Yes.  There is only roughly 20-21 inches of space between the underside of the lid and the baffle plate or charcoal basket.  The stationary grate holders are positioned too deep within the drum for a meat hanger to sit high enough up in order to utilize the full 20-21 inches of depth.  For example, the standard grate holders our Pit-fighter and Gladiator drums come with aren’t movable.  They are stationary, and positioned at specific points and depths within the drums designed to give you maximum space to fit even the thickest cuts of meat, such as brisket and pork butt for example.  This is when laying flat on a grate.  In order to hang pork spareribs and baby backs you’ll need a meat hanger you can position at a specific level within the cook chamber so the meat won’t touch the coals.  You’ll also need to know the measurements of the meat hanger you’ll be using, so that it will fit correctly.  If you buy a ceramic coated smoker drum from us without the adjustable grate holder system you’ll have to risk ruining that coating by drilling you own holes to fit a meat hanger after the fact.  You’ll also need to know exactly where to drill in order for the hanger to position right.

We’ve taken care of all the design work and figured it all out for you.  The Warrior drum comes with the adjustable grate holder system, but the Pit-fighter and Gladiator drums don’t.  The option to add it to them before build completion is always available.  If you already have a rib/meat hanger you’d like to use, and it’s not one that we’ve created the interior of our drum design around, then it would be up to you to make the necessary modifications to fit your hanger after purchase.  More about the adjustable grate holder system