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Two cult-classic smokers under $500 that real pitmasters actually use and recommend. The Pit Barrel Cooker uses meat-hanging hooks and a sealed-drum design. The Weber Smokey Mountain is the bullet smoker that won countless backyard cooks over decades. Both are great. They're great differently.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic ($379) if you want set-and-forget simplicity — load it, light it, walk away. Buy the Weber Smokey Mountain 22 ($499) if you want maximum capacity, fine temp control, and Weber's parts ecosystem.
The Contenders
Pit Barrel Cooker Classic
$379
Set-and-forget cooks who want amazing barbecue with minimal fiddling
Check PriceWeber Smokey Mountain 22
$499
Cooks who want maximum capacity and Weber's proven temp control with water pan smoking
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Cooking Quality
Winner: TieTie. Both produce championship-grade barbecue. The PBC's hanging design lets fat drip into the coals for a unique flavor profile; the WSM's water pan delivers cleaner, more humid smoke. Different and equally great.
Ease of Use
Winner: PBCPBC wins decisively. There are no vents to manage — just light the basket and cook. Beginners get great results their first try. The WSM has a learning curve with the vents and water pan.
Capacity
Winner: WSM 22WSM wins. Two grates plus the water pan rack vs. the PBC's hanging hooks. The WSM 22 holds more pork butts, more brisket, and more ribs at once. For volume cooks, WSM is the answer.
Temperature Control
Winner: WSM 22WSM wins. Fine vent control means you can dial in any temp from 200-300°F. The PBC runs at one temp (around 275°F) and that's it. If you want low-and-slow at 225°F or hot-and-fast at 325°F, WSM is more flexible.
Parts & Mods
Winner: WSM 22WSM wins. Decades of mods, accessories, and replacement parts available everywhere. The PBC is more of a closed system. If you like tinkering, WSM wins.
Final Verdict
Buy the Pit Barrel Cooker if you want amazing barbecue with zero learning curve. Buy the Weber Smokey Mountain 22 if you want maximum capacity, full temperature control, and the parts ecosystem to keep it cooking forever.
Buying Advice
First-time smoker? PBC. You'll get great food immediately and never feel intimidated. Already know your way around fire and want to grow into a serious smoker? WSM 22 is the better long-term tool.
