Pit Barrel Cooker Co US Review: Rustic Smoking with Direct Fire – Made Easy
Introduction
If you’ve always been captivated by the taste of authentic BBQ – from the intense smoky aroma to the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the meat and the crispy crust, all the way to perfectly grilled chicken – then the right equipment is essential. Pit Barrel Cooker Co offers a charcoal-fired vertical smoker that makes smoking and roasting meat dishes a breeze. Whether you enjoy grilling in your backyard or are passionate about slow-cooked meats, this brand delivers top-notch flavor.
About Pit Barrel Cooker Co
Pit Barrel Cooker Co (PBCC) is a US company specializing in its signature barrel-shaped pit cooker system. Founded by BBQ enthusiasts, PBCC developed a system focused on ease of use, consistent results, and unparalleled BBQ flavor – all without a brick smoker. Their smoker stands upright, uses charcoal, allows you to cook chicken on a rotisserie, and simplifies the smoking process without compromising flavor.
PBCC's Mission & Philosophy 🌿
Their philosophy is based on authentic smoky flavor, simplicity, and reliability:
- Intense Flavor: Real wood/charcoal and indirect heat for full BBQ flavor.
- Easy Operation: Uncomplicated controls, fewer parts, less guesswork.
- Versatility: From whole chickens and ribs to roasts, vegetables, and even bread.
- Durability: Made of robust steel, coated or tinned for outdoor use.
In short: PBCC wants to bring you authentic BBQ flavor without making you a grill master.
The centerpiece: a vertical barrel cooker with a 61 cm (24-inch) diameter, including a fire bowl, grill grate, hanging hooks (for chicken, pork loin, ribs), 9650 cm² (1500 square inches) of cooking surface, two doors, and a hook for hanging meat for optimal heat circulation. Suitable for use with charcoal and a grill grate.
Advantages:
- Large Capacity: Provides space for several whole chickens or large cuts of meat at once.
- Authentic charcoal flavor and a crispy crust thanks to air circulation and the vertical design.
- Versatile: Hang meat, use the lower rack for vegetables or smaller side dishes.
- Excellent value compared to brick or custom-built smokers; many grill masters say, “Tastes like the big ones, but easier to use.”
Disadvantages:
- Requires ample outdoor space.
- Heavy and bulky. Moving or storing the grill requires effort.
- Charcoal and wood are more expensive and cumbersome than gas or pellets; cleaning and ash disposal are also more involved.
Temperature control requires some practice; although it’s simpler than on some other models, you need to understand the charcoal’s airflow to maintain a consistent temperature.
A slightly smaller version of the standard 61 cm model. Ideal for homeowners with limited space, smaller gatherings, or smaller gardens. Offers a similar vertical stand, grill grate, hooks, fire bowl, and proven design – just more compact.
Advantages:
- More manageable size for smaller patios or balconies.
- Retains the same flavor and functionality as the standard model – for hanging meat, intense flavor, and a large capacity for many household uses.
- Slightly less expensive and easier to store and maintain than the larger model.
Disadvantages:
- Smaller capacity – may not be sufficient for larger groups.
- Still heavy and bulky – still requires significant storage space.
- Due to the smaller cooking pot, more frequent refilling or cooking smaller quantities may be necessary.
- Accessories designed for the standard model may not fit or may differ.
Product Information: An accessory kit to enhance the standard grilling experience: meat hanging hooks, a stainless steel grid or additional rack, a chicken hanger, cleaning tools, a lid thermometer, an ash catcher, and optionally, a cover. Ideal for those who already own a Pit Barrel Cooker and want to expand its functionality.
Advantages:
- Improves ease of use and expands preparation options (more hooks and racks).
- Better value for money than buying the accessories individually; dThis set offers convenience.
- Useful for grilling enthusiasts who need more space – more grilling area, better meat hanging options.
Disadvantages:
- If you don’t use the hanging/meat-hook function, many accessories may go unused.
- Additional costs increase the overall investment; you should use the extras to justify the cost.
- Some accessories require storage and cleaning; this can mean additional maintenance.
- Compatibility is important – make sure the accessories fit your barrel model.
Highlights
- Intense flavor: Many users confirm that the barrel produces authentic BBQ flavor at home, just like from an earth oven.
- The vertical design and meat hanging system ensure better air circulation and crust formation.
- Sturdy steel construction for outdoor use.
- Large capacity for family gatherings, events, or extended grilling weekends.
- A community with accessories, recipes, and user support.
Who I amWhat is this suitable for? 👥
Ideal for:
- Grilling enthusiasts who love an intense aroma and enjoy using charcoal and an outdoor grill.
- Home cooks who regularly entertain guests, host parties, or prepare large cuts of meat.
- Sufficient outdoor space, a dedicated grilling area, and a willingness to maintain the equipment.
Less suitable for:
- Grillers who only grill occasionally, want minimal maintenance, or prefer the instant convenience of gas or pellet grills.
- Renters with limited outdoor space or restrictions on using charcoal.
- Users who value ultra-lightweight portability (for travel/camping) and don’t need a large grilling area in their garden.
Our Opinion / Why We Love It ❤️
We love the Pit Barrel Cooker Co. because it brings authentic smoky flavor and performance to your backyard—without professional installation or a brick smoker. The hanging function and vertical heat create an intense aroma that many home smokers struggle to achieve.
The downsides: space requirements, weight, fuel management, and a bit of a learning curve. For those who take grilling seriously and grill regularly, this smoker will become the centerpiece. For those who prefer quick and easy solutions, the investment might not be worthwhile.
In short: For ambitious home cooks and backyard grill masters, this device offers a first-class BBQ experience.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Large capacity and authentic smoky flavor
- Versatile use – for hanging meat, for entire grills and side dishes – all in one unit
- Robust construction for permanent outdoor use
- Excellent value for money compared to professional models
Disadvantages:
- Heavy, requires a large footprint and a separate outdoor area
- Requires charcoal as fuel, ash disposal, and more maintenance than gas/pellet grills
- Temperature control requires practice and time
- Higher purchase price + accessories + fuel costs
Customer Reviews
Users consistently praise the flavor and performance of the Barrel Cooker. Many report that their first brisket turned out better than expected or that friends describe the outdoor grilling quality as “restaurant quality.” Some criticisms: The heavy weight makes transport difficult; ash disposal is more involved than with gas grills; new users need some practice to regulate airflow and temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use wood chips or logs?
Yes – the firebox is suitable for both charcoal and logs to vary the flavor.
Q: Is the grill safe to use on a wooden deck?
You must observe the required clearances, use a fireproof mat, and ensure adequate airflow and heat regulation.
Q: How many chickens or ribs can it hold?
Capacity varies by model. The standard 60 cm model can hold 8–10 whole chickens or several racks of ribs when equipped with hooks and a grill rack.
Q: What maintenance is required?
Empty the ash regularly, protect the grill from moisture (cover it when not in use), and keep the firebox clean.
Q: Do I need electricity or gas?
No – the grill is powered exclusively by charcoal and logs; a gas connection is not required.
Conclusion
Pit Barrel Cooker Co US offers excellent value for money and authentic BBQ performance for ambitious home grillers. If you enjoy slow, flavorful outdoor cooking and are willing to invest the space, time, and fuel, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic results.
In short: For home grilling enthusiasts who want to enjoy barbecue-quality food without the expense of a professional setup, Pit Barrel Cooker Co is an excellent choice.