Best Drum Smokers Reviews Consumer Reports for 2020- Top Picks of the Year

If you are anything like me, with utter delight for smoked meats or other foods, then purchasing a drum smoker should be something to consider. This tool can be the perfect companionship you need to have more fun smoking sessions without much hassle.

But, considering the nearly incessant options on the market, it becomes challenging to discern which product to opt for. However, we have carefully picked the best drum smokers offering great value for your money.

Also, we have included a buying guide section to help navigate the drum smoker market and make the right decision.

Best Drum Smokers – Top 6 Products of the Year

1. Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker

For people who crave for yummy steak, but hate going through the stress of cooking, Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker is a top choice. This equipment is designed to help you monitor your cravings without having to deal with the hassle, which makes it one of the most reliable drum smokers available.

This smoker features some high-end characteristics to make grilling fun and less overwhelming. It comes with two steel-plated cooking grates. This helps ensures that you don’t have to spend time trying to figure out which cut of meat to start with since you can cook both of them at the same time.

Even better, you don’t have to bother about both pieces of meat cooking tenderly and evenly. Also, it features a built-in thermometer and silicone grommet, which allows users to manage the smoker’s internal temperature. Besides, it makes controlling the equipment easier.

You can easily change the heat level by adjusting the dampers for the perfect meal. On top of that: it sports a porcelain-enameled lid, legs, and bowl for better heat retention. In addition, the grill is rust-resistant, and, as such, offering impressive durability. With a fuel door coming off so easily, adding wood and charcoal cannot come any easier than this.

Pros:

Built-in thermometer

Porcelain-plated bowl, legs, and lids

Two enameled steel cooking grates

Cons:

Temperature retention could be better

2. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill

The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill allows you grill, roast, and smoke with just one product. It is equipped with TRU-Infrared cooking technology to eliminate flare-ups and ensure that your food cooks evenly for juicy and tender results.

This unit works well for a larger piece of meat, thanks to its ample internal cooking basket to hold up 21lb turkey. The decent-sized grill grate measuring 180 square inches offer enough space to grill chicken, burgers, and steak.

Further, the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill comes in a compact design and easy to use. All you have to do is connect to your standard LP tank. Also, it sports a removable grease tray to ensure cleaning this unit is a breeze. On top of that, it comes with steel legs to offer more stability and keep the smoker of the ground.

Even better, there’s a side-mounted smoker box that offers easy access and allows you to add more wood chips without opening the lid. This model is a versatile unit coming with a metal thermometer, cooking chamber, removable grease tray, roasting and smoking basket, and the 3-in-2 cooker.

Pros:

Convenient carrying handles

Easy to use

1200 square inch roasting and smoking basket

temperature control from 9,000 to 18,000 BTU’s

Cons:

The drip tray doesn’t fit

3. Pit Barrel Cooker Co. 18-1/2 in. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package

This unit from Pit Barrel Cooker Co. comes with 8 stainless steel hooks for hanging your smoked food. Also, it sports a standard grate to sear and gear your cut of meat. This model comes with a coal basket with decent size to hold a reasonable amount of charcoal to ensure you cook with less hassle.

Further, it features a unique design making Pit Barrel Cooker Co. 18-1/2 in. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker simple to operate. Unlike other models on the market, this unit produces consistent impressive results without much hassle.

What’s more? Assembling this unit is requires minimal effort. Besides, it comes with everything necessary to have a great experience. It includes eight stainless steel hooks, two hanging rods, a hook remover tool, charcoal basket, and standard grill grate.

Pros:

Easy to assemble

Simple to use

Compact design

Allows shorter cooking period

Cons:

Less barrel depth

4. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill

For people looking to cook large meals at once, Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS might be what you need. This drum smoker comes with a huge 1382 sq inches of cooking space and five chrome-enameled cooking grates.

Also, there’s a heavy-gauge steel body construction, which ensures the unit serves you for many years to come. Also, the temperature gauge to indicate the right temperature – thanks to the featured smoke zone. Additionally, it shows the right time to infuse the smoking flavor.

That’s not all; the cool-to-touch handles to offer a safer way to access your food and fuel. Also, the cool-touch spring lid grip allows you to access your food without getting burnt.

What’s more? This unit is equipped with oversized steel wheels for easy maneuverability after or before use.

Pros:

Analog temperature gauge

Cool-touch spring handle

Removable ash pan

Easy to transport

Cons:

Cover has to be purchased separately

5. Barrel House Cooker Smoker BHC 18C

To begin with, Barrel House Cooker Smoker BHC 18C comes with a built-in thermometer, accessory wand, meat hooks, full grate, and H-frame. This model is capable of cooking at a temperature between 275 – 310 degrees F, which allows you to cook with better results.

Furthermore, the detachable base design makes cleaning this unit a breeze and easy to transport. Also, it makes the equipment more portable and allows you to use it as a hibachi. This drum smoker is patio friendly and helps maximize cooking space – thanks to its vertical hanging method. Besides, it only weighs about 45 pounds; therefore, it’s hassle-free to strap into the back of your truck.

Not just that, Barrel House Cooker Smoker BHC 1C is built to serve for may season with its 20 gauge metal barrel. The inside and out are coated with porcelain, and other components are made of stainless steel.

Pros:

Durable construction

Made in the USA

Shorter cook time

Detachable base

Easy to clean

Cons:

You may need to purchase another extender

6. Gateway 55 Gallon Drum Smoker

Last on the list is Gateway 55 Gallon Drum Smoker with a simple yet ample cooking capacity. With a matte black finish and a huge 55-gallon capacity, you find this model a treat to the eyes and high performing.

This product is designed to optimize the tenderness, moisture, and flavor of the BBQ. Further, you are permitted to cook between 250 to 325 degrees F with maximum vapourization. Keep in mind that you can achieve higher temperatures up to 1000 degrees F.

With this tool, you can cook hot and fast. The best part is it’s affordable price tag and ease of use, especially for beginners.

Pros:

55-gallon capacity

Affordable option

Maximizes tenderness, moisture, and flavor

Attains high temperature

User-friendly

Cons:

Does not include necessary equipment

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Drum Smokers

In this section, we’ll discuss several factors to consider when shopping for a drum smoker.

Total Cooking Space

Before purchasing a smoker, you should consider how much cooking space the equipment offers. While some drum smokers on the market come with a single smoking rack, others are accompanied by more smoking racks and grill.

You should choose the overall cooking space based on how much food you intend to smoke simultaneously. The cooking space is measured in square inches. Therefore, models with larger diameter offer an ample smoking space.

Charcoal Management

This factor has to do with how easy accessing the charcoal is. Most models on this list come with direct access to the charcoals, which makes it easier to manage while you smoke your foods. Keep in mind that not all models offer easy access during smoking. Therefore, considering the charcoal management method for each unit is really important, especially for experienced smokers.

Included Accessories

For me, these included accessories are not a deal-breaker. However, they can help make or break your experience with a drum smoker. For example, the smokers feature hanging hooks to offer extra value, which allows you to hang your smoking foods. No doubt, models coming with additional accessories, which is always handy.

Again, these extra tools are not deal breakers but can be useful to ensure a seamless smoking experience.

Consumer Reports

Another factor to put into consideration before making a pick is consumer reports. While anecdotes are excellent ways of knowing how well the product performs, consumer reports provide better insights by offering experienced pros and cons.

Conclusion

We’ve reviewed the best drum smokers on the market. However, it’s up to you to make the right choice based on your preference and cooking needs. Nevertheless, if you are still having trouble pinning down the right model, then check out our buying guide.