performance of build your own drum vs Gateway or Hunsaker drum smokers

[Danothemano]

Debating on ordering a kit for a drum smoker or ordering a manufactured unit. Looking at performance vs cost. Anyone have input on their experience using either model? Any advice would be appreciated!

[MBMorgan]

Nope ... happy PBC owner here. And welcome to the Pit!

[Nate]

Well it depends on costs... You can buy a kit but for just a smidge more you can get a PBC.... Gateways are typically considerably more.

PBC is a 30 gal drum vs a lot of kits that are for 55 gal drums. I haven't seen or heard too many disappointed PBC owners. I recently acquired one and am enjoying it thus far.

[Jerod Broussard]

Meathead I think did the kit from Big Poppa Smokers. The Gateway smokers look nice, however pretty pricey.

I ended up settling on a Pit Barrel Cooker. Did 4 smalls butts (20 pounds worth) last night in 6.25 hours with very little babysitting.

[Pit Barrel Cooker Co.]

Please feel free to check out all the information on the Pit Barrel Cooker on our website as well. You can go to www.pitbarrelcooker.com to see what we offer.

[JeffJ]

I guess it boils down to capacity. At 30 gallons the PBC holds a ton. I know A Jerod Broussard has squeezed 5 briskets into it. 8 slabs of spare ribs is a breeze. That is a LOT of meat. If that sounds like ample capacity then you are really comparing the cost and performance of a PBC vs a do it yourself barrel kit which changes the price dynamics.

[Jerod Broussard]

Using B & B Hardwood Briquettes also takes things up a notch or two or three......

[Danothemano]

Thanks for the input. I use lump charcoal now in my BGE. Not sure I want to go back to briquettes. PBC lump compatible?

[eddiecalder]

I use lump in my PBC and it works fine.

[Voltron15]

Another happy PBC owner here and yes I use lump as well with great results

[Karon Adams]

I have had my Big Poppa's for more than two years. never a problem, cost was excellent, been cooking some excellent Q and there is no sign of any problems on the horizon. if you have access to a good barrel and know how to use the power tools needed, buy a kit. they are super easy to do. hardest part is to find the barrel and have it sand blasted. but, if ChattaVegas has a place to make it happen, just about anyplace will.

[DWCowles]

Welcome Danothemano

[rat88]

PBC / UDS / Redneck Smokers... what ever you want to call them are not a new concept. I have cooked on one for 20 years, I remember my dad cooking on one back in the 60's. If you showed up to a BBQ contest with one 20 years ago, the competition would have laughed their ass off. Now everyone has one (except the pellet fired guys)

[rat88]

I guess this is as good a place as any to stick some pics of my dual fuel PBS / UDS. It is modified old lpg kettle grill. 2 burners, 2 charcoal baskets, water/ chip pan, 3 racks and 3 different sized barrels, with wheels and side racks. Total invested.. around $60