Gateway Drum Smoker® Straight Up 55G

Features

• Three cooking levels
• (1) Stainless steel cooking grate (22")
• Removable, high-capacity fire basket
• Lid hook inside grill lid
• Fixed, center-mounted 3” Custom Dial
• Thermometer 50° – 500°F
• Two welded, air adjusting intake pipes
• Removable Caster Wheel Kit
• Air adjusting exhaust pipe
• Two welded steel handles
• Fully Assembled
• User Guide
• Color: Matte Charcoal
• Finish Standards: withstands 1000°F

Specifications

• Shipping Dimensions: 48 x 40 x 48 Standard pallet
• Weight: 150 lbs

Welcome to your smoker buying guide!

If your only exposure to BBQ smokers is your dad’s old offset model, you're in for a treat. The world of smokers has evolved into a vast landscape of innovative products, boasting advanced cooking systems and modern conveniences like automatic fuel feed and digital thermostats.

Navigating this diverse range of products can be daunting, especially given the ongoing debates surrounding the best smoking techniques. Factor in the fervent passion and competitive spirit of barbecue smoker enthusiasts, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! With our expert guidance, purchasing a BBQ smoker is as simple as setting temperatures on a pellet or electric smoker (we'll delve into those shortly).

While niche options abound, today we'll offer an overview of the various types of smokers available and their primary distinctions. Making a few key decisions along the way is all it takes.

Select Your Smoker’s Fuel Type

In the realm of modern BBQ smokers, it's not limited to just wood and charcoal anymore. A significant aspect of this category's growth is the emergence of alternative fuel options, including electricity, wood pellets, and even gas. Each fuel type brings its own set of advantages and considerations regarding usability, making it an essential starting point in your quest for the perfect barbecue smoker

Electric BBQ Smokers: These convenient 'set-it-and-forget-it' models take the hassle out of smoking with thermostats that regulate temperature, akin to indoor ovens. Entry-level electric smokers feature rheostats, which adjust electrical flow to the heating coil rather than cycling power on and off. Regardless, the coil generates smoke by burning wood chips in a nearby smoker box.

With no temperature management or mid-cook fuel replenishment required, your main focus shifts to maintaining optimal smoke levels and airflow (along with a slight uptick in your electric bill). Paying attention to smoke and airflow is crucial in electric smokers—given their ample smoker boxes and relatively low airflow rate, it's easy to over-smoke food. Nevertheless, the minimal airflow proves advantageous for dishes like smoked chicken or turkey, where moisture retention is vital for succulent, tender results.

Charcoal BBQ Smokers: These smokers operate much like their wood-burning counterparts, often what comes to mind when envisioning traditional smoking methods. The hallmark of charcoal smokers is the rich, smoky flavor imparted by live-fire combustion. However, they can pose challenges in terms of usability, with a steeper learning curve compared to other smoker types.

Despite the initial learning curve, the trade-off between effort and flavor is deemed worthwhile, particularly when equipped with a smoker temperature controller to regulate airflow. While constant monitoring of fuel and smoke levels is necessary, mastering the art of tending charcoal usually requires only a few cooking sessions and proves less intimidating than anticipated.

Additionally, you have the flexibility to add wood directly onto your lump charcoal in the firebox—whether in the form of chips for quick bursts of smoke or chunks for sustained flavor infusion over time. This category also encompasses kamado smokers, but for detailed guidance on purchasing kamado grills, we've created a separate article dedicated to the topic.

Gas BBQ Smokers: Similar to electric models, gas BBQ smokers offer unparalleled ease of use. They're typically designed vertically, featuring a gas burner instead of an electric coil at the base of the smoking chamber. Gas burners provide consistent heat, igniting wood chips or chunks efficiently. This ignition method not only simplifies temperature and smoke control but also eliminates the guesswork associated with wood or charcoal smokers.

With temperature and smoke regulation streamlined, your main considerations shift to cooking time and monitoring your food's internal temperature (a reliable remote thermometer is a must-have). Rest assured, gas smokers don't compromise on flavor—meats cooked on a gas smoker emerge tender, smoky, and boasting a perfect crust.

For optimal performance, if your gas smoker is equipped with air vents for airflow control, we highly recommend keeping them open during use to prevent soot buildup inside the cooking chamber.

Pellet BBQ Smokers: If ease of use is your top priority, pellet smokers are the ultimate solution. These smokers handle everything for you, from fuel and heat management to smoke and airflow regulation. Some models, like the Cookshack Fast Eddy’s pellet smoker, even offer programmable cooking cycles, ensuring consistently perfect BBQ at the touch of a button.

Thanks to the natural smoke flavor produced by wood pellets, there's no need for additional wood chips or chunks. The resulting mild and subtle flavors make it nearly impossible to over-smoke your food, making pellet smokers incredibly beginner-friendly.

It's worth noting that the intensity of smoke production correlates with fire temperature: higher temperatures yield less smoke, while lower temperatures result in more prolonged smoldering and increased smoke output. You can leverage this to your advantage with pellet BBQ smokers by selecting the 'smoke mode,' which reduces the heat to produce a gentle rush of flavorful smoke.

Select Your BBQ Smoker Type

As we mentioned earlier, the modern barbecue smoker market offers a vast array of options to cater to diverse preferences. Just as you have the flexibility to choose your preferred fuel type (no worries if you haven't decided yet), you also have several body types to consider. Are you drawn to the timeless appeal of offset smokers, the compact footprint of vertical models, or the unique aesthetic of unconventional designs? Keep exploring to discover which style resonates best with your needs and preferences.

Offset Smokers: This category refers to smokers with a separate firebox, positioned off the main chamber, typically in a horizontal arrangement. Characterized by their barrel-shaped bodies, offset BBQ smokers utilize charcoal or wood to generate heat and smoke, which then travels from the firebox into the cooking chamber. Despite requiring considerable attention and effort, offset smokers remain a top choice among barbecue enthusiasts and competitors.

While tending to the fire can be demanding, the task becomes more manageable with the assistance of a temperature controller, which regulates heat and airflow. However, users still need to monitor fuel consumption and smoke production. Although some temperature variance may occur across the cooking surface due to heat distribution, modern features such as large heat baffles and reverse-flow air intakes help ensure even heating.

Vertical Smokers: These smokers position the heat source directly beneath the primary, cabinet-shaped cooking chamber. The configuration typically includes, from bottom to top: the heat source, a wood shelf or smoker box, an optional water pan, and cooking grates. This design promotes more consistent temperatures and facilitates easier heat management, as heat and smoke naturally ascend towards your food.

While most electric smokers adopt the vertical design, it's also common among charcoal, pellet, and gas models. For instance, the budget-friendly Drum Smokers fall into this category. Regardless of the fuel type, it's essential to ensure your vertical BBQ smoker offers convenient access to the firebox for easy refueling (many feature doors or sliding trays for seamless topping off). Additionally, it's worth noting that vertical smokers can be seamlessly integrated into a BBQ island setup.

Unconventional Smokers: While offset smokers are typically horizontal and vertical smokers adhere to their namesake, this category of smokers occupies a unique space somewhere in between. Unconventional barbecue smokers defy categorization, as they don't neatly fit into either distinction. Instead, they may emulate the construction of a standard grill or boast such distinctive features that they defy conventional labeling found in other smoker types.

Select Your Smoker’s Configuration

Once you've settled on your preferred fuel and smoker types, the next step is to consider configuration. This decision revolves around placement and mobility—do you envision a smoker that you can easily maneuver around your backyard (and perhaps take to competitions), or would you prefer one that seamlessly integrates into your outdoor kitchen? Let's explore the features and benefits of each configuration to help you make an informed choice.

Freestanding Barbecue Smokers: Freestanding smokers are by far the most common configuration. Their mobility offers significant advantages, especially when it comes to cleaning after a long day of smoking brisket. Smoke generates soot, and meat produces copious fat drippings, making easy cleaning a crucial feature. Some smokers require labor-intensive removal of ash and grease, but with freestanding models, you can effortlessly maneuver the cooker to clean it from all angles.

Additionally, freestanding smokers are the preferred choice for traveling competition smokers, and their mobility makes them easier to store for extended periods. Ensure your smoker is equipped with sturdy wheels for support and invest in a quality smoker cover to safeguard your investment.

Built-In Barbecue Smokers: Who says you can't integrate a smoker into your outdoor kitchen? It's a fantastic option for those seeking to enhance versatility and add an intriguing aesthetic to their setup. Pairing a BBQ smoker with a conventional gas grill allows you to expand your culinary repertoire and cater to a wider range of tastes.

For those craving even greater versatility, consider incorporating a built-in kamado smoker into your BBQ island. This setup offers the flexibility to prepare a diverse array of dishes, all within the convenience of your outdoor cooking space. Additionally, vertical electric smokers on wheels can effortlessly slide into a counter cutout with proper ventilation, maximizing space efficiency.

Even freestanding cabinet smokers can find a home within island openings, provided there's adequate ventilation and clearance as outlined in your owner's manual.

Key Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Your Smoker

Before you make your decision, we have some last-minute insights to guide you on your journey toward finding the perfect smoker. BBQ smoking is as much an art as it is a science—just ask any seasoned competitor. Numerous factors come into play to achieve those tender, juicy results that everyone loves. Below, we'll delve into the most crucial considerations, ensuring you're well-prepared to unlock the full potential of your shiny new smoker.

Prioritize Insulation: When it comes to low-and-slow smoking, effective heat and smoke retention are paramount. Look for a smoker with top-notch insulation to ensure optimal performance. Features like well-designed fiberglass mesh or felt gaskets, along with flanged lips, play a crucial role in maintaining insulation, particularly in colder climates. Opting for thick-gauge metal construction enhances the smoker's ability to absorb and radiate heat back to your food, while kamado smokers, crafted from ceramics, offer unparalleled insulation.

Pay close attention to seals or gaskets in the smoker body to prevent smoke leakage. Not only does this safeguard flavor retention, but it also conserves fuel. Ultimately, aim for a barbecue smoker constructed from premium materials, backed by a solid warranty from a customer-focused company. Investing in quality insulation ensures that your smoking experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Airflow & Temperature Control: Achieving exceptional barbecue hinges on your ability to regulate temperature effectively. This is particularly crucial for smokers, making it essential to grasp the temperature-control mechanisms of your chosen model. Charcoal and kamado smokers primarily rely on dampers or vents to regulate airflow within the cooking chamber, thereby influencing the fire and internal temperature. Even electric and gas smokers may feature a damper system to fine-tune temperature settings.

What does this mean for you? Prioritize smokers with easily accessible and user-friendly dampers made from durable, rust-resistant materials. A rusted damper can hinder airflow and temperature control, compromising your smoking experience. Ensuring reliable airflow and temperature regulation is key to achieving mouthwatering barbecue results.

Wood Chips & Chunks: For many smokers, wood serves as the primary source of smoke, imparting distinct flavors to your culinary creations. Experimenting with different hardwood species allows you to explore a wide range of flavor profiles.

We've noticed there's quite a bit of misinformation regarding the use of wood chips and chunks. Here's our take:

Wood chips are ideal for infusing robust smoke flavor during shorter cooking sessions.
Wood chunks provide a steady release of smoke flavor, perfect for longer cooks.
Feel free to use a combination of both chips and chunks based on your smoking needs.
As for soaking wood chips, it's a topic that often sparks debate. While some swear by this practice, soaking wood only prolongs the ignition process without significantly impacting smoke flavor. The only scenario where soaking may be beneficial is when you aim to extend your smoke session. In such cases, soak only half of your wood supply. This allows the wet pieces to ignite as the dry ones burn out, effectively replenishing your smoker's fuel without disruption.

Water Pans & Water Smokers: While we refer to them as "water pans," these versatile containers can actually hold various liquids such as apple juice, cider vinegar, or beer, each infusing unique flavors into your food. However, water remains the essential ingredient to fulfill the primary function of a water pan. This function serves a dual purpose: maintaining high humidity levels within your smoker and aiding in temperature regulation.

Humidity plays a crucial role in keeping your food moist, especially in the hot, dry environment typically found in smokers. Additionally, the water pan serves as a significant heat deflector, absorbing and radiating heat upward to ensure even cooking throughout your smoker.

Technically, you can operate a smoker without using a water pan, but incorporating one significantly simplifies the process. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice, a water pan enhances the smoking experience, making it more efficient and hassle-free.

Got lingering questions about barbecue smokers? Our team of experts is here to provide answers and insights to ensure you have all the information you need. Explore our BBQ Smoker FAQ for a wealth of additional resources that may come in handy. We won't keep you any longer — it's time to fire up those smokers and get those briskets smoking!

Safety: While meat smoking can be an enjoyable hobby or passion for many, it's essential to prioritize safety to avoid potential risks. This is especially important if you have young children or pets in your household. Understanding how the various parts of the smoker respond to different weather conditions is crucial for ensuring a safe cooking environment.
Furthermore, it's crucial to ensure that the smoker is heat-resistant. When smoking your meat, safety is paramount, and you want to minimize the risk of mishaps or accidents. Additionally, prioritize smokers equipped with stainless steel handles, as they efficiently release heat and remain cool to the touch.

Quality: Before investing in a smoker, it's crucial to assess its durability and sustainability. Understanding the materials used and the craftsmanship employed in its construction is paramount. Ensure that each component is robust and capable of withstanding the pressures of regular use. Additionally, consider the type of paint applied to the smoker—opt for waterproof and rustproof coatings to significantly extend the lifespan of your investment.
Avoid smokers made primarily of plastic, as they are not well-suited for high heat and tend to have poor durability.

Temperature Control: The ability to precisely control temperature can make or break your smoking experience. This feature is essential as it directly impacts the outcome of your smoked meats. It's imperative not to compromise on temperature control when selecting a smoker.

Having the flexibility to adjust temperatures and regulate heat is essential, particularly if you enjoy smoking a variety of meats. While a smoker with a basic thermostat may suffice, models equipped with a digital display are highly preferred. Digital displays offer ease of control and allow you to monitor the meat with greater accuracy.

Furthermore, the reliability of the thermostat is paramount. A dependable thermostat ensures consistent temperature control, contributing significantly to the success of your smoking endeavors.

Capacity: When investing in a smoker, opting for ample space is your best bet for longevity and versatility. If you enjoy hosting gatherings or cooking for a crowd, choosing between a larger or smaller smoker is a straightforward decision. Opting for a spacious smoker with ample storage space and width enables you to smoke larger cuts of meat or ribs effortlessly, without the need for extensive prepping.

With a generous capacity, you can skip the usual step of chopping up meat before smoking, allowing you to achieve the perfect flavor profile you desire. Additionally, having ample space helps prevent overcooking the edges of your meats, ensuring consistent and flavorful results.
Determining your budget is perhaps the most challenging aspect of the decision-making process. Smokers are available across a wide price spectrum, ranging from budget-friendly options under $100 to high-end models costing several thousand dollars.

As mentioned earlier, you don't necessarily need expensive equipment to achieve quality BBQ results. However, investing in a larger, professional-style smoker offers distinct advantages. These premium cookers simplify the smoking process, allowing you to focus on the meat rather than battling the equipment.

The primary advantage of these higher-end smokers is their superior heat control and extended burn times. This enables you to concentrate on enhancing flavor profiles without feeling overworked during long cooking sessions.
Choosing the right size smoker can be a crucial decision. Our advice? Consider who you'll be cooking for—whether it's your family, hosting occasional neighborhood BBQs, or even participating in small competitions—and then opt for a size slightly larger than you initially planned. Trust us, you'll thank yourself later.

While we are not suggesting you rush out and invest in a massive pit capable of holding several hogs (unless, of course, that's what you're after!), it's worth considering future needs. If there's even a chance that you might want to cook larger cuts of meat someday, it's wise to invest in a smoker that offers the capacity to accommodate your future aspirations.
Understanding the intended use of your smoker is crucial before making a purchase. Whether you're a first-time buyer or considering an upgrade to a larger cooker, it's essential to identify your primary needs.

Start by asking yourself some key questions: Will the smoker primarily be used in the backyard? How frequently do you anticipate using it? Are you considering entering competitions in the future? Do you foresee the need to cook for large groups?

These considerations will help you determine the appropriate size and features for your smoker. While it's tempting to splurge on a top-of-the-line model, it's important to match the smoker to your actual needs. There's no point in investing in excess capacity if you won't utilize it. However, if there's a chance you'll be catering events, competing, or hosting large gatherings in the future, it may be worth the investment.

In our experience, it's often best to start with a more budget-friendly model. Begin by honing your skills at home, cooking for friends and family. If you find yourself drawn to the art of smoking and eager to expand your culinary horizons, you can always upgrade to a larger and more advanced smoker down the line.

Gateway Drum Smoker User Manual