Best Smokers
Best Pellet Smoker
Best Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo
Best Gas/Propane Smoker
Best Electric Smoker
What is a smoker?
Smokers are a receptacle used to cook meats at a low temperature over a long period of time. All smokers usually have a wood chip chamber and a water chamber that work together to cook meats with indirect heat. This takes time (up to 10 hours, depending on the meat type and size) but enhances the flavor of the meat and gives it the signature smoky taste traditional barbecue is known for.
Choosing a smoker
Fuel Type
Charcoal
If an authentic BBQ taste and flavor is what you’re looking for, charcoal smokers are your best bet. However, these smokers aren’t for rookies. While cooking the meats, you’ll need to consistently be checking the temperature and air flow and also be mindful of refueling and smoke levels. The trade-off to all of that hard work? The flavor! Meats smoked with charcoal give a traditional and genuine BBQ taste.
Gas
Similar to a grill, gas smokers are fueled by propane tanks. Smoking with gas ensures the meat receives an well dispersed amount of heat and makes it easy to control the temperature and airflow. While this is almost as easy to use as an electric smoker, with a gas smoker, taste isn’t sacrificed. Your meats will still have that same great BBQ taste but without any taste from the heat source (think: a charred, burnt taste).
Pellet
Pellet smokers are simple to use. Dare we say, maybe even simpler than electric! Pellet smokers are made from natural materials and do all of the work for you automatically, from airflow and temperature control to smoke levels and refueling. Some pellet smokers may have programmed settings so all you have to do is push a button to get your desired taste. Pellets give off a subtle smoke, making it hard to overcook or oversmoke your meats.
Electric
Electric smokers, as the name suggests, run on electricity and work similarly to how ovens operate. These types of smokers do the heavy-lifting for you with built in thermostats to control the temperature, so all you need to worry about is the amount of smoke and airflow. However, it can be tricky to figure out the smokers settings and features to ensure you get the desired temperature and taste of the meat. Speaking of taste—experienced smokers note that the taste from electric smokers is quite different than any other fuel type.
Body Type
Offset
If a smoker’s heat source is located next to the main chamber, it’s most likely an offset smoker. Offset smokers are usually fueled by charcoal or wood and waft smoke from the fire box and into the chamber. While these types require a lot of effort and are better suited for more experienced smokers, using tools like a temperature controller.
Vertical
The heat source for vertical smokers is directly below the main chamber. Because heat rises, it makes it a bit easier to manage temperature and smoke levels. Also, because they’re vertical, they’re best for those smokers with limited space to work with. Most usually have an easy access door, making it simple to refuel.
Factors to consider before purchasing a smoker
Temperature Control
Without proper temperature management, you won’t be able to properly smoke meats. Be sure to take the time to understand how the temperature control and airflow management work. Check out the placement of the dampers (vents) to ensure they’re easily accessible to adjust the airflow. Does the smoker come with a thermometer? Will you need to purchase a temperature controller? How much effort will it take to manage the temperature and airflow? These are great questions to ask before making a decision.
Insulation
Keeping the heat within the chamber is crucial when smoking meats, so it’s important to consider the insulation of a smoker before purchasing. The metal on your smoker should be very thick and well sealed—because less insulated smokers release more heat, they often require frequent fueling as well.
Durability
Just as important as the insulation of the smoker is how its made and its durability. Is the smoker you’re looking at built to last? Be sure to ask questions about the workmanship, materials its made out of, if its portable, and if the paint is rust and/or water proof.
Water Pans
While they’re called water pans and originally meant to hold water, these pans can actually be filled with a number of different liquids to alter the taste and flavor of your meats (some popular options are to fill it with wine, beer, or herbs!). Some of the best smokers have a pan above the heat source rather than below. Why is this important? The water (or any other liquid) reduces fluctuation in temperature and increases humidity so the meat stays moist and tender.
Best Pellet Smoker
This 8-in-1 smoker doesn’t just smoke, it also grills, bakes, roasts, braises, sears, barbecues, and char-grills! Like most pellet smokers, all you have to do is set the temperature, relax, and wait for your delicious meal. It’s PID technology holds the tightest temperature possible to ensure consistent results every time with a temperature range of 180° to 450°. This smoker is built to last, made out of sturdy steel with a high-temperature powder coating finish. It can hold up to 15 lbs of pellets, meaning you’ll be able to smoke more and refill less! Lastly, with a measurement of 425 square inches, it’s perfect for smaller spaces.
Best Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo
We’ve talked a lot about temperature control, and this charcoal smoker comes with a built-in thermometer and an airflow adjuster. The best part? It’s a grill, too! With a cooking space of 453 square inches, 2 cooking grades and 4 hangers, you can smoke and grill all different shapes and sizes of meats and refueling is a breeze with its 2 access door This grill and smoker combo is also easily transportable with a latch-locking system that can be taken apart for storing or carrying.
Best Gas/Propane Smoker
The Cuisinart propane smoker has tons of smoking room with a 5.45 square foot chamber and 4 removable shelves that are dishwasher safe, making for easy clean up. Like the Realcook smoker above, it has a built-in thermometer and an adjustable gas supply to control the amount of heat being released into the chamber. As far as durability, its seal-tight door ensures heat stays in and comes with a porcelain enameled steel tray for holding both wood and water.
Best Electric Smoker
The Masterbuild electric smoker enables you to control everything digitally—including temperature and time. With a max temperature setting of 275° it doesn’t get as hot as the others, but its thermostat assists with temperature control for even and consistent results. In addition, its patented side woodchip-loading system allows you to refuel your smoker with chips without even having to open a door!
FAQs about Smokers
What’s the difference between a smoker and a grill?
While very similar, smokers and grills are actually not the same. The biggest differentiator is how the heat is dispersed. Smokers use indirect heat through smoke and moisture for low and slow cooking, while grills apply direct heat to food to cook it quickly.
Does it matter which pellets and/or wood I use?
Yes! The type of wood or wood pellet used will determine how your food tastes. Oak wood produces a mild flavor, hickory gives a smokier, stronger flavor, pecan gives a sweeter flavor, and mesquite is the strongest and burns fast with a lot of smoke. The same holds true for the type of wood pellets you use.
What are some accessories I can purchase for my smoker?
Depending on how sophisticated you want to get, there are lots of accessories to purchase with your smoker. A few we’ve already talked about are temperature controllers and thermostats, but popular other ones include torches and firestarters. And, just like a grill, you can extend the lifetime of your smoker with a cover.
Do I have to use the water pan?
While you could technically smoke without it, the water pan and its placement is crucial for heat absorption and temperature fluctuation. Omitting a water pan won’t result in the best tasting meat. You can evey try filling it with other things for added flavor, like beer, wine, and herbs.
Where should I put my smoker?
When deciding where to place your smoker for use, safety is first! Be sure to put it in an open, well-vented area for the best air flow and do not put it near anything that is flammable or combustible. While note necessarily a safety hazard, you may want to place it away from windows as well to avoid the smell of the smoke entering your home.