Replace Gateway 30?

[CandySueQ]

My small Gateway Drum has a pretty good sized rust hole in the bottom, I put a pizza pan over it and under the charcoal basket. It's been getting lots of use the last 6 weeks or so, cooking ribs to order for folks. It really needs to be replaced! This isn't MCS!!!

I really like the looks of the Oklahoma Joe Barrel. A bit plus is wheels, a big negative is the weight. Price isn't a bad thing either.

I have long liked the PBC. No wheels, but it's not heavy. Price is more than OK Joe.

I do like the small Gateway Drum. No learning curve with this one! No wheels, it's heavier than the PBC. It's the most expensive option at $899, there is 10% off though.

What should I do?

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I looked at drums, I wanted something a little more substantial... Take a look.at the Hatsy Bake Roughneck, it's not perfect for my uses (unless you go way up the price range to the stainless model) but it's a fine "barrel" smoker for sure. The corten steel version is close to that 899 price point, and it's lighter than many of the other options out there.

[Jerod Broussard]

Bronco. I'm not being biased because I reviewed it. I'm biased because I cooked probably over 100 briskets and countless pork shoulders on the PBC. First cook on the Bronco and was I like, "WOW!"

The ability to grill on it with ease. For me it's not even close.

I do I have a Pit Barrel Jr. that was given to me. I think I had to get a lid for it.

[CandySueQ]

What size cooking grate on the OK Joe? Is there enough height to stand ribs up on the top grate without hitting the lid? I know I could cook them on the grate below...

I'm leaning towards the OK Joe because of the wheels. Changing my cooking set up to a wheelchair van with a ramp. Trying to sell the Winnie. Not planning on cooking more KCBS contests!

[Jerod Broussard]

CandySueQ 18" grate. Not sure about standing ribs, I typically hang in barrels.

[J-Melt]

OJB!!! I love mine so much! It is a chicken and rib machine. It is really easy to dial in and I have never felt the need to use my control fan on it. Only reason I don’t use mine as much is I do a lot of cooks that are too big for it and end up using my Backwoods cabinet. I would like to get a multi level grate for more capacity or switch it with the bigger version.

[Purc]

Love my Bronco. It stays next to my Weber Kettle. I did an overnight 13+ hour cook on one load of B&B charcoal on the Bronco 2 weeks ago. If weight and portability are important what about a WSM with a hanger kit ? The hanger kits are from PBC and Hunsaker. Everything can be bought from Amazon.

[Uncle Bob]

I've said it many times before, the only advantage the PBC has over the Bronco is portability...........because it's made of thin sheet metal and lacks similar features. I think I've seen a handful of members here mention their PBC rusting out during the past month of posts. You'd have to live a VERY long life to rust out a Bronco. If you don't have to lift it, and rolling works for you, there's no contest between them.

[Jerod Broussard]

I don't see portability with something that does not have wheels.

[Uncle Bob]

People often talk about how easy it is to pick up the PBC and toss into their rig to take to another place. Maybe they're exaggerating the importance of that since it's all they have by comparison, but it's still often said.

[Panhead John]

+1 on the Bronco. It’s the closest thing to a pellet cooker as far as stable temps.

[Steve R.]

I really like my Oklahoma Joe's Bronco Pro. 22" grate that is interchangeable with a 22" Weber kettle. 7.75" clearance from top grate to top of the lid.

[STEbbq]

Badger barrel is an option.

https://badgerbarrel.com/

[tstalafuse]

I will vote for the OJB. Easy to control temps, and the wagon wheels make it relatively easy to move despite the weight.

[Alan Brice]

I have said before and will say again, you have to empty it before you can cook in it. 28 lbs empty. Put the guts in a dedicated box for travel. The PBX has been on sale many times before and will prolly be again. No experience with the "X", PBC x3!!!

[jfmorris]

CandySueQ are you planning on keeping this at home, or traveling with it? It makes a difference.

If at home, I think I would go for the bigger OKJ Bronco (Pro?) hands down. If you are taking it around on the BBQ circuit with you, I would look at the PBX. If you look around, Academy had it marked down to $149 a week ago!

[CandySueQ]

Just reporting in! After much consideration, I've purchased a basic PBC, cover, ash tray and hanging baskets. While it will mostly be used at home, the fact that it's lightweight (relatively) and somewhat portable makes it a useful cooker for rib contests, which are picking up around here! In fact, I'll probably use it on the 19th. Thanks for all the input everybody!