4 Year Pit Barrel Cooker Review!!!

Four years of using the Pit Barrel Cooker. What I think about it.

[@johnpurdy939]

I purchased my pit barrel in July 2015. It is one of the most versatile cookers that I have ever used. You can cook a lot in it, and it is very mobile. We have a 5th wheel RV and it fits nicely on the storage area. After 8 years it is still going strong.

[@darkheartt302]

The thumbs down 👎 on this video is somebody who made the mistake of buying the Oklahoma bronco over the awesome amazing Pit barrel cooker.

[@supersproodle]

Thought I was watching Clint Eastwood for a moment there. Nice review!

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

😂 thank you, I’ll take that as a compliment 😀

[@roger80465]

@@thegoodlifegrilling4386 of course Clint Eastwood is about 105. 😉😁

[@grayboo212]

Damn, after I saw your comment now I think he sounds like a young Clint Eastwood as well.

[@SmokingBBQ]

I totally agree! I love my Pit Barrel Cooker! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 4 years later!

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Thanks for the response 👍

[@arcooke]

I just bought mine for 4th of July family cookout - yesterday. First cook, first smoker, and I love it already. Very reassuring to hear this! I was debating a pellet smoker vs the Pit Barrel and so far, I couldn't be happier

[@kevinbossick8374]

I was debating the same. I am so glad I went with the PBC. About 4 1/2 years now.

[@patriotcontainers4349]

I did traeger first and hated it. Bought pbc right after that and its great! Sold the traeger

[@mynamea.n.s.s5472]

Just got 1 today love the set and forgot about it can not wait to use it tomorrow 🎉 your looks as good as mine does and yours is 4 years old loooks good my old smoker didn’t even last 3 years

[@jrlarbi8310]

It truly is a master at what it does. Briquettes can go for 8hrs. Used it last week for 1x rack of jumbo beef ribs, 7x short beef ribs, 2 whole spatchcock chickens, 10pcs of chicken thighs, 3 racks of pork ribs. Just had to top up with 20lit briquettes at the very end to finish it off. This thing makes me a pro easily. 👍🏾

[@user-rv4xt8iz6p]

I've cooked 8 racks of ribs also. One day, I cooked one rack that were the best I've ever tasted, except for BB King's on Beale Street in Memphis.

[@PatrickJaszewski]

Thanks for the video! I'm getting my first one tomorrow and am excited to cook some ribs on it. Found it on FB used for $50, so that's a steal! The Ace in Omaha happened to have the accessories on clearance too, so I'm getting well setup for a bargain. Can't wait!

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Sweet 😃 Winner Winner Rib dinner all the way around.

[@stevehunt3121]

I've had mine for about 1-1/2 years and have been very happy with it. My only complaint is that the ash pan is not included. You really need that. I've recently started baking potatoes in it while the meat is smoking. Smoked baked potatoes are amazingly good.

[@kevinbossick8374]

I agree. You really need the ash pan and the hinged grill. I eventually bought everything but the cover.

[@user-ty9wd3ee3h]

Just buy you a pizza pan. To keep the bottom clean put you about an inch of oil dry in it and then just lay the pizza pan on the oil dry. Makes clean up easy peazy

[@BansheeFifteen]

I got one Love/hate relationship with it. Makes the best smoked chicken I've ever eaten. Ribs are my nemesis meat. I can't get any significant repeated good results. I'm cooking baby backs, and it seems that it takes way longer than the recommended time period. I'm in the Chicagoland area, at 780 asl, so setting the damper at the bottom is mystifying for a long cook. So where Pit Barrel says it should only take 3-4 hours, it seems like I have to go 6-7 hours to get to the "crack" test. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[@banjobbqllc]

Love mine I have 2 pbx and a pbc

[@arthurr.borquez7275]

Man great review. I was already sold watching Steven Raichlen on project smoke cooking duck . But man you helped check all the boxes of questions I had. thanks keep up the great work.

[@ttex55]

I was not sure if I should get a pellet smoker or the pit barrel cooker. I'm for sure going for the pit barrel.

[@orthzar1012]

always so no to the pellet smoker and yes to the pitbarrel

[@TheReapersSon]

I just picked up a PBC in time for this year's Super Bowl! I'm really stoked. I've been using a Weber Kettle forever and wanted to try something different. I researched the PBC for the last couple years and finally picked one up. Got it used on OfferUp and it came with all the accessories including the poultry T-hooks!

[@kevinbossick8374]

The t hook is going to change your Thanksgiving forever. I spent two weeks researching. That was two weeks I could of been cooking on it.

[@Anteater23]

@@kevinbossick8374 mad scientist bbq

[@paltro]

I just bought one! I went for the whole deal. I can’t wait to use it

[@kevinbossick8374]

Your going to love it. My favorite is "pepper beef chuck roast on the pit barrel cooker". I have a video of it.

[@paltro]

@@kevinbossick8374 I’ve got several cooks under my belt now. LOVE IT! Looking forward to a chuck roast thanks

[@hawkeyeted]

I've had mine for a couple years and it's my go-to cooker/smoker. My only wish is that they made a 22" version.

[@jrlarbi8310]

You spoke too soon. Now there is a 22.5 version. 3 rods, 16 hooks etc. Check it out.

[@user-ty9wd3ee3h]

Go to auto store and buy you a bag of oil dry. Make sure it’s non scented and add you a layer in the bottom about 1 to 2” and then get you a cheap pizza pan. Makes clean up a breeze. Most all the barrel cookers use the oil dry to keep the bottoms clean.

[@worgancrow]

Your review resonated with me and I ordered one. Thank you for your time.

[@midwest1228]

I picked up one yesterday on FB marketplace for $40. it was missing the rods, but otherwise in good shape. I ordered some replacements.. can't wait to get the first cook on it.

[@markraney5150]

Just got one last weekend. Can't wait for this weekend. First go round

[@capnrob97]

Just ordered one. I built my own drum smoker several years ago that I loved, unfortunately a downed tree in a storm crushed it. Looks like a great smoker.

[@danielperry3008]

Its a great machine, only the hanging ribs tend to get burnt near the fire i rotate mine a hour an a half for a three hour cook at 250 then wrap and lay on grill for 1 hr.and they are perfect.

[@kevinbossick8374]

I just started rotating as well. Can't believe I never thought of that before.

[@texascrossbowdude636]

I saw KZbin video with Malcolm Reed of howtobbqright, he covers half of his firebox with aluminum foil to create a safe zone and every 30 minutes (I think that's right) he spins his rack 180 degrees for even cook. With this cooker may have to swap the ribs from one rod to the other

[@roberttorrence4799]

Man I got one and it just a beast I cook everything on it and my brisket juicy and good I’m like you with my other grill don’t use it in less I got too had my for about two year now

[@user-sd5il6zv4j]

Thinking of gettin one next week. thank for the info.

[@shannonwalker5700]

Great video! Looking forward to more😊

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Shannon Walker Thanks, Looking forward to doing more.

[@royochoa6920]

Well said brother

[@ericd.4460]

Thank you, I believe that was the right answer.

[@bluecollarcook]

Thanks for the review. Trying to decide and this helps.

[@kevinbossick8374]

My only regret was spending two weeks researching it. I could have been cooking all that time. Get it, you won't regret it.

[@craigbesscares]

Planning to purchase one in December thanks for your thoughts!

[@polsok44]

Nice video! Keep up the good work

[@ianmaxwell6408]

Just got one today, can't wait until I get to fire it up this weekend, now just to decide what to make first

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Ian Maxwell Congrats!!! I hope your first smoke was successful.

[@niclorenzen3371]

Thanks for the info

[@banjobbqllc]

I absolutely love mine going to do a video on bbq pork butts 🎉😂❤

[@johnlukin985]

Hi there. I have just purchased a PBC and am new to charcoal grilling. Do you always use briquettes, or do you ever use lump charcoal? I know the PBC company recommends using briquettes (except maybe if you are grilling on the grate and want a higher heat), but I read some people saying that briquettes can impart an unpleasant flavour to the food. Have you ever found that? Regards, John (Australia).

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Congrats 😀 you’ll love it. I only use briquettes. The consistency is a must. Remember it’s just an oven you can smoke in so you want to keep the temp as consistent as possible.

[@johnlukin985]

@@thegoodlifegrilling4386 Thank-you. Do you use the Kingsford Original?

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

I have never had a bad taste but I also get it to temp before adding the meat. If it isn’t burning clean (thin blue smoke) it’s not ready. Some people use lighting fluid and that could be the bad taste also. Stay away from adding your meat if you see white smoke. Wait for the “thin blue smoke”.

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

@@johnlukin985 yep, It’s my go to

[@kevinbossick8374]

@@thegoodlifegrilling4386 I use the lighter fluid method. It works great.

[@lostpussycat1]

Do you think it’s a good idea to put aluminum foil under the charcoal basket to keep it clean so you won’t get a build up of grease at the bottom..I have one I purchased about a month ago I have used it twice once for salmon on cedar plank and one time with ribs and chicken I love my PBC.. I be trying to keep it a secret lol

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

lostpussycat1 It might work but I would be concerned with messing up airflow. If you don’t have one they make a plate that connects to the basket that serves the same purpose.

[@demondmarkhume8934]

Buy the ashtray. Saves a lot of time.

[@Augustheatsucks]

I see yours is pretty wide open, im in salt lake. figured half ? You must be up in the mountains CO UT?

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Joel 5000 ft here in NW Wyoming

[@MikeDollar]

Just found this video, is that the full sized or the junior?

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Full size

[@jessecuevas6456]

I imagine the profit margin on these things are ridiculously high. They probably cost like $50 to produce.

[@georgecantu8040]

Still on the fence about this or the wsm

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

George Cantu I chose the PBC over the WSM because of the vents. The WSM has to be watched and maintained whereas the PBC is a set and forget.

[@crushingbelial]

Different approach, both lead to fantastic results

[@jarodwalker465]

Traeger 4 life! #pelletmasterrace

[@thegoodlifegrilling4386]

Jarod Walker I’ll allow that only because I eat food of your Traeger😂