Low and Slow vs Hot and Fast: When to Use Each BBQ Method
Knowing when to use low and slow or hot and fast cooking is the key to perfecting your meat.
Both methods have their place, but which one should you choose?

What is Low and Slow?
This method is perfect for tougher cuts of meat that need time to break down and become tender. It’s all about patience and precision.
What’s Low and Slow Best for?
Pros and Cons of Cooking Low and Slow
Makes tough cuts incredibly tender
Takes longer (can be 6+ hours)
How to Cook Low and Slow
Adding wood chunks or pellets gives your meat a rich, smoky flavour.
For best results, control airflow and check temperature regularly.
What is Hot and Fast?
This is the go-to method for cuts that don’t need long cooking times. It locks in juices and gives your meat a beautiful crust.
What’s Hot and Fest Best for?
Pros and Cons of Cooking Hot and Fast
How to Cook Hot and Fast
For steak, sear for 2-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. For chicken and sausages, turn frequently to prevent burning.
Which Method Should You Use?
It all depends on the cut of meat and the result you want.
If you’re after fall-apart tenderness with loads of smoky flavour, go for low and slow. If you want a quick meal with a good sear, hot and fast is the way to go.
A pellet smoker like the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 is great for low and slow cooking because of its precise temperature control.
On the other hand, a ceramic BBQ like the Big Green Egg or a high-performance gas grill will give you the perfect heat for hot and fast cooking.
Want to master both techniques? At Turn Left @ Albuquerque, we stock high-quality BBQs, pellet smokers, and charcoal grills to help you get the best results.
Whether you need a versatile pellet smoker for low and slow or a gas BBQ for high-heat searing, we have the right setup for you.
Visit us online today and let’s find the perfect BBQ to suit your style. Turn Left @ Albuquerque is your one-stop BBQ shop—come see us and take your cooking to the next level!