Kitchen Utensils I Use in BBQ Comps

I’ve been competing in BBQ for almost 20 years, and I’ve learned a lot in that time. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to pack for a BBQ competition. I’ve competed in every way possible — with only a pop-up tent and in trailers designed for BBQ cooks. When I first started out, I brought everything but the kitchen sink (and, sometimes, an actual kitchen sink), but it was a ton of work to load, unload and wash.

Over time, I figured out how to downsize when it comes to what I really need and what I really use. I’m all about making things easy. Don’t overthink it. If you don’t use it, don’t bring it. Sure, there are some one-off items that you might discover you need once you’ve set off for the comp.

But I’m willing to bet someone on site has an extra of whatever that is that they’ll let you borrow. That’s one of the coolest things about BBQ people. We’re there to compete. We all come to win. But BBQ people are also some of the friendliest and most generous people I know. If you’re in a bind or you forgot something you really need, someone will very likely lend a hand or lend you what you need.

So here’s how I figured out what I really use after a comp: I looked at my stack of dishes that were cleaned after a competition. There’s really not much to it. These are the absolute "don’t leave home without" items that I need (besides my injections, seasonings, sauces and meat, of course).

Shaker bottles 

These are my go-to for my injections. You can label or color-code them so you know exactly what meat each one is for. Easy.

Fat separator

These are good for the brisket juices that you can use to keep your meat moist before turn-ins.

Perforated tray

I love this tool for keeping my brisket shape intact while allowing maximum smoke penetration and heat circulation. I also love the bark I get from it.

Wire cooking rack

I have at least one or two racks with me at every comp. I use them to finish chicken and ribs. Like with the perforated tray I use for brisket, I like the air flow of the wire rack versus using a sheet pan or even a foil wrap at that point.

Kitchen shears

I’ve said a million times, I’m not a classically trained chef. My knife skills are self-taught. Sometimes, it’s just easier for me to trim certain meats or certain parts of the meat with kitchen shears.

Sharp knife

In addition to kitchen shears, I use a good, sharp knife when trimming meat.

Brisket slicer

I love this knife for creating smooth, equal brisket slices.

Offset spatula 

This is a great way to transfer delicate meats like your brisket slices to your turn-in box.

Butter knife

You guessed it. I use this to cut butter. Maybe to stir a drink or even clean up my boxes. It’s an underestimated multi-purpose BBQ tool.

Spoon

A small, round kitchen spoon is perfect for saucing specific areas of your meat.

Sauce brush

I like to use a sauce brush to keep juice on my brisket slices before placing them in the box and for finishing my ribs. 

Plating tweezers

When I’m giving my boxes a final once-over before turn-ins, I always have this handy tool for picking off a seasoning granule that’s too big or anything that looks out of place.

Shot glass

Precision measuring of essential liquids is important. Whether you’re cheers-ing with your buddies or raising a 9-11 toast. Cheers!

That’s it! Those are my favorite kitchen tools that get me through every BBQ comp, besides my Loot N’ Booty BBQ rubs and sauces, of course. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Kitchen Utensils I Use in BBQ Comps

Q: What if I forget something at a BBQ comp?
A: Ask your neighbor! Chances are, someone set up next to you or onsite has exactly what you need and is willing to share. 

Q: What is the most common BBQ utensil for competition?
A: My advice for new BBQ cooks is to experiment and find what works for you. That goes for tools, techniques and products, too.

Q: What Loot N' Booty BBQ rubs and sauces do you use in competition?
A: All of them! I layer my seasonings and combine my sauces to create unique new flavor profiles.