Gateway Drum Smoker | 1st Cook | Smoky Ribs BBQ

1st cook on my new Gateway drum smoker
In this video I do a complete walk around and review of my new Gateway drum smoker and I also put it to work for the first time. I also review the new SmartFire air controller that I used on the Gateway drum.
I decided to do a little pork roast for some pulled pork sandwiches. I kept referring to this pork roast as a pork butt in the video, but it was actually cut from the picnic portion of the shoulder, not the Boston butt. Just wanted to clarify. Also in this video I check out and review the Smart Fire air controller on my new Gateway drum. Enjoy the video!
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[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

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[@WeekendWarriorBBQ]

Nicely done, Russ!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Mike!

[@Mr.Burton98]

this is by far the best review on this cooker now i can pull the trigger on my own thx buddy

[@scallen84]

I own this smoker now! It’s still making great ribs!

[@CookingWithRy]

What a beautiful cooker! You are gonna have fun with that!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Gonna have fun with it for sure Ry. Thanks for checking the video out!

[@GreenhornBBQbeer]

Can't go wrong with 55 gallons! Nice color, I like the overall quality and finish. The only time I messed with drums was 9 years ago but I turned mine sideways! Nice fan power options with wifi and bluetooth. I wouldn't mind trying that rig out. Nice going Rus!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Todd! I appreciate you checking it out

[@ivse9696]

That drum smoker is looking very nice and the pulled pork mouthwatering 👍👍👍

[@progers5019]

Nice cook Rus on the New Blue. Always liked the Gateway. Nice features and accessories too. The Smart Fire seemed to work nice too. Love the mobility of it. Nice first cook on your new toy. Sauce looked very tasty. Enjoyed

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Phil, I appreciate it

[@valcomm5]

Man, that looked excellent. That sauce is so good, I'm glad you liked it. I love the drum and that has been on my mind for a long time too. Looking forward to more cooks on that.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Russ and brother I have tried a lot of sauces but I think the Blues Hog is the best I’ve had and that’s saying a lot! Thanks so much for sending it!

[@flynnleonel2658]

Instablaster

[@d307p]

Just bought the honey using the link. Anxious to try it on ribs. I have the different Blues Hog Sauces. Yum.

[@SimplisticsBBQ]

Heck yea.. Gateways are cooking machines man. I did a 14lb brisket in a little over 4hrs, seriously couldn’t tell if I ran the drum at 375 or 225-250.. juicy, had that nice smoke flavor. I love my Gateway, have a 2nd one coming.. ohhh, awesome video man..✌️👍👍

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Yeah they are awesome pits for sure! Thanks for checking it out

[@CookingwithStephennJacklyn]

Dang Russ!....love your new toy that Gateway Drum is "Bad Ass" beautiful color definitely looking forward to seeing more videos. Nice cook on that pork butt thanks for sharing my brother. Have a wonderful week you and your family.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Stephen I appreciate it!

[@kevvids]

Looks like a great cooker. I've had a Smartfire for a couple of years. Not only does it keep temp whilst I'm away from the house or sleeping, it also saves me a lot of charcoal on my 22 WSM. Great product.

[@brgable]

I’ve been looking into controllers for my 22” WSM I like both the Smartfire and the Fire Board. Can you control your pit setting from the web on a SmartFire like you can the Fire Board?

[@kevvids]

@@brgable Yeah mate, it sure does.I once flew interstate for a 1.5 hour work meeting whilst monitoring acook on my phone. I was able to adjust temps and such like I was at home. Not sure I'd recommend that, but it was nice to see the cooker was doing what it was supposed to do from a far.

[@sneakeey1]

Rus, being a Drum smoker myself, that came out to be fantastic. I know you will enjoy your new toy and the food it will produce! [Phil]

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks for checking it out Phil!

[@BabyBackManiac]

This is crazy to me because I’ve been binge watching everything I could find on Gateway this weekend. Trying to decide if it’s worth upgrading my WSM or if I should just (gulp) be content. Lol. Can’t wait to pick your brain about it in March. Thx for the video, Rus

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Hey Justin, I say keep the WSM and also buy a brand new Gateway! I think you would love how roomy they are and how smooth they run

[@BabyBackManiac]

I like the way you think Rus. LOL good talking to you today

[@SmokehouseBayouSmokedMeats]

Man, I look forward to seeing the Gateway in action this weekend at The Shed! Also, enjoyed hanging with you guys on Sunday. Great inaugural smoke on the new toy.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I’m looking forward to it Brian! Gonna be fun! 👍

[@THEREALSHOWBBQ]

Very nice and well built put bro. I know you are going to enjoy it. Look forward to seeing what you are going to smoke next.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks for watching Scott!

[@ChristophHenrici]

I considered a Gateway Drum Smoker recently, but went for a Hunsaker, never looked back and had my best ever cooks on it. Wouldn’t want to trade.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Can’t look back after diving in. I hear they are good pits

[@BBQPITDOG]

The smart fire and gateway did really well. Thanks for the info Rus! Good luck at the Shed this weekend!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks man I appreciate it!

[@theathjr]

Rus my mouth is waterin’ brother. Maybe some home made slaw on top of that huh ! Dee Lish. That cooker looks very well designed as a step up from the usual pit barrel. Ordering that honey asap ! Thanks for all of the great honest advice.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks for checking it out Tom!

[@ptpitbbq]

Such a great video!!! I love that drum!!!! One day I may be able to get one

[@bigstevessmokemchokembbq8746]

Really njoy your videos, like the details and descriptions you give. Keep'em coming....👍...thx

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Great video Russ,i've looked at the gateway and saw Malcom Reed cook on one.I've never saw one hands on,but that's a lot of money for a barrel...I hope you prove me wrong.Looking forward to more videos.

[@eastsidebadger8416]

Michael Baumgardner Agreed..wish he hadn’t used a fan either..would’ve liked to seen temp control without it.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I will must definitely be shooting many videos without using the air controller. They are coming

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I guess people just don’t understand what skilled labor cost and the cost of manufacturing something like this drum from raw materials. Finish work and then painting, especially when it’s done in the USA. I guess my perception of a lot of money is much different than some people, that or I see the value of a well made non Chinese product and don’t mind spending more to get what I want. These pits are tried and true and will last for many years providing they are cared for.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

@@SmokyRibsBBQ I sir am a skilled tradesmen,a good welder and shop tech,and a licensed contractor.I get it.

[@davidandcarolh]

Idea, what you might try next is some cowboy beans underneath a ham or pork shoulder with hickory. The hickory plus the fat drippings is great. Good stuff guy.

[@EverydayBBQ]

Beautiful cooker, Rus! Congratulations! I’m gonna get me one soon. Been wanting it for a while. Like that Smart Fire too. The USB power adds some good flexibility. Cheers, brother! 🍻

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Mike! I’m loving brother! That Smart Fire is a game changer!

[@daddydutchbbq]

Enjoy your new toy Rus ! Man that blue really pops ! Cheers !

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Kent!

[@RicsBBQSpecialties]

Very Kool Video Sir! That gateway drum is beautiful. I use drums myself and they are cooking machines. Great looking pork sandwich too👍🏼👍🏼

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching

[@dewayneandrews642]

That's the color I want for when I order the gateway drum smoker along with side table

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Royal Blue. My favorite

[@TexasStyleCuisine]

Beautiful drum Rus, excellent looking cook.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Johnny, I appreciate it!

[@richshackelford5793]

I have been wanting a Gateway. Maybe soon

[@GinisPoint]

WOW that is an amazing grill and that roast OMG YUMMY!!!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Mint! I’m loving the new drum smoker

[@GinisPoint]

@@SmokyRibsBBQ It's even pretty! LOL

[@WestCoastCajunCuisine]

Well I know what my next smoker is going to be! Thanks for sharing Russ! Now I just need to convince the wife that I need a new smoker! Lol

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Lol, I know that feeling! Thanks for watching

[@JusPiddlinBBQ]

Awesome cooker Rus! Great video man!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Sandy! I appreciate you checking it out!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I'm impressed with that. The pulled pork looked so good. Cheers, Russ!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@SouthernCoastalCookingTM]

looks real good rus!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Joe!

[@PicklesBBQandCooking]

That pork turned out really nice Rus! The gateway is really cool, I went to a competition last year and man they were everywhere. Have fun at the Shed, that sounds like a blast.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Pickles, I appreciate it!

[@FireWaterCooking]

That is an awesome looking barrel cooker Rus! Looks like a lot more control than the Pit Barrel for sure

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

This drums runs like silk! Very smooth and reacts super fast when raising or lowering temps

[@brianveestrom6784]

Love the blue barrel!

[@Will7981]

I like that smoker. Very nice.👍🏻

[@benbryce2788]

that's a fine looking cooker there and good to see you with one of our aussie products russ, good job all round mate

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Ben, I'm loving the new pit and I'm super impressed with the SmartFire air controller! Worked fantastic!

[@SilentKiller-fx1qj]

Awesome video and that looks delicious

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for sharing! Next time around lit the basket from the bottom so it runs like a gravity fed smoker that’s how I like to run UDS smoker. Without the fire stock fan controller if the vents are open about 1/4” you should be close to achieving 225 degrees. You can get almost 20hrs out of a full basket of charcoal. Rus enjoy my friend and Happy Smokin’ -Joe

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks for watching Joe

[@backwoodscountryboy1600]

Great video Russ , I like.you your new setup and you right that Blues Hogs BBQ sauce is good stuff I use it all the time

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks I appreciate you watching

[@Hackdaddy81]

Great video . I made me a drum smoker out of a 55 gallon drum and love it but I may need to get me a smart fire like that to put on mine to keep the temp right

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks, I appreciate you watching! The SmartFire will dial your pit right in and hold it there. Loving it!

[@hedgefun3024]

Blues Hog makes the absolute best BBQ sauces. Love the Tennessee Red Sauce.

[@FracDaddyBBQ]

Great looking cooker there Rus

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Jared 👍

[@garytingler3222]

That is a good looking smoker . I am going to look into that. I tried the sauce a while back on a cook. It is a great sauce.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Gary! I’m loving it, and the sauce

[@aliciadavidson5005]

I love that it has a thermometer!! Wish our pit barrel did

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Yeah I like that too and the ability to control temps with the vents

[@jasoncottingham6573]

Great Review and Great Content!

[@magnoliabladeandgun6046]

love the pit brother

[@BoodyVsBoody]

I have the Oklahoma Joe bronco drum. I really want the gateway drum. One feature with the bronco I really like is the option to put the fire basket on the diffuser plate and use the drum as a charcoal grill. Can the gateway drum be used as a charcoal grill with the fire basket hire up and closer to the grates?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

You could raise the fire box to any level using a grate but the heat guard would not protect the paint so I will just bust out the Weber kettle when I need a grill. Thanks for watching

[@tearoy888]

I just ordered one of these as well. Where did you get the magnet printed? Thanks again for a great video!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I ordered the 12x18" magnet from Magnets On The Cheap website. Perfect fit!

[@dbutler27]

Great Video, Thanks for sharing....Can you please share where you had the Full Color Refrigerator / Car Door Logo Magnets made? Did you get them through Gateway with the drum?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Got the magnet here: www.magnetsonthecheap.com

[@jeffreysims544]

What did you have the vents set at with the fan on ? I wish you should a picture of them

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

both vents are shut completely closed. The air will be pumped in by the fan for the correct amount of air to maintain your desired temperature

[@rodagerter7813]

Love the gateway, but I bought a pit barrel. Just a thought here, how about a rib or chicken side by side cook-off to see which one is better??

[@bamaboi6845]

You have to do a comparison with the Pit Barrel Cooker

[@chrissandoval7675]

once you get more familiar with it i bet a lot of folk'd be interested on how you manipulate the upper and lower valves to get such control over the barrel's temp. mayhaps we get lucky enough for a battle of the barrels episode?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Oh that’s coming for certain! I’m pretty sure this will be one easy pit to stabilize. Thanks for watching

[@billsiebel9941]

Great video as always Russ.That is a beautiful , well built drum. Think the food will be better that than on your PBC??

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks I appreciate it! The PBC does a great job but you can’t control temperature like you can on this one and this one has much more cooking area, plus other benefits you just don’t have with a PBC

[@JaxxDrinkwater]

Maan that smoker is beautiful. You lucky dog!! I've been wanting to pull the trigger on some of the blue hog products. My want list is huge...laughing.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I’m loving it Jaxx! That sauce is excellent!

[@bcgmktg]

That cooker looks gorgeous! I gotta get that Fire Bee Honey for sure!

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Gateway makes some pretty barrel cookers. I was at a local comp. this past weekend and it seemed like that the majority of teams are using boss hog sauce- will have to order some.

[@johndeere5336]

That's one awesome cooker what's the diameter size?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

22.5"

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

The bbq looks great

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thank you!

[@activedad1776]

Nice barrel cooker. Hopefully soon I can invest in one. Basic stove top, and Grilling is boring now. Do you still cook/ speak with Kieth from Frog Bone? Maybe you could do some smoked salmon or even some bison in your new cooker. Never had bison but I think it would be an awesome video to add to your channel.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I talk to Keith fairly often

[@tommywoo1888]

thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@gregdutton6839]

Great video Russ. I have a WSM 22 and it smokes some amazing BBQ but I always wonder how the Gateway drum would compare? Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I’ve never owned a WSM so I can’t say but I can say I’m loving this drum and how smooth it runs

[@SimplisticsBBQ]

Greg, I own both and it’s 2 ends of a spectrum. The gateway loves that 300 mark and you have to work quick with the lid off. The WSM seems to like the lower temps and easier to maintain and seems to calm back down easier. I personally choose my gateway though between the 2. I can cook in upper 20’s low 30’s and not have to blanket my gateway. My WSM struggles at those temps. The flavor off the gateway is a grilled smoked flavor. Just very distinct flavor. Hope this helps, it’s just my 2cents worth, again I love my WSM and usually I have both the gateway and WSM loaded with ribs hanging side by side a lot during the summer. Any questions let me know, be glad to answer them if I can..

[@GoRawVegan]

I have owned both for 3+ years. If I could only keep one it's the gateway without hesitation. I very much like my wsm but now I only use it when I feel like indirect low n slow cooking. When I run the wsm hot n fast and remove the water pan it doesn't cook as well as the gateway. The draft in the gateway is much better. Much more efficient. I dont love cleaning the gateway but that's about it

[@dewayneandrews642]

Never tried any rubs from Blues Hog ; but I have tried the Tennessee Red sauce...Really good sauce...I got it from either grocery store or Ace Hardware Store..

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Their sauces are hard to beat.

[@solman93]

Russ, Blues Hog Honey Mustard sauce is really good too.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I’ve got some and will try it soon

[@pwalms65]

Wanted to follow up with you and see how the smartfire fan is doing. Is it still performing well and have you had any issues at all with it? I'm in the market for a new system to replace some very old IQ stuff that I have.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

So far doing great

[@louieleos1218]

Just got my Smartfire and plan on doing my first burn on the break in to familiarize myself with it. That being said, where are you setting the intake that doesn’t have the Smartfire in it? I plan on doing a low and slow 250 cook on the gateway so was just wondering if you have any tips? Also, did you drill into the gateway for the probe ?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Close the other vent all the way off. The air controller will deliver the right amount of air through the one port. Yes, I did have to drill a hole for the silicone grommet.

[@dewayneandrews642]

Just askn Rus ; but do u think the folks over @ gateway drum smoker can add a probe port since they recommend not putting probe wires over the top inside drum between the lid & drum itself??

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

They may add it in for you. I did it myself. Easy to do.

[@onehazelnut]

What do you think about the SmartFire? Looks like it works well.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Very impressed on this first cook

[@chrisbrown456]

looks good to me Rus,would that sauce be good on chicken or turkey wings you think?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

That sauce would be good on anything! I could drink it! 😂

[@chrisbrown456]

@@SmokyRibsBBQ once it starts getting warm enough to cook outdoors around here,i may try making that sauce and trying it on a few racks of babybacks as well as some wings

[@osmonfrances2407]

hello, I am on one of your other sites about Philly cheesesteak stuffed bell pepper recipes. You talked about your onion dicer & said how much it cost but you never said where you purchased it at? Can you let me know where you bought it? Thanks!!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I ordered it from Amazon.com. Just go to Amazon and type in onion slicer in the search feature. It may not be the exact one. I've had that for years now, but they do have them

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

Hey Rus! Nice new Toy for the arsenal! 👍 I got a question for you........why do these and other pits even come with dial thermometers??? Everyone ends up using their digital probes anyway. What not just put a probe port and drop the cost of the pit??? Just my 2 cent. Metal On! \m/

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks! Some people rely strictly on the analog thermometer that comes on pits, and I do also many times. Once you learn the pit and how it behaves that’s really all you need, but using a air controller does require a probe. I’ve seen people remove that thermometer and use that hole for probes but I want to leave mind in.

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

Thanks Rus! Always appreciate your thoughts!

[@tearoy888]

About how long was the total cook time?

[@09890897]

Thank you!

[@activedad1776]

Also do people in your area smoke gator tail or is it best just frying?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

People do it both ways

[@zooguy52]

I really prefer cooks on the Weber Kettle...I suspect many, if not most folks can not afford the fancy and too expensive cookers...like the Gateway smoker....

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I've owned Weber Kettles for years and cook on them often, but the one thing a drum or any can or bullet type smoker can do that a kettle cannot do is allow you to smoke meat directly over the fire. This allows the fat to drip into the hot charcoal and infuse that back into the meat with the smoke and give you a flavor that you can't get with any other smoker. All of my smokers have a purpose and place for certain things. With all that said, the Weber Kettle does fine, and I have used it to smoke meats for years. There are cheaper alternatives for people not wanting to drop that much money for a drum smoker. It's totally up to the person what he is willing to spend or not spend and many people just build them. It really just depends on what you want and how deep your passion for smoking and grilling meat is, and I am very passionate about it. I pamper my smokers more than I do my vehicles LOL!

[@rueridge7597]

Looking good. Take your sauce way you had it add little extra apple cider vinegar and touch of Worcester sauce see what you think.

[@richarddiaz9993]

I've been thinking about replacing the analog gauge with a 1/2" cord connector for the probe wires. Any thoughts?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I have some really small grommets and I installed one. That's all I need. I personally don't won't to get rid of the analog gauge. I've learned how to know what's going on inside by looking at it, plus it looks better with it left in place but that's just me.

[@richarddiaz9993]

Smoky Ribs BBQ I definitely agree. It looks way better with the analog gauge installed. Thanks for the reply. I’m a big fan of your videos!

[@jaybird4812]

Russ, I bet you almost hated to dirty that beauty up, but you must cook.....

[@francisagosh2175]

You got a site for the barbecue sauce

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

blueshog.com/

[@francisagosh2175]

Thank you

[@thommtum]

Love the show Rus! What do you think of WSM?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks! Never had one

[@desun75]

Will this mean the end of the pit barrel? Seems like the pit barrel is the gateway drug to the GATEWAY

[@AdamS-nv5oo]

Where do I find the honey you used

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I put a link in the video description below the video

[@AdamS-nv5oo]

Smoky Ribs BBQ scrolled too fast through.

[@RichsRiverSmokersWestVirginia]

You’ll never go low and slow again brother

[@williamskrainski8407]

2:20 What happens if you drive down the street.....They stop talking?

[@derick2986]

I wish I could of made it to the shed today 😔

[@resipsaloquitur13]

...next weekend. I’m smoking a butt. You got me. It’s January. Idk.

[@twebb32]

looks like smokey mountain to me

[@bravo9026]

I bought a fully loaded PBC package. I think it’s junk along with the food it makes. I think most KZbinrs spoke well about it because it was a sponsor. In hindsight, I’d much rather put the money toward something like the cooker in this video.

[@prevost8686]

It started out as a veteran owned company producing an American made product. Now, at least to me, it’s just another Chinese knockoff.

[@keitahentleigh7489]

...Was anybody else trying to wrap their mouths around the top of the sandwich (through the screen) while he was biting the bottom of the sandwich?... Oh, it was just me, huh.... #currentsituation... Trying to find a pulled pork sandwich somewheres in the ATL...🤓👌

[@darrelllatham6086]

Well made but well over priced. $900 no, one can build a drum smoker for $50- $100 bucks, this must be for the man that wants to look like he is engaged in the hobby but too busy to put a couple of holes in a drum, lit a fire (burn it in?) & let the fire cook his food. Not even sure enough to try to cook w/o a puffer. I think a basic PBC at $299 w/o any electronic crutches will run 12 hours at 250' with little effort.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

If you want to build one, knock your socks off brother! I have built many pits when I was younger, but I'm at the age, I just want the pit ready to go, so I pay for it.