What to Buy for a Grill Competition

A grill competition needs more than grills and meat. You will need separate equipment for cooking, food preparation, judging, serving, cooling and the site setup. Plan quantities around the number of teams, judges and spectators, then add a small buffer for breakages and last-minute guests. Buy chilled meat as close to the event as possible, keep it refrigerated, and prepare sauces, marinades and vegetables before competitors arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 6
Tableclothsqty 12
Parasolsqty 3

Equipment

Barbecue grillsqty 8
Grill racksqty 10
Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Speaker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 12
Chef's knivesqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 10
Pliersqty 12
Brushesqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 30
Aluminum foilqty 4

Tableware

Platesqty 150
Bowlsqty 80
Glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 20

Decorations

Race numbersqty 8
Buntingqty 8
Prize trophiesqty 3
Jury formsqty 40

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 80 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 80 pieces
- Pork belly steaks - 8 kg
- Spare ribs - 8 kg
- Vegetarian burgers - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 30 pieces
- Burger buns - 100 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 60 pieces
- Smoked sausages - 50 pieces
- Baby potatoes - 8 kg
- Corn on the cob - 60 pieces
- Bell peppers - 5 kg
- Zucchini - 4 kg
- Mushrooms - 4 kg
- Red onions - 3 kg
- Tomatoes - 5 kg
- Cucumbers - 4 kg
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 pieces
- Potato salad - 6 kg
- Pasta salad - 6 kg
- Coleslaw - 6 kg
- Mixed salad - 5 kg
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Herb butter - 2 kg
- Cheddar slices - 3 kg
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 5 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 3 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Garlic powder - 2 jars
- BBQ rub - 4 jars
- Charcoal - 40 kg
- Firelighters - 6 boxes
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Lemons - 3 kg
- Ice cubes - 20 kg
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Kitchen gloves - 4 boxes
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Aluminum trays - 100 pieces
- Diet-free sandwiches - 20 pieces

Tips

Plan one grill station for each competing team, then add at least one spare grill rack and enough fuel or power equipment for the full cooking period.
Allow at least two plates, two glasses and one full cutlery set per guest when washing facilities are limited. Add 10% extra plates and glasses for breakages.
Use one cooler for raw meat and another for drinks or ready-to-eat food. Keep raw meat chilled separately and avoid opening the meat cooler unnecessarily.
Buy enough preparation equipment for several teams to work at once: cutting boards, chef’s knives, mixing bowls, brushes, measuring cups and serving spoons should not be shared between raw and cooked food.
Prepare the site equipment at least one day ahead: check extension cords and power strips, inspect tables and chairs, and have party tents, parasols and fire-safety equipment ready before setup starts.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for a grill competition?: For a mixed barbecue menu, plan around 400–500 g of raw meat per adult guest, including tasting portions. Competitors cooking multiple entries need additional meat according to the rules, so calculate their portions separately from spectator food.
How many grills do I need for a grill competition?: Provide one barbecue grill per competing team or cooking station. Add at least one spare grill if the event lasts several hours, because a failed grill or damaged rack can stop a team from cooking.
How many plates and glasses should I buy?: Allow two plates and two glasses per guest for a meal with tastings, side dishes and drinks. Add about 10% extra tableware, and provide separate bowls and serving platters for salads, sauces and shared dishes.
When should I buy the meat for a grill competition?: Buy fresh meat one day before the event when possible, or on the morning of the competition for highly perishable items. Store it refrigerated immediately and keep raw meat in a separate cooler from drinks and cooked food.

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