Best smoker I've ever bought. Just had an intake issue that was resolved and part replacement by excellent customer service. I highly recommend grill/smoker enthusiasts to buy this. You wont regret it.
Huh, mine is starting to leak grease out of every fastener, the damper rings move when you move a damper, so it is never accurate, the intake pipe doesn't line up correctly which i am still waiting on the replacement for 2 months now, and the thermometer is 50 degrees off. lol. I have owned this thing for 2 months now and have only done 3 cooks on it.
The only thing i have a problem with or will be an inconvenience is having to replace or add fresh charcoal. You have to lift your meat out and lift out the heat shield in order to replace fresh charcoal which will add a little more time to your cooking. I would suggest adding a door to access the coal basket instead of the main lid, just a suggestion. Thank you and God bless
The charcoal capacity of the Bronco allows you to add enough to burn anywhere from 8-15 hours. You just have to light it correctly, only light one side of the charcoal and let it burn slowly.
I agree. There needs to be a door. Sure, the charcoal may last, but to smoke, you really need to add wood...and those don't burn as long. Otherwise I do like it. Nice to have the air intake up top to easily adjust.
From understanding on one of his other videos, he states that you can put up too 8lbs of charcoal in it and the way it is built, can make it last for 10 hours or more. So that way you do not have to keep adding charcoal. 🤷🏾♂️ I just bought one. I plan on smoking a brisket and a Boston butt this weekend. I'm going to put it to the test
Not even just that, some people only use charcoal to get their oak going, then cook with only oak after that, how do I put a fresh log on without removing the food?
I mounted the shelf on the other end, as the Bronco is much easier to move around by lifting at the end opposite the wheels rather than trying to maneuver it like a dolly. The loop handle goes around the air intake. This is especially helpful if I need to move it while cooking.
Hubby surprised me and bought the bronco drum for me. I just put it together, getting ready to season the drum. Can't wait to try this one out. Already got some ribs marinating 😁👍
Thank you.. Family loves it, smoking some prime rib for Christmas 😊.. Love this drum smoker, so far my favorite smoker. The other ones I have are great but not as good as this one..
Great smoker I used quite a few different smokers and for the price I'm impressed! Actually doing my first cook on my BRONCO and the BABY BACKS look great!👍
Love mine temp control is awesome. When I built mine I did add knomex heat felt between where it bolts together, the intake and the exhaust to insure it’s sealed. I have a uds I built and really like it but this is so much better because it holds temp! Buy it!
I just got one and did some ribs. The ribs were too long to hang so I laid them on the cooking grate. Next time I think I will try cutting the racks in half so they can hang. I was impressed with how it held temp for plenty of time. I wonder how it would do with longer cooks like pork butt or brisket.
Hey Patrick. Our Bronco Drum Smoker will do great on those longer cooks. Check out these two recipes we prepared on the Bronco: Smoked Boston Pork Butt (bit.ly/389XChD) and Smoked Beef Brisket with Texas Rub (bit.ly/2tYRPN8).
i guess Im randomly asking but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost the login password. I love any help you can give me.
@Dustin Jamison thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
I have read many reviews of the Bronco. Most complaints revolve around the leaks it has where the two sides come together as well as at the air intake cap. Have these issues been corrected? And is it necessary to use a water pan in this?
Mine leaks terribly - but I don't find that a concern. The temperature control via the vents is substandard, but using a Thermoworks billows system with it has it function very well, but I find that I only have a choice of low and short or hot and six hours. Over all I like mine but as my expectations have slowly grown - I'm looking to go to a Kamado next. They can hold a low fire for over 50 hours apparently.
You add enough in the beginning. Pretty much fill the basket and you get 8 hours. If you form a little hill on top that’s 10 hours. Anything that takes longer to cook won’t fit inside anyway
I am getting one!! 😁!!! Love to baby sit and pull out lawn chairs. Grab a couple beers and your good to go!! I couldn’t buy a Pellet grill that supposedly does everything for you 😳. Where’s the fun in that!
Just picked one up . Have to say I’m not a fan of the dial indicator on the dampers . It moves so it will never be correct. That could definitely be fixed
Most folks use a digital temperature probe in the meat as well as grill surface. I’ve never paid attention to those numbers on the damper or the front facing thermometer. I think those only exist to appease first time buyers. One you get to the desired temp this thing is rock solid
I've had a Pit Barrel Cooker for about 10 years and love its ease of use. But it's been showing its age and I think it's time to replace it. Discovered this product which seems to have a number of advantages over the PBC so I'm seriously considering getting one. The extra versatility seems very appealing.
If you're new to smoking, we'd recommend the Highland. You'll enjoy an outstanding smoking experience and durability with a convenient fire access door and multiple dampers that give you more control over your smoking experience.
What I don’t get is that, it holds up to 9 slabs of ribs but the grate only holds 2 slabs at a time. When you take out the ribs to sauce them up then put them back in the grate. What happens with the other 7 slabs?
Search RUclips and you will see that most owners of ANY drum smoker say "it's a rib-making machine." I own this cooker and you can fit 9 slabs if you use the 3 hanging rods, not the grate. This method produces a different kind of rib than typical smokers. When the ribs are sauced they go back on the hangers for about 15 minutes (no wrapping) to set the glaze. Note that a full-length rack will usually reach the deflector plate. This makes that end a bit overdone but you can trim the rack a little if you prefer. I also own a Big Joe kamado but use this much more often as it heats/cools very quickly due to its smaller size and steel-vs-ceramic construction. What many don't realize is that the semi-sealed interior results in a much more humid cooking environment than pellet grills, offsets and ceramics. It is a spectacular cooker for every kind of BBQ including pork shoulders (on the rack) and chicken (split and hung).
Food on Fire Ok so, you don’t wrap, you only smoke throughout the whole cook. Sounds good to me. You say that the bottom may become overdone, I watch a video where a guy put meat hooks on the bottom of the ribs and flipped them one hour into the cook. Have you ever tried that? And thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it. 👍
@@pangelo4023 Yes, I've flipped them and it helps. I should mention that you can hang to smoke and wrap to finish by removing the hangers and inserting the grate. Because you can put in a second grate it is practical to wrap/cook about 6 racks. And if they are wrapped in foil (blocking all grill aromas) you can finish in the oven. At $300 MSRP it is a ridiculous bargain. It also serves as an excellent charcoal grill when you move the charcoal basket to the upper level. FWIW, I use lump not briquettes.
And to add on, there's a couple of ways to handle saucing - sauce them while they hang or, we like to wrap them in our Peach Butcher Paper, then pile them high on the grate for finishing.
I would like to know why the exhaust vent is at the back of the lid and not in the center? I think that it would create a heat path that could potentially miss the food
They engineered it right. Zero hot spots. Cooks perfectly evenly. Even when the rack is covered with chicken wings there’s no need to rotate them around. The walls of the drum hold a lot of the heat and inside there’s a heat diffusion plate and a smoke vortex
I do not understand the drain. It looks to be one-two inches from the ground. Is this drain for grease? If so, how is a pan supposed to be placed beneath the opening?
The drain is mainly used when cleaning the interior of your Bronco. Simply remove the drain cap before cleaning, and the water and debris will exit from the bottom.
Any briquette or lump charcoal will work in the Bronco, each with a unique performance. You can try both types and see which one you like best. As always, we do not recommend self-lighting charcoal or using lighter fluid to start your fire.
My #1 smoker and I can grill on it also. I have a guy that is going to start editing my videos Then we will work together to get the Pro. I am looking for a Charbroil Kamanda now...
I've cooked for hours on my drum smoker and always have plenty of fuel charcoal or wood still left un-burnt. No design flaw. You need to try this one out for yourself. It's a charcoal/wood sipper! Also it has all the accessories supplied with the smoker like the heat deflector plate and ash pan so you don't end up spending a couple hundred dollars on stuff to make it as versatile as you would like. Everything is porcelain coated and will last a long time with a little care. This is quality at a price no other company even is close to. Best $300 I've spent on a smoker/grill imo.
The design flaw is with bullet smokers that need a door to add fuel. I’ve done 16 hours on my bronco, no need for a door. Way more efficient, insulated, and feature rich than any bullet.
I agree but this may sound like blasphemy. the smoking takes place in the first few hours anyway. The rest is cooking time. I just pull the ribs after a couple hours and then use my kitchen oven to finish. better heat control and nobody is the wiser. If you can sleep with your actions as a "cheater" then by all means do it. lol your guests will appreciate the goodness just don't answer too many questions as to method. A grill master never reveals their secrets. You will thank me.
Best smoker I've ever bought. Just had an intake issue that was resolved and part replacement by excellent customer service. I highly recommend grill/smoker enthusiasts to buy this. You wont regret it.
Huh, mine is starting to leak grease out of every fastener, the damper rings move when you move a damper, so it is never accurate, the intake pipe doesn't line up correctly which i am still waiting on the replacement for 2 months now, and the thermometer is 50 degrees off. lol. I have owned this thing for 2 months now and have only done 3 cooks on it.
The only thing i have a problem with or will be an inconvenience is having to replace or add fresh charcoal. You have to lift your meat out and lift out the heat shield in order to replace fresh charcoal which will add a little more time to your cooking. I would suggest adding a door to access the coal basket instead of the main lid, just a suggestion. Thank you and God bless
The charcoal capacity of the Bronco allows you to add enough to burn anywhere from 8-15 hours. You just have to light it correctly, only light one side of the charcoal and let it burn slowly.
I agree. There needs to be a door. Sure, the charcoal may last, but to smoke, you really need to add wood...and those don't burn as long. Otherwise I do like it. Nice to have the air intake up top to easily adjust.
From understanding on one of his other videos, he states that you can put up too 8lbs of charcoal in it and the way it is built, can make it last for 10 hours or more. So that way you do not have to keep adding charcoal. 🤷🏾♂️ I just bought one. I plan on smoking a brisket and a Boston butt this weekend. I'm going to put it to the test
Not even just that, some people only use charcoal to get their oak going, then cook with only oak after that, how do I put a fresh log on without removing the food?
@@Ace58-s4b The comments on this thread are agreeing there’s enough charcoal. What we need is a way to add more wood
Really love mine! Going to set it up to grill today. Thick cut chops! Have not done a long smoke yet but it's coming! Cook for your family yall
I mounted the shelf on the other end, as the Bronco is much easier to move around by lifting at the end opposite the wheels rather than trying to maneuver it like a dolly. The loop handle goes around the air intake. This is especially helpful if I need to move it while cooking.
Hubby surprised me and bought the bronco drum for me. I just put it together, getting ready to season the drum. Can't wait to try this one out. Already got some ribs marinating 😁👍
Nice, women BBQ 🍗 for the family 👍🏾
Thank you.. Family loves it, smoking some prime rib for Christmas 😊.. Love this drum smoker, so far my favorite smoker. The other ones I have are great but not as good as this one..
Great smoker I used quite a few different smokers and for the price I'm impressed!
Actually doing my first cook on my BRONCO and the BABY BACKS look great!👍
Love mine temp control is awesome. When I built mine I did add knomex heat felt between where it bolts together, the intake and the exhaust to insure it’s sealed. I have a uds I built and really like it but this is so much better because it holds temp! Buy it!
This smoker is a beast holds temp easy to adjust temp very satisfied with purchase!!!!!
Got my Oklahoma Joe Barell grill for my birthday the other day and I love it!!!
I just got one and did some ribs. The ribs were too long to hang so I laid them on the cooking grate. Next time I think I will try cutting the racks in half so they can hang. I was impressed with how it held temp for plenty of time. I wonder how it would do with longer cooks like pork butt or brisket.
Hey Patrick. Our Bronco Drum Smoker will do great on those longer cooks. Check out these two recipes we prepared on the Bronco: Smoked Boston Pork Butt (bit.ly/389XChD) and Smoked Beef Brisket with Texas Rub (bit.ly/2tYRPN8).
i guess Im randomly asking but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an instagram account??
I somehow lost the login password. I love any help you can give me.
@Maxton Uriel Instablaster =)
@Dustin Jamison thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now.
Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
I just bought one of these last week and I have to admit that I love it!
I need another rack. I love my BRONCO and HIGHLAND
I have read many reviews of the Bronco. Most complaints revolve around the leaks it has where the two sides come together as well as at the air intake cap. Have these issues been corrected? And is it necessary to use a water pan in this?
Mine leaks terribly - but I don't find that a concern. The temperature control via the vents is substandard, but using a Thermoworks billows system with it has it function very well, but I find that I only have a choice of low and short or hot and six hours. Over all I like mine but as my expectations have slowly grown - I'm looking to go to a Kamado next. They can hold a low fire for over 50 hours apparently.
So, how do you add more charcoal or wood chunks during a cook, if needed?
You add enough in the beginning. Pretty much fill the basket and you get 8 hours. If you form a little hill on top that’s 10 hours. Anything that takes longer to cook won’t fit inside anyway
Cool unit.....wish it was wider at least 24”?!
They make a bigger 24” model called the Bronco Pro
just got one exited to use it!!!!
Did you fix the intake Pipe mistake?????
What is the mistake?
I am getting one!! 😁!!! Love to baby sit and pull out lawn chairs. Grab a couple beers and your good to go!! I couldn’t buy a Pellet grill that supposedly does everything for you 😳. Where’s the fun in that!
Sounds like the perfect afternoon to us. We can't wait to see what you cook up on the Bronco.
I have a pellet smoker it's cool but I need more smoke flavor so I'm researching on buying one of these
If the gaps by the intake are fixed ill be buying one before the year is over. I really want a drum.
Customer Service sent me a new intake the same day I bought it. So quick if forgotten it happened until I read your comment
Just picked one up . Have to say I’m not a fan of the dial indicator on the dampers . It moves so it will never be correct. That could definitely be fixed
Tighten the acorn nut.
Most folks use a digital temperature probe in the meat as well as grill surface. I’ve never paid attention to those numbers on the damper or the front facing thermometer. I think those only exist to appease first time buyers. One you get to the desired temp this thing is rock solid
The heat diffuser is awsome..
I've had a Pit Barrel Cooker for about 10 years and love its ease of use. But it's been showing its age and I think it's time to replace it. Discovered this product which seems to have a number of advantages over the PBC so I'm seriously considering getting one. The extra versatility seems very appealing.
So I really like this one, and your pellet smoker. Which one do you suggest? I am new to this smoking meats.
If you're new to smoking, we'd recommend the Highland. You'll enjoy an outstanding smoking experience and durability with a convenient fire access door and multiple dampers that give you more control over your smoking experience.
Blackstone gridle
What I don’t get is that, it holds up to 9 slabs of ribs but the grate only holds 2 slabs at a time. When you take out the ribs to sauce them up then put them back in the grate. What happens with the other 7 slabs?
Search RUclips and you will see that most owners of ANY drum smoker say "it's a rib-making machine." I own this cooker and you can fit 9 slabs if you use the 3 hanging rods, not the grate. This method produces a different kind of rib than typical smokers. When the ribs are sauced they go back on the hangers for about 15 minutes (no wrapping) to set the glaze. Note that a full-length rack will usually reach the deflector plate. This makes that end a bit overdone but you can trim the rack a little if you prefer.
I also own a Big Joe kamado but use this much more often as it heats/cools very quickly due to its smaller size and steel-vs-ceramic construction. What many don't realize is that the semi-sealed interior results in a much more humid cooking environment than pellet grills, offsets and ceramics. It is a spectacular cooker for every kind of BBQ including pork shoulders (on the rack) and chicken (split and hung).
Food on Fire
Ok so, you don’t wrap, you only smoke throughout the whole cook. Sounds good to me.
You say that the bottom may become overdone, I watch a video where a guy put meat hooks on the bottom of the ribs and flipped them one hour into the cook. Have you ever tried that?
And thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it. 👍
@@pangelo4023 Yes, I've flipped them and it helps. I should mention that you can hang to smoke and wrap to finish by removing the hangers and inserting the grate. Because you can put in a second grate it is practical to wrap/cook about 6 racks. And if they are wrapped in foil (blocking all grill aromas) you can finish in the oven. At $300 MSRP it is a ridiculous bargain. It also serves as an excellent charcoal grill when you move the charcoal basket to the upper level. FWIW, I use lump not briquettes.
Food on Fire
thank you!
And to add on, there's a couple of ways to handle saucing - sauce them while they hang or, we like to wrap them in our Peach Butcher Paper, then pile them high on the grate for finishing.
I would like to know why the exhaust vent is at the back of the lid and not in the center? I think that it would create a heat path that could potentially miss the food
They engineered it right. Zero hot spots. Cooks perfectly evenly. Even when the rack is covered with chicken wings there’s no need to rotate them around. The walls of the drum hold a lot of the heat and inside there’s a heat diffusion plate and a smoke vortex
Man I want one … dang good set up
Did you guys find the intake pipe mistake?
DefTaker what did they do to correct this ? I just bought mine a couple days ago
What is the intake pipe mistake please? I’m considering purchasing one of these. Thank you.
How do you add wood to it? Or is it just a charcoal smoker?
Add a few chunks of wood with the charcoal.
How much price this
Buying me one excellent coverage on this product
Is there a cover recommended for this smoker?
Yes, here's one for the Bronco Drum (bit.ly/3b2J0BU) and one for the Bronco Pro Drum (bit.ly/2WpXDd7).
I do not understand the drain. It looks to be one-two inches from the ground. Is this drain for grease? If so, how is a pan supposed to be placed beneath the opening?
I'm going to clean mine this weekend. From what i read, take everything out, open the bottom, and take a water hose to it. Thats what im going to do.
The drain is mainly used when cleaning the interior of your Bronco. Simply remove the drain cap before cleaning, and the water and debris will exit from the bottom.
You just tilt the smoker pivoting on the wheels and a pan fits under easily
Hopefully you will have more available before Christmas 2020
I have one and was wondering if I can get replacement grill and heat deflector?
I got a second grill grate on Amazon. You wouldn’t need a second heat deflector
Best product ever !!
Can you fit a whole chicken in there to do beer chicken?
Yes. You can fit several chickens upright. Just put your rack on the lower level bracket
Where do you add the wood chips for flavored smoking?
You put the wood chunks directly on the charcoal in the basket. And chunks usually work better than chips for these types of smokers.
Where do you put your wood chips if you're smoking?
Wood CHUNKS go in the bottom of the charcoal basket
What kind of charcoal?
Any briquette or lump charcoal will work in the Bronco, each with a unique performance. You can try both types and see which one you like best. As always, we do not recommend self-lighting charcoal or using lighter fluid to start your fire.
I want this!
How do you reset the fire with really long cooks, seems like an offset might be better in those cooks?
I have the sale question what if want to reload charcoal or chunks
If you add a heaping helping of coals at the beginning it will last 10 hours. Anything that takes longer to cook generally wouldn’t fit inside anyway
Just picked one up for $100 Walmart clearance. Wait until they start putting out fall stuff (now) and go hunt for it. It’s a $300 smoker
Brandon Eubank yeah i just paid 300 for mine a couple days ago
Are u guys making a limited amount of bronco pro editions ?
A combination Rider Pellet x Bronco Drum would be a great idea
I'm confused how can you hang meat that becomes so tender it just falls apart?
Do you stop hanging it at some point?
correct. You only hang let's say baby back ribs for about 5 hours ...
Ribs are over cooked if they are falling apart. I know noobs think that's the goal, but it's just over cooked.
You only smoke ribs until there’s good color. Then you wrap for completion and tenderness
Id like to pick up one late next month, have the issues with intake pipe been fixed??
Hey Scott, yes.
Just bought this. Waiting in garage to assemble. Box was crazy heavy!
My #1 smoker and I can grill on it also. I have a guy that is going to start editing my videos Then we will work together to get the Pro. I am looking for a Charbroil Kamanda now...
There is no door at the bottom like a usual bullet smoker so you can put more wood chunks in without loosing heat, design flaw.
I've cooked for hours on my drum smoker and always have plenty of fuel charcoal or wood still left un-burnt. No design flaw. You need to try this one out for yourself. It's a charcoal/wood sipper! Also it has all the accessories supplied with the smoker like the heat deflector plate and ash pan so you don't end up spending a couple hundred dollars on stuff to make it as versatile as you would like.
Everything is porcelain coated and will last a long time with a little care. This is quality at a price no other company even is close to. Best $300 I've spent on a smoker/grill imo.
The design flaw is with bullet smokers that need a door to add fuel. I’ve done 16 hours on my bronco, no need for a door. Way more efficient, insulated, and feature rich than any bullet.
Designed flaw for sure, playing with the heat by adding etc is part of the fun.
I've got 17 hours cook time on mine bronco I love it wood chunks dont burn up fast either very efficient
No door needed. No design flaw. Basket holds enough charcoal and wood for 12-15 hours. No need at add
bought mine today, Walmart, closeout $184.00
Just got mine today a walmart 178.00 cant believe if you wait till they start putting out fall stuff drops in price a lot on the grills.
Pretty cool, but my WSM is cheaper and works great as well.
Where is this made?
Our products are engineered and designed in the U.S. and manufactured in China.
I almost bought one last week but the shipping is ridiculous 😒
You can also order from one our retailers. Click the Find A Retailer button here, bit.ly/2yI5Otz. Some offer in-store pickup.
The box was unbelievably heavy. Wouldn’t want to pay shipping on that because they’d charge crate rates
I got mine at Lowe’s to avoid that issue
So how do you refuel without having to take everything apart? This is a major con imo.
I agree but this may sound like blasphemy. the smoking takes place in the first few hours anyway. The rest is cooking time. I just pull the ribs after a couple hours and then use my kitchen oven to finish. better heat control and nobody is the wiser. If you can sleep with your actions as a "cheater" then by all means do it. lol your guests will appreciate the goodness just don't answer too many questions as to method. A grill master never reveals their secrets. You will thank me.
You just be sure to add enough charcoal and wood in the beginning so not an issue
Send me one so I can review it and make a video.