If you think you know everything about smokers, think again! There are several types of smokers on the market, with drum smokers being among the popular variety.
When looking to purchase the best drum smoker your money can find, it is essential to factor in the characteristics you are looking for. You might consider a model’s size and capacity because it affects the amount of food that can be cooked. A durable smoker will serve you for longer than a cheaply made one, while a model with easy-to-use features will save you frustration.
We have done our research and listed the best drum smokers available. You don’t have to comb through hundreds of products in the market. Look through the models presented herein and select the best drum smoker for your purpose.
Extra features: nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates; water pan and thermometer included; individual vents on bowl and lid
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is slightly smaller measuring 21 x 19 x 41 inches, and it offers 481 square inches of cooking space. This 47lb model is made from durable steel; hence it will last for many barbecue sessions. The model was given a porcelain enamel finish to help maintain internal heat and resist damage from scratches or too much heat.
Although the smoker looks small, it has adequate capacity to cook a whole ham cut and turkey comfortably. It is fitted with two nickel-plated 18-inch cooking grates that are easy to keep clean. The temperature inside the smoker is monitored through the thermometer located on the lid next to the handle. If you need more or less heat, there are individual vents you can tweak to increase or decrease airflow to the fire.
Unlike some drum smokers in the market, this model has a handle that is heat resistant. The nylon handle protects the user from burning their hands when the smoker is in full operation. The lightweight model sits on rust-free legs elevating it from the ground to prevent scorching the ground. This smoker is accompanied by a 10-year limited warranty and a vinyl protective cover for storage.
Extra features: built-in temperature gauge glowing in the dark; (1) cooking grate, (3) meat hangers, and (9) meat hooks included
Fit for competitions is the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Pro Drum Smoker offering three meat hangers, a cooking grate, and nine meat hooks. With 366 square inches of cooking space, you can easily make enough food for many people at a go. The drum smoker has a hopper capacity of 17 pounds to produce enough heat to cook the meat for about 15hours.
This smoker is made of gauge steel with components painted with porcelain for durability. All the heat produced by the charcoal is sealed in by the lid fitted with a gasket. An airflow system is present to regulate the heat produced in the smoker and a glow-in-the-dark thermometer that accurately indicates internal temperature.
Aside from excellent durability, this model features a comfortable cool-to-touch handle and a side shelf. The side shelf is useful for holding items you need nearby, thus, saving you time while cooking. The smoker possesses wagon-style wheels for mobility, so you can move it around as you please.
Cleaning the smoker is an easy task due to its removable ashtray and drain cup. The manufacturer assures you that the quality of this smoker is dependable by giving a 2-year limited warranty.
Extra features: superior-grade porcelain enamel finish; fits 8 racks of ribs, 2-3 pork butts/shoulders, turkey hangers allow for two 16 lb turkeys
The Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package 18.5-Inch Drum Smoker has a crude but effective design that emulates the DIY smokers made using a barrel as a vertical smoker. It has been developed on the basic idea and is delivered ready to use. All you need to do is light your coals, set the vent and close the lid and it’s good to go. It works almost like a convection cooker, drawing air from the bottom to fuel the fire in the elevated charcoal basket. Since the meat is vertically hanging, the hot air is evenly circulated around the food for effective smoking.
The unit is made with 18-gauge steel that provides thick walls and with the lid forming an airtight seal, you can expect even, consistent cook temperatures without any hot spots. This smoker is purposely not insulated, so the sides will cool with the exterior airflow to create “smoke fog”. This is a condensed mixture of smoke from your coals and the meat juices. It helps to keep the food moist with a delicious flavor.
The 30-gallon capacity allows for cooking a large amount of food at once. You can hang two whole turkeys or even eight racks of ribs in one cook session. The vertical design only becomes a problem if you want to use the grate to cook other meats while you’re still finishing the hanging foods. The coal basket has been sized for the optimum amount of charcoal you would need for a full 12-hour cook session. This means that you can set up your smoker and simply leave it cooking.
Extra features: built-in temperature gauge; 2-steel wire racks
Coming in at 40.7lbs is the Barton Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker that you can carry anywhere, whether for camping or a party. The lightweight model is made from durable alloy steel, and it comes with two steel wire racks and two interior racks. The cooking grate has a height-adjustable feature to move the food away or closer to the flames.
This model has a sizeable cooking capacity as it has 512 square inches of cooking space. The model is fitted with a lid that has a thermometer to monitor the smoker’s cooking temperature. Airflow to fan the heat is not a problem because the smoker has an airflow system in place.
Keep it in mind, that you need gloves to hold any of the metallic handles because they get hot.
Extra features: 2-piece design for portability; built-in thermometer; (2) grids, (6) hooks, and utensils included
The EasyGoProducts Big Bad Charcoal Barbeque is a multifunctional model that you can use to cook, as a fire pit in winter, or as a table when it is not in use. This 45-pound model is not that large, making it suitable for medium-sized patios and gardens. It boasts of durable construction as it is created from porcelain enamel painted steel.
This barrel smoker can retain temperatures of about 225 degrees, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly. It possesses two cooking grids and six hooks to hang your meat. You can cook two things at a go as long as the temperature is right. In conjunction with the thermometer on the lid, the airflow system will aid you in maintaining the right temperatures.
Additionally, this model features heat-insulated handles to simplify transporting the smoker to different locations. The barrel height and the rack height of the drum smoker are adjustable for safety and heat regulation. The manufacturer generously provides three cooking utensils with heat-resistant handles for use. These tools are stored on the drum smoker because there are hooks fitted for that purpose.
Extra features: multi-layered design, special bottom damper and ash collector, two access door
One of the main issues with smokers is that while they may be good at cooking at low and slow temperatures, they lack the ability to direct flame grill. While you may be able to improvise something to get a steak closer to the flame, it can be really tricky. However, the Realcook Charcoal BBQ smoke grill has addressed this issue. It has sections that allow you to use it as a double chambered charcoal smoker, direct heat grill or fire pit. There are two access doors with heat resistant handles, so you can reload wood chips and charcoal without impacting the smoke and heat in the primary cook chamber. There is also an air vent at the bottom of the fire chamber to accurately control the levels of oxygen you introduce to the fire and a very accurate thermometer to monitor the temperature.
The smoker has hooks on the underside of the lid, so you can hang foods as you smoke on the cook grates. So, you can smoke chickens or other meats on the grates while you hang linked sausages. This creates a highly versatile cooking performance. Once you have the sections put together, you have a capable smoker where you can cook practically anything. However, you can also easily convert the unit into a fire pit or direct heat charcoal grill, by simply taking out the top smoker section and removing the water dripping pan. All combined, you can enjoy a massive 969 square inches of cooking space, not counting the under lid sausage hooks.
Extra features: 3-inch custom dial thermometer; dual adjustable air intakes; 21 1/2-inch stainless steel cooking grate included
We have the Gateway Drum Smokers 55 Gallon Smoker designed to optimize your barbecue experience by providing the adequate temperature and a sizeable capacity to tenderize meat. To get the best results, it is advisable to smoke meat between 275–325 degrees Fahrenheit, and this model comes with a thermometer that indicates a maximum of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The meat you prepare suspends from a 22-inch steel cooking grate that does not rust, and it is easy to keep clean. There is a sizeable capacity fire basket fitted to contain the charcoal and smoking wood you need. Once you are done barbecuing, remove the fire basket and clean it out for storage.
Control the amount of heat produced as you smoke the meat through the two intake valves and the exhaust pipe. The fixed thermometer is well placed to make tracking the cooking temperature easy. When rotating the meat in the smoker, you don’t need to place the lid on the floor as it is attached to the smoker for direct access.
You can move the drum smoker from one area to the next, thanks to the welded steel handles and removable castor wheels. The 150-pound model comes already assembled with a user guide to help you along the way. Expect the smoker to retain its appearance no matter how many times you use it because its paint job can survive temperatures of up to 1000°F.
Extra features: Hibachi capability; 6 hooks, hanging rack and grill grate included
Next is the Badger Barrel Drum Style Smoker which has a small footprint for those with small spaces. This model doesn’t take time to heat up, and you have the option to use the cooking grate or hang the meat. Hanging the meat using the six hooks provides more room to work with when cooking large amounts of food.
The 35-pound model has a medium hopper capacity which operates for up to six hours. You can attain and maintain temperatures between 275˚and 310˚F by regulating the inflow and the outflow valves. No matter how hot the smoker gets, the porcelain finish will not disintegrate as it can withstand temperatures of up to 1000 °F.
The durable stainless steel model sits elevated to facilitate better airflow and prevent the smoker from burning the surface. When delivered, it requires some assembly but nothing too complicated. If you want, you can also use this smoker as a Hibachi grill.
Be careful not to burn your hands as the handle gets hot with time.
Extra features: 4 stainless steel hooks 2 steel hanging rods
The Pit Barrel Cooker Junior model is not only ideal for smoking, but you can use it for baking, braising, grilling, and roasting. The small model only weighs 55lbs; thus, it is suitable for small patios and gardens. This smoker features hooks for hanging meat and racks for grilling.
It is made from steel with a porcelain enamel-covered exterior for durability purposes. If you find the heat is not adequate, use the chimney and the air intake compartment to stoke the fire.
This model comes already assembled, so you don’t have to spend time on it. There are handles fitted on the smoker to make moving the structure a straightforward process.
Extra features: 4 racks, BBQ Thermometer
At first glance, the Man Crates Open-Ended Barrel Smoker looks like an ordinary trash can until you come closer. This 30.2-pound model has a hopper, which is enough to give you several hours of cooking time. The drum smoker is made from light and durable stainless steel with a matte black finish.
Sold at an affordable price, this model is easy to use but it requires assembly. The smoker’s finishing will not peel as the paint used can withstand higher temperatures than the typical grilling temperatures.
Extra features: 2 porcelain-coated cooking grates, removable ash pan, steel tube legs
While a backyard smoker doesn’t need to be fancy, the Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker does have some innovative features that make it a great option for newbies or experienced smokers. You can easily access the lower damper and there are numbers to help know the optimum settings. When you dial it in, the numbers will help you make consistent adjustments. While there is no water pan included, you can use the drippings pan for this if you want to inject additional steam into your cooking session. There is a removable ash pan that makes clean up easier and the nonstick porcelain coating on the grill grates also aids cleaning.
The Bullet Smoker does not arrive fully assembled, and while assembly is pretty straight forward, the instructions are a little hazy in some places. This means that you need to make a conscious effort to take your time, so you don’t slip up.
The capacity of the Bullet smoker is fairly decent. There is room to cook chicken or ribs, but the space between the racks is quite small. So, you would struggle to cook tall pieces of food simultaneously. While you could use the lower rack for sausages and have larger cuts of meat on the top rack, it would be impossible to cook larger cuts on both racks. This means that while technically the Bullet smoker does have 570 square inches of smoking space, in reality it is far less than this, if you’re exclusively smoking tall items.
Another potential issue is that you do need to watch the drippings pan. If you do add water and don’t measure it carefully, it could boil over, which means that drippings, excess marinade and other liquids could mix with the ash and charcoal to make a sticky mess.
For barbecue enthusiasts, a good smoker is irreplaceable because it produces delicious slow-cooked meat that is unparalleled. If you like smoked meat, then there is no need to drool from afar. Getting your own drum smoker will give you the freedom to smoke some meat even in the middle of the night. Before you acquire that smoker, here are a few things you need to know:
A drum smoker works like any other cooking device that relies on charcoal. There is a fire bowl at the bottom that holds the live charcoals to produce the heat needed to cook the meat. People throw in different smoking woods to the live coals to impart the flavor they want on the meat.
Once the smoker attains the right temperatures between 275-325 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is hung or placed on a grilling plate to cook. The lid stays on to maintain the desired cooking temperatures. The thermometer helps you monitor the cooking temperatures while the airflow system ensures you stoke or cool the flames as needed.
Smoking meat typically takes several hours, depending on the size and the cut. For the best results, you want a drum smoker with a sizeable hopper to support continuous hours of smoking without the need to refuel.
Drum smokers are lightweight, inexpensive, and pocket-friendly. They are considered more comfortable to use because they do not have complicated features compared to something like the smoker oven. They are also easier to store because they are normally space-saving items.
You can find drum smokers for temporary use as there are lightweight models that are affordable. Alternatively, you can spend considerably more and get a heavy-duty model that will serve for years.
Although drum smokers are not complex in structure, there are a few features that differ from one model to the next. Once you narrow down the specific features you want in your drum smoker, it should be easy to select a reliable model. Below, we will discuss the different considerations that may affect your purchase.
The size of your drum smoker depends on the amount of food you usually make. If you need a drum smoker for domestic purposes, think about the maximum amount of food you would make if you had a party. By considering this, you can purchase a suitable size that you can use for small-scale smoking and those special occasions when you have people over.
If you intend on smoking a lot of meat, look for a model with a cooking grate diameter of 20 inches and above. Smaller models typically have cooking grate diameters between 14 and 18 inches.
The larger the drum smoker, the more room you have to hang or grill your cuts of meat. For example, the best 55-gallon drum smoker, the Gateway Drum Smokers BBQ Smoker, offers a large capacity to cook a lot of meat.
Additionally, be considerate of the storage space that you have. Purchasing a large drum smoker while you have no place for storage is unwise. If you are short of a storage area and want to leave it outside, purchase a protective covering to shelter it from the elements.
In most cases, drum smokers some out of the box, requiring little assembly, and they are ready for use. Manufacturers ensure that you have additional tools that you require to make optimal use of the drum smoker. These tools include hooks, grilling racks, a fire bowl, a water pan if needed, and cooking utensils.
Not every drum smoker will come with the additional cooking utensils. Still, most of them possess grilling racks and hooks; if you need a model that you can use right out of the box, select a drum smoker with one solid structure and free cooking utensils.
It is essential to select a drum smoker that gives you value for your money when it comes to durability. If you are looking for a temporary basis drum smoker, then you can settle for the cheaper lightweight models. However, if you are looking for something long-lasting, then the metal used has to be thicker, which in turn makes it heavier.
Most of the models in the market are made of steel because it is affordable and durable. The thickness of the steel varies, but as long as the structure does not rust and contains the heat produced, it will work just fine.
There are aluminum drum smokers in the market, but they are lighter and susceptible to damage over time.
Having a thermometer fixed on your drum smoker is a good way to monitor cooking temperatures. Without temperature regulation, the food may end up burnt or cooked unevenly. That is why drum smokers have dampers to control air circulation. You can monitor if the air control is working through the thermometer readings.
If you are using a model like the Barton Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker, you have to get a food thermometer to test if the food is cooking at the right temperature. Such models with no thermometers make cooking a guessing game.
Dimensions relate to the overall size of the smoker. You have to consider where the area where the drum smoker will be sitting. If you are not sure of the appropriate size, measure out the area and compare it to the product dimensions availed. Furthermore, look at the model’s cooking area dimensions to determine if it will be suitable for cooking what you need.
For those looking for a portable model, you have to look at its weight. The heavier the smoker, the less portable it is. Some models disassemble into two or three sections to make portability possible.
If it is a large single unit, then there is a possibility that it will be heavy. Ensure you select a model that has wheels so that you can move it from location to location without straining.
There are features in barrel smokers that make it easier to use the product. These features are not available in every model, but you can look for them in any smoker you find if you are keen.
Cool-to-touch handles are crucial for safety, as, in the midst of cooking, one might forget and touch the hot handles without thinking. It is always advisable to wear mittens while handling hot metallic surfaces to avoid burns, but they are not necessary if the handles are insulated from heat.
Wheels, whether rubber or solid wheels, are fitted for maneuverability. Heavy models such as the Gateway Drum Smokers 55 Gallon Smoker need wheels to balance the weight during transportation. These wheels must be durable to remain functioning for years.
Removable ash pans are convenient if you don’t want to spend hours cleaning after you are done using the drum smoker.
Grease pans and drains collect all the oil and grease into one area instead of letting them get into contact with the flames. When you are cleaning the smoker internally, a drainage hole at the bottom helps eliminate excess water that collects at the bottom.
A warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the smoker. Most of the brands presented provide a warranty between one and ten years. However, some drum smokers do not offer a warranty. This does not mean that the product is subpar because some of them offer a 30-day return policy in case the customer does not like the model.
How much do you want to spend? This will play a significant role in the quality of barrel smokers that you get. You can get drum smokers under $200 and some over $700. Gauge if you want a model for occasional or daily use, then select a model whose price and structure fit the bill.
Now that you know what features to look for, here are a few smoking tips.
