Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker: A Brief Overview
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, also known as the WSM, is a top-tier charcoal smoker that has been a staple in the world of barbecue for years. This bullet-shaped smoker comes in three sizes: 14-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch. It's perfect for low and slow cooking, allowing you to create mouthwatering, tender, and smoky BBQ dishes that will leave your guests wanting more.
Key Features of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
The Benefits of Using a Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
High-Quality Grill Tongs
First up on our list of essential BBQ tools are high-quality grill tongs. A good pair of tongs is crucial for flipping, turning, and managing your meat on the grill. Opt for tongs with a comfortable grip, long handles, and durable materials like stainless steel. This will ensure that you can easily maneuver your delicious barbecue without risking burns or damaging your tools.
Meat Thermometer
Never second-guess the doneness of your meat again with a reliable meat thermometer. This indispensable tool helps you achieve the perfect temperature for your pork, ensuring it's cooked to perfection every time. Choose a digital thermometer with a fast read time, a wide temperature range, and a long probe to keep your hands safely away from the heat.
Basting Brush
Keep your pork moist and packed with flavor by using a basting brush. This tool allows you to easily apply marinades, sauces, and melted butter to your meat as it grills, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last. Opt for a brush with heat-resistant silicone bristles and a long handle to prevent burns while basting.
Grill Brush
Keeping your grill clean is crucial to maintaining the quality of your BBQ. A sturdy grill brush makes it easy to scrub away grease, grime, and food remnants that can accumulate over time. Look for a brush with strong bristles (preferably stainless steel), a long handle, and a scraper to tackle even the toughest grime.
Chimney Starter
Finally, if you're using charcoal to fuel your BBQ, a chimney starter is a must-have. This handy tool helps you quickly and evenly heat your charcoal, ensuring your grill reaches the perfect temperature for your pork. Choose a chimney starter with a large capacity, a heat-resistant handle, and durable construction to last you through many BBQ seasons.
Armed with these five essential BBQ tools, you'll be well on your way to grilling up some of the best pork barbecue your friends and family have ever tasted. Remember, the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to creating perfectly cooked, flavorful, and tender barbecue. So, grab your tongs, thermometer, basting brush, grill brush, and chimney starter, and let the grilling begin!
Happy Grilling, The Pork Barrel BBQ Team
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken
A classic BBQ favorite, this sweet and spicy grilled chicken recipe is all about balancing the flavors. Combine Pork Barrel BBQ Sauce with honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder for a taste that will have everyone coming back for more. Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, then grill it to perfection on medium-high heat.
Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken
For a lighter and zestier option, try this lemon-herb grilled chicken recipe. Marinate your chicken in a mix of lemon juice, Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Spice Rub, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Grill over medium heat, and serve with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
Add a fun twist to your summer cookout with these BBQ chicken skewers. Cube the chicken and thread it onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers, onions, and pineapples. Brush on Pork Barrel BBQ Sauce and grill until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Grilled Chicken Tacos
Take your taco game to the next level with grilled chicken tacos. Season your chicken with Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Spice Rub, a mixture of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and lime juice, then grill it to perfection. Serve on warm tortillas with a generous scoop of pico de gallo, avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Grilling Techniques and Tips
BBQ and grilled chicken recipes are the perfect way to enjoy delicious, mouthwatering flavors during your summer cookout. With these recipes, grilling techniques, and Pork Barrel BBQ products in your arsenal, you'll be well on your way to becoming a grill master. So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and let the good times roll with Pork Barrel BBQ!
Regular Cleaning
A clean grill is a happy grill! One of the most important aspects of maintaining your BBQ grill is regular cleaning. Make it a habit to clean the grates after each use to prevent food debris and grease from building up. Use a long-handled grill brush to scrub the grates while they're still warm. Don't forget to clean the interior of the grill, including the lid and the grease tray, to prevent flare-ups and the accumulation of harmful bacteria.
Proper Storage
When not in use, make sure to store your BBQ grill in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Investing in a high-quality grill cover can protect your grill from the elements, and prevent rust and damage. Remember to thoroughly clean and dry your grill before covering it up for storage.
Inspect and Replace Parts as Needed
Over time, various parts of your grill, such as the burners, grates, and ignition system, may wear out or become damaged. Regularly inspect your grill for signs of wear or damage, and replace any necessary parts. This will not only ensure that your grill functions properly, but also extend its lifespan.
Season the Grates
Just like a cast-iron skillet, the grates of your BBQ grill can benefit from seasoning. Seasoning the grates helps to create a non-stick surface, which can make grilling and cleaning a breeze. To season your grill grates, coat them with a thin layer of vegetable oil, heat the grill on high for 15 minutes, and then let it cool down. Repeat this process a few times before you start grilling.
Keep a Watchful Eye on the Gas Lines
For gas grills, it's essential to regularly check the gas lines for leaks, cracks, or any signs of wear. To check for gas leaks, mix a solution of water and dish soap, and apply it to the connections and hose. If bubbles appear, that's a sign of a gas leak, and you should replace the hose and connections immediately. Keep your gas lines clean and free of debris to ensure proper gas flow and prevent any potential hazards.
By following these five essential tips for maintaining your BBQ grill, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked pork dishes all year round. Remember that proper maintenance not only extends the life of your grill but also ensures consistent cooking results, contributing to the overall quality and taste of your barbecue. Now, fire up that grill and let's get cooking!
AmazingRibs.com (https://amazingribs.com/) AmazingRibs.com is a treasure trove of BBQ knowledge, featuring expert advice, in-depth articles, and mouthwatering recipes. Try their recipes and pair it with Pork Barrel BBQ's Original BBQ Sauce for a flavor explosion.
BBQ Pit Boys (https://www.bbqpitboys.com/) Join the BBQ Pit Boys community of grilling enthusiasts who share their barbecue adventures on their website and YouTube channel. Their Smoked Pork Ribs recipe, combined with Pork Barrel BBQ's All-American Seasoning & Rub, makes for an unforgettable meal.
HowToBBQRight (https://howtobbqright.com/) Malcom Reed of HowToBBQRight provides expert tips, tricks, and recipes on his website and YouTube channel. Elevate his Smoked Pork Butt recipe with Pork Barrel BBQ's Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce for a tangy twist.
Smoke Grill BBQ (https://www.smokegrillbbq.com/) Smoke Grill BBQ offers insightful guides and tutorials to help you achieve BBQ perfection. Their Smoked Brisket recipe pairs wonderfully with Pork Barrel BBQ's Mustard BBQ Sauce, creating a unique and tasty experience.
The BBQ Brethren Forums (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/) The BBQ Brethren Forums is a community-driven platform for barbecue enthusiasts to share ideas, tips, and recipes. Join the conversation and learn how fellow grillers incorporate Pork Barrel BBQ products into their culinary creations.
The Virtual Weber Bullet (https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/) The Virtual Weber Bullet is a go-to resource for Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker owners, but it also offers valuable tips and techniques for all BBQ enthusiasts. Try their award-winning Pulled Pork recipe with Pork Barrel BBQ's Sweet BBQ Sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish.
The BBQ websites and resources listed above will help you improve your grilling skills and introduce you to the fantastic flavors of Pork Barrel BBQ's products. As you explore these sites, you'll uncover new techniques, recipes, and ideas that will take your barbecue game to the next level. So fire up the grill, and let the BBQ adventure begin!
A tailgate party, aka Tailgating - is a party that usually happens before a big game in a stadium parking lot, with amazing BBQ, tailgating food and perhaps a few beers or cocktails. Pork Barrel BBQ loves to tailgate, and we usually bring our best tailgate recipes - which we are proud to share with you today! Created by Pork Barrel BBQ founder Heath Hall, these tailgate recipes are perfect for tailgating in warm temperatures, or even when its a snow tailgate party. We share our favorite grilled drinks, chicken recipes, guacamole recipes, salsa recipes, even grilled potato chips! So have a great tailgate, and be sure to share photos of your amazing tailgater! - Heath and Brett
Easy pulled pork sliders? You bet. You choose the bun - many love pulled pork sliders on potato rolls, or pulled pork sliders on Hawaiian rolls. These bbq pulled pork sliders are tasty, great tailgating recipe, that can even be made in the slow cooker.
What does grilled lemonade taste like? Grilled lemonade is a tasty treat, and the smoked drink is perfect as a cocktail or with your favorite bourbon. Our grilled rosemary lemonade recipe passes every review, and can be made early in your kitchen before your next tailgate.
Brisket Chili? It's an easy brisket chili and perfect way to use leftover brisket. There's a great Diners, Drive-in and Dives brisket chili recipe or we also are big fans of Barefoot Contessa brisket chili recipe. This recipe is Heath's go to brisket chili - and being from Kansas City, he knows his brisket - enjoy!
Grilled avocado brings out the best roasted guacamole. This smoky guacamole recipe beats the Food and Wine guacamole, and Heath makes this a part of every tailgate.
Yes, you can grill homemade chips! Heath's crispy grilled potato chips are a perfect way to show off your grilled chips at your next tailgate.
Cook's Illustrated and Emeril both have some great grilled vegetable ratatouille recipes - but we suggest Heath's roast vegetable recipe is the stand out. It is a favorite at our BBQ restaurant, and the first dish to be gone at our tailgates. Always eat your veggies!
Easy chicken recipe? Our grilled chicken wings are guaranteed to take the show as best chicken wings at your next tailgate! Don't forget your All American Spice Rub and Pork Barrel BBQ Original or Sweet BBQ Sauce.
Bon Appetit, Bobby Flay, Rick Bayless and Cook's Illustrated have amazing grilled tomato salsa recipes - and Heath is will to put his charred tomato salsa recipe up against them all! Try his roasted tomato salsa at your next tailgate!
Best grilled coleslaw recipe? This could be it - Heath has created the perfect combination of ingredients - try the Kitchen recipe, the Food Network recipe - and then finish with this coleslaw recipe for your next tailgate.
Apple desserts on the grill? Heath knows his desserts, and this grilled apple crisp recipe is the perfect way to end your tailgate.
]]>Pork Barrel BBQ Sponsors
We’d like to thank our sponsors for their generous support of our BBQ addiction. Please check out our sponsor’s links and support them as they help us spread our love of barbecue from coast to coast.Product Reviews
We’ve had the chance to review many products on our blog. Here is a list of links to companies we’ve reviewed products from.BBQ Organizations
Looking for information on BBQ organizations in your area? Here’s a list of our favorite BBQ organizations that are leading the charge in the growth of BBQ in America.BBQ Sites
We’re always on the lookout for great BBQ sites that provide us with information and resources to continue to learn and grow our knowledge of BBQ. These are some of our favorite BBQ related sites.BBQ Competitions
We’ve cooked in more than 50 BBQ Competitions over the past four years and these are some of our favorites.
Competition BBQ Teams
One of the best sources for BBQ information and news on the internet are the webpages of some of the top professional BBQ teams. Here’s a list of competition BBQ team sites we love to follow.Online BBQ Stores
Running low on wood? Want to check out a new BBQ gadget? Need to stock up on competition sauces and rubs? Here’s a list of our favorite online retailers who sale everything from spice rub to wood chips.BBQ Products
Looking for information on the latest BBQ products? Here’s a list of links to some of our favorite manufactures of BBQ products.BBQ Media
Each and every day BBQ is becoming more and more a part of the mainstream media. Here are links to some of our favorite BBQ sites from the mainstream media.Restaurants
When we’re traveling around the country we love nothing more than to try local restaurants, from BBQ joints to regional favorites. Here are links to some of our favorites.Top Pitmasters and Chefs
America is filled with too many talented pitmasters and chefs to name, but here are links to some of our favorite’s websites.Food Sites
Yes, we love BBQ, but we also love other types of food. Follow these links to some of our favorite food sites on the web that deal with everything from BBQ to ethnic food to food trends. ]]>Serves 4 - 6 | Total Time: 5 hours
BBQ ribs are about as classic of a barbecue dish you can get. These ribs are guaranteed to leave BBQ Sauce on your guest’s faces as well as smiles!
Ingredients
Instructions
Trim any loose pieces of fat or meat from the edges of the slab of rib and flip the slab over so the rib side is up. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by using a butter knife to pry up the edge of the membrane. Once you have an edge of the membrane pried up take a paper towel and pull the membrane off. Wipe dry with a paper towel.
Preheat your smoker to 275° with charcoal, pellets or wood (a combination of hickory, oak and cherry).
Pour Pork Barrel BBQ Sauce on the bone side of the ribs and rub into the meat. Generously season with Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Spice Rub and let rest for 15 minutes. Flip the ribs over and pour Pork Barrel BBQ Mustard BBQ Sauce on the meat side of the ribs and rub into the meat. Generously season with Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Spice Rub and let rest for 30 minutes.
Fill a disposable aluminum pan halfway with water and place in the smoker to the side near the fire box or above the fire box on the grate below where the ribs will sit.
Place the ribs, bone side down, on the smoker away from the fire, using indirect heat to cook. Cook for 2 hours, spraying with apple juice every 30 minutes.
After 2 hours wrap the ribs in aluminum foil. Place a sheet of foil on a table and sprinkle a ¼ cup of brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of honey on the foil. Place ribs meat side down on the brown sugar and honey and sprinkle another ¼ cup of brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of honey on the bone side of the ribs. Wrap ribs tightly and return to smoker over indirect heat placing the ribs meat side down. Cook for 1 ½ hours wrapped.
Unwrap the ribs and brush Pork Barrel BBQ Sauce on the ribs and return to the smoker and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
On September 13, 2009 Pork Barrel BBQ made its national television debut on Mark Burnett’s hit ABC television show Shark Tank. Shark Tank is a business-themed reality show that gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their products, services and inventions to a panel of Venture Capitalists – The Sharks – in hopes of securing a business deal. The Sharks are Barbara Corcoran (New York Real Estate Mogul), Mark Cuban (Owner and Chairman of AXS TV and the Dallas Mavericks), Robert Herjavec (Technology Innovator), Daymond John (Founder of FUBU), Kevin O’Leary (Venture Capitalist) and Lori Greiner (Inventor and QVC Personality).
During our September 13, 2009 appearance we pitched our Pork Barrel BBQ Original BBQ Sauce and Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Spice Rub to The Sharks. During our pitch we offered The Sharks an opportunity to be partners with an American company that wasn’t owned or operated by the federal government, which proved to be too good of an offer for Shark Barbara Corcoran to turn down. Our deal with Barbara not only gave us needed capital, but it also gave us the exposure that allowed us to move from a local brand to a national brand.
Just a few weeks after our initial episode aired, ABC aired a Pork Barrel BBQ follow-up on October 19, 2009 highlighting our increased retail sales and being picked up by Costco.
On March 8, 2012 ABC aired a second Pork Barrel BBQ follow-up to update Shark Tank fans on the opening of our first Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, VA.
We are often asked by Shark Tank fans and entrepreneurs what we did for our Shark Tank audition video. Like we always do, we followed our motto of “Reward Lives in the House of Risk” and went out on a limb to create a unique audition tape. We’re happy to share our audition tape with you here.
Since our first airing on Shark Tank in 2009 our company has seen amazing growth becoming one of the fastest growing specialty food brands in America. We’ve introduced new products, opened our first restaurant and won countless awards. Over this time we’ve also had the opportunity to visit with the Sharks on a number of occasions and we’re excited to share with you our “Home Videos” with The Sharks.
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Makes 2 Cups | Total Time: 10 mins
This simple rub is great on beef, pork, poultry, seafood and veggies! Want it spicier add more chipotle chile. Want it sweeter add some honey powder. Now get out there and start grilling!
Ingredients
Instructions
In a medium bowl mix turbanado sugar, kosher salt, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, granulated onion, chipotle chile, ancho chile, cumin and mustard powder.
Store in an air tight container for up to 1 year.
Video
]]>Makes 2 Cups | Total Time: 10 mins
This simple Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce was made for pork, but is equally good on chicken and fish. Like a fine wine the longer you let this sauce sit before you use it the better it is going to be. Want it spicier add more crushed red pepper flakes. Want it sweeter add some honey.
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large mason jar mix vinegar, brown sugar, salt, red pepper, hot sauce and black pepper and shake well to mix.
Let the BBQ Sauce sit for a week a week to all the flavors to incorporate.
Video
]]>Makes approximately 3 Cups | Total Time: 20 mins
A simple version of a classic Kansas City style BBQ Sauce Recipe that packs a little sweet and a little heat. Great on ribs, chicken and brisket!
Ingredients
Instructions
Place a medium sized pot on the stove over medium heat and add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and brown sugar. Mix well with a whisk and allow to cook for 2 minutes.
Add the salt, celery seed, cumin, garlic, black pepper, red pepper and chipotle chile and mix well. Bring sauce to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
Pour cooked sauce into a mason jar and refrigerate.
]]>Makes a little less than 3 Cups
This sweet and tangy take on the traditional South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce has a slight kick with the addition of Chipotle Hot Sauce. Great on a pulled pork sandwich or salmon filet.
Ingredients
Instructions
Place a medium sized pot on the stove over medium heat and add the mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey and ketchup. Mix well with a whisk and allow to cook for 2 minutes.
Add the brown sugar, worcestershire sauce and chipotle hot sauce and mix well. Bring sauce to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
Pour cooked sauce into a mason jar and refrigerate.
]]>This sweet and tangy take on the traditional South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce has a slight kick with the addition of Chipotle Hot Sauce. Great on a pulled pork sandwich or salmon filet.
Full Recipe >A simple version of a classic Kansas City style BBQ Sauce that packs a little sweet and a little heat. Great on ribs, chicken and brisket!
Full Recipe >This simple Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe was made for pork, but is equally good on chicken and fish. Like a fine wine the longer you let this sauce sit before you use it the better it is going to be. Want it spicier add more crushed red pepper flakes. Want it sweeter add some honey.
Full Recipe >This simple all purpose seasoning recipe is great on beef, pork, poultry, seafood and veggies! Want it spicier add more chipotle chile. Want it sweeter add some honey powder. Now get out there and start grilling!
Full Recipe >
Chris Lilly's Big Bob Gibson BBQ has one of the most famous and enduring pedigree's in the world of BBQ. Founded in 1925, this BBQ joint has one claim to fame that I'm not sure any other BBQ joint out there can make, they invented their own style of BBQ sauce - the world famous White BBQ Sauce. Lilly might have inherited a BBQ juggernaut, but he certainly hasn't coasted on its coattails. He's added his own chapter to the Big Bob Gibson legacy, and it's a chapter as thick with honors and influence as any other chapter in the institutions 4 generation history.
Lilly's influence spans many facets of BBQ including competition BBQ, restaurants, cookbooks, TV personality, product spokesman and retail products. On the competition circuit there has been no pitmaster with more success at Memphis in May in the Pork category. Lilly is a three time Memphis in May Grand Champion and seven time winner of the Pork category. Other competition accolades include Grand Champion of the American Royal Invitational, Reserve Grand Champion of the Jack, winner of the inaugural King of the Smoker and first place ribs at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo World Championships. Lilly also has an award winning line of BBQ Sauces and spice rubs that are found in retailers throughout the country. In 2009 Lilly wrote his first cookbook, The Big Bob Gibson BBQ Book - one of the best BBQ cookbooks to come out in recent memory.
Perhaps Lilly's biggest influence on BBQ comes as spokesman for one of the two biggest names in BBQ, Kingsford Charcoal. Through his relationship with Kingsford Lilly uses his platform to educate BBQers on not just the merits of using Kingsford, but also on the traditions of BBQ, helping to create more and more BBQ lovers throughout the United States and world. Lilly is also a frequent competitor and judge on BBQ themed TV shows like BBQ Pitmasters and Best in Smoke. When it comes to influence Lilly dips his toes into many facets of BBQ and is working hard everyday to spread his love of BBQ throughout the country.
]]>In the post announcing we were going to be revealing our list of the 25 Most Influential People in BBQ we noted that there are over 317,000,000 people in America and the vast majority of them are part of the barbecue community to some degree. Some are competition BBQ pitmasters, some are restaurateurs, others are makers of commercial sauces and rubs, but all of these folks and millions more are Backyard BBQer's. According to a 2011 study conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 86% of all U.S. households own a grill or smoker and 99% of them used them at least once in the past year. These weekend warriors of barbecue cooked billions of meals and hosted millions of backyard barbecues this year and spent billions of dollars on grills & smokers, charcoal, sauces, rubs and meats. They perused millions of recipes and product reviews in books, magazines and barbecue specific blogs like Amazing Ribs, Grill Grrrl, Grilling with Rich, and Embers & Flame and watched hours of shows on TV dedicated to BBQ like BBQ Pitmasters and Bobby Flay's Barbecue Addiction.
Perhaps the only thing more common than a Weber Kettle in the backyards of America is grass. The Backyard BBQer enormous pocketbook makes them the greatest influencer of the success or failure of numerous barbecue related business. Each year new grills and smokers hit the market vying for a place in the backyards of the American BBQer - some will succeed and others will fail in large part due to the reception they receive from the Backyard BBQer. Grocery stores across the country have shelves filled with dozens of BBQ sauces, marinades and rubs that fight each and everyday to hold onto and grow their share of the market that is controlled by the Backyard BBQer. It seems appropriate that the most American of foods - barbecue - is influenced the most by not a single individual, but by the Backyard BBQer, who makes up a great percetnage of the entire American population. If you're a part of the BBQ world and hoping to make an impact, you'd better figure out a way to get the Backyard BBQer on your side for they are the most important influencer in the world of BBQ!
]]>Aaron Franklin is in a league all by himself when it comes to accolades being showered upon a BBQ restaurant. You name the publication, from Bon Apetit to Texas Monthly to Food & Wine to the New York Times) and Franklin's Franklin Barbecue has probably been heralded as one of the top BBQ joints in America, if not the top BBQ joint in America. If you want to talk about influence over eating, Franklin has so much influence over the taste buds of his customers that they will wait in line for hours in hopes that they arrived early enough to reach the meat counter before the SOLD OUT sign goes up on the door. Perhaps the most remarkable part of this success story is that Franklin opened his restaurant in 2009 and obtained his status as one of BBQ's few celebrity chefs in only a few years.
Franklin gained even more notoriety on Destination America's hit TV show BBQ Pitmasters, where he joined Myron Mixon and Tuffy Stone as a judge. Franklin opted to retire as a full-time judge on BBQ Pitmasters in 2013 to focus more on his restaurant and other projects. We can't wait to see what Franklin's next project will be, but we're certain he will continue to influence the world of BBQ restaurants like no one else to the point where they have been elevated to and compared to fine dinning establishments.
]]>Raichlen is the most prolific author of BBQ themed cookbooks and one of the most prolific hosts of BBQ themed cooking shows. His influence on the backyard BBQer can't be understated as his books have been purchased by millions of readers and his shows have been watched by millions of viewers. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Raichlen's efforts is to educate the American pitmaster and grillmaster on the art of BBQ as it is practiced around the world. His book Planet Barbecue and television show Primal Grill focuses on live fire cooking methods, tips and recipes from around the world.
Raicheln has educated hundreds of students at his very popular Barbecue University, which just announced it's 2014 dates at the Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, CO. He also has a very successful line of commercial BBQ products that range from sauces and rubs to grill brushes and knives. As long as Raicheln is writing books, hosting cooking shows and teaching BBQ classes he will continue to be one of BBQ's most influential people.
]]>Tuffy Stone is the Mariano Rivera of barbecue. When you see Rivera come out of the bullpen you know there is little doubt he's going to get the job done. The same can be said for Stone - when you see him pull up at a contest you are pretty certain that he's got a good chance of getting the job done. It can be argued with a very straight face that Stone is currently the best cook on the professional barbecue circuit. He doesn't have as many GC's and RGC's as many of his peers, but he's winning at a conversion rate similar to Rivera closing out games for the Yankees and doing it on the biggest stages in the sport. In 2013 Stone and his Cool Smoke team took home 3 GC's while only cooking 8 contests (due to all his other barbecue commitments) and two of those GC's happened to come at two of the sports most prestigious events, The American Royal Invitational and The Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue.
Having had the opportunity to cook next to Tuffy at many contests, including the American Royal each year, we can safely say that Stone's influence goes well beyond his skills manning the pit (with his teammate and father George Stone). In the world of barbecue, Stone is a rockstar. It's not uncommon to look over at his cooksite and see a line of fans seeking a moment to ask a question or take a picture and without fail he obliges them with his smile and warm welcome. These lines are filled with folks from all walks of life and ages and walk away from their encounter with Stone a bit more devoted to barbecue!
Stone was a barbecue success well before he appeared on season one of BBQ Pitmasters and subsequently became one of the judges in later seasons of the hit television show. However, his star really began to shine bright after his appearance on the first season of Pitmasters where he clearly became a fan favorite and cemented his reputation as one of the good guys of barbecue. As Pitmasters becomes more and more popular Stone's star continues to rise and shine brighter.
In addition to his competition and television success, Stone runs a chain of successful Q Barbque restaurants in the Richmond, Virginia area. Stone is known as a perfectionist on the barbecue circuit, taking meticulous notes of how every factor, big or small, impacts his cook. Were certain that this effort to reach perfection will continue to push Stone to new heights and build upon his influence n barbecue.
]]>Trigg, better known as the Godfather of BBQ, is unquestionably a living legend on the competition barbecue circuit, driving thousands of miles and cooking dozens of contests each year since 1990. Trigg’s competition team, Smokin’ Triggers, comprised of Trigg and wife Trish, hold the distinct honor of being the only team to win the Jack Daniel’s World Championship BBQ Invitational in Lynchburg, TN twice, in 2000 and 2003. Trigg is also widely known as one of the best rib cooks in the history of competition barbecue.
Want to hear from Johnny Trigg, the Godfather of BBQ? Here is Pork Barrel BBQ's interview with Mr. Trigg:
Over the past few years Trigg has become a mainstay on barbecue related television shows including his appearance as one of the original cast members of BBQ Pitmasters in 2009. Trigg returned to an updated BBQ Pitmasters format in 2012 and was crowned BBQ Pitmasters Grand Champion.
In 2010 Trigg along with well-known pitmasters Myron Mixon, Jamie Geer, & Tuffy Stone traveled to Kuwait to feed U.S. troops serving in the Middle East. This trip has recently been turned into a documentary film, The Kings of BBQ: Barbecue Kuwait, by BBQ Pitmasters producer John Markus.
Trigg’s influence in the world of barbecue was recognized and had an exclamation point added to it in 2012 when he was inducted into the National Barbecue Hall of Fame at the 2012 American Royal. If that isn’t enough to convince you of Trigg’s influence on the world of barbecue spend a few minutes observing his cook site at a barbecue contest and you’ll see Trigg’s countless admirers seeking a picture or a few minutes to chat with one of BBQ’s living legends.
]]>Myron Mixon's mastery of the pit may only be equaled by his mastery of marketing himself. In recent years Mixon has become the face of barbecue and crossed over into the realm of celebrity chef. Mixon comes from a family with barbecue sauce running through its veins. In 1996 he entered his first competition to promote his family's BBQ Sauce and ended up winning Whole Hog. Mixon named his company Jack's Old South after his father who taught him how to barbecue. Over the years Mixon and his Jack's Old South team have won nearly 200 Grand Championships and more than 1,700 trophies. The crown jewel of Mixon's Championships are his three Memphis in May World Championships (2001, 2004 & 2007). As a result of his success on the competition circuit Mixon has been referred to as the "Winningest Man in Barbecue".
Mixon's fame and influence began its climb with his appearance on the inaugural season of BBQ Pitmasters as the Simon Cowell like character of the cast and in subsequent seasons as one of the shows judges. Mixon is the only pitmaster to appear on every season of BBQ Pitmasters. In recent years he has released two very successful cookbooks, Smokin with Myron Mixon and Everyday Barbecue and a line of smokers called Myron Mixon Smokers. Mixon also teaches one of the most popular and widely attending cooking schools in all of barbecue, the Jack's Old South Cooking School.
No matter where we travel on our barbecue journey's one of the first names brought up when talking to seasoned pitmasters, backyard BBQ warriors or folks just begging their love affair with barbecue, is Myron Mixon. His accomplishments are far and wide and his influence within and outside of competition BBQ is historic. It doesn't seem likely that his influence will end anytime soon as he continues to build upon his BBQ empire.
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