Barbecue Battle Shopping List

A barbecue battle needs more than grills and meat. You need separate equipment for each team, chilled storage for ingredients and drinks, serving ware, judging supplies and basic fire safety. Buy or gather everything before the setup day so teams can start on time and judges can work without borrowing tools. This checklist is built around a competition with assigned teams, scorecards, a jury table and a shared buffet area.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Judges' table
Buffet tablesqty 2

Equipment

Barbecue grillsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Meat thermometersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 2
Bluetooth speaker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Chef's knivesqty 8
BBQ tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Aluminum traysqty 20

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable glassesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 80

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 8
Team badgesqty 8
Scorecardsqty 40
Markersqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2
First aid kits

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 4
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 5 kilograms
- Beef sausages - 4 kilograms
- Chicken thighs - 4 kilogram
- Pork belly slices - 3 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 2 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Eggplants - 6 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Bacon - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Barbecue sauce - 3 liters
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Chili sauce - 1 liter
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 150 gram
- Chili powder - 100 gram
- Italian herbs - 150 grams
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Charcoal - 30 kilograms
- Firelighters - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Garbage bags - 3 rolls

Tips

Plan one cutting board, chef’s knife, pair of BBQ tongs and mixing bowl per team where possible. Sharing these items creates queues just when teams are preparing marinades and portions.
Use coolers for meat, vegetables and drinks, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-serve food throughout preparation.
Count reusable plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery for every participant, judge and organiser, then add at least 10% extra. Serving spoons and platters are easy to overlook when the buffet is set up.
Prepare one scorecard and at least two markers for each judge, plus team badges and competition flags. Put the scorecards on the judges’ table before participants arrive, not with the general decorations.
Check the number and position of grills before shopping for extension cords and power strips. Keep fire extinguishers, fire blankets and a first aid kit visible at the cooking area rather than packed in a storage box.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a barbecue battle?: You need barbecue grills, coolers, meat thermometers, team cooking tools, serving equipment and reusable tableware. Also prepare scorecards, markers, team badges, competition flags, lighting and fire-safety equipment before setup.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue competition?: Count one plate, bowl, glass and set of cutlery per participant, judge and organiser, then add 10% extra. For 40 people, that means preparing 44 of each item where practical.
How early should I buy and chill barbecue ingredients?: Buy perishable ingredients no earlier than needed for safe storage, and chill meat and vegetables before teams begin cooking. Put drinks in coolers several hours before arrival so they are cold at the start.
What safety equipment is needed for a barbecue battle?: Keep at least one fire extinguisher and one fire blanket at the cooking area, plus a first aid kit nearby. Check their location before the first grill is lit and keep access clear throughout the competition.

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