Grill Master Secrets: How To Use A BBQ Spray Bottle
December 10, 2020 / Comments
The last thing any BBQ host wants to serve is chewy, dry barbecue. We’re sad to say that even the best barbecue sauce in the world won’t save dried-out meat. Luckily, the grill masters who came before us came up with more than a few ways to keep things hydrated during the cooking process.
Today we’d like to discuss a time-honored Grill Master Secret that leads to tender and flavorful barbecue: the BBQ spritz! This method requires the key tool of a barbecue spray bottle. Ok, sounds pretty simple, but we still had questions:
- Why spritz?
- What do I even put in the bottle?
- How often should I spritz?
- What are the effects?
- Which kind of bottle do I use?
So consider this BBQ Spray Bottle 101. Here’s everything you need to know about using a spray bottle to keep things juicy and unfussy at the grill.
Keep The Moisture In
BBQ history has mostly consisted of finding ways to cook meat while keeping it juicy on the inside and delicious on the outside. When cavepeople were having some of the first barbecues, they definitely didn’t reach for a spray bottle.
They did figure out how to control the fire to cook things low and slow, and even built in-ground smokers. Both are great ways to keep meat from burning. But keeping moisture in is a little different.
No matter how low and slow you cook meat, it’s going to lose some moisture as it’s exposed to fire. So just add water back in, right? Sure, but what if you also added other stuff that could add layers of flavor to the meat and keep it moist?
Mopping vs. Spritzing
Many cultures have introduced some form of “mopping” to their BBQ regimen. This is just spreading a thick layer of sauce over meat to keep it from drying out. Sauces ideal for this slathering technique are sometimes called “mop sauces” and tend to be vinegar (or even beer) based.
Unless you’re cooking a huge amount of food, you probably won’t use a mop to apply the sauce— probably something more like a brush. But brushing on sauce while the meat is cooking can be messy, dangerous, and take too long. This can easily lead to an uneven result.
Enter the spritz, which is just spraying a liquid onto the meat every 30 mins or so (or as needed) throughout cooking, to quickly flavor and lock in moisture.
A spritz creates a more even coating, is faster and less messy, and can be applied from further away during cooking over an open flame.
Marinade vs. Spritz
Marinades are designed to work their way into the meat to preserve moisture and impart flavor while cooking. They can’t be topped as far as keeping meat juicy goes. The combination of salt, sugars, acid and fat in a typical barbecue sauce enhances the meat while protecting it from the flame.
When you add flame to sugar, the sugar will caramelize and create a tasty outer layer (“the crust”). But after that, the meat continues to cook and still runs the risk of getting dry.
A bbq spritz can be made of similar stuff as a marinade but is applied in layers over time. Layer after layer of this kind of caramelization results in a really flavorful outside crust that locks in all the juices and gives a nice smoky flavor.
What’s Actually Happening When I Spritz?
A spritz is a way of adding and locking in moisture. It’s important to do both because when something is exposed to heat, it basically dehydrates until it becomes ash. Adding and protecting moisture is key in this situation.
Without going too deep into the chemistry, you’re basically using the cooler temperature of the spray bottle contents to repeatedly lower the outside temperature of the meat, so that the inside stays warm while the outside repeatedly cools and forms a crispy crust.
In turn, this crispy crust locks in moisture and adds extra smokey flavor.
If the spray mixture contains oil, it will add more flavor. As previously mentioned, simple sugars will quickly caramelize on the outside of your cut and give a beautiful color and texture.
So, What Do I Spray?
There are plants of options to spritz directly onto the meat, and there are a couple bonus uses in a BBQ setting. If you end up getting a 6pack of bottles you can be ready for anything!
Juice: An extremely simple option is to spray a little apple juice. Apple juice contains malic acid, which will add to the flavor as things cook. The sugars in apple juice will slowly caramelize over time and seal in moisture.
Marinade: If you’ve used a marinade, you can place your marinade in the spray bottle and spray throughout the grill/smoke time. You don’t want to overdo it with this one, only spray when things have lost their shine on the grill.
BBQ sauce: with some special BBQ spray bottles, you can hook your sauce right up to a sprayer. BBQ sauce tends to be thicker than marinade, so you don’t need to use much for meat to stay moist. You also want to avoid overdoing it and having the sauce drip into the flames.
Water: water seems like a straightforward way to hydrate meat while it cooks, and people have definitely used this simple technique for a long time. The science itself isn’t so simple! Water by itself really doesn’t do much to keep things moist— it just leaves as steam, in the same way that splashing water on your face doesn’t moisturize it for very long. The trick is to have some kind of oil mixed with water to seal in moisture, or some sugar to create a nice crust.
What you *can* do is fill a spray bottle with water in case you get any flare-ups during grilling, this will help keep the heat down. Water can also be sprayed on the grill after you’re done to loosen up the burnt bits and more easily clean it off with a brush.
Our 3 Spray Bottle Suggestions
Spray bottles come in many shapes and sizes, and even the simplest, cheapest option will work just fine.
Make sure to use either a NEW or thoroughly washed food-safe bottle. Never attempt to re-use an old bottle that contained a cleaning solution. It may have dangerous chemicals and make your spray taste weird.
Also, clean your bottle thoroughly after every use to avoid clogs or worse.
Regular ol’ bottle
If you’re new to using a BBQ spray bottle, start here.
These bottles come in a 6-pack, so you can try all the spray bottle options! These are easy to use, super durable, and a nice 24oz size to cover an entire day’s worth of grilling. Fill it up about half full and use the trigger to spray on meat throughout the cook time.
The Big Orange Sprayer
You’ll never lose this one, because it’s big, orange, and you’ll be using it nonstop.
This 1.5 liter heavy-duty sprayer uses pneumatic pressure to create a constant mist for spraying larger cuts with consistency. Depending on how much liquid you put in, you’ll need to pump it a few times to get it going. Then you can supersoak that pork!
Be careful to only use liquids— mixing spices will clog the spray mechanism.
Mr. BBQ Mister
“One of the funnest BBQ Accessories you will own!”
This is a favorite for pro grillers because it’s small and simple. Mr. Mister is battery-operated, super precise with an adjustable nozzle, and you can hook it up directly to most BBQ sauce bottles, for less transfer waste. It also kind of reminds us of a glue gun but won’t burn us accidentally (we hope). Have fun with this one!
The Secret Sauce
The grill master’s secret is to work smart not hard. The spray bottle is some of our greatest barbecue technology right now, but it is simply a tool to spread flavor. Make sure you don’t use just any marinade or sauce. You may want to keep it simple or go spicy. Just make sure you have fun and share!
Reader Comments
541 Comments
nelly tyson on May 4, 2025 at 5:32 pm
I was once diagnosed with herpes but after drinking Dr Osalu herbal Medicine for a couple of weeks I couldn’t trace it anymore because all the symptoms disappeared totally so I went to several labs for tests and they all came out Negative. Order and get Your herbal cure today from him.
WhatApp: +2348078668950
Email: drosaluherbalhome@gmail.com
Website: https://drosaluherbalhome.wixsite.com/drosaluherbshome
GILBERTO on April 25, 2025 at 6:40 pm
I have been suffering from a deadly disease (Hsv) for the past 2 years now, I have spent a lot of money going from one place to another, from churches to churches, and hospitals have been my home every day. Constant checks up have been my hobby not until this fateful day, I was searching through the internet, I saw a testimony on how Dr HARRY helped someone in curing his (Hsv) herpes disease, quickly I copied his website link which is https://drharrysolutionhea.wixsite.com/healinghome just to give him a test I spoke to him, i emailed him from his website drharrysoltuion@gmail.com he asked me to do some certain things which I did, he told me that he is going to provide the herbal cure to me, which he did, then he asked me to go for medical checkup after some days after using the herbal cure, behold I was free from the deadly disease, he only asked me to post the testimony through the whole world, faithfully am doing it now, please brothers and sisters, he is great, I owe him in return. If you are having a similar problem just email him on drharrysoltuion@gmail.com visit his website https://drharrysolutionhea.wixsite.com/healinghome Or WhatsApp him via +2349036417079
jenny on April 25, 2025 at 8:29 am
Life is always beautiful especially when you have got good health’ I have be in pain For almost 2 years had. genital herpes and I was devastated and sad luckily I was directed to a very kind herbal man who helped me cure the damn virus and today I am free from herpes and very healthy’ all thanks to Dr OGUN and you can get to know him by contacting his email address via: doctorogunspiritual@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +2348132648284
jennifer on April 24, 2025 at 5:57 pm
People actually believe there is no cure for herpes due to what our medical Doctor’s do always say to us. But now I know that there is a cure for it Through herbal remedy i and my boyfriend was once having HSV1&2 . I contacted Dr OGUN for herbal treatment and he prepared us some herbs which we take for some couples of days, and we take it as he says before 2 weeks’ i and my boyfriend was perfectly cured from it and never experience any Outbreaks again. please friends if you have herpes virus and you really want to get rid of it permanently, Kindly contact this great herbalist Dr OGUN for herbal treatment and you will get rid of it permanently .. truly truly home remedies works perfectly. Seek options: (his email: doctorogunspiritual@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +2348132648284
Bella on April 24, 2025 at 10:53 am
I got cured miraculously from HPV Virus using herbs by Dr. OGUN who sent me some herbal medicines and I used them as instructed within two weeks. After before I know i was healed totally, I visited my doctor for medical examination behold, I am negative. I introduced this great doctor to couple of infected friends who also tried the medication and they were cured as well . Please if you have this virus and you have tried so many things or have been deceived severally, here is your final solution for you send him an Email him via: doctorogunspiritual@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +2348132648284
Destin Hudson on April 24, 2025 at 3:03 am
Dear friends online My name is Destiny Hudson And I live in the USA, Dominica I am here today to appreciate the good work of Dr Oyagu, for helping me curing my HSV 1&2 Disease, I contacted the virus from my Partner, i found out he was cheating on me, so i broke up with him, 2 month later i went to test myself in the hospital when i was seeing sore on my mouth and Private areas, i was diagnosed of HSV 1&2. i tried using the acyclovir medicine but it didn\’t help in curing it, i went on a search and found out Dr Oyagu curing people illness, and so i got his email and i was told how i can get his herbal cure, 3 days later i received his medicine after using it for 2 weeks i was tested again and was confirm negative, today i am totally free. If you are over there looking for solution email: oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com or contact him on WhatsApp +2348101755322 today and share your own testimony. And He also has herbal cure for the Following DISEASES, eczema, urethra wart, chronic problems. Herpes, Cancer, Als, Hepatitis, Diabetes, HPV ,Infections, ulcer ETC https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome
DAVID EASTERN on April 23, 2025 at 11:33 pm
Hello everyone,
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jakuta, a powerful spell caster who helped me reunite with my ex-lover after a painful breakup. For six long months, I thought our relationship was over, but Dr. Jakuta’s spell brought us back together. Within 48 hours of the spell being cast, my ex reached out, apologizing for the hurt and promising to make amends. I was overjoyed and welcomed her back into my life. If you’re facing similar relationship challenges or other difficulties, I highly recommend contacting Dr. Jakuta. His spell casting abilities are truly remarkable.
You can reach Dr. Jakuta via WhatsApp: +2349161779461
Email: doctorjakutaspellcaster24@gmail.com
monica on April 23, 2025 at 2:15 am
I was diagnosed of herpes 3 years, and ever since then i have been taking treatment to prevent outbreaks, burning and blisters, but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr. Aba on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according to his instructions for up to 2 weeks. After completing the medication I went back to my doctor for another test and the virus was all gone and I was completely cured, since then I have not had any signs of outbreak. I’m so filled with joy. With herbal medication. Herpes Virus is 100% curable. I refer Dr. Aba to everyone out there with the virus. His email address is dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com you can also Add Dr.Aba on whatsApp number on +2348107155060.
Bella on April 22, 2025 at 3:51 am
it so amazing on everyone who contracted HPV to know about this 100% natural treatment which i also used to cure HPV out of my body. i’m free from this virus i found about the cure online from an ex HPV patient who also got rid of HPV with same natural treatment. everyone suffering from this virus should also inquire this cure. contact the traditional healer Dr OGUN. through his email: doctorogunspiritual@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +2348132648284
maria erica on April 22, 2025 at 2:35 am
I’m very excited to inform everyone that I’m completely cured from HSV1&2 recently. I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and some other products and it’s really help. during my outbreaks but I totally got cured from HSV1&2 with a strong and active herbal medicine ordered from a powerful herbalist called Dr Aba and it completely fought the virus away my nervous system and I tested negative after 14 days of using the herbal medicine. I’m here to let everyone know that herpes virus has a complete cure, I got rid of mine with the help of Dr Aba and his herbal exploit. Contact him via email: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him at +2348107155060.
Jason Cooper on April 21, 2025 at 9:42 pm
God bless Dr Ughulu for his marvelous work in my life, I was diagnosed of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) since 2014 and I was taking my medications, I wasn’t satisfied I needed to get the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) out of my system, I did a researched about some possible cure for Herpes simplex virus (HSV) I saw a comment about Dr Ughulu, how he cured Herpes simplex virus (HSV) with his herbal medicine, I contacted him and he guided me. I asked for solutions, he started the remedy for my health, he sent me the medicine through UPS SPEED POST. I took the medicine as prescribed by Dr Ughulu and 7 days later I was totally cured from Herpes simplex virus (HSV) . Thank you Dr Ughulu, get in touch with him too. WhatsApp: +1(720) 794-2516 Call Text Number: +1(252) 409-1841 Via:drughulupowerfulspelltemple@gmail.com Or website: https://drughulupowerfulsp.wixsite.com/my-site-ughulu
jennifer on April 21, 2025 at 8:06 am
I got cured miraculously from HPV Virus using herbs by Dr. OGUN who sent me some herbal medicines and I used them as instructed within two weeks. After before I know i was healed totally, I visited my doctor for medical examination behold, I am negative. I introduced this great doctor to couple of infected friends who also tried the medication and they were cured as well . Please if you have this virus and you have tried so many things or have been deceived severally, here is your final solution for you send him an Email him via: doctorogunspiritual@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +2348132648284
moore on April 21, 2025 at 12:58 am
HOW I GOT CURED FROM HERPES: I already gave up on ever getting cured of herpes because I have tried many treatment and none has work, I have gone to different hospitals they always. recommend me same drugs and it not working on me, until I came across a post about DR ABA on the net from a lady who is recommending people, then i contacted him that day, and he started giving me hope and then prepared some herbal medicine which I took according to his prescription on them, so I was still doubting if it was working on me so at a time my Husband just ask me to go for check up and I did, so I found out that I was cure and free from the herpes virus, thanks to DR ABA once again. his email address is dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2348107155060.
KIARA HAHN on April 20, 2025 at 6:43 am
Hello everyone, my name is Kiara Hahn from California. I want to share my story about a powerful spell caster named Dr. Jakuta. I was heartbroken when my fiancé left me without warning, and I spent the last month feeling confused, guilty, and devastated. Desperate for help, I searched online for relationship advice and found Dr. Jakuta, who has helped many people with their relationship problems. I reached out to him, and he promised to bring my fiancé back to me within 72 hours. After following his instructions, my fiancé surprisingly showed up at my doorstep, apologized, and now we’re living happily together again. If you’re having relationship issues, you can contact Dr. Jakuta at
Email: doctorjakutaspellcaster24@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +2349161779461
monica on April 20, 2025 at 2:38 am
I was diagnosed of herpes 3 years, and ever since then i have been taking treatment to prevent outbreaks, burning and blisters, but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr. Aba on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according to his instructions for up to 2 weeks. After completing the medication I went back to my doctor for another test and the virus was all gone and I was completely cured, since then I have not had any signs of outbreak. I’m so filled with joy. With herbal medication Herpes Virus is 100% curable. I refer Dr. Aba to everyone out there with the virus. His email address is dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com you can also Add Dr.Aba on whatsApp number on +2348107155060
jessica on April 18, 2025 at 3:41 am
Am very glad to share this testimony with everyone for the marvelous work Dr Aba has done for my life, 6months ago i was diagnosed with herpes virus and ever since then i have been very unhappy, i was so down broken everyday, until one day when i came across a shocking testimony about how Dr Aba cured someone of his herpes virus, without wasting much time i contacted him immediately on his email address: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com and after i explain myself to him about. how terrible i have been, and he assure me that he will help me to cure my herpes virus,after he has prepared the herbal medicine he sent it to me and when i have received it and started using it i was totally cure within 2weeks, i am forever grateful to Dr Aba for helping me out with his herpes prescription that cured my virus. contact his email address: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or you can call or whatsApp his Mobile number:+2348107155060.
Nautika Harrison on April 16, 2025 at 1:28 pm
I have been suffering from a deadly disease (Hsv) for the past 2 years now, I had spent a lot of money going from one places to another, from churches to churches, hospitals have been my home every day residence. Constant checks up have been my hobby not until this faithful day, I was searching through the internet, I saw a testimony on how Dr Oyagu helped someone in curing his (Hsv) herpes disease, quickly I copied his email which is oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com just to give him a test I spoke to him, he asked me to do some certain things which I did, he told me that he is going to provide the herbal cure to me, which he did, then he asked me to go for medical checkup after some days after using the herbal cure, behold I was free from the deadly disease, he only asked me to post the testimony through the whole world, faithfully am doing it now, please brothers and sisters, he is great, I owe him in return. if you are having a similar problem just email him on oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com visit his website https://oyaguspellcaster.wixsite.com/oyaguherbalhome Or WhatsApp him via +2348101755322
reyes sandra on April 16, 2025 at 11:25 am
It’s a great pleasure for me to write this testimony about how I got my Genital Herpes cured a month ago. I have been reading so many comments of some people who were cured from various diseases by Dr Aba but i never believed them. I was hurt and depressed so I was too curious and wanted to try DR. Aba then i contacted him through his email, he assured me 100% that he will heal me, i pleaded with him to help me out. My experience with him was great, he healed me just as he promised.. He sent me his medication and asked me to go for a medical check up after two weeks of usage. I agreed with him. I took this medication and went for. a check up, to my greatest surprise my result was negative, i am really happy that I am cured and healthy again. I have waited for 3weeks to be very sure I was completely healed before writing this testimony. I did another blood test one week ago and it was still Herpes negative. so i guess it’s time i recommend anyone going through the same way. reach him through his email address: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com OR call, add him on Whatsapp +2348107155060.
moore on April 16, 2025 at 3:20 am
HOW I GOT CURED FROM HERPES: I already gave up on ever getting cured of herpes because I have tried many treatment and none has work, I have gone to different hospitals they always recommend me same drugs and it not working on me, until I came across a post about DR ABA on the net from a lady who is recommending people, then i contacted him that day, and he started giving me hope and then prepared some herbal medicine which I took according to his prescription on them, so I was still doubting if it was working on me so at a time my Husband just ask me to go for check up and I did, so I found out that I was cure and free from the herpes virus, thanks to DR ABA once again. his email address is dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2348107155060
jennifer on April 16, 2025 at 2:10 am
People actually believe there is no cure for herpes due to what our medical Doctor’s do always say to us. But now I know that there is a cure for it Through herbal remedy i and my boyfriend was once having HSV1&2 . I contacted Dr OGUN for herbal treatment and he prepared us some herbs which we take for some couples of days, and we take it as he says before 2 weeks’ i and my boyfriend was perfectly cured from it and never experience any Outbreaks again. please friends if you have herpes virus and you really want to get rid of it permanently, Kindly contact this great herbalist Dr OGUN for herbal treatment and you will get rid of it permanently .. truly truly home remedies works perfectly. Seek options: (his email: doctorogunspiritual@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +2348132648284
maria erica on April 16, 2025 at 12:56 am
I’m very excited to inform everyone that I’m completely cured from HSV1&2 recently. I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and some other products and it’s really help during my outbreaks but I totally got cured from HSV1&2 with a strong and active herbal medicine ordered from a powerful herbalist called Dr Aba and it completely fought the virus away my nervous system and I tested negative after 14 days of using the herbal medicine. I’m here to let .everyone know that herpes virus has a complete cure, I got rid of mine with the help of Dr Aba and his herbal exploit. Contact him via email: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him at +2348107155060
Bella on April 15, 2025 at 11:23 pm
I got cured miraculously from HPV Virus using herbs by Dr. OGUN who sent me some herbal medicines and I used them as instructed within two weeks. After before I know i was healed totally, I visited my doctor for medical examination behold, I am negative. I introduced this great doctor to couple of infected friends who also tried the medication and they were cured as well . Please if you have this virus and you have tried so many things or have been deceived severally, here is your final solution for you send him an Email him via: doctorogunspiritual@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +2348132648284
reyes sandra on April 15, 2025 at 11:53 am
It’s a great pleasure for me to write this testimony about how I got my Genital Herpes cured a month ago. I have been reading so many comments of some people who were cured from various diseases by Dr Aba but i never believed them. I was hurt and depressed so I was too curious and wanted to try DR. Aba then i contacted him through his email, he assured me 100% that he will heal me, i pleaded with him to help me out. My experience with him was great, he healed me just as he promised. He sent. me his medication and asked me to go for a medical check up after two weeks of usage. I agreed with him. I took this medication and went for a check up, to my greatest surprise my result was negative, i am really happy that I am cured and healthy again. I have waited for 3weeks to be very sure I was completely healed before writing this testimony. I did another blood test one week ago and it was still Herpes negative. so i guess it’s time i recommend anyone going through the same way. reach him through his email address: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com OR call, add him on Whatsapp +2348107155060.
maria erica on April 15, 2025 at 10:35 am
I’m very excited to inform everyone that I’m completely cured from HSV1&2 recently. I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and some other products and it’s really help during my outbreaks but I totally got cured from HSV1&2 with a strong and active herbal medicine ordered from a powerful herbalist called Dr Aba and it completely. fought the virus away my nervous system and I tested negative after 14 days of using the herbal medicine. I’m here to let everyone know that herpes virus has a complete cure, I got rid of mine with the help of Dr Aba and his herbal exploit. Contact him via email: dr.abaherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him at +2348107155060.
Julia Pierson on April 15, 2025 at 2:43 am
Am given this testimony from the deepest part of my heart, first i want to thank Dr Wealth for raising me from nothing to something, i used to work in a hospital as a cleaner until i met Dr Wealth online through a testimony i read about a woman he prayed for and gave a lottery winning number and the woman won 950,000$ i also decided to give it a try, so i contacted Dr Wealth through his email and he instructed me on what i need to do which i did without stress, the second day which was on Monday night he sent me some numbers and said i should go and play them on Tuesday draw which i did without hesitation, and i went to check the result the following day and to my greatest surprise my numbers were on the board as the winning numbers i never believed it at first i had to clean my eyes properly to confirm and behold i was the winner, i really can’t thank Dr Wealth enough, i promise him i will share my good news to the world, if you have been playing lottery without success this is your opportunity to also be a winner, you can contact him through his Email at drwealthmag@gmail.com
WhatsApp number: +18077891081