pitmaster

Grill tent boss

A pitmaster is a person skilled in barbecue, particularly one who tends the pit—the smoker or fire where meat cooks low and slow.

The term carries connotations of expertise and dedication to craft: The pitmaster had been smoking brisket since 4 a.m.

Pitmasters are celebrated figures in barbecue culture, often associated with competition circuits and regional styles.

smoking

brisket

Lower chest of cattle

ribsThoracic bone set
porkPig as food
smokerTobacco habit holder

woodchips · hickory · mesquite · oak · pecan · applewood · cherrywood · firebox · temperature · bark

equipment

offset

Compensate by opposing force

smokerTobacco habit holder
fireboxFuel-burning enclosure
gratesAnnoys or shreds

thermometer · tongs · gloves · ashpan · damper · chimney · rotisserie · kamado · firestarter

technique

rub

Apply friction manually

marinadeSeasoned steeping liquid
injectionSyringe-delivered dose
wrappingOuter covering material

spritzing · resting · slicing · trimming · rendering · stall · crutch · mop · baste · tender

tradition

heritage

Inherited cultural legacy

craftsmanshipSkill in making objects
apprenticeshipLearning trade through employment
legacyWhat's passed down

regional · Texas · Carolina · Memphis · legend · oldschool · authentic · secrets · mentor · journeyman

competition

contest

Organized competitive event

trophyAward for winning
judgesLegal proceeding overseers
circuitClosed electrical pathway

rankings · booth · turnin · presentation · timing · category · reserve · ribbon · scoring · rules

Categories

barbecuebrisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoker, smoke
cookschef, home cook, line cook, prep cook, fry cook
food artisansbaker, butcher, cheesemaker, chocolatier, brewer
food workersbutcher, bartender, server, caterer, chef
kitchen jobschef, cook, head chef, sous chef, executive chef
grillersgrillers

Opposites

cooking expertise level

pitmasternovice

Inexperienced newcomer to field

amateur · beginner · apprentice · weekend warrior · dabbler

cooking method/environment

pitmasterpastry chef

Cook specializing in desserts

line cook · saucier · sushi chef · sous chef · baker

role in food chain

pitmasterdiner

Casual American eatery

customer · food critic · eater · guest · patron

Family

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Mostly American · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Rated G