Grill Power, Vol. 3: Christie Vanover
A conversation with the competitive pitmaster proving that yes, girls definitely can grill.
By: Karly ForsytheOur Grill Power series continues this week with a woman who’s not just making waves in BBQ, she’s helping shape the future of it.
Meet Christie Vanover, the head cook and award-winning pitmaster behind Girls Can Grill. From ranking top 5 in the world at the Jack Daniel’s Championship to appearing on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, Christie has carved out a space in the BBQ world with confidence, skill, and a serious passion for fire-cooked flavor.
We sat down to talk about her journey, the industry shift toward gender inclusion, and what it means to be a role model, whether she meant to be one or not.
Finding Her Flame
Christie’s grilling journey started like it does for many, with a grill that just sat there.
“I got one when I first got married, but I didn’t really know how to use it,” she said. “It wasn’t until 2010, when I bought a new grill with all kinds of features - a wok, skillet, pizza stone, griddle - that I really got curious. I started experimenting, and that’s when it clicked.”
She also credits her father-in-law for helping shape her culinary instincts.
“He taught me how to trust ingredients, to follow my gut in the kitchen. That really helped build my confidence when I started grilling.”
Welcome at the Pit
Despite the stereotype of BBQ being a “boys’ club,” Christie never let that hold her back.
“I was nervous at first, you hear stories, but honestly, I was welcomed into the community with open arms,” she said. “I don’t feel out of place.”
Sure, there have been moments, especially online, where trolls have made their presence known.
“People will say girls can’t grill, or I’m doing it wrong. I just ignore it,” she said. “The truth is, I’ve found a lot of support — especially from brands that are looking to reach new audiences. Being a female voice in BBQ has actually opened a lot of doors.”
Her Advice to Other Women
If you’re a woman who’s curious about grilling but feels a little intimidated, Christie gets it, and she has a message for you:
Get out of your own way.
“All that hesitation I felt at first, wondering if I’d be accepted, that was all in my own head. The BBQ community is incredibly supportive. Everyone is there to help each other get better.”
The Industry Is Shifting
Christie’s seen firsthand how the BBQ world is changing, and fast.
“Marketing used to be almost exclusively aimed at men,” she said. “But over the past 10 years, that’s shifted. I think it’s because of new grill styles - pellet grills, pizza ovens, electric options - and also because of social media.”
“We don’t have to depend on big brands to promote females in BBQ, we can show the world organically that we’re out here cooking with fire too.”
Signature Style
Christie is known for her bold flavors and competition-level technique - and yes, that brisket.
“My brisket placed 5th in the world at the Jack Daniel’s Championships,” she said. “But I also love adding Asian influences to my BBQ. You’ll see more of that on Season 4 of BBQ Brawl.”
She’s also no stranger to the spotlight - from starring in infomercials for Ninja’s outdoor grill line to hosting the BBQ Tips Podcast and writing the Holiday Grilling Cookbook.
Oh, and she has 30 grills in her backyard. Yes, thirty.
Inspiring the Next Wave
For Christie, being seen as a role model wasn’t the goal - but it’s a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s truly humbling,” she said. “I’m just out here doing what I love, sharing what I learn. But seeing other women, women who were total beginners, now crushing it on social, in competitions, or just cooking confidently at home? That inspires me, too.”
Want to Learn from Christie?
Christie’s mission has always been about education and empowerment. If you want to get started grilling, she’s got hundreds of resources ready for you.
“Check out GirlsCanGrill.com,” she said. “I’ve got recipes, tips, cookbooks, seasonings, everything from beginner-friendly to competition-level.”
Whether you’re lighting your first grill or gunning for a trophy, Christie is proof that when you follow your fire, anything is possible.
Follow Christie:
👉 @GirlsCanGrill
👉 GirlsCanGrill.com
New Grill Power features drop every Friday in July - stay tuned for more women who are changing the BBQ game.
