BBQ Buyer's Guide to Drum Smokers

Learn how drum smokers work and compare features on 4 of the most popular drum smoker brands - Pit Barrel Cooker (pbc, pbj), Barrel House Cooker, Gateway Drum Smokers (30 Gallon, 55 Gallon), and Oklahoma Joe's (Bronco and Bronco Pro).
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Bronco Pro Drum Smoker
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Regular Bronco Drum Smoker
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Barrel House Cooker
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55 Gallon Gateway
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Walmart Affiliate Links
Gateway Drum Smoker 55 Gallon Black
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Bronco Drum Smoker
goto.walmart.com/c/2754351/565706/9383?veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FOklahoma-Joe-s-Bronco-Charcoal-Barrel-Drum-Smoker-Black%2F367135589%3Fathbdg%3DL1600
Bronco Pro Black
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Bronco Pro Orange
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Not Affiliate Links
Pit Barrel Cooker
pitbarrelcooker.com/

[@bradk3670]

Gateway is $900 for 30 gallons and 1200 for 55 gallon now.

[@Tgail69]

I bought the OKJ Bronco and have loved it so far. The temp control is easy and ribs come out phenomenal every time...

[@TheJerrydon575]

I do not currently own a smoker, I've been using my Webber Kettle and the snake method to smoke food. I have owned a couple smoker's in the past, but they were both offsets. I've been wanting an easy to use smoker and was thinking of purchasing the Masterbuilt 560 gravity. Then someone told me barrel smoker's are pretty easy to use and you don't have to worry able electrical components. So this video has helped me make up my mind. I'm gonna get the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco Drum! The cost is amazing, and the metal thickness sold me! Thanks for the review!

[@patrickc-1376]

I've had the bronco for about a year and I love it. The wheels make it easy to move around unless you need to pick it up to put in a truck bed or something. Other than that, it's efficient, holds temp easily, and and you can remove the bottom cap to spray it out with a hose to clean it.

[@dannyvernon1098]

I compared several drum smokers, to include the Weber Smokey mountain, before I made a purchase, and I decided on the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco. And I'm glad I did. I think it's a much better value then the more expensive barrel smokers, and it produces some great food. I've gotten 15 hours of cook time out if it and I believe I can get more if I run it more around 225 rather than 250+. Unless I'm doing a lot of food and have to use one of my larger smokers, it's become my go-to. It also converts into a very serviceable charcoal grill, which I have used it that way as well, and if I'm not mistaken I do not believe any of the others can do this. The Bronco is a good, solid smoker and a great value.

[@msglca]

Leaning toward the OKJ

[@dannyvernon1098]

@@msglca what did you end up getting?

[@msglca]

Nothing yet, got sidetracked on home repairs - but still planning on OKJ. Like the fact you can use it as a charcoal grill too

[@bgguns114]

Bronco is a great value. It even hold heat in cold weather. Put a welding blanket around it and cold weather is a total nonfactor. Only mod I made was to order a charcoal basket for the Pro model which fits seamlessly into standard. Just turn you heat diffuser upside down and you are ready to go. Worth the 50 bucks to extend smoke length.

[@benh580]

If you're gonna get a bronco, go for the pro. I have both. The pro is amazing. Much bigger than the regular version

[@tomjohnson8264]

Should have included WSM in this. Comes apart, light, versatile and travel friendly. And a host of accessories.

[@Flyleafisthebest1]

Got my PBC as my first smoker, it's been great! Done a pork shoulder, chicken, and vegetables on it everything came out perfect. Took 6hrs to do a 7lb pork shoulder

[@tommyroberts867]

Go with the pit barrel cooker. You won't regret it

[@rogerpowers4174]

i got the Bronco a few months ago and i'm loving it so far . i did 4 pork shoulders a month ago for a family reunion and everybody loved them and o was asked to do them again next year . a liberal sea salt application for 2-3 hours and then a liberal killer hogs application over night has done great for me on the bronco and my offset . i've seared steaks and done chicken on it with good results . i'm still learing it but so far the only food mistakes have been my fault . i'd absolutely get it again . take care ....

[@chris5942]

I LOVE my Barrel House. I have the 14d that I bought just before they were discontinued. I would have bought 5 more for friends and family but that size was no more. The lift off feature is hugely handy especially when it comes to cleaning.

[@freedom-isntfree9002]

I have Bronco. I added extra shelf replacing the push bar and a 2nd grate With the extra grate yu can do 4 -#8lb p/butts. Thats a lot of meat for a 18" size barrel. Its heavy and retains temp like a champ (I found out later that I never needed the auto fan system for maintaining temps, but found one at a garage sale so I picked it up for 65$'s NIB before I bought the drum) I love the hanging system and have hung briskets, country style boneless ribs, chix breasts wrapped in bacon, chuck roasts, very versatile. I bought mine for $165 + tax at Wally World during the winter in FL. They liquidate their grills during the winter especially right before X-mas. At that price it really makes me smile but even at 300 bucks , its a great rig and worth it. I have the newer intake tube unit with out the leak .........I'm sure some of the other barrels smokers are great too, but I feel you get a lot with the OKJ Bronco unit. And its built very well so for me , its the best bang for the buck & a solid performer unit out of the line up. I also like that it has a great lid thats hinged and an excellent oven door type of gasket to make it air tight ...I checked mine by throwing a flash light in it at nigh time and looked for light emitting and there was none !! What an addicting hobby that brings a lot of smiles to family & friends ,who dont like having a few cold ones while the smoker chugs away and then knowing that an awesome meal is in the works

[@dirtier2]

I have an OKJ Bronco and it is absolutely incredible for $300. I actually use it more than my custom $800 offset.

[@jordanbanks7955]

Don’t forget the hunsaker drum lol I have mine and it’s so versatile

[@timothywelsh4113]

I have the PBC and it's true what they say, it's a rib MACHINE!!!

[@takagienterprises]

Happy with my Pit Barrel Cooker

[@normanham8566]

Considered all these when looking for a drum smoker last year. I decided to build my own UDS, and it’s working fine. It was a fun project, and I feel I got a better value for money spent. Total cost around $250-$275. It was a simple build; fire basket, intake & exhaust. $20 for used 55-gallon barrel & lid from local honey company. $50 paid to have it sandblasted. Painted w/spray cans; high heat Rustoleum. Paint came out fine and is holding up. Pay close attention to paint manufacturer’s instructions regarding surface prep, temp & humidity. I got parts from Big Poppa’s Smokers and from UDS Parts online. Been cooking/smoking big cuts of meat, and happy with delicious results. My grandkids love coming over for BBQ now. I’ve received many compliments on my UDS and the smoked food. No regrets. It was fun to build, and I’ve learned a lot in the process. One can build their own smoker without welding that is quite capable of competing with these drums. Simple and cost effective for under $300. Build your own design and save your money. Do research and start smoking 🔥💨🍖😎

[@SmokeMasterD]

That is a really good value. I may try to do an episode on uds kits one day.I suppose the hardest part is locating the drum itself. I may have to ask around about different places to get one. I would have never thought of a honey company. Good post. Thank you 🙂

[@normanham8566]

Hey D, thanks. That would be cool if you did a video on DIY Ugly Drum Smokers. I’m retired and I just couldn’t justify spending $600-$1,000 on a smoker. Check out Ugly Drum Smokers Texas on KZbin. That guy has builds demonstrated on video from start to finish. I don’t have any special skills. I just researched and followed directions. I did have to buy some tools, like a good step-bit and a long soft tape measure. Other tools used were a wrench & screw driver. No welding at all. After initial research, I had price up to around $400. Then after further research, I decided that was more than I wanted to spend. So, I eliminated wheels, bottle opener, tool rack, double intakes and & lid hinge to bring cost down. Kept it simple. I don’t move my smoker so wheels weren’t needed. I could still move drum if I wanted. Just pick it up and load on truck. Used a single slide type intake 3”. Exhaust is 2”. I hang tools on my Weber grill next to my UDS. Smoker sits on concrete pavers on my covered deck. Finished last November and I’ve already cooked several pork butts, a turkey, beef ribs, pork ribs, chicken, beef tenderloin, ribeye roast. The UDS does an excellent job, and I had no prior experience.

[@bigstevesgv6186]

Great reviews and lots of Great info! Thank you

[@javierchavez4749]

Really enjoyed this video

[@mohsenraghian210]

I have one order at Home Depot. Can't wait to start grilling.

[@sandmanoseven]

Have had a pit barrel for about 7 to 8 years. Loved it great cooks, but just upgraded to a 55 Gateway there is a little more temp control which makes cooking more fun IMO. Both are great cooker and would suggest either to anyone. FYI the PBC original is the one I have at that time the barrel had a higher gauge and they only had one size. The Gateway at a local dealer was only $750.00, but on their webpage it is listed at $1,200.00.

[@hankt2792]

Wow, very thorough comparison, excellent video. Thanks for doing this and helping us noobs out

[@SmokeMasterD]

My pleasure!

[@odavila03]

I’m sold! Thank you!

[@hannibalblackmon4650]

I have both the bronco and the pro they are great smokers

[@badboyvids1]

bronco also has a lid gasket

[@kutsbothways]

My son has the Bronco and loves it; I am considering one for myself.

[@SmokeMasterD]

I have to say, I am very impressed with the Bronco. If I were going for a drum smoker to use just around my own house, I probably would have gone in that direction.

[@QuietStormTraining]

Gateway is expensive but found a used one and it's so good, holds the temp so can basically set it and forget it

[@douglasmortimer3513]

I own the Bronco and love it. I have a couple other smokers but I pretty much use the Bronco all the time. The food that comes out of it is awesome. One drawback drums have is limited capacity. If you are feeding big groups, you might reconsider and get something else.

[@jessethabarber]

I bought a 2nd grate for mine, one for both cooking positions, doubled my cooking space.

[@usa91787]

The Pit Barrel PBX came out last year and it can probably cook as much as anyone needs. According to Pit Barrel It cooks 16 - 20 racks of ribs, 4 pork butts, 4 full packer briskets, 12 - 16 chicken halves, 60 chicken wings or 4 turkeys. Not sure how many you're cooking for but that's pretty good.

[@jarldg]

Got the standard Bronco in September 2019 from Walmart for $184. Got an extra rack to replace the handle on the left side and the additional grate for serious volume. The thicker steel makes it superior to the it WSM and other thin walled smokers in regards to heat retention. Cannot overstate the value of this thing.

[@bearvonsteuben9675]

I have a WSM, a PBC, two pellets, a Big Green Egg-style cooker, and a host of Weber kettles. Going to sell the PBC and the WSM. They’re both very good at what they do, but I just don’t use them much. I like the heavier metal of the Bronco Pro, so I might go that route. This video was informative and helpful, so thank you!

[@GONZOFAM7]

I've been using the 18" WSM for year's. Lower cost because they last and last, loads of weber and 3rd party accessories make it a great choice.

[@MostlyNotDps]

Great video. Though they did just significantly increase the cost of the gateways ($400 across the board) so if you’re watching this trying to choose, consider that

[@churmancooks9927]

Thank you.

[@artforrockstars5264]

Thanks

[@rayjermyn4541]

Happy with my OJ Bronco. I don't need it to travel. Brilliant temp control

[@mikesanders8553]

Great review, but like below wish the Hunsaker was in this lineup.

[@stevev1758]

PBC is awesome, will never sell it. Will build my own next time with UDS kit, mostly for the fun of it.

[@BRTardiff]

Phenomenal comparison video. Thank you!

[@yesitsmario88]

Bronco drum seems like the best value.

[@thefamilyman9628]

Good information. Thanks. Can you do some on a pellet grill? Do you recommend the cusinart woodcreek?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Look over my channel. Plenty of pellet grill content 👍

[@crappiedayfishon1756]

i have the bronco awsome cooker,easy and very efficient and great temp control!!!!

[@timothyrobles8777]

Is it important to have a water pan reservoir? I notice these Drums don't have one? The Webber Smokey Mountain comes with a water pan; however I see when hanging ribs its disregarded. I am looking for a new vertical smoker. Thx

[@crappiedayfishon1756]

@@timothyrobles8777 i have not used a water pan in any smoker in 15 years. next to a quality stick burner this is the best cooker for the money i have cooked on. when i want to cook smaller cooks this is my cooker. it has better heat control than othr drums, and it is built like a tank in comparison. thus the heat control and efficency. icooked 2 pork butts for 8 hours at 275 started with 8# coals and 4 wood chunks and had 2# coals left. choked it off used them on next cook.

[@crappiedayfishon1756]

watch woodshed bbq cook on the bronco.

[@timothyrobles8777]

Thank you for your feed back I value your experience and I will keep shopping, You have the Bronco? By Oklahoma Joe? @@crappiedayfishon1756

[@dougdimmadabs5001]

PBC seems like the best choice but the Bronco is exactly like the PBC but with all the accessories included, temp gauge, ash tray, better air control.

[@miguelarrowsmith421]

I use to own a pbc I sold it it was a great smoker easy to use took it camping a couple of times. I have a bronco now that why I sold the pbc. The bronco is a great smoker for the price easy to use hold temps I love the thing I own a couple of pellet smokers as well but the bronco beats them all if your in the market you can’t go wrong with the bronco the price went up on them now they want $350

[@midwest1228]

Own a PBC... Would love more temp control out of the box. However, it's a breeze to throw in your truck or SUV and that's really nice

[@SmokeMasterD]

Yeah. I have one and it's my travel smoker. It cooks on the go really well 🙂

[@8329kelso]

You devoted time to each cooker except the bronco pro. What happened?

[@BigLewBBQ]

Nice comparison. I have a Barrel House, and I built two my self out of 55 gallon drums. The barrel house like the Bronco can convert to a grill.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Didn't know about that for barrel house. Definitely some extra value then 🙂

[@Mr_Martell850]

#TeamBronco

[@davidfrey8669]

Good info, but should include the Hunsaker.

[@SmokeMasterD]

You're right. I would have done better to include the Hunsaker. I mention it briefly in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4q4hZ9sq6hsqbM

[@mschmitt6]

Bronco Pro Orange down to 680 with shipping at the Home Depot. Thats almost half price of the Gateway 55. At that price I am pulling the trigger on the Oklahoma Joe

[@SmokeMasterD]

Good point

[@BK-yu8xh]

I got my Oklahoma Joes Bronco on clearance for $139. Going to brake it tomorrow.

[@SmokeMasterD]

That's amazing! I am doing a turkey on the Pit Barrel tomorrow. Good luck on yours 🙂👍

[@JohnDoe-xu2vx]

How come Hunsaker not included in guide?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Look up my 55 gallon drum smoker guide

[@patoches]

Wouaw 🙏

[@dalewetzel773]

Diffuser

[@bubblehead7680]

I don't know why people spend so much money on a simple product. I made my own basket with a pan on the bottom to catch ashes. I bought one shelf bracket, cut it into thirds ant makes a very adjustable shelf system. I use a pizza pan on the bottom to act as a diffuser and place a water pan on it. I can then either mount one or two shelves on it depending on the cook.

[@steveo7624]

did you say pbc is made in usa

[@SmokeMasterD]

I would have to look but I don't think so. I am pretty sure they are made overseas now. In this episode I imagine only Gateway is made in the US.

[@thedude4241]

I have the gateway and the PBC and I’m going to be selling the PBC. It’s not even a comparison. I know the PBC is way cheaper but still I hate that the airflow is so horrible. I’ve had it go out on me in the middle of a cook. Everything about the gateway is better. Most importantly the temp control and airflow is great. The bronco is cool and seems like an ok deal but there’s no way the quality is as good and I’m sure my gateway will last way longer and airflow is superior with an extra intake pipe. If you’re looking at drum smokers I would only consider the gateway and the hunsaker which for some weird reason isn’t mentioned in this video. The hunsaker is a really nice drum smoker.

[@thedude4241]

Edit: if you’re looking at drum smokers you should also look at the weber Smokey mountain. I know it isn’t a drum smoker but it can be used as a drum. The water pan can be removed and you can use a gateway hanger or hunsaker hanger on the WSM.

[@markspell6724]

I have two PBC and love them. I have had no issues with it. feel free to send me yours lol.

[@normanham8566]

If I was going to buy a drum smoker, I’d get the Hunsaker. But I don’t want to spend a $1,000 on a smoker. Build your own. Fun & easy.

[@sham9174]

@@normanham8566 BBQ teams use Gateway over Hunsaker. There is a reason for that.....

[@reyhernanandez5640]

Didn’t cost nothing for shipping on my gateway smokers, u might wanna go back and look at the website.. clearly says at the top “free shipping on all smokers”

[@SmokeMasterD]

Good to know. I expect it has changed since I put out the video.

[@dalewetzel773]

Caster has no “O”

[@anthonyz5671]

Man that 18G can't be right. That would make them not even 1/16" thick. No wonder they say they'll only last about 3-5 years.

[@matrix2030x]

u might as well spend 600 on good offset

[@willissmokinbbq9679]

I have no need for a big offset nor the space.

[@Hamneggs197]

It’s so annoying that pit barrel bought barrel house. I would prefer the barrel house over the PBC.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Yes. It appears that they just shut them down rather than having done anything with them. Rather annoying indeed.

[@usa91787]

Have 2 PBCs. First one 5 years ago. Just bought a second one. No messing with vents. If the food comes out bad it's YOUR fault. Cooked everything from pork butt to prime rib. Here's your brisket recipe. Cooked 2 Walmart briskets on it using this method and they were the best I've ever had anywhere. Don't need the broth but it enhances the flavor. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX_QaGZ3j92Fjrcsi=lWGvg150VuI3fSDk