BBQ tool recommendations needed

[Rory]

In anticipation of my pit's arrival next week, I'm starting to buy peripheral supplies that I'll need for each cook. I was hoping that people could tell me a few of their most valued utensils, tools, accesories, etc.

I'll be cooking for about 300 people, with a combination of smoked and grilled meats. Assume sides and sauces will be purchased or prepared off-site. Everything will be served in disposable aluminum trays.

My preliminary list is:
- Coolers (not sure how many or how big I need) to store cold meat before cooking and warm meat after cooking.
- 4-6 Cambro or similar 18 qt. food containers for marinating, brining, etc.
- 4-6 4 qt Cambro containers for sauces, rubs, etc.
- At least 3 18" x 26" Cutting boards
- 10" Scimitar type knife
- paring knife
- 6 pairs of 16" tongs (primarily for grilling and serving)
- 2 pairs of BBQ gloves (for handling large cuts of meat)
- a dozen 12 oz squeeze bottles for sauce
- 2 chimney starters
- 3 each Stainless steel mixing bowls in 3, 5 and 8 qt capacities for mixing sauces, rubs, etc.
- 4 spray bottles for grill flame control, as well as basting meat with apple juice, etc.
- 2 hamburger turners
- a few large spoons
- a few funnels for the squeeze and spray bottles
- large and small grill brushes

What am I missing? What don't I need to bother with? How many of what size of coolers should I get? Please help!

[Bad Santa]

Paper towels....heavy duty foil... :D and some type of good meat thermometer....or a therma pen etc.

[Bad Santa]

IMHO..You can probably save yourself some money by cutting that list # items in 1/2...build supplies/tools as needed and not all at once....that way you don't have money invested in stuff not really needed....or that you will use.

[Mic]

Bad Santa beat me to it....a good reliable meat themometer! How bout a box of latex gloves for food handling? Lots of ice?

Mic

[Rory]

Just ordered a thermapen. I've been meaning to get one for a long time. Latex gloves are probably a good idea, hadn't thought of that. Will definitely have lots of ice, paper towels, and foil. Santa - will take your advice to cut down the quantities a bit to save some dough (and fit that thermapen into my budget, ouch!). Anybody have thoughts on the coolers? What size do you use? How many do you have?

[FairWeatherSmoker]

Some kind of sterilizer cleaner for the boards, several boards of some kind, LARGE meat spatula for moving smoked meats &/or thermal gloves.

[Zeeman]

2-3 other good hands. NOT YOUR WIFE (she'll never forgive ya). Dat kinda show will work ya by yourself.
z

[Woodman]

I too, went the squeeze bottle route at first! Too messy and time consuming! Also, very difficult to clean up! Get two restaraunt water pitchers. Works better! I just finished making seven gallons of sauce! Get lots of serving tongs too! Woody

[carnivore]

Beer

[Oli]

Lose the manual knife and go electric.....save your hands and time.

Weed burner to burn the grills and heat the pit.

[corndog]

Rory, if you are still looking advice on the coolers, I recomend the medium ones on wheels. I think they are in the 40-50 qt size. They are small enough to handle by yourself, but yet large enough to handle quite a bit of food (hot or cold). When you get the cutting boards, look for color coded boards and the sterilizer bottles are a great idea too. And get a pair or two of gloves from TBBQR!! Those are great!!!! We use one of those rolling tool boxes that come apart w/ a small box on top and a deep box on bottom. It keeps the bottles of spices and stuff on the bottom and the top box keeps most of the spoons and utencils. They latch together and roll. That comes in handy and go for about 20-25 dollars from Wally World. And remember, a few tools go a long way untill you figure our your system..we can recomend stuff, but ultimatly, you are the one working with them, so only you can decide what works best for you...hope this helps some...

[txpgapro]

Get yourself one of those 9-day coolers. It is great to thaw lots of meat in. I don't have a deep freeze yet so I use it a lot. I can throw a couple of frozen briskets, 3-4 racks of spares, a pork butt or two in it, and they will thaw slowly over 3-4 days with no danger. Also, get yourself an industrial folding metal dirty laundry bag holder and use it as a portable trash bag holder.

[Rory]

txpgapro - how big of a cooler is that? i.e. 50 qts, 100 qts, etc.? If you don't know exact, rough measurements would be helpful (is it like 2-3 feet long or like 5 feet long?)

corndog - good call on the wheels, and that size is readily available (I've had a hard time finding the bigger ones, especially for a reasonable price). How many do you think I need to feed 300 people?

[bigwheel]

Now whut on earth would be the purpose of a 10" cimitar knife? Enquiring minds need to know this kinda stuff. Make sure them tongs has been bought at the restaurant supply place. If they come from somewhere else..they aint gonna be worth a flip. Acemart has good ones. If you need to lay hold of a 20 lb brisket..if you got the testosterone to maintain a grip..the tongs will do their part. Not sure why anybody would need six pair. One works purty good. Now surely you aint wanting folks to serve themselves using your high dollar tongs now are ya? If you cook the brisket right it will not take tongs to serve it. You will need whut is called a spatula. Yankees call em egg turners I think. Fact is if you do it real right..they prob do with a spoon.

bigwheel

[M38A1]

Don't forget the bic-type lighters... Gotta get that fire going somehow.

A camp shovel is kind of nice to get the ash out when your done. A 5 gallon feed bucket is also nice with some water in the bottom for killing a pit quickly. Drag the hot ash/embers into the bucket and kill 'em fast. Then your pit is ready to open up and let the metal cool down so you can get on the road faster.

The food service gloves are a MUST HAVE IMO. People tend to give you funny looks when you don't have 'em.

[Rory]

Was figuring the scimitar would be a good general purpose, big, sturdy knife for trimming meat prior to cooking and slicing meat after cooking. Maybe would be better to just get a chef's knife and/or a slicer. Was planning on using these tongs (http://www.instawares.com/JR3065.JR3065.0.7.htm?sessionID=1321909272BD2EE5FB B10130) from Instawares. Need at least two pairs for the grills (one at each grill), plus 4 spares in case anybody drops a pair :). I tend to use tongs for just about everything in my kitchen at home, so I'm sure I'll do the same when Qing. Guess I should get some extra spatulas too though.

[jgh1204]

Here is a bbq tool you can do without.

http://www.bobbyflay.com/images/home/home_imgRoll2.gif

[Rory]

heh, I see 2 tools in that picture... I think I can do without them both

[BBQ101]

:lol: But the flipper does have a bottle opener :wink:

[kickassbbq]

Imodium Advanced!!!!!!!!!!!! Just in case.
PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys can always count on me.
Smoke On!!!!!!
ed

[corndog]

Rory, I don't know how many coolers you will need. I know that I have 3 small ones on wheels and 2 large chests. But I don't store that much meat at one time. Of cours, I haven't cooked for that many people at one time either, so I am out of my league now.

[TexLaw]

At the Gator Pit cookoff, Photokirk had a thing of those handi-wipe/baby wipes, and that looked like a fantastic idea. While you might have gloves on most of the time, you're still going to get dirty hands, and you'll need a good way to clean them.

It sort of sounds like you'll be catering, so you ought to check with all the health codes and see what else you need. For instance, you may need wash, rinse, and sanitize bins on site.


TL

[Fred]

Always take/keep on hand; rain gear & a first aid kit

Lose the manual knife and go electric.....save your hands and time.
^ If you have ever spent several hours cutting/slicing/dicing - U will come to appreciate an electric knife & a good cleaver.

I also take/keep a ‘knife steel’ for a quick sharpen of the knives I do use

You will also need water & a garbage can/bags of sorts

I always take a pile of cheap cloth towles - I got at WMart

[TexLaw]

Oh, yeah. Pay attention to Carnivore. He knows what he's talking about.


TL

[infamousterry2]

this is an observation by someone new to all this, but you have containers for marinating and brining also some for sauces and rub, BUT where are the containers for the finished product, meat, I operate on a small scale I know but I go to Dollar tree store and you can get aluminum serving pans with a clear plastic lid that snaps on for $1.00, one way or another you need something for the finished product to be stored in.

[Rory]

this is an observation by someone new to all this, but you have containers for marinating and brining also some for sauces and rub, BUT where are the containers for the finished product, meat, I operate on a small scale I know but I go to Dollar tree store and you can get aluminum serving pans with a clear plastic lid that snaps on for $1.00, one way or another you need something for the finished product to be stored in.

Good catch - yes, I am planning on using those aluminum serving trays. Costco has them 15 for $10 for full size, 30 for $8 for half size. No lids, but I can always just use foil.

[3970010]

I too have been wondering about what to get. I am kinda waiting untill after my first cookoff (June 2nd & 3rd) to run out and get a bunch of stuff. I have gotten one of those really wide spatulas at Bed Bath and Beyond and I will be getting one of those electric knives this weekend. Other than that, I am waiting to see what I need. Good luck to you.

by the way, I am looking for a used generator.

[infamousterry2]

When you get a electric knife, consider a cordless one, they are alot handier.

[M38A1]

When you get a electric knife, consider a cordless one, they are alot handier.

But that won't give the wifey an excuse to get a generator!

[1044]

But that won't give the wifey an excuse to get a generator!

Duh! Ya gotta plug the battery charger in somewhere. :P

[rstcso]

When you go shopping for your stuff, go to a restaurant supply house. You'll get much better quality for the same money you'll spend at most other places. Besides, they have some cool stuff to look at that you didn't even realize you needed until you see them.

[HFD26]

I too have been wondering about what to get. I am kinda waiting untill after my first cookoff (June 2nd & 3rd) to run out and get a bunch of stuff. I have gotten one of those really wide spatulas at Bed Bath and Beyond and I will be getting one of those electric knives this weekend. Other than that, I am waiting to see what I need. Good luck to you.

by the way, I am looking for a used generator.

Where are you cooking June 2nd & 3rd? You said in another post that you visited the Southbelt Cookoff, do you live in the area?

[Oli]

HFD26 My guess would be Humble Lions club...He is up that way I believe...I will be there for that one.

[Zeeman]

Time, a Pit, some Wood, good Meat, dry Rub, a Glove, and Long Sleeves.
Get after it :!:
z

[TexLaw]

Time, a Pit, some Wood, good Meat, dry Rub, a Glove, and Long Sleeves.
Get after it :!:
z

He strikes again! :lol:


TL

[bigwheel]

Well know that big curvy knife sounds like just the ticket for various things and I just happen to be proud owner of one of them things...or was. I was trying to give it away last time I remember seeing it. Just makes me feel like a pirate when I wave it around at the beerjoint for some reason. Anyway..it might just be the brand (Russell-Dexter) I think it is..but that dang thing is about worthless. All the cutting force comes from your hand..and the leverage aint good. Meaning it tire you out quick and give you corporal tunnell syndrome. Needs a tub mo weight out on the blade or else plan on using it for a two handed shear or something like that. Now the old Winn Dixie butcher had one..Forschner of course..that is whut all the pros use ya know..and used it daily for 20 years and was trying to sell it to me for 20 bucks. He called it a steak knife while others call it a breaking knife. It bound to have worked mo betta than that peece o crap I got. I really dont think most folks needs one too bad. If you just got to have one..make sure its a Forschner. You do much mo betta on the disposable pans to buy em at Sams. They aint all that expensive..and they much sturdier than them models from the .99 cent store. Use foil for the cover. You did remember the big industrial strength roll of tinfoil not didnt ya? They got that at Sams too. Costco cheaper if you shop there. Dont buy anything made of Aluminum unless it says Reynolds on there. Now Costco house branded foil..Kirkland I think.. bound to be made by Reynolds. Sysco Brand is passable too.

bigwheel


Was figuring the scimitar would be a good general purpose, big, sturdy knife for trimming meat prior to cooking and slicing meat after cooking. Maybe would be better to just get a chef's knife and/or a slicer. Was planning on using these tongs (http://www.instawares.com/JR3065.JR3065.0.7.htm?sessionID=1321909272BD2EE5FB B10130) from Instawares. Need at least two pairs for the grills (one at each grill), plus 4 spares in case anybody drops a pair :). I tend to use tongs for just about everything in my kitchen at home, so I'm sure I'll do the same when Qing. Guess I should get some extra spatulas too though.

[Woodman]

Well, I have a 12" Cimitar, a Forshner, and for ribs, they are THE BEST! You push down on the pointy end and "rock" the blade through the rib for a perfect cut every time! For slicing, a granton slicer is mo better!

[bigwheel]

Well thanks for that tip on the rocking motion. I knowed that curvy blade bound to rock in some way but I just couldnt figger it out. Now say your rocking that baby through a rack o ribs and you hit one of them old imbred Arkieville hawgs with the crosslinked bones? Now do you make sure you got a clear path twixt the bones beforehand or do you just crunch on through the sideways bones? I guess that is the main part of the missing equation for me.

bigwheel

[Woodman]

Mine kinda chops through most anything. The leverage helps kinda like one on those paper cutters.

[david brace]

When you go shopping for your stuff, go to a restaurant supply house. You'll get much better quality for the same money you'll spend at most other places. Besides, they have some cool stuff to look at that you didn't even realize you needed until you see them.
I'm with RS on this. The first time I ever went to a restaurant supply house was to pick up an order. While I waited i looked around like a kid in a candy store...

DB

[TexLaw]

Those restaurant supply stores are the best! Every time I go in one, I have to walk through all the aisles. I don't know how I still have a penny to my name.


TL

[3970010]

Where are you cooking June 2nd & 3rd? You said in another post that you visited the Southbelt Cookoff, do you live in the area?

yeppers, I will be at the Humble Lions club cookoff. You guys can come make fun of the rookie. Yes, I do live up that way. I live @ Lake Houston Parkway and Beltway 8. Just north of Channelview.

The wait for my pit is KILLING me. 2 weeks 2 days to go.

[3970010]

So, what is a good cookoff this weekend to go check out? My father-in-law is comming to visit on Friday from Phoenix.

[Oli]

The Rocky Road Cookoff in Conroe...Call them up and Don Canterbury can get you in as judges....He was rounding up judges last weekend.

contact-- Harold Wyland 934-344-9255

[Michiana Mark]

I too have been wondering about what to get. I am kinda waiting untill after my first cookoff (June 2nd & 3rd) to run out and get a bunch of stuff. I have gotten one of those really wide spatulas at Bed Bath and Beyond and I will be getting one of those electric knives this weekend. Other than that, I am waiting to see what I need. Good luck to you.

by the way, I am looking for a used generator.

Somebody kick Texana's chair, the man wants to buy a used generator.Texana, remember my commission.

[Oli]

Dont forget the CLOCK

[Bad Santa]

Don't forget to set the alarm on the clock...

[david brace]

...I have gotten one of those really wide spatulas at Bed Bath and Beyond ...
Gordo turned me on to that item. What a great tool.

DB

[Rory]

Gordo turned me on to that item. What a great tool.

DB

Is this (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13776105) the spatula that you are talking about? Or something else? Could you provide more info (brand, color/material, size, etc.)?

[3970010]

Gordo turned me on to that item. What a great tool.

DB

Gordo turned me onto it as well

Not quite sure how to describe it. Its like a spatula but it is really wide. You can pick up a rack of ribs with it or a brisket.

[Rory]

Anybody got a picture of one? Is it definitely not the one I linked to above?

[Bad Santa]

Best way to describe what it looks like is to picture the head of a hammer head shark with the handle being the body. Acadamy Sports also sells them, in the cooking aisle, they're about 5 or 6 bucks, get 2 of 'em. They're handy for moving items around with....

[david brace]

Is this (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13776105) the spatula that you are talking about? Or something else? Could you provide more info (brand, color/material, size, etc.)?
I didn't at first see that the word 'this' was highlighted as a link. But yes, that is the one. I got it on sale for $11.99 (I think I remember correctly). Well worth it.

DB

[Rory]

Gotcha, thanks. I'll look for one.

[david brace]

Best way to describe what it looks like is to picture the head of a hammer head shark with the handle being the body. Acadamy Sports also sells them, in the cooking aisle, they're about 5 or 6 bucks, get 2 of 'em. They're handy for moving items around with....
Good price if it's exactly the same item. BB&B sells them at 14.99 and I got it on sale one day last year.

DB

[Bad Santa]

No, it's not the same one as pictured in the link from BB&B, the one I'm talking about is all one piece and the handle and head both is SS about 8.5 in. wide and 3.5 in. broad, solid so the handle doesn't bend with the weight of food. BB&B sells the one like I'm talking about, but at half the price as ol' Stevie gets for his, and Acadamy handles them also at 5 or 6 bucks too...

[Rory]

Ok, so one piece SS, under $10, but same basic shape, right?

[Bad Santa]

Got it.... :wink: :D