Pit Barrel Cooker vs Weber Smokey Mountain (2026)

Updated 2026-11-10 Researched, not tested in person

Quick answer

Buy the Pit Barrel Cooker if you want the simplest charcoal smoker: hang ribs and meat on hooks, light it and go. Buy the Weber Smokey Mountain 18 if you want adjustable vents, a water pan and two grates for more control. Both are vertical charcoal smokers; PBC is simpler, WSM is more adjustable.

Best for set and forget hanging

Pit Barrel Cooker 18.5

Mid-range drum smoker

Check price on Amazon

Best for classic tuned smoking

Weber Smokey Mountain 18

Mid-range charcoal smoker

Check price on Amazon

At a glance

	Pit Barrel Cooker 18.5	Weber Smokey Mountain 18
Style	Vertical barrel with hanging hooks	Vertical bullet with two grates
Capacity	Up to 8 racks of ribs (per listing)	Whole turkey and a ham together (per Weber)
Cooking surfaces	Hooks, standard grill grate; GrillGrate option	Two 18.5 inch nickel-plated grates
Airflow control	Fixed barrel design	Individual vents on bowl and lid
Water pan	No	Yes
Thermometer	Use a probe	Lid thermometer included
Finish	Porcelain enamel steel	Porcelain-enameled steel
Weight	Portable, fits most SUVs (per listing)	39.1 lb

The table compares the Pit Barrel Cooker Premier 18.5 and the Weber Smokey Mountain 18 using their Amazon listings. Both use charcoal and are popular first smokers.

Pick the Pit Barrel Cooker 18.5 if…

You want an easy setup and ribs and meat that hang over the coals, and you prefer fewer controls to learn.

Check Pit Barrel Cooker 18.5 on Amazon

Pick the Weber Smokey Mountain 18 if…

You want to tune temperature with vents, use a water pan for moisture, and have two grate levels for different foods.

Check Weber Smokey Mountain 18 on Amazon

Who should skip both

You want set-and-forget electric or pellet convenience, or need to cook for more than ten people. See best pellet grill or best electric smoker.

Comparison researched from published manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and owner reviews. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pit Barrel better than Weber Smokey Mountain?

PBC is simpler and good for ribs and hanging cuts; WSM gives more adjustment and a water pan. Choose by how much you want to control.

Which is better for brisket?

Both can handle a small to medium brisket. WSM has grate room for larger flats; PBC hangs cuts vertically.

Which is easier to clean?

Both are porcelain-coated. Check the ash handling in each listing.

Do I need a thermometer?

Yes. Use a wireless probe on either smoker; see best meat thermometer.

How we choose gear: we compare published manufacturer specifications, capacity and temperature ranges, materials, warranty terms and verified owner reviews. We do not test gear in person and we do not publish hands-on claims we cannot support.

Cook times and temperatures are researched guidance, not a food-safety authority. Every figure on this page is an estimate: smokers, ambient weather, humidity and the individual cut all move it. Food is safe when a calibrated instant-read thermometer says so, never when a clock or a chart does. Keep food out of the 40°F to 140°F danger zone, observe the 4 hour rule, and follow current USDA safe minimum internal temperatures. If you are cooking for anyone pregnant, very young, elderly or immunocompromised, cook to the USDA minimums rather than to a preference-based doneness temperature.