6 Best Drum Smoker Review & Buyer’s Guide (2022)

You might be getting into the barbecuing business and looking forward to the best drum smoker, which helps you attain the Best Drum Smoker flavors without creating any mess. With the drum smoker, even beginners can use it and do not need to take tension. It offers a compact design and is hassle-free and occupies little space with good taste plus a reasonable price with good capacity. Furthermore, the drum smoker has a reasonable price and substantial capacity.

In addition, they can easily accommodate a medium-sized family along with barbecues at thanksgiving and a party with friends. Further, they can be prepared in time for thanksgiving and a party with friends. For your taste buds, we have chosen the optimum drum smoker that provides a balanced and consistent smoky flavor to your food so that you can surprise your friends and family.

Even professional chefs prefer them when they want delicious food with the perfect flavor and a mesmerizing smell. They are therefore one of the ideal choices when grilling and BBQ. Various advantages to barbecue smokers can be derived from their drum-shaped design. It brings in a lot of benefits while cooking food.

Top Best Drum and Barrel Smoker List

Table of Content:

  1. Cuisinart 18″ COS-118 Vertical Charcoal Drum Smoker
  2. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-inch Charcoal Drum Smoker
  3. Realcook 20’’Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill Vertical Drum Smoker
  4. Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Drum Grill & Smoker
  5. Barrel House BHC 18C Cooker Drum Smoker
  6. Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 Barrel Drum Smoker

1) Cuisinart 18″ COS-118 Vertical Charcoal Drum and Barrel Smoker

Cuisinart 18″ COS-118
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • Ideal smoker for big and small food.
  • Compact design and occupies little space.
  • The company offers 03 years of warranty.

Cuisinart COS-118 is another versatile smoker that has, in our experience, a pretty large capacity, so you will have plenty of space to smoke your food for a reasonable price. 

Moreover, it is equipped with two air vent systems so that food is cooked evenly and fast in the drum smoker. The design of it is quite simple and easy to operate. It is a good choice for beginners.

Grilling Surface

A total grilling surface of 510 square inches is provided by this Drum Smoker. It contains 02 stainless steel racks and is the size of a single rack [18 inches]. Moreover, it is perfect and suitable for medium-sized families and gatherings because it provides the best flavor of meals without sacrificing nutrients.

Double Air Vents

It has a feature of two air vents which allow you to control the amount of smoke and heat that appears when the device is in use. The vents are easy to open and close to evenly distribute the amount of smoke and heat. Because of its characteristics, it is the best and ideal smoker and is easy to maintain.

Material Quality and Design

The smoker structure is steel and has a latching base with strong steel legs that provide stability to the smoker. The latching base provides a comfortable grip, while the heavy-duty steel legs make the smoker stable. 

It comes with a steel bowl made on a traditional enamel surface for easy filling with water and fuel. Additionally, it comes with a vertical side door designed for easy filling of fuel and water.

Price Compatibility

Drum smokers are available in many price ranges. You won’t find a better price for the quality you get from experiencing the best of smoky flavor food.

Additional Features:
  • Sleek and good-looking design and has attractive black color.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • Ideal smoker for big and small food.
  • Compact design and occupies little space.
  • The company offers 03 years of warranty.
Specifications:
  • The weight of the product is 25 pounds only.
  • The dimensions of the drum smoker are 25.00 x 25.00 x 45.00 inches.
Pros:
Cons:
  • Flaws in design
  • Small Coal Ring

2) Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-inch, Charcoal Drum Smoker

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-inch
  • Sleek and compact design.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • It comes in black color.

Introducing the Weber smoker, designed by a master in the drum smoker design, the Weber smoker will smoke your food like a pro. It gives you plenty of cooking space to cook food within a short period of time. Moreover, it comes with a BBQ grilling surface that is ideal for barbecue parties and medium-sized families.

Grilling Surface

This smoker features a total grilling area of 286 square inches, while the grilling surface is about 143 square inches. In addition, there are two rib racks included that allows one to smoke a whole family’s worth of food at once.

Max Temperature

Moreover, it comes with an integrated lid thermometer to help you monitor its temperature. The maximum temperature of the unit reaches about 190°F.

Design and Material

Stylish and sleek drum smoker made out of steel. The steel construction is not only durable and long-lasting but the cooking grates are made from metal as well for easy cleaning as well as rust-resistant legs.

This smoker has a large water pan that helps you maintain the heat throughout the day. Additionally, this is a portable drum smoker that requires very little space to occupy and is ideal for a small apartment.

Accessories

Additionally, the package includes a 14″ smokey mountain cooker and one charcoal smoker. You can also get the instruction book and a user guide attachment to help you assemble the smoker. The BILT app includes step-by-step instructions on how to put the steaks together in 3D. Also, watch a video on grilling steaks on a charcoal grill here.

Additional Features:
  • Sleek and compact design.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • It comes in black color.
  • Steel-made durable constructed smoker.
  • The company offers a warranty of 05 years.
Specifications:
  • The dimensions of the cooking grid are 13.5 X 13.5 inches.
  • The weight of the product is 23 pounds only.
  • The dimensions of the drum smoker are 31.40 x 14.75 x 14.75 inches.
Pros:
  • Smoke like a pro
  • Easy to operate
  • Good temperature control
  • Versatile smoker
  • Moderate price tag
Cons:
  • The side door is flimsy
  • One customer reports it takes time to clean

3) Realcook 20’’Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill Vertical Drum Smoker

 Realcook 20’’Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill
  • Double access doors
  • Easy to assemble
  • It gets hot quickly
  • Reasonable price

A genuine cook introduces you to yet another smoker from the family of a cook. This smoker is the perfect four-in-one smoker with the ability to smoke different kinds of foods. 

In the perfect shape, this smoking drum enables you to prepare meals for big gatherings, whether you’re preparing them at your home or in your backyard. In addition to it being versatile, it also gives you the hands-on experience needed in cooking the ultimate BBQs.

Versatility

With this real cook drum smoker, you can do so much with it; it can serve many purposes. For example, you can use it for grilling, steaming, roasting, baking, and braising. Furthermore, it can be used either as a hot smoker or a cold smoker.

Additionally, with its latch locking system, you can also use this grill as a fire pit during the winter, which makes it versatile.

Grilling Surface

This smoker grills on a surface of 636 square inches that is capable of cooking food for medium to large-sized families. Moreover, it has 04 hooks to hang the foods inside the lid. In addition, the smoker has 02 cooking racks that give you enough space to place large pieces of meat and hang large turkeys.

Build Design

Despite its sturdy steel legs, the smoker is made from hard porcelain that is heat-resistant, so it is durable. The construction of the unit is high-temperature-resistant and has stable and sturdy legs. 

Furthermore, the smoker’s handle keeps your hands safe since it has heat-resistant features and makes it easier for you to move the smoker from one place to another.

In addition, it has adjustable air vents and a water pan made from enameled porcelain. These features help in maintaining a good balance for the cooking process, as well as a nice smoke flavor for your food.

Double Access Door

Moreover, the drum smoker allows for wood and charcoal to be added without removing the heating layer. It is equipped with two access doors and enables you to check the condition of food and add wood and charcoal.

Temperature Range

A thermostat inside the smoker lets you know at any time when the temperature needs to be monitored. Its maximum temperature ranges from 400°F to 275°F. Additionally, it has a built-in thermometer so that you can monitor the temperature whenever you want.

The package contains 001 smoker grills and 001 user manuals. The smoker grill must be assembled, but it goes together quickly.

Additional Features:
  • The handle is heat-resistant which averts you.
  • It comes in a charcoal color.
  • It has a built-in lock feature that ensures it is safe to use.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of the drum smoker unit is wood and charcoal.
Specifications:
  • The weight of the product is 35.2 pounds only.
  • The dimensions of the drum smoker are 24.8 x 20.67 x 41.34 inches.
Pros:
  • Double access doors
  • Easy to assemble
  • It gets hot quickly
  • Reasonable price
  • Easy to clean
Cons:
  • Flimsy construction
  • A bit difficult to control the temperature

4) Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Drum Grill & Smoker

Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical
  • It comes with a spring handle that remains cool.
  • Detachable ash pan and charcoal grate.
  • The front wheels make it easy to move.
  • The fuel type of the unit is charcoal.

Among the drum smokers, Dyna-Glo is the third-best pick and according to resources, the drum smoker is well suited for parties with parties, celebrations, and large households. 

When it comes to capacity, this storage space offers an ample amount of space for the requirements designed to make this perfect for large parties under the patio during the holiday season. An analog temperature gauge and a heavy-gauge smoker make this smoker durable.

Barrel Capacity

There are 05 chrome-plated cooking grates in this smoker. The smoker’s total cooking surface is about 1382 square inches, making it the best drum barbecue smoker for large families. It is ideal for birthday parties, new year parties, housewarmings, and family functions.

Analog Temperature Gauge

This machine has a built-in analog temperature gauge and a built-in smoke zone that lets you know what temperature to smoke in. The temperature gauge shows a perfect and suitable smoke flavor.

Body Shape and Design

Besides being made of heavy gauge steel, the body of the smoker is also designed with chrome plating for an easier and longer-lasting cooking grate. In addition, since the ash pan and charcoal grate can be detached, it is easy and quick to remove ash, and it also speeds up fueling. It has got sausage hooks that allow cooking and smoking food in a flexible manner.

Furthermore, the door can be opened fully, allowing one to place food easily, as well as to take food out of the oven with ease and quickly, thereby keeping the hands from becoming dirty.

Additional Features:
  • It comes with a spring handle that remains cool.
  • Detachable ash pan and charcoal grate.
  • The front wheels make it easy to move.
  • The fuel type of the unit is charcoal.
  • The power source of the drum smoker is charcoal.
  • Sleek design and comes in black color.
Specifications:
  • The weight of the product is 124.3 pounds.
  • The dimensions of the drum smoker are 45.5 x 24.9 x 58.8 inches.
Pros:
  • Easy to assemble
  • It maintains taste
  • Durable construction
  • Huge capacity
  • Easy to operate
Cons:
  • Average customer service

5) Pit Barrel Cooker Classic 18 inch Drum Smoker

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic 18 inch
  • Attractive design and it got black in color.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • It is made of stainless steel and porcelain.

With a huge capacity, this smoker’s capacity matches the partying requirements of a huge family. It is a model that can be used not only in a smoking operation but also in a variety of other cooking situations. 

The cook time is reduced considerably when using this smoker because of its advanced features. It works fast and very efficiently, in addition to making a delicious din, and you don’t must wait too long. This smoker has unique features that preserve the taste very well.

Super Versatility

With this one unit, you’ll get all the features you need, a smoker, baker, BBQ, sear, and grill. It’s great for entertaining because it’s super versatile and can preserve flavor. It’ll really satisfy your taste buds. Additionally, you can cook up countless sausages, burgers, steaks with it, and much more with it a grill.

Food Containing Capacity

With its remarkable capacity, you can cook the food for the whole family at once. The compact oven comes with multiple racks and allows you to hang the 08 pieces of ribs simultaneously. Moreover, it can cook thirty pounds of turkeys and fifteen pounds of brisket for the gathering.

Furthermore, the pieces of ribs can be properly and evenly smoked by hanging them at the top of the smoker, which will help to maintain the flavor and prevent food from burning. You can hang the large piece of ribs, while you can hang as much meat as you want.

Saves Time

In comparison to the traditional smoker, this smoker can cook food 40% faster. It is capable of smoking hot or cold, so you can get a full, juicy meal with a balanced smoky taste. Furthermore, it does not require babysitting.

Smoker Design

It includes a detachable base that makes it easier to remove the ash, add wood to the smoker, and get a quick light. The smoker also converts into a hibachi grill, making it perfect for grilling and searing the food.

These high-quality ceramic and stainless steel tools are durable due to their composition of 20 gauge metal barrels. The top-quality materials guarantee long-term use. Being sleek and extremely compact in design, it requires only 18 inches of space making it perfect for small apartments and houses. Moreover, it is designed in the USA.

Additional Features:
  • Small footprint and needs a little place.
  • Attractive design and it got black color.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • It is made of stainless steel and porcelain.
Specifications:
  • It weighs only44 pounds.
  • The dimensions of the drum smoker are 18.00 x 24.50 x 35.50 inches.
Pros:
  • Great for the price
  • Massive capacity
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to control
  • It gets hot quickly
Cons:
  • Not found any

6) Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 Barrel Drum Smoker

Oklahoma Joe's 19202089 Barrel Drum Smoker
  • It can be easily changed into a charcoal grill from a smoker.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • It comes with 02 years of warranty.

An Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker is elegantly designed and has extra features. It is a drum smoker with a unique and special airflow control system. In addition to that, there are grill baskets with airspouts.

Furthermore, it can accommodate a good amount of food and is easy to use. Furthermore, it comes with an ash basket to catch the ash from the drum smoker during cooking. Furthermore, it can be easily moved to any location.

Container Capacity

Moreover, you can hang additional meat hangers inside the smoker as the cooking grates are moveable, you can grill for larger parties and family functions. The total grilling capacity of the smoker is 630 square inches, enough for medium gatherings and family functions.

Airflow Control System

An airflow system and the screwed-on lid of this drum smoker give it an exclusive advantage over other portable smokers. This unique airflow system and screwed-on lid help in maintaining the exact temperature.

The top damper adjusts the temperature while the side damper lets you control the air pressure to suit the food you are serving. It also adjusts the air pressure to meet a variety of different requirements.

Sturdy Design Look

The cooking unit is constructed with heavy-gauge steel, so it remains strong and durable. It is also equipped with a temperature gauge that permits you to monitor the temperature, as well as a rubber grip that remains cool and makes it easy to pick food without hurting your hands.

Charcoal Basket

In addition, it features an extra-large charcoal basket to hold the fuel for smoking throughout the day. It may be used with woods, lump charcoal, and charcoal briquettes as well.

Ash Pan

Oklahoma Joe’s smokers come with removable ashes that can easily and quickly be taken out for cleaning. No mess is created while cleaning the ashes.

Additional Features:
  • Two large wheels on the front make it easy to move.
  • Rubber handle that remains cool.
  • It can be easily changed into a charcoal grill from a smoker.
  • The fuel type of this smoker is charcoal.
  • The power source of this unit is charcoal.
  • It comes with 02 years of warranty.
Specifications:
  • The weight of the product is 136.6 pounds.
  • The dimensions of the drum smoker are 30.28 x 25.35 x 43.30 inches.
Pros:
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Super easy to use
  • Holds temperature like a pro
  • Amazing price tag
  • Durable construction
  • Perfect sheerness
Cons:
  • Poor customer service
  • One customer reports that the paint is poor

Factors for Drum Smoker Buying

Several of these drum smokers have a wide range of prices and you can certainly observe this in the above reviews.  What I always like to emphasize is that you get what you pay for when grilling and smoking. That holds true especially when it comes to these methods. Food is an essential part of our day-to-day lives, and being able to consistently enjoy delicious food can result in a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Due to this, I’ve always thought that it’s usually worth investing a couple of hundred extra dollars in a high-quality smoker that’ll last you years. The following points should be taken into account when you are shopping for drum smokers:

The Best Drum Smoker

Ease of Use

A simple fire pit inside a drum with a rack for resting meat on is all a drum smoker needs. Drum smokers really aren’t that complicated conceptually. A charcoal fire in a drum with a rack resting meat on it is all it takes.

Airflow management seems like a good idea, and extra features are nice. But if you sacrifice the user experience to have the bells and whistles, then I think the machine kind of defeats its own purpose. Customer reviews can provide insight into how easy the devices are to use.

Versatility in Features

Having said that, it is certainly helpful to have some features which allow you to use your drum smoker for a variety of other things. Because of the design and components required for a drum smoker, manufacturers can oftentimes incorporate features like a charcoal grill or fire pit.

Cooking Space

A drum smoker can come in any size, with a cooking space ranging from 400 square inches to over 1000 square inches. Drum smokers are usually available between 16 inches and 22 inches in diameter.  

Any smaller unit will do just fine if you smoke only for one to four people at a time. For anything larger than that you may want to look at a 20-inch or bigger unit.

Temperature Management

All smokers must adhere to this principle, as managing the amount of heat they use to smoke the food properly is one of the most important details of successful smoking. You use a smoker for a lot of things, but one reason is to be able to keep temperatures under control as much as possible.

Ideally, your drum smoker should have a duct system that allows for variable temperature, but at a minimum, your smoker should allow for consistent airflow for consistent temperatures.

Best Drum Smoker

Why You Should Choose a Drum Smoker?

Drum smokers are the easiest to use when compared to other types of smokers. A well-made drum smoker will make delicious food consistently, reliably, and consistently for years to come.  

Many of these smokers have big enough coal baskets for one to light up, so that you only need one kindling. If you’re new to smoking, this option is one of the best directions you can take.

Advantages of Drum Smokers Compared to Other Types

Drum smokers are one of the most popular styles of smokers. What makes them superior to other models?

Budget-Friendly

A drum smoker is much kinder on the wallet than many other smokers, making that pellet grill. Some drum smokers retail for more than $1000, but a lot of them are available for $300 or less.

Height Advantage

An offset smoker or a pellet grill has a much larger footprint than a drum smoker. Drum smokers rely on length and are favored over cooking grates. The downside is that there’s a lot of wasted space, so if you don’t have much room on the patio, that’s a bonus.

Fuel Efficiency – They Save You Money Over Time

Unlike traditional smokers, drum smokers tend to work best when heated to a higher temperature. Those features and the efficiency of a cylinder for even heat distribution for convection cooking means you’ll use fewer charcoals than you would with a regular charcoal smoker.

Easy to Transport

A drum smoker takes up less space in transport than an offset smoker. Some of them can be broken down into parts. They’re usually lighter than other smoker types, too. Also good for camping, cottage living, RVing, and tailgating.

Are there any Disadvantages?

Drum smokers have draws and drawbacks. What are some of the draws of drum smokers?

Tend to Be Thin and do Not Hold Temperatures Well

These water-tight containers were inspired by original oil drums that were made to hold liquid, not maintain a constant temperature. Therefore, it is not surprising that most drum smokers are of thin metal. When not very ideal conditions exist, the temperature may fluctuate rapidly.

Challenging to Learn Compared to Some Other Types

A drum smoker does not have a thermostat or a digital controller. If you are not used to smoking, it may be a bit challenging at first. Also, there is a certain way to correctly hang meat, and you should master it.

Smaller Capacity

On a drum smoker, you have a limited cooking area. Most have single cooking grates that range from 18 to 21 inches in diameter. Even for hanging meat, some are too short to hang anything long.

Product

Recommended

Would you still be confused about choosing the best drum smoker among the best? If you have limited finances and limited space, we recommend the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker14-inch, Charcoal Drum Smoker. It is the best budget-friendly smoker with compact construction and smoking like a pro.

Product

Recommended

It has a massive capacity, is lightweight, and has the best smoke taste as well. Our 2nd recommendation is Realcook 20’’Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill Vertical Drum Smoker.

Final Verdict:

Moreover, drum smokers are versatile, compact in design, easy to operate and maintain a well-smoked taste. To conclude, we must say that we chose the products after extensive research. The products mentioned above we choose for you to review are the best and have the fewest disadvantages.

Additional advantages of drum smokers include being budget-friendly, light in weight, energy-efficient, and portable. Drum smokers are made for people who like to throw barbeque parties back-to-back for friends and family. We hope this detailed review has helped you assess the best drum smoker for your upcoming party so you can satisfy your palate. Enjoy Smoky Food!

Which smoker gives the best flavor?

You can smoke like a pro with Weber Smokey Mountain, a charcoal drum smoker. It will provide you with the best smoke flavor, no matter how dry the meat may be.

Are drum smokers any good?

No doubt the drum smokers are highly portable, portable, easy to operate and provide smoking food in a short amount of time. Drum smokers are thought to be best for slow cooking. Moreover, drum smokers are good for beginners.

Is it easy to clean the Drum Smoker?

Clean the smoker quickly and easily with oil on the bottom of the drum and cooking surface. Using oil helps dissolve the food quickly without sticking to the surface, and it also makes the smoker easy to clean.

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