OUR TOP PICKS

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More Details On Our Top Picks For Best Drum Smokers

Below we’ve done a deep dive into the features and pros and cons of each of our top picks for best drum smokers. Read on and you’ll find different size options, what features each model has, and how it’s constructed so you know which one will work best for you.

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package – 18.5

Our best overall top pick is the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package 18.5″. This top selling drum smoker comes from the Pit Barrel Cooker company which is an American, veteran owned, family business. They are known for creating smokers that are easy to use. This drum smoker has it all: simple to set up, no complicated dials or gauges, well built for years of use, huge cook area, no cleaning needed, and a great price all that is why we choose it as our overall top pick.

Pit Barrel has 360 degree all round heat dynamics which means you get the best flavor, juicy meat and with the meat juices dropping onto the coals, you get especially tender meat with an amazing smoky flavor.

This drum smoker is built to last for years with 18 gauge stainless steel. On the inside you get a porcelain enameled finish which gives you amazing results every time and it’s easy to keep clean. You don’t need to wash the inside of the smoker, all you do is dump the ashes and that’s it. Simple.

No setup or assembly needed, except for attaching the handles, a few minutes and you’re ready to cook!

The large inside allows you to cook as many as 8 racks of ribs at one time, perfect for a party. No overly complicated controls either, just read the directions from your owners manual and light it up.

You can upgrade your smoker with additional accessories if you want. You can get turkey hangers, hinged grates or a weather proof cover.

Pros

• Easy to use, no complicated gauges and minimal assembly
• Quality construction made with strong 18 gauge stainless steel, and a porcelain enamel interior
• Simple to setup, just attach the handles. Easy to follow instructions
• Very large capacity so you can cook at lot at once
• Not much maintenance, just dump out the ashes and you’re good to go

Cons

Gloves needed when removing the lid, it gets really hot

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Big Bad Barrel BBQ Smoker Grill 5 in 1

Next up we have the Big Bad Barrel BBZ Smoker Grill 5 in 1. With this smoker you can smoke, grill and make pizza with it’s pizza oven, use it as Table and as a fire pit. The adjustable cooking rack makes it easy to control the cooking temperature no matter what you’re making: meat or pizza, etc. You can also hang your meat for that perfect smoky flavor.

The ability to adjust the height of the barrel ensures you can keep it out of reach of kids so it’s safer than other options. With it’s 2 piece construction you can actually take this barrel cooker apart and take it with you…perfect for camping or tailgating. It will fit in most cars and SUV’s.

Assembly is a little more detailed then the Pit Barrel cooker above, but it still will only take around an hour. If you need to tuck it away for the winter it’s easy to break down and store.

This is a great option no matter your experience level. Works equally well for someone who is just getting their first drum smoker as well as those who’ve been cooking this way for years. It comes with 6 hooks, stainless steel, an independent charcoal pit, stainless steel cooking rack and 3 utensils.

The Big Bad Barrel has a consistent of 225 degrees – the perfect temperature for smoking meat. To adjust the temperature just adjust the lid vents. This provides even heat for perfectly cooked meats in about 2 – 6 hours depending on the meat.

Pros

• 5 in 1 multi use
• Portable
• Consistent temp, easy to use
• Solid construction

Cons

• Poor assembly instructions

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Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package – 14″ Inch”

Our top pick for a small size drum smoker is the Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package 14″. It has the same quality of build and features in a little smaller footprint. It’s smaller size makes it the perfect choice for someone who has limited space and / or who wants to be able to take it with them camping or to the cabin.

Quality construction, full featured, and portable makes this a great smaller scale option. Our top pick the Pit Barrel Classic maintains a temperature of 225 degrees for up to eight hours, the Junior also maintains the proper cooking temperature of 225 degrees but for six hours.

Despite it’s smaller size, this smoker can still cook a whole turkey and up to 6 racks of ribs at one time. So, it’s still a great option if you like to have friends and family over for a great meal.

Like all Pit Barrel products, this smaller option is also known for cooking meat that tastes amazing and is tender.

Like the bigger model, this Pit Barrel is almost ready to use right out of the box, just attach the handles and in a few minutes you’re ready to go.

Start it up and it’s cooking. You really don’t have to do a thing at this point. Just wait for your great tasting dinner.

No cleaning, it’s porcelain enamel interior means all you have to do is dump the ash and you’re finished, which means it’s perfect for taking it with you camping or to the beach.

Overall, if you want the highest quality drum smoker but have limited space or you want to be able to take it with you easily, this may be the perfect option.

Pros

• Perfect for beginners, easy to use
• Durable construction for long life
• No rinse interior, just dump out the ashes
• Big capacity, up to 6 racks of ribs at once, but smaller size

Cons

• Handles get really hot

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Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker

For our top propane smoker option we have the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker. This 36″ vertical smoker has 4 stainless steel racks and 784 sq. inches of cook space. Simple to use, just turn on the propane and turn the control knob and you’re ready to cook.

The doors seal tightly so it maintains its temperature. If you need to adjust temp, just raise or lower the vents on the back of the smoker. And unlike the charcoal options above, this smoker is easier to use for smaller cooking jobs too, just cooking meat for dinner is easy.

Adding a smoky flavor to whatever you cook in it, the Cuisinart makes it easy to smoke a little meat or a lot, whichever you prefer.

With the ease of use of propane and it’s smaller size, yet large cooking area, this is a great option. It’s a good choice for beginners or more experienced cooks. You can cook chicken breasts for dinner in less than 2 hours, or cook thick cuts of meat for 10 or more hours to get that smoky flavor.

It has 4 removable 14″x14″ stainless steel racks for a large cooking area. Set up is as easy as hooking a propane tank up to the smoker.

Comes with porcelain enameled water and wood tray with a 40″ hose and propane regulator. It’s only 19.3″ x 18.1″ x 38.6 ” means it will fit pretty much any deck or patio area. It weighs just under 70 lbs. and has a 1 year warranty.

Pros

• Well built
• Easy to assemble
• Good size
• Good for beginners, easy to use

Cons

• Small wood chips and water container means frequent refiling

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Build Your Own Barrel Smoker

Next up is the build your own option the Build Your Own Barrel Smoker 16 Gallon. If you enjoy making things yourself but also prefer starting with a kit rather than from scratch, this is perfect for you.

Unlike some DIY best drum smokers, this one actually comes with the barrel so no more scrounging around trying to find one in decent shape. It’s large 16 gallon barrel means it’s big enough to smoke up to 4 racks of ribs or one brisket.

It has air vents on both the sides and top of the barrel so it’s easy to control the temperature for even cooking. The barrel is powder coated and is rated to withstand temperatures up to 900 degrees without damage. It comes with some nice accessories and everything you need to build it and use it:

Smoker Barrel Parts

• 16 Gallon Barrel (open ends)
• Barrel feet
• Barrel Handles
• Stainless Grill
• Lid Hook
• Lid Handle

Smoker Accessory Parts

• Meat Hanging net
• Charcoal Basket
• Meat Hook
• BBQ Thermometer
• Rotating Vent on Lid
• Sliding Vent
• Bottle Opener

Instructions & Hardware

• Instruction Booklet
• Bolts, Washers, and Nuts Set
• Step Drilling Bit
• Pilot Drill Bit
• Stencil

Smoker Barrel Parts

• 16 Gallon Barrel (open ends)
• Barrel feet
• Barrel Handles
• Stainless Grill
• Lid Hook

Accessories

• Meat Hanging net
• Charcoal Basket
• Meat Hook
• BBQ Thermometer
• Rotating Vent on Lid
• Sliding Vent
• Bottle Opener
• Instructions & Hardware

Pros

• Comes with everything you’ll need to build it

Cons

• You have to build it

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What is a Drum Smoker?

Also called a barrel smoker, a drum smoker is just a drum that you can use to smoke meat. This style of cooker provides consistent temperature and smoke so you can cook many types of foods, primarily meat, at a low temperature for a long time which maximizes flavor and tenderness. It’s pretty easy to use since other than occasionally checking the wood and water levels, you can just set it up cooking and forget it.

How Does A Drum Smoker Work?

The smoker is made up of a drum with a lid, vents and charcoal basket. With either grates or hangers to hang the meat as it cooks, allowing for complete smoky flavor. This round barrel design optimizes heat and flavor distribution so your meat comes out smoky, tender and evenly cooked with very little effort on your part.

You simple adjust the vents if you need to adjust the temperature of the smoker.

Here Are The Top Features Of Drum Smokers

Our review of the best drum smoker gave you several options to choose from. But, you still may not be sure. Here we’ll list the most common features of drum smokers. Only you can decide which features you need and want and which features aren’t worth paying extra for.

I will say, that drum smokers are pretty simple in design so there really aren’t that many difference from one to another, though there are some:

Size. This will determine how much room you need on your deck or patio as well as how much food you can cook at one time. Even a smaller smoker can cook a lot of food but some people will still want a bigger option.

Quality. All of the smokers we reviewed above are from reputable brands and have an excellent history of quality so from that standpoint, you can’t go wrong with any of the smokers listed above.

Temperature Stability. Again, these are simple designs and don’t have a ton of knobs and gauges. Most temperature control is achieved by opening and closing the side or top vents.

Is it Transportable. You might not care about this. But, some of the models above can be easily broken down or are small enough that you can take them with you. If this is an important feature to you, you’ll want to stick with the Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package or the Big Bad Barrel Smoker due to their small size and ability to be broken down for easy transport.

Price. There are ranges of prices for drum smokers. It’s likely you can find one that fits into your needs in regards to features as well as fitting into your budget.

How Do I Clean And Maintain My Drum Smoker?

Cleaning and maintaining your smoker isn’t much of a job at all. A little care is all you need to ensure years of use. The owners manual for whatever model you choose will give you more specific information, but below is a list of common cleaning methods for barrel smokers.

• When cool, remove all ashes and debris from barrel
• Stainless steel cooking grates and hangers can be washed with soap and water. If food is stuck on, don’t use a harsh scrubber if it can be avoided, instead try to soak it to loosen the food before clearing.
• Most smokers have a porcelain enamel finish on the inside which resists dirt. If yours has this features you shouldn’t have to do any cleaning other than emptying ashes.
• Regularly clean the dampers and vents to make sure you have proper air flow
• Invest in a cover and keep your smoker in a dry location if possible.

Benefits of Using a Drum Smoker

Many people love smoky flavored chicken, ribs, steaks and fish. A drum smoker is a nice way to get that smoky flavor without having to stand over a hot grill. Slow and low is the cooking method with these types of cookers. A long cook time combined with low temperature means tender, juicy and smoked to perfection meat every time.

Here are some main features of a drum smoker:

• Efficient cooking. Drum smokers are really efficient and don’t use as much fuel as other types of smokers
• They’re versatile. You can actually cook many types of foods in a smoker with some added accessories, including pizza.
• No learning curve. These style of cookers are easy to use. They’re pretty much just set and forget with the occasional temperature check.
• You know what you’ll get each time. The design of a drum smoker means you get consistent temp and smoke distribution so you’ll get great smoked foods every time.
• Some models are portable so you can take them with you when camping heading to the cabin or beach or even tailgating.

Downsides of a Drum Smoker

While a drum smoker is a great way to prepare smoked foods, especially meat, they still have some downsides:

• Many people do not consider them a great looking addition to their patios and decks – they can be rather ugly
• Depending on the model you choose, it might be a huge barrel but the cook space may be limited
• Can’t cook all kinds of meat in them

FAQ

Why use a drum smoker?

If you love the flavor of smoked meat a drum smoker is a great option. It’s pretty easy to use and takes little work. Light it, check the temperature levels every now and then and it can create great meals in several hours basically on its own. You can also cook a lot of meat at one time due to their large size.

Are drum smokers suitable for beginners?

Yes, drum smokers are suitable for beginners. Since they are easy to cook on and are basically set and forget, they are the perfect way for beginners to get started smoking meats.

Are drum smokers better than offset smokers?

No It’s not better than, they both offer their pros and cons. The biggest difference is that drum smokers are pretty hands off in regards to cooking while offset needs to be tended, so it’s more work.

Are drum smokers worth it?

Drum smokers are a great option for those who like to cook with charcoal and love a great smoky flavor. They’re easy to use and maintain. There are many options of sizes with drum smokers so you can find one that fits your needs and space.

Can you grill on a drum smoker?

Yes, this is a method of cooking that has a lot of versatility. You can bake a pizza, cook a rack of ribs or pretty much anything you want.

Can you use wood in a drum smoker?

Yes, adding flavored wood chips can help you fine tune the flavor profile of the meat you’re cooking.

Do I need porcelain coated steel accessories?

They are preferred due to their ease of use and cleaning as well as their ability to retain heat.

Do I need hanging rods?

Whether or not you use hanging rods depends on what you’re cooking. Most drum smokers will come with racks, and maybe hanging rods too, so you have the ability to cook your foods in different ways. Some larger barrel smokers may even be able to cook meats both ways at the same time.

The Best Drum Smokers Review – The Bottom Line

For anyone who loves the flavor of smoked meat a barrel smoker is a must have. They are easy to use, basically just light the charcoal and check it every now and then but they can cook meat with a smoky tang that is juicy and tender virtually on autopilot.

Not everyone likes the style because many of them do resemble a 55 gallon drum, but the results speak for themselves. Plus, many models today have improved their style so this is an attractive (too strong?) addition to your deck or patio space.

Ease of use, huge capacity, even in the smaller model, tender, slow cooked meat with a great smoky flavor and a reasonable price, what more could you ask for?

Our Top Picks

• BEST OVERALL PICK: Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package 18.5” on Amazon
• BEST MULTI USE: Big Bad Barrel BBQ Smoker Grill 5 in 1 on Walmart and Amazon
• BEST SMALL PICK: Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package 14 Inch on Amazon
• BEST PROPANE SMOKER: Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker on Walmart and Amazon
• BEST BUILD YOUR OWN: Build Your Own Barrel Smoker – 16 Gallon on Amazon