I have never done a competition as they're not really my thing, but I was having a chat with a buddy about them and was curious to get some thoughts from The Pit on a topic that I found interesting.
It seems like not long ago many comps didn't allow the use of pellet grills/smokers whereas now many of them do. To me, it would make sense that there would be no fuel-assisting devices of any kind allowed in a comp. This would include pellet smokers, fans etc. My thinking behind that is I always thought keeping a clean consistent fire is something that's not easy to master and those who can do it, especially over an all-day cook, would have a well-deserved advantage. Anyone can set a pellet smoker to 250 and let it do its thing.
My friend was completely on the other side. His logic is you could have a 100 different people making, say, a brisket in their pellet grills and you would still have some briskets come out way better than others. You still have to establish a good bark, flavor profile, tenderness, cooked to the correct temp etc so they're fair game.
I mean........clearly I'm right (haha). I still say you have to master all of the items listed above when not using fuel-assisting technology while still managing a good fire, weather elements etc and that should be part of the comp/challenge. That said, I see his point.
If this topic has already been covered my apologies. Also this isn't a knock on anyone who uses these items, be it in comp or backyard. Just something I found interesting as technology is advancing so quickly. Thoughts?
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