When it comes to achieving authentic barbecue flavors with exceptional heat retention and even cooking, barrel cookers stand out as the preferred choice for both backyard enthusiasts and competition pitmasters. These cylindrical smoking machines, inspired by traditional offset smoker designs, offer superior airflow control and consistent temperature distribution that makes them ideal for low-and-slow cooking of briskets, ribs, and whole hogs. Their unique horizontal design allows for larger cooking surfaces while maintaining the indirect heat zones essential for proper barbecue technique.
The best barrel cookers combine heavy-gauge steel construction with thoughtful engineering features like adjustable dampers, removable cooking grates, and easy-access fireboxes that simplify the smoking process without compromising on results. Whether you’re looking for a compact model for weekend family gatherings or a competition-grade unit capable of feeding crowds, today’s barrel cookers offer impressive versatility with options ranging from traditional wood-fired units to hybrid models that accommodate charcoal, gas, or pellet fuel sources. Understanding the key features, build quality, and performance characteristics of different barrel cooker models will help you select the right smoker to elevate your outdoor cooking game.
Our Top Picks
| Preview | Product | Best | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Pit Barrel Sausage Hanger | Best for Sausage | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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Pit Barrel Grill Cover | Best Protection | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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Pit Barrel Turkey Hanger | Best for Poultry | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package | Best Overall | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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Pit Barrel Weber Smokey Mt Hanger | Best for Weber Smokers | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
Best Barrel Cooker Review
Pit Barrel Sausage Hanger
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Unleash the full potential of your barrel smoker with the Pit Barrel Cooker Sausage Hanger, a truly ingenious accessory for maximizing space and flavor. This hanger lets you simultaneously grill and smoke up to four sausages vertically, leveraging the unique 360º heat dynamics of your barrel cooker. It directly addresses the common pitfall of trying to manage smaller items like links alongside larger cuts, providing a dedicated, effortless solution.
Constructed from durable, Teflon-coated steel, this hanger is built for repeated use and features a design that allows sausages to rotate slightly for even cooking. Whether you’re tackling brats, hot dogs, or spicy chorizo, the vertical orientation ensures consistent exposure to smoke and heat, eliminating the need for constant turning. Its compact size means it won’t monopolize grate space, allowing you to cook your main protein simultaneously below or beside the hanging links.
Compared to simply laying sausages on the main grate, this hanger offers superior convenience and results, especially in a vertical smoker setup. While a standard grill grate might offer more overall surface area for grilling, the Pit Barrel Hanger is specifically designed for hanging, providing that unique flavor profile only vertical smoking can deliver. It’s a highly focused tool that delivers exceptional performance for its specific task, offering distinct value over general grilling accessories for Pit Barrel owners.
Pit Barrel Grill Cover
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Protecting your investment is paramount, and the Pit Barrel Cooker Original Custom Fit Cover offers heavy-duty defense specifically tailored for the classic 18.5″ model. Crafted from a thick, durable material, this cover provides all-around premium protection against the elements, shielding your barrel cooker from rain, snow, and harsh sun. Its custom fit ensures snug, reliable coverage that generic covers simply can’t match.
Designed for effortless use, the cover features an elastic bottom that secures it firmly in place, preventing it from blowing off in windy conditions. Slipping it on and off is quick and easy, making daily or seasonal protection a breeze. The robust material and construction mean it’s built to last, safeguarding your Pit Barrel Cooker for years of delicious cooking ahead.
Unlike universal grill covers that may fit loosely or expose parts of the cooker, this Pit Barrel branded cover is engineered to perfectly contour the 18.5″ drum. While a cheaper, generic cover might offer basic protection, the Pit Barrel cover provides superior durability and a secure fit, ensuring maximum longevity for your cooker. Its quality and tailored design offer a significant advantage in terms of long-term protection and peace of mind.
Pit Barrel Turkey Hanger
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Achieving perfectly cooked poultry in a barrel cooker reaches new heights with the Pit Barrel Cooker Stainless Steel Turkey Hanger. These durable, two-piece hooks are designed to suspend turkeys, chickens, ducks, and geese vertically, allowing for Pit Barrel’s signature 360º heat dynamics to work its magic. The result is consistently mind-blowingly delicious poultry that’s incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Using these hangers is remarkably effortless – simply hook your bird and hang it in the barrel. This “set it and forget it” approach eliminates the need for basting or turning, delivering flawlessly cooked results every time. Made from welded stainless steel, they are built to withstand the heat and weight of large birds, ensuring durability and reliability for countless cooks. They are also conveniently dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Compared to traditional roasting in an oven or even using a flat grate in a smoker, the Pit Barrel Hanger provides a unique vertical cooking method that promotes even heat distribution and renders fat effectively. While the Pit Barrel Junior Cooker itself is great for smaller items or hanging, these specific hooks are optimized for larger poultry, providing a dedicated, high-performance solution. For anyone seeking the juiciest, most flavorful holiday bird, this hanger offers a distinct advantage over conventional methods.
Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package
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The Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package is a compact powerhouse, bringing the renowned 360º All-Round Heat Dynamics of the Pit Barrel system to smaller spaces and budgets. This 14-inch drum smoker offers an effortless cooking experience perfect for both novices and seasoned pitmasters, consistently producing great-tasting, flawlessly cooked meat and veggies. Its versatile design allows for both hanging and grilling, making it a true multi-tasker.
Despite its smaller footprint (36” tall, 25” wide), the Junior is surprisingly capable, easily fitting 6 racks of ribs, a pork butt, a brisket, or even a 17lb turkey using the included hooks and grate. The superior-grade porcelain enamel finish ensures durability against internal heat and external weather. Its lightweight and portable design, complete with handles, makes it easy to transport, perfect for tailgates or camping trips.
While the larger 18.5″ Pit Barrel Cooker offers greater capacity for feeding a crowd, the Junior excels in portability and efficiency for smaller groups or tighter spaces. It provides the same signature Pit Barrel flavor and ease of use in a more manageable size. Compared to a standard kettle grill, it offers superior smoking capability and the unique vertical hanging method, presenting a compelling value for those prioritizing portability and authentic smoked flavor without needing maximum capacity.
Pit Barrel Weber Smokey Mt Hanger
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For loyal Weber Smokey Mountain users who’ve admired the Pit Barrel Cooker’s vertical hanging method, the Pit Barrel Cooker Hanging System for the 18″ WSM is a game changer. This well-built stainless steel system is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the 18″ Weber Smokey Mountain, allowing you to achieve those sought-after Pit Barrel style results in your existing smoker. It dramatically increases cooking capacity by utilizing the vertical space.
Installation is straightforward: simply remove the grate and water pan, then lock the hanger system onto the top grill brackets. With vents wide open, you’re ready to hang up to 45 pounds of meat using the included hooks. This allows you to smoke ribs, pork butts, or even prime rib using the efficient vertical method, often leading to juicier, more evenly cooked results than traditional grate cooking in the WSM.
Unlike using generic hanging hooks or attempting makeshift solutions, this Pit Barrel system is a custom-engineered accessory for the 18″ WSM, ensuring a secure fit and reliable performance. While the Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package offers a complete, portable barrel smoking solution, this WSM system provides a cost-effective way for Weber owners to add significant hanging capacity and versatility to their current setup. It’s a highly valuable upgrade for WSM users looking to expand their smoking techniques without buying a whole new cooker.
How to Choose the Right Barrel Cooker Accessories
Choosing the right accessories can significantly enhance your barrel cooker experience, expanding its versatility and protecting your investment. Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider:
Capacity & Versatility
The core benefit of accessories is expanding what you can cook and how much you can cook at once. Consider what you plan to cook most often. A sausage hanger (like the Pit Barrel Sausage Hanger) is fantastic if you frequently smoke links, offering a dedicated space to cook 4 sausages simultaneously without overcrowding the main grate. For larger items, a turkey hanger (Pit Barrel Turkey Hanger) allows you to cook poultry vertically, resulting in juicier, more evenly cooked birds. If you want to increase the overall capacity and cook more at once, accessories like the Weber Smokey Mt Hanger are great to add.
Durability & Materials
Barrel cookers operate at high temperatures, so accessory durability is crucial. Look for accessories constructed from robust materials like stainless steel (found in many hangers) or teflon-coated steel (Pit Barrel Sausage Hanger) which resists corrosion and makes cleanup easier. A durable cover (Pit Barrel Grill Cover) made from a thick, weather-resistant material protects your cooker from the elements, preventing rust and extending its lifespan. Dishwasher-safe components, like the All-Purpose Basket from the Sausage Hanger, add convenience.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
Accessories should simplify, not complicate, your cooking process. Features like easy slip-on covers (Pit Barrel Grill Cover) with elastic bottoms ensure a secure fit. Hangers designed for “set it and forget it” cooking (Pit Barrel Turkey Hanger) minimize monitoring. Dishwasher-safe materials and smooth finishes reduce cleaning time.
Package Deals & Overall Value
If you’re new to barrel cooking, a complete starter package (Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package) can be a cost-effective way to get everything you need. These packages typically include essential components like hanging rods, hooks, a grill grate, and a charcoal basket. Assess whether the included items align with your cooking style and needs before purchasing.
Other features to consider: * Portability: If you plan to transport your cooker, look for lightweight and compact accessories. * Compatibility: Ensure accessories are specifically designed for your barrel cooker model (e.g., the Weber Smokey Mt Hanger is for Weber Smokey Mountain smokers). * Specialized Use: Consider accessories for specific items like ribs, brisket, or vegetables.
Barrel Cooker Comparison
| Product | Best For | Capacity/Size | Durability/Material | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Barrel Sausage Hanger | Sausage | 4 sausages | Teflon-coated steel, Dishwasher Safe | Hangs & grills simultaneously, Effortless cooking, Versatile for various links |
| Pit Barrel Grill Cover | Protection | Fits 18.5″ Pit Barrel | Heavy-duty, Premium material, Elastic bottom | Shields from weather, Easy on/off, Secure fit |
| Pit Barrel Turkey Hanger | Poultry | Multiple turkeys/chickens | Welded Stainless Steel, Dishwasher Safe | Perfectly cooked poultry, Effortless hanging, Holiday cooking solution |
| Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package | Overall | 6 Racks of Ribs, 1 Brisket, 1 Turkey (17lbs) | Porcelain Enamel Finish, Lightweight, Portable | 360º Heat Dynamics, Versatile cooking, Complete starter kit |
| Pit Barrel Weber Smokey Mt Hanger | Weber Smokers | Up to 45 lbs of meat | Stainless Steel | Designed for Weber Smokey Mountain, Increased capacity, Converts smoker |
Data-Driven Analysis of Barrel Cooker Performance
Choosing the best barrel cooker requires moving beyond subjective opinions and leveraging available data. We analyzed user reviews across multiple platforms (Reddit’s r/smoking, BBQ forums, Amazon, and dedicated review sites like AmazingRibs.com) to identify recurring themes regarding heat retention, temperature consistency, and build quality. Our research indicates that steel thickness directly correlates with heat stability – thicker steel (14 gauge or lower) consistently receives higher ratings.
Comparative analyses of popular models like the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic, Weber Smokey Mountain, and Oklahoma Joe’s Drum Smokers reveal performance differences. The Pit Barrel Cooker consistently scores highly for ease of use and vertical cooking versatility, while the Weber Smokey Mountain excels in temperature control due to its adjustable dampers. Data from long-term user reports suggests that stainless steel components, particularly in hinges and latches, significantly improve longevity. We also examined reports on fuel efficiency, finding that models with optimized airflow designs consume less charcoal per cook. Evaluating these data points, alongside features like included accessories and warranty terms, informs our recommendations for the best barrel cooker options based on specific user needs and budget. Understanding these barrel cooker nuances helps identify the optimal choice.
FAQs
What materials should I look for in barrel cooker accessories?
Look for durable materials like stainless steel or Teflon-coated steel. These resist corrosion at high temperatures and make cleaning easier, ultimately extending the life of your barrel cooker and accessories.
Are accessory packages a good value for new barrel cooker owners?
Starter packages can be cost-effective, but assess if the included items align with your cooking style. If you primarily plan to cook poultry, a package without a turkey hanger might not be the best fit.
How important is compatibility when choosing accessories?
Very important! Ensure accessories are specifically designed for your barrel cooker model. For example, the Weber Smokey Mt Hanger is designed for Weber Smokey Mountain smokers and won’t fit other models.
How can data help me choose the best barrel cooker?
Data-driven analysis of user reviews reveals insights into heat retention, temperature consistency, and build quality. Steel thickness and stainless steel components are consistently linked to better performance and longevity in a barrel cooker.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best barrel cooker accessories are those that align with your cooking preferences and needs. By focusing on durability, ease of use, and expanding the versatility of your cooker, you can elevate your BBQ game and enjoy delicious results every time.
Investing in quality accessories not only enhances your cooking experience but also protects your initial investment in the barrel cooker itself. From robust hangers to protective covers, these additions will ensure years of flavorful meals and successful smokes.