Chris Hurt Headshot

Outdoor Cooking Expert Chris Hurt

BBQ enthusiast and industry insider dedicated to helping people cook better and build outdoor spaces that actually get used.

Some experts arrive at BBQ through competition circuits or restaurant kitchens. Chris came to it from another side of the industry entirely — understanding how outdoor cooking products move, how customers buy them, and what it takes to get the right grill into the right backyard.

That perspective, combined with years of hands-on cooking and industry experience, has made Chris one of BBQGuys’ most well-rounded experts.

Chris has spent more than a decade working in e-commerce and outdoor living, including time at Amazon before joining BBQGuys more than six years ago. During that time, he’s worked closely with the products, brands, and systems that power the outdoor cooking world, from grills and smokers to the logistics networks that deliver them to customers’ homes. He’s developed a deep understanding of outdoor cooking equipment, performance differences, and what makes a setup actually work in real life.

For Chris, outdoor cooking has always been about more than the equipment. It’s about the experience that happens around it. That passion shows up everywhere in Chris’s work, whether he’s helping improve how grills get delivered to customers, advising on outdoor kitchen setups, or firing up his favorite offset smoker.

Q & A with Chris Hurt

How did you get started in BBQ and outdoor living?

CH: I’ve been with BBQGuys for just over six years, but my connection to outdoor cooking started long before that. I’ve spent the last 12 years in e-commerce between Amazon and BBQGuys, working in the outdoor kitchen and outdoor living space. What drew me in and kept me here is how naturally this industry ties into everyday life. Food, family, friends, and being outside all come together around a grill or an outdoor kitchen.

What do you do at BBQGuys?

CH: I’m the Director of Transportation & 3PL Operations, which means I’m responsible for how our products move from point A to point B and ultimately into our customers’ homes and backyards. My role focuses on transportation strategy, carrier partnerships, and third-party logistics, all with the goal of making sure deliveries are smooth, reliable, and efficient. At the end of the day, my job supports one simple thing: helping customers get outside and start cooking without friction.

What inspired your passion for grilling and outdoor cooking?

CH: Outdoor cooking is one of the most hands-on, creative ways to cook. When you get a new grill or build an outdoor kitchen, it’s a blank canvas. You get to experiment, learn what works for you, and slowly make it your own. That process testing, refining, and enjoying the results is what hooked me. Whether it’s grilling, smoking, or just cooking outside, it always feels more personal.

How long have you been in the industry?

CH: I’ve been in the e-commerce and outdoor living space for about 12 years, working closely with products and experiences that revolve around outdoor kitchens and cooking.

What trends are you seeing in outdoor kitchens?

CH: Outdoor kitchens are becoming true extensions of the home. People aren’t just adding a grill anymore. They’re creating spaces where they can cook, entertain, and relax. Flexibility, durability, and design are becoming just as important as performance.

Are there any industry innovations you’re excited about?

CH: I’m excited about innovations that make outdoor cooking easier and more accessible, from smarter equipment to better delivery and setup experiences. Anything that removes barriers between the customer and that first cook is a win.

What do you enjoy most about working at BBQGuys?

CH: This industry is built around connection. Food brings people together, and outdoor cooking makes that even better. At BBQGuys, I get to be part of a team that takes pride in helping customers create meaningful moments in their own backyards. Knowing that the work we do supports those experiences is what makes it so rewarding.

Pro Tip

Chris’s Quick BBQ Tips for Beginners:

  1. Start simple before you start fancy.
  2. Master basic heat control before chasing advanced techniques or gear.
  3. Preheat your grill longer than you think.
  4. A stable grill makes everything easier once the food hits the grates.
  5. Resist the urge to constantly flip or peek.
  6. Every lift of the lid changes the cook.

What’s your favorite piece of outdoor cooking gear?

CH: My go-to is an offset smoker. I love the versatility and the control, especially being able to keep a clean, cool smoke. There’s something about managing the fire and letting it do its thing over time that makes the whole process enjoyable. It’s simple, hands-on, and never rushed.

What do you love most about grilling?

CH: I love that it slows everything down. Grilling and outdoor cooking bring people together without forcing it. Good food, good conversation, and no rush. Just fire, smoke, and time doing their thing.

Pro Tip

Chris’s Quick BBQ Tips for Pros:

  1. Season for the cook, not the recipe.
  2. Adjust based on meat size, cook length, and heat not just instructions.
  3. Resting is part of the cooking process.
  4. The cooking isn’t done until the meat has settled.
  5. Cook to feel, not just numbers.
  6. Temp tells you when it’s safe. Experience tells you when it’s right.

What’s your approach to outdoor kitchen design?

CH: My philosophy is simple: build it around how people actually live. It doesn’t need to be overcomplicated or flashy, it just needs to work, flow well, and feel comfortable. If it fits your lifestyle, you’ll actually use it.

How do you define a perfect backyard?

CH: A perfect backyard is functional but relaxed. Space to cook, space to hang out, and room for people to gather without feeling crowded. It should feel inviting, not like a showroom.