Pit Barrel Cooker

I'm still waiting for somebody to explain WHY this is better then a UDS?

It's the same thing isn't it?

-I see that it only has a very small exhaust.
-I see that it has a hanging rack system.
-I don't see the intake design however.

PadioDaddio, what makes this better than your two UDS's that you would trade?

EDIT: Oh wait, I see you are either sponsored by them or have some other interest in advertising for them. (Not being sarcastic, just looking for an honest review) SOMEBODY ELSE, who has cooked on both the UDS and PBC, is there a difference?

-HAZARD- said:

I'm still waiting for somebody to explain WHY this is better then a UDS?

It's the same thing isn't it?

-I see that it only has a very small exhaust.
-I see that it has a hanging rack system.
-I don't see the intake design however.

PadioDaddio, what makes this better than your two UDS's that you would trade?

EDIT: Oh wait, I see you are either sponsored by them or have some other interest in advertising for them. (Not being sarcastic, just looking for an honest review) SOMEBODY ELSE, who has cooked on both the UDS and PBC, is there a difference?

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Honestly, I don't think anybody is meaning to say that the Pit Barrel is the end all be all of all UDSs. In some respects it is better, in others worse. The smaller 30 gallon size allows for a higher cooking temp and the barrel itself radiates heat evenly. In the downside the PBC comes preset with a certain intake position (located near the bottom. Basically just a hole with a round damper). It is preset to run about 290ish. It can be changed, but I believe that would require using a screw driver to loosen the plate. Why is that an [x] for the PBC? Well, a UDS can cook at much lower temperatures for A LOT longer than the PBC can. A UDS also has more variabilty with custom features and such.

Comparing the PBC to a UDS is like comparing a WMS to its Canadian cousin the Napolean. They are essentially the same thing in design but what differs between them is the small features. One really isn't "better" than the other. They are just...different.

Now I don't technically have experience cooking on a PBC yet. However, I have done a lot of research before buying one for Christmas. My choice was either a PBC or 18.5" WSM and once I got the coupon for a $100 off from Grilling.com I was sold on the PBC. $225 shipped Fedex ground to my door was a deal I couldn't pass up. Since, I already have the Coleman version of a WSM I really wanted something different. Yeah sure, I could've built a UDS for $225 but why not try something different? On top of the PBC which is a gift from my ladyfriend, I am also having a friend build me a new UDS. Why a new UDS, if the PBC is so great and mighty? Just because :grin:

After the new year I plan on cooking on both my new PBC and my (soon to be new) UDS to really get a feel for the differences in usage and post my experiences here. I have my ideas of why I might like one over the other and vise versa, but I will wait to post any of that until I can make a sure fire decision. Until then, I hope this tid bit helped you out..

-HAZARD- said:

I'm still waiting for somebody to explain WHY this is better then a UDS?

It's the same thing isn't it?

-I see that it only has a very small exhaust.
-I see that it has a hanging rack system.
-I don't see the intake design however.

PadioDaddio, what makes this better than your two UDS's that you would trade?

EDIT: Oh wait, I see you are either sponsored by them or have some other interest in advertising for them. (Not being sarcastic, just looking for an honest review) SOMEBODY ELSE, who has cooked on both the UDS and PBC, is there a difference?

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First, as I've stated on this forum, I have zero financial or other interest in the Pit Barrel Cooker Co. I simply believe in their product. Please get your facts straight before casting aspersions. Calling people dishonest doesn't help your cause.

Why is it better than a UDS?

- Smaller and more portable
- More capacity
- More consistent results
- More efficient (uses less charcoal)
- High-temp powder coating
- No dampers to mess with
- No racks to clean (for most cooks)

Here's an idea... If you're so interested in an "honest" review, why don't you put your money where your mouth is, buy one and write a review? It's easy to hide behind a keyboard and throw rocks.

John

Bludawg said:

I fail to understand the Hype of a UDS with a couple of pieces of reed bar and a few hooks:crazy:

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+1 I would be scared my meat would fall off the hooks after 1 too many millers

C-Town Smoker said:

I can't wait to try mine out!! For $225 (with the grilling.com discount) shipped it's hard to beat!!

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Thanks!:thumb:

Now the wait begins

PatioDaddio said:

I can assure you that this is no UDS. Head over to their site and see the difference.

John

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Ok you have me stumped whats different about this over a UDS?

Skidder said:

Ok you have me stumped whats different about this over a UDS?

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Please look back a few posts. I just replied to the same question less than an hour ago.

John

PatioDaddio said:

Please look back a few posts. I just replied to the same question less than an hour ago.

John

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I see that you did John. I was just wondering WHY myself is all. I mean nothing by my post but it burns charcoal,has an intake and exhaust same as any other cooker,right? What makes it so good as meaning just your opinion is all I meant? If it really is better GREAT I'm all in in that. Love a good cooker! I respect your opinion on a cooker as you know. Been following your blog for a long time and can't get enough of it. I'm not blasting anything just wondering is all. Looks like quality to me tho a bit on the small side correct me if I'm wrong. I'll do a little more investigating when I have time. Thanks, Bob

Skidder said:

I see that you did John. I was just wondering WHY myself is all. I mean nothing by my post but it burns charcoal,has an intake and exhaust same as any other cooker,right? What makes it so good as meaning just your opinion is all I meant? If it really is better GREAT I'm all in in that. Love a good cooker! I respect your opinion on a cooker as you know. Been following your blog for a long time and can't get enough of it. I'm not blasting anything just wondering is all. Looks like quality to me tho a bit on the small side correct me if I'm wrong. I'll do a little more investigating when I have time. Thanks, Bob

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The simple answer to the "why" question is simply the engineering and
design that Noah put into the cooker. For example, the charcoal basket is
pre-measured. You just fill it level, light it, and go.

Just to provide a little perspective on the thought that went into the
design, Noah told me that he went through 29 prototype barrels before he
landed on the current design.

Also, the meat hanging method (which is patent-pending) is essentially like
a stationary rotisserie, which makes the meat cook very evenly with no
flipping or tending.

I hope this helps,
John

rwalters said:

btw: gonna be doing two whole chickens (split in half) on the PBC tomorrow... can't wait to see how they turn out. Based on the "how to" video @ www.pitbarrelcooker.com it looks SUPER easy. Will let you guys know how it turns out :grouphug:

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Nice! I smoked some home-cured bacon in mine last weekend and there's no
going back to storebought. :wink:

John

jmoney7269 said:

+1 I would be scared my meat would fall off the hooks after 1 too many millers

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Fall off the hook tender (i kid, i kid)

Smoothsmoke said:

Fall off the hook tender (i kid, i kid)

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Kidding aside, that would be my biggest worry about cooking on hooks. I know that if I cook a 12 lb brisket to my desired doneness, that its probably gonna weigh about 8 lbs when its done. When that meat gets tender I can really see it having trouble holding togethet around that hook. Now if we're talking multiple hooks in one piece of meat, that would make more sense.

As I and others have suggested, just head over to their site and watch the videos. Noah
covers all of the typical meats in detail, and I think it will answer a lot of the questions
that continually crop up here.

John

John thank you for explaining. I mean no disrespect I didn't have the time to look at everything but will later. Thanks again. If you endorse it it has to be good. You my friend are well respected around here. Bob

Skidder said:

John thank you for explaining. I mean no disrespect I didn't have the time to look at everything but will later. Thanks again. If you endorse it it has to be good. You my friend are well respected around here. Bob

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No worries, Bob.

John

PadioDaddio,

I think you're misinterpreting my question.

I was really looking for a good honest explanation of the differences from those with experience using both. I have a UDS. I was wondering if there was good reason to spend $225 on new (reasonably priced & professional built) smoker that might perform better then what I was able to build at home. Thus, hearing about the differences that were then explained was helpful. Though not convincing enough for me to invest in one right now.

Yes, I could have gone to the site and listened to the pitch from the guy that makes them, but that would be a little biased wouldn't you think? Your reviews and comments of this product in this thread and in your blog can easily be interpreted that you had more involvement than just a love for the product. That you are on a first name basis with the person that manufacturers it, and comment about "patent pending" designs strengthens that interpretation, but whatever. My intent is not in guesstimating your level of involvement, but rather learning more about the product in an unbiased manner. Which through your response and others, I have to some degree.

Hazard - I can understand seeking information, but at some point you probably have to leave this forum to get it. For example, go to the PBC Facebook page and read the accolades.

Sometimes it seems that folks invest $500 of thought into a $225 decision.

John