The Best Drum Smoker? Top 9 Awesome Barrel Smoker Reviews

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.