BBQ Critic Testimonials
What cooks and judges are saying about BBQ Critic
This website is dedicated to helping Certified BBQ Judges stay focused and learn from each other. In like manner, we also help cooks get inside the mind of a BBQ judge by providing them feedback on their competition boxes. Many people find BBQ Critic to be very useful. Thanks for for all the positive feedback and we appreciate everyone who loves BBQ! -- Herb K., Publisher.
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    Jamey Johnson
    "Being able to see other judges thoughts on the entries has helped me, not only as a judge / rep, but as a competition cook. This site is a good tool for new judges, and good resource for established judges. Keep up the good work!"

    Jamey Johnson
    Columbia. Missouri
    KCBS Certified BBQ Judge
    KCBS Contest Rep
    Contest Organizer
    Competition Cook
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    Cathy Herman with Pitmaster Myron Mixon
    "Reading other comments after you have judged. Seeing what others are looking for helps out a lot . Some people are extremely hard, I think they should try cooking."

    Cathy Herman
    Laurel, Maryland
    Certified BBQ Judge: KCBS
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    John Busch
    "Since I became a KCBS Contest Rep 6 years ago, I have little extra time available to judge contests. In fact, I've judged less than a half-dozen contests since I became a Rep. Thankfully, BBQ Critic came along; it gives me a chance to judge appearance and helps keep my "eye" sharp. I'm pleased to say that since I started judging at BBQ Critic, my appearance scores have tracked very consistently with the other judges also participating. Also, in the few "real" contests I've been able to judge, my scores have tracked consistently with other judges at my table(s). BBQ Critic has been a big help to me and I highly recommend it to others. In fact, when I, as a KCBS Contest Rep., conduct Cooks' & Judges' meetings, I routinely encourage cooks & judges to visit BBQCritic.com and participate. Many of both have told me they have done so. I only hope it is true."

    John Busch
    Richmond, Virginia
    Certified Master BBQ Judge: KCBS, MBN/MIM
    Certified Table Captain
    Contest Rep
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    Bill Capstack
    "What a terrific website to allow judges to hone their appearance scoring for competition barbecue entries! This site is a must for new judges and a great refresher for the "seasoned" judges. Thanks Herb for providing a learning place for us."

    Bill Capstack
    Lenexa, Kansas
    Certified Master BBQ Judge& Table Captain: KCBS
    "The BBQ Critic has helped me become a better judge and cook because it gives you a chance to study the appearance of a cooks entry so you can give your own opinion with plenty of time to study the picture and make your decision. After your decision is made, you put down your scores and suggestion. You look back and see what everyone else has scored and to see if your score married the other scores from other judges. If your are not close to the other scores you learn to adjust."

    Shawn Surber
    Leesburg, Ohio
    Certified BBQ Judge & Table Captain: KCBS
    Competition Cook
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    Mike Demming
    "Viewing presentations"

    Mike Demming
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Certified BBQ Judge & Table Captain: FBA
    Competition Cook
    "This has been my first full year of judging. I have to say that BBQ Critic has helped me immensely. I enjoy scoring the boxes and then comparing my scores with the scores and comments from fellow judges. I feel this practice has honed my objectivity and made me a better judge. Thank you."

    Robert Olson
    Appleton,WI
    Certified BBQ Judge
    "BBQ Critic has allowed me to develop a consistent set of things to look for when viewing a box and it has shortened the time I need to analyze a box before scoring and commenting. I use what i call the MNOP approach - M is moist, N is number of samples, O is ordering (ie even or tapered color, sizing etc), and P is for placement and pattern. The BBC Critic experience has also made me aware of what I call "The Judges Angle" - that is cooks usually arrange a box looking down at a 90 degree angle while table captains typically show the boxes to judges at a 45 degree angle (which can hide flaws etc.).

    Consequently, I am currently the only Judge in the PNWBA that stands to view a box from directly overhead and that attention to detail helped me be voted 2013 Canadian BBQ Judge of the Year in my association. Thanks BBQ Critic."

    Lorne Rae
    North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Certified BBQ Judge: PNWBA
    "It gives you another perspective on judging. Some judges are perfectionists, others look at the boxes with a more realistic approach. Not every box will be perfect, but many come very close to that elusive perfection. It also gives us validation in our own personal judging criteria. Were we to generous or too stingy? Normally when you are judging, you NEVER get to see what the other judges scored. This forum is a refreshing change."

    Pauline Corbett
    Mwdford, NY
    Certified BBQ Judge: KCBS BBQ Judge
    Member: BBQ Brethren
    "Not only does it keep my skills fresh in the off season, I enjoy reading the other judges' comments and understanding their thought process as well as seeing where I fall in the scoring (not something readily available during KCBS events)."

    Tiffany Patrick
    Frederick, MD
    Certified BBQ Judge & Table Captain: KCBS
    "Helped me to focus on consistency, that is, applying the same standards to each box presented. Helped me to get a sense of how other judges are scoring."

    Frank Smith
    Laguna Niguel, CA
    Certified Master BBQ Judge&Table Captain: KCBS
    "By comparing my scores and comments with other CMJs and CBJs scores and comments I can better understand and ensure I'm in the same ballpark. Also, the "ask judges a question" section gives me insight to the thought process of other judges and makes me substantiate my opinions."

    Thomas Morris
    Hillsborough, NC
    Certified Master BBQ Judge, Table Captain: KCBS, MBN, North Carolina Barbecue
    Society, North Carolina Pork Council, North Carolina Barbecue Association
    Competition Cook
    "Usually confirms my review of box shown online."

    Tony Schroeder
    Overland Park, KS
    Certified BBQ Judge: KCBS
    Contest Organizer

    BBQ Critic Testimonials Submission Form

    If you are a Competition Judge, Cook, Contest Rep or Organizer, fill out this form if BBQ Critic has helped you along the way on your BBQ journey. Testimonials will be posted on this page.  Thanks! -- Herb

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