Do you love BBQ and want to step your skills up to the next level? Is your grill not large enough for the grilling adventures you want to go on? If so, then it might be time for you to invest in a commercial-grade smoker. Several factors have to be considered when purchasing this type of smoker, and the commercial BBQ smokers for you might differ from a friend or relative based on wants and skill.
Here, we have reviewed some of the commercial BBQ smokers available on the market, and we have compiled some factors and questions about these types of smokers that anyone looking to purchase one should be aware of.
Keeping this in mind, let’s dive in and find the right commercial-grade BBQ smoker for you.
Best Commercial Smokers
1. Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker
Smokin-It is a well-known manufacturer of different styles of smokers, and this is one of their most popular electric models. They designed the entire smoker from 18 gauge 201 non-magnetic stainless steel construction, and it comes with four separate removable stainless steel shelves.
These shelves will allow you to pick and choose the amount of meat that you can cook at any given time. Plus, it will allow you to cook different-sized meat, as well.
To make this model more convenient, they have added handles on the side of the smoker easier to move around as needed without a lot of hassle.
Most consumers found this model to be the most commercial electric smoker that they could find. They enjoyed the side handles designed to make it easier to move the smoker, but some have expressed a few issues with the provided analog control system that is integrated into the smoker.
Pros
- Side handles for easy movement
- Four removable stainless steel shelves
- Made from 18 gauge 201 non-magnetic stainless steel
Cons
- Minor issues with the provided analog control
2. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
Dyna-Glo has worked hard to build up its reputation as one of the best smoker manufacturers in the market, and this model holds up to that reputation.
They designed this model with an extensive charcoal and ash management system that makes cleaning and maintaining things a lot easier before, during, and after the cooking process takes place.
Dyna-Glo created this smoker with a total of 6 cooking grates that you can choose to add or remove depending on the size of the food and the amount of the food that you are planning to prepare.
Finally, as an extra touch, they have also included a custom-fit premium cover that will help to keep the smoker clean and safe while it is not being utilized.
Many consumers have expressed their enjoyment of using this smoker model, and they think that it is the commercial offset smoker available, on the market.
They enjoy the large cooking area with the 6 available cooking grates, but some consumers have found issues with understanding or having an instruction manual arrive with the smoker.
Pros
- Charcoal and ash management system
- 6 cooking grates
- Comes with custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover
Cons
- Issues with the instruction manual missing
3. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 22 Inch Smoker
Weber is one of the most renowned manufacturers of grills and smokers, and this is one of the most popular commercial smokers available on their line.
The smoker is made of sturdy material, and most of the smoker parts are coated with a porcelain enamel, which makes it easier to keep clean during and after every use.
They have added a silicone temperature grommet to make it easier to attend to temperature while cooking. Finally, they have added an easy-to-remove fuel door that makes it easy to add new wood to the smoker for longer cooking sessions
Many consumers have enjoyed this professional meat smoker, and they especially enjoyed how easy it was to have it cleaned after every use.
However, a few consumers have expressed having minor issues with the packaging of this model upon arrival, but the response from the manufacturer left most of their complaints with a happy ending.
Pros
- Silicone temperature grommet
- Porcelain-enameled center, lid, and bowl
- Easily removed fuel door
Cons
- Minor issues with the packaging
4. Bradley Smoker BTDS108P 990223 Bradley Digital 6 Rack Smoker
Bradley Smoker has a lot of excellent reviews on this commercial smoker model, and they have designed it with a lot of quality features to help set it apart.
This smoker has 6 cooking racks, which makes it acceptable for small or large meals, depending on your preference and needs.
It has an easy-to-remove ash catcher to help keep things clean throughout the cleaning process, and they have designed it with a fully digital control system.
Many consumers who are looking for a commercial pellet smoker for a restaurant have been immensely pleased with this particular smoker due to the ease of adjusting the digital control system.
However, a few consumers have expressed having minor issues with this model’s temperature fluctuating randomly, causing them to keep a close eye on the cooking process.
Pros
- Comes with 6 cooking racks
- Easy to remove ash catcher
- Full digital control
Cons
- Minor issues with temperature fluctuation
5. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
This smoker is designed with a reverse flow feature that makes it a lot easier to maintain and correct temperature. The entire smoker is made from heavy-gauge steel, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Finally, it has removable baffles, and you can pick and choose the placement of the smokestack, which will make it easier for placement.
When looking for a commercial wood smoker, many consumers have expressed their happiness with this particular model, and they especially enjoy the heavy-gauge all-steel construction of the smoker.
However, a few of them have experienced some minor shipping issues with this model.
Pros
- Large firebox chamber with stainless steel fuel basket
- Heavy-gauge all-steel construction
- Removable baffles with optional smokestack locations
Cons
- Minor shipping issues
6. Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker
Over the years, Masterbuilt has worked hard to build its reputation as a quality smoker manufacturer, and this is one of its top commercial smoker models.
They have added several features that help to push it over their competitor models. For instance, the smoker has a total of 4 racks, but they have had them coated in chrome, which makes them easier to clean than other models.
This model does require assembly upon arrival, but Masterbuilt has included a well-constructed assembly and operation manual that makes it easy to maintain this commercial smoker model from the very arrival of the packages.
This model also comes with an RF remote that is designed to help monitor and control the temperature of the smoker throughout the entire cooking process.
Many consumers have expressed that this is an excellent commercial vertical smoker, and they enjoy how easy to clean the smoking racks are due to the chrome coat.
However, a few consumers have expressed a few issues when contacting the manufacturer’s customer service concerning this particular commercial smoker model.
Pros
- 4 chrome-coated smoking racks
- Easy to understand assembly and operation manual
- RF remote for monitoring and controlling temperature
Cons
- Minor customer service response issues
7. KBQ C-60 BBQ Smoker Pit
KBQ has manufactured several exquisite commercial smokers for consumers to enjoy, but they have added several features to this model to help push it over its competitors.
One of the most unique features of this commercial smoker is that it uses real wood for fuel, unlike many other smokers that tend to use other fueling options, which can cause the food an odd taste.
They have constructed this model out of stainless steel, which makes it easier to clean.
Plus, they have added an AutoDraft control box that is designed to help you manage and maintain the temperature of the smoker, which will free you up to deal with other portions of your meal with ease.
Many consumers find that this is the commercial smoker for restaurants on the market due to its exquisite construction. However, a few consumers have acknowledged that this smoker’s fans can be noisy compared to some of the other models, on the market.
Pros
- Made from stainless steel
- Uses real wood for fuel
- AutoDraft control box for maintaining temperature
Cons
- Minor noise issues with fans
Factors to Consider
Several factors should be considered before purchasing a commercial-grade smoker, and depending on your needs, some of the factors might be more important than others.
However, you should at least consider the following factors as a whole to ensure you make the right purchasing decision.
Number of Racks:
If you require a commercial smoker, then you need to cook larger amounts of food. Considering the number of racks will allow you to configure the amount of food that you can cook at the same time.
Many smokers can have their racks removed or adjusted you needed, but it is better to have more racks than you need than not enough.
Type of Fuel:
Commercial smokers come with a variety of fuel consumption options, but most traditional smoke cookers consider wood to be the only fuel for cooking a quality smoked meal.
Wood does provide the best-smoked taste, but it is possible to find other fuel-sourced smokers if you prefer. It all depends on your desires.
Cooking Area:
One of the last factors that you should consider is the smoker’s cooking area. Depending on the size of the meals that you plan to create this can vary for your needs.
However, you want to plan for future events that you might encounter. It is better to have a larger cooking area that is not always needed than to have a cooking area that is too small.
FAQs
Does the manufacturer of a commercial smoker matter?Just like with any product, some manufacturers are better known for their smokers, but that does not mean that there are no newer or less-known manufacturers that still create quality products. The most important thing to look for is if the manufacturer provides some sort of warranty or provides other evidence that they stand behind their smoker models.
When should you consider a commercial smoker over a regular grill or smoker?Some people believe that commercial smokers are only useful for restaurants, but this is not the case. Commercial smokers can be used by anyone that enjoys smoking large amounts of meat at a time. However, commercial smokers can be complicated to use and usually are not recommended for amateurs.
Do commercial BBQ smokers require assembly?When purchasing a commercial smoker, you should expect some degree of assembling to be required. You should check out reviews on products to make sure you will be able to put it together and that it comes with an easy-to-understand manual.
Summary
After all, is said and done, we have reviewed some of the commercial smokers on the market, but the Smokin-It Model #3 Electric Smoker has proven to be the top on our list.
It has a lot of excellent features, and it is constructed from high-quality materials, which makes it perfect for electrically smoking any kind of meat to perfection.
However, we acknowledge that everyone has their own needs and wants for a commercial smoker.
Therefore, it is imperative that you know what you want and be sure to research different models before making a final selection for which commercial smokers will best suit your needs because these smokers are not one-size-fits-all. This is important for you to understand to get the right smoker for you.
