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Introduction
In a world of complex grills and digital gadgets, Pit Barrel Cooker Co. stands out for its refreshing simplicity. Founded by Noah and Amber Glanville, this American family business has one mission: to make the enjoyment of world-class barbecue accessible to everyone.
Unlike traditional smokers or pellet grills that require constant attention, the Pit Barrel® Cooker offers the joy of grilling—simply set it up and forget it. Its vertical drum design, carefully engineered airflow system, and even heat distribution make it one of the easiest and most reliable ways to achieve that classic, smoky flavor.
Proudly handcrafted in the USA, the Pit Barrel is more than just a grill—it’s a brand dedicated to community, built on craftsmanship, simplicity, and a love of good food.
Brand Mission
Pit Barrel Cooker Co.’s goal is simple:
To create a high-quality, hassle-free grilling experience that brings people together over good food and good company.
The founders developed the Pit Barrel® after years of frustration with complicated smokers and inconsistent results. Their focus was on:
Simplicity – No complicated temperature controls or electronics. Just add charcoal, hang the meat, and let the physics of the Pit Barrel® do the rest.
Consistency – Each smoker is calibrated for precise airflow, ensuring perfect heat distribution and smoke every time.
Premium Craftsmanship – Made from durable steel and porcelain enamel, the Pit Barrel® is designed for years of backyard grilling enjoyment.
Community – Pit Barrel isn’t just about selling smokers; it’s about sharing recipes, techniques, and a passion for authentic barbecue.
This approach has earned the brand a loyal following of home cooks, grill masters, and barbecue competitors nationwide.
Highlights
Family-owned and operated company based in the USA
Known for the Pit Barrel® Cooker, a vertical charcoal grill and smoker in one
Designed for effortless, foolproof results – no constant monitoring required
Made of high-quality steel with a durable porcelain enamel coating
Available in a variety of sizes, including Pit Barrel® Classic, Junior, and PBX (Extra-Large)
Unique hanging system for even heat distribution
Use as a grill and smoker
Compatible with a wide range of accessories for maximum versatility
Excellent customer service and strong community engagement
The Pit Barrel® Classic is the flagship model and a favorite with both novice and experienced grill masters. It’s a 18-inch drum grill that uses vertical hanging bars to cook meat evenly from all sides.
What makes it special is its simplicity: no temperature control or complicated electronics are needed – simply fill the charcoal basket, hang up your ribs or brisket, and you’re done. Within minutes, the grill reaches the ideal cooking temperature (usually between 135°C and 155°C) and maintains it consistently for hours.
The Junior model offers the same design and performance in a smaller, more portable format. Ideal for barbecue parties, camping trips, or small patios: compact yet powerful. It delivers the same intense, consistent flavor and proves that great barbecue doesn’t require huge equipment.
For ambitious cooks who cater for large groups, the PBX offers more cooking space without unnecessary hassle. And without sacrificing performance. This is a 22.5-inch drum grill designed for multiple racks of ribs, large cuts of meat, or even a whole turkey. Despite its size, the PBX offers the same even heat distribution and ease of use that the brand is known for.
Pure Experience
Cooking on the Pit Barrel feels less like technology and more like art. Its vertical design allows fat to drip naturally onto the coals, creating aromatic smoke that enhances every dish.
You don’t need to constantly monitor the temperature or adjust the vents – the grill’s design ensures a natural balance of airflow and heat. Whether you’re hanging ribs, smoking chicken, or even grilling burgers, the results are impressively consistent.
It’s not about high-tech cooking, but about rediscovering simplicity and flavor, the way barbecue was originally intended.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Constant and reliable temperature control through natural air circulation
Excellent smoky flavor thanks to the vertical cooking method
Easy to use – ideal for beginners and professionals
Sturdy steel and porcelain enamel construction
Portable and durable
Excellent customer service and responsive support team
No moving parts or electronics that can break
Cons:
Limited temperature settings (optimized for automatic cooking)
Requires some practice with the hanging system
Can be heavy when fully loaded
Accessories for added versatility sold separately
Shipping Policy
Pit Barrel Cooker Co. ships nationwide within the USA. Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days and delivered within 3–5 days via reliable shipping carriers (depending on the delivery location).
Products are shipped directly from the US headquarters and carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit.
Return and Refund Policy
The company offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on unused items in their original packaging. For defects in workmanship or shipping damage, customers can contact Pit Barrel Cooker Co. directly for prompt assistance, repair, or replacement.
Warranty Terms
Every Pit Barrel® Smoker comes with a limited lifetime warranty against materials and workmanship for home, non-commercial use. The brand is known for its American-made quality and excellent customer service.
Customer Reviews
Positive Feedback
Customers consistently praise the Pit Barrel Smoker for its ease of use and the results it delivers. Many say it’s the easiest smoker they’ve ever used—allowing them to prepare competition-quality barbecue with minimal effort. Reviews frequently highlight the even cooking, durable construction, and excellent customer service.
Critical Voices
Some users note that the smoker, due to its single-temperature function, is not suitable for finely tuned temperature settings or quick searing. However, most agree that the Pit Barrel is hard to beat for true low-and-slow barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Pit Barrel® different from a conventional smoker?
Unlike conventional smokers, the Pit Barrel’s vertical design and calibrated airflow automatically regulate the temperature—no manual ventilation control is required.
Can you grill on a Pit Barrel Cooker?
Yes. With the included grill grate, it also works as a charcoal grill for burgers, steaks, and vegetables.
How long does it cook on a full load of charcoal?
Typically 6–8 hours of consistent heat with a full basket of briquettes.
Is assembly required?
Minimal—assembly takes only a few minutes.
Where is the Pit Barrel® manufactured?
All cookers are handcrafted in the USA from thick-walled steel and high-quality porcelain enamel.
Conclusion
Pit Barrel Cooker Co. stands for American simplicity, craftsmanship, and authentic barbecue flavor. This brand brings back the true joy of grilling—no apps, no electronics, just heat, smoke, and patience.
While the grill isn’t designed for precise temperature settings or high-tech controls, it doesn’t need them. What it does, it does perfectly: It delivers consistently tender, smoky grilled food every time with minimal effort.
For everyone who loves the tradition of backyard grilling, values high-quality workmanship, and wants uncomplicated, flavorful results, Pit Barrel Cooker Co. delivers on every promise—proudly made for those who believe that good barbecue should be simple, honest, and social.
What do you think?