Pit Barrel Mods?

[tarheeljoe87]

After having mine for almost a year, I recently modded mine to hold two extra grates, one of which is used to hold a diffuser and drip pan. This isn't to say I wasn't I wasn't happy with the original product, I just love to tinker. I wanted to do this because, while the food that's cooked directly over the coals is delicious, it doesn't have that wood smoked flavor, even when I add wood. I tried this setup the other day with a turkey breast and added some hickory. It made a huge difference, and it came out with that classic wood smoked flavor that I was looking for. I also added two temperature indicators, one on the lid and the other just below the second grate.

[phoccer]

Got any photos and/or directions on how you did your mods? I'd be very interested to see things.

[fzxdoc]

Only mini-mods like adding a Lava-lok gasket to the rim of the lid, done a couple of years after I bought it due to leaks that had formed in the seam area of the barrel and a couple of other spots.

I used a couple of heating stove pipe sections to raise my basket up to the grate--setting the basket on those sections--for some short charcoal grilling cooks, but haven't used that feature since my purchase of a WSCGC two summers back.

And I made a Great Grate (one section cut out of a standard grate) long before PBC came out with its hinged grates.

Kathryn

[SpookySunny]

I used a couple of heating stove pipe sections to raise my basket up to the grate--setting the basket on those sections--for some short charcoal grilling cooks, but haven't used that feature since my purchase of a WSCGC two summers back.


Kathryn

Interesting, I've just been wondering this week how I could use the PBC as a charcoal grill. So you just take out your basket, put in how tall of stove pipe sections, place basket on top of them, and use the standard PBC grate?

[fzxdoc]

Yup, SpookySunny , that's how I did it. I bought two pieces of heating stove pipe from Lowes and had a friend cut them to the right height for me. It was really stable and worked great for getting the fire closer to the grate. Of course the handle of the basket prevents getting the coals super close to the grate for searing, but it makes good burgers and dogs, etc.

The problem was getting in there with a short handled spatula to flip the burgers. Not a lot of clearance for utensils like that.

Honestly, IMO, purchasing an inexpensive 18" Jumbo Joe ($60) or the smaller 14" Smokey Joe ($30) would be an easier way to do charcoal grilling for PBC owners who don't want to invest in a full size kettle. That's what I would have done had I not purchased the WSCGC.

Kathryn

[N227GB]

I would recommend going by the manufacturer's YouTube videos (Noah) for your first half dozen cooks. My first smoker was an offset over 20 years ago, so I understand the feeling that there must be somehow the need for fiddling with vents and temp controls.

I wont be cooking for an army most of the time, usually just 2 slabs of ribs, 1 pork butt, 1 chicken etc.

I'm guessing you're considering the PBC Jr? That's what I have. For that amount of food you'll do fine. For example, so far the most split chickens I've done is four, with outstanding results.

Others have mention a rain cover. This is a very good idea. I had an unexpected rain shower one evening, and the ambient temp the PBC went down 20 degrees.

Honestly, IMO, purchasing an inexpensive 18" Jumbo Joe ($60) or the smaller 14" Smokey Joe ($30) would be an easier way to do charcoal grilling for PBC owners who don't want to invest in a full size kettle.

I'm on my third Smokey Joe in the last 25 years. They've gotten a lot of use.

[Familypitmaster]

Instead of modifying the pbc, i put a small fan in front of the pbc speeds up the cooks and keep the coals burning. Have done 2 Pork butts overnight. Done in the morning. Also did a 21lb brisket overnight

[UncleFester]

Familypitmaster I used 1 1/2" bolts with washers & wing nuts on the inside. It looks exactly like the bolts that hold the factory grate, except these are much lower. I put the lower grate about 5 1/2" above the top of the coal basket. Here's a few pictures to give you an idea.

[Familypitmaster]

Thanks for sharing , great idea

[Brookie]

I have not modified my PBC but am using 1/4 rods instead of the stock rebar for higher temperature cooking. Works great for chickens,etc. where you want to run at a steady 375-400’. Get something else if you want to grill.

[Mr. Bones]

Free Safety Tip:
Here's how NOT to cool down yer barrel cooker!!!

Smoke On, my Barrelhead Family!