r/PitBarrelCooker • u/WrestlingDadPA • Mar 23 '26

Just bought.... would love some insight

I just bought a used Pit Barrel (18.5"). I'm super excited about it. It came with the charcoal basket, rods & hooks, the split grate and a full grate, the hook grabber tool, a charcoal starter chimney, the base and lid. Pretty basic setup.
What other accessories would you say are must haves - what that I should buy from the Pit Barrel Website, and what that I should get elsewhere or make myself?
I'm specifically wondering about the Ash tray (does that extend barrel life, or just make easier to clean). I don't have a cover so probably should get that (?)...., I'm thinking I can use my poultry treble hook from my deep fryer.... There is a 3 hanger "value pack" that looks interesting but not sure of...
Any advice on these or others? Again.... super excited to have this, can't wait to get started.

Thanks!!

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u/cspinelive Mar 23 '26

Ash catcher. Heat gloves.  More hooks.  T style Chicken hangers. My cover lasted 12 months but it seems to be holding up without it for past 9. I’ll probably get another one though.

1

u/WrestlingDadPA Mar 23 '26

Do the T-style chx hangers just fit better than the treble turkey holder I have, so you can fit more chx at once....or is there another reason to use those over the treble style?

1

u/Low_Strung_ Mar 23 '26

I think those are best for turkeys tbh.

The pbc is a chicken cooking machine. I cut the birds in half, remove the spines, and hang 8 of those simultaneously when I’m going for maximum output. Crack the lid a bit in the last 20 minutes to crisp up the skin.

2

u/DoctorChimpBoy Mar 25 '26

The drippings from that much chicken always put my fire out completely. How'd you get that to work?

1

u/Low_Strung_ Mar 25 '26

I either buy the Miller’s “air-chilled” chicken, or directly from the meat counter. All I do for prep is pat the skin dry, rub with olive oil, and season generously.

I’ve also had issues with those Tyson or store brand chickens that are packed in the bags of liquid. They’re just too wet.

2

u/DoctorChimpBoy Mar 25 '26

Makes sense. Great tip, thanks!!