Grill Like a Pitmaster: Essential Tools Every Competition Griller Needs

Grilling and smoking aren’t just cooking methods. They’re a craft that takes years of practice, especially in competitive grilling.

Every detail matters in a barbecue contest. The type of smoker, thermometer, and fuel you use can impact the final cooking of the meat.

Today, I’ll walk you through the essential tools every competition griller needs to grill like a pitmaster!

Essential Tools Every Competition Griller Needs

Tools are necessary for competitive grilling.

They allow you to have better precision, efficiency, and quality. Moreover, tools help you deliver consistent results and give you an edge over any competition.

Here are the essential tools every griller needs!

1 – Grillers and Smokers

Grillers and smokers are the tools that bring your food to life.

The type of griller you use affects the smokiness and tenderness of the final product. It’s so important that pitmasters often have biases over the type and brand of griller they use!

Grillers and Smokers to Consider

Below are some grillers pitmasters may use in competitive grilling.

• Kamado Grills: Kamado grills are ancient ceramic grillers that originated in Japan. They’re versatile and efficient, offering exceptional insulation and temperature control.
• Pellet Grills: These grills use hardwood pellets as fuel. You can use them to smoke, grill, braise, and bake food.
• Offset Smokers: Offset smokers use wood chunks or charcoal instead of pellets. It specializes in using low indirect heat to produce a flavorful smokiness.
• Electric Grills: Electric grills can save you time and effort. They’re a consistent source of heat, unlike other types of grillers.
• Gas Grills: Gas grills allow you to cook meat at higher temperatures. They’re great for producing the perfect sear!

2 – Thermometers

Thermometers are essential because they allow you to cook meat to your desired tenderness. Not only that, they also contribute to food safety.

You should use thermometers to determine whether the center of the meat is cooked and free from harmful bacteria.

Thermometers to Try

Did you know there are many types of thermometers? Below are just some of them.

• Instant-Read Thermometers: Instant-read thermometers let you check the meat’s temperature quickly. However, it can only detect outside temperature, so they’re better for thin cuts.
• Probes: Probes are thermometers that you can insert into thick slabs of meat.
• Remote Thermometers: Some built-in thermometers are unreliable. Fortunately, you can prevent mishaps by leaving remote thermometers in the grill or smoker as your meat cooks.
• BBQ Temperature Controllers: Automatic temperature controllers are a secret weapon in the industry. They can raise and lower the temperature of the pit for you.

3 – Utensils

Aside from the grill and thermometer, other utensils are crucial in competitive grilling. These utensils help in the precise handling of meat.

Utensils for Grilling

Below are some utensils you may need to grill like a pitmaster.

• Tongs: Go for high-quality tongs that won’t pierce the meat but have a good grip regardless. These let you maintain the juiciness of the meat.
• Spatulas: Sometimes, spatulas come to the rescue when meat gets stuck to the grill.
• Basting Brushes: Different basting brushes can have varying absorption. You should buy one that can coat meat with sauces evenly.
• Meat Claws and Shredders: Claws and shredders speed up the process of pulling meat apart. They give you extra minutes in a high-stakes competition.
• Meat Hooks: Meat hooks let you safely transport huge chunks of meat.

4 – Rub Preparation Tools

The spices and sauces you use are what make grilled meat unique. Because of this, it’s worth investing in tools that help you maximize flavors!

Essential Rub Preparation Tools

Here are some rub preparation tools you should have.

• Injectors: Injectors are large syringes that let you add extra moisture and flavor to the center of meats.
• Spice Shakers or Mills: Shakers make it convenient to add spices over meat. Mills, on the other hand, let you grind fresh spices for more impact.
• Mixing Bowls and Spoons: Mixing bowls hold sauces and rubs as you combine ingredients.
• Measuring Tools: Measuring spoons, cups, and weighing scales are important for precision.

5 – Serving Tools

In most cases, judges consider presentation and plating during barbecue competitions. For this reason, you should have high-quality serving tools at your disposal.

Serving Tools for Pitmasters

These are serving tools you may need in a competition setting.

• Carving Knives: As a pitmaster, you’ll need sharp carving knives to produce precise and delicate slices. Don’t ruin a good piece of meat with improper cutting!
• Chopping Boards: Not only do chopping boards protect your table, but they can also serve as rusting serving trays.
• Platters: The platter your food comes in significantly affects your score. Remember, people eat with their eyes first!
• Trays: You should always arrange mains and sides thoughtfully. Trays can help with that.

6 – Safety Equipment

Last but not least, pitmasters should be prepared for any accident. It’s best to have safety equipment nearby whenever you’re grilling.

Must-Have Safety Equipment

Below are the safety equipment you should have.

• Heat-Resistant Gloves: Heat-resistant gloves allow you to handle hot meat directly. They’re convenient, and they protect you from burns!
• Cut-Resistant Gloves: You might not be as careful when you’re under pressure from the competition. It helps to have cut-resistant gloves to prevent painful accidents.
• Fire Extinguishers: Grilling meat can result in fires at times. Always have a small fire extinguisher ready, just in case.
• First-Aid Kits: Your first-aid kits should include burn ointments, bandages, and wound cleaners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still a beginner, it doesn’t mean you need to buy all of this expensive equipment. That said, even the simplest tools count in competitive grilling.

I hope this guide on essential tools every competition griller needs helps you decide which materials to buy first!