The Top 5 Drum Smokers in 2023
Welcome to the world of BBQ, where only the boldest pitmasters survive. Before you can master the art of smoking, you need the right smoker for your job, and that’s where drum smokers come into play. Drum Smokers are an incredible tool for low-temperature detailed smoking, and this article aims to provide an overview of some of the top 5 models on the market right now. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced at smoking, there’s something for everyone!
Before we jump into the best of the best in drum smokers, let’s take a quick look at how to distinguish them from other types of smokers. Drum smokers are cylindrical metal smokers, usually constructed of stainless steel with a firebox beneath it. The firebox pushes smoke through a chamber and into your food, evenly distributing heat and smoke throughout. They are more affordable than other smokers, which is why they have gained such popularity over the last decade. Here are our top picks for drum smokers in 2023:
Top Picks for Drum Smokers in 2023
1. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker
The Classic Pit Barrel Cooker is a classic favorite amongst home smokers due to its ease of assembly and use. This cooker is designed to use gravity and smoky air circulation to ensure maximum flavor.
The pre-loaded adjustable rods are great for getting a consistent temperature throughout your smoking sessions. It also has hanging hooks that make it easy to suspend any meat you want. In terms of construction, this one certainly stands out with its heavy-duty yet lightweight construction and enamel finish.
Pros:
• Easy assembly
• Pre-loaded adjustable rods
• Heavy-duty yet lightweight construction and enamel finish
• Includes hanging hooks for suspending meat
Cons:
• Bottom rack is slightly smaller, making it difficult to fit large cuts of meat
• May need additional fuel later in the smoking process as some smoke dissipates early
• Not as efficient with wood pieces compared to charcoal
Specs
2. Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Pro Drum Smoker
This drum-style charcoal smoker combines solid construction, versatile performance, and convenient features to elevate your smoking and grilling game.
One of the standout features of the Bronco Pro is its robust heavy-gauge steel construction, ensuring durability and excellent heat retention. With a cooking capacity of 300 square inches on two porcelain-coated cooking grates, you have ample space to smoke your favorite meats, from succulent briskets to fall-off-the-bone ribs.
The Bronco Pro’s vertical airflow design and adjustable dampers provide precise control over temperature and airflow, resulting in even heat distribution and consistent cooking results. Whether you prefer low-and-slow smoking or searing at higher temperatures, this smoker delivers the versatility you need.
Pros
- Durability: Made with heavy-gauge steel, the Bronco Pro is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking.
- Versatility: It excels at both smoking and grilling, allowing you to experiment with various cooking techniques.
- Precise Temperature Control: The adjustable dampers and temperature gauge ensure you can fine-tune your cooking conditions.
- Ample Cooking Space: With 300 square inches of primary cooking area, you have enough room to cook for a small gathering.
- Convenient Features: The removable ash pan simplifies clean-up, while the side-mounted handle and large wagon-style wheels enhance portability.
Cons:
- Limited Cooking Capacity: While suitable for smaller gatherings, it may be insufficient for larger parties or events.
- Weight: Weighing around 176 pounds, it may require assistance to move or transport.
Specs
3. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
If you’re looking for a smoker that’s versatile enough for different types of users, then you will love the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. This smoker features two plated steel cooking grates, perfect for when you need to cook different meats or vegetables at different temperatures – it also has plenty of room for large cuts of meat so no worries there! This smoker is built with porcelain enameled lid and bowl so it can stand up to long cooks without wearing away, plus its damper system gives users precise control over temperatures and airflow.
Pros:
• Double plated steel cooking grates for simultaneous cooking
• Room for larger cuts of meat
• Porcelain enameled lid and bowl for added durability
• Precise temperature control with damper system
• The damper system can be a bit difficult to use initially
Cons:
• Longer assembly time due to its complex design
• Cannot be used for cold smoking as bottom vent is not adjustable
4. Char-Broil Bullet
If you’re looking for a smoker that won’t break the bank then take a look at the Char-Broil Bullet! This musical piece comes in two sizes (22 inch and 36 inch) and boasts tons of features that make it perfect for any amateur or professional pit master. The Char-Broil Bullet is constructed from enameled steel which makes it highly durable plus it has a drip pan underneath which collects juices from the cooking process and keeps them in one place. The side doors are ideal if you need access to add more fuel or chips while it’s in use – all in all a great economical pick.
Pros:
• Two size options – 22 inch or 36 inch
• Highly durable enameled steel construction
• Side access doors for fuel or wood chips addition
• Drip pan underneath collects juices from cooking process
Cons:
• Temperature can fluctuate during long cooks due to small spread between lid and bowl
• Can be quite loud at certain heat settings
5. Barrel House BHC 18C
Last on our list is the Barrel House BHC 18C smoker – possibly one of the most versatile smokers on the market! It has a removable charcoal basket that fits both standard charcoal briquettes as well as lump charcoal, so regardless of your cooking preference this one has you covered! Its temperature gauge is located on the front which makes it easier to monitor, plus its two massive air vents can be adjusted accurately for maximum heat control. If you’re looking for a smoker that does it all then this one should be your pick!
Pros:
• Removable charcoal basket fits both briquettes and lump charcoal
• Temperature gauge located on front side makes monitoring easy
• Massive air vents allow for precision temperatures control
Cons:
• Can be difficult to assemble due to complicated instructions
• Smaller than some models which means less cooking area
Who Should Invest in a Drum Smoker?
Drum smokers are relatively inexpensive and are ideal for those just starting out on their BBQ journey as they’re more affordable than other types of smokers available on the market. They are also ideal for those who don’t have too much space as many models are compact in size yet deliver amazing results. So whether you’re an amateur who wants something that can do some low temp smoking or an experienced pitmaster who wants something that will do some real work then a drum smoker will definitely tick the boxes!
Understanding the Functionality of Drum Smokers
Now that we have reviewed some of the top models let’s look at some of the most important details like understanding how they function. Most drum smokers require prepping before use by adding fuel sources which could either be charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal and then lighting them up and adjusting them accordingly in order to reach desired temperatures. They are then ready to be filled with your choice of meat and flavorings such as herbs or wood chips resulting in delicious results! Additionally, unlike some other smokers they don’t require constant attention due to their efficient heat retention capabilities – this gives you more time to focus on other components of your BBQ meal like sauces and side dishes!
Key Factors to Consider Before Making a Purchase
When you invest in something as valuable as a smoking appliance, there are certain key factors that should be taken into consideration before making your purchase. Here is a quick list of those factors so you know what question to ask yourself before investing:
Durability and Construction Material
In order to get the most out of your investment, you should pay attention to the construction material used in the key components like the lid or bowl, if made from porcelain enameled steel it will provide more durability against long cook times as well as intense heat settings. Additionally, any seals or gaskets used should fit securely and should be made from fireproof material, so make sure these are checked off!
Size Specifications
Depending on how often you plan on using your smoker, you should consider size specifications accordingly. If you usually BBQ large chunks of meat then you may want to opt for larger models like 36 inches; however, if you don’t need too much size then smaller models like 22 inches will work just fine. Plus, their portability factor means they can fit into small spaces – something that larger models cannot manage.
Price Range
We all want value for money when shopping around but price should not be a deal-breaker when looking into buying something like a drum smoker – after all, enough research could yield great deals on even higher quality smokers so don’t skimp on price if you find an option that fits all your conditions but is slightly more expensive than others!
Final Thoughts
Now that we have looked through five different models available on the market in 2023, we can see that drum smokers can cater to any aspiring BBQ chef’s needs! With so many advantages associated with using these kind of smokers, from their affordability to their functionality, they’re definitely worth investing in if you want to achieve some serious smoky goodness. If you prefer the versatility of being able to conveniently grill OR Smoke, the check out the article on Smoker/Grill Combo’s.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an avid BBQ lover or just beginning on your journey – just make sure you know your specs inside out before taking the plunge!