Double Barrel Grill vs Single Barrel: Which Should I Buy?

Choosing between a double barrel grill and a single barrel grill depends on how much food you normally cook, how much outdoor space you have, and whether you primarily grill, smoke, or want to do both.

Both options can deliver the classic flavor of charcoal and wood-fired BBQ. However, they are built for different cooking needs.

A single barrel grill can be an excellent choice for everyday backyard cooking, while a double barrel grill can provide more cooking capacity and flexibility for larger BBQ sessions.

In this guide, we’ll compare the two options so you can decide which barrel grill makes the most sense for your backyard.

Double Barrel Grill vs Single Barrel Grill: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference is cooking capacity.

A single barrel grill uses one barrel as the main cooking area. This makes it a practical option for backyard cooks who want a durable grill without needing a very large cooking setup.

A double barrel grill uses two barrel sections to provide additional cooking space. Depending on the design, this can give you more room to cook different foods or manage separate cooking zones.

The right choice depends on your cooking habits rather than simply choosing the larger grill.

Single Barrel Grill: Who Is It Best For?

A single barrel grill is a practical choice for people who primarily cook regular family meals and smaller BBQ gatherings.

It can work particularly well for:

• Small and medium-sized families
• Everyday backyard grilling
• Burgers and steaks
• Chicken and vegetables
• Ribs and other BBQ favorites
• Buyers with limited outdoor space
• People who want a simpler cooking setup

A 55-gallon barrel grill can provide a substantial cooking area while remaining more compact than larger multi-barrel BBQ equipment.

If you want a straightforward grill for backyard cooking, a single barrel design may give you everything you actually need.

Advantages of a Single Barrel Grill

A single barrel grill can offer several practical benefits.

More compact: It generally requires less space than a larger double barrel setup.

Simple cooking setup: There is less cooking area to manage, which can make everyday grilling easier.

Good for family BBQs: If you normally cook for a small or medium-sized group, you may not need additional barrel capacity.

Potentially lower cost: A smaller grill generally requires less material than a comparable larger configuration.

If you don’t regularly host large BBQ gatherings, paying for additional capacity may not provide much practical benefit.

Double Barrel Grill: Who Is It Best For?

A double barrel grill is designed for buyers who want more cooking space and greater flexibility.

It can be a good option for:

• Large families
• Backyard BBQ parties
• Frequent entertainers
• Larger quantities of food
• People who grill and smoke regularly
• Cooks who want multiple cooking areas
• Buyers looking for a larger heavy-duty BBQ setup

The additional barrel capacity can make it easier to cook several foods at once.

For example, you may be able to dedicate one area to direct grilling while using another area for indirect cooking or smoking, depending on the grill’s design.

Advantages of a Double Barrel Grill

The biggest advantage is additional cooking capacity.

A larger setup can be useful when you are preparing food for a crowd or cooking several different foods at the same time.

It can also provide more flexibility for BBQ cooks who don’t want to be limited to one cooking area.

However, bigger isn’t automatically better.

If you usually cook small meals, a double barrel grill may take up more space and require more fuel than you actually need.

Cooking Space: Double Barrel vs Single Barrel

Cooking space should be one of the first things you consider before buying.

A single barrel grill is generally better suited to everyday cooking when you don’t need an enormous cooking surface.

A double barrel grill gives you more room when you are cooking larger quantities.

Think about how many people you normally cook for.

If you usually prepare dinner for your family, a single barrel grill may be enough.

If you regularly host parties, family gatherings, or large BBQ events, additional cooking capacity can make a double barrel grill much more useful.

Which Is Better for Smoking?

Both types can be used for BBQ smoking when properly designed and operated.

However, a larger double barrel configuration can provide more room for different foods and cooking zones.

This can be particularly helpful when smoking:

• Brisket
• Ribs
• Pulled pork
• Chicken
• Sausage
• Large cuts of meat

The important factor is not simply the number of barrels.

A good smoker should also provide appropriate airflow, temperature control, cooking space, and a design that allows you to manage the fire effectively.

If smoking is your primary goal, consider the smoker’s complete design rather than choosing solely based on barrel count.

Which Is Better for Grilling?

For everyday grilling, a single barrel grill can be an excellent choice.

If you’re mainly cooking burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, and other regular BBQ foods, you may not need the additional capacity of a double barrel grill.

A double barrel grill becomes more attractive when you regularly cook larger quantities or want multiple cooking areas.

The best option is the one that matches the way you actually cook.

Which One Takes Up More Space?

A double barrel grill will generally require more space than a single barrel grill.

Before buying, measure the area where you plan to use the grill.

Don’t only measure the grill itself. You should also consider the space required to safely operate it.

Leave enough room for:

• Opening doors and lids
• Adding charcoal or wood
• Preparing food
• Moving around the grill
• Managing the fire
• Safe operation

If your patio or backyard is limited in size, a single barrel grill may be the more practical choice.

Double Barrel Grill vs Single Barrel: Which Costs More?

Price depends on the construction, steel thickness, size, features, customization, and overall design.

A larger double barrel grill will generally cost more than a comparable single barrel grill because it requires additional materials and provides more cooking capacity.

But price should not be the only factor.

Instead, consider how much cooking capacity you actually need.

Buying a grill that is too small can become frustrating if you constantly run out of cooking space.

On the other hand, buying a very large grill when you rarely cook for a crowd may mean paying for capacity you don’t use.

Which Barrel Grill Is Better for Backyard BBQ?

There isn’t one answer that works for every buyer.

Choose a Single Barrel Grill If:

• You normally cook for a small or medium-sized group.
• You want a more compact BBQ setup.
• You mainly grill everyday foods.
• You have limited outdoor space.
• You don’t regularly host large BBQ gatherings.
• You want a simpler cooking setup.

Choose a Double Barrel Grill If:

• You regularly cook for large groups.
• You host backyard BBQ parties.
• You want additional cooking space.
• You frequently smoke and grill.
• You want multiple cooking areas.
• You regularly prepare large quantities of food.

Double Barrel Grill vs Single Barrel: Which Should I Buy?

If your BBQ cooking is primarily family meals and smaller gatherings, a single barrel grill may be the better choice.

It can give you plenty of cooking capacity without requiring as much outdoor space.

If you regularly host large gatherings or want more room for smoking and grilling at the same time, a double barrel grill may be worth considering.

The important thing is to match the grill to your actual cooking needs.

You don’t necessarily need the biggest grill available. You need the grill that gives you the right combination of cooking space, functionality, size, and value.

Looking for a Single Barrel Grill?

Our 55 Gallon Single Barrel Grill is designed for backyard cooks looking for a heavy-duty barrel grill for grilling and BBQ.

View the 55 Gallon Single Barrel Grill:
https://backyardbarrelcooker.com/product/55-gallon-barrel-grill/

Need More Cooking Capacity?

Our Double Barrel Grill provides a larger BBQ setup for cooks who want additional cooking space and versatility.

View the Double Barrel Grill:
https://backyardbarrelcooker.com/product/double-barrel-grill-two-55-gallon/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a double barrel grill better than a single barrel grill?

Not necessarily. A double barrel grill provides more cooking capacity, while a single barrel grill can be more practical for smaller households and everyday backyard BBQ.

Is a double barrel grill good for smoking?

Yes. A properly designed double barrel grill can be used for smoking as well as grilling. The additional cooking space can also provide greater flexibility for preparing multiple foods.

Is a single barrel grill good for a family?

Yes. A properly sized single barrel grill can provide plenty of cooking space for many family BBQs.

Is a double barrel grill worth it?

A double barrel grill can be worth the investment if you regularly need additional cooking space, entertain large groups, or want greater flexibility between grilling and smoking.

Which is easier to manage, a single or double barrel grill?

A single barrel grill generally has a simpler cooking setup because it has less cooking capacity to manage. Larger grills can require more attention to temperature and fuel management.

What size barrel grill should I buy?

Choose a size based on how many people you normally cook for, how frequently you host BBQs, how much outdoor space you have, and whether you plan to grill, smoke, or do both.