Pros
Affordable price
Simple to use
Effective and consistent results
No need to tinker with temperature
High capacity (can cook large amounts at once)
Shorter cook times
Even cooking due to design
Great build quality with porcelain enamel finish
Easy to clean
Versatile (can grill as well as smoke)
Excellent product support and customer service
Veteran-owned company
Cons
Barrel depth may be an issue for longer meats
Charcoal basket may have too much capacity for small cooks
Stain on hook tool may come off with damp hands
Main Product Advantages
10 Ease of Use
The Pit Barrel Cooker is celebrated for its simplicity and user-friendly nature. Users can easily set it up, start the charcoal, and cook without needing frequent adjustments or monitoring. The instructional videos are particularly helpful.
10 Customer Support
The company offers excellent customer service, going as far as replacing defective parts rapidly and adding complimentary accessories. This support extends to the community with readily available online resources and videos.
9 Construction Quality
The smoker is made from porcelain-coated steel, ensuring durability and sturdiness. It also includes stainless steel hooks and rods for hanging meat. The design leaves very few moving parts, enhancing durability.
9 Flavor Quality
The cooker produces meat that is smokey, juicy, and tender, replicating high-quality BBQ with minimal effort. The meat's flavor benefits from the unique cooking method where juices drip onto the coals, creating smoke.
9 Capacity
The Pit Barrel Cooker can hold a significant amount of meat, such as up to 8 racks of ribs at once thanks to its hanging method, which maximizes space efficiently.
9 Temperature Stability
The cooker maintains a consistent temperature (around 260°F) for extended periods without the need for constant adjustments. This is achieved through controlled airflow in the barrel.
9 Value for Money
Given its performance, construction quality, and capacity, the PBC is considered a bargain despite recent price increases. It offers high value compared to other smokers on the market.
8 Cook Time
This smoker offers shorter cook times compared to traditional smokers, without compromising the quality of the BBQ. Ribs and chickens are done in a few hours, which is impressive for a smoker.
8 Versatility
The PBC is versatile, capable of grilling as well as slow cooking. The included grill grate and hooks allow for various cooking methods and meat placements.
8 Installation and Setup
The product is easy to set up and handle, making it user-friendly. However, the initial learning curve for some users may vary based on experience with smoking.
Effortless Outdoor Cooking with Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package
Whether you’re new to outdoor cooking or an expert looking to perfect your craft, the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package ensures flawless cooking every time. Thanks to its 360º All-Round Heat Dynamics, this vertical barrel cooker produces consistently great-tasting and perfectly cooked meat, veggies, and more.
Unmatched Versatility in Cooking
The Pit Barrel Cooker offers endless cooking possibilities. Achieve the perfect smoked meat by grilling or hanging ribs and brisket using the included hooks and steel grill grate. For those who love sear-marks, the custom GrillGrate allows you to smoke everything from burgers to desserts effortlessly.
Superior Durability
This cooker is constructed with a superior-grade porcelain enamel finish that not only looks great but also is designed to withstand internal heat and harsh weather conditions. It promises long-lasting durability and reliable performance.
Portability for On-the-Go Grilling
The Pit Barrel Cooker is lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit into most vans, SUVs, and truck beds. The side handles allow you to lift and transport it effortlessly to any location where your grilling skills are needed. It has the capacity to easily hold 8 racks of ribs, 2-3 pork butts/shoulders, or 2 turkeys using the turkey hangers.
The Complete Smoker Starter Package
This package includes everything you need to get started with smoking: a barrel (33” tall, including the lid and stand, and 21.25” wide, including the side handles), 2 hanging rods, 8 stainless steel hooks, a standard grill grate, a charcoal basket, and a hook remover tool. (Note: seasonings are not included)
Conclusion
The Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package is an excellent investment for anyone passionate about outdoor cooking. Its combination of effortless cooking, versatility, durability, and portability makes it a standout product in its category. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grill master, this cooker is designed to elevate your grilling game to new heights.