9 Best Charcoal Baskets for Drum Smokers (November 2026)
The best drum smoker charcoal baskets include the foedo 12" Stainless Charcoal Basket for Oklahoma for Oklahoma Joe offset smokers, the Hunsaker Vortex Charcoal Basket for 22.5" WSM for 22.5-inch drum cookers, and the LavaLock UDS 55 Gallon Charcoal Firebox Basket for 55-gallon UDS smokers.
On this page (6 sections)
- The best drum smoker charcoal baskets by use
- What should you check before buying a drum smoker charcoal basket?
- Is stainless steel or regular steel better for a charcoal basket?
- Should you use lump charcoal or briquettes in a basket?
- How do you use and clean a charcoal basket?
- Which drum smoker charcoal basket should you choose?
The best drum smoker charcoal basket for most 22.5-inch drum setups is the Hunsaker Vortex. It has a round design, built-in ash pan and thick vortex heat deflector, while the LavaLock UDS basket is the better fit for a 55-gallon Ugly Drum Smoker.
A charcoal basket keeps fuel together inside the cooker instead of letting it spread across the entire fire area. For a common briquette option, compare Kingsford charcoal briquettes.
That can make the fuel zone easier to manage, but the basket still needs the right size, shape and clearance for your smoker.
Your fuel choice also affects the cook. Read our guide to charcoal briquettes for a broader look at fuel types, then compare lump charcoal vs briquettes for smoking before you load the basket.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for Oklahoma Joe offset smokersfoedo 12" Stainless Charcoal Basket for Oklahoma
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for 22.5-inch drum cookersHunsaker Vortex Charcoal Basket for 22.5" WSM
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for 55-gallon UDS smokersLavaLock UDS 55 Gallon Charcoal Firebox Basket
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itBBQsmokerMods BBQ Charcoal Basket 12 x
Best for custom-size smoker fireboxes - 5
Check itSkyflame BBQ Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket Compatible
Best for multi-grill compatibility - 6
Check itPasimy 12" Stainless Steel Charcoal Firebox Basket
Best for a simple offset-smoker basket - 7
Check itLavaLock Total Control BBQ Charcoal Basket Smoker
Best for large offset fireboxes - 8
Check itLavaLock The 14-40 Charcoal Basket
Best for long UDS cooks - 9
Check itonlyfire 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket
Best for two-zone kettle cooking
The best drum smoker charcoal baskets by use
The best drum smoker charcoal basket depends on your cooker's shape and the way you handle ash. Round baskets suit many drum and WSM setups, while rectangular baskets make more sense for offset-smoker fireboxes.
We compared the stated dimensions, materials, ash-handling parts, airflow openings and compatibility notes. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Size | Material | Count | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| foedo 12" Stainless Charcoal Basket for Oklahoma | Oklahoma Joe offset smokers | 12 x 12 x 7.5 in | Stainless steel | 1 | 9.5 |
| Hunsaker Vortex Charcoal Basket for 22.5" WSM | 22.5-inch drum cookers | 14 gauge steel | 1 | 9.4 | |
| LavaLock UDS 55 Gallon Charcoal Firebox Basket | 55-gallon UDS smokers | 12 x 12 x 12 in | 1 | 9.3 | |
| BBQsmokerMods BBQ Charcoal Basket 12 x | custom-size smoker fireboxes | 12 x 10 x 6 in | Expanded metal | 1 | 9.0 |
| Skyflame BBQ Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket Compatible | multi-grill compatibility | 12 x 12 x 5 in | 304 stainless steel | 8.8 | |
| Pasimy 12" Stainless Steel Charcoal Firebox Basket | a simple offset-smoker basket | 12 x 12 x 7.5 in | Stainless steel | 1 | 8.6 |
| LavaLock Total Control BBQ Charcoal Basket Smoker | large offset fireboxes | 15 x 15 x 8 in | 8.3 | ||
| LavaLock The 14-40 Charcoal Basket | long UDS cooks | Alloy steel outer material | 8.1 | ||
| onlyfire 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket | two-zone kettle cooking | 0.8 mm stainless steel | 2 | 7.8 |
foedo 12" Stainless Charcoal Basket for Oklahoma: Best for Oklahoma Joe offset smokers
- 12 x 12 x 7.5 in
- Stainless steel
- Detachable design
- Side carry handles
This rectangular stainless steel basket is sized for Oklahoma Joe offset smokers. Its handles and detachable design help with removal, cleaning and storage.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Side carry handles
- Detachable for storage
Cons
- Fit is centered on Oklahoma Joe smokers
- Requires careful screw adjustment during setup
The foedo basket is the top choice when your Oklahoma Joe offset smoker needs a 12 x 12 x 7.5 inch firebox basket. Its stainless steel body concentrates the charcoal area, while the side carry handles help you lift it from the smoker.
The detachable design helps with storage when the smoker is not in use. During assembly, adjust the parts first and tighten the screws after the basket is aligned.
You can use the basket to hold charcoal in the smoker's fuel area, or place a grill grate directly on it for grilling. That gives this rectangular basket a little more flexibility than a basket used only for contained fuel.
The main trade-off is fit. The dimensions are a strong match for the stated Oklahoma Joe use, but they still need to be compared with your smoker's interior before ordering.
Choose the foedo if you want a 12 x 12 x 7.5 inch stainless steel basket with handles for an Oklahoma Joe offset smoker. It is less suitable when your cooker requires a round drum basket.
Hunsaker Vortex Charcoal Basket for 22.5" WSM: Best for 22.5-inch drum cookers
- Round basket design
- Built-in ash pan
- Heavy 14 gauge steel
- Thick vortex heat deflector
The round Hunsaker basket targets 22.5-inch WSM and drum cookers. Its built-in ash pan and vortex heat deflector support a contained charcoal setup.
Pros
- Built-in ash pan
- Round drum-cooker design
- Made in USA
Cons
- Heavy 24 lb item weight
- Fit is centered on 22.5-inch cookers
The Hunsaker Vortex is the strongest pick for a 22.5-inch WSM or drum cooker. Its round basket is made from heavy 14 gauge steel and has a built-in ash pan, so the fuel and ash stay organized in one drum-focused design.
The thick vortex heat deflector is intended to promote even cooking and help prevent burning. That makes the design appealing for cooks who want the basket to do more than hold charcoal.
This is also the heaviest product in the roundup at 24 lb. That weight may suit buyers who want a substantial steel assembly, but it makes removal and storage more demanding than the lighter baskets.
Hunsaker Smokers says the product is made in the USA. The stated compatibility is specific, so compare your cooker with the 22.5-inch WSM and drum-cooker use before buying.
Pick it for round drum-cooker fit, built-in ash handling and a vortex heat-deflector design. Choose another basket if your smoker needs a rectangular firebox or a lighter assembly.
LavaLock UDS 55 Gallon Charcoal Firebox Basket: Best for 55-gallon UDS smokers
- 12 x 12 x 12 in
- Legs and ash pan
- Flat lift handle
- Stainless steel inner material
This extra-large LavaLock firebox is built around the dimensions of a 55-gallon Ugly Drum Smoker. Legs, an ash pan and a flat lift handle make the fuel basket easier to position and remove.
Pros
- Large 12 in cube
- Includes legs and ash pan
- Made in USA by LavaLock MFG
Cons
- Heavy 12 lb item weight
- Needs a 55-gallon UDS fit check
The LavaLock UDS basket is the best match for a 55-gallon Ugly Drum Smoker. Its 12 x 12 x 12 inch format is taller than the 12 x 12 x 7.5 inch offset baskets, giving UDS owners a basket designed around the larger drum format.
It includes legs, an ash pan and a flat lift handle. Those parts matter when you need to keep the basket raised and remove accumulated ash without disturbing the entire fuel setup.
The inner material is stainless steel, while the outer material is alloy steel. LavaLock describes the construction as super heavy duty, and the basket weighs 12 lb.
This is a focused UDS choice rather than a universal basket. Measure the drum opening and the available height, then confirm that the legs and handle have room inside your cooker.
Choose it for a 12-inch cube with legs and an ash pan in a 55-gallon UDS. It is not the first choice for a shallow offset firebox.
BBQsmokerMods BBQ Charcoal Basket 12 x: Best for custom-size smoker fireboxes
- 12 x 10 x 6 in
- Heavy-duty expanded metal
- Safety edge
- Vertical, horizontal or UDS smoker use
The 12 x 10 x 6 inch basket suits smokers that use a similar coal or firebox size. Its expanded-metal construction and safety edge fit buyers planning around a measured firebox.
Pros
- Clear 12 x 10 x 6 in dimensions
- Expanded-metal construction
- Made in USA
Cons
- Fit depends on matching the firebox dimensions
- Custom-made-to-order design may need planning
The BBQsmokerMods basket suits a smoker with a measured 12 x 10 x 6 inch coal or firebox space. Its heavy-duty expanded metal body keeps the charcoal grouped, and the safety edge addresses the exposed metal around the basket.
The vertical, horizontal or UDS description gives it a wider use case than a basket built for one named smoker. Still, the dimensions matter more than the broad category, especially if your firebox has a narrow opening or an internal ledge.
BBQsmokerMods makes this basket in the USA and describes it as custom made to order. That may suit a buyer who already knows the required firebox dimensions and wants a compact rectangular format.
At 6 lb, it is lighter than the larger steel drum baskets. Its lower height also makes it a useful option where a taller basket would interfere with the cooking grate or lid.
Pick it when your smoker needs 12 x 10 x 6 inches of expanded-metal firebox space. If you need a round basket with a built-in ash pan, choose one of the drum-focused options instead.
Skyflame BBQ Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket Compatible: Best for multi-grill compatibility
- 304 stainless steel
- 12 x 12 x 5 in
- Perforated airflow design
- Compatible with several round grills
Skyflame gives buyers a shorter 12 x 12 x 5 inch basket with 304 stainless steel construction. Its stated compatibility includes Weber Kettle, WSM, Weber Summit, XL Big Green Egg, Kamado and UDS models.
Pros
- 304 stainless steel
- Broad stated compatibility
- Perforated design separates charcoal and ash
Cons
- Measure the cooker before ordering
- Shorter height may hold less fuel than taller baskets
Skyflame is the most flexible choice when one basket may move between several round cookers. It is made from 304 stainless steel and measures 12 x 12 x 5 inches, with a perforated design that supports airflow around the charcoal.
The stated compatibility includes Weber Kettle 22.5 or 26.5, WSM, Weber Summit, XL Big Green Egg, Kamado and UDS models. Those names cover several cooker styles, but you should still check the inside dimensions of your specific grill.
The shorter 5-inch height can help in a cooker with limited vertical clearance. It may also hold less fuel than a taller basket, so match the basket size to the length of your planned cook.
Skyflame describes the basket as suitable for low and slow smoking, high-heat indirect cooking and high-heat searing. Its smooth surface also makes cleanup simpler after the charcoal has cooled.
Choose Skyflame for broad stated compatibility and a shorter stainless steel basket. It is a better multi-cooker option than a basket made around one UDS or offset-smoker size.
Pasimy 12" Stainless Steel Charcoal Firebox Basket: Best for a simple offset-smoker basket
- 12 x 12 x 7.5 in
- Stainless steel
- Side carry handles
- Detachable design
Pasimy follows the common 12 x 12 x 7.5 inch offset-smoker format. Smooth edges, side handles and a detachable design make it a practical choice when removal and storage matter.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Side carry handles
- Detachable for storage
Cons
- Measure your grill before ordering
- No included components are specified
Pasimy is a straightforward choice for an offset smoker that accepts a 12 x 12 x 7.5 inch basket. Its stainless steel body and side handles mirror the useful format of the foedo basket, with a detachable design for storage.
The edges are polished and smooth, which helps during installation and removal. Gloves are still sensible when handling a charcoal basket, particularly if any part may remain warm.
Pasimy describes the basket as a holder for a concentrated charcoal area. The 12 x 12 x 7.5 inch size gives it enough room for a typical offset-style firebox, but the correct fit depends on your smoker's internal dimensions.
No included components are specified, so plan around the basket itself rather than assuming that an ash pan, grate or legs come with it. That makes it a simpler pick for buyers who already have the rest of their firebox setup.
Pick Pasimy for a detachable stainless steel basket with handles. Choose the foedo if Oklahoma Joe fit is your main concern, or a drum-specific basket if your cooker is round.
LavaLock Total Control BBQ Charcoal Basket Smoker: Best for large offset fireboxes
- 15 x 15 x 8 in
- 12 gauge frame
- Laser-cut construction
- Heavy-duty expanded metal
This oversized LavaLock basket is made for buyers with a large measured firebox. Its 15 x 15 x 8 inch size and 12 gauge frame require more clearance than the smaller baskets here.
Pros
- Large 15 x 15 x 8 in format
- 12 gauge frame
- Safety-edge expanded metal
Cons
- May not fit other smokers
- Heavy 10 lb item weight
The LavaLock Total Control basket is made for a large measured firebox, with an oversized 15 x 15 x 8 inch format. Its 12 gauge frame and heavy-duty expanded metal give it a substantial structure for charcoal containment.
The stated fit includes New Braunfels Longhorn Deluxe, Old Country BBQ Pits Pecos and RD Horizon Offset 20 and 24-inch smokers. LavaLock also warns that it may not fit other smokers, so cardboard templating or careful measurement is useful before ordering.
At 10 lb, this basket is heavier than the smaller rectangular options. That extra size can help when the smoker has a wide firebox, but it can also reduce clearance around the basket and make removal less convenient.
The safety-edge expanded metal is a practical detail for a basket with a broad open structure. Use it when the dimensions match, not simply because your cooker is described as an offset smoker.
Choose this model for a large 15 x 15 x 8 inch firebox. It is too large for many compact drum smokers and smaller offset cookers.
LavaLock The 14-40 Charcoal Basket: Best for long UDS cooks
- 14 in round design
- Charcoal grate and ash pan
- All-steel construction
- Fits several UDS and WSM sizes
The 14-40 is a round all-steel basket with a removable charcoal grate and ash pan. Its stated fit includes 18.5-inch and 22.5-inch WSM cookers plus 30-, 55- and 85-gallon UDS smokers.
Pros
- Includes charcoal grate and ash pan
- Round 14 in design
- Made in USA
Cons
- Heavy 12 lb item weight
- Use BBQ gloves with the handle when hot
The LavaLock 14-40 is a round basket for buyers who want an ash pan and charcoal grate in the same UDS-oriented setup. It measures 14 inches round and uses an all-steel construction.
Its stated fit includes 18.5-inch WSM, 22.5-inch WSM, 30-gallon UDS, 55-gallon UDS and 85-gallon UDS smokers. That range is useful, but the basket's diameter and height still need to clear your cooker walls and cooking grate.
The basket includes a charcoal grate and ash pan. LavaLock also describes a built-in ash-pan lip and a handle, but use BBQ gloves when handling the handle around a hot basket.
This product is a strong option for longer cooks because the round assembly keeps the charcoal together and separates ash below. The 12 lb weight means it is a substantial part to lift when full or recently used.
Pick it for multi-size UDS and WSM compatibility with included ash-handling parts. Choose the Hunsaker Vortex if the vortex heat-deflector design matters more to you.
onlyfire 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket: Best for two-zone kettle cooking
- 2-piece set
- 0.8 mm stainless steel
- For Weber 18, 22 and 26 in Original Kettles
- Dishwasher safe
This two-piece stainless steel set is aimed at Weber Kettle owners who want to group charcoal for direct and indirect zones. It can also fit round grills with similar dimensions, so measure first.
Pros
- Two-piece set
- 0.8 mm stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Designed around Weber Kettle dimensions
- Its 14.1 in diameter needs clearance in a drum smoker
The onlyfire set is best for two-zone cooking in a Weber Kettle rather than as a first-choice drum-smoker basket. It includes 2 stainless steel baskets made from 0.8 mm material and is designed for Weber 18, 22 and 26-inch Original Kettle grills.
The two-piece layout lets you group charcoal on one side while leaving another area for indirect cooking. That arrangement can also help keep coals from rolling across the grate during a cook.
The baskets have a 14.1-inch diameter and a trapezoidal shape. They may fit other round grills with similar dimensions, but drum smokers often use different internal clearances, so measure before treating this as a drum-compatible option.
Dishwasher-safe care makes cleanup easier after the basket cools. The product also uses a precision mesh design intended to support oxygen circulation around the charcoal.
Choose onlyfire if you need two baskets for Weber Kettle-style zone cooking. For a dedicated drum smoker, a round basket made for WSM or UDS dimensions is usually the closer match.
What should you check before buying a drum smoker charcoal basket?
The most important checks are diameter or width, height, shape and clearance. A basket that holds charcoal well is still a poor choice if it blocks vents, touches the drum wall or prevents the cooking grate from seating correctly.
Measure the inside opening where the basket will sit. For a round drum, record the usable diameter and height.
For an offset firebox, measure the width, depth and height between the base, walls and cooking grate.
Check whether the basket includes the parts you need. The Hunsaker Vortex includes a built-in ash pan, the LavaLock UDS basket includes legs and an ash pan, and the LavaLock 14-40 includes a charcoal grate and ash pan.
A basket without those parts can still work, but you may need to handle ash separately. Do not assume that similar-looking baskets share the same grate, leg or handle design.
Is stainless steel or regular steel better for a charcoal basket?
Stainless steel suits routine use because its smooth surface makes ash and residue easier to wipe or brush away once the metal cools. Heavy steel and expanded metal suit buyers who want a more substantial firebox assembly.
The right choice depends on fit and construction, not the material name alone. Dimensions, shape and clearance still come first, because a well made basket is not useful if it blocks the grate or sits too close to a wall.
Let the basket cool before handling it, and use gloves around any metal that has held hot charcoal. That care applies to stainless steel and regular steel alike.
The foedo, Skyflame and Pasimy baskets use stainless steel. Skyflame specifies 304 stainless steel, while the other two state stainless steel without the same grade detail.
That difference in stated detail gives Skyflame buyers more to check on paper. Even so, a grade alone will not tell you whether the basket fits your smoker.
The Hunsaker Vortex uses heavy 14 gauge steel in a round drum cooker design. That heavier construction pairs with a built-in ash pan and a thick vortex heat deflector, so the material is part of a larger system rather than a finish choice.
BBQsmokerMods uses heavy-duty expanded metal, and the LavaLock models use steel or alloy steel construction in different formats. Expanded metal gives a more open structure, which can help you see the fuel and leave broad paths for air around the charcoal.
It also suits buyers who want a simple firebox mod rather than a closed container style basket. The trade-off is that an open structure may hold fuel differently from a perforated or solid walled design, so load it with care.
Perforated stainless steel, expanded metal and a round basket can all leave paths for air, but your smoker vents still control the burn. A basket can group charcoal and keep ash from spreading, yet it cannot replace correct vent use.
If air cannot enter from below or pass around the fuel, even a well designed basket will struggle to support an even fire. Think about handles, detachable parts, legs and ash pans as well, because they can change daily use more than the metal label.
A lighter stainless steel basket may be easier to move and store, while a heavier steel assembly may feel steadier once in place. Regular steel is not automatically worse, and stainless steel is not automatically better.
Match the material to the basket shape, the parts included and the way you cook, then check the measured size before you decide. Choose the construction that fits your smoker and leaves room for air and ash to move.
Should you use lump charcoal or briquettes in a basket?
Use the fuel that matches your heat-control preference and the smoker instructions. Briquettes offer uniform pieces, while lump charcoal varies more in shape and size, so arrange either fuel to leave open airflow paths.
Uniform pieces make loading simpler because you can build a fairly even layer without hunting for gaps between irregular chunks. That evenness may help when you want a predictable start and a steady fuel bed for a routine cook.
Lump charcoal asks for a little more attention during loading. Mixed shapes can create pockets that either starve one area of air or let heat escape too quickly through a wide gap.
Taking a moment to arrange the pieces can make the basket work with the fuel rather than against it. Neither fuel removes the need to keep ash away from the lower openings.
Ash that settles around the base can restrict air movement over time, especially during a longer cook. A basket helps by grouping the charcoal, but it still needs clear paths for oxygen to reach the fire.
For more background, read what lump charcoal is made of. If you prefer lump fuel for smoking, our guide to the best lump charcoal for smoking compares the qualities that matter for a long cook.
Those guides can help you decide what suits your taste and cooking style before you fill the basket. They also make it easier to understand why shape, size and burn pattern matter in a contained firebox.
When the basket is designed for your cooker size, the fuel amount matters as much as the fuel type. A shallow basket may hold less than a tall drum or firebox basket, so plan the load around the length of the cook.
Overfilling can block airflow and make heat harder to control, while underfilling may leave you adding fuel too often. Keep the charcoal grouped near the centre where the basket is designed to hold it, rather than spreading pieces across the full cooker floor.
That grouping is one of the main reasons to use a basket in the first place. It also makes ash cleanup easier because residue stays in a smaller area after the cook.
Avoid packing ash around the air openings. A basket works best when charcoal stays grouped but the fire still receives oxygen from the smoker intake vents.
If you lift the basket or clear ash, wait until the fuel has cooled and use gloves around any hot metal. Plan the fuel, the load and the airflow together, and the basket will be easier to manage from lighting to cleanup.
How do you use and clean a charcoal basket?
Place the basket on stable support inside the smoker, load fuel without blocking openings, and confirm the cooking grate and lid still fit. Start by checking the basket sits level and does not touch walls or vents in a way that blocks air movement.
Clearance matters in a drum smoker because the basket needs room to breathe and the grate needs room to sit above it. In an offset firebox, the same check helps you avoid crowding fuel against the sides or blocking the path to the cooking chamber.
Once the basket is in place, load charcoal in an even layer and leave gaps where air can pass through the fuel bed. Avoid pressing ash or small pieces into lower openings, since that can choke airflow during the cook.
Let the basket cool fully before moving it or clearing ash. Hot metal and warm ash can both cause burns, so patience at this stage is part of safe use.
Use heat-resistant gloves when the basket or handle may be hot.
The LavaLock 14-40 specifically calls for BBQ gloves with its handle, and that is a sensible rule for every metal charcoal basket. Handles are made for lifting, but they can carry heat just as the body of the basket does.
Lift with both hands when the basket is full or heavy, and keep it away from clothing, pets and anything that could catch or fall. Remove ash after the cook so it does not collect around lower openings.
Some baskets include ash pans, while others require you to clear the smoker base after charcoal has cooled. An ash pan makes the job more contained because ash can be lifted away without spreading it through the cooker.
Without an ash pan, work slowly after cooling and clear the area where air enters the fuel bed. That routine helps the next cook start with open airflow rather than a layer of old residue.
Rinse or brush the basket only when it is cool and follow the care notes for that model. Detachable designs can make cleaning easier because you can take the basket out to a work area before washing or brushing it.
For storage, detachable baskets such as the foedo and Pasimy models can save space. Store the basket dry and upright where it will not be knocked or left holding damp ash.
Inspect handles, edges and fasteners before the next fire. Check for loose screws, bent edges or worn openings that could make lifting less secure.
If a part looks damaged, deal with it before lighting charcoal rather than during a cook. Clean storage and a brief check before each use will keep the basket ready for the next fire.
Which drum smoker charcoal basket should you choose?
Choose the Hunsaker Vortex for a 22.5-inch WSM or drum cooker, especially if you want a round basket with a built-in ash pan and vortex heat deflector. Choose the LavaLock UDS basket when your cooker is a 55-gallon UDS and the 12 x 12 x 12 inch format fits.
For a rectangular offset firebox, the foedo or Pasimy baskets fit the common 12 x 12 x 7.5 inch pattern. For a wider opening, the BBQsmokerMods and LavaLock Total Control baskets give you larger measured formats to compare.
If you are still choosing the cooker itself, start with our guide to the Best Drum Smoker options. Buyers who need easier lifting and simpler access can also compare the Best Drum Smoker For Seniors.
The final rule is simple: measure first, then choose the basket with the right shape, height and ash setup for your smoker.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for Oklahoma Joe offset smokers
foedo 12" Stainless Charcoal Basket for Oklahoma
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for 22.5-inch drum cookers
Hunsaker Vortex Charcoal Basket for 22.5" WSM
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for 55-gallon UDS smokers
LavaLock UDS 55 Gallon Charcoal Firebox Basket
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best drum smoker charcoal basket?
The Hunsaker Vortex is the strongest match for a 22.5-inch WSM or drum cooker because it combines a round basket, built-in ash pan and thick vortex heat deflector. A 55-gallon UDS owner may be better served by the LavaLock UDS basket, which is sized for that drum format.
How do you choose a charcoal basket for a drum smoker?
Measure the smoker's interior opening and compare it with the basket's outside dimensions. Then check the shape, height, ash-handling parts and lift points.
A round drum smoker usually needs a round basket, while an offset smoker may need a rectangular firebox.
Do charcoal baskets improve airflow?
A basket can keep charcoal grouped and leave openings around the fuel for air movement. Perforated or expanded-metal designs also let ash separate from burning charcoal.
The basket cannot replace correct smoker vents, so manage airflow with the cooker controls.
Can you use a drum smoker charcoal basket in an offset smoker?
Only when the shape and dimensions fit the offset smoker's firebox. Rectangular baskets such as the foedo and Pasimy models are aimed at offset-style spaces, while round models such as the Hunsaker Vortex and LavaLock 14-40 suit drum and WSM formats.
