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I Want to Buy a Barrel Grill or Smoker — What Should I Buy?
Sep
I Want to Buy a Barrel Grill or Smoker — What Should I Buy?
If you’re thinking, “I want to buy a barrel grill or smoker,” the first step is figuring out what type and size of BBQ cooker actually fits the way you cook.
There are small backyard barrel grills, double barrel configurations, offset smokers, large reverse-flow smokers, and much larger BBQ cooking systems.
The biggest smoker isn’t automatically the right smoker.
Before you buy, consider your cooking capacity, available space, preferred cooking style, fuel, mobility, and how many people you normally cook for.
Should I Buy a Barrel Grill or a Smoker?
Start with what you want to cook.
A barrel grill can be a versatile choice if you want to grill foods such as burgers, steaks, chicken, sausages, and other BBQ favorites.
A dedicated smoker or offset smoker can make more sense if your main goal is low-and-slow cooking of foods such as brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder.
Some larger BBQ configurations can provide both grilling and smoking capabilities.
Think about how you actually plan to use the cooker instead of buying based only on appearance.
Buy a 55-Gallon Barrel Grill for Backyard BBQ
A 55-gallon barrel grill can be a practical starting point for backyard cooks who want a substantial cooking area without moving into the largest smoker category.
Our 55 Gallon Barrel Grill is an option to compare if you’re looking for a traditional barrel-style BBQ cooker.
Before ordering, check the cooking area, dimensions, features, and other product specifications.
Should I Buy a Double Barrel Grill?
If you need more cooking space than a single barrel provides, a double barrel configuration may be worth considering.
Our Double Barrel Grill uses two 55-gallon barrels and provides a larger cooking setup.
This type of configuration can be useful when you regularly cook for larger families, parties, or BBQ gatherings.
However, more cooking space also means a larger piece of equipment.
Make sure you have enough room for the cooker before ordering.
Should I Buy a Double Barrel Smoker?
A double barrel smoker can be useful if your cooking needs have grown beyond a smaller barrel grill.
Additional cooking space can help when you’re preparing several racks of ribs, brisket, chicken, pork shoulder, or other foods during the same BBQ session.
If you’re specifically looking for a double barrel smoker for sale, compare the cooking configuration and specifications carefully before purchasing.
The goal is to buy enough capacity without buying substantially more smoker than you need.
Should I Buy an Offset Smoker?
An offset smoker is another option for buyers who are primarily interested in smoking meat.
Offset smokers generally use a separate firebox and cooking chamber.
This configuration can appeal to BBQ cooks who enjoy managing a wood or charcoal fire while smoking meat.
If you want substantially more cooking capacity, you can compare our 120 Gallon Offset Smoker.
What Size Barrel Grill or Smoker Should I Buy?
Size should be based on your normal cooking requirements.
Ask yourself:
- How many people do I normally cook for?
- How often do I host BBQ gatherings?
- Do I normally cook one large cut or several?
- Do I want to grill, smoke, or both?
- How much outdoor space do I have?
- Will I need to move the cooker?
- How much fuel am I comfortable using?
If you normally cook for a small family, you may not need an extremely large smoker.
If you regularly host large gatherings, additional cooking space can become much more valuable.
How Much Cooking Space Do I Need?
Don’t judge cooking capacity by the outside appearance of a smoker.
Look at the actual usable cooking area.
Check:
- Cooking grate dimensions
- Number of racks
- Rack spacing
- Cooking chamber dimensions
- Firebox configuration
- Number of cooking zones
A smoker can look large from the outside while having less usable cooking space than expected.
What Should I Look for in a Barrel Grill?
Before buying a barrel grill, consider:
Cooking Area
Make sure the grate provides enough space for the food you normally prepare.
Construction
Look at the construction of the barrel, grates, doors, hinges, handles, vents, and other major components.
Temperature Control
Good airflow management is important when controlling cooking temperatures.
Fuel
Confirm whether the cooker is designed for charcoal, wood, or a combination of fuels.
Mobility
Consider whether wheels or a stationary setup makes more sense for your outdoor space.
Cleaning
Think about how easy it will be to access the cooking area and remove ash or grease.
What Should I Look for in a Smoker?
If smoking is your priority, pay close attention to:
- Cooking chamber size
- Firebox design
- Airflow
- Dampers
- Thermometer
- Cooking grate dimensions
- Door access
- Fuel requirements
- Mobility
- Overall construction
Temperature management is particularly important when smoking meat for several hours.
The USDA notes that when smoking meat and poultry, a thermometer should be used to monitor both the smoker temperature and the food temperature.
Do I Need a Large Smoker?
Not necessarily.
A common mistake is assuming that the largest smoker is automatically the best purchase.
A very large smoker can take up more space, require more fuel, and be harder to move.
If you only cook for a few people, you may get more practical use from a smaller setup.
Choose the capacity you will actually use.
When Does a Large Smoker Make Sense?
A larger smoker may make sense when you regularly:
- Cook for large families
- Host BBQ parties
- Smoke several briskets
- Cook multiple racks of ribs
- Prepare food for events
- Need multiple cooking zones
- Cook large quantities at one time
For very large cooking requirements, our 250 Gallon Reverse Flow Smoker is a much larger option to compare.
Barrel Grill or Smoker for Small Backyards
If you have limited outdoor space, measure the area before buying.
Don’t forget to leave enough room around the cooker for:
- Opening doors
- Adding fuel
- Accessing racks
- Managing the fire
- Cleaning
- Moving around the equipment
The physical footprint of the cooker is only part of the space you need.
Barrel Grill or Smoker for Large Families
If you regularly cook for a large family, additional cooking capacity can save you from preparing multiple batches.
A double barrel configuration can provide more space than a single barrel.
If you need substantially more capacity, larger offset or reverse-flow smokers can also be considered.
The important thing is to match the equipment to your actual cooking volume.
Should I Buy a Barrel Grill That Can Also Smoke?
If you want versatility, look for a configuration that allows you to perform both grilling and smoking.
This can be useful if you want to grill steaks and burgers one day but smoke brisket or ribs another day.
However, don’t assume every barrel grill is designed for the same cooking methods.
Review the specific product configuration before purchasing.
What Fuel Should I Use?
Fuel requirements depend on the specific cooker.
Some BBQ equipment is designed around charcoal, while other smokers are designed for wood or a combination of fuel sources.
Before purchasing, check the manufacturer’s or seller’s instructions for the exact model.
Fuel availability and ongoing fuel cost are also worth considering.
How Much Space Will My Smoker Need?
Measure the complete equipment footprint.
For larger smokers, also consider:
- Door swing
- Firebox access
- Cooking rack access
- Fuel storage
- Walking space
- Storage
- Delivery access
A smoker that fits on paper may be difficult to use if there isn’t enough working space around it.
Can I Have a Barrel Grill or Smoker Shipped to Me?
Depending on the product, seller, destination, and delivery method, barrel grills and smokers can be shipped to customers.
Large smokers may require different delivery arrangements than smaller BBQ equipment.
Before ordering, confirm the shipping cost, delivery method, dimensions, weight, and any requirements for receiving the equipment.
For more information about buying and shipping BBQ equipment, see our guide to buying a barrel grill or smoker and having it shipped to you.
Should I Buy a Barrel Grill Online?
Buying online allows you to compare different sizes and configurations from one place.
But don’t purchase based only on a photograph.
Before placing an order, review:
- Product specifications
- Cooking dimensions
- Overall dimensions
- Fuel requirements
- Included features
- Shipping
- Warranty information
- Contact information
This is especially important for large BBQ equipment.
What Is the Best Barrel Grill to Buy?
There isn’t one size that is right for everyone.
The appropriate cooker depends on your cooking requirements.
A buyer who wants a straightforward backyard setup may have different needs from someone who regularly cooks for large groups.
Instead of asking which smoker is universally “best,” ask:
Which smoker gives me the cooking capacity and features I actually need?
That is the more useful buying question.
What Is the Best Smoker to Buy for Brisket?
If brisket is your main priority, focus on usable cooking space and temperature management.
Make sure the cooking chamber can accommodate the size and number of briskets you normally prepare.
A larger smoker may be useful if you regularly cook multiple briskets, while a smaller configuration may be enough if you usually cook one at a time.
What Is the Best Smoker to Buy for Ribs?
Ribs require adequate rack space.
If you regularly cook several racks, check the actual grate dimensions rather than relying on the smoker’s exterior size.
A larger cooking chamber can provide more flexibility when preparing several racks at once.
What Is the Best BBQ Cooker for a Beginner?
Beginners should focus on equipment they can realistically operate and maintain.
A huge smoker may look impressive, but it can require more fuel, more space, and more fire management.
A more manageable cooker can make it easier to learn temperature control and develop your BBQ technique.
How Much Should I Spend on a Barrel Grill or Smoker?
Your budget should include more than the purchase price.
Consider:
- Grill or smoker price
- Shipping
- Fuel
- Accessories
- Covers
- Thermometers
- Maintenance
- Storage
A cheaper cooker isn’t necessarily the better value if it doesn’t meet your cooking requirements.
Likewise, buying a very large smoker you rarely use can waste money and outdoor space.
What Should I Check Before Ordering?
Use this checklist before you buy:
✓ Cooking area
✓ Overall dimensions
✓ Weight
✓ Fuel type
✓ Cooking configuration
✓ Number of racks
✓ Firebox design
✓ Temperature controls
✓ Thermometer
✓ Wheels or mobility
✓ Shipping cost
✓ Delivery requirements
✓ Warranty information
✓ Available customer support
Safety When Using a Barrel Grill or Smoker
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific cooker you purchase.
Operate outdoor grills and smokers in an appropriate open-air location and keep them away from combustible structures and materials.
The USDA recommends using a food thermometer to verify safe cooking temperatures. For example, USDA guidance lists 145°F with a three-minute rest for beef, pork, lamb, and veal steaks, chops, and roasts; 160°F for ground meats; and 165°F for poultry.
Which Barrel Grill or Smoker Should I Buy?
The answer depends on your actual BBQ needs.
Choose a 55-gallon barrel grill if:
- You want a backyard BBQ cooker
- Your cooking quantities are moderate
- You want a smaller footprint
- You don’t need extremely large cooking capacity
See the 55 Gallon Barrel Grill.
Consider a double barrel configuration if:
- You need more cooking space
- You regularly host BBQ gatherings
- You cook several foods at once
- You want additional capacity
See the Double Barrel Grill.
Consider a 120-gallon smoker if:
- You need substantially more cooking capacity
- You regularly cook larger quantities
- You have sufficient outdoor space
See the 120 Gallon Offset Smoker.
Consider a 250-gallon smoker if:
- You need very large cooking capacity
- You regularly cook for large events
- You have the space and equipment requirements for a much larger smoker
See the 250 Gallon Reverse Flow Smoker.
Final Thoughts
If you’re saying, “I want to buy a barrel grill or smoker,” don’t rush straight to the biggest cooker you can find.
First decide what you want to cook, how much food you normally prepare, how much outdoor space you have, and whether you want to grill, smoke, or both.
Then compare the cooking capacity, construction, fuel requirements, temperature controls, mobility, dimensions, and delivery requirements.
A 55-gallon barrel grill may be enough for one buyer.
Another buyer may need a double barrel setup.
Someone cooking much larger quantities may need a 120-gallon or 250-gallon smoker.
The right purchase is the one that matches the way you actually cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to buy a barrel grill. What should I look for?
Start with cooking capacity, construction, dimensions, fuel requirements, temperature controls, mobility, and your available outdoor space.
I want to buy a smoker. How do I choose the right size?
Base the size on how many people you normally cook for, how much food you prepare at once, and how much outdoor space you have.
Is a 55-gallon barrel grill good for backyard BBQ?
A 55-gallon barrel grill can be a practical option for many backyard BBQ applications. Review the specific cooking area and product specifications before purchasing.
Should I buy a double barrel grill?
A double barrel configuration may be useful if you regularly need more cooking space than a single barrel provides.
Should I buy an offset smoker?
An offset smoker can be worth considering if smoking meat is your primary goal and you want a separate firebox and cooking chamber.
Do I need a large smoker for brisket?
Not necessarily. The important factor is whether the cooking chamber provides enough usable space for the brisket or briskets you normally prepare.
Can a barrel grill be used for smoking?
Some barrel grill configurations can be used for both grilling and smoking. Always check the specific product design and manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I buy a barrel grill online?
Yes. Online purchasing allows you to compare different BBQ cookers, but you should review product specifications and delivery requirements before ordering.
Can large smokers be shipped?
Large smokers may be shipped using specialized delivery arrangements depending on the product and destination. Confirm delivery requirements before ordering.
How do I know which barrel smoker is right for me?
Consider your cooking volume, available space, preferred cooking method, fuel preferences, mobility requirements, and budget.
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250 Gallon Reverse Flow Smoker
