Pit Barrel Cooker Mods: 4 Game-Changing Upgrades for April(2025)

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

• Ash Pan
• Temperature Gauge
• Pit Barrel Cooker Vent Mod
• Using Grommet
• Tools I’ve used
• FAQs and more.

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…

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..

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…

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.

I have mentioned all the tools and used mods below:

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…

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…

# Tool and Items used

Metal Bits 

Centre Punch 

Power Drill

Magnets

# My Recommended Accessories for the Pit Barrel Cooker:

• Pit Barrel Cooker Cover: Essential for protecting your cooker from the elements.
• Pit Grips: For a safer and more comfortable handling experience.
• Turkey Holder: Perfect for those Thanksgiving feasts.
• Ash Pan: Simplifies the cleaning process post-cooking.
• Temperature Regulator Kit: For precise temperature control.
• Turkey Hanger: Makes cooking larger birds a breeze.
• Chimney Starter: For a quick and efficient start to your cooking session.
• Meat Hooks: Ideal for hanging meats to achieve that perfect smoke.
• Vertical Skewers: Great for kebabs or other vertically grilled items.
• Grill Grate Hinged: Provides flexibility in cooking and grilling.
• Pit Barrel Cooker Rub: My go-to seasoning for a burst of flavor.
• Air damper: For better airflow and temperature regulation..

# 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.