Ease of Use:
This is perhaps the most important factor when choosing a drum smoker. You don’t want a smoker that looks good but is a nightmare to use. If you haven’t smoked or grilled much in the past, make sure you something that won’t overwhelm you.
For beginners, the Big Bad Barrel Pit Charcoal Barbeque is always a good choice because it is both versatile and easy to use. You can also consider the Cuisinart Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker which is pretty simple to get used to.
On the other hand, if you’re more of a grilling old-timer, Gateway 55 Gallon Drum Smoker or the Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker are solid options.
Versatility:
Not all smokers function the same way. Many can be used to baste, fry, and even bake food.
Want a multipurpose drum smoker that you can use for things besides grilling? Try the Big Bad Barrel Pit Charcoal Barbeque as it has 5 functions rolled into one sturdy device. The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker also works as both a water smoker and a grill.
On the other hand, if you prefer keeping things simple and want your smoker to just smoke your meat, the Gateway Smoker will be a better fit for you.
Size:
This will depend on where you want to get your smoking done and how much storage space you have. If you have a huge backyard or plan on using your drum smoker at an outdoor campsite, you go for the bigger ones. For instance, the Barrel House 18C Cooker Smoker and the Gateway Smoker are perfect for people with lots of space.
But if you have a small backyard and not much storage space, the Cuisinart Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker is a much better choice as it is a little smaller.
Temperature Control:
Different smokers have different ways of managing the temperature the inside of the grill will reach. Some can reach very high temperatures, while others stay on the lower side. Also, water smokers release the heat very slowly, cooking the meat at a slightly lower temperature for a long time.
If you want a shorter cook time, you can get the Barrel House 18C Cooker Smoker. On the other hand, if you want a water smoker, this Weber Smokey Mountain is great for slow-cooked and ultra-tender meat.
Airflow is also important when it comes to managing the temperatures of your smoker. The Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker has great airflow design that helps keep the heat levels and the internal temperature of your meat steady.
Using a Drum Smoker:
In case you’ve never had any hands-on experience running a smoker, you might be feeling pretty spooked by them. But we’re here to show you the ropes and how using a drum smoker is simple. You’ll become a grilling pro in no time at all!
- Set up your smoker in a well-ventilated spot outdoors and assemble it.
- Place your charcoal in the charcoal basket and light them up. How much you need depends on the size of the meal you’re cooking.
- Once your charcoal briquettes are blazing, open the top vent of the smoker. While the meat cooks, you can open or close them to adjust the temperature.
- Start cooking your meat. For a more pronounced sear, keep the charcoal grate closer to the meat. Keep it further away if you want some mild browning. Wait 10-15 minutes for the grilling rack to reach the target temperature before putting your meat on it.
- Close the lid and let the smoker slowly cook your meat through. If you think the temperature is getting too high or low, adjust the vents. You can also add charcoal to your fire while cooking if necessary.
FAQ
01. How Do Drum Smokers Work?
The science behind drum smokers is pretty simple. The heat from the burning charcoals heats the air inside the smoker. This hot air rises and slowly cooks the meat before escaping through the vent on top. As this hot air rises, it draws in more air through the bottom vent, continuing the cooking process.
02. Can I Make a Drum Smoker at Home?
Yes, DIY drum smokers are totally a thing and you can make them right at home.
- Start with a 55-gallon barrel or drum. You can use these with a 22-inch grill rack easily.
- Divide the circumference of the drum into 3 sections. Mark these spots for the locations of your holes for your rack bolts.
- Drill holes into these sections, install bolts and nuts on the inside, weld the nuts and paint over them to prevent rusting. Then, remove the bolts and re-tap the nuts.
- Next drill holes into the lid. Fashion a handle and attach it to the holes securely.
- Make a charcoal basket. You can easily fashion one by drilling 1/2-inch diameter holes into a steel pan. Or just use a charcoal pan from another smoker that will fit in your barrel.
- Separate the cooking area from the charcoal basket by getting a terracotta bottom from a planter. Wrap it in foil and place it on the grill rack.
- To control the temperature, you can drill in the vent holes at the top and bottom of your barrel. For more precise temperature management, you can use an ATC device that will have a heat probe and will turn on an internal fan when things get too hot.
- Customize your smoker. You can paint flames or whatever you want on the barrel to add your own personal touch to it.
03. How Can I Clean My Smoker?
It is best to clean your smoker after every use. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your smoker working for a lot longer. Remove the ashes as soon as your smoker has cooled. Wipe spilled marinade with a damp, warm cloth.
Use a bristle brush and grill cleaner to clean the cooking rack. You should also use a spatula or scraper to buff off bits of burnt food from the grates.
04. Do I Need to Season My Smoker?
Seasoning your smoker is the best way to get satisfactory cooking results every time. Coat the entire inside of the smoker with a neutral oil that has a high smoke point.
You can use vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. Fill the charcoal basket and light it up. Make sure all the vents are fully open. Allow the heat to reach 275-300F for 2-3 hours. This will season your smoker completely and cure the paint.
Let your smoker cool down completely after seasoning before you use it for cooking.
05. Which is The Best Beginner’s Smoker?
For beginners, the Weber Smokey Mountain is perhaps the best bet. It is small in size, easy to use, and perfect for someone looking to experiment with smokers. As you get comfortable with your smoker, you can move onto bigger and more complicated designs.
Wrapping Up
Anyone can tell you that biting into a tender brisket can be an almost life-altering moment. And what better way can you make perfectly delicate meats than a smoker?
The best drum smoker can be a major game-changer in the way you cook and prep meat. With the smokers mentioned on this list, you can roast, grill, and smoke everything under the sun to your heart’s content.
With summer here, get yourself a smoker and host your very own weekend cookout. Your friends and family will love you and your taste buds will thank you for it! Have you picked the drum smoker you want to try out?
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