How to Plan Your Perfect BBQ
The weather is getting better daily – summer is finally upon us. You only need one somewhat sunny day to throw the perfect BBQ, and we are here to help you plan it. If you live in the United States, throwing a BBQ is a great way to celebrate July 4 – Independence Day. If you're British, it's an opportunity to celebrate that one sunny day a year.
How Much Will You Eat?
When you are arranging your BBQ, the most important question is: "How much food do I need to buy and prepare?" Our BBQ Party Calculator helps you in a few easy steps:
- Enter the number of adults and children that will be eating. Children count as half a portion.
- Select the hunger level of your crowd. This adjusts the total amount of food needed so calculations are as accurate as possible.
- Set meat proportions — choose how much beef, pork, chicken, and sausages you want (percentages must add up to 100%).
- Choose your measurement system — imperial (lbs/oz) or metric (kg/g).
- Enter prices per lb or kg to get a full budget estimate in your preferred currency.
Based on your selections, the calculator shows you:
- Total meat needed, broken down by type
- Estimated sausage count (approx. 3.5 oz / 100 g per sausage)
- Total estimated cost and cost per person
Typical BBQ Portions Per Person
| Hunger Level | Imperial (oz/person) | Metric (g/person) |
|---|---|---|
| Light appetite | 7 oz | ~200 g |
| Normal appetite | 10 oz | ~280 g |
| Hungry | 13 oz | ~370 g |
| Very hungry | 16 oz | ~450 g |
How to Plan Your Perfect BBQ — Checklist
Hosting your own BBQ is an opportunity to have a great time with friends. Here is the best way to start planning:
- Pick a time and place – if you have a garden or a backyard, you are all set for a small gathering. If not, check locally for public spots where an open fire is allowed. Check the weather in advance!
- Secure funding – think about how much money you want to spend. For a big event, ask guests to chip in by bringing a dish or paying you back.
- Invite (preferably hungry) guests – an essential step, unless you want all the food to yourself.
- Prepare a shopping list – meat is the star of the show: beef, pork, sausages, chicken. Don't forget the sides, garnishes, sauces, buns, and vegetables!
- Prepare the BBQ equipment – choose from a portable grill or a charcoal/gas grill. You'll also need tongs to grab and flip the meat.
- Prepare serving – plates, utensils, cups, and a blanket to sit on.
- Think about cleaning – paper towels and garbage bags make cleanup much easier.
- Safety measures – have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit close at hand. Don't forget sunscreen!
- Entertainment – music, games like beer pong, and good conversation.
Barbecue and Grill Parties Around the World
For thousands of years, humans have used fire to cook their food. BBQ, in its modern incarnation, can be traced to the Caribbean, where the Taino tribe grilled their food on a raised wooden grate — a "barbacoa." "Barbacoa" first appeared in print in 1526, and the rest is history.
Classic BBQ imagery is associated with the United States, and it is extremely popular there. It is a tradition at the heart of the country — BBQs have been happening on American soil since the colonial era. Nowadays, Independence Day is celebrated as much with fireworks and parades as it is with picnics and barbecues.
Similar practices of grilling food can be found all over the world. Tikka, an Indian dish, is where boneless cuts of meat are marinated and grilled. Korean BBQ restaurants are rising in popularity around the globe, where you can experience Korea's best dishes — some even have a grill in the middle of the table for a unique social dining experience.
Grill Responsibly
Enjoying your BBQ to the max is important, but a BBQ does put a strain on the environment — you produce carbon dioxide just by burning fuel. To minimize your impact:
- Have the BBQ in an area that permits an open fire.
- Take proper safety precautions — have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit ready.
- Operate the grill carefully.
- Choose paper plates and cups or reusable utensils over plastic ones.
- Clean up after yourself and gather all the trash.
FAQs
How much meat do I need for a 10 person BBQ?
For ten persons with a good (but not enormous) appetite, you will need about 1.8 lb (820g) of beef, 1.4 lb (635g) of pork, 2 lb (910g) of chicken, and 2.5 lb (1.13kg) of sausages — roughly 7–8 lbs (3.2 kg) of meat in total.
How much meat per person do I need for a BBQ party?
On average, plan for about 10 oz (280g) of meat per adult with a normal appetite. For hungry guests, increase this to 13 oz (370g). Children typically eat about half the portion of an adult.
What is the best meat for a BBQ?
Beef burgers, pork ribs, chicken wings, and sausages are all BBQ classics. A good mix of all four guarantees something for everyone. Marinating the chicken and pork beforehand adds extra flavor.
Should I use imperial or metric measurements?
Use imperial (oz/lbs) if you are shopping in the United States. Use metric (g/kg) if you are in Europe, Russia, or most other countries. Our calculator supports both systems.