Is the summer weather making you crave barbeque? Nothing beats eating grilled food outdoors on a warm summer day. If you’re looking for a smoker that will give your food that perfect smoky flavor, then a drum smoker may be the right choice for you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of drum smokers and list some of the best models on the market. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, read on to learn more about this type of smoker and find the one that’s right for you.
Best Drum Smoker 2023 Comparison Table
| Photo | Name | Check Price | Brand | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Pit Barrel Cooker - 18.5 Inch Drum Smoker | Check Price | Pit Barrel | • Versatile • Portable • Durable • Effortless |
 | EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Pit Drum Smoker | Check Price | EasyGoProducts | • Portable • consistent temperature • quality materials • Versatile • multi-functional |
 | Oklahoma Joe's 19202100 Bronco Pro Drum Smoker, Orange | Check Price | Oklahoma Joe's | • maximum flexibility • easy clean-up • Unique airflow control system • Large cooking surface |
 | Oklahoma Joe's 19202089 Barrel Drum Smoker, Black | Check Price | Oklahoma Joe's | • maximum flexibility • easy clean-up • Unique airflow control system • Oversized charcoal basket • Temperature control |
 | Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS681VCS-D Vertical Charcoal Smoker | Check Price | Dyna-Glo | • Cool-touch spring door grip • Charcoal & Ash Management System • Durable • Sturdy |
 | Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 20" | Check Price | Char-Broil | • Sturdy • Easy to assemble • Easy to use • Easy to clean • durable • removable ash pan |
1) Pit Barrel Cooker
Pit Barrel Cooker is an excellent choice for looking for a compact and lightweight smoker. It is made of porcelain enamel, which makes it resistant to corrosion. The side handles make it easy to transport. The 8 hooks and 2 hanging rods provide ample space for smoking meat. The vertical barrel design makes it easy to cook evenly. The Pit Barrel Cooker is a great choice for those who want to smoke meat.
2) Big Bad Barrel – Pit Drum Smoker
This Barrel is a great addition to anyone’s outdoor cooking setup. It is a 5-in-1 barrel that can act as a charcoal barbeque grill, pizza oven, or smoker. It is made from supreme quality stainless steel and heats up to 225 degrees. It is also portable, making it great for camping or picnics. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this barrel will surely make your outdoor cooking experience more enjoyable.
3) Oklahoma Joe’s 19202100
The Oklahoma Joe’s 19202100 is a large, heavy-duty smoker perfect for those who love to entertain. This smoker is made from orange-colored, heavy-gauge steel and features stainless steel and porcelain-coated components. It measures 40 x 28.8 x 48 inches, so it’s large enough to accommodate a variety of meats and other food items. The Oklahoma Joe’s 19202100 also comes with an attached temperature gauge, so you can easily monitor the internal temperature of your food.
4) Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089
Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use charcoal grill. It features an airflow control system and a removable ash pan for easy cleanup. The oversized charcoal basket provides plenty of room for cooking multiple items at once.
5) Dyna-Glo Signature Series – DGSS681VCS-D
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series is a great choice for smoker enthusiast. This smoker has a heavy-gauge steel body for durability and two oversized steel wheels for ease of movement. The chrome-plated cooking grates are easy to clean and provide even heat distribution. This smoker also features a stainless steel door with a large viewing window, making it easy to monitor your food. The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS681VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Charcoal Smoker is sure to make your smoking experience a success.
Buying Guide
What is Drum Smoker?
Photo Source : theonlinegrill.com
A drum smoker is a type of smoker that uses a cylindrical cooking chamber. The design is simple, consisting of a metal drum or barrel with a grate for holding the food. A fire is built in a separate chamber, and the smoke and heat are drawn through the drum to cook the food.
Who Needs Drum Smoker?
Photo Source : udsparts.com
Drum smokers are ideal for those who want to smoke large quantities of meat at once. They are also great for entertaining, as they can feed a crowd easily. If you love smoking meats and feeding people, then a drum smoker is the perfect choice for you.
Why You Should Buy Drum Smoker
If you are looking for a great smoker, then you should definitely consider buying a drum smoker. Drum smokers are great because they allow you to smoke meat without having to worry about the temperature. This means that you can cook your meat at a lower temperature and still get the same flavor.
Types of Drum Smokers
There are three main types of drum smokers. These include the following:
- Wood Drum Smoker
This type of smoker is the most popular and can be found in many different sizes. They are easy to use and maintain, making them a great option for those who are new to smoking meats. Wood smokers require less charcoal than other types of smokers and produce a more consistent flavor.
- Coal Drum Smoker
Coal smokers are similar to wood smokers, but they use charcoal instead of wood. They can be a bit more difficult to use and maintain, but they produce a more intense flavor. Coal smokers require more charcoal than wood smokers and can be less consistent in flavor.
- Gas Drum Smoker
Gas smokers are the most expensive type of smoker, but they are also the easiest to use. Gas smokers use propane or natural gas to heat the coals, which makes them very easy to control. Gas smokers produce a more consistent flavor than other types of smokers and don’t require as much charcoal.
Now that you know the different types of smokers, it’s time to choose the best one for you. Consider what type of flavor you want, how easy the smoker is to use, and how much charcoal you’re willing to use. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose the best drum smoker for your needs.
Considerations Before Buying Drum Smoker
As with any smoker, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before purchasing your own drum smoker. This includes everything from the size and capacity of the smoker to the fuel type and accessories that come with it.
- Size and Capacity
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a drum smoker is the size. You’ll want to make sure that the smoker is big enough to accommodate your needs, whether you’re smoking for a large crowd or just a small group of friends.
The capacity of the smoker is also important to consider. This will determine how much food you’ll be able to smoke at one time. If you plan on smoking large cuts of meat, you’ll need a smoker with a large capacity.
- Fuel Type
Another important consideration is the fuel type. Most drum smokers use charcoal as their primary fuel source. However, there are also some that use propane or natural gas.
If you’re looking for a smoker that’s easy to use, you may want to opt for one that uses propane or natural gas. These smokers are typically easier to light and maintain than those that use charcoal.
- Accessories
When purchasing a drum smoker, you’ll also want to consider the accessories that come with it. Some smokers come with everything you need to get started, while others may require you to purchase additional accessories.
One accessory that’s essential for any smoker is a good thermometer. This will help you keep track of the internal temperature of the meat, ensuring that it’s cooked properly.
Another accessory that you may want to consider is a diffuser. This helps to distribute the heat evenly, preventing hot spots from forming.
- Price
Of course, one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a drum smoker is the price. You’ll want to find a smoker that’s within your budget, but also one that offers good value for the money.
Smokers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. It’s important to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Drum smokers are a great way to enjoy smoked foods. When choosing a smoker, be sure to consider the size, capacity, fuel type, accessories, and price. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect smoker for your needs.
Advantages of Drum Smoker
Advantages of drum smokers include the following:
- Affordability: Drum smokers are generally more affordable than other types of smokers. This makes them a great option for those who want to enjoy smoking without breaking the bank.
- Ease of Use: Drum smokers are also very easy to use. They typically come with instructions on how to set them up and use them, so you won’t have to worry about figuring out how to use one on your own.
- Versatility: Drum smokers can be used for a variety of different foods. This makes them a great option for those who want to smoke different kinds of meats or even vegetables.
- Efficiency: Drum smokers are also very efficient. They evenly distribute heat, so you won’t have to worry about hot spots or cold spots when smoking your food.
Disadvantages of Drum Smoker
Disadvantages of drum smokers include the following:
- Limited Space: One downside of drum smokers is that they don’t offer a lot of space. This means that you might have to smoke your food in batches if you’re smoking for a large group of people.
- Limited Temperature Control: Another downside of drum smokers is that they don’t offer a lot of temperature control. This means that you might have to experiment with different smoking times and temperatures to get the results you want.
- Can Be Difficult to Clean: Drum smokers can also be difficult to clean. This is because the ashes and grease can build up on the inside of the smoker, making it hard to reach all of the nooks and crannies.
Additional Tips When Using Drum Smoker
When using your drum smoker, it is important to keep a few things in mind in order to ensure that your food comes out perfectly cooked every time. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your smoker:
- Soak your wood chips for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the coals. This will help to create more smoke and flavor.
- Try using different types of wood chips to experiment with different flavors. Popular options include hickory, mesquite, and apple.
- If you find that your food is not cooking evenly, rotate the racks inside the smoker so that each piece of food spends some time closer to the coals.
- Wrapping your food in foil or butcher paper can help to create a moister cooking environment, which is perfect for tough cuts of meat.
- Remember to clean your smoker regularly, especially after each use. This will help to prevent any buildup of residue that can impact the flavor of your food.
Following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of the drum smoker!
Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to smoking meat, there are a few key things you need to avoid if you want your food to turn out perfectly. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when smoking meat:
- Not using enough wood: If you don’t use enough wood, your fire will go out and your meat will not be properly smoked.
- Not preheating your smoker: If you don’t preheat your smoker, the meat will not cook evenly and may even be unsafe to eat.
- Overcrowding the smoker: If you overcrowd the smoker, the meat will not smoke properly and will be tough and dry.
- Not using enough charcoal: If you don’t use enough charcoal, your fire will go out and your meat will not be properly smoked.
- Not using the right type of wood: If you use the wrong type of wood, your meat will not taste good. Be sure to use hardwood such as hickory or oak for the best flavor.
- Smoking meat too long: If you smoke meat for too long, it will be tough and dry. Smoke meat for the recommended amount of time specified by the recipe.
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, you can be sure that your next batch of smoked meats will turn out perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to smoke a drum of meat?
It depends on the type of meat, but generally speaking, it will take about 2 hours to smoke a drum of meat.
Is there anything special I need to do to set up my smoker?
No, there is nothing special you need to do. Just follow the instructions that come with your smoker.
What type of wood should I use for smoking?
There are many different types of wood you can use for smoking, but some of the most popular include hickory, oak, and mesquite.
Can I use my drum smoker indoors?
No, you should not use your drum smoker indoors. Smoke from the smoker can be dangerous to your health.
What are some of the best foods to smoke in a drum smoker?
Some of the best foods to smoke in a drum smoker include ribs, pork shoulder, and brisket.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – our list of the best drum smokers for 2023! We hope that our guide has helped you choose the perfect one for your needs. Happy smoking!
My name is David Bily and I’m the founder of smokermag.com – a blog dedicated to the art of smoking, grilling, and barbecuing. I’m passionate about all things barbecue-related and have decades of experience in finding the perfect recipe, choosing the best accessories, and mastering techniques for achieving great results every time. Come join the conversation and explore BBQSmokersblog.com to get inspired!