Gifts for the Backyard Pitmaster
Smoker season is in full swing. Here's what to give the person who already owns every gadget.
Fall is smoker season. Football Saturdays, tailgates, and cooler mornings make it the best time of year to cook low and slow, and anybody who does it regularly has a lot of opinions and a lot of gear. Here's what to give them that isn't another thermometer.
A board that sees real use
A large engraved cutting board gets used for brisket, ribs, and everything else that comes off the smoker. Engrave the pitmaster's name, a family brand, or the name of their cooking team, and it turns into a piece they're proud to show off.
Tool sets and spatulas
BBQ tool sets and utensils with engraved handles make a good gift, and a name on a set keeps it from getting borrowed and lost. Tell us what you're thinking and we'll tell you what we can engrave.
A sign for the smoker area
A wood sign for the patio or the shed, with the pitmaster's name, "Smokehouse," or whatever their setup is called, turns a corner of the backyard into a destination.
Rubs, sauces, and recipes
If someone has a signature rub or sauce, put the name on a small board or a gift tag. A recipe engraved on a board is a keepsake that gets used.
A trophy for the competition team
BBQ teams love a plaque, and a team name with the year makes a great gift for anybody who competes. A matching set for the whole team works too.
Can you cut meat on an engraved board?
Yes. We finish boards to be food-safe. Wash them promptly after cutting meat, dry them, and oil them now and then, the same way you would any wood board. Raw meat on a board is a good reason to keep one dedicated to meat and another for everything else.
What's a good gift for someone who already has every gadget?
Something personal that isn't a gadget. A board, a sign, or a set of coasters for the patio table gives them something to enjoy outside of the cook itself.
Tell us what they smoke and how they cook, and we'll help you find the right piece.