it today comes from a mixture of cultures, heritages, and influences from within the southern states of the US. The "American style" of grilling is an extremely wide term, encompassing various techniques and traditions from Texas, South Carolina, and Virginia


If you're new to BBQ and are keen to understand what it's all about, American BBQ books are a perfect place to start. With guides that embrace the African American roots of BBQ, tasty Texan recipes, and the joy of a good old cookout, who better to trust about BBQ than our friends over the pond?

The Right Guide Can Help You to Perfect the Art of Smoking

The Right Guide Can Help You to Perfect the Art of Smoking

Smoking is a version of barbecuing where you cook your food using the smoke from burning wood chips, such as hickory, resulting in various unique flavours. Done at lower temperatures than barbecuing, smoking infuses the meat (or vegetables) as it cooks, with mouthwateringly delicious results.


However, as you may have guessed, smoking isn't the go-to technique for total novices and requires some level of basic equipment to get started. Even more so than with BBQ, it's essential to have the right cookbook to hand to guide you through the various stages and aspects of smoking.

General Outdoor Cooking Books Will Improve Your All-Round BBQ Skills

General Outdoor Cooking Books Will Improve Your All-Round BBQ Skills

Often BBQ enthusiasts will focus entirely on the most exciting part - the meat - and overlook the other equally important aspects of BBQ, such as side dishes, organising the outdoor setup and generally making cooking into a gathering to enjoy with friends and family. 


To be a true pitmaster you'll need to bear all of these things in mind. Luckily, books on more general outdoor cooking offer insights from professional chefs and experts to immerse you in the world of BBQ. This type of book can also be a little more accessible than some of the more "macho" BBQ bibles, offering a fresh perspective that will hopefully inspire your own adventures in grilling.

Be Part of the Vegetarian Barbeque Revolution

Be Part of the Vegetarian Barbeque Revolution

You may be surprised to learn that veggie BBQ is a genre of cookbook and a pretty popular one too. It was previously thought that vegetarians should just steer clear of BBQ altogether, or accept eating just the sides, but the new wave of guides on veggie grilling turns all the traditional advice its head.


Whether you're totally plant-based, or just want to liven up your repertoire, we highly recommend choosing a vegetarian BBQ cookbook for your shelf. Including advice on grilling directly onto fire, cooking with indirect heat, smoking and even wood-fired pizza – get ready to change the way you think about BBQ!

2

Interested in the Writer’s Ethos and Lifestyle or Just Looking for Recipes?

BBQ cookbooks can be further broken down based on the type of content they provide, from recipe books to those packed with advice, knowledge and the author's own life experiences. BBQ books written by TV personalities, chefs, and even Youtube stars are very popular, offering an insight into the writer's own lifestyle and ethos.


But while some of us love a backstory, others like to just get down to the bare bones of it. BBQ "bibles" or guides from brands like the Weber range offer just that, with back-to-back recipes and practical tips that allow you to dip in and out while grillin'.

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Top 10 Best BBQ Cookbooks in the UK

Now that you've thought about the various aspects of choosing a BBQ cookbook, it's time to look at our top ten favourite tomes. Featuring invaluable inspiration and knowledge from the Weber brand, Tom Kerridge and Pitt Cue Co. you might even become a pitmaster yourself!
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1

Steven Raichlen

Project Smoke: Seven Steps to Smoked Food Nirvana

Steven Raichlen Project Smoke: Seven Steps to Smoked Food Nirvana 1

£14.20

Mid

100 Irresistible Recipes Ranging From Classic to Adventurous

2

Aaron Franklin

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

Aaron Franklin Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto 1

£15.91

Mid

A New York Times Bestseller From a Texan BBQ Expert

3

Rodney Scott & Lolis Eric Elie

Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day

Rodney Scott & Lolis Eric Elie Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day 1

£16.55

High Mid

The First Cookbook by a Black Pitmaster

4

Genevieve Taylor

Charred: The Complete Guide to Vegetarian Grilling and Barbecue

Genevieve Taylor Charred: The Complete Guide to Vegetarian Grilling and Barbecue 1

£12.35

Low Mid

Over 70 Exciting Recipes for All of Your Veggie BBQ Needs

5

Shauna Guinn & Samantha Evans

Hang Fire Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures in American BBQ

Shauna Guinn & Samantha Evans  Hang Fire Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures in American BBQ 1

£11.29

Low Mid

A Mouthwatering Road Trip to the Best Barbecue Joints in the Southern United States

6

Tom Kerridge

Outdoor Cooking: The Ultimate Modern Barbecue Bible

Tom Kerridge Outdoor Cooking: The Ultimate Modern Barbecue Bible 1

£11.00

Low Mid

Outdoor Cooking Inspiration From a Michelin-Starred Chef

7

Jamie Purviance

Weber's Barbecue Bible

Jamie Purviance Weber's Barbecue Bible 1

£16.99

High Mid

A Go-to Cookbook From the Most Trusted Name in Grilling

8

Martin Nordin

Fire, Smoke, Green: Vegetarian Barbecue, Smoking and Grilling Recipes

Martin Nordin Fire, Smoke, Green: Vegetarian Barbecue, Smoking and Grilling Recipes 1

£18.21

High Mid

A Beautiful Veggie Barbecue Book

9

Pitt Cue

The Cookbook

Pitt Cue The Cookbook 1

£17.46

High Mid

BBQ Recipes and Slow Cooked Meat From an Acclaimed London Restaurant

10

Christian Stevenson (DJ BBQ)

Fire Food: The Ultimate BBQ Cookbook

Christian Stevenson (DJ BBQ)  Fire Food: The Ultimate BBQ Cookbook  1

£7.50

Low

A Fun Guide From an American Youtuber, DJ and BBQ Pitmaster

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No.1

Steven RaichlenProject Smoke: Seven Steps to Smoked Food Nirvana

Project Smoke: Seven Steps to Smoked Food Nirvana 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.20
Mid
Reference price
£14.20
Mid

100 Irresistible Recipes Ranging From Classic to Adventurous

We're not pulling any punches, which is why our number one simply had to be Project Smoke: Seven Steps to Smoked Food Nirvana by Steven Raichlen. The author of Barbeque Bible, Raichlen is an award-winning cookbook author and has hosted TV series such as Barbecue University, Primal Grill, and Project Fire.


Known as the man who reinvented modern barbecue, Raichlen keeps things simple while helping you achieve truly delicious results. Based on seven steps, it features an in-depth rundown on every aspect of BBQ, including recipes such as Bacon-Crab Poppers and Cherry-Glazed Baby Back Ribs that'll make you want to get grilling, immediately!

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No.2

Aaron FranklinFranklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.91
Mid
Reference price
£15.91
Mid

A New York Times Bestseller From a Texan BBQ Expert

Heralded by Texas Monthly as "serving the best barbeque in the known universe", Franklin Barbeque is an Austin institution. Founded by Aaron and Stacy Franklin, their business began as a small trailer on the side of the interstate, and is now lauded as one of the best BBQ joints in existence.


Aaron Franklin co-wrote Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto with Jordan Mackay, in which they unlock the secrets behind truly great barbecue. The pair share their years of knowledge, with chapters on customising your own smoker, curing wood, creating and tending perfect fires and, of course, creating mind-blowing meat!

No.3

Rodney Scott & Lolis Eric ElieRodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day

Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.55
High Mid
Reference price
£16.55
High Mid

The First Cookbook by a Black Pitmaster

Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day is written by the man himself, a celebrated pitmaster and owner of Whole Hog BBQ in Charleston, South Carolina. An award-winning chef, Scott celebrates his African American culinary legacy through his life story, family traditions, and dedication to his craft.


Co-written by award-winning writer Lolis Eric Elie, Scott shares his pit-smoked turkey, barbecued spare ribs, smoked chicken wings, hush puppies, Ella's Banana Puddin' and award-winning whole hog. All alongside expert knowledge on building your own pit, with poignant stories about South Carolinian traditions. 

No.4

Genevieve TaylorCharred: The Complete Guide to Vegetarian Grilling and Barbecue

Charred: The Complete Guide to Vegetarian Grilling and Barbecue 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.35
Low Mid
Reference price
£12.35
Low Mid

Over 70 Exciting Recipes for All of Your Veggie BBQ Needs

Genevieve Taylor is a live fire cook, BBQ expert, author and teacher, having written 11 cookbooks, including the bestselling Charred. Described as the complete guide to vegetarian grilling and BBQ, this book provides a novel perspective that's sure to be relished by anyone who enjoys their veg.


Although this book is aimed at those on a plant-based diet, its ethos revolves around how chargrilling and barbecuing are fantastic ways of getting the maximum flavour out of veg. Including inventive dishes like griddled radicchio with burrata and figs, or corn on the cob with Cambodian coconut, lime and chilli – Charred is sure to inspire!

No.5

Shauna Guinn & Samantha Evans Hang Fire Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures in American BBQ

Hang Fire Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures in American BBQ 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.29
Low Mid
Reference price
£11.29
Low Mid

A Mouthwatering Road Trip to the Best Barbecue Joints in the Southern United States

There's no doubt about it, men dominate the world of BBQ. If you're finding the whole "pitmaster" thing a bit much, then fear not because Shauna Guinn and Samantha Evans are here to bring things back down to earth. Their book, Hang Fire Cookbook is inspired by their six-month road trip to all the best BBQ joints in the southern US.


During this trip, they learned the insider secrets of what makes BBQ great, sharing their recipes and adventures within this heartening book. Sam and Shauna explain the basics of starting out with a home smoker and different types of wood, and using rubs, cures, and brines for simple yet stunning meat dishes.

No.6

Tom KerridgeOutdoor Cooking: The Ultimate Modern Barbecue Bible

Outdoor Cooking: The Ultimate Modern Barbecue Bible 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£11.00
Low Mid

Outdoor Cooking Inspiration From a Michelin-Starred Chef

Tom Kerridge is a Michelin-starred chef who worked at a variety of British restaurants, before opening his own small chain of pubs, and eventually his own restaurant. Kerridge has also appeared on TV programmes, such as Masterchef, Saturday Kitchen and Bake Off: Crème de la Crème.


Needless to say, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to cuisine, and his book Outdoor Cooking creates "ultimate" versions of burgers and grills for you to enjoy. Not only does it have some great recipes, but this book contains key advice for the perfect summer gathering.

No.7

Jamie PurvianceWeber's Barbecue Bible

Weber's Barbecue Bible 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.99
High Mid
Reference price
£16.99
High Mid

A Go-to Cookbook From the Most Trusted Name in Grilling

Weber is an American manufacturer of high-quality charcoal, gas, and electric outdoor grills and barbecue accessories. A well-trusted cookbook, Weber's Barbeque Bible is written by Jamie Purviance, a world-renowned grilling expert and New York Times bestselling author.


This cookbook was specifically released for the UK market, with measurements and phrases converted to suit British readers. Comprehensive and visually instructive, it's full of good solid advice that you're sure to turn to each time you light up the grill!

No.8

Martin NordinFire, Smoke, Green: Vegetarian Barbecue, Smoking and Grilling Recipes

Fire, Smoke, Green: Vegetarian Barbecue, Smoking and Grilling Recipes 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.21
High Mid
Reference price
£18.21
High Mid

A Beautiful Veggie Barbecue Book

The grill certainly isn't just for meat lovers and Fire, Smoke, Green by Martin Nordin is chock full of vegetarian barbecue, smoking, and grilling recipes. This book is split into seven chapters on everything you need to know about cooking over a flame, and doing it really well.


What stands out the most is how beautiful this book is. Atmospheric photography and charming illustrations are combined with genuinely inspiring recipes like courgette and mungbean burgers with sriracha mayonnaise and furikake. Delish!

No.9

Pitt CueThe Cookbook

The Cookbook 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.46
High Mid
Reference price
£17.46
High Mid

BBQ Recipes and Slow Cooked Meat From an Acclaimed London Restaurant

If you like your barbeque a little more gourmet, you'll enjoy the sublimely smoky and slow-cooked meats from one of the most celebrated London restaurants, Pitt Cue Co. Created as a collaboration between four Pitt Cue guys – Tom Adams, Jamie Berger, Simon Anderson, and Richard H. Turner – this book helps you bring restauranteur skills home.


Packed with recipes for meats, sauces, rubs and desserts, as well as their famous bourbon cocktail, this cookbook is ideal for ambitious home chefs and grillers. However, it can seem a little complex, and even pretentious at times, which might not suit those just trying to learn the basics.

No.10

Christian Stevenson (DJ BBQ) Fire Food: The Ultimate BBQ Cookbook

Fire Food: The Ultimate BBQ Cookbook  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.50
Low
Reference price
£7.50
Low

A Fun Guide From an American Youtuber, DJ and BBQ Pitmaster

Fire Food by Christian Stevenson, otherwise known as DJ BBQ, is a cookbook about barbecue as a lifestyle that's humorous and fun. Christian is an American Youtuber, DJ, and dedicated pitmaster, and this book will certainly entertain as well as inspire.


The number one choice of many reviewers, it's certainly popular and highly rated on Amazon. However, some may find the humour and photos of Christian playing dress-up and messing about to be a bit distracting and silly at times, especially those who aren't familiar with his previous work.

More Grilling Essentials

More Grilling Essentials

Why put up with disposable barbecues or inadequate tools when you can embrace all that the grilling world has to offer? It's amazing what you can do with the right equipment, so be sure to check out the articles below to upgrade your home setup!

Summary

So concludes our comprehensive guide to finding the best BBQ cookbook. Whether you're new to the griddle, or you're a seasoned smoker looking for new ideas, we're confident our ranking has the perfect guide for you. Put another shrimp on the barbie!


Author: Melanie McPhail

Top 5 BBQ Cookbooks

No. 1: Steven RaichlenProject Smoke: Seven Steps to Smoked Food Nirvana

No. 2: Aaron FranklinFranklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

No. 3: Rodney Scott & Lolis Eric ElieRodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day

No. 4: Genevieve TaylorCharred: The Complete Guide to Vegetarian Grilling and Barbecue

No. 5: Shauna Guinn & Samantha Evans Hang Fire Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures in American BBQ

View Full Ranking
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