My NEW DRUM SMOKER From Hunsaker Smokers - Why I Chose To Purchase The Vortex Drum Smoker

Yep. I bought a new smoker. There was still space in the back yard that wasn’t claimed, so I purchased a 55 gallon Vortex Drum Smoker from Hunsaker Smokers, and in this video I go through its various features, including those that led me to choose this over the many fine drum smokers available.
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#cooking #grilling #drumsmoker

[@BabyBackManiac]

Fantastic review. Love the casters and hinge. Never understood why WSM and PBC didn’t add little touches like that. They left the door open for their competition to make stuff like this.

[@CookingWithRy]

I know there's an aftermarket hinge for the WSM that people add on. I think our dear friend Phil modded his WSM with one :)

[@trevorboys9140]

@@CookingWithRy Looks fantastic. I saw that and thought that's got every after market mod I've ended up putting on my WSM 22".

[@YouTubeAP81]

Because they don't need it gents. It's designed to run as it is. Those that need it can add it if they wish.

[@tedscheckler1]

The 3-400 price difference is enough of a differentiation. Still had to mod it.

[@prevost8686]

I purchased a PBC several years ago and intended to buy another but when I learned that they had moved all of their production out of the USA and into China I messaged them and told them no thanks. If I can purchase a product not made in China I will.

[@jeremyhale303]

Not to mention the recent price hike and the fact that it comes with like a 1 year warranty. You're paying a lot of money for a thin metal drum and not much else. It's a good product, but way overpriced for a thin piece of metal made in china IMO.

[@woodybytheyough]

@@jeremyhale303 This one is only 800 bucks. Where did the steel come from in this drum cooker. You really sure its 100% American made?

[@hassanhooshmand2710]

Love your thinking wayne

[@elinino5275]

Amen! I'm building my own. 100% USA made parts. If I can't find I'll make my own

[@bombsawaylemay770]

Hasty Bake makes a 100% American smoker

[@motorolaandroid5688]

This reminds me of a lesson from Warren Buffett: Delight your customer. If you delight your customers, you'll have a sell force that you don't have to pay for. Simply put, people talk, and that is the best type of advertising, satisfied and delighted customers.

[@jlambert1182]

Been smoking on drums going on 10 years. Hunsaker’s I do believe is the best. Mark and his son are great and since my purchase last November, haven’t looked back.

[@CAJUNRNEWBBQ]

Looks beautiful. My wife's going to kill me if I get another grill anytime soon, but this sold me on replacing my pit barrel.

[@Backporch_bbq]

Thats a nice looking drum smoker. I dig the 2 features that you liked as well.

[@D11Alpha]

That smoker looks very promising. Cant wait to see your first cook on it.

[@aarongardner7469]

Got my hunsaker 2 years ago, it's my baby, love all your recipes! Not over fattening and filling, just loads of flavor! Btw, throw a foil pan under the intake to prevent grease and grease fire on the ground.

[@mckeon1960]

Hunsaker sell the hinge for the wsm www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/weber-modifications/products/stainless-steel-wsm-hinge-clip and rib rack holder, looks like a lovely smoker, enjoy

[@tgarry100]

Wow! $900! My 4 kettles combined are less. Good for you man. It’s all about having fun. Can’t wait to see some of your cooks on it.

[@SBjr985]

I've never used the drum smoker, I have always been concerned that the temperature would be hard to control. However, I am really interested in giving one a try.... I just don't know if I can convince the wife that I need a 4th grill. lol

[@luciferslettuce]

Good review, I bought the Oklahoma Joe's barrel smoker and I love it. Honestly these Ugly barrel smoker's are amazing at what they can do! Best ribs and brisket I've ever made has been on a barrel cooker!

[@HK70232]

Great review my man, you're a genuine dude who always keeps it real on your channel! I appreciate you man!

[@Jim-xu4mz]

OK; I’ll admit. I’m jealous.

[@mckeon1960]

Me to

[@WeekendWarriorBBQ]

Thats a nice Drum Smoker, Ry! Congrats.

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks!

[@emmgeevideo]

I’m going to have to wait a while before my wife forgets how much I paid for my Yoder pellet smoker. But that looks pretty good for a purchase in a few years...

[@CookingWithRy]

LOL. Good plan to maintain harmony :)

[@kjrchannel1480]

I thought start was supposed to be choke on. Well it does look like it has lawnmower wheels on it. I think someone was trying to make people laugh at that.

[@Viewtoagrill]

I like the way that bottom vent is in the center...wheels... lid hinge.... winner... take care Ry.

[@philrebekah4286]

Hit like even before I watch the video!! Cheers from Toronto Canada

[@homebound-g3o]

Would the grease and drippings from ribs be able to get past the vortex thing into the coals to add flavor? The reason I ask is because people say it is a selling point of drum smokers. And if not, do you have to use the vortex diffuser or could you cook without it like other drum smokers? Thanks

[@CookingWithRy]

You can use it without the plate. I find the drippings still interact with the charcoal to an extent.

[@corylee2261]

Ide say the biggest pro is made in 🇺🇸

[@dewayneandrews642]

Quick question Rye ; are all the lids black?? Kinda figured u wld get the red r blue smoker that the lid wld be the same color as the drum smoker itself..

[@CookingWithRy]

The darker flat color just works better for me when filming :)

[@FruitfulForest77]

My son wants my 22" WSM and I have 22" kettle with a Cajun Bandit stacker and a 26.75 kettle with a similar set up... so I'm thinking on replacing the WSM with a drum smoker. Torn between the Hunsaker and the Gateway... leaning towards the Hunsaker, but I can pick up the Gateway local. I love to cook @ 275 degrees and in sounds like the Hunsaker likes to run @ 275?

[@marcq769]

I want to smoke a brisket in my Hunsaker

[@Disastrousmedia]

Now thats a nice smoker! For me, i needed to lean more towards the cheaper side unfortunately. It came down to the WSM and the Oklahoma Joe Bronco. And ended up with the OJB. I love weber, but sometimes they make head scratching decisions. I need a lid hinge, some wheels for easier mobility, a side table is just a bonus. For $410 dollars i cant complain. Its a great smoker.

[@stevesstuff3607]

Hey RY, how close is the stack thermometer reading to the port thermometer you installed? Thanks!

[@CookingWithRy]

Really close. I’ll often just use the stack thermometer.

[@dominodon81]

New sub. First video that I've watched, but I enjoyed it. Looking forward to following your channel. Always looking for new cooking Ideas. Thanks for the great content.

[@bizarospeak]

I have the same one! Mine's just about 2 years old. It's a power house for ribs, and cooked the best turkey I've ever had in my life in it! Mark is a great guy.

[@CookingWithRy]

I'm really looking forward to Turkey this year on it :)

[@TheOtherJoseph]

I went with the hunsaker for the same reasons as you.. love the extra features it has over the competition.. I cooked a rack of st Louis cut ribs for my first cook on this cooker and they was the best ribs I've ever made... I have a few different cookers, pellet, kettles, etc but I definitely see myself using this as my go to for smoking... I'm a charcoal guy for sure.. PS: for the people that keep bringing up the price of a quality drum... you don't have to spend the money if you don't see the value... But your missing out :)

[@DLong-wp8su]

I just order the Hunsaker Smoker hanger for the Costco 24" Kamado. It is universal for the Weber or other cooker that 22" interior.

[@jaberoujourney]

Awesome looking drum...first cook on it Ribs? Chinese bbq pork ( cha siu ) Would be amazing using them hooks.

[@sparkythomas6354]

Wow. These are such nice cookers. Everything is so carefully thought out. Looking forward to your cooks on this. I have Hunsacker hanging rack and vortex plate for my WSM. Maybe someday I'll be able to buy one of their barrels!

[@shawngillogly6873]

I'm really wanting a drum smoker for cooking ribs and such that just have better flavor cooking more direct. This looks lovely, interested to see how it cooks.

[@DeadBrokeBBQ]

That is a super cool drum smoker Ry!! Love all the features for a very fair price!! You certainly can cook a ton of ribs in this one!!! Great review!!

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks, my friend! It’s going to be fun to cook on 😊

[@slcsak]

Fine choice Ry! I've done so much with my Hunsaker and even smoked 15 racks of ribs hanging. Very well thought out, capable and easily controllable/responsive smoker. Can't wait to see what you're going to do with it.

[@jackrodosta7971]

Looks nice, I've checked the same one and came close to pulling the trigger. That is till I seen the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco Drum Smoker. Look forward to seeing some cooks on you new drum

[@MrPanthers23]

My wife would kill me if I got another smoker. I only have 2. Id love a video explaining tricks/tips convincing your wife to allow another smoker.

[@PicklesBBQandCooking]

That’s a pretty cool drum, the hinge is something more manufacturers need to start doing. The windmill design on the basket is really interesting, that’s a smart idea. Can’t wait to see you cook on it. Have a great weekend my friend!

[@CookingWithRy]

Thank you! Have a great weekend :)

[@dansong.tolman2793]

Looks really nice Ry. Seems to be better design and details than others I have seen. Best I have seen so far. I don't have one yet we will see (convincing the wife could be interesting). Looking forward to real cooking!

[@Timrathmore]

I also love it !! But I settled for the oklahoma joe barrel smoker. The workmanship on that looks top notch. Awesome video

[@The1davidb]

So I’m very curious to know a couple of things if you have time to answer. 1. I have read and listened to many bbq videos and one of the benefits of a drum smoker the all mentioned is the extra flavor you get from the drippings directly onto the coals. Do you get the same effect with the defuser plate in the Vortex. 2. Do you have to clean the defuser regularly or to you just let it burn off the last cook when you lite it for the current cook?. 3. I’m torn between the vortex and the gateway. Do you think the temp is easier to maintain in one or the other? Sorry if this is to lengthy and you may have already answered these questions multiple times. Cheers.

[@CookingWithRy]

Hi! As for drippings on the coals, that’s always an option because the vortex plate can be left off to just use things as a regular basket. Personally I prefer the diffuser action of the vortex plate in plate. I occasionally scrape it off but really the heat does a pretty good job of keeping it easy to clean. As for temp control, I only have experience with this, not a Gateway, and this one holds temp EXTREMELY well. Once it’s dialed in it will sit at temp, say 275, for 8+ hours with no adjustments. I’ve run it for 12 hours before and it still had some more time it could go.

[@The1davidb]

@@CookingWithRyThank you very much. I appreciate it, that helps me.

[@jonhog611]

Great review. I own two of them and no issues. The food that comes off of these drums is award winning. Nice job. Keep smoking.

[@richshackelford5793]

I have been looking at that drum for awhile. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet. Now that you have one I will wait for your review Ry. Good cooking.

[@FireWaterCooking]

those are some really nice drum smokers! heck of an upgrade from the PBC..

[@CookingWithRy]

If the PBC didn't have handles it would fit inside the Hunsaker :)

[@Ozzmodin]

Love those Hunsakers! I bought the Vortex plate for my WSM and have noticed that while it does cook more evenly, it turns into a hot and fast machine! I have a Bub Cage starting device. You might like it- it starts a much smaller amount of charcoal from the middle, similar to the idea of your Pit Barrel coffee can starting method. Can’t wait to see your future cooks!! 👍

[@joepfohl5259]

Welcome to the drum life! I've been cooking almost exclusively on a Big Poppa drum kit smoker for a little over a year now and love it. FWIW, a lot of comp teams love the Hunsakers for hot and fast cooks. Can't wait to see all the new cooks on this beast. :-)

[@meatfaceb2047]

That’s a great looking pit. Looking forward to watching you make some delicious bbq on it.

[@meatthecookk.2227]

Great review seems like a solid drum smoker and will be curious to see what you put out with this one.

[@SouthernCoastalCookingTM]

So glad you got a Hunsaker!! You are gonna love it man! Can’t beat that even Vortex heat

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks!

[@CookingwithStephennJacklyn]

Nice new toy Ry looking forward for the cooks . Cheers!

[@FGUK1973]

I would love this!!! I have 2 smoker's and 2 Weber kettle's. Looks really smart

[@fpineda101]

I thought I saw a Hunsaker at the woodshed. I love that flat black. Enjoy the new "toy"!

[@tobiensam]

I feel a brisket comming soon..great smoker, you are going to have a lot of funn and great cooking with this smoker

[@deanvoss7098]

Pricey.. but very nice

[@Gladiator1972]

Very nice drum smoker design.

[@allenpendarvis6717]

Pit barrel cooker is coming out with a 55 gal smoker this fall called the PBX . I was wanting to buy one but I want to see your cooks on this drum and Im also looking at the gateway drum smoker. What is your thoughts ?

[@CookingWithRy]

I think there are a lot of great drums out there. Gateways are super well built and lots of people love them. I considered one from them, but it was a personal decision based on features :)

[@allenpendarvis6717]

Thanks

[@germainepierson550]

Hey brother cant wait to see your first smoke session on there i think imma invest in one one of those i got char griller offset smoker i love it but have bn looking at the drum smokers and that one looks like a beast

[@Mike-hs8fq]

Chef Ry, best of luck with your new smoker. Looking forward to your cooks.

[@g0blin479]

I’m not paying 800$ for it but I’ll gladly watch

[@jalleman61]

I agree ,the features is what gonna sell this smoker

[@travisgary6519]

Awesome review! Good information! Can't wait to see what you cook up on your new smoker!

[@theflyerpr40d]

How long does it run when full of charcoal? And how easy is to remove the basket is that heavy once full of charcoal? Thanks.

[@CookingWithRy]

I’ve had it run 10 hours, and it is quite heavy when loaded.

[@theflyerpr40d]

@@CookingWithRy thanks, I had a Weber Smokey mountain and is a pain to load and to start the fire. Looking for something easier, this seem like a better design but that basket might be heavy like you mention. Other option I was thinking was the Weber charcoal Summit.

[@zkmullins]

I'm gonna say first smoke on that will be a tritip. Call it a hunch. :O

[@spacedoutcowboy8621]

Absolutely...Never enough cookers for the back yard....!!!

[@mikeoreilly4020]

Very nice, Ry. First cook...I'm betting on ribs. LOL.

[@randyscherr5598]

Wow that looks good bud can't wsit too see what you cook up in it..thanks Ry..

[@bangpandes0079]

Very nice...

[@morrish5476]

I’m sorry you already answered how much it cost looks great can’t wait to see you use it

[@stenny1970]

Cooking With Ry - You are the perfect guy to ask this question I have been wanting to know. How do you compare The Pit Barrel Cooker & The Hunsaker ? Not just price but does one cook better or any details would be great > I would love to see you do a video on comparing the 2... I am interested in these 2 cookers as well as a Masterbuilt 1050

[@CookingWithRy]

Really it’s capacity, price, and control. The PBC has some ability to adjust temp, but the Hunsaker has easy vent control to dial in temps.

[@redstone5149]

Great looking smoker! I wish my gateway had that hinged lid😔

[@Old-Mad-Tom]

Did your smoked corned beef point, potatoes and cabbage recipe today. One of the best meals ever! 👍🏻😉🇨🇦. Thanks! Your new smoker looks like it’s gonna make some amazing food as well. 😁

[@CookingWithRy]

Awesome! Love that corned beef :)

[@SuperAudionut]

I'm a newbie with 2 Webers Genesis and Performer (charcoal). All my relatives have Traeger. And all are using it to prepare their turkey. Wife is letting me get a Traeger but this looks like a much better way to go. Also curious about the thermostat probe you use whether the Thermoworks Smoke brand is worth the cost over the ThermoPro. Enjoying your channel.

[@CookingWithRy]

I have both and much prefer the ThermoWorks. The build quality is wonderful.

[@indylive4926]

great video! where did you get your probe grommet from?

[@CookingWithRy]

Amazon 😊

[@alvinnaquin877]

Ry you buddy know more about that smoker than the ones who built that smoker

[@DavePruett]

Always fun to try out a new toy! Love the extra features on this model. Why don't all grill and smoker manufacturers make allowances for inserting temp probes? (Rhetorical question-I know you don't control this.) Sure, it would add a few bucks to the cost, but it has to be minimal. And that floating hinge would be so useful! I know many pitmasters make a lot of these mods themselves, but not all of us have the tools and the skills needed.

[@CookingWithRy]

That was one reason I went with this. You can buy all the pieces and the bare drum and make it yourself for less, but I really didn't want to do that :)

[@scottjames8498]

Looks good. I am getting addicted to smoking. Started out with a cheap cuisanart went to 22 inch weber. Dont know if Ill upgrade to a drum or horizontal. Any horizontal smokers you recommend?

[@CookingWithRy]

For a good starter I loved my Oklahoma Joe's Hghland. Great to learn on and reasonably priced.

[@canonman223]

Great features. I'm skeptical about the air intake adjustment being at the bottom of a barrel smoker for visibility.

[@CookingWithRy]

Yeah it's different, but haven't had any issues with it so far :)

[@marcbado1068]

Great looking drum. Looking forward to your 1st cook 😀

[@Ben_FromYT]

Looking foward to all the great food you will be making 😎

[@rickyvalenz6410]

Great insight and detail as always. Now that you've had the Hunsaker a few months to play with do you think it could it could get down to 225 and hold that temp for a low and slow? And how would you rate the ease of cleaning the Humsaker? Thanks for the information, I appreciate you and I always learn a lot.

[@CookingWithRy]

It likes that 275 temp, but playing with the vents I'm sure it can be dialed down more. Like any drum it isn't super easy to clean, but well worth the effort :)

[@Bill-N-Carolina]

Been saving up for the stainless model. How does it hold temperature? Would you feel comfortable doing overnight cooks at 250 on it?

[@CookingWithRy]

It holds temp very well, but I usually aim for 275. With the right charcoal load this would work great for overnight cooks :)

[@mlzz805]

I know people like making their own drums, but this looks tempting as I'm not really a builder type person. Do you have an opinion on Gateway Drums?

[@CookingWithRy]

I know people who have Gateway drums and love them 👍

[@Rbouch]

Love the flat black drum.....great choice!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Congrats on the new drum smoker Ry! I really enjoy the 55 gallon drums. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this and great review BTW. I really like the 5 levels for the grates. My Gateway only has 3 and I normally use the lower one for the diffuser plate so it don't count LOL. Such a difference from the 30 gallon PBC. Enjoy my friend and I'll be watching!

[@CookingWithRy]

I actually figured I could fit the PBC inside this drum if those side handles weren't there :)

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

@@CookingWithRy 😂

[@faceplantakaraybowman3501]

How far down from ribhanger to top of Vortex Diffuser

[@CookingWithRy]

@@faceplantakaraybowman3501 I haven't measured that yet.

[@SmokedReb]

Looks great to me!

[@otrmelo8064]

Is that flat black.or metallic silver

[@CookingWithRy]

Flat black.

[@stevesstuff3607]

Still lovin the Hunsaker? Trying to decide between yours and the gateway drum. Thoughts?

[@CookingWithRy]

Still lovin' it. Some really nice features. But I know people who love their Gateways :)

[@dannyhague1425]

Great review, looking forward to your first cook.

[@dewayneandrews642]

Does the hunsaker come with a cover??

[@CookingWithRy]

No. I just bought an aftermarket one.

[@elinino5275]

I'm building one now. Can't wait to get it going!

[@The1davidb]

Can I have your hand me down smokers?

[@damnyankeerider5959]

There is no way the smoke spins. Think of it this way hold your hand out then angle it now put a lit cigar under your hand. No spin

[@CookingWithRy]

I believe it’s because of the updraft created. A lot of people swear by how it works.

[@jokerswld8]

Awesome looking smoker, I can't wait to see it in action!

[@alzawalich9829]

Congrats, your a cooking machine

[@JuanGutierrez-vm3iz]

Congratulations for your new smoker

[@jeffdavidson2666]

Let me guess... First cook is tri tip. Lol

[@brianveestrom6784]

A very well thought out drum. Is there any room left for you on your patio? Really looking forward to your cooks Ry.

[@CookingWithRy]

I think I have saved just enough room for a Kamado :)

[@louieleos1218]

How does the intake not get blocked with buildup from so many cooks?

[@CookingWithRy]

It’s a pretty large opening and the ash and debris are contained in the Vortex basket.

[@louieleos1218]

Thanks for the info. Have you cooked on a gateway drum and how’s it compare if you have ? Leaning towards the hunsaker

[@CookingWithRy]

@@louieleos1218 No, I considered several but didn't cook on any. The Hunsaker seemed to fit what I wanted and it's been great.

[@benbryce2788]

nice one, looking forward to the first cook!

[@jernigan007]

Out of my budget, but very nice