Drum smokers are one of the easiest ways to cook real charcoal barbecue without babysitting a fire all day.
They’re simple, efficient, and usually cheaper than buying a big offset smoker. You can hang ribs, smoke brisket, cook chicken, or load one up with food for a crowd without needing a huge backyard setup.
But, not all drum smokers cook the same. I’ve cooked on both the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco and the Pit Barrel Cooker, and they feel very different in real use even though they’re both barrel-style smokers.
So, this guide is based on what actually matters when you’re cooking: temperature control, fuel use, build quality, ease of use, and whether the smoker suits the way you actually barbecue.
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Quick Picks: Best Drum Smokers
These are the drum smokers I’d look at first based on real-world use, practical backyard cooking, and how each one fits a different type of buyer.
🏆BEST OVERALL
IF YOU WANT: One charcoal drum that can handle low and slow plus hot grilling.
🔥 BEST SET & FORGET
IF YOU WANT: Easy charcoal barbecue without adjusting vents all day.
💪 Best Premium Drum
🛠️ Best DIY Drum
Table of Contents
Best Drum Smokers Compared
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of our top drum smokers before diving into the full reviews.
| Smoker | Type | Cooking Area | Best For | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco | Charcoal drum smoker/grill | 18-inch grate + hanging hooks | Best all-round backyard drum | Medium |
| Pit Barrel Cooker Classic | Fixed-temp barrel smoker | 18.5-inch barrel + 8 hooks | Easy hanging-style barbecue | Low |
| Gateway Drum Smoker | Premium 55-gallon drum smoker | 55-gallon drum setup | Premium hot-and-fast drum cooking | Medium |
| Big Poppa Stainless Steel Drum Kit | DIY drum smoker kit | 21.5-inch grate | Building your own drum smoker | High |
What to Expect From a Drum Smoker
Drum smokers are simple, but they do cook differently from offsets, pellet grills, and bullet smokers.
- They usually cook hotter and faster than traditional low-and-slow offset barbecue.
- Hanging meat gives you a lot of usable capacity without needing a huge footprint.
- Most drums give a strong charcoal and smoke flavour because the food cooks directly above the fire.
- They are usually efficient on charcoal, especially once you understand the airflow.
- Some drums are very hands-off, while others give you more control but need more adjustment.
- They are not all good grills. If grilling matters, the Bronco is the one I’d look at first.
If you’re still deciding between smoker types, my guide to the best type of smoker is worth reading before you buy.
The Best Drum Smokers Reviewed
Below are the drum smokers I’d look at first, based on how they cook in real use, how much control they give you, and whether they make sense for normal backyard barbecue.
I’ve kept the list tight because drum smokers are a narrower category, and adding more options doesn’t always make the buying decision easier.
BEST OVERALL
Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker
The Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco is my favorite drum smoker for most backyard cooks. It gives you proper drum-style smoking, but it also works as a real charcoal grill, which makes it more useful than most barrels.
Read our full review of the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco →
Why this works
- It can smoke and grill properly
- The intake system gives you more temperature control than a fixed-temp barrel
- The charcoal basket can be raised for grilling
- It comes with hooks, grate, diffuser, charcoal basket, and ash pan
- It is easier to live with than a full-size offset smoker
Cooking experience
The Bronco feels more like a complete backyard barbecue than most drum smokers. I’ve used a lot of smokers over the years, and this one always stands out because it does more than just hang meat over charcoal. You can run it low and slow, but you can also lift the charcoal basket up and grill at a proper height without leaning down inside a barrel.
Temperature control has been easy and reliable for me. Unlike the Pit Barrel, you can actually adjust the intake and settle the Bronco where you want it. The built-in temperature gauge on mine wasn’t perfectly accurate, but it was consistent, which is more important once you know how it reads.
I’ve had around 10 hours of low-and-slow cooking from one basket of lump charcoal. In cold weather, it burns through fuel faster, but still long enough that I haven’t needed to refill during normal cooks.
The main quirk I had was the air intake pipe leaking grease onto my patio when it was new. A bit of high-heat silicone fixed it, but the stain was already there. That’s the sort of thing that reminds you this is not a luxury smoker. It cooks well, but the finishing and fit are still very Oklahoma Joe’s.
What to expect
- Average drum quality — I’d keep it covered and out of the rain
- Built-in thermometer may be off, but mine was consistent
- More hands-on than the Pit Barrel because you can adjust the vents
- Can genuinely grill, not just smoke
- Strong all-round choice if you want one charcoal smoker to do more jobs
What About the Bronco Pro?
The Bronco Pro is worth looking at if you like the Bronco idea but want more space. It gives you the same general drum-style cooking setup in a larger body, so it makes more sense if you regularly cook for a crowd or want extra room for larger briskets, ribs, and sides.
For most people, I’d still start with the standard Bronco. It gives you the main reason I like this smoker so much — proper drum smoking plus actual grilling — without taking up as much space or costing as much.
If you cook big often, go Bronco Pro. If you mostly cook for family and friends, the regular Bronco is probably the better fit.
Pros
- Smokes really well
- Properly set up for grilling
- Adjustable temperature control
- Includes hooks, grate, diffuser, basket, and ash pan
- More versatile than most drum smokers
Cons
- Drum quality is only average
- I had grease leaking from the intake pipe before sealing it
- Built-in thermometer may not be fully accurate
- Needs weather protection if you want it to last
Who it's best for
If you want one drum smoker that can smoke and grill properly.
Who should skip it
If you want the easiest set-and-forget charcoal smoker.
Also available at: Walmart
BEST SET & FORGET
Pit Barrel Cooker Classic
The Pit Barrel Cooker Classic is the drum smoker I’d recommend to someone who wants charcoal barbecue without overthinking it. It is simple, proven, and very good at hanging meat over charcoal.
Read our full review of the Pit Barrel Cooker →
Why this works
- Very easy to use once you accept how it cooks
- Great for ribs, chicken, pork, and brisket
- Hanging meat gives you a lot of capacity for the footprint
- Runs hotter and faster than traditional low and slow
- Comes ready to cook with hooks, rods, grate, charcoal basket, and hook remover
Cooking experience
The Pit Barrel Cooker is one of the easiest charcoal smokers I’ve used. It is designed around a fixed-temperature style of cooking, so you’re not sitting there chasing 225°F all day. It tends to run hotter than what a lot of people think of as low and slow, usually around the 275°F mark, but the results are still very good.
That hotter cooking style means food finishes faster. Ribs can be done in about 3 hours instead of the 6 hours I’d usually plan for. I’ve even cooked a decent brisket in about 6.5 to 7 hours, which is fast compared with a more traditional low-temperature cook.
The hanging setup cooks evenly because the heat moves around the meat, but I have found that the very bottom of ribs can get a bit dried out and charred. It is not ruined, but it is one of those real-world quirks of hanging food over a live charcoal basket.
The big thing with the Pit Barrel is not to fight it. If you want to keep adjusting vents, checking gauges, and trying to dial in exact temperatures, you’ll probably annoy yourself. This smoker works best when you let it do what it was designed to do.
What to expect
- Runs hotter than traditional low and slow — usually around 275°F
- Very little temperature control compared with the Bronco
- No built-in thermometer, because it is designed to run without one
- Excellent for hanging ribs, chicken, pork, and brisket
- Not a proper grill, even though you can technically cook on the grate
- Lid can pool water if left in the rain, so I’d store it undercover
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Great for hanging ribs and chicken
- Cooks faster than traditional low and slow
- Good capacity for the size
- Simple setup with minimal adjustment
Cons
- Not much temperature control
- Not a proper grill
- Bottom of hanging ribs can dry or char a little
- Can't be used in the rain
Who it's best for
If you want simple, hands-off charcoal smoking.
Who should skip it
If you want temperature control or proper grilling.
Also available at: Walmart
BEST PREMIUM DRUM
Gateway Drum Smoker
The Gateway Drum Smoker is the premium option in this list. It is the one I’d look at if you already know you like drum cooking and want something more serious than the Bronco or Pit Barrel.
Why this works
- More refined airflow setup than basic drum smokers
- Built-in thermometer makes it easier to monitor cooks
- Stronger premium feel than the cheaper barrels
- Comes fully assembled
- Better suited to hot-and-fast drum cooking
- Caster wheels make the heavier drum easier to move
Cooking experience
I haven’t personally cooked on the Gateway the same way I have with the Bronco and Pit Barrel, so I wouldn’t pretend this is a hands-on verdict in the same way. But, based on the design, it sits somewhere between the controlled feel of the Bronco and the hotter, faster cooking style of the Pit Barrel.
The airflow setup is one of the main reasons to consider it. The Gateway uses intake pipes and an adjustable exhaust, which should give better airflow movement than a basic single-vent barrel. It also has a center-mounted thermometer, which is useful if you don’t want to rely only on probe thermometers.
The cooking style is still very much drum cooking. You should expect strong charcoal flavour, direct heat rising from the basket, and a hotter/faster barbecue style rather than a gentle offset-style cook. Many people run these drums in that 250–325°F range instead of trying to force them down super low.
The main thing to understand is that the Gateway is not just “a cheap barrel made nicer.” It is a more purpose-built drum smoker. That matters if you care about airflow, build quality, movement, and long-term ownership.
What to expect
- More expensive than the Bronco or Pit Barrel
- Heavier than most basic drum smokers
- Accessories can add to the total cost
- Better suited to people who already know they like drum cooking
- More premium, competition-style feel than a basic backyard barrel
- I haven’t personally cooked on this one, so I’m not ranking it above the smokers I’ve used directly
Pros
- More premium build than the cheaper drum smokers
- Strong airflow design
- Built-in thermometer
- Comes fully assembled
- Caster wheels help with moving it
Cons
- More expensive
- Heavier than cheaper drums
- Accessories can add to the cost
- Less beginner-friendly from a price point of view
Who it's best for
If you want a more premium, competition-style drum.
Who should skip it
If you’re buying your first charcoal smoker.
Also available at: Amazon
BEST DIY OPTION
Big Poppa Smokers Stainless Steel Drum Kit
The Big Poppa Stainless Steel Drum Kit is the best option here if you want to build your own drum smoker. It gives you the DIY drum experience without relying on random parts, questionable barrels, or a rough homemade setup.
Why this works
- Gives you the parts needed for a proper drum smoker build
- Stainless steel drum option is better than using an unknown old barrel
- Lets you customise your setup more than a ready-made smoker
- Good choice if you enjoy building your own gear
- Can be upgraded with extra parts and accessories
Cooking experience
I’d treat the Big Poppa kit differently from the ready-made smokers in this article. You’re not just buying a barbecue and cooking on it the same day. You’re building the smoker first, so the experience starts before the first cook.
That is a positive if you like DIY projects. You get to understand how the drum works, where the vents are, how the charcoal basket sits, and how the airflow moves through the smoker. That can make you a better drum smoker cook because you’re not just blindly using a finished product.
Once built, this style of smoker gives you the classic UDS cooking experience. You’ve got charcoal at the bottom, food above it, and a simple airflow system controlling the burn. It is efficient, direct, and very capable of turning out proper barbecue without the space or cost of a large offset.
The reason I prefer the stainless drum option is simple: old barrels can be risky and short-lived. Some have held chemicals. Even food-grade drums are not always built to handle repeated fires. I’ve burned through regular drums in under a year of regular use, so starting with stainless makes more sense if you want it to last.
What to expect
- Requires assembly before you can cook
- Better for practical people who enjoy building things
- Stainless steel drum option is safer than using an unknown barrel
- More customisable than a ready-made smoker
- Not as convenient as buying a Bronco or Pit Barrel
- Warranty and support are not the same as buying a complete smoker
Pros
- Proper DIY drum smoker setup
- Stainless steel drum option is the safer, longer-lasting route
- Customisable
- Different packages to suit your budget
- Classic UDS-style cooking
Add Your Heading Text Here
Cons
- Requires assembly
- Not as simple as buying a finished smoker
- Limited warranty compared with some ready-made options
- Costs more than building from random second-hand parts
Who it's best for
If you want to build your own drum smoker.
Who should skip it
If you want a smoker ready to cook on.
How to Choose the Right Smoker Based on How You Actually Cook
The best drum smoker depends less on the smoker itself and more on how much effort you want to put in.
Some people want control. Some want simplicity. Some want one barbecue that can do everything. Others just want ribs and chicken without turning smoking into a full-day job.
Do You Want to Manage a Fire, or Not?
If you want the least amount of adjustment, the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic is the easiest choice.
It is not designed for constant fiddling. You set the intake based on your elevation, light the charcoal, hang the meat, and let it cook.
The Bronco gives you more control, but that also means you’ll probably pay more attention to it. You can adjust the intake and settle it where you want, which is great if you like having more say over the cook.
The Gateway is also more of a controlled drum smoker, but at a higher price. The Big Poppa kit depends partly on how well you build and tune it.
Do You Want to Grill as Well, or Just Smoke?
This is where the Bronco stands out.
Most drum smokers are not great grills. They can sometimes be used that way, but it often feels like a workaround.
The Bronco is different because you can raise the charcoal basket and use it as a proper charcoal grill. That makes it much more useful if you want one barbecue for smoking and everyday grilling.
If you already have a grill and only want a smoker, the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic or Gateway might make more sense.
How Much Effort Do You Actually Want to Put In?
For the lowest effort, choose the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic.
For a little more effort but more versatility, choose the Bronco.
For a premium drum setup, choose the Gateway.
For the most hands-on ownership, choose the Big Poppa kit.
That does not mean one is better than the others. It just means they suit different people.
How Much Food Are You Realistically Cooking?
For normal family cooking, the standard Bronco or Pit Barrel Classic is enough.
If you regularly cook for groups, the Bronco Pro is worth considering because it gives you more room without changing the basic reason the Bronco works.
The mistake is buying too big because it feels more impressive. A larger smoker takes up more space, uses more fuel, and can be less convenient for small cooks.
Buy for the way you actually cook most weekends, not the one big party you host once a year.
Do You Want Versatility or Just Great BBQ?
If you want versatility, I’d go Bronco.
It can smoke, grill, roast, and handle a wider range of cooks. It is the better all-round backyard option.
If you just want great hanging-style barbecue with minimal effort, I’d go Pit Barrel Cooker Classic.
If you want a more serious drum smoker and already know this is the style you like, I’d look at Gateway.
If you want the satisfaction of building your own setup, go Big Poppa.
For more charcoal smoker options outside drums, see my guide to the best smokers under $500.
Quick Reality Check
- Drum smokers are simple, but they are not all “set and forget”
- Most drums cook hotter and faster than traditional offset barbecue
- Hanging meat gives you more capacity than the grate size suggests
- If grilling matters, choose carefully
- Weather protection still matters, even with decent drums
Common Drum Smoker Mistakes
- Buying a fixed-temp smoker when you know you like adjusting temperatures
- Expecting every drum smoker to grill well
- Chasing 225°F on a smoker designed to run closer to 275°F
- Forgetting that hanging ribs can dry or char slightly at the bottom
- Buying the biggest model when a smaller one would be easier to use
- Leaving painted or enameled drums uncovered in the rain
- Assuming DIY is cheaper once you add better parts and a safe drum
- Ignoring accessory costs on premium drums
- Judging capacity only by grate size instead of hanging space
- Using too much smoking wood and overpowering the food
Other Drum Smokers I Considered
Hunsaker Vortex Drum Smoker
The Hunsaker Vortex is one of the more serious premium drum smokers I’d compare against the Gateway if you’re shopping at the higher end.
The airflow setup and vortex-style charcoal basket look well thought out, and it has a good reputation with drum smoker fans. I haven’t cooked on one personally though, so I’m not ranking it above the Gateway here.
That is not a criticism of the Hunsaker. It simply means I’m keeping the main recommendations focused on the smokers I have stronger buying confidence in for this article.
If you are already comparing premium drum smokers, it is worth looking at alongside Gateway before making a final decision.
FAQs About Drum Smokers
What is the best drum smoker for most people?
The Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco is the best drum smoker for most people because it gives you the best balance of smoking, grilling, control, and price.
The Pit Barrel Cooker Classic is easier if you only care about simple hanging-style barbecue, but the Bronco is more versatile.
Is the Pit Barrel Cooker better than the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco?
It depends on how you want to cook.
The Pit Barrel Cooker is better if you want the simplest possible charcoal smoker and are happy letting it run at its natural temperature.
The Bronco is better if you want more control and the option to grill properly. I’d choose the Bronco as the better all-round smoker, but I’d choose the Pit Barrel for pure simplicity.
Can you grill on a drum smoker?
You can grill on some drum smokers, but not all of them do it well.
The Bronco is the best grilling option in this list because the charcoal basket can be raised closer to the grate. On something like the Pit Barrel Cooker, grilling is more of a workaround than a main feature.
Do drum smokers cook faster than other smokers?
Yes, they often do.
Many drum smokers naturally run hotter than traditional low-and-slow smokers. The Pit Barrel Cooker, for example, is often closer to hot-and-fast barbecue than a strict 225°F cook.
That can be a good thing. Ribs, chicken, pork, and even brisket can finish faster while still tasting like real charcoal barbecue.
Are drum smokers good for brisket?
Yes, drum smokers can cook very good brisket.
The main thing is understanding that the cooking style is different from an offset. You’ll usually get stronger direct charcoal flavour and often a faster cook.
If you’re still learning brisket, my guide on how to smoke brisket will help more than focusing only on the smoker.
Is a DIY drum smoker worth it?
A DIY drum smoker is worth it if you enjoy building things and want something customisable.
But, it is not the best choice if you just want an easy first smoker. By the time you buy safe parts, a decent drum, and the tools needed, DIY is not always as cheap as it first looks.
Final Thoughts
If I were buying one drum smoker for most backyard cooks, I’d choose the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco.
It is not perfect, and the build quality is not premium, but it gives you the best mix of smoking, grilling, control, and everyday usefulness.
If you want the easiest charcoal barbecue setup, get the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic. It is simple, fast, and very good at what it does.
If you want a more premium drum smoker, look at the Gateway. It costs more, but it makes sense if you already know you like drum cooking and want a more serious setup.
And if you want to build your own, the Big Poppa Stainless Steel Drum Kit is the cleanest DIY option here.
The main thing is choosing based on how you actually cook. If you want control and grilling, go Bronco. If you want simplicity, go Pit Barrel. If you want premium, go Gateway. If you want a project, go Big Poppa.
Jared Brown is a barbecue enthusiast with hands-on experience across a wide range of grills, smokers, and outdoor cooking setups. He enjoys testing different styles of barbecue and helping readers choose equipment that suits the way they actually want to cook, rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all answer. His practical, open-minded approach makes him a trusted voice for backyard cooks looking for honest guidance and better results.
