Download A Competition BBQ Checklist

A good competition weekend starts with good preparation. Use this editable Competition BBQ Checklist to keep your equipment, cooking supplies, refrigerated items, sanitation gear, and other essentials organized before you hit the road. Every team packs a little differently, so use our checklist as a starting point and customize it to fit your cook.

What to Include on Your Competition BBQ Checklist

You’ll want to approach every competition with the same equipment and make sure you have enough supplies on hand to complete the cook and clean-up without needing to run out to the store. We know every team is going to do it a little differently, so we’ve created a checklist you can download and modify for your own needs.

• Cutlery: Knives deserve their own category. List everything you use to trim, prep, and slice your meat. If you prefer scissors for trimming or an electric knife for slicing, include those too.
• Smoker Equipment: Make sure you have everything needed to run your smokers from start to finish. Include fuel, temperature-monitoring equipment, probes, extension cords, and any smoker-specific tools you rely on.
• Other Equipment and Supplies: This category fills up quickly. Include items you use to prep, wrap, store, and handle food, such as aluminum foil, plastic wrap, zip-top bags, gloves, cutting boards, pans, seasoning shakers, thermometers, injectors, tongs, and other everyday tools.
• Refrigerated Items: Keep refrigerated items grouped together so you know exactly what needs to come out of the refrigerator before you leave. This may include sauces, butter, juices, injection liquids, garnish greens, and other cold ingredients.
• Pantry Items: Whether you layer several seasonings or use a pre-mixed rub, make sure everything you may need is packed. Even if you prepare blends ahead of time, it can be helpful to bring the individual ingredients in case you need to make an adjustment during the competition.
• Sanitation Station: Keeping your cook site clean is essential. Pack everything you need for washing and sanitizing, including wash bins, detergent or sanitizer, sponges, towels or paper towels, and trash bags. If you don’t have a hot-water source, a drink cooler filled with hot water can be a simple solution.
• Coolers: It’s hard to have too many coolers at a competition. Plan for enough space to safely store meat, refrigerated ingredients, and drinks. Coolers can also be useful for holding cooked meat while it rests.
• Power & Repair: Things tend to break at the worst possible time. Pack essential tools, spare parts, extension cords, adapters, and anything else you may need to troubleshoot your smoker or cook site during the weekend.