Autumn BBQ — why stopping is a crime
Deel
Summer is over, but the BBQ doesn't have to go into storage. In fact, autumn is the best season for grilling. Lower temperatures, fewer flies, and flavors that perfectly suit the season.
Why Autumn BBQ is better than you think
In summer, the BBQ is a social event. In autumn, it becomes something more personal — a conscious choice to be outside, with a glass of wine and the smell of smoke in the air. The cooler temperatures make it easier to keep the grill temperature stable. And the meat? It tastes just as good in autumn as it does in July.
→ Autumn BBQ — all about grilling in fall
01 — Which dishes suit autumn?
Autumn calls for warmer, deeper flavors. These are the best choices:
- Pulled pork — low & slow, perfect for a cool day. The Memphis or Toscana rub pairs excellently with this. More about pulled pork on the BBQ
- Spareribs — classic and always good. Try the Carolina Gold for a different twist. The 3-2-1 method explained
- Grilled vegetables — pumpkin, parsnip, and beetroot turn out phenomenal on the grill. The Shawarma rub gives them a warm, aromatic flavor. More vegetable recipes
- Whole chicken — stuffed with herbs and slow-cooked. The Jamaican Jerk rub makes it a party. Chicken rub — which herbs work best?
Pro tip: In autumn, use a bit more smoking wood than in summer. The cooler air carries the smoke differently — you'll need a bit more for the same effect. Cherry wood or apple wood perfectly complement autumn flavors. More about choosing smoking wood
02 — Practical tips for autumn BBQ
A few adjustments make all the difference in cold weather:
- Preheat the BBQ longer — in cold outdoor temperatures, it takes longer to reach temperature.
- Use a windbreak if it's windy — wind costs temperature and fuel.
- Keep the lid closed more often — heat loss is greater in cold weather. More about indirect heat
- Expect 20–30% longer cooking times than in summer. Complete cooking time guide
03 — Autumn is the season for slow cooking
Pulled pork, brisket, leg of lamb — large cuts of meat that take hours. In autumn, you have the time and the temperature works with you. Start the BBQ in the morning and enjoy the results in the evening. That's the real BBQ season.
- Spareribs & Pulled Pork — complete guide
- Beef on the BBQ — brisket, short ribs & more
- Pork on the BBQ — all recipes & tips
- The Bark and the Smoke Ring — how does it form?
Which rub for autumn?
For warm, deeper autumn flavors, the Memphis, Toscana Fire, and Shawarma rubs are the best choices. They suit the richer flavors of the season and work excellently with slow cooking at low temperatures.