Pit Barrel Cooker Mods: 4 Game-Changing Upgrades for Dec(2024)

In this guide, I’ve addressed many of your questions regarding Pit Barrel Cooker mods. I’ve delved into common topics such as:

I genuinely hope my insights help resolve your queries…;

Be sure to check out – 
12+ Full List of top modifications of different grills, smokers and cookers etc.

# Pit Barrel Cooker mods

Most of us might not even feel the need for mods in Pit Barrel Cooker.

Unless we want to be able to control its temperature and boost up its performance. 

Here I have collected some awesome mods which I researched through different sources on the internet..

However I have only discussed the important ones that worked for me. . .

Tips : 

I have found it to be a perfect fit to cook chicken, either half chicken or chicken wings. Be sure to try out..

Mod 1: Get an Ash Pan 

Pit Barrel cookers don’t come with an ash pan in its standard package.

You need to buy one separately. This is absolutely essential..

Otherwise you will have a hard time cleaning or digging the ashes inside the cooker. 

In case you want to get the ash pan I used, I will provide the link below…

Mod 2: Adding a Temperature Gauge

Adding a temperature gauge will help to monitor the temperature of the cooker.

This is purely a choice. And it is not absolutely necessary. 

I simply added it because I wanted to be able to see the temperature directly on the top.

Instead of using an external one…

Here is how it looks once you place the thermometer…

Image of the Thermometer mod Drill area.
Image of the Thermometer mod Drill area.

In case, you want to get one for yourself I will leave a link here.

Also the tools involved to drill the holes and place the thermometer. 

It is very direct and I don’t feel it is necessary to explain in detail how it is done. You will easily do it.

  • This BBQ Grill Smoker Thermometer perfectly fits for Oklahoma Joe’s smokers and most smokers or grills with 13/16 inch o…
  • with extreme accuracy, extra 3” long stainless steel probe rod for accurate temperature readings and precisely measures…
  • 3 1/8” large 3 color coded zones grill thermometer with enlarged degree scales and numbers, easy data reading, allows y…
12.99 USD
Is prime

Mod 3: Adding a Damper ( Pit Barrel Cooker Vent Mod)

One cool thing I did was to add a damper to the cooker. The idea is to control the heat using this damper.

For this I purchased a damper from weber (obviously it was made for weber).

It serves me two purposes…

First it can help me increase or decrease the heat  inside the cooker but rotating the damper..

Image of the thermometer gauge and damper
Image of the thermometer gauge and damper.

Second, it can also act as a primary vent…,

How to install?

You can drill the holes based on the damper circles. See the image below.

Image of the holes created and the damper movement.
Image of the holes created and the damper movement.

I have mentioned all the tools and used mods below:

  • ✔ SUPER POWERFUL – Amazing strong, sturdy, and heavy-duty metal magnetic hook with a CNC machined steel base, embedded w…
  • ✔ HIGH-LEVEL PLATING- We offer 3 layers of coating on the magnet hook metal base, metal hook, and magnet. It provides th…
  • ✔ CRUISE ESSENTIALS –After performing a careful inspection of the magnetic hooks machining flow line, defective pieces w…
  • 18.5″ Kettle Damper Kit
  • Includes: (1) Instruction sheet (1) 4-1/2″ Diameter Lid damper with “Weber” name (1) Molded handle for lid damper, black…
19.99 USD
Is prime

Mod 4: Use Grommet to cover the Probe Holes

Since I didn’t like my probe to just be inserted and losing some smoke.

I wanted an efficient way to control the hole areas when the probe is inserted. 

Fortunately I found a grommet which is actually designed by Weber for its smokey Mountain product. 

I used it along the probe holes.

And although simple it is one of my favourite mods.

It looks something like this..

Image of a grommet on the left.
Image of a grommet on the left.

Mod 5: Additional Grate mod

You can add a additional grate or hinged grate in the middle of your smoker..

This gives your meal a bigger surface area and also you can access without completely removing it.

Additionally, you can put in the additional grate closer to the bottom to get direct heat.

Furthermore this helps you to add more charcoal for a longer cook.

You can cook steak on a lower level grate as well as some cobbs on top.

To hang the meat with a hook, you have to fix a rod in the hole on both the sides of the cooker.

One side of the hinged grate has to be bent down so that the meat can hang on the empty space with the help of rod and hook.

Two holes are needed on the top side of the cooker to insert the rods.

Then you just have to buy hinged grate and bottom grate and keep them inside the cooker.

I am putting the image here so that it is easier for you to understand…

Hinged Grate in the Pit Barrel Cooker
Hinged Grate in the Pit Barrel Cooker.

# Tool and Items used

Metal Bits 

  • Extreme Durability: Cobalt high speed steel drill bits along with the titanium coating ensures extreme durability, will …
  • Different Sizes of Holes Can Be Drilled: Different sized shanks ensure compatibility with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in. chuck siz…
  • Smooth Drilling: Non-walking drill tip provides fast and smooth drills on steel sheets, aluminum sheets, wood board, pla…
22.99 USD
Is prime

Centre Punch 

  • CENTER HOLE PUNCH FOR METAL: Our 5-inch automatic center punch tool is a great tool for working with materials like wood…
  • COMPACT STEEL TIP: Center punches are important when it comes to marking an accurate drilling location. With the spring-…
  • SPRING LOADED CENTER PUNCH: This chrome-plated shank body withstands intense impact force, and the metal resists corrosi…
10.97 USD
Is prime

Power Drill

  • VERSATILE 30 PC. SET – Includes a wide variety of bits and accessories for drilling and driving tasks.
  • CORDLESS DRILL/DRIVER – Compact, lightweight design for versatile use.
  • 24-POSITION CLUTCH – Prevents stripping and overdriving screws for added control.
58.95 USD
Is prime

Magnets

  • Versatile Uses: Ideal DIY refrigerator magnets, school, office, craft, home, science projects and product applications, …
  • Anti-scratching Design: These tiny magnet discs feature beveled edges to prevent surfaces from scratching
  • Dimple Shows North Pole: North pole side of each craft magnet is marked so that you can put it on the desired side.
15.79 USD
Is prime

# My Recommended Accessories for the Pit Barrel Cooker:

# What are the best foods to cook in a pit barrel cooker?

The best things to cook on a pit barrel cooker are:

  • Chicken wings
  • Tri Tips
  • RibEye Steak
  • Prime rib, and rib-eye steaks
  • Corn
  • Planked salmon
  • Rack of lamb
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Spareribs etc.

# How do I make my Pit Barrel Cooker hotter?

To make the Pit barrel cooker hotter you can slightly open or crack the lid and keep it for about half an hour..

Then close it..

With more air to flow it can burn up the fuel and produce more heat.

Also you can refer to the modifications listed which can control and improve the overall heat.

# How do you control the temperature on a pit barrel?

You can control the temperature on a pit barrel by doing some damper modification.

I have already discussed it here on detail…

# Can you use wood chips in a pit barrel cooker?

Yes, you can use wood chips in a pit barrel cooker.

But you should be using it as a mixes with charcoal or wood etc.

# How long does a pit barrel cooker last?

Full Pit barrel cooker with charcoal can last upto 11 -12 hours of consistent burning.

# Can you use lump charcoal in a Pit Barrel Cooker?

Yes, we can use lump charcoal in a Pit Barrel Cooker.

# Conclusion

As a result of researching Pit Barrel Cooker adjustments, you can find a variety of improvements that can improve your cooking. Increased versatility and customization are made possible by these alterations, such as the inclusion of extra hooks or attachments. These modifications provide Pit Barrel Cooker users useful options, such as enhanced temperature control and increased cooking capacity. Before making any alterations, it’s crucial to thoroughly take into account your individual requirements and cooking preferences. Overall, these improvements provide you the chance to perfect and maximize your Pit Barrel Cooker for excellent outcomes…

Leave a Comment