The Smuggler's Journal

Start with a proper all-purpose salt-pepper-garlic base. Coast n Smoke's Surf Paddle Grill is exactly that — three ingredients, no heat, no sugar, and it works on beef, chicken, seafood and roast veg alike. This is the jar you reach for before you've even decided what's going on the grill tonight. If you want a national-title style blend with a touch of onion added, keep an eye on Bulldozer BBQ's SPOG — it was named Best All-Purpose BBQ Rub by the Australasian Barbecue Alliance and is on its way back into stock.

Once the basics are covered, a dedicated beef rub earns its spot for the nights a steak or roast deserves more attention. Butchers Axe Bullseye Beef Rub is a savoury, no-chilli, all-bark rub built specifically for brisket, steak and beef ribs — melbourne made, and the one that goes on before a long, slow cook. Low n Slow Basics' Steak Shooter is the South Australian alternative, built by competition pitmaster Aaron Palmer for maximum colour and flavour on any beef cut.

A new outdoor kitchen also needs something on the table, not just in the rub drawer. Tracklements Strong Horseradish Cream is the classic partner to a roast beef or steak dinner — hand-made in England, fiery and creamy, and it belongs next to the good olive oil rather than the tomato sauce. If you'd rather finish with something sweeter, browse the full bbq sauce collection for a glaze to brush on late in the cook.