Best Pit Contest
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- Newbie
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Best Pit Contest
Couldn't think of a better place to get information than with a group that is known for its knowledge in building excellant smokers with the latest innovations and technology. Our local cookoff club has decided to come up with some sort of judging criteria this year for the best pit award. Most of our judges in the group have no idea of what's what when it comes to building a pit and base their on "It was pretty or they gave me a beer". Any thoughts as to what needs to be put on a score card.
Thanks everyone
Thanks everyone
- YTQBBQINC
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Re: Best Pit Contest
Not an expert by no means but here is some things I might look for. The last one mostly requires the builds to be fired up. Not sure if you all do that or not.
Quality of Build (straight cuts, good welds, type and thickness of material, sturdyness)
Appearance (design, innovation, creativity, fit and finish)
Functionality (How much can it hold, how long to get to temp, ability to hold temp, how much fuel during a cook)
Quality of Build (straight cuts, good welds, type and thickness of material, sturdyness)
Appearance (design, innovation, creativity, fit and finish)
Functionality (How much can it hold, how long to get to temp, ability to hold temp, how much fuel during a cook)
- ajfoxy
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Re: Best Pit Contest
Good looking pit is OK as first impressions generally are important.
Functionality, that is ease of using the thing. Ergonomics etc.
Economy, that is how well it performs for the wood/charcoal/pellets etc it consumes.
And by no means least, the Q that emerges from the pit. No sense in having a flash looking pit if it struggles to cook good Q.
Functionality, that is ease of using the thing. Ergonomics etc.
Economy, that is how well it performs for the wood/charcoal/pellets etc it consumes.
And by no means least, the Q that emerges from the pit. No sense in having a flash looking pit if it struggles to cook good Q.
Learning generally boils down to "Repetition or the avoidance of pain", some people learn by doing, some by watching and some just have to pee on the electric fence.
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford
- Rodcrafter
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Re: Best Pit Contest
I like the idea!
Making memories!
Making memories!
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
- Dirtytires
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Re: Best Pit Contest
Does it actually work? We see a lot of great ideas on this site but, unfortunately, not all of them relate to functionality. Only way to test this is by use.
I’d give everyone a rack of ribs, an identical rub, a target temp and 6 hours to see who can produce the best ribs. You could check temps every 15 mins and award extra points on temp accuracy.
I’d give everyone a rack of ribs, an identical rub, a target temp and 6 hours to see who can produce the best ribs. You could check temps every 15 mins and award extra points on temp accuracy.
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Re: Best Pit Contest
Great ideas so far. The pit will be in use at time of judging. It's my cookoff clubs annual event. Personally I have a scrap book of my builds. I look for welds how well it seals temperature variations etc.. I personally have trouble with pits that team had very little participation in the build. Anyone in the central (Austin) Texas area what to volunteer to head this up? LOL
- Dirtytires
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Re: Best Pit Contest
If I could call it a “continuing education course” I’d happily be a guest judge!
Don’t think the accountant would go for that tho...lol
Don’t think the accountant would go for that tho...lol
- Frank_Cox
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Re: Best Pit Contest
sounds like a great contest!, I would also observe the users ability to maintain a thin blue to clear smoker and use an infrared or laser thermometer to judge how well the pit runs
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Re: Best Pit Contest
Frank we think alike with the infrared thermometer that's kinda scary. How about let you guys judge through Skype ? Lol
What kind of CEU's do you need? Maybe I can get you some through state reciprocity ha ha.
What kind of CEU's do you need? Maybe I can get you some through state reciprocity ha ha.
- Rodcrafter
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Re: Best Pit Contest
Does that mean he would have to go to prison too?
Making memories!
Making memories!
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
- Dirtytires
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Re: Best Pit Contest
Wait... what?
I’m not sure I would do all that well in jail. I kinda don’t do all that well with conformity.
Was just trying to justify a “business expense” write-off but it’s hard to justify given my job description.
I’m not sure I would do all that well in jail. I kinda don’t do all that well with conformity.
Was just trying to justify a “business expense” write-off but it’s hard to justify given my job description.
- Squiggle
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Re: Best Pit Contest
That’s an awesome idea, I would love to see that comp! 

Formerly known as "Hey you there in the bushes!"