Best BBQ Apron for Men

An apron is an apron is it not? So what makes one a BBQ apron? Well as bad as it might sound, BBQ apron is often used as a slightly sexist way of saying aprons for men. Now you and I both know there are some extremely talented women pitmasters who I’m sure would like my list of best BBQ aprons. But for some reason, the marketing people have decided these aprons must be geared towards men with macho styles such as military camouflage or police tactical vests. So for the purpose of this article, BBQ apron will mean men’s grilling apron.

BEST BBQ APRONS

There are thousands of aprons available to buy and as it’s an item of clothing as well as a cooking tool, what I personally think looks good might not be your thing. So below I have tried to give a varied list of great BBQ aprons in different styles but with the features I’ve listed above.

TACTICAL APRON:

The only negative with a tactical apron is you’ll have a stream of guests coming over to talk to you about it. They look cool and would make a great gift for anyone that works for the police. The one I recommend is the Tactical Chef Apron by ThinkGeek. It has plenty of pocket space, and to accommodate the extra weight this bring, they have swapped out neck straps for shoulder straps.

If you like to grill great food while tailgating at your favorite sports stadium then a BBQ apron with your team logo might my be your thing. Several companies offer BBQ sports aprons, like Pro Specialties Group if you want a cheap easy to pack apron. But if you want an apron that has the features I have outlined in the buyer guide section, I highly recommend the Team Sports America Apron. This apron has five pockets of different sizes and an adjustable neck strap so you can adjust to your size. It also has some unique features you’ll not find on many, if any, other aprons. It has a strap for you to hold a dish towel, giving you something to wipe your hands on other than the apron. And it has an insulated drinks holder for you to keep your beer along with an attached bottle opener.

PERSONALIZED BBQ APRONS

The king of gifts for a BBQ enthusiast is a personalized apron. Unfortunately these are often cheap novelty aprons that are not fit for purpose. However, a company called Embroidered Stitches do make a pretty decent BBQ apron if you want that personalized touch.

CAMOUFLAGE APRON

Military camouflage seems to be a style that never goes out of fashion. So it’s no surprise it looks great on a BBQ apron and if you know someone that has served his country these make great gifts. The one I’m recommending is pretty cheap compared to the others but gets my vote because I love the number of pockets it has. For the money, it’s great value – The EZ Drinker Grill Master Grill Apron.

This guide to the best BBQ apron is in no particular order, I’ve just tried to break it down into different subcategories and give you the best option from each. So although this section is at the bottom it doesn’t mean the ones above are any better – aprons are a personal choice. However, you will be happy with the quality of any of the BBQ aprons I have listed.

WEBER BBQ APRON:

Weber BBQ Apron – I have to say I am firmly in the Weber fan club. Everything they make you just know will be quality. And their attempt at a BBQ apron is no different. It’s a bit basic when it comes to features compared to other aprons I’ve recommended, but it does have pockets, an adjustable neck strap and a Weber bottle opener. It’s made of a durable cotton which gives it a heavy, more manly feel. And for extra macho points, the black and gray colors make it look like an apron of a car mechanic.

CLASSIC BBQ APRON

If you want a classic understated BBQ apron then a Hudson apron is a great pick. This apron is often used by tradesman so is built to withstand heavy use and carry heavy tools.

WAXED CANVAS APRON

This apron from Texas Canvas Wares is again built for tradespeople, but as long as an apron has pockets and is durable then it can be used for grilling.

All the BBQ aprons I’ve recommended above are the most common “Bib apron” style. There are other styles of apron, which might look strange at your grilling shindig, but for completeness I’ll give them a mention just in case “strange” is your style.

COBBLER APRON

These are neck to waist aprons, covering both front and back. Although not the worst type of apron for grilling it’s not the easiest to put on and off as you mingle with guests.

BISTRO APRON

An apron from waist to knee with a couple of pockets. This is probably the worst of the styles for outdoor cooking, as it offers no protection to from grease of sauce splashes from the waist up

TUXEDO APRON:

Give the name for it’s very slight resemblance to a tuxedo (I don’t really see it, but obviously others do, hence the name). Here we aren’t talking about an apron with a print on the front that looks like a tuxedo. No, this is a posh apron that would normally be worn by restaurant employees that work the front of the house.