The Pit Barrel Cooker (PBC) has been a popular choice among barbecue enthusiasts and pitmasters in recent years. Its unique design and affordable price point have made it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking game. But is the Pit Barrel Cooker any good? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the PBC’s features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right cooker for you.
What is the Pit Barrel Cooker?
The Pit Barrel Cooker is a drum-style smoker and grill that’s designed to provide a versatile and easy-to-use cooking experience. It’s made from a heavy-duty steel drum that’s been converted into a cooker, with a series of clever design features that allow for both smoking and grilling. The PBC is the brainchild of Noah Glanville, a barbecue enthusiast who was frustrated with the high cost and complexity of traditional smokers. Glanville’s goal was to create a cooker that was both affordable and easy to use, and the PBC has become a popular choice among backyard cooks and competition pitmasters alike.
Key Features of the Pit Barrel Cooker
So what makes the Pit Barrel Cooker so special? Here are some of the key features that set it apart from other cookers on the market:
- Drum-style design: The PBC’s drum-style design provides a large, cylindrical cooking chamber that’s perfect for smoking and grilling. The drum is made from heavy-duty steel that’s durable and resistant to rust.
- Reversible grill grates: The PBC comes with reversible grill grates that allow you to cook both directly over the coals and indirectly using the cooker’s built-in heat deflector. This provides a high degree of versatility and allows you to cook a wide range of foods.
- Adjustable vent system: The PBC’s adjustable vent system allows you to control the flow of air into the cooker, which is essential for maintaining a consistent temperature. The vent system is easy to use and provides a high degree of precision.
- Large cooking capacity: The PBC has a large cooking capacity that’s perfect for big families or for cooking for crowds. You can easily fit multiple racks of ribs, several briskets, or a dozen burgers on the cooker at once.
Benefits of the Pit Barrel Cooker
So what are the benefits of using a Pit Barrel Cooker? Here are some of the advantages of this popular cooker:
Easy to Use
One of the biggest benefits of the PBC is its ease of use. The cooker is designed to be simple and intuitive, with a minimal number of moving parts and a straightforward vent system. This makes it easy to get started with the PBC, even if you’re new to barbecue or outdoor cooking.
Affordable
The PBC is also very affordable, with a price point that’s significantly lower than many other smokers and grills on the market. This makes it an attractive option for those who are just starting out with outdoor cooking or who are on a budget.
High-Quality Construction
The PBC is built to last, with a heavy-duty steel drum that’s resistant to rust and corrosion. The cooker’s construction is solid and durable, and it’s designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use.
Versatile
The PBC is an extremely versatile cooker that can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks. You can use it to smoke ribs, brisket, and other barbecue favorites, or to grill burgers, steaks, and vegetables. The cooker’s reversible grill grates and adjustable vent system make it easy to switch between different cooking modes.
Drawbacks of the Pit Barrel Cooker
While the Pit Barrel Cooker is a popular and highly-regarded cooker, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some of the potential downsides to consider:
Temperature Control
One of the biggest challenges of using a PBC is temperature control. The cooker’s drum-style design can make it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature, especially in windy or cold weather. This can be frustrating for pitmasters who are used to more precise temperature control.
Limited Accessories
The PBC has a limited range of accessories available, which can make it difficult to customize the cooker to your needs. This is in contrast to other cookers on the market, which may have a wide range of accessories available.
Noisy
Some users have reported that the PBC can be noisy, especially when the vent system is open. This can be a drawback for those who plan to use the cooker in a residential area or who prefer a quieter cooking experience.
Comparison to Other Cookers
So how does the Pit Barrel Cooker compare to other cookers on the market? Here’s a brief comparison to some other popular cookers:
| Cooker | Price | Cooking Capacity | Temperature Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Barrel Cooker | $300-$400 | Large | Good |
| Weber Smokey Mountain | $300-$400 | Medium | Excellent |
| Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone | $500-$600 | Large | Excellent |
| Kamado Joe Classic | $800-$1000 | Medium | Excellent |
As you can see, the Pit Barrel Cooker is a highly competitive cooker that offers a unique combination of price, cooking capacity, and temperature control. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some other cookers on the market, it’s a solid choice for those who are looking for a versatile and easy-to-use cooker.
Conclusion
So is the Pit Barrel Cooker any good? The answer is a resounding yes. While it may have some drawbacks, the PBC is a highly versatile and easy-to-use cooker that’s perfect for a wide range of cooking tasks. Its affordable price point, high-quality construction, and large cooking capacity make it an attractive option for those who are just starting out with outdoor cooking or who are looking to upgrade their existing cooker. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, the Pit Barrel Cooker is definitely worth considering.
What is a Pit Barrel Cooker?
A Pit Barrel Cooker is a type of drum smoker that allows users to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and fruits. It is designed to provide a unique and flavorful cooking experience, with the ability to achieve tender and juicy results. The cooker is made from a heavy-duty steel drum and features a porcelain-coated finish for durability and rust resistance.
The Pit Barrel Cooker is also relatively portable, making it easy to take on camping trips or to use in backyard cooking. It is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and BBQ enthusiasts who want to achieve professional-grade results without the need for a large and expensive smoker.
How does the Pit Barrel Cooker work?
The Pit Barrel Cooker works by using a combination of heat and smoke to cook food. The cooker features a charcoal basket that is suspended above the bottom of the drum, allowing for airflow and heat circulation. The heat from the charcoal is then distributed throughout the cooker, cooking the food evenly and efficiently.
The Pit Barrel Cooker also features a series of vents that allow users to control the temperature and airflow. This allows for precise control over the cooking process, making it easy to achieve the desired level of doneness and flavor. The cooker can be used for a variety of cooking techniques, including smoking, grilling, and braising.
What are the benefits of using a Pit Barrel Cooker?
One of the main benefits of using a Pit Barrel Cooker is its ability to achieve tender and juicy results. The cooker’s unique design allows for even heat distribution and precise control over the cooking process, making it easy to achieve professional-grade results. Additionally, the Pit Barrel Cooker is relatively portable and easy to use, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and BBQ enthusiasts.
Another benefit of the Pit Barrel Cooker is its versatility. The cooker can be used for a variety of cooking techniques, including smoking, grilling, and braising. This makes it a great choice for users who want to experiment with different cooking methods and recipes. The Pit Barrel Cooker is also relatively affordable, making it a great value for the price.
What types of food can be cooked on a Pit Barrel Cooker?
The Pit Barrel Cooker is a versatile cooker that can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. Some popular options include meats such as brisket, ribs, and chicken, as well as vegetables and fruits. The cooker is also great for cooking seafood, such as salmon and shrimp. Additionally, the Pit Barrel Cooker can be used to cook a variety of sides and desserts, such as baked beans and peach cobbler.
The Pit Barrel Cooker is also great for cooking large quantities of food, making it a great choice for parties and gatherings. The cooker’s large capacity and even heat distribution make it easy to cook multiple items at once, making it a great choice for users who need to feed a crowd.
Is the Pit Barrel Cooker easy to clean?
The Pit Barrel Cooker is relatively easy to clean, thanks to its porcelain-coated finish and simple design. The cooker features a removable charcoal basket and grill grates, making it easy to access and clean the interior of the cooker. Additionally, the Pit Barrel Cooker is designed with a grease management system that helps to contain messes and make cleanup easier.
To clean the Pit Barrel Cooker, simply remove the charcoal basket and grill grates and wash them with soap and water. The exterior of the cooker can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and the interior can be cleaned with a brush and some elbow grease. The Pit Barrel Cooker is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Is the Pit Barrel Cooker worth the investment?
The Pit Barrel Cooker is a worthwhile investment for users who are looking for a high-quality and versatile cooker. The cooker’s unique design and precise temperature control make it easy to achieve professional-grade results, and its durability and rust resistance ensure that it will last for many years. Additionally, the Pit Barrel Cooker is relatively affordable, making it a great value for the price.
While the Pit Barrel Cooker may require some practice and experimentation to get the hang of using it, the results are well worth the effort. The cooker is also backed by a warranty and excellent customer service, making it a risk-free investment for users who are new to drum smoking.
Where can I buy a Pit Barrel Cooker?
The Pit Barrel Cooker is available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website, as well as on online marketplaces such as Amazon. The cooker is also available at some outdoor and sporting goods stores, and can be found at some specialty BBQ stores. It’s a good idea to do some research and compare prices before making a purchase, as prices can vary depending on the retailer and location.
Additionally, the manufacturer’s website often offers promotions and discounts, making it a great place to buy the Pit Barrel Cooker. The website also offers a wealth of information and resources, including recipes and cooking tips, making it a great resource for users who are new to drum smoking.