What Is a Barrel or Drum BBQ?

BBQs often have simple and efficient designs, usually with rounded, dome-like bodies or rectangular shapes. But have you ever seen a grill shaped like a barrel or drum? These are called barrel barbecues, designed specifically for smoking.

This guide is a great place to start if you wish to learn the basics of barrel BBQs. Here, we’ll cover its history, anatomy, maintenance, and care tips.

A Quick History of Barrel BBQ

Barrel BBQs have their roots in early American barbecue. It all began in the early 1990s when the need for larger grills than kettles grew. That’s when the idea of barrel BBQs came. People started using repurposed 55-gallon steel drums as cooking vessels. They cut them open and added grates and ventilation systems to help control the heat and smoke.

Pitmasters then tried out different woods for smoking, got better at managing the heat, and eventually turned these drums into grills and smokers. This is known today as barrel or drum BBQs.

Our BillyOh Arizona 3 in 1 Charcoal Smoker Steel Upright BBQ Drum makes a great reference. Its traditional barrel design gives you multiple access points. You can easily tend to your food or wood using the two front doors. It has a built-in thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature without opening it.

Some other designs look like classic-style grills but have barrel-shaped compartments for grilling and smoking. Take the BillyOh Barrel Charcoal BBQ, for instance. It has a wide-opening lid and plenty of grilling space. There’s even a side table for extra prep room and a chimney to keep the smoke away from your workspace. Plus, a thermometer to help you keep an eye on cooking temperatures.

Anatomy of a Drum BBQ

Let us break down the parts of a barrel BBQ smoker so you can become more familiar with how they work. Understanding each part also gives you ideas on what features to look for when shopping for one.

The barrel

The barrel is the main part of a drum BBQ, aka the cooking chamber itself. It’s often made of steel, which retains heat well. The barrel’s cylindrical shape offers ample space, even with a 3-layer chamber that you can find in some models, such as the BillyOh Arizona. Each can be used for smoking, grilling, and roasting, giving you a 3-in-1 outdoor cookout solution.

The barrel usually has a ‘front door’ for access, so you can check on your food or add more fuel without removing the lid.

The lid

The lid is a staple in grills; in barrel BBQs, it sits over the cooking chamber. With the lid on, it traps heat and smoke to create a controlled smoking environment. It also helps keep the temperature steady and adds that lovely smoky flavour, much like you get with charcoal grills.

Air vents

The air vents on the lid control airflow inside the smoking chamber. They have two main jobs: 1.) They manage how much oxygen comes in, which affects how charcoal or wood burns and how hot the fire gets, and 2.) They enable excess smoke and heat to escape to maintain the temperature.

Charcoal grates

The charcoal grate sits at the bottom of the barrel and provides a solid surface for the charcoal or wood. This placement ensures good airflow underneath, which helps the fuel burn and heat the chamber evenly. The gaps between the grates let ash fall through, so airflow isn’t blocked.

Cooking grates

Just above the charcoal grates, you’ll find the cooking grates that hold your food. If the drum BBQ has a three-layer design, each section will come with its own grate for meats, vegetables, and other ingredients. The material can vary by manufacturer, but you can usually expect them to be made from sturdy stainless steel or cast iron.

The gaps between the grates allow smoke and heat to circulate the food, giving it that lovely smoky flavour. They also retain heat well, helping to create those nice grill marks.

Barrel BBQ Extras

There are plenty of extras that can make your drum BBQ experience even better, including:

Temperature controllers

Temperature controllers, like digital thermometers or wireless probes, let you control the temperature. For instance, you can check the meat’s internal temperature without lifting the lid. Real-time readings also help you cook your food right to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Rotisserie attachments

A rotisserie attachment is a fantastic addition if you love smoking chickens. It features a spit that slowly rotates your food, keeping it basted and ensuring it cooks evenly for that perfect finish.

Smoker boxes and wood chip trays

These accessories hold wood chips, chunks, or pellets. Place it on the heat source, and let the smoke work its magic while you cook. In turn, they infuse your food with rich, smoky flavours.

A top tip is to try different types of wood to create unique flavours. For one, hickory gives a strong taste, while applewood adds a sweet, fruity note.

Griddle inserts

These inserts can transform half of your cooking grate into a griddle. Griddles are large, flat cooking surfaces and are often square or rectangular in shape. Unlike a skillet, griddle inserts are shallow, so it’s easier to flip food such as burgers or eggs inside your barrel grill.

Barbecue cover

A BBQ cover is exactly what it sounds like: a coat that you put on the grill so it’s dressed up to face the weather. It’s made from excellent weatherproofing materials, such as polyester, vinyl, canvas, and PVC. Some come with ties at the bottom, making them windproof.

Take a look at our BillyOh Deluxe PE Kettle BBQ Cover. It’s designed for upright and kettle BBQs. Made from durable woven polyethene, this cover is 100% waterproof and UV-resistant.

To find the perfect cover for your barrel BBQ, give this guide a read for measurement tips: What is a BBQ Cover and Why Do You Need One?

Maintenance and Care for Barrel BBQ

Keeping your barrel BBQ in good shape is important for its longevity and performance. This includes cleaning, seasoning, and proper storage. Here’s how to get started:

Cleaning

• After each use, while the drum BBQ is still warm, use a grill brush to scrape any food residue from the cooking grates.
• Remove the cooking grates and wash them with warm, soapy water. Rinse them well and dry them completely before putting them back.
• Empty the ash and debris from the charcoal grate into a safe container or ash catcher.
• Wipe down the inside of the barrel with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any grease and residue.
• Check the air vents to make sure they’re clear and not blocked.
• For stubborn grease, use a grill cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water to scrub the area. Rinse thoroughly when done.

Seasoning

• After cleaning, season the inside of your barrel BBQ. Doing so helps prevent rust and boosts the flavours of your future meals.
• Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to all the interior surfaces, including the cooking grates.
• Heat the BBQ to medium-high for about an hour. This will let the oil bake onto the surfaces and help the heat spread evenly.

Storing

• Once your BBQ has completely cooled down, make sure it’s dry before putting it away.
• Look for a dry, sheltered spot, like a garage or garden shed, to keep it safe from the weather.
• A better alternative is to cover your barrel grill with a waterproof protective cover. 

Round-up

The unique shape of barrel BBQs creates a cooking space that’s great for smoking and grilling. Plus, they have enough room to cook large cuts of meat or multiple items at once. They might not look like standard grills, but they certainly have what it takes to give you tender, melt-in-your-mouth meals.

Now that you know the basics of a barrel BBQ, it’s time to master its use, especially for smoking. Remember, it requires a different technique from the standard methods. This guide will show you how: How to Use a BBQ Smoker

For more grilling options, don’t miss our offers, including fire pit BBQs.