Even though summer is considered the peak season for bringing out your smoker and hosting a BBQ for your friends and family, you really do not have to wait until it's all balmy outside. You can now make classic burgers and smoked veggies round the year if you invest in a well-functioning and versatile smoker. The best smoker, as per the BBQ connoisseurs, is one that can be used to slow cook in low and correct temperatures for long hours.
Yes, grilling is great! But smoking belongs to the bigger league. Smoke gets into the meat you are cooking and cooks it slowly, locking the moisture to only give you nothing but superior tasting food at the convenience of your home that too without hurting your pocket as BBQ smokers are not too expensive and therefore to help you figure out which one is the best for you, we have listed down some of the best BBQ smokers out there right now. Without further ado, let’s check out our selected ones!List of The 12 Best BBQ Smokers
1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
The first product in our entry is the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker that is powered by charcoal and measures 14.7" W x 14.7" D x 31.4" H.
Convenient Sizes
Offered in three amazing sizes - 14-, 18- or 22-inch cooking grate, Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is one of the top chosen smokers. Due to its different sizes, the users get the luxury to choose whichever matches their preferences the most.
High functioning parts
The smoker consists of four main parts - a lid, a plated steel cooking grate section, a fuel tray, and a fair-sized water pan made from porcelain enameled steel. The ideal combination of these together helps keep the heat trapped inside for longer which makes it super efficient both in terms of time and fuel. It is also effective in keeping the moisture locked throughout the cooking process. In addition to these, the unit also comes with legs that are designed to resist rust. Together with all these amazing features, the unit can safely be called a durable one.
Incredible Features
Apart from its durability, the product comes with some smart and convenient features that make it user-friendly. The unit features a main cooking surface of 143 square inches with a cooking grid dimension of 13.5 inches x 13.5 inches which makes the total grilling area as big as 286 square inches. The smoker is capable of withstanding a temperature as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The smoker also comes with a lid-mounted thermometer that allows you to keep an estimation of the temperature. Furthermore, the smoker also has a side portal that is padded with a rubber grommet that accepts meat probes. The detachable fuel door adds the cherry on top. The door makes the addition of fuel easy and hassle-free.
Easy Maintenance
The unit does not require routine maintenance if you wash out the cooking grates regularly after every cookout. It is not for maintenance purposes only but also required to maintain hygiene. If your grates are not properly cleaned it can impregnate your food with bacteria and a funky smell. The pack also includes a cover that you can use to cover the smoker when it is not in use.
Verdict
Reported to be fairly priced, the unit is super easy to assemble. You can find the instructions included in the pack as well as access it from the BILT app which is completely free. Although it requires close monitoring, together with the compact size, high functionality, and portability, the smoker is absolute perfection.
2. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade 6-in-1 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Next up we have the 6-in-1 smoker from Z GRILLS with a model number of ZPG-450A which is powered by wood pellets.
Commendable Versatility
Even though the name claims to be a 6-in-1 unit, in reality, it comes with the goodness of 8-in-1! You can use this to bake, roast, braise, smoke, grill, sear, char-grill, and last but not least, smoke. Since the product can support so many cooking techniques, it has multipurpose use around the house and can meet all your cooking needs.
Authentic Taste
The pellet wood-powered smoker gives your food a very authentic hardwood wood-smoked that too in a very easy manner. You do not have to go through any messy process of handling charcoal that is required in a charcoal smoker or the hassle of adjusting temperatures that are required in a gas smoker. All you have to do is place the pellets in position and set your desired temperature, and you are good to go! You do not have to babysit the smoker and can completely relax.
Ideal Size
The unit comes in a very ideal compact size that is just perfect for any small household. It features a 452 square inches cooking space that is sufficient to smoke food to feed a small crowd very conveniently. The pellet hopper measures a 15 lbs huge capacity which allows you to cook longer without requiring to refill the hopper frequently.
Superior Quality Built
The grill comes with a very sturdy steel construction that is equipped with a high-temperature powder coating finish that makes it ideal for long-term use. Being capable of withstanding a temperature range between 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to the exteriors, the unit also comes with a PID technology that allows easy control and can maintain a steady high temperature for a long period of time showing consistent results.
Verdict
For proper storage, the product comes with a cover that you can use to protect it from external damage when it is not in use. Investing in this reasonably priced wood pellet smoker that is well under $1000 will bring you years of happy wood-fire grilling experience.
3. Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker
For our next review, we have an analog electric smoker from Masterbuilt with a model number MB20070210 that includes two items in a bundle offer.
Varying Configurations
With this one, you have the luxury to choose from the several configurations that it offers. For the convenience of reviewing, we have chosen the 30 inches one to give you an overall idea of what all the others have to offer you. The 30-inch grill comes with 3 racks that are spacious enough to cook food for a large crowd.
Easy-to-use Features
For keeping it simple for the users, the user selling point of this product is its analog properties. Rather than considering this as a drawback in a world where smart technologies replace analog ones, this product screams simplicity. Although it does not offer any remote in-app control or bells or whistles, it is perfect for both newbies and pros, the unit features very easy-to-use features like easy temperature and time control.
Consistent temperatures
The smoker is equipped with a built-in temperature gauge and the temperature regulation is super breezy due to its analog dial. The 800-watt heating element allows you to smoke your food slowly at a low temperature all day long without any inconvenience.
Practical Built
The product offers a cooking space measuring 730 square inches on its four chrome-coated racks that do not only look classy and have smart features but also prevent food from sticking to it, keeping your food unharmed while removing. Since minimal food residues are left behind it does not require any aggressive cleaning procedures.
In addition to that, the model also features a wood chip loading system that conveniently slips in and out which makes the emptying process hassle-free.
Maintenance
Even though it is enough if you wash your cooking racks after every cook-up we suggest a deep cleaning for your smoker atleast twice a year if you are frequently using your smoker. Moreover, this model takes care of its storage just fine. The pack includes a heavy-weight polyurethane-coated polyester which helps you keep the product protected when it is not in use. The cover resists extreme weather conditions like a champ.
Verdict
You should ensure that you have placed it somewhere close to a power outlet as it requires electricity to operate and is a corded appliance. Once you do that, you are all set without worrying about refilling your charcoal or monitoring your propane levels. However, complaints have been filed that this model has the issue of paint peeling off after a certain time of use.
4. Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker
Like the former one, this one too belongs to the same brand, Masterbuilt. However, the Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker with the model number MB20074719 is a digital and smart version of the previous one.
Smart Technology
The unit features a sleek design and comes with Bluetooth technology that allows you to control and monitor the temperatures of your smoker remotely. This is done with either your smart gadget or the digital control panel. The smoker is enabled to maintain a steady temperature for a long time which means no more getting up from your lawn chair and adjusting the temperature over and over again.
Commendable Built
The product does not only add an aesthetic value but offers more than that. The smoker has four chrome-plated racks that are adequate for cooking a grand feast. If you want to get an idea of how grand it can be then for your knowledge, it can handle up to 15 chickens, or 4 turkeys, or 8 racks of ribs. Moreover, the side trays give you hassle-free loading of wood chips during the process without having to open the door.
In addition to these amazing features, the smoker is equipped with a broiling element that allows you to crisp chicken or finish ribs with sticky sauce. This relieves you from separately grilling the food to reach completion.
Furthermore, the electric smoker has a meat probe thermometer included which helps you keep a close eye on the temperature of the smoker. It does not end there, you can continue your BBQ sessions till dusk since there is a LED light inside the chamber which turns on every time the door is opened which helps you see the condition of the food that you are smoking inside.
Verdict
Even though it is not the best in resisting weather conditions and the LED screen is often difficult to read while the sunlight is bright, the smoker does a decent enough job to feed a large crowd without much fuss. As aforementioned, Masterbuilt offers you a huge range of smokers with varying sizes, so if you want to go for a bigger option, you can opt for that too as well with similar features.
5. Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker
For the fifth entry, we have chosen the smoker from a very reputable brand, Cuisinart. Their kitchen appliances have won millions of hearts and it is not surprising that their electric smoker is leading the market as well.
Compact but spacious
Featuring 548 square inches of the interior, the smoker is extremely spacious for your food. The good news is, you can now host a large feast for your friends and family without any inconvenience. Even though it claims to be spacious inside, the vertical footprint of the smoker features a space-saving design which makes it a perfect fit for patios and kitchens.
Incredible Features
The product comes with features that are not only easy to use but also very functional. The racks inside the smoker are completely detachable which makes cleanup easy. The cleanup is further made easier since minimal residues are left behind on the shelves as the shelves are made from stainless steel which prevents food from sticking to them. Not only that but if you are trying to smoke a large chunk of meat, you can always remove a shelf to fit that in. The unit also features a stainless tray that holds wood chips and water that is easy to clean.
High-Temperature Bar
Due to its 1500 watt heating element inside the smoker is responsible for producing high temperatures inside the smoker. The temperature range the smoker supports is between 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and this is regulating using a simple dial. Moreover, a built-in thermometer is featured in the unit which is super easy to take a temperature reading and is positioned in a very easy-to-read position- on the front door.
Verdict
Some users have reported the temperature gauge to be imprecise but weighing the pros against the cons, this product takes the cake! Along with the amazing features, the smoker is backed by a 3-year warranty that lets the buyers make a worry-free purchase.
6. Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Vertical LP Gas Smoker
The smoker from Dyna-Glo with model number DGY784BDP is the first entry in our review article that is powered Liquefied Petroleum Gas (propane). Let us take a look at its features and find out why you should get this.
Covenient Functionality
The unit does not involve any labor-intensive start up as the 15000 BTU cast iron burner ignites by an electronic push button. Once the ignition is done which produces a strong firepower, the temperature is regulated withe the large control dial. Moreover, the double door design allows greater heat build up and smoother temperature control since air dampers placed in the top and both the sides maintains a good air ventilation. Not only functionality but also the temperature gauge comes with a decorative ring which uplifts the outlook of the product.
Moreover, the two important parts of the smoker- wood chip box and the water bowl, both features a porcelain enameled steel exterior which helps keep the heat trapped in for longer. The wood chip box also comes with handles and lid which helps the use of it much easier.
Other wonderful features
A large cooking space is always welcomed and this unit offers you a generous space as large as 784 square inches that is perfect for cooking a wide variety of food in one go while infusing smoky flavor to your food. The cooking racks are made of steel wire which are adjustable so you can detach them when you are trying to smoke a large hunk of meat that needs to be fit in.
Verdict
The unit not has amazing features but also comes with a 1 year limited warranty which gives assurance to the customers about the quality of product. In addition to that, it also comes with a custom-fit cover that you can use to cover your smoker when you are not using it. However, this may not the be the ideal ones for the newbies as the unit’s temperature control is not the best among all the shortlisted items in our list.
7. Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker
Realcook Charcoal Smoker is known for being ideal for beginners due to its easy-to-use user-friendly features. The reasonably priced unit has some amazing features in store that allows you to cook and entertain a large bunch even if you are an inexperienced griller.
Practical Design
Heat retention properties are without a doubt an essential thing in a smoker and realcook charcoal smoker does it like a champ. Its porcelain-enameled water pan and charcoal pan keeps the heat trapped for longer without dissipating it to the surrounding and ensures a stable use. The smoker is equipped with adjustable air supply position in its lid that gives you a better access at controlling the temperature. The temperature readings can also be taken without any hassle with its detailed temperature scale.
Unique Features
What we found different in this one is its heat resistant bakelit handles. They are not only eye candies but also facilitates transport, basting and cooking as convenient as possible without putting your fingers at the risk of burning. Moreover, the 2 pieces of cooking grates offer an ample amount of space measuring a total of 453 square inches. The unit also comes with crossbar and 4 hangers inside the lid that helps you smoke a large variety of food both in terms of sizes and shapes without causing you any trouble.
Multifunctional Usage
Even though its name calls it a “smoker”, you can do a lot more with this. A larger number of cooking methods are supported by it which includes grilling, steaming, baking, braising and roasting. This gives a commendable flexibility of cooking with the same cooker. Equipped with latch locking system, the smoker stays stable in a position without toppling over that prevents accidents from taking place.
Furthermore, the 2 door access has their own distinct tasks. The upper door gives you the access to keep an eye on the doneness of your food and the below door is used to add or adjust the fuel.
Verdict
Setting up this cooker for an amazing BBQ session is no extreme sport and is pretty straightforward. The product not only easy to use but very easy to assemble as well. Like almost all the other products in our list, this is not absolutely flawless and complaints have been filed regarding its paint peeling off from the steel exterior.
8. Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker
Next up in our quest for the best BBQ smoker, we have yet another product from Cuisinart but unlike the former electric one we have one that is powered by propane. Let’s find out what it has up its sleeves.
Ideal Dimensions
Vertical design is no exception when it comes to smokers but a design as sleek as slim as Cuisinart COS-244 has a vertical footprint that perfectly fits anywhere you want it to fit in, be it for your patios or barbecue kitchens. Even though it slim, the interior measures about 5.45 square feet which is perfect for frequently entertaining your families during summer months with a wide variety of meats and vegetables.
Detachable Racks
The stainless steel shelves measures a dimension of 14 inches by 14 inches which is adequate for large pieces of steaks. To further boast the functionality, the stainless steel racks can be removed when you are willing to larger chunks of mear like whole birds or large cuts of meats. This allows more room for your food to be cooked to perfection. In addition to the detachable property, the racks are dishwasher safe which makes the cleanup super easy as they do not require you to get your hands messy.
Superb Temperature Control
An adjustable knob allows you to adjust the gas levels which in turn controls the temperature of the cooker. You can check the changes in temperature using the easy-to-use thermometer that is featured on the front door of the unit. The control over the temperature is further facilitated by opening or closing the rear vent and adjusting the airflow, a very traditional method.
Bonus Features
The doors of the unit stays tightly shut to prevent the heat from escaping. This is done due to the doors featuring seal-tight twist-lock door and handle system. The steel trays come with porcelain enamel coating holds the wood chips and water is super easy to clean as it does not retain much residues on it. The 40-inch propane hose and regulator is ideal to fit in any standard propane tank.
Verdict
Even though you need to budget extra for your propane tank, we think investing in this product is a good decision as it infuses your food with an authentic smoky-woody flavor that you cannot get enough of.
9. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker
Next up comes a sleek and portable stainless steel smoker powered by charcoal. How does the PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X stand and fall? Let’s find out.
Unique Shape
The feature that sets it apart from its competitors is its unique shape. It comes with a capsule shape with four vents which makes grilling much easier in both low and high heat as the temperature is facilitated by this feature. Moreover, the 300-square inch cooking surface is ideal for cooking a wide variety of cuts of meats and even can fit in a whole turkey.
Extreme Durability
The body of the smoker cum grill is constructed from aluminum which is both rust-resistant and lightweight which is effective in keeping the heat locked in so that your smoked brisket and ribs are cooked to perfection. The brand claims it to be 4 times more heat efficient compared to the ones made from steep charcoal grills. Moreover, the aluminum gives the product an added strength as it fights rust, burnout and breakage which in turn makes the extra durable.
Commendable Portability
Weighing only 45 pounds, the PK grill is known for its portability. The smoker has detachable parts from its available stand options for transport with breeze so that you can carry it while you are on a road trip or going for camping as well.
Verdict
Since the well-build product does not come with any bells and whistles does not mean it is not functional enough. It rather means that it is very simple to use and creates no confusion among the home grillers and is ideal for both inexperienced and pro grillers.
10. Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker
If you want to avail to an authentic woody-smoky BBQ taste in your food then there is no alternative to charcoal smokers and Char-Broil brings you one without hurting your pocket.
Easy Temperature Regulation
It is important for your smoker to retain heat and Char-Broil is a winner when it comes to doing so. The temperature gauge on the lids facilitate the alteration of internal temperature for creating a perfect cooking condition. The dampers come with graduations that help you understand, read and control the temperature and smoke with precision. In does not end here, the smoker features tight doors helps keep the smoke sealed inside the chamber for longer cooking processes.
Moreover the unit offers you a cooking space measuring 370 square inches and has two porcelain-coated cooking grids that facilitates easy food release and cleanup. However, if you are seeking for a model that allows you more space for cooking, Char-Broil has another 20-inch version of this model.
Innovative Built
Along with porcelain-coated cooking grates, the exterior of the smoker also comes coated with enamel which gives it its lasting durability and gives you a good value for money. Moreover, for the convenience of the users, the ash pan are removable which makes it super easy to unload and clean when the fire is out. Moreover, the unit is made portable by the two chamber-lift handles on either sides which you can use to carry it from one place to another.
Verdict
Featuring an accessible height facilitated by the steel tube legs, this compact yet functional smoker is capable of meeting your smoking and grilling needs. Even so, we suggest that you stay careful while putting on the lid as it has been reported by some users that the lid does not seal properly if not done with care.
11. Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
If you want a smoker that will help you barbecue food in a professional manner at the convenience of your home, then this offset smoker from Oklahoma Joe’s might just be the right one for you.
Different Air Flow Smoker
Unlike most of the products reviewed above, this one features a smoker that creates heat in a side firebox rather than generating the heat from below the food. The smoker employs a series of 4 baffles and the heat created in the side firebox can then be passed on to the food that results in nothing but delicious food.
Professional-grade Built
The product features a very heavy-duty body which makes it extra durable. Along with the offset smoker which takes to a professional level, the smoker is equipped with a 12-gauge black oil pipe. A total massive cooking surface of 1060 square inches is offered to you. Out of which, 751 square inches is for the main chamber and the rest is for the firebox chamber which is used for solely the smoking purpose.
Handy Setup
The unit features multiple adjustable dampers that is used to alter heat and smoke. The four wire cooking grates are coated with porcelain which does not only resist rust but also prevent food from sticking to it so that the cleanup is super breezy. The dedicated firebox facilitates the adjustment of flame without having to open the entire chamber which may put your hands at the risk of burning. The firebox consists of two parts- a stainless steel fuel basker and a clean-out door that makes the ash removing procedure much easier.
Verdict
Even though some users complain about its smoke leakage, Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker is truly an amazing addition as it offers nothing but simplicity, does not require much effort and creates no fuss. The chambers can produce a fire as hot as 12000 BTUs and will last the entire day.
12. Giantex 3-in-1 Charcoal BBQ Smoker
As for the last entry in our review article we have chosen the 3-in-1 charcoal BBQ smoker from Giantex which which you can use to smoke, grill and roast any cuts of meat you desire.
Multilayerd Design
The feature that sets this one apart is that the BBQ smoker features a multi-layered design that comes with three different layers where the bottom layer can be used for steaming, grilling, baking or roasting. The heights of the other two can be adjusted and used for different purposes as per your requirement.
Thoughtful Built
Moreover, the access doors of the smokers makes it super easy to keep track of the doneness of the food as well as adjusting the amount of charcoal. Furthermore, the furnace body is painted with dark color paint which prevents the escape of heat. This helps with heat retention and help you carry on with your barbecue party all day long.
In addition to all these incredible features, the stability of the unit is ensured by the raised feet triangular design. This particular feature prevents it from toppling over and causing any sort of anomalies during your fun times.
Other Fantastic Features
For better and precise control and observation, the smoker comes with an adjustable air vent and a built-in thermometer with detailed graduations so that you face no difficulty in taking the temperature readings. The vent placed on the top of the smoker is used to control the airflow which in turn controls the temperature inside and helps maintain a steady temperature so the food is cooked to perfection.
The portable smoker also offers generous amount of cooking area which is ideal for feeding a large family. The vertical design comes with 2 cooking racks that measures 342 square inches cooking area. This space is enough for fitting in large hunks of meats or ribs. Furthermore, there are 3 strong hooks inside the that you can use to hang large breasts, chicken legs and turkey for your own convenience.
Verdict:
Together with easy assembling and assembling, the smoker can easily be carried inside the trunk of most cars which makes it extremely portable. Featuring an elegant design, the smoker is a perfect appliance and trusted friend for your BBQ parties, camping and road trips.
Comparison Chart of The Best BBQ Smoker
| Product Name | Product Dimensions | Product Weight | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker | 31.4 x 14.75 x 14.75 inches | 23 Pounds | Charcoal |
| Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade 6-in-1 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker | 45 x 28 x 49 inches | 84 Pounds | Wood Pellet |
| Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker | 20 x 21.7 x 40.2 inches | - | Electric |
| Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker | 19.68 x 25.2 x 41.73 inches | 66.31 Pounds | Electric |
| Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker | 22 x 19 x 37.5 inches | 51.5 Pounds | Electric |
| Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Vertical LP Gas Smoker | 27 x 19.2 x 46.46 inches | 54 Pounds | Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane) |
| Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker | 22 x 17 x 35 inches | 18.55 Pounds | Charcoal |
| Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker | 19.3 x 18.1 x 38.6 inches | 69.5 Pounds | Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane) |
| PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker | 16 x 35 x 35.5 inches | 45 Pounds | Charcoal |
| Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker | 21.2 x 23 x 37.6 inches | 16.5 Pounds | Charcoal |
| Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker | 35.5 x 64.25 x 55.5 inches | 226 Pounds | Charcoal |
| Giantex 3-in-1 Charcoal BBQ Smoker | 20 x 16 x 32 inches | 13 Pounds | Charcoal |
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best BBQ Smoker
1. Size
What size of smoker will get your job done is a very personal choice as it greatly varies from person to person. Moreover, “size” of a smoker is not a good enough term to describe a smoker as size can mean many things at once. It can mean the size of the cooking area or how much space it requires in storage or how large it is in terms of its construction.
Generally, most traditional offset smokers like the Oklahoma Joe’s one are quite heavy and dense. Some also come with extra functional spaces that allow enough room for storage and placing condiments. These large units can cater barbecue parties all day long. On the other hand, barrel smokers and patio grills feature much smaller sizes since they are often portable. However, these models trade off cooking spaces in the process. So, you might face difficulty feeding a large crowd if you own one of these. This is why, you are the one who will have to decide which features are a must for you and what you are willing to let go and the frequency of how many times you use the smoker in a year.
2. Type
As already discussed, there are quite a number of different BBQ smokers available in the market. Each has its own upsides and drawbacks and it is your decision which will best work for you.
The most common and traditional types are the charcoal ones which come in varying designs and sizes. The ones with the offset chambers for smoking are the most popular ones in this category. The barrel deisgns are also gaining popularity since they are the absolute space savers but can get the job done just right! Moreover, they also come with innovative designs that feature side shelves that give you enough room for storing your condiments and BBQ tools.
They types vary in terms of power sources as well. Some smokers use electricity to operate. While this type is the easiest to use and does not get your hands dirty, they require a power outlet which may not be available when you are travelling for camping or hit the roads.
3. Versatility
Smokers, nowadays, can do way more than just smoking. Most designs integrate grilling and smoking together and offer other amazing features like roasting, braising, and searing that too on the same racks while other grills like offset smokers let you do it all at once. It is always wise to got for options that support versatility as smokers are an investment and if you are getting more by spending the same amount of money then why not? You also do not need to buy other appliances for those individual purposes. However, the lesser known fact for multipurpose smokers is that they are less robustly built which means you may have to compromise the durability.
4. Portability
It is important for you to consider the portability factor of your smoker. You need to see how easily you can store it when it is not in use and take it out when you are willing to use it. Most large units support portability as they feature wheels or side handles or both. However, the relocation of heavier ones are close to impossible even if they come with wheels but not all large ones are heavy and can be relocated with ease. On the other hand, some barrel smokers give you the luxury to dismantle them and reassemble them with ease so you can carry them literally anywhere! In general, smaller units are easy to carry around so if you make frequent camping trips, it might be fit for you to go for smaller ones.
Types of Smoker
1. Electric Smoker
If you prefer convenience over everything else, electric smokers are the way to go. You will not require any natural fuel source to smoke your rib-eye steaks. All you need to do is plug it in, add wood chips and water. The wood will be ignited and you will be left will smoke that is perfect for smoking your rib-eye steak to perfection.
The temperature control in electric smokers is much easier compared to other types of smokers. This is because the regulators are similar to that of a stove which is much more convenient. However, it is reported and analyzed that food prepared by these types of smokers lacks authentic flavor. So, if you seek authenticity, this type may not be the right type for you.
2. Charcoal Smoker
A charcoal smoker is one of the most traditional methods of smoking that give you an authentic flavor to your food. It smokes food in a slow-cooking manner by low, indirect heat for a long period of time. They are the cheapest type of smokers the market offers you, however, some brands nowadays can cost you a lot as well.
While looking and shopping for a charcoal smoker, make sure you go for a model that has easy access to the food smoking chamber and the coals. Or else, it would be difficult to add coal if more is required. This is perfect for those who do not mind getting their hands a little dirty in the process of smoking up meats.
3. Wood Pellet Smoker
Wood Pellet Smoker, as its name suggests, is a smoker that is powered by wood pellets which creates the smoke and heat required for cooking food. The fuel, i.e. the wood pellets used in this smoke is basically a compressed form of sawdust that comes in a variety of wood flavors.
The smoker combines the features of both charcoal and electric ones. These, too, are as convenient as electric smokers and give you a very authentic flavor that charcoal smokers can. The PID electric control panel allows you to place fuel pellets on the fire, control the airflow and maintain an even temperature.
4. Propane Smoker
This is one of the most common types of smokers after charcoal. If you are looking for a smoker that is time effective, there is no alternative to propane smokers. It is easy to use as well as ignites faster than electric smokers. They are also built in such a way that promotes portability. However, it is important for you to monitor the propane levels throughout the BBQ sessions so that you do not run out of it in the middle of smoking some burger patties. This type is usually preferred by the pit-masters to smoke up quality meat as it is a much cleaner method of cooking. Moreover, the market has a wide range of propane smokers to offer to you in terms of design, features, prices, and sizes.
FAQ Section
Q. Which type of BBQ Smoker is the most convenient to use?
The easiest type is the electric ones. They are convenient, faster, have good temperature control, and are perfect for newbies. Next on the list would be propane or wood pellet smokers since they can maintain a steady temperature on their own when they are fully fueled without requiring frequent adjustments. Charcoal ones, on the other hand, in our opinion, are the toughest kind. However, they are most preferred by pitmasters as they can restore the authentic smoky flavor in food.
Q. How often is it necessary to clean my smoker?
To maintain proper hygiene, you should regularly clean the parts that come in contact with food, or else it can become the home to bacteria which will put your health in jeopardy. As for the whole smoker, make sure to clean it a couple of times atleast in a year unless suggested otherwise in their individual user manual.
Q. What is the proper way to clean my smoker?
After you are done smoking your food, allow your smoker to cool down completely. Firstly, scrape out the residual ashes to prevent humidity and rusting issues damaging your smoker over time. Then with warm soapy water scrub all the racks and dripping trays. After you are done washing, make sure to dry them with a damp cloth.
Q. How do I know whether I am smoking my food at the correct temperature or not?
Generally, most BBQ smokers have a built-in thermostat. However, they are not equipped to give a precise temperature reading and give just an estimation. So, the best you can do is use the temperature regulators to control the temperature as well as the airflow. Although nowadays, the market offers very upgraded smokers that come with advanced technologies like WiFi and Bluetooth which help you remotely control the temperatures through an app.
Q. What is the ideal position to place my smoker?
Even though there is no “ideal” place where you can place your smoker, you need to ensure that your smoker is placed somewhere the parts of it are being damaged. Another thing that needs to keep in mind is that enough air ventilation is allowed for the fuel to combust.
EndNote
Well, if you made it this far in our article, we hope our article was able to create some positive impact on your buying decision and enlighten you with some interesting insights like how many different types of smokers there are and how they are powered by different fuels that will help you make an informed purchase.
Smokers help you cook pork roasts to beef briskets to even chicken with a very distinct smoky flavor that you cannot get enough of. If you are a newbie, you should consider going for the simpler ones but if you are a pro any and every model will work perfectly fine for you. Go for a brand that offers you service for a lifetime with very few headaches and take some time to go through our blog on Best BBQ smokers again before you head out to get yourself your desired one.
Happy Smoking!