Cookout Coach

Steve Dotson

For the love for the grill

Two Wheels to Grill Thrills: My BBQ Journey

I didn't start out as a BBQ man, but as I started my family, I left the world of motorcycle riding and playing golf frequently to enter the realm of a more home-based challenge. Being from West Virginia, we're not really known for having any great BBQ or BBQ'ers. So, I decided that if I was going to enjoy fantastic BBQ, I would have to figure out how to produce it in my own backyard. In the summer of 2013, I began this journey, and I can absolutely tell you that those first several cooks were not good. However, I kept inviting people over and kept feeding them until it got to what I can now say is a much, much better quality product. Going into 2019, I'm hoping to build on my BBQ competition experiences, both in helping people take their BBQ to the next level and in getting out there and mixing it up with the competitors on the circuit. Barbecue is amazing because you can always get better at it, and the journey to taking that next step is full of good times with great people, and that's really what I find that I love about the smoke.

Favorite Activity:: Hosting Cookouts for Family and Friends and competing in KCBS BBQ competitions
Fun Fact:: I used to be an avid motorcyclist before starting a family
Hometown:: Branson, MO
Favorite Recipes:: St. Louis Cut Spare Ribs
Hometown:: Lost Creek, WV

FAVORITE GRILL

Char-Griller Product of Choice

AKORN Kamado

My go-to Char-Griller is the AKORN Kamado Charcoal grill. The Akorn Auto-Kamado's innovative design combines the traditional kamado cooking style with modern automation, allowing for the perfect balance between authenticity and convenience. I simply load my charcoal, set my desired cooking temperature on the Digital Controller, and create delicious barbecue in a hands-off fashion. I reap the benefits of the AKORN kamado-style grill and can easily sear, smoke, bake, grill, or roast with the press of a button. Providing ultimate versatility and extreme ease of use, the Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado is the grill I've been waiting for

Featured Recipe

Auto-Kamado Beer Can Turkey

Step into Steve's grilling world and try his favorite recipes, like Fast Sticky Asian BBQ Ribs and AKORN® Auto-Kamado™ Chicken Wings. Let his expertise guide you on your own journey to grilling perfection.

Char-Griller Q&A with Steve Dotson

What inspired your transition from motorcycle riding and golf to barbecue?: As I started a family, I left the world of motorcycle riding and golf to take on a more home-based challenge, delving into the world of barbecue.
How did your West Virginia backgrould influence your barbecue journey?: Coming from West Virginia where barbecue isn't a prominent tradition, I decided to master the art in my own backyard to enjoy fantastic BBQ.
What are your goals for barbecue competitions?: I aim to build on my BBQ competition experiences and to help others elevate their BBQ game while actively participating in competitions."
What do you love about the world of BBQ?: Barbecue is amazing because there's always room for improvement. The journey to the next level is filled with good times shared with great people, which is what I truly love about the art of smoke
How has the barbecue journey become a source of joy for you?: The joy in the barbecue journey lies in the continuous pursuit of improvement, the camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts, and the shared experiences with great people, making the entire process truly rewarding

Steve Dotson's Favorite Products

Charcoal Chimney

$22.99

Charcoal Chimney

The best grilling accessory that any backyard griller needs is a charcoal chimney. This cylindrical tube has air vents on the bottom that take the fire in from your firestarter, pulls it up through the charcoal, and lights it from within. This speeds up the charcoal lighting process and makes sure all your charcoal is evenly lit.

The Char-Griller Charcoal Chimney Starter is the best way to light your charcoal grill. Simply fill the Charcoal Chimney Starter with charcoal and light it. Once the coals are ready, pull the trigger to release the burning charcoal into your grill.

Charcoal Chimney

The best grilling accessory that any backyard griller needs is a charcoal chimney. This cylindrical tube has air vents on the bottom that take the fire in from your firestarter, pulls it up through the charcoal, and lights it from within. This speeds up the charcoal lighting process and makes sure all your charcoal is evenly lit.

The Char-Griller Charcoal Chimney Starter is the best way to light your charcoal grill. Simply fill the Charcoal Chimney Starter with charcoal and light it. Once the coals are ready, pull the trigger to release the burning charcoal into your grill.
AKORN® Ceramic Grill Cover

$69.99
AKORN® Ceramic Grill Cover

Protect your 6020 AKORN Ceramic Grill from the elements with a grill cover by Char-Griller. This functional cover keeps your grill or smoker safe from harsh weather conditions year-round. Made from heavy-duty polyester fabric with sealed seams, this cover resists fading and water. The lightweight yet durable cover easily slips on, keeping your grill in fighting shape season after season. Protect your investment and extend the life of your Char-Griller grill!
AKORN® Ceramic Grill Cover

Protect your 6020 AKORN Ceramic Grill from the elements with a grill cover by Char-Griller. This functional cover keeps your grill or smoker safe from harsh weather conditions year-round. Made from heavy-duty polyester fabric with sealed seams, this cover resists fading and water. The lightweight yet durable cover easily slips on, keeping your grill in fighting shape season after season. Protect your investment and extend the life of your Char-Griller grill!
Flat Iron® Portable 17-inch Gas Griddle

$129.00

Flat Iron® Portable 17-inch Gas Griddle

Take your griddle on-the-go with the Char-Griller Flat Iron Portable Gas Griddle. With the ability to sear and sauté your favorite foods, this griddle offers one gas burner providing 12,000 BTU of output with wind guards to ensure you can maintain your desired cooking temperature without losing heat. Electronic ignition, easy-to-use burner control knobs and a removable grease tray ensure your portable griddle cooking experience is seamless and enjoyable. From burgers to breakfast, serve up your favorite foods for the whole family to enjoy.

Small enough to take on-the-go but large enough to cook for a group - the portable Char-Griller Flat Iron Gas Griddle will be your favorite adventure companion.

For best results, pre-season before use to enhance food flavor and ensure long-lasting life of griddle. A propane gas cylinder is required for operation. The gas cylinder is not included.

Flat Iron® Portable 17-inch Gas Griddle

Take your griddle on-the-go with the Char-Griller Flat Iron Portable Gas Griddle. With the ability to sear and sauté your favorite foods, this griddle offers one gas burner providing 12,000 BTU of output with wind guards to ensure you can maintain your desired cooking temperature without losing heat. Electronic ignition, easy-to-use burner control knobs and a removable grease tray ensure your portable griddle cooking experience is seamless and enjoyable. From burgers to breakfast, serve up your favorite foods for the whole family to enjoy.

Small enough to take on-the-go but large enough to cook for a group - the portable Char-Griller Flat Iron Gas Griddle will be your favorite adventure companion.

For best results, pre-season before use to enhance food flavor and ensure long-lasting life of griddle. A propane gas cylinder is required for operation. The gas cylinder is not included.