Frequently Asked Questions

1. How durable is a 55 gal barbecue smoker?  Steel 55 gallon barrels used as smoker drums can really go the distance if cared for properly.  In regard to weathering it doesn’t take much to … read more

2. How many racks of ribs can be made with smoker barrels?  Great question!  It depends on how you do it.  There are different ways you can get them to fit inside of smoker barrels.  A good thing about them is that … read more

3. Are the 55 gallon barrels you use to build your cookers brand new?  Yes, most of the 55 gallon barrels we use are.  However some are used, having previously been used in the ... read more

4. Are steel drums safe for use as smokers?  Yes, apart from being food safe steel drums they have been thoroughly sanitized by us before becoming smokers.  When we acquire our 55 gallon drums they … read more

5. Are reconditioned steel drums used for your smokers?  No, we never use reconditioned steel drums to build our smokers for sale to the consumer.  “Reconditioned” drums are taken through a … read more

6. What is a drafting system or “draft” in a smoker?  Draft is the way a smoker pulls or draws air into the firebox for the purpose of combustion.  While that’s happening the chimney helps the … read more

7. Can a BBQ smoker drum catch fire easily?  Barbecue barrels have evolved considerably since their inception.  However, that’s not to say that a fire still can’t get away from you.  The 2 most common ways a BBQ smoker drum can catch fire are … read more

8. Are these direct heat smokers charcoal only?  Direct heat smokers are designed to be used with both charcoal and wood.  In fact … read more

9. Is the paint used for your drums durable?  The paint we use is durable and can withstand the … read more

10. Would an upright smoker barrel be okay to use on a condo or apartment balcony?  Your safest bet is to check with your HOA and/or property manager & clear the use of an upright smoker barrel with them first.  In terms of radiating heat doing any type of damage these types of cookers … read more

11. How do I buy a drum, there is no add to cart option on your site?  Currently we are only selling locally to customers in San Diego county and the greater Southern California area. Our primary location is in San Diego California. Call us to schedule an appointment to either … read more

12. How do I go about purchasing a custom smoker drum?  Preferably, custom smoker drum interests should be discussed in person. This way we can … read more

13. How much meat can be cooked inside of a drum?  It all depends on the type of meat you want to cook. It also depends on how you place and arrange the meat inside the smoke chamber.  Take pork spareribs and baby backs for example. We’ve personally … read more

14. Does dramatic temp loss occur when lid opens?  Heat is lost yes, but cooks using our drums have been clocked in at getting back up to temp within 3 or 4 minutes after closing the lid, sometimes less.  That is the design, and … read more

15. Can I use a barrel smoker on a wood deck?  A barrel smoker can definitely be used on a wood deck.  You would just have to … read more

16. How often should a UDS be cleaned out?  The recommended cleaning maintenance cycle for a smoker drum is once every 4 cooks or so.  It’s more so the soot leftover from the … read more

17. Are barbecue drum pits lightweight enough to transport?  Barbecue drum pits are easily transportable.  Take them with you to any type of function.  Family shindig at the park or … read more

18. What is a heat deflector?  A heat deflector, sometimes referred to as a heat diffuser or baffle is … read more

19. What makes a vertical barrel smoker so awesome?  Aside from being able to hold & cook a good amount of meat, ribs and chicken for example, the charcoal baskets in our vertical barrel smokers are … read more

20. Can digital temperature control and timing equipment be used with this style of cooker?  Absolutely yes!  In fact, you would have a serious advantage in … read more

21. I can just make my own BBQ barrel smoker from scratch that looks just as good, why spend the money on one of yours?  This is very true, anyone can make their own BBQ barrel.  But, do you understand the SCIENCE behind what makes these cookers work so awesome?  Remember, these aren’t … read more

22. How durable and long-lasting is the paint you put on your drums?  The paint is relatively durable.  But, like with anything if you mistreat it you can’t expect it not to take on any sort of nicks, scratches, or scrapes.  If you’re a caterer for example, and plan on … read more

23. Why do some barrels have a coloring inside?  Some barrels have what’s known as a phenolic lining inside them.  It’s a type of resin that when combined with an epoxy resin is used for food grade applications.  Epoxy phenolic coatings are FDA compliant for storing food and … read more

24. Is it hard using a barrel smoker?  Not at all.  There is a tiny learning curve, but once you get past that it’s so simple.  All you have to do is this: … read more

25. How do you refuel the fire in a barrel smoker?  There’s no need for refueling a fire when it comes to drums.  You won’t need to continuously add fuel as you go.  As long as you set your fire up right in the beginning you’ll be able to … read more