55 Gallon Drum BBQ Smokers & Grills

Drum smokers are an excellent choice for both smoking and grilling, offering a unique blend of durability, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness. Their versatile design has made them a favorite among backyard chefs and BBQ enthusiasts, as they infuse meats and other foods with a rich, smoky flavor.

Drum smokers and grills are innovative cooking devices that utilize a vertical barrel’s design to smoke and grill food. They operate by using indirect heat and smoke that allows for slow cooking to enhance food’s taste and tenderness. 

Drum grills provide the ability to sear and cook food at high temperatures. Drum smokers and grills are commonly used to cook meats such as brisket, ribs, and chicken. The design typically includes features like adjustable vents for temperature control and a cooking grate that can accommodate various types of food.

55 gallon drum grills are simple and great smokers to use. Typically made from a 55 gallon steel drum, these smokers are truly a "set and forget" grill where your only concern is the occasional tending to the meat. Before you get started it’s important to know what kind, type, and size drums you should use for making a BBQ smoker.

All of our new unlined drums can be adapted to use as a barbecue smoker, however, one must be cautious never to cut or weld a drum in which the plugs or cover are still secured. If air is trapped inside a drum, a build-up of pressure, when cutting or welding, can lead to an explosion. The unlined drums with a rust inhibitor can be easily burned out with a propane torch at the same time you are removing the original exterior paint.

Do not use lined drums or reconditioned drums to make drum smokers or grills. Lined drums contain toxic chemicals that can be released into your foods. We also don't recommend using reconditioned drums, mainly because you don't know what type of chemicals were sitting in the drum, or for how long.

For BBQ drum smokers, we recommend using a new and unlined open head 30- or 55-gallon drum.

For a 55 gallon barrel grill, we recommend using our New Unlined 55 Gallon Open Head Steel Drum, with a Bolt and Nut Closure (26W55D). If you want an actual lid from a charcoal grill, standard lids fit these 55 gallon drum smokers perfectly.

For a smaller 30 gallon drum BBQ smoker, we recommend using our New Unlined 30 Gallon Open Head Steel Drum, with a Bolt and Nut Closure (26W30G).

Similar to BBQ drum smokers, BBQ barrel grills are perfect for grilling. Typically made from 55 Gallon Tight-Head Steel Drums, cut in half, these grills make the perfect large charcoal BBQ grill.

Before you begin, it's essential to understand the kind, type, and size of drums to use for constructing a 55 gallon drum charcoal grill.

Similar to our smokers above, all of our NEW unlined drums can be adapted to use as a steel barrel grill, however, one must be cautious never to cut or weld a drum in which the plugs or cover are still secured. If air is trapped inside a drum, a build-up of pressure, when cutting or welding, can lead to an explosion. The unlined drums with a rust inhibitor can be easily burned out with a propane torch at the same time you are removing the original exterior paint.

As mentioned above, do not use lined drums or reconditioned drums to make drum smokers or grills.

For a BBQ steel drum grill, we recommend using a new and unlined tight head (closed head) 30- or 55-gallon drum.

For a 55 gallon drum BBQ grill, we recommend using our New Unlined 55 Gallon Tight-Head (Closed Head) Steel Drum (26W55T).

For a smaller 30 gallon barrel drum grill, we recommend using our New Unlined 30 Gallon Tight-Head (Closed Head) Steel Drum (26W30T).

Using drums as smokers and grills offers numerous benefits for beginning and experienced cooks. They feature excellent temperature control because the design of these drums allows for efficient heat retention, which helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures. Users can easily adjust the air intake and exhaust, giving them the ability to effectively regulate heat throughout the smoking process.

They are also user-friendly. Once set up, they require minimal attention during the smoking process.

Using drums as smokers and grills offers numerous benefits for beginning and experienced cooks. They feature excellent temperature control because the design of these drums allows for efficient heat retention, which helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures. Users can easily adjust the air intake and exhaust, giving them the ability to effectively regulate heat throughout the smoking process.

They are also user-friendly. Once set up, they require minimal attention during the smoking process.

Durability is another advantage of drum smokers and grills. They are constructed from strong, heavy-duty steel, which can withstand high temperatures and resist wear and tear, making them perfect for outdoor use. These smokers and grills are often more affordable compared to other types, making them a cost-effective option.

To keep your drum BBQ grills and smokers in great condition, start with regular cleaning after each use. Remove ashes and leftover charcoal to prevent buildup, and use a grill brush to scrub the grates and a damp cloth to wipe down the interior. Additionally, proper storage is essential. Store it in a dry place or cover it with a weather-resistant tarp to prevent moisture and rust.

When selecting drums for BBQ smoking and grilling, it's essential to choose new and unlined models to avoid any harmful residues. Drum smokers are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness. Be sure to inspect the drum regularly for any signs of wear and store it properly to help ensure your equipment remains in good condition. At The Cary Company, we have a wide variety of drums that can be used as BBQ smokers and grills. Browse our website to find your perfect fit!

Disclaimer: This information has been provided as a general guide. It is the customer's responsibility to select the proper container for product and application compatibility.