The Cult of the 55 Gallon Drum Smoker is a curious thing. In the past year, I’ve fielded more questions and received more hits on this blog about this one single subject over all others. However, I think I’ve seen maybe two of these at the KCBS and FBA competitions I’ve been to, so it has me thinking.
Are 55 gallon drum smokers, made “Do it Yourself” style being built and used only by a cult of backyard barbecue smokers who gather in Sith-like fashion around a central Imperial backyard BBQ force?
One of BigMista’s Ugly Drum Smokers
See More of BigMista’s UDS Posts here.
Oh, you can find information on 55 gallon drum smokers, otherwise referred to as Ugly Drum Smokers (UDS), if you look hard enough. In fact, there are whole message boards and forums devoted to these babies. But why don’t I see more of them being used by BBQ Pros? Is it because they’re just not as reliable or can’t be regulated as much as say, a Stumps Smoker or Green Mountain pellet grill? Or, does it just take a special breed of Pro BBQ cook to throw down and get their ‘cue on with a DIY 55 Gallon Drum Smoker?
By the way – I think BigMista cooks on a SpiceWine Smoker now as well, so he may not do too much with the UDS these days.
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If you love smoked BBQ, you love smoked BBQ ribs. It’s just that simple.
Question is, are you an “in the oven” pro or an honest to goodness charcoal and wood-smoked BBQ rib pro? Each method has its benefits and can be employed in a variety of situations for a host of reasons.
Here’s one great Smoked BBQ Ribs method…
Chime in on your own favorite way to prepare smoked BBQ ribs. We’d love to hear from you!
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