Best Drum Smokers – Reviews & Buying Guide

What are the best drum smokers and how are they better than the others? Such types of questions arise in mind when you hear its name. For that reason, we have covered up this article to introduce you to the simplest way to a splendid BBQ. At the end of this article, you will surely fall in love with this beast!

Mostly, a drum smoker is also called UDS (Ugly Drum Smoker). However, its users find it to be an ugly duckling in the flock. In other words, the best drum smokers may seem to be unattractive but are actually really useful. Unlike the complicated types such as charcoal or others, these devices are very easy to set up and use.

Whenever you hear the name smoker, you might wonder that there is going to be a lot of smoke when you cook. Conversely, the 55 gallon drum smoker perfectly roasts up your food with minimum smoke. Despite its heavy appearance, this machine is simply just fire in the bottom and grills in the top. No more complicated features. Also, it even lets you smoke a whole packer brisket within no time. Thus, surprise your guests with your inner chef with this strong yet simple tool.

10 Best Drum Smokers | Easy and simple

If you have finally decided to look for the best drum smokers, then the real struggle of choosing one option begins now. No doubt, there are many companies offering the best quality. But only a few of them fulfill all standards. To make it easier for you, we have tested and observed all the top brands. As a result, we came up with a list of 10 products that are very easy and simple to use. You will surely love every option:

1. Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 20″- Indeed a beauty

Char Broil is a trustworthy brand that has been serving since its beginning in 1948. Given that it started in America, Char Broil has been providing the best drum smokers all around the world. On the same note, this model is included among them as well. No matter how compact it may seem, yet it has a 570 sq inch wide cooking area including 2 grates. Ultimately, these parts prevent any food from sticking to them.

Uniquely, it comes with an innovative airflow control system. This feature enables adjusting the temperature an easy task. To demonstrate, you can easily control the cooking temperature with the numbered damper settings. In addition, it also has a convenient access door to fire. So, you can also adjust the smoke level during cooking.

Although the best drum smokers are called UDS, yet this model proves to be a beautiful addition to any house. Given that, its porcelain enameled steel body is durable and resistant to any rust or stain. Furthermore, the black, shiny appearance is a feast for the eyes. What’s more, maintaining its beauty is easy too. In other words, its removable ash pan makes it’s cleanup a breeze.

Conclusion:

This Char Broil model steals the spotlight among the best drum smokers. Not only is it elegant but serves with grace too. Also, handling this beauty is no big deal as well.

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2. Barton Multi-Function Barrel Pit Charcoal Barbecue Smoker – A perfect choice for beginners

Barton is famous for manufacturing high quality products that are suitable for any occasion. Ultimately, it provides the best drum smokers that are convenient to use. Likewise, the corresponding model is also one of its famous releases. Surprisingly, you can use this appliance for either camping or beach bbq parties or even set it up in your backyards.

Apparently, this pit barrel cooker offers many uses. Whether you wanna light up a simple fire for snowy days or just use it to grill some meat, this machine is capable of all. Moreover, its height is adjustable so you can utilize it however you desire. What’s more, it’s easy to move and assemble as well. Therefore, break it into two parts and easily carry or store it anywhere. Not only that, putting its parts back is no problem too.

Mostly, the best drum smokers are tricky to handle. Conversely, this device is so simple that even a beginner can use it without any effort. Additionally, it offers large cooking space as well. Conceding that, it comes with 6 food hangers and stainless steel racks. As a result, you can roast a whole turkey to perfection like a master chef!

Conclusion:

As always, Barton fulfills its promise of providing convenient products. For that reason, this model is among the best drum smokers that are very convenient to store and carry. In addition, its user-friendly operations make it the perfect smoker for beginners.

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3. Weber 14-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker – Gives you the fruit of your patience

In the grilling market, you must have heard about the renowned Weber grills. But have you ever heard about Weber’s best drum smokers? No doubt, it’s the next big thing to blow up your bbq cravings. Similarly, its smokey mountain cooker is no less than the other conventional types. Uniquely, this model works in a quite distinct manner. To demonstrate, it slowly cooks up the food to perfection so that you can fully enjoy the fruit of your patience.

Its features include two cooking grates that are enameled with steel. Consequently, you will be able to cook a sufficient quantity of meals for your family or guests. Thus, hold a large bbq party in your backyard and roast up some delicious meat with this little giant. In addition, its extra big water pan keeps the party going by maintaining the heat for a longer period.

 Apart from this, it has heat controlling dampers. So, you can easily adjust the heat to reach your desired cooking temperature. Not only that, the built-in thermometer lets you view the temperature too. Besides, its metal legs that support it to stand are resistant to rust and corrosion.

Conclusion:

No doubt, Weber keeps its reputation as the top brand with its best drum smokers. Its simple to assemble and use model is indeed a little giant. However, takes time to thoroughly cook the food to perfection.

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4. Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker – Expert’s favorite

If you are looking for the best drum smokers that are the top choice of professional chefs, then this model is the right one. Certainly, Cuisinart is a highly trusted brand and is mostly used by experts. Carrying that fame, this model perfectly satisfies the cravings of bbq lovers with its quality results.

As beautiful as its outside is, its inside works beautifully as well. To demonstrate, it can cook almost every kind of food in a restaurant-style. Whether it’s grilling meat or smoking cheese, this device will do it all for you. Furthermore, this 18 inch machine comes with two steel racks that can easily fit inside the 3.45 sq foot smoking chamber.

Given the 510 sq inches cooking space, you can easily smoke whole fish or multiple vegetables at once. Thus, you can serve large gatherings in just one go. In addition, it enables you to adjust the heat as well. In other words, it comes with two air vents that can be effortlessly open or closed with a lid. As a result, you can control the amount of heat required for cooking. Not to mention, cleaning it is easier too.

Conclusion:

Cuisinart has released several kitchen appliances and undoubtedly this model leads the best drum smokers on market. Top chefs and experts admire this machine a lot as it serves with excellence. Indeed, it helps you create some amazing dishes with its innovative features.

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5. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill – The master of BBQ

Among the best drum smokers present in the market, this Dyna-Glo model comes with unique and distinct features. Until now, we have seen many products that come with two grates to cook up a sufficient amount of meal. However, this model comes with 5 cooking grates that are plated with chrome. Isn’t that a lot? No doubt, its 1382 sq inches wide cooking space allows you to cook whatever amount you desire.

What’s more surprising is that controlling this beast is child’s play. It comes with installed sausage hooks that make smoking your favorites easy. Moreover, its cool touch spring handle lets you take out the food safely. In addition to that, the temperature gauge that displays the “smoke zone” lets you view and control heat during cooking.

Apart from all, this device is versatile and can smoke a variety of meals. Although it is a master of BBQ as it perfectly grills up the meat, yet it can cook other food as well. Hence, whether it’s ribs or a whole brisket, you can easily cook a large amount with this appliance. Indeed, it’s among the best drum smokers for bbq parties or other large events.

Conclusion:

If you are a bbq enthusiast who doesn’t compromise on quality, then this model is the one for you. Surely, the best drum smokers are all great to smoke different kinds of food. But, this model is a master of bbq and gives you the best experience.

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6. Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black – Take it anywhere you go!

Oklahoma Joe’s has been working to create one of the best drum smokers for pitmasters. Since 1987, it has manufactured these appliances with the finest materials. As a result, these machines come out to be strong and durable in the long run. Likewise, this rambler model is a fine product too that can be easily taken anywhere you go.

Despite, its heavy outlook carrying it doesn’t require much effort. Conceding that, it comes with comfortable handles with a rubber grip. Given that, these handles stay cool and you can easily grasp them for transport. Apart from this, it offers 218 sq inch cooking space. Consequently, you get enough area to cook about 10 burgers at once.

In addition to the large space, a professional temperature gauge is installed in the lid. Thanks to this, you can easily view and control the temperature. Moreover, it has large dampers that enable you to maintain the airflow in the smoker. What’s more, it comes with a convenient charcoal try with 3 settings. As a result, you can adjust the tray and cook your meal at your desirable heat. Lastly, its removable ash pan in the front makes cleaning it hassle free.

Conclusion:

If you are a travel enthusiast and are searching for the best drum smokers that are convenient for your outdoor camping, then this model is the right call. Also, its appearance makes you feel like carrying food luggage wherever you go.

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7. Traeger Grills Ranger Grill TBT18KLD Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Black – For a heavenly taste!

Among the best drum smokers, this Traeger ranger model focuses on the taste of the cooked meals. Therefore, you get to enjoy some exquisite meals which taste heavenly. Of course, to get perfectly cooked food, you need to maintain the perfect heat. Therefore, this device gives quality results by a constant heat supply.

Surprisingly, this Traeger model is more than just a grill. Whether it’s baking, roasting, or smoking your favorites, this tool is capable of all. Hence, cook a variety of meals with this versatile machine. In addition to its multifunctional trait, it doesn’t compromise on the quality too. For that reason, it uses 100% natural hardwood pellets. As a result, the food comes out as if it was cooked on the wood fire.

In addition to imparting natural flavors to the food, it lets you go and cook in nature too. In other words, it’s among the best drum smokers that are easy to take on your trips. So, if you are a nature lover then this device will take you on a whole new adventure. Thus, pack up this machine and set out on a journey to enjoy the luxurious taste in the blissful nature.

Conclusion:

Traeger ranger grill is among the best drum smokers that provide you the most original taste. Furthermore, it can be easily moved and its durable grates are easy to clean as well. In fact, it’s a perfect partner for your adventures that will let you enjoy nature to the max.

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8. Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″ – With great prices!

As already seen, Char Broil is America’s top brand among the best drum smokers. Undoubtedly, all of its products are of high caliber. Similarly, this model is one of its best at a reasonable price. Compared to the 20 inch bullet model, this 16 inch smoker offers the same level of performance at an affordable range.

It comes with a cooking surface that is 388 sq inch wide. As this includes two grates enameled with porcelain, the food doesn’t stick to them and avoids any sort of burning. Furthermore, these durable parts are easy to clean too. On the same note, its whole body comprises steel covered with porcelain. As a result of this, the machine remains resistant to rust and lives for a longer time.

In addition, its airflow controlling system is installed on the 16 inch bullet smoker. Given that, you can adjust the cooking temperature according to your needs. Not to mention, its temperature gauge has an easy-to-read display that indicates the temperature levels. Lastly, the removable ash pan lets you clean up without any effort after you are done with cooking.

Conclusion:

Certainly, Char Broil never disappoints in its manufactures. In fact, all of its products come among the best drum smokers. However, if you desire to buy the one at an affordable price range, then this is the right one. Don’t worry, it serves excellently without any compromises.

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9. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker – Not your average smoker

You definitely won’t see any other machine like this Dyna-Glo model. Indeed, it’s one of a kind among the best drum smokers. Uniquely, its vertical body accommodates the rising smoke efficiently. Given that, it prevents the direct heat from reaching the food. So that the food is cooked slowly and thoroughly. Also, it imparts a mouth-watering smoky flavor to the cooked meal.

Surprisingly, it comes with 6 cooking grates whose heights can be adjusted. Consequently, you can cook any amount of food in this 1176 sq inch wide cooking area. Also, every grate has about 25 pounds capacity. Thus, host any number of guests and serve them exquisite cuisine within no time. Not to mention, its “smoke zone” feature lets you know the best temperature level for an ideal smoky outcome.

Besides, it features a smokestack that adjusts the temperature and imparts an additional smoky flavor to the food. Also, the charcoal chamber stacks the briskets tightly which leads to enhanced burn efficiency. Apart from that, its ash and charcoal management system is designed to cook without creating any mess. Thus, these are the best drum smokers that are convenient to use and clean.

Conclusion:

This Dyna-Glo model is undoubtedly more than just an average smoker. Its off set design is an advantage as it efficiently accommodates smoke for an even cooking. Also, it provides abundant cooking space so that you can cook any kind of meal. Indeed, it’s one of the best drum smokers with versatility and convenience.

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10. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control, Black – A multipurpose machine

Royal Gourmet has been in the grilling industry for a long time. In its journey, it has provided us with many great grills. Similarly, it has also gained fame by creating one of the best drum smokers out there. Uniquely, the concerned model is an electric appliance whose usage doesn’t require much effort.

In addition, it uses 1500-watt power to heat the machine. Not to mention, this heating power can be controlled by a removable digital controller. Just like the other best drum smokers, it also comes with an installed thermometer. So that you can easily check the cooking temperature. Besides, it comes with two side handles to carry it with ease.

What’s more, it has a 457.86 sq inch wide cooking surface. Along with the spacious cooking area comes three racks that are coated with chrome. Not only does it provide large space but also can be used as a multipurpose machine. To demonstrate, you can use it to make different kinds of foods. For example, grilling, steaming, smoking, drying the food, etc. Moreover, its grease management system helps you with easy cleanup. You can also have a look at the best electric indoor grills we have reviewed, if you’re interested have a look!

Conclusion:

Among the best drum smokers that Royal Gourmet has produced, this model is the most versatile one out of them. Indeed, it can be used for a lot of purposes such as steaming or drying, etc. Also, this is the best choice you can get at such an affordable price.

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Buying Guide for Drum Smokers:

Of course, you can’t just buy any smoker without considering its benefits and limitations. Certainly, to end up with a useful machine you will need to look through the best drum smokers. Surely, it is even better if you find the one with a drum smoker kit too. However, we truly understand how tiring and time consuming it is. That’s why we came up with this buying guide to make it easy for you. Choose the most suitable one for yourself by considering the following facts:

Ease of use:

Certainly, it is always wise to choose among the best drum smokers which are easy to use. What will be the use of such a great machine which you are unable to handle? Even if the machine offers great performance and versatility yet it is most critical to look for its ease of use.

If you are new to this whole thing, then we suggest you to look for the best drum smokers with a single, altitude-based vent. Such appliances are easy to handle even by beginners. Thus, be careful not to end up with a tool that you find difficult to use.

Cooking space:

Mostly, people use their best drum smokers to hold a bbq party. No doubt, serving a large number of people is not an easy task. For that reason, getting the device with an abundant cooking space is a smart move. Given that, you will be able to cook a great quantity of food in one go. Therefore, you should keep in my mind the number of servings you are going to make before buying.

Durability:

When you go as far as investing hundreds of dollars in the best drum smokers, then you should get a durable one. In other words, you should look for an appliance that is made of strong material and serves for a longer time. Also, these should be resistant to rust and corrosion as well.

Mostly, the best drum smokers are coated with porcelain. As a result, the machine stays young and fresh for a long time as this material protects it from any harm. Not to mention, cleaning it is easy too. Hence, it is better to invest your money in a worthy appliance.

Price:

The best drum smokers in the market come at various prices. Of course, the greater the price the more features it has. However, it is possible to get a decent one at a reasonable price too. Thus, it all depends on your pocket that how far are you willing to go with your smoker.

It is advisable to look for the quality before price. As it will prove to be beneficial in the long run, getting a durable machine is worthwhile. In order to find one at your affordable range, you can check our above mentioned products.

Cleaning:

Usually, whenever you think of smokers you assume them to be very smoky and messy. People think that the after-party cleanup will take a lot of time and effort. Conversely, there are some of the best drum smokers that are easy to clean. Indeed, when the smoke rises it leaves behind ashes. Therefore, choose the one that comes with a removable ashtray. Given that, you will be free from the cleanup within no time.

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Final Thought: