Bronco Drum Smoker vs Pit Barrel Cooker: Which One Reigns Supreme for BBQ Enthusiasts?

When it comes to choosing a backyard smoker, the Bronco Drum Smoker and Pit Barrel Cooker are two of the most popular options on the market. Both smokers offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision.

Design and Construction

Bronco Drum Smoker

The Bronco Drum Smoker is a vertical smoker made from a 30-gallon steel drum. It features a removable charcoal basket, a cooking grate, and a lid with a built-in thermometer. The smoker is relatively lightweight and easy to move around, making it a good option for tailgating or camping.

Pit Barrel Cooker

The Pit Barrel Cooker is also a vertical smoker, but it is made from a 18.5-gallon steel drum. It features a unique “hang and cook” system, where the food is hung from hooks inside the barrel. The smoker also has a built-in charcoal basket and a lid with a thermometer. The Pit Barrel Cooker is slightly heavier than the Bronco Drum Smoker, but it is still relatively easy to transport.

Cooking Performance

Bronco Drum Smoker

The Bronco Drum Smoker is known for its ability to produce tender and flavorful smoked meats. The vertical design allows for good air circulation, which helps to cook the food evenly. The smoker also has a large cooking capacity, making it a good option for large gatherings.

Pit Barrel Cooker

The Pit Barrel Cooker is also known for its ability to produce great-tasting smoked meats. The unique “hang and cook” system allows the food to cook indirectly, which helps to prevent it from drying out. The smoker also has a good cooking capacity, but it is slightly smaller than the Bronco Drum Smoker.

Ease of Use

Bronco Drum Smoker

The Bronco Drum Smoker is relatively easy to use. The charcoal basket makes it easy to start and maintain a fire, and the built-in thermometer helps to monitor the temperature. The smoker also has a large opening, making it easy to add food and remove it when it is done cooking.

Pit Barrel Cooker

The Pit Barrel Cooker is also easy to use. The “hang and cook” system makes it easy to load and unload the food, and the built-in charcoal basket makes it easy to start and maintain a fire. The smoker also has a large opening, making it easy to add food and remove it when it is done cooking.

Portability

Bronco Drum Smoker

The Bronco Drum Smoker is relatively lightweight and easy to move around, making it a good option for tailgating or camping. It also comes with a carrying handle, making it easy to transport.

Pit Barrel Cooker

The Pit Barrel Cooker is slightly heavier than the Bronco Drum Smoker, but it is still relatively easy to transport. It also comes with a carrying handle, making it easy to move around.

Price

Bronco Drum Smoker

The Bronco Drum Smoker is priced at around $200.

Pit Barrel Cooker

The Pit Barrel Cooker is priced at around $300.

Takeaways: Which Smoker is Right for You?

The Bronco Drum Smoker and Pit Barrel Cooker are both great options for backyard smokers. The Bronco Drum Smoker is a good choice for those who want a lightweight and portable smoker. The Pit Barrel Cooker is a good choice for those who want a smoker with a unique “hang and cook” system. Ultimately, the best smoker for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. What is the difference between a Bronco Drum Smoker and a Pit Barrel Cooker?

The Bronco Drum Smoker is a vertical smoker made from a 30-gallon steel drum, while the Pit Barrel Cooker is a vertical smoker made from a 18.5-gallon steel drum. The Pit Barrel Cooker also has a unique “hang and cook” system, where the food is hung from hooks inside the barrel.

2. Which smoker is better for beginners?

Both the Bronco Drum Smoker and Pit Barrel Cooker are relatively easy to use, making them good options for beginners. However, the Pit Barrel Cooker may have a slight edge due to its unique “hang and cook” system, which makes it easy to load and unload the food.

3. Which smoker is better for large gatherings?

The Bronco Drum Smoker has a larger cooking capacity than the Pit Barrel Cooker, making it a better option for large gatherings. However, both smokers can accommodate a large amount of food.

4. Which smoker is more portable?

The Bronco Drum Smoker is slightly lighter and more portable than the Pit Barrel Cooker. However, both smokers are relatively easy to transport.

5. Which smoker is more affordable?

The Bronco Drum Smoker is more affordable than the Pit Barrel Cooker. However, both smokers offer good value for the price.