Got a new toy this spring; a Pit Barrel Cooker. It is a 30 gallon drum that has a charcoal basket in the bottom. A couple of pieces of rebar allow you to hang food over the heat, and if you add a couple pieces of wood to the coals, the flavor is incredible. What I really like about this product is no need to worry about controlling the temp of the barrel; just monitor the temp of the meat and boom; perfect food every time! I have had success with prime rib roast, brisket, chicken, pork tenderloin, pork belly and the best rubs I have ever had! If you are looking to add a toy to your outside cooking arsenal, get a Pit Barrel Cooker-300 bucks delivered to your door!!

That looks like it would be really easy to make.
Is there any reinforcement on the bottom?
How does it do in the wind?

AmarilloJim: "That looks like it would be really easy to make.
Is there any reinforcement on the bottom?
How does it do in the wind?"

You could make it, but, for me, the beauty is in the simplicity of this thing. No reinforcement in the bottom. There is only one vent to worry about located low in the barrel. You set it depending on your local altitude and then forget it; no need to monitor the inside temp, and that was an interesting learning piece for me as I am always fussing with internal temp on my other smokers. This thing is foolproof, and it works well in wind, rain and snow.

That's a nice looking unit! Happy smoking!

Believe I watched a few videos by Kent Rollins (cowboy cook) using one.

My husband just made ribs on his smoker last weekend and they were so good! After he puts the rub on he wraps them in aluminum foil and bakes them a few hours. Then he puts them on the smoker, and adds sauce. Who needs side dishes when you have ribs!