The Ugly Dan story began in 2018 when I entered my first BBQ competition. The fact that most of the teams running Ugly Drums were sleeping soundly while their drums were rolling smoke had me hooked.
So I built my first ugly drum out of a 2nd hand apple juice drum and was blown away with the ease of use and quality of BBQ they produced. A mate from work asked if I could build him one so I started building the Series 1.
The Series 1 evolved into the fabricated Series 2, rolled from 1.6mm Steel and completely welded — it was the best parts of an Ugly Dan without the downfalls and low quality of using second hand drums.
Now on to the Series 2.1 — laser cut and rolled from 2mm steel, the Series 2.1 is 25% thicker than the S2 and 400% thicker than the Series 1. It has an empty weight of 65Kg, a fuel capacity of over 15Kg of briquettes with a possible burn time of over 50hrs. It is the thickest, heaviest “drum smoker” in existence.
My priority has always been quality and with the 2.1 there is no compromise — every single part has been designed without profit in mind, only quality and ease of use.
Actual reviews by Ugly Dan owners
I was busy setting up the drum for a huge day tomorrow and wondered if you realise what a legacy you have created. I will have it for life and my children will inherit it. One of my prize possessions. Thank you again mate.
Eugene
Snaggletooth owner
The Ugly Dan runs like a dream. Once you cook on one you'll never go back.
JB
Chicken specialist
Oh my goodness!! Why I didn't get an Ugly Dan Smoker first is beyond me! Finally came to my senses and splurged — it is worth every cent and more! Super easy to cook on, just set and forget and she purrs along at 250F for hours!! Cooks everything to perfection and did I mention she's PINK!! What more could a girl want.
Carly
The BEST butcher in Adelaide
I couldn't be happier with how this smoker turned out. I gave Dan an outlandish colour scheme and he delivered with this pimped out regal beauty!
Reece
The Smokin’ Butcher
The Ugly Dan is a fantastic smoker, holds a solid temperature, the fire basket can last 24+ hours on a single load. With the 2 levels it holds more than twice as much meat as my Weber.
Jay Kennedy
Hock Stock and Two Smoking Kettles
The Ugly Dan is the only drum I would ever use. Ever.
Jack Cave
Caveman BBQ SA
The Ugly Dan has become my favourite cooker, a central piece of every cookup. Very easy to use and to keep a controlled temperature with simple controls. If cooking for just a few or many it never lets me down. I've reached over 20hrs from one fire basket so it will handle any type of low and slow cook, with the confidence to set and forget. Good quality and well made smoker… I think a series 2 is coming my way!
Robbo
The hillbilly pirate
It’s a great bit of kit!
Paul
The first ever Ugly Dan owner and the reason Ugly Dans even exist
I like beer… and BBQ… and this is a BBQ.
Warney
Bloody Aussie legend
The build quality is second to none. Dan delivers exactly what he promises.
Owen
Adelaide, SA
Ugly Dan
