Welcome to the Fire
Hey there, I’m Eddie van Aken — The Grilling Dutchman. If you’re just getting started with backyard BBQ or looking to sharpen your skills, you’re in the right place.
This is where I break it all down, step by step. Whether you’re lighting up your first charcoal grill or diving into low and slow smoking, I’ll show you how to do it right, without the fluff, and with plenty of flavor.
I remember how overwhelming it felt when I fired up my first grill.
I’ve spent years perfecting my outdoor cooking, both in the restaurant world and in my backyard, and I created this bbq basics guide to help you learn step-by-step.
Whether you’re ready to sizzle some burgers or tackle your first brisket, let’s get fired up.
Want to Grill? Start Here!
Charcoal grilling is the best place to begin. It’s fast, versatile, and gives you total control of your fire once you know the basics.
Start with these:
- 👉 How to Use a Charcoal Grill (Complete Beginner’s Guide)
- 👉 How to Light a Charcoal Grill Without Lighter Fluid
- 👉 Direct vs. Indirect Heat: Understanding Two-Zone Cooking
Want to dive deeper into charcoal cooking? Head over to my Grilling Basics Hub for everything from fire control to flipping burgers like a pro.
Eddie’s Tip! Don’t crowd the grill when you’re learning. Stick to a few cuts—like chicken thighs or burgers—so you can focus on controlling the heat.
Want to Try Smoking Meat? Start Here!
Low and slow smoking delivers deep, smoky flavor and that legendary BBQ tenderness—but it takes time and know-how. I’ll walk you through everything, from choosing cuts to managing your smoke.
Start with:
- 👉 The Science of Smoke: How Low and Slow Really Works (Complete Guide)
- 👉 Best Cuts of Meat for Low and Slow BBQ
- 👉 The Art of Bark: How to Build That Perfect Smoky Crust
- 👉 Mastering Smoke: How to Get Clean, Flavorful Results Every Time
If you’re fired up to smoke meat like a pitmaster, my Low and Slow BBQ Hub is your next stop.
Eddie’s Tip! If your smoker looks like a chimney, that’s a problem. Aim for thin blue smoke—not thick white clouds—for clean, flavorful results.
🧰 Gear You Actually Need
You don’t need fancy equipment to make great BBQ. Here’s the gear I use, trust, and recommend for beginners.
- 👉 Best Charcoal Starters (No Lighter Fluid Required)
- 👉 Thermometers That Actually Work (and Why You Need One)
- 👉 BBQ Tools I’d Buy Again in a Heartbeat
Eddie’s Tip! The best tool you can own is a solid instant-read thermometer. Trust your temps—not your guesswork.
🎯 What’s Next?
Once you get comfortable with the basics, here’s where to go next:
Full Learning Hubs:
Want exclusive recipes, gear picks, and smoking tips from my backyard? Join my email list and get the good stuff delivered.
Let’s get cooking. 🔥
Eddie, The Grilling Dutchman
Eddie van Aken brings years of experience from running a full-service restaurant, where he honed his skills with all types of kitchen equipment. His expertise extends to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, utilizing the right recipes to enhance flavors on grills and smokers. Eddie’s in-depth knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive grill reviews and valuable outdoor cooking tips, helping enthusiasts make the most of their grilling adventures. You can read more on the About page for Eddie van Aken