Everybody keeps saying charcoal is the only way to real BBQ

I was at a competition in Nashville last weekend and overheard a guy telling his friend that if you use gas you aren't a real pitmaster. He said electric smokers are for people who don't get it. I've been using a propane smoker for 3 years now and my brisket comes out just as good as my buddy's who swears by lump charcoal. I get consistent temps without babysitting it for 14 hours straight. The meat still has smoke rings and good bark. Am I missing something here or is this just gatekeeping? Has anyone else had good results with gas or electric at a competition?

3 comments

3 Comments

cole_baker1mo ago

Saw my buddy Mike take a propane smoker to a local comp and actually walked away with a ribbon on his ribs... nobody said a word after they tasted them.

jessica1301mo ago

Totally agree, I won a backyard comp last summer with a propane smoker and nobody questioned it after they tried my ribs.

vera_johnson91mo ago

Ha, same here! I showed up to a neighborhood cookoff with a gas smoker and felt like a total rookie until people actually tried the brisket. @cole_baker's buddy Mike knows what's up - it's all about the seasoning and technique, not the gear. Guess my secret shame is out now lol.