Tour and Thoughts on the Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker

In this video I do a walk through of the Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker. I really love this cooker. So easy to dial in a desired temperature and hold it there. Check them out:
www.hunsakersmokers.com
The one in the video is the 55g, flat black, with the logo plate, 2 cooking grates and the rib hanger/hooks
Check out more videos here: tinyurl.com/2p9h4kjb

[@hunsakersmokers1276]

Very comprehensive walk through going over the features of the Hunsaker Vortex Smoker. Great job!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Nice looking drum. The lower vent concerns me but all in all seem nice…especially with the thermometer port you added. Thanks for the review.

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

Hey Justin, thanks for the comment. Yeah, the lower vent is a little different. I did my homework before purchasing, but still wondered. But I have no trouble pinning it to a temperature. It's really well-made too. Thanks again for stopping by!

[@912lineman]

Nice cooker. Looks like it’s time for a good cleaning.

[@smoking_bears_]

Nice walk around, ya definitely have a sweet drum. Brutus looks great on there

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

Thanks 👍, appreciate it. O-H!

[@smoking_bears_]

@@BuQeyeBBQ I-O

[@paulhughes8364]

Really looking at this drum smoker but am concerned if it can do hot cooks above 250-275 with it having just 1 intake and set position. Let me know if you have gotten temps above 300 and how did you do it.

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

It only has one intake but it's set postion is flexible. You can leave it more open (closer to start) or more closed to dial in temps. You can definitely get it up tp and over 300.

[@crushingbelial]

Mine runs pretty hot by default 325-350. The ribs have been phenomenal

[@Ryansbbqnbrew]

Is it easy to shut down and reuse the coals? I have a pitbarrel and I always have a lot left over and they just burn out. Looking at hunsaker and gateway but gateway just jacked up there prices $300.

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

Hey thanks for the comment/question. it is super easy to close off and reuse coals. I love my PBC too but that is my one complaint. For the Hunsaker you can just close the 2 vents and the temp drops like a rock. Clean out the ash after it cools and whatever coals are left can be salvaged. Love that about this cooker. Thanks for tuning in and for the comment. Good luck!

[@crushingbelial]

@@BuQeyeBBQ exactly. I take my basket out to flower bed and hit it a few times with the leaf blower lol

[@rubenreyes3098]

​. Does the vortex charcoal basket fit the PBC ?

[@troyprater8631]

Did you use your own barrel or did you buy one with barrel included?

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

I bought the entire thing, all put together and shipped, from the Hunsaker Smoker team out of MO. You can find them online. Great outfit.

[@peterodriguez2364]

Nice drum... as for cleaning ur vortex u could try a weed burner from harbor freight and just burn off th grease n gristle.. high heat or pyrolysis to be exact.. anywhoo.. good vid

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

a spring project for sure

[@rubenreyes3098]

@BuQeyeBBQ. Does the vortex charcoal basket fit the. PbC ?

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

it would definitely fit the larger two PBCs. Not sure about the smaller one

[@carltonruffin2619]

Did you get the kit and if so how much was the Drum and all

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

Yep, I got the whole thing. Seems like it was around $1k but I have had it for a while. You can price thm at the Hunsaker website though.

[@adventuresoffinnandfarley8858]

Can this get hot enough to grill on?

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

It can but the fire is quite a bit below where you want it for real grilling.

[@chewfacity]

You add multiple grates. So you can probably use one of the grates for grilling rather than the basket

[@dreemkillur1]

O-H!

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

I-O!

[@rickleeo970]

are there hot spots?thanks

[@BuQeyeBBQ]

no hot spots really, I don’t think there would be on any drum (could be wrong). You do have to worry about temperature spikes if you open the lid for too long which is true on any drum smoker for sure. thanks for watching.

[@deanvoss7098]

It's nice but it's also very expensive and it won't cook any better barbecue than a $100 Drum smoker