The 10 Best Drum & Barrel BBQ Smoker for 2023 Reviews

If you want to take your cooking skills to the next level or need the right BBQ smoker to break into the smoking and grilling world, you can’t go wrong with the Drum & Barrel BBQ Smoker.

It’s easy to get deceived by its funny look. This product will soon find its way to your heart and become your cooking companion. They are fuss-free to set up and use with gentle heat to cook your meat slowly for more tender and juiciest results.

If this sounds like something that interests you, then you should check out our list of the top 10 best drum & barrel BBQ smokers. Also, you don’t want to miss out on our detailed buying guide and FAQs to ensure you are making an informed decision.

Top 10 Best Drum and Barrel BBQ Smoker Reviews for 2023

18-1/2 in. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package

This brand’s name, Pit Barrel Cooker, already gives it away. This manufacturer produces a series of reliable BBQ smokers to be every cook’s best friend. The Classic model offers a more traditional feel like the original drums with just the basics for a simple, delightful smoking experience.

This model offers two cooking options – meat hooks or a standard grill grate. The manufacturer recommends cooking your meat by hanging using the 8 meat mooks over the grill grates. It seems to make much more sense to us as well. Hanging your meat helps you maximize its cooking space since it’s relatively small.

Talking about cooking capacity, the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package is only a 30-gallon cooker, unlike the traditional options measuring up to 50-gallon. This portable BBQ smoker makes up for its small cooking space with unbeatable cooking speed. This machine cooks twice as fast as most products on this list.

As said earlier, this model comes only with basic features, which means you shouldn’t be expecting wheels, a thermometer, or a hinged lid.

Pros:

• Comes with 8 meat hooks and hanging rods
• Grill grate features porcelain-enameled 18-gauge steel
• Impressive heat retention and distribution
• Easy to use – set-and-forget operation style

Cons:

• Does not comes with wheels for easy transportation and maneuvering

EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Drum Charcoal Barbeque 5 in 1-Smoker

When it comes to versatility, you can bank on EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Drum Charcoal Barbeque 5 in 1-Smoker. This unit can serve as a table, fire pit, and cooker. This 45-pound smoker is perfect for medium-sized gardens and patios. This model features a rugged porcelain-enameled steel construction that guarantees it serves your purpose for many years to come.

This drum reaches up to 225 degrees F and is equipped with an airflow system for even heat distribution. Coupled with the built-in thermometer on the lid, this smoker maintains the set temperature. Further, it comes with six hooks and two cooking grids, which means you cook two different dishes simultaneously – provided the cooking temperature is right.

What’s more? This EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Drum Charcoal Barbeque 5 in 1-Smoker rocks heat-proof handles to make transportation a breeze. Even better, users can easily adjust the barrel and rack’s heat to regulate the cooking temperature.

Pros:

• Equipped with an accurate thermometer
• Multifunction design
• Comes with handy cooking utensils
• Good value for the money
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Assembly can be a bit time-consuming

Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS443CB-D Heavy-Duty Compact Barrel Charcoal Grill

If you need a barrel with average-sized cooking space, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS443CB-D is the way to go. This product measures about 443 square inches of cooking space, which should be enough to cook a meal for up to 4 hungry people.

That’s not all: it features a heavy-gauge steel body construction that assures us that this model will last many years. For the sake of safety, Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS443CB-D comes with a cool-touch spring lid handle that offers a safer way to retrieve your food.

Further, this model has a side access door to easily dispose of ashes and add fuel with ease. Additionally, we love its porcelain-enameled cook grate for its impressive heat retention. Plus, it’s equipped with an analog temperature gauge for precise cooking. Also, it comes with a ‘SmokeZone’ and ‘GrillZone’ indicator to take out the guesswork.

Pros:

• Easy to use and clean
• Superior heat retention
• Oversize wheels for easy transportation
• Comes with an analog temp gauge

Cons:

• Thin frame that requires you to babysit the grill

Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

This Smokey Mountain Cooker comes from Weber, one of the top brands in this space. This capsule-shaped BBQ smoker is perfect for feeding a medium-sized crowd. This unit is one on the lighter side and has enough cooking space to fit a whole turkey.

This 18-inch cooker supports slow cooking and can attain up to 190 degrees F. The included instruction manual made assembling this cooker a breeze. Also, the lid features an in-built thermometer to allow you to keep track of the cooking temperature.

On top of that, it comes with rugged and long-lasting enameled-steel cooking grates. It comes with a metal rung to provide the much-needed support to the smoker to prevent sinking into the ground. The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker features vents, which open and close easily, to control the cooking temperatures.

Although it’s an 18-inch model, it features a compact design, making it easy to transport and use in average-sized backyards. Aside from its ease of use, users can transform this barrel smoker into a grill. With its low temperature and slow cooking, this product delivers fork-tender grilled steaks and ribs.

Pros:

• Easy to use and assemble
• Vent for better temp control
• Available in different size options
• Versatile design – barbecuing and grilling
• Excellent heat retention

Cons:

• High maintenance to prevent rusting

Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 Barrel Drum Smoker

Next is a barrel drum smoker from one of the leading brands, Oklahoma Joe. They have a variety of styles and sizes. The Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 has a little visual appeal for a barrel smoker. This model is engineered with durability in mind that’s hard to argue.

It features heavy-gauge steel construction, porcelain-coated components, and large wheels. On top of that, you get an ash pan, heat diffuser, drain cup, and charcoal basket. Another thing worth talking about is its hinged lid offering a secure seal to trap heat, moisture, and flavor. Also, it means you don’t have to deal with an overwhelming amount of smoke outdoors and more inside the drum for a sweet, smoky flavor.

Coming with an oversized charcoal basket to hold a large amount of wood and charcoal for a long smoking session. This beast features an efficient airflow system to deliver precise temp management and control. Furthermore, it’s effortless to clean.

Pros:

• Turns into a charcoal grill easily
• Includes a side shelf for additional space
• Oversize wheels for easy transportation
• Oversized charcoal basket for long smoking hours

Cons:

• On the heavier side

Oklahoma Joe’s 19202099 Bronco Pro Drum Smoker

It’s hard to find a smoker that outperforms the Oklahoma Joe’s 19202099 Bronco Pro Drum Smoker. This unit comes with a 17-pound fuel capacity to allow you to cook for a long time. Also, you get a large 21.5″ cooking space, which is plenty enough to cook a large meal for a hungry crowd.

Like the Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 Barrel Drum Smoker, this unit brings competitive performance with its unique airflow control system offering precise control and consistent smoking temperature. Furthermore, it comes with 9 meat hooks, 3 meat hangers, cooking grates, and a heat diffuser for a custom smoking experience.

These porcelain-coated components, a large ash pan, and a drain cap for no-fuss cleanup. Needless to say, the Oklahoma Joe’s 19202099 Bronco Pro Drum Smoker features a heavy-gauge steel construction to make sure this beast lasts a long time.

Pros:

• heavy-gauge steel construction
• Superior airflow control system
• 17-pound fuel capacity
• Generous cooking surface of 21.5 inches
• Hassle-free to clean
• Available in black and orange

Cons:

• Adding wood is a bit challenging

Barrel House Cooker Smoker

The Barrel House Cooker Smoker comes complete with 8 meat hooks, a built-in thermometer, manual and instruction booklet, Barrel House Cooker, H-frame, and one accessory wand. This model has a decent cooking temperature range from 275 – 310 degrees F for a fast Low ‘n’ Slow cooking experience.

That’s not all: it features a detachable base that makes cleaning and lightening the smoker a breeze. Also, it allows turning this incredible smoker into a hibachi grill and more portable.

Speaking about portability, the Barrel House Cooker Smoker is lightweight and has a small footprint, making it perfect for your patio. Its vertical hanging method helps you maximize your limited cooking surface area. It weighs about 45 pounds, which means you should have no trouble strapping this smoker into your truck.

More so, it can hold up to 8 pounds of charcoal for more than 6 hours of smoking time. To impart your food with a sweet smokey flavor, you can add wood chips and chunks to the charcoal briquette for extra flavor. Equally important, the Barrel House Cooker Smoker is engineered with a 20 gauge metal barrel with its exterior and interior porcelain enameled for superior durability.

Pros:

• Built to last
• Small footprint with lightweight design
• More than 6 hours of smoking time
• Easy to clean and transport

Cons:

• It seems it has been discontinued

Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Barrel Grill with Offset Smoker

Looking for a massive cooking space to cook for a hungry crowd? The Royal Gourmet CC2036F offers 654 square inches cooking grates, 267 square inches offset smoker, and 267 square inches warming rack – is all that enough?

These components are crafted with heavy gauge porcelain-enameled steel wire. The offset smoker is attached to the barrel grill to promote better smoke and heat circulation. This add-on provides extra smoking or grilling space to create sumptuous side dishes.

On top of that, this model comes with an adjustable charcoal pan offering three height levels for optimal heat control. It has a 7.7-pound fuel capacity to smoke for a long period without refueling between sessions. Also, it has a side charcoal door to allow you to load the coal for an uninterrupted smoking experience.

Pros:

• 3-level height adjustable charcoal pan
• Tremendous cooking surface area
• No-fuss cleanup
• Side charcoal door

Cons:

• The design could be better

Burch Barrel BBQ Smoker Grill & Fire Pit Combo V2

Want something different? You can settle for the  Burch Barrel BBQ Smoker Grill. This model is a suspended BBQ firepit that easily becomes the centerpiece for any outdoor gathering. This versatile device offers different cooking functions – roast, flame sear, and smoke.

The Burch Barrel BBQ Smoker Grill & Fire Pit Combo V2 is a great choice for professional and novice BBQ pitmasters. This model is equipped with 9 different heat settings and works well with your preferred flavored wood pellets, chips, chunk, or charcoal.

More so, it comes with adjustable legs that stay stable and offer a level cooking surface regardless of terrain surface. The tripod is effortless to disassemble for an on-the-go smoking experience.

Pros:

• 304 Stainless steel construction
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Portable design for an on-the-go experience
• Adjustable design for convenient cooking

Cons:

• Customer service could be better

Pit Barrel Cooker Junior PBJ Package

This list won’t be complete without this best drum & barrel BBQ smoker from Pit Barrel. This model has a small footprint but doesn’t be deceived. This portable cooker punches above its weight.

Speaking of its small capacity, this unit is still perfect for cooking six chicken halves, six racks of ribs, full packer brisket, a 17 pounds turkey, and many more. It has a similar cooking performance to the 8.5 Classic Pit Barrel Cooker but is more portable to fit any car.

This model is another set-it-and-forget-it model from the Pit Barrel Cooker built to sear, grill, and smoke. What else? We love this unit for its low fuel consumption and affordable price point.

Pros:

• Suitable for tailgating, camping, etc.
• Versatile cooking function
• Lightweight and portable design
• Simple temperature control
• Low price point

Cons:

• Poor quality control

Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Drum & Barrel BBQ Smoker

Construction

If you want a drum smoker to serve you for many years, you need to settle for a highly durable unit. These rugged devices are usually made of steel and treated with a weather-resistant finish for more durability. Also, it guarantees the drum smoker can withstand the harsh elements.

Some model exterior and interior are coated, usually porcelain enamel. Aside from durability reasons, this coating improves the drum’s heat retention and makes cleanup a breeze.

Size

The size is another factor you want to bear in mind when shopping for the best drum and barrel BBQ smoker. Most products are available in either 30-gallon or 55 gallons. However, some smaller models come with a 16-gallon drum.

For portability and on-the-go smoking experience, you want to stick to models with smaller capacity. These portable drum smokers are suitable for camping and tailgating.  On the other hand, hosting big parties in your backyard requires larger models. These models should come with a large fuel basket to hold more coals for a long smoking session without refueling between sessions.

Beginners Guide To Drum Smokers

FAQs:

Why should I consider a drum and barrel BBQ smoker?

They are versatile, fuel-efficient, portable, and inexpensive. They come in handy to cook a wide variety of foods.

What are the main problems with a drum smoker?

In our opinion, these cookers have limited cooking space. However, there are some models with a unique structure to offer more cooking surface area. Keep in mind; it doesn’t look like the traditional models.

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Conclusion

There you go -the top 10 best drum & barrel BBQ smokers and how to make the right choice. We are confident that any of the models on this list will bring incredible cooking performance and versatility to improve your skills for mouthwatering results.