What to buy... Drum/barrel BBQ?

[Bucksend]

Hi,

I am new to the world of 'propper BBQing' and am looking to purchase a decent BBQ. Funds are rather limited but I would like to ask a simple question...

Can you recommend a decent horizontal barrel/drum style BBQ suitable for regular grilling and smoking?

More info... I would like to have a go at smoking and have watched enough videos to know that offset smokers are C##p unless you spend big money. I also know that the upright drum style smokers are best value/simplest to use but not so good for grilling. I am also aware that a Weber Kettle is what i should be getting(more on that in a mo). I was hoping to get a barrel/drum BBQ as it would fit in my shed allot easier than a large circular kettle style but all that I have seen seem to be very cheap(in quality, prices vary allot). I hope I am making sense.

If I should be getting a Webber which size do I need to be able to get the meat far enough away from the coals to cook low and slow? Remember my budget is little and I will probably only smoke with it a handful of times compared to regular grilling.

Thanks for reading all the above, I have done a bit of reasearch but seem to be stuck, can you help me please?

Many thanks

[BraaiMeesterWannabe]

Hey buck

I think the ProQ smokers can be used for hot and fast as well, but not sure about that. Maybe overkill though if you'll mainly be grilling.

I have to say for a newbie who will mainly grill but may do a bit of smoking a weber 57cm is the best option...I know you don't want to hear that! From a storage point of view my weber kettles and smoker are all stored outside year round. One of the kettles is 15 years old and has never had a cover and is still in good condition.

[TakingtheBrisket]

Look up bristol drum smokers

[Bucksend]

Hey thanks for the replies

I am just looking up the Bristol guys now.

As for the Weber, yes the more I read the more I want one. It is great that they survive well outside but unfortunately my rear 'garden'(more of a courtyard) is about as secure as my front garden(not very!) so I need to be able to lock it away for peace of mind - would hate to see it stolen! Do you think the Weber Original 47cm would be big enough? I think I will head to a garden center over the weekend and have a look at some BBQs in the flesh.

[essexsmoker]

I would agree with braai. No brainer.

[Bucksend]

Yeah, the more I read the more I want a Weber. I'll just have to make room in the shed. I'd leave it outside 24/7 but our back garden is secure as our front garden and don't want to risk going walkies. Do you think the Original 47cmwould(not the compact) be too small?

PS I really like the look of those ProQ drums but too many pennies I think. And the Bristol Smokers are smart but as above.

[batvan]

Buy the Weber and build yer own UDS ya can build them for next to nothing and make it look real ugly n ya won't need to worry about it getting nicked!

[essexsmoker]

Buy the Weber and build yer own UDS ya can build them for next to nothing and make it look real ugly n ya won't need to worry about it getting nicked!

Lol

[essexsmoker]

I'd go for the 57. You'll struggle to keep big bits of meat away from the heat otherwise.

[BraaiMeesterWannabe]

I'd go for the 57. You'll struggle to keep big bits of meat away from the heat otherwise.

I agree