Best Barrel Smokers of 2025

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Barrel smokers are a type of smoker that are designed to give you the best results in smoking your favorite meats. These smokers are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the heat and pressure of the smoking process. They come in various sizes and shapes, but are generally made from steel barrels that are cut and welded to create a cooking chamber, firebox, and smokestack. The design of barrel smokers allows for even heat distribution, which is essential for achieving perfectly smoked meats. They are also versatile, allowing you to smoke a variety of meats, including brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and chicken. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, a barrel smoker can help you achieve mouth-watering results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package Cover #TOP 1
Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Universal Small Charcoal Barrel Smoker Cover #TOP 2
Universal Small Charcoal Barrel Smoker
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Universal 20-lb Stainless Steel Charcoal Smoker Cover #TOP 3
Universal 20-lb Stainless Steel Charcoal Smoker
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Barrel Smokers

#TOP 1

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package

Pit Barrel Cooker Package
Classic
Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package Cover
Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package - 18.5 Inch Drum Smoker | Porcelain Coated Steel BBQ Grill | Includes 8 Hooks, 2 Hanging Rods, Grill Grate and More

The Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package is a versatile and durable drum smoker that makes outdoor cooking easy and effortless. With its 360º All-Round Heat Dynamics, you can cook everything from meat to veggies perfectly every time. It comes with hooks, steel grill grate, and custom GrillGrate for endless cooking possibilities. The superior-grade porcelain enamel finish can withstand high internal heat and weather conditions, making it portable and easy to transport. This package includes all the essential tools for a complete smoker starter kit.

What We Like
Versatile cooking possibilities
Durable porcelain enamel finish
Effortless 360º All-Round Heat Dynamics

Universal Small Charcoal Barrel Smoker

L30006
Silver
Universal Small Charcoal Barrel Smoker Cover
Universal 6-pound Stainless Steel (Small) Charcoal Barrel Smoker with Thermometer & Airlock system - 16.5"x 21.18" x ⌀11.81", 2 in 1 Vertical Smoker - Grill and Smoker, 6-serving Slow Cooking Smoker

The Universal Charcoal Barrel Smoker offers an effortless smoking experience, allowing you to cook healthy and flavorful dishes while preserving nutrients. Its sturdy stainless steel construction and complete accessories make smoking easy for up to 6 servings. The efficient temperature control system ensures consistent heat levels, while the versatile cooking options cater to various meals. This portable smoker is perfect for outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and more, providing you with the best-smoked flavor effortlessly.

What We Like
Effortless smoking experience
Sturdy construction
Efficient temperature control
#TOP 3

Universal 20-lb Stainless Steel Charcoal Smoker

L30015
Silver
Large
Universal 20-lb Stainless Steel Charcoal Smoker Cover
Universal 20-pound Stainless Steel (25-serving) Charcoal Barrel Smoker with Thermometer & Airlock system - 20.5"x 29.6" x ⌀15.5", 2 in 1 Vertical Smoker - Grill and Smoker, Slow Cooking Smoker

The Universal Charcoal Smoker makes smoking food simple and enjoyable. Its user-friendly design allows you to effortlessly create healthy, flavorful meals while keeping the nutrients intact. The sturdy stainless steel construction ensures durability and comes with all necessary accessories, including hooks and a grill, perfect for serving 20 to 25 people. With precise temperature control, you can easily manage the heat for optimal cooking, ensuring your meats and vegetables are cooked to perfection. This versatile smoker is ideal for various dishes, making it a great addition to your outdoor cooking setup.

What We Like
Effortless smoking experience
Durable stainless steel design
Accurate temperature control
Versatile cooking options
#TOP 4

Badger Barrel BBQ - 16" Drum Style Smoker

Badger Barrel
DGF1001
Matte Black
16.5" diameter
Badger Barrel BBQ - 16" Drum Style Smoker Cover
Badger Barrel BBQ - 16" Drum Style Smoker | 2-Tier BBQ Hibachi Grill | Includes 6 hooks, Hanging Rack, Grill Grate and More | Badgers Not Butterflies

The Badger Barrel Smoker is a versatile and convenient cooking appliance that combines the best qualities of smokers and slow cookers. With its patent-pending design, it offers a unique "vertical cooking experience" that ensures perfectly cooked food every time. The adjustable air vent on the lid allows you to easily control the temperature, while the lightweight and portable design make it easy to take it anywhere. Whether you want to smoke meat, grill food at standard temperatures, or sear steaks and burgers at high temperatures, the Badger Barrel has got you covered. With its included accessories like the hanging rack, grill grate, charcoal basket, and stainless steel hanging hooks, you have everything you need for a great barbecue experience. Assembly is required, but the instructions are included. With the Badger Barrel Smoker, you can enjoy delicious, flavorful food with minimal effort.

What We Like
Unique "vertical cooking experience"
Versatile and convenient design
Adjustable air vent for temperature control
#TOP 5

Oklahoma Joe's Bronco Pro Drum Smoker

19202100
Orange
Large
Oklahoma Joe's Bronco Pro Drum Smoker Cover
Oklahoma Joe's® Bronco Pro Drum Smoker, Orange - 19202100

The Oklahoma Joe's Bronco Pro Drum Smoker is a highly flexible and durable smoker with a large cooking surface of 21.5 inches and 17-pound fuel capacity, providing competition-level performance. The unique airflow control system ensures precise temperature control while the cooking grate, meat hangers, hooks, and heat diffuser allow for maximum flexibility in smoking. The porcelain-coated components, large ash pan, and drain cap make clean-up at competitions easy and hassle-free.

What We Like
Large cooking surface and fuel capacity for competition-level performance
Unique airflow control system for precise temperature control
Flexible smoking options with cooking grate, meat hangers, hooks, and heat diffuser
Easy and hassle-free clean-up with porcelain-coated components, large ash pan, and drain cap
Durable construction for long-lasting use
#TOP 6

Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill

REALCOOK-20
20" Charcoal
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill Cover
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill - 20 Inch Vertical Smoker for Outdoor Cooking Grilling

The Realcook Charcoal Smoker Grill is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that can be used as a fire pit, adjustable barrel grill, and smoker. Its multi-layered design allows for grilling, steaming, baking, braising, roasting, and smoking. With a special bottom vent design and built-in thermometer, you can easily control the airflow and maintain a steady temperature inside the smoker. The portable and easy assembly feature makes it convenient for parties, parks, beaches, and backyards. With a large cooking surface and two cooking racks, this smoker can accommodate large cuts of meat or even hang large turkeys and chickens. The two access doors provide flexibility in checking the status of food and adding charcoal or wood without losing heat. The porcelain-enameled water pan adds smoky flavor to your meat by capturing smoker and moisture.

What We Like
Versatile
Portable
Large capacity

GasOne CSM-16 Vertical Smoker

Gas One
CSM-16
Black
GasOne CSM-16 Vertical Smoker Cover
GasOne Vertical Smoker with Thermometer – 16 Inch Heavy Duty Charcoal Smoker – Multipurpose Charcoal BBQ Grill Mini Smoker for Outdoor, Camping – Easy Assembly, 2 Access Doors Grill with Smoker

The GasOne Vertical Smoker is a versatile 16-inch charcoal smoker and BBQ grill. It features a dual-function design, allowing you to smoke or grill as needed. The heavy-duty construction ensures durability with a rust-resistant steel body. The built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply maintain optimal cooking temperatures, providing even heat distribution. With double access doors for easy monitoring and assembly, this smoker is lightweight and portable, ideal for outdoor cooking and camping adventures.

What We Like
Dual-function design
Heavy-duty construction
Accurate temperature control
#TOP 8

EL BARRIL Grill & Smoker Barrel

GRILLS EL BARRIL
LARGE SIZE BARREL
Charcoal
PREMIUM 45LBS
EL BARRIL Grill & Smoker Barrel Cover
EL BARRIL 45lbs Smoker Grill Combo, Stainless Steel Barrel Charcoal Smoker – Smoke or Grill, Portable Outdoor Smoker with Even Heat Distribution & Grilling Accessories

The EL BARRIL Barrel Grill is a high-quality stainless steel grill and smoker that allows you to grill, smoke, roast, and bake your favorite meats. Made of 100% 18-gauge 304 stainless steel, this grill and smoker ensures even heat distribution and perfect preservation for your meats. Its temperature-controlled barrel and ventilation system provide precise cooking for any type of food. With its low smoke emissions, it is an ideal choice for apartment dwellers. The large size barrel comes with 16 stainless steel hooks, a hook remover, a stainless steel charcoal carrier, and polyethylene handles. Whether you're grilling, smoking, roasting, or baking, the EL BARRIL Barrel Grill offers convenience and versatility for all your cooking needs.

What We Like
High-quality stainless steel
Temperature-controlled barrel
Even heat distribution
#TOP 9

Gas One CSM-18 Heavy Duty Smoker

Gas One
CSM-18
Black
Gas One CSM-18 Heavy Duty Smoker Cover
GasOne CSM-18 Vertical Smoker – 18 Inch Heavy Duty Charcoal Smoker – Multipurpose Charcoal BBQ Grill Mini Smoker for Outdoor, Camping – Easy Assembly, 1 Access Door Grill with Smoker

The Gas One CSM-18 Smoker is designed to be versatile, serving as both a vertical smoker and a barbecue grill. Its heavy-duty construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking. With a built-in thermometer, you can easily monitor and maintain the perfect cooking temperature, ensuring your meals are cooked to perfection. The single access door allows you to check on your food without losing heat, adding convenience to your cooking experience. Its lightweight and portable design make it ideal for camping, fishing, or backyard gatherings.

What We Like
Versatile cooking options
Durable materials
Easy temperature control
Convenient access door
Portable design
#TOP 10

INGRILL 3-in-1 Stainless Steel Barrel

INGRILL
Premium Mediano
Silver
INGRILL 3-in-1 Stainless Steel Barrel Cover
INGRILL 3-in-1 Stainless Steel Barrel: Grill, Bake, Smoke - 25 lbs Capacity, Serves 25, Includes Accessories

The INGRILL 3-in-1 Grill offers a versatile cooking experience with its low smoke production, allowing you to enjoy grilling without the hassle of excessive smoke and charcoal waste. You'll appreciate the detachable side tables and a spacious 14.5-inch grill, which let you prepare multiple dishes at once. Made from durable, food-grade stainless steel, this grill is both easy to clean and built to last. Plus, the secure hardware ensures safe movement of the barrel, even while cooking, giving you flexibility and control in your outdoor cooking adventures.

What We Like
Low smoke production
Detachable side tables
Durable stainless steel
Easy movement
Temperature control
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are barrel smokers any good?

Drum smokers produce outstanding results with less effort than most other types of charcoal smoker. Whether you're smoking ribs, brisket or chicken, drum smokers have a high capacity and a faster than average cooking time.

2. How long will a barrel smoker last?

PBC says that a full basket of charcoal can last up to 12 hours of continuous burning. We usually got about 9 hours on average per basket. This could be from not filling up the basket entirely, or from running the smoker at higher temperatures than the standard 225°F, which naturally burns through more fuel.

3. What is barrel smoker?

The barrel smoker is a simple smoker made from a retrofitted steel drum. They have been around for a while in various forms, and since they were generally hand made, no two designs were exactly alike.

4. Can you grill in a barrel smoker?

A barrel cooker is an all-in-one cooking machine. You can smoke or grill, and even bake if you want to. Leave the lid on to smoke your brisket, ribs, or pork butt for some amazing barbecue.

Editor's Notes

During our barrel smoker research, we found 24 barrel smoker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 20,493 customer reviews through our big data system to write the barrel smokers list. We found that most customers choose barrel smokers with an average price of $194.81.

The barrel smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of barrel smokers, including Pit Barrel Cooker Co., universal, Badger Barrel, Oklahoma Joe's, Realcook. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 43 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.