Pitmaster Cooking Classes

The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association hosts a series of Pitmaster competition barbecue cooking classes during the year. These classes are taught by some of our award winning competition cooks.

In our Pitmasters of the Pacific Northwest Competition Barbecue Cooking Class, you will learn the basics of:

BBQ Equipment

BBQ Theory

Meat Selection

Wood Selection

Theory of Rubs and Sauces

Making your own rub.

Learn to BBQ Four Competition Meats:
Beef Brisket
Port Butt (Shoulder)
Chicken
Ribs

Currently Scheduled Cooking Classes

PNWBA Cooking Class Notification and Wait List

12/31/2025 • Various

If you are interested in being notified of an upcoming Pitmaster or Backyard BBQ cooking class, register at the PNWBA Cooking Class Notification and Wait List.

Click the button below to send an email to our training committee if you are looking for more details about our classes or can assist with hosting or supporting a class.

Help Us Grow the BBQ Community!

The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association (PNWBA) hosts classes throughout the year to help aspiring pitmasters improve their skills and to introduce new teams to the exciting world of competition BBQ. We’re reaching out for your support!

We Need Recommendations for Class Locations

Class Requirements:

Indoor space for approximately 20-30 students
Power for AV equipment.
Space for turn-in box preparation and a kitchen.
A suitable environment for pitmaster activities.
Assistance from cooking teams, table captains, and experienced judges.

General Requirements for All Classes:

Restroom facilities.
Dumpster access.
Availability from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

How You Can Help:

Recommend a location that meets the needs listed above.
Volunteer as a cooking team or helper.
Get involved in making these classes a success.

If you can assist or have a location in mind, please email us with the details. We’ll follow up with next steps. Thank you for helping us grow the BBQ community!

"The PNWBA Pitmaster class completely exceeded my expectations. Anthony and Tom of the PNWBA did an amazing job of walking us through every step, from meat selection, prep, seasoning, cooking and even had our BBQ judged professionally at the end of the day. This was by far the most informative and enjoyable day of cooking I've had. I now feel completely confident in my ability to make great BBQ. Thank you PNWBA."

- Matt Stroh

"The difference between producing competition quality, low and slow BBQ and spinning your wheels with nicely cooked meats that just don't measure up on the competitive circuit. PNWBA Championship Pitmaster Cooking Classes offer guidance from the experience of seasoned, successful champs who have walked the walk from Portland to Bellingham to Kansas City. Taking a PNWBA Cooking Class can make all the difference!"

- Pat Maddock

Pacific Northwest BBQ Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 23632 Highway 99 STE STE F427, Edmonds, WA 98026