Best Pit Contest

[ssegurb]

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

[YTQBBQINC]

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)

[ajfoxy]

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.

[Rodcrafter]

I like the idea!


Making memories!

[Dirtytires]

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.

[ssegurb]

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]

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

[Frank_Cox]

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

[ssegurb]

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.

[Rodcrafter]

Does that mean he would have to go to prison too?


Making memories!

[Dirtytires]

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.

[Squiggle]

That’s an awesome idea, I would love to see that comp!