Bronco Pro Smoker Review - In Depth and Hands On - the Most Versatile Drum Smoker Available?

An in depth review of the Bronco Pro Drum Smoker from Oklahoma Joe. This smoker is one of the most versatile and fun smokers out on the market. Check out all the great features it has to offer at a medium price point of $700.
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[@chrisjohns5877]

I’ve had my regular bronco for a little over a year now. I absolutely love it. Once I figured out how to run it and set up my fire I have been able to set it and forget it and it will hold temp as long as I don’t open the lid for hours.

[@Rbouch]

Great review!!!! Wings looked amazing!!!

[@kenny1nurse]

Super Great Vid. Vid was so helpful, I need help with answers to a lot of questions I had about the grill. thank you for the tremendous help.

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks for checking it out!

[@ericousleyjr9119]

Awesome video. That thing looks solid. Been looking at this one for awhile. I may pull the trigger. Also your dog was going to town on that weber grill grate lol!! I have to hide mine for that reason lol. Happy holidays to you and your family brother!!

[@Searedandsmoked]

Booker is an extremely lazy dog... unless food is involved! Thanks for watching. I am really impressed with this smoker so far. A few more test runs will tell us more... smoke on!

[@raymondfoster5367]

I enjoy watching your videos I also have a Bronco Joe smoker and I love grilling on there. I agree with you on some new things I wish they added to them. I also am interested in the secondary grill

[@whatfreedom7]

I saw one of these yesterday.Actually it was the non pro for $399. These things are solid built and sturdy and have a nice seal on the lid unlike most other cheaper smokers. Much thicker than I expected.

[@donaldperry7429]

I appreciate you making this video, I was going back and forth if I wanted the Bronco pro or WSM, your video helped me make the decision to order the bronco pro, thank you again!

[@Searedandsmoked]

right on.... thanks for watching... hope the Bronco treats you well!

[@incredamush]

This is great! Thanks. Ive ordered one and its arriving this coming week! First shipment of them to nz. Super excited

[@Searedandsmoked]

nice... its a fun smoker. I plan on keeping it for now.... really good wings... so good!

[@whatfreedom7]

My concern is if your in the middle of a long cook and need to top off your charcoal how do you go about that without taking everything out and burning the hell out of yourself since it’s down in a tube?

[@jessethabarber]

I have the smaller one, and ive had no problem getting around 15 hours of smoke time on it.

[@foodonfire3662]

Excellent review. You hit just about all the key points. The grate handle is made so that it will hang on the wire handle so you don't have to put it on the ground. I've owned 5 kamados (currently a Big Joe). I have the standard Bronco and from my grilling/smoking experience I would suggest that Broncos do high-heat grilling/searing, low-and-slow and roasting better than anything I've tried (including kettles). If you get a second grate and put the firebox on that (versus the deflector plate) the coals will be just inches from the top grate and it will sear as well as any kettle. I store my hanger bars on the axle between the wheel and the body. The hooks live in the house as they should be kept clean after washing. Accessory hooks would be nice, I just added some to the handle and the shelf. My friend has a Bronco too and between us we went through 4 thermometers.... all junk. If you want accuracy get a TelTru. Finally, I run mine with a FireBoard controller and the temp won't vary much more than 1 or 2 degrees and can easily maintain 225 for 12 hours. Wish I had the Pro model but at $299 for the base model the value can't be beat! Thanks again for another well considered analysis.

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks for the follow up... I will be sure to point out any learning I have along the way when I do more experiments. fun smoker though for sure and think it will be a permanent fixture on the patio

[@sarwatahmed3850]

Awesome review!!!

[@Randel1966]

Great videos! I have the smaller version of this. For hot and fast I just fill the coal basket, and then dump a chimney starter full of hot coals over the top. I also leave out the heat deflector when grilling with the coal basket down low. This method is fantastic for chicken.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Thanks! I will be getting a few more out in the next few weeks.

[@dalawman4977]

aren't you suppose to let the coals ash over. The black coal gives it a bad taste?

[@zackhamsley2231]

Great overview! Just won one of these at work so I’m pumped to get it going! Upgrading from my WSM smoker.

[@Searedandsmoked]

you will love it... do wings around 300 degrees for an hour an half and then bump it up to 400 or so to crisp them up... probably my favorite thing I have done on the bronco

[@craigmellott6339]

Excellent review, TY !

[@Searedandsmoked]

you bet.... thanks for watching!

[@SamSmithVev0]

Thank you for the review and info.

[@Searedandsmoked]

No problem 👍 Glad it was helpful

[@sarwatahmed3850]

Beautiful cinematography snowy background

[@Searedandsmoked]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@sarwatahmed3850]

Great quality vlog

[@jessethabarber]

I don't have a pro i have the smaller one and love it! Easiest smoker to control, i normally leave the exhaust wide open and only mess with the intake. Basically the intake is a gas pedal, and the exhaust is the emergency brake. Great review and great smoker!

[@Searedandsmoked]

agree..... temp control is a breeze on these smokers

[@robertwhitfield59]

Same here, best smoker ever imo. Actually just got my pro dropped off by ups today(christmas gift). About to have both rolling!

[@wjb111]

This looks to be the way to go. Not too huge or expensive for typically cooking/smoking for a couple people. Great video!

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks... I do like this cooker... fun, easy, and the taste is really, really good!

[@stubbyanderson1]

The wife just purchased me one, super stoked to utilize it… thanks for your review

[@Searedandsmoked]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Just_the_Q]

Great review.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Thanks! glad you found it useful!

[@ptpitbbq]

Awesome video this looks like a great drum smoker for sure!!!

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks for checking it out... I do like this one for a larger drum smoker

[@chadwickchaplin375]

Got 3 baby back & 2 spare racks 2&1/2 hrs in right now. 36 wings after. Thanks for the vids. Big help.

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks, I appreciate that... sounds like a solid day in the backyard!

[@davidlloyd2943]

Great video. Thanks for posting this. I have a red teq 700 and I am thinking about a drum smoker.

[@Searedandsmoked]

So far I think it's a great smoker! Really looking forward to more cooks and sharing the results. Thanks for watching

[@allenbateman3518]

try the 0-400 method on your rt-700... you will not be disappointed... and you dont have to add all that lump charcoal to do the job..

[@paulpeters3100]

Is that lump charcoal or exactly what type are you using for fuel?And how long did it burn?

[@mikecalcagni7073]

Hope you make more Bronco Pro videos, you’ve peaked my interest!

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks Mike... I will try to work in a few more when I have time!

[@harrybarker1408]

good vid dood!!! subbed

[@Searedandsmoked]

thanks harry! have a good weekend!

[@franchise777]

Can you review a pitt boss champion barrel smoker? Nice review on the Bronco...thank you

[@markennes5208]

Hi Keegan - excellent review, thank-you! I already own the standard sized Bronco. I'm very happy with it. Mine has an 18 and a quarter inch grate (yours is 22" right?). Mine doesn't have the problem you point out about the bolt causing the ring to be off center. They must have used the same sized feet down there - the standard bronco does not have that problem. Most everything else seems to be to relative scale (pro vs standard) except the charcoal basket. The pro has a very tall basket whereas the standard is short - it is likely designed to be deliberately short on the Standard to add value to the Pro. Obviously the tall basket allows a lot longer cook, plus you have the wider diameter. Regarding lighting, I like the way you spread the coals out before you put the meat on. I've had trouble with mine doing pin point lighting because sometimes the burn will spread off-center. Sometimes the burn will move to the left or right for some reason, rather than spread out evenly. This causes the heat to rise straight up and read different temps on the left vs right or the front vs back, etc., when you have your grate probe on the grate. You can feel the different temps by putting your hand at different places on the top of the closed smoker lid. It's not necessarily like a Weber grill where everything is the same. I've seen temp readings as far off as 80 F. 40 F is more typical. Sometimes they're close to the same. It just depends. So this can be a problem, right? Especially if your ring is off-center to begin with. So yeah, that's a design error, it seems. Of course, this can be resolved somewhat by spinning the grate during a cook, but that's kind of a pain. I am going to experiment some more with the lighting, but it could be your method of spreading the charcoal out over most of the grate solves the problem. BTW I have an aftermarket basket that is really deep like the pro. It goes all the way up to the heat plate. Apparently it will burn 32 hours. I love it. BTW, on the standard, you can purchase an extra shelf to replace the handle on the left side. I hope it's the same with the Pro. Two shelves is better than one. Thanks again.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Thanks Mark! That is a pretty thorough review you put together as well! I think the standard bronco is an especially good buy for the price. Looks like a great setup for the money... smoke on!

[@HaotheEnd]

I use the meat hooks to hang utensils. You can also buy a 2nd side table to replace the towel bar/handle. The cooking grates have an angled handle so they stay put if you hang it on the edge of the side table.

[@Searedandsmoked]

yeah... I finally figured out that the grates could hang form those handles... took me a bit! If I had it sitting by itself, I would definitely go with the 2nd table thingy. One is just not enough.

[@curtisrogers4190]

I am over by LaCrosse, WI so I am in the cold weather with mine too. I am curious to see how well it holds its cooking temps in single digit tempratures and the wind blowing.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Well, I will definitely be using it in some colder weather during the next few weeks. Not sure if I will try single digits with wind, but we will see how it does in routine winter weather. Stay tuned...

[@jacobvillarreal8992]

Just assembled mine. I won it in a golf tournament!

[@Searedandsmoked]

finally a prize that is worth keeping! have fun with it!

[@JaliscoMe]

This smoker looks super well built. Definitely a step up from what WSM. After the Mods done to a WSM to be as versatile as the OK Joe you’ll end up paying more for the Weber.. Hinge, Door upgrade, Rib Rack, gaskets, wheels, handles, larger fire ring and defuser plate. Only Advantage to the WSM at that point would portability because it comes apart and Weight. There’s a OK Joe Pro orange near me at the Farm Store for $599.00 luckily I got my Weber’s for 375 new and a used one for 100 both in 22” if I were to pay retail I’d definitely buy a OK joe Pro and a small 14 WSM for portability

[@Searedandsmoked]

right on... both pretty good setups... I do like the OK Joe though

[@justinelderd6976]

Not sure if I can g3t an answer but what brand of grate are you using? Would be perfect grate to add coals to basket if needed. Good review thanks

[@Searedandsmoked]

Well, it comes with one grate. But... the weber 22" kettle grates fit perfectly as well.

[@jacobvillarreal8992]

Thanks!

[@Searedandsmoked]

no problem... thank you!

[@mateuszQRDL]

This is super well built for the money. Anyone got an idea what would be a roughly equivalent product available in Europe?

[@WildChinoise]

If you have two grill grates, the bottom grate could be used to hold a foil tray. The tray could be catching fat and grease, and as a water pan to add moisture to the cooked foods.

[@Searedandsmoked]

that is definitely true and could be a nice setup for the long cooks. the fat dripping in the coals below does make for some tasty bites on the shorter cooks, like chicken and ribs

[@Bigsalsupinsmokebbq]

Best Smoker I own! The BRONCO is LEGIT

[@Searedandsmoked]

I dig it... it will stay on my smoker fleet!

[@hulkhuggett]

Man, I'm looking at barrel smokers and trying to decide on which one. What other smokers do you have?

[@lkm55]

I’ve had the original for a year and love it. The new charcoal basket is twice the size of great original. Much better for longer cooks.

[@johnlukin985]

Would the Bronco Pro basket fit in the Bronco?

[@miguelarrowsmith421]

I have the regular size bronco it’s a beast enjoy it a lot very easy to use any buddy new to bbq it’s a great drum smoker the reg bronco is only $299

[@steelsdigital3615]

Can you burn wood of any sorts in there as well?

[@miguelarrowsmith421]

@@steelsdigital3615 you can burn wood chunks or lump charcoal I don’t think it’s recommended to just burn wood. It’s easy to over smoke your meat in a drum I wood think it wood be a bad idea

[@rayleemck]

Have you had any thought of a way to make a table for this like you did the egg?

[@Searedandsmoked]

There is certainly I way we could do it, but I have not drawn anything up yet. I probably will not build one more mine, as I just have too much on the patio already, but it could be something I draw up next winter?

[@rchuyck]

Would you ship some of your snow north, Minneapolis has none. Great videos, i recently traded in my Big Green Egg for a Recteq RT-700, love the ease of using it. It sits next to a Weber Summit 670 and a 36" Blackstone griddle. My wife says I cant have any more grills on the patio, we are running out of room. My comeback is, we need a bigger patio!

[@Searedandsmoked]

I am also a landscape contractor if you need a bigger patio! True, but MN is a little far north for us! I have a big patio, but I am still running out of room too... I need to make some tough decisions on what to keep in 2021!

[@rchuyck]

@@Searedandsmoked Yea, space needs, tough to decide! Spoke too fast on the snow, we got 10" since last Wednesday!

[@bigteetus]

have you tried the pitboss barrel?

[@Searedandsmoked]

I have not tried that. Barrels seem to work pretty easily, so I would guess it works just fine?

[@johnlukin985]

Hi. I notice you have both a OJ Bronco Pro and a PBC. Which do you think is better? John

[@Searedandsmoked]

definitely the bronco pro. temperature control is great and the larger size is super handy. I like how the grill grate is up high too. easy to access.

[@fifthcircle1]

I hadn't seen this smoker yet. I saw orange, and immediately wanted it! But, $700 is just too much for this simple of a unit.

[@Searedandsmoked]

I have not really seen other drum smokers with all the features for this price. If all the low and slow cooks check out good I think its a great value if you want something 22" diameter or in that size range

[@patoches]

Wouaw 🔥🔥

[@blbaumgartner]

can you grind a knotch in the ring to just clear the bolts.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Yes, that you could probably do pretty easily

[@yesitsmario88]

Do you like running lump or briquettes on the bronco?

[@Searedandsmoked]

I am pretty much a lump guy, no matter the smoker. I just find it much faster to light and keep going for longer cooks

[@nathaneyears508]

Great video mate. I’d love to see a video on how you clean yours. I love mine, but compared to my kamado, I hate cleaning it. And I agree, pulling all of the utensils out is a pain. Other than that, a great cooker.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Hmm... not great method to clean, besides a bunch of paper towels when its gunky. Only other thing I found to be a pain is the grease trap at the bottom tends to drip during the cook.... kind of need a pan below it to catch that. You have that issue too?

[@joedizzelfoerizle]

I considered grinding a slots in the black ring in order to get it centered. I thought it was shanty design as well.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Yeah... kind of an oversight there!

[@kennethrosaestrella9767]

El video es muy bueno pero para mi el mejor smoker Weber smoking mountain

[@noahkraft6453]

I have to be honest for ribs it’s probably the best rib machine love the bronco for that. But i also have a Louisiana grill from costco. For 600 bucks its the best overall smoker and i also have a hunsaker drum as well.

[@Searedandsmoked]

Right on.... I have not used the other two grills to compare. I do love how eaSY to use this drum smoker is for a charcoal rig

[@yesitsmario88]

How well does this hold temp? Do you have to adjust vents often?

[@Searedandsmoked]

from my limited experience, it holds temp really well for a # of hours. You just have to keep an eye on it as it gets later in the cook and your charcoal starts to dwindle a little. Similar to other charcoal smokers, often the charcoal may burn through the middle or another spot, and you might have to re-arrange a little. I think you could hook up a temperature controller pretty easy if you wanted to, which would help with this.

[@whatfreedom7]

You could notch the ring for the bolts then it would be centered.

[@appleblows1]

How long of a brisket can you hang in that smoker?

[@Searedandsmoked]

18" should be OK

[@aaronthomas2023]

Question. Why did you install the handle on the opposite side from where it is supposed to go? It should go opposite the wheels…

[@Searedandsmoked]

good point... I probably just overlooked that. The rack on the other side is pretty much just like the handle, so you can move it around either way.

[@Robcadams1974]

After two years, if you have the Bronco drum pro still, can you do an after two year review? I got a new in box for $375 im picking up this weekend.

[@Searedandsmoked]

I will try to work that in... I do still own it. I do enjoy using it. My favorites are hanging ribs / chicken. Then also chicken on the grill grates. Really amazing chicken in my opinion.

[@Robcadams1974]

@@Searedandsmoked you seem to be the only credible KZbinr to review the Bronco. Your opinion matters to me. I bought one, should arrive Sat. Curious about hanging the meat without a deflector. My egg will bellow out nasty smoke if any chicken drippings fall into the charcoal. So I'll probably use the deflector it comes with. I appreciate your videos.

[@danielc.1169]

How long can that smoker run at a temp of 225 to 250 ...how many hours on a single basket of coals will it go ??

[@Searedandsmoked]

I need to do a few longer cooks to give you an answer for this... stay tuned for that.

[@karatevideosandmore7685]

Can you hang 16-20 racks of ribs theoretically?

[@Searedandsmoked]

I think that would be a stretch... 10 for sure... would get real tight after that

[@enrioray2615]

Anyone know how thick the metal on the body is?

[@Searedandsmoked]

no idea on that. check the website?

[@twebb32]

some things i do like on barrel smokers ..spare ribs because its quicker then the offset and chicken ... but if things go wrong with the fire you have to pull everything out to adjust... i would say just get the weber smoking mountain . just because you can open it on the side and fed the fire and the air flow has 3 air flow intake at the bottom for a more even fire basket. just saying.

[@Searedandsmoked]

also a great option for the price too.... no argument here

[@Smodlee]

You could make cut outs on the bottom ring that will go over those bolts and center it

[@Searedandsmoked]

That's true... might look into that. I do have a grinder... but I'm not too experienced with metal work

[@Smodlee]

@@Searedandsmoked just cut out little slots and then use pliers to break it off then u have your cut out pieces.

[@xxBLKSNXxx]

Is this really a good brand? Just doesn't seem like there is a lot of talk about it online.

[@Searedandsmoked]

I love mine so far. I have not done a lot of long cooks on it yet... but love it for chicken and ribs. My favorite wings are on this smoker.

[@Toothpick1977]

How bad is the rust?

[@Searedandsmoked]

I have not had a bad rust issue yet. I keep it covered and it has held up well. I still recommend this grill to anyone interested in a barrel type setup. still on my patio and doing well!

[@BoslagerBBQ]

$700, plenty of great smokers out there for far less. Hell when I first started cooking I made great BBQ on a $40 Brinkmann.

[@Searedandsmoked]

agreed that there are plenty of smokers for less money that work well. I do like this one for easy of use, variety of setups, and great flavor for those looking to spend a little more, it is worth a look

[@BoslagerBBQ]

@@Searedandsmoked I can cook everything I need on my WSM and Kettles. I don’t doubt it’s a great smoker but that’s just a bit pricey for me.

[@dalawman4977]

idk I think I am going electric smoker and seen recteq produce some amazing results.

[@Searedandsmoked]

yup... every smoker has its place in the backyard. I am a recteq supporter overall

[@poser8587]

Maybe you are the kind that sets a grill where they want it and leaves it there. Try lugging it around every other day during cook season. Handle needs to be higher and more robust.

[@Searedandsmoked]

I thicker handle setup would be nice... I agree

[@kneepsda]

Wow coal basket that big would give you 24hr+ cooks easy

[@Searedandsmoked]

it is a nice size basket... pretty well thought out smoker

[@frankdukes5674]

For $15 you can buy a second shelf and replace the handle with it

[@jimmyh6579]

Where is it manufactured?

[@Searedandsmoked]

unfortunately... probably not the USA.. but I'm not sure

[@jimmyh6579]

@@Searedandsmoked thats unfortunate. Interesting design though.

[@jimmyh6579]

@@Searedandsmoked 22 wsm is cheaper and usa made. Makes you wonder why the bronco is so inflated.

[@user-uf7fj9zq2n]

Sounds like clad tv

[@tduffysd]

why would they pain the fire basket? that should make some awesome tasting food full of toxic chemicals when it starts burning.

[@Searedandsmoked]

that's a pretty good point... should just keep that raw steel

[@poser8587]

on mine the fire basket and grate as well as the ash bucket and lower support ring are ceramic coated.

[@msglenn2581]

I have a bronco and it only cost $300 at Academy and Lowes. Not sure where this is $700.

[@msglenn2581]

Well, looks like mine is the 18 inch model. Not sure I would need the 22 inch.

[@Searedandsmoked]

all good... I am sure the 18" works well too! and... I hope Academy works it way up to Iowa in the coming years!

[@deanvoss7098]

Weber kettle all the way

[@Searedandsmoked]

Oh... I dig the weber kettles for sure... got 2 and wish I had one more!

[@jameslast3192]

They are charging $1700 for this in NZ! WTF.

[@anthonyz5671]

Man I'm torn between this and the Pibx. I like all the accessories you can get with the PBX, But I like the mobility and size you get with the Oklahoma Joes. uggghhhh decisions.

[@Searedandsmoked]

probably cannot go too wrong. I have not used the PBX, but compared to the original pit barrel, I like this setup better. I just feel more in control of the cook with the upper and lower vent. So far, its held up well.

[@kennethrosaestrella9767]

No lo creo, el mejor smoker wsm( Weber smoking mountain.

[@bombsawaylemay770]

If only it was made in Oklahoma....

[@punkem733]

They have horrible customer service. I'm waiting on the pit barrel cooker company's new 55 gallon drum that should be coming out soon. They have some of the best customer service I've experienced from ANY company.The pit barrel hooks are fine on mine I wonder if they sets of hooks have differing sharpness. I will say the joe's hooks are harder to clean. I don't know if it's inferior steel, but I can clean the gunkiest pit barrel hooks without much elbow grease which surprised me, the joe hooks seemingly has food stick to them a lot worse.

[@Searedandsmoked]

I will be curious to see what PBC gives us on their 55 gallon drum. I am not knocking them as a company... they have a great product. I have not needed any customer service from either company, but have heard great things about PBC service.

[@Oi40ozCasualty]

Don't you mean more of a BRONCOS orange? lol

[@Searedandsmoked]

you bet.... I don't mind the broncos... solid memories of Elway back in the day battling the 49ers

[@undrwtrbsktwvn1110]

Not under $700 anymore lol

[@tduffysd]

The most versatile drum is the Gateway drum. This is just a chinese knockoff copy AKA a Fakeway drum

[@Searedandsmoked]

the gateways look awesome... I do like the features of this smoker for the money though. no add-ons needed when you buy it

[@g.choppa4448]

Looks to small, for cooking multiple meats at same time.

[@Searedandsmoked]

you could definitely do a pork butt and ribs at the same time. I think it would fit a brisket and some ribs?.... that would be close

[@sipple31]

Nice video, thank you. I ordered off Amazon with your affiliate link... but I'm not going to hold my breath that it will ship. It's not available most everywhere I look and it's no longer on their website. I'm wondering if the pro was discontinued. I wanted the Pit Boss drum because of the flip out fire box... but I can't really justify the price difference. It would be over $1000 shipped. It just doesn't seem like they have the same distributor footprint with that specific model for whatever reason.

[@leftardtroller]

It doesnt appear to have alot of room ? What if i wanted 4-6 racks of ribs or 3-4 boston buts ? Mtiple beef shins

[@Searedandsmoked]

4-6 ribs would be no problem if you are hanging them. I think you could do 3 botton butts, but not 4, if they are in the 8 lb range.

[@cliff6247]

Cuts u some small groves in the ring so it will center up

[@GOLDFOLDS1]

A MESS. hahah not good hanging meat? nope. barrel is for me. over priced