The Great Drum Debate: Cookers vs. Smokers - Your Guide to Backyard Barrel Cooking

Hey there, grill masters and smoke enthusiasts! If you're reading this from Ottumwa or anywhere else in Southeast Iowa, you've probably noticed the growing number of drum cookers and smokers popping up in backyards across the region. As your local BBQ equipment experts, we're here to break down these two popular cooking methods and help you figure out which one might be right for your next cookout.

The Barrel Basics

Let's start with a little history lesson (don't worry, it's the tasty kind). Both drum cookers and smokers typically start life as 55-gallon steel drums, transformed into cooking powerhouses by clever pitmasters. These repurposed drums have been a staple in BBQ culture for decades, loved for their excellent heat retention and surprisingly perfect size for backyard cooking.

Drum Cookers: The Hot and Fast Option

Think of a drum cooker as your turbo-charged grill. It's the go-to choice when you want that perfect sear on steaks or need to cook up a bunch of burgers for the neighborhood block party. With temperatures typically ranging from 300-500°F, these bad boys are built for high-heat cooking that gets dinner on the table without having to wait all day.

What makes drum cookers special? They're designed with a charcoal grate near the bottom and a cooking grate above, creating that direct heat that gives you those beautiful grill marks everyone loves to brag about. They're perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners when you're craving that grilled flavor
• Searing steaks to steakhouse perfection
• Grilling up game day burgers and brats
• Getting those picture-perfect char marks on chicken

Drum Smokers: The Low and Slow Champion

Now, let's talk about the UDS (Ugly Drum Smoker) - and don't let the "ugly" part fool you. These smokers are like the crockpot of the BBQ world: set it, forget it, and come back to meat so tender it falls off the bone. Running at a steady 225-275°F, drum smokers are designed for those long, lazy weekend cooks that fill the neighborhood with mouth-watering aromas.

The magic of a drum smoker lies in its design: a charcoal basket at the bottom, strategically placed air vents, and often a water pan to keep things moist. It's the perfect setup for:

• Competition-style brisket that'll make your friends jealous
• Pull-apart tender pork shoulders for epic sandwich parties
• Ribs that'll have everyone asking for your secret recipe
• Smoked chicken that'll make you forget about fried

Making the Choice: Which Drum is Right for You?

Here in Iowa, we know a thing or two about good food and practical choices. Your decision between a cooker and smoker really comes down to your BBQ style. Are you the "I want dinner ready in 30 minutes" type, or do you live for those all-day smoking sessions that start before sunrise?

If you're new to the drum scene, here's the straight talk: Start with a drum cooker if you're upgrading from a standard grill and want more cooking power. Go for a smoker if you've got the patience of a saint and dream of serving up competition-style BBQ at your family gatherings.

Weather Watch: The Iowa Factor

Let's talk about something we know all too well - Iowa weather. Both drums handle our wild weather swings pretty well, but drum smokers need a bit more attention during those winter smoking sessions. The good news? Both types are built like tanks and can cook year-round with the right care.

Getting Started

Whether you choose a cooker or smoker, we've got your back. Stop by our store in Ottumwa, and we'll walk you through everything you need to know. From picking the right fuel (yes, the type of charcoal matters!) to choosing the perfect accessories, we're here to help you become the pitmaster you were born to be.

The Bottom Line

Here's the real deal: there's no wrong choice between a drum cooker and smoker. It's like choosing between a pickup truck and an SUV - they're both awesome, just for different reasons. Many of our customers end up with both eventually, starting with one and adding the other as their BBQ addiction grows (and trust us, it will).

Ready to join the drum revolution?

Swing by our store on [Street Name] here in Ottumwa. We've got both cookers and smokers set up for display, and yes, we often have demos going on weekends - free samples included! Our staff (real BBQ enthusiasts, not just salespeople) can help you pick the perfect drum for your cooking style.

And hey, once you get your drum set up, share your cooks with us on social media. We love seeing what our customers are grilling and smoking, and you might just inspire someone else to join the BBQ community.

Remember, whether you're team cooker or team smoker, the most important thing is getting out there and cooking. Because at the end of the day, good food brings people together, and that's what BBQ is all about.

Iowa Barbecue Store
2827 N Court Rd, Suite B, Ottumwa, IA
641-455-6103

Stop by Monday-Friday, 9AM-5:30PM, Saturday 9AM-5PM or Sunday 10AM-2PM.