You’re standing in your backyard, spatula in one hand and a cold drink in the other, dreaming of becoming the neighborhood's barbecue legend. But there's a dilemma sizzling hotter than your grill: Big Green Egg vs. an ugly drum smoker.

Which will help you achieve that pit-boss status? It’s like choosing between a gourmet chef’s kitchen and a backyard barbecue pit — both have merits, but which will best suit your culinary style?

Let’s dive into the unique benefits of each smoker to help you decide which is your perfect match. Whether you’re planning to whip up a gourmet pizza or smoke a succulent brisket, understanding the strengths of each option will enhance your outdoor cooking experience. 

Ready to turn up the heat and make an informed choice? Let’s get grilling!

Overview of Big Green Egg and Ugly Drum Smoker

The Big Green Egg and ugly drum smoker are charcoal-based cooking powerhouses but differ in structure, cooking style, and general vibe. Here’s a closer look at each:

Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg is a ceramic charcoal grill and smoker known for its exceptional heat retention and versatility. This iconic, egg-shaped smoker excels in various cooking methods, including: 

• Grilling
• Baking
• Roasting
• Low-and-slow smoking 

Because of its ceramic build, the BGE can hold high and lower temperatures for extended periods, giving you the stability you need for anything from barbecue to baked goods.

Ugly Drum Smoker

The ugly drum smoker, or UDS, is a 55-gallon steel drum smoker that’s all about simplicity. A favorite among barbecue enthusiasts, a UDS is built for long, slow cooking, making it a solid choice for traditional barbecue fare like ribs and pulled pork. Lighter and easier to set up, a UDS is popular with tailgaters and campers who want to bring their smoker on the go. However, because it’s made of steel, it doesn’t retain heat as well as ceramic models like the Big Green Egg, meaning you’ll need to keep an eye on it during longer cooks.

Cooking Flexibility: When to Use Big Green Egg vs. Ugly Drum Smoker

Flexibility is one of the Big Green Egg’s biggest selling points, but there’s still plenty to love about the Ugly Drum Smoker’s performance, too.

Big Green Egg

With the Big Green Egg, you can easily switch between cooking styles. Need to bake a pizza or sear a steak? The BGE can handle it. Want to make delicate items like bread, desserts, or even smoked salmon? The BGE is perfect, thanks to its temperature stability and control. It’s also excellent for dishes that need high heat or quick cooking, as well as more delicate recipes where consistent, lower temperatures are key.

Ugly Drum Smoker

The UDS is where you turn for classic barbecue. It’s designed for long, slow-smoking sessions that bring out the rich, smoky flavors in ribs, chicken, and sausages. An ugly drum smoker is hard to beat if you’re after that melt-in-your-mouth texture you get with low-and-slow cooking. While it lacks the versatility of the Big Green Egg, it’s perfect for cooking brisket, pulled pork, and other traditional barbecue items, where time and smoke are essential.

10 Essential BBQ Accessories for Maximizing Your Ugly Drum Smoker Maximize your Ugly Drum Smoker’s potential with accessories designed to elevate every cook. From charcoal baskets that optimize airflow to heat shields that enhance temperature control, the right tools make a big difference in flavor and efficiency. Smokin' Ugly’s guide on must-have BBQ accessories offers insights into essential add-ons that make managing charcoal a breeze, helping you get the best results every time.

Temperature Control and Maintenance Needs

Temperature management is a big consideration with any smoker, and it’s here that the Big Green Egg and Ugly Drum Smoker start to diverge significantly.

Big Green Egg

The BGE’s ceramic material makes it a master at holding a steady temperature for hours, which means minimal fuss once you get it set. Because of its impressive heat retention, you won’t need to add charcoal often, even for extended cooking times. For example, if you’re cooking a turkey, you can let it go without worrying about checking every hour. The Big Green Egg is perfect for anyone who likes a low-maintenance setup.

Ugly Drum Smoker

In contrast, the Ugly Drum Smoker requires a bit more hands-on management. While it holds temperature well, you’ll need to monitor it more than you would with the BGE, especially for cooks lasting 6-8 hours or longer. For big cuts of meat like brisket, you’ll need to add charcoal periodically and keep a close eye on the fire. It’s part of the charm, though, and many drum smoker fans enjoy the active role they get to play in the cooking process.

Portability and Convenience

If you plan to take your smoker on the road, maybe to a beach cookout or a family picnic at the park, portability will be key in your decision.

Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg is much heavier and less portable than the Ugly Drum Smoker. Moving it requires a steady hand and a lot of muscle, making it more of a backyard staple than a travel companion. For those who want a setup they can leave in place, though, it’s perfect.

Ugly Drum Smoker

The UDS, on the other hand, is a lightweight and easy-to-move option. It’s a favorite for tailgaters and campers because you can easily load it into your vehicle and set it up wherever you go. If you want a portable smoker, the Ugly Drum Smoker wins this category hands-down.

Best Foods to Cook on Each: Comparing Recipes and Techniques

Each smoker has its culinary strengths, and the types of dishes you’re interested in can help determine the right fit.

Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg is fantastic for baking breads, pizzas, and desserts, thanks to its consistent heat and even cooking environment. It’s also great for cooking larger items like turkey, which need stable heat for long periods but don’t require the constant attention a UDS might. The BGE is a great fit if you love experimenting with recipes.

Ugly Drum Smoker

The Ugly Drum Smoker is perfect for the low-and-slow barbecue classics. Ribs, pulled pork, sausages, and brisket come out beautifully on a UDS. Its ability to produce rich, smoky flavors makes it ideal for these types of meats, though it does require some babysitting. For authentic barbecue, a UDS is a champ.

Ugly Drum Smokers: More Than Smoking An ugly drum smoker is more versatile than you might think! While it’s renowned for its slow-smoking capabilities, a UDS can also function as a grill and griddle with the right setup. From searing steaks to making pancakes, this multipurpose smoker lets you expand beyond traditional BBQ. Discover how the UDS can bring flexibility to your outdoor cooking, allowing you to grill, smoke, and griddle all in one.

Pros and Cons of Big Green Egg vs. Ugly Drum Smoker

To sum up, here’s a quick breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each smoker.

Motion Control: Enhancing Both Cooking Experiences

Motion control accessories are a fantastic addition to either of these smokers. Motion control can simplify cooking, making it easy to check on food, add charcoal, or adjust as needed without wrestling with the lid.

Big Green Egg

Adding the Over-Easy Hinge can provide easier access to the grill without needing to hold the heavy lid. However, the BGE doesn’t open fully to a 90° angle, which can be a minor inconvenience for certain cooking tasks.

Ugly Drum Smoker

The UDS has a naturally simpler lid design that opens to a full 90-degree angle, giving you ample space to access your food and manage the charcoal. This ease of access is especially useful during longer cooks, where you might need to adjust the setup.

For fans of a “set-it-and-forget-it” approach, motion control accessories on both models can help make the experience even more seamless.

Big Green Egg vs. Ugly Drum Smoker: Find Your Perfect BBQ Companion!

So, which is right for you? The Big Green Egg is a versatile powerhouse perfect for home chefs who want an array of cooking options, from grilling to baking to smoking. If you value low-maintenance cooking and love the flexibility to try different recipes, the BGE is the way to go.

On the other hand, an ugly drum smoker is ideal for traditional barbecue enthusiasts who want a straightforward smoker they can take on the go. It’s the best choice for low-and-slow cooking, making it perfect for brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.

Ultimately, the best smoker depends on your cooking style, lifestyle, and the dishes you’re excited to make. Whichever you choose, both the Big Green Egg and Ugly Drum Smoker will help you create delicious, smoky, and unforgettable meals.

Just Starting Out? 

Download our e-book, “Meat Smoker for Beginners, The Smokin’ Ugly Drum Smoker”: