4.5 stars if it were an option. Two changes I would make to the PBX: 1) I would have an air flow hole on the top with a moveable flap like it has on the bottom. It seems that when all three hanging bars are being used, it restricts air flow a little too much. 2) The top grate needs to be lower so you can close the lid on a spatchcock chicken or similar. The lower level for the grates could be a little higher because it seems too close to the heat for smoking. Maybe find a way to make the grate levels adjustable?

What I love about the PBX. Plenty of space with the biggest version. I have all the accessories, which feel quality made. Charcoal cleanup is easy. Set up is simple. Adjusting airflow (if needed) is simple. The Pit Barrel Cooker All Purpose Rub is better than a lot I've used.

And here's what you really want to know: the chicken is tender, juicy, and has a comparable level of smoke flavor with a traditional offset smoker while requiring considerably less effort.

I've had varied times required to cook chicken. It cooks faster when you put the charcoal in the center of the basket of unlit charcoal. However, I've also placed the lit charcoal on one side and let it burn across. This seems to require opening the air flow flap on the bottom little by little as the cook continues. This side method also takes as long as using an offset smoker. However, placing the lit charcoal in the center of the unlit does cook the chicken faster, and the chicken is still tender, juicy,…