Who wouldn’t want to be a magician with any kind of smoker? Getting a quality barbeque smoker can be troublesome for a lot of people, partly because there are a dozen types of smokers to consider.
With a modern meat smoker, you don’t have to hover over your grill now and then to check the temperature, add woodchips, or fiddle with the tampers.
Ultimately, you need to pick the smoker that you’ll enjoy using most. Scoring myriad smoker websites doesn’t just guarantee easy picks. We’ll help you evaluate a few types of smokers. How then do you pick a smoker worth your dough?
Propane Smoker
Foremost, all food smokers yield great cooking results. It all boils down to your preferences. For this reason, you need to know how a propane smoker works. A typical propane smoker resembles a gym locker. Other models reminisce old cabinets- the kind that you see in classic Western break-in movies.
Most propane smokers have a simple design. The bottom part has a gas burner running off a propane tank. Just above the heater is a tray where woodchips, smoking chips, or sawdust are put.
Above it sits a water pan that boils steam, to make sure whatever you are grilling sustains moisture. The rack perches on top of the water pan, where the meat you are smoking sits.
If it’s your first time using a propane smoker, make sure you peruse the instruction manual carefully. Don’t ignore the smoker guide, okay? You have to season the smoker to rid it of any dust or manufacturing oils.
How to Choose the Propane Smoker
Make sure to check the grill’s BTU, which will tell you the exact amount of gas the particular model uses and, consequently, the heat it will produce. Remember that better BTU stats don’t necessarily translate to better cooking.
Get a stable propane smoker. You can test this aspect by pushing the grill from all possible angles to observe whether it trips or not.
Food smokers don’t get any better than propane grills, which are best for cooking hot dogs and burgers. If you would like some turkey, then it is advisable to get a smoker with a rotisserie burner.
Pros of Propane Smokers
- Propane smokers may eclipse other types of meat smokers due to the consistency of the flame produced.
- Propane smokers are relatively affordable.
- Propane guarantees you a clean and efficient burn compared to charcoal or wood
- They are portable. You can easily carry it with you to excursions, camps, or even trips. Since most smokers can reach incredible temperatures of up to 450 degrees, you can also utilize it as an oven.
Electric Smoker
What is the best type of smoker?
We’re glad that you’ve asked this question. Our next phase of exploring BBQ smokers brings us to electric meat smokers. Our grandparents may have used wood or charcoal to smoke their steaks or food, but it’s time you consider the more contemporary option.
Electric smokers are an excellent choice for fast and efficient grilling.
How to Choose Electric Smoker
You need to purchase an electric smoker with thick seals, metal, and insulation. This way, the heat will be evenly spread inside the chamber. Steel chambers are highly viable in this regard.
You also need to go for a smoker with durable capabilities. It should also have artistry hints if you are to be happy with your decision. Go for a model that is both waterproof and rustproof to make sure it lasts long. Your preferred grill should also distribute heat evenly.
Does your smoker come with tool hooks and covers?
You should purchase a smoker that won’t rust easily in case you leave it uncovered. Depending on your preferences, you should go for a model that comes with in-built table features. It will enable you to cut sauces and boards easily.
Make sure your electric smoker is both child and pet-safe. Ensure that the handles are relaxed when the smoker is in use and that its wheels can lock.
Pros of Electric Smoker
- It’s quite simple to smoke your food using an electric smoker. You don’t need to pay much attention since there is a constant supply of electricity.
- It is also relatively easy to learn how to use an electric smoker. There’s no strict manual on setting it up either.
- They are an eco-friendly option since they emit no solid waste. Therefore, electric smokers are a clean smoking option.
- With an electric smoker, you can easily regulate temperatures to your desired range. This means, that if you want to do a task that will preoccupy you for a long time, you can simply tone down the heat and leave the food to cook slowly.
- They are a safety-oriented type of meat smoker. You are less likely to start a fire with an electric smoker since you don’t come in contact with charcoal or gas.
Pellet Smoker
When it comes to the most effective smokers for brisket, pellet smokers are right up there with other beastly grilling machines. You may be asking yourself, what does a pellet smoker offer? How does a pellet smoker work? Let’s explore this further.
How a Pellet Smoker Works
It uses a drill to move hardwood pellets to the firepot in the grill. The pellets are set in the hopper.
The higher the target temperature, the more the pellets are pushed into the auger. Starting a fire requires a hot rod to ignite the pellets.
During the convection process, an induction fan propels hardwood smoke in the entire cook chamber for epic flavoring.
The fan also stokes the flames, which aid in cooking your food evenly. A drip tray located just above the firepot helps to keep direct flames off your meat. The tray also arrests drippings that might cause flare-ups.
How to Choose Pellet Smokers
You must think about the kind of food you want to cook. Fish fillets, garlic bread vegetables, and chicken wings all require pellet smokers.
If you want to cook loin, dense vegetables, ribs, and whole chicken, you’ll need a smoker that has ample grate space, a high lid, and convenient temperature controls.
Importantly, make sure the smoker is built from heavy-gauge still. With this in place, you can use it for many years without the need to worry about wear and tear.
Consider other crucial factors, such as the need for insulated covers, warming grates, side tables, and burners for high-temperature searing.
Pros of Pellet Smokers
- Consistent flames will undoubtedly give you consistent food results
- You will get to craft food rather than monitor the fire now and then
- Pellet smokers intuitively regulate temperatures. This makes it easy for you to concentrate on the actual cooking.
- Pellet smokers are widely versatile in that you can smoke, bake, grill, and roast.
- Fast preheating prevents possible flare-ups
- All natural pellets come in a rich wood variety, including hickory, pecan, mesquite, alder, maple, and apple.
Charcoal Smoker
Pure smoking is a great way to cook your meat for a delicious and tender serving. Ready to take your party grilling game to the next level?
Learning the nitty-gritty about charcoal smokers is the gateway to enjoying succulent steaks and yummy briskets.
Grilling with a charcoal smoker can be a bit tricky compared to electric or pellet smokers, but worry not, we’ve got you covered.
A smoker grill cooks any food over indirect heat and for long periods, precisely what those tough ribs need to taste sumptuous!
Tips to Help You Get the Best Out of a Charcoal Smoker
Utilize a chimney starter
Chimney starters are a must-have with charcoal grilling. They are useful in heating over 100 charcoal briquettes and getting them red-hot within 30 minutes.
You just need to light up a single sheet of paper. No more eating food that tastes like paraffin!
Use just the right amount of charcoal
Feeling comfortable with the chimney is the secret to having an easy grill. Knowing how much charcoal to use depends on the grill’s temperatures.
Therefore, it all depends on how much charcoal the chimney can stack up.
For high-heat smoking (450-550 degrees), which is ideal for grilling thin cuts of meat and steaks, you’d want a fully-filled chimney.
For medium-heat grilling (around 350 degrees), perfect for seafood and chicken, you’d want a ½ chimney. For low-heat cooking (less than 250 degrees), ideal for roasting larger roasts and pork pieces, you’d want ¼ stack.
Preheat & oil the grate
Preheating and oiling the cooking grate ensures that food pieces don’t stick to the grill. You won’t attain those lovely grill markings if you let your food overcook over a cold grill.
Build a double fire zone
Charcoal grilling is the art of cooking. To master it, you need to implement the two-zone fire strategy where you load charcoal to one side of the grill and leave the other segment empty.
If you slowly pull off the two-zone fire technique, you can comfortably grill two different foods without overcooking or scorching.
How to Choose Charcoal Smokers
Acquire a smoker with adequate temperature controls. This depends on a few factors, such as the ability to tune the distance between the coals and food, practice, dampers, lid, and thermometers.
Get a smoker with a lid that fits tightly. For that reason, go for one that has at least two dampers, including an intake and exhaust.
Make sure your smoker has a digital thermometer. Remember, the internal temperature dictates how the final product will taste, and you need to keep an eye on it often. Ensure that the smoker has easy charcoal access, which makes it possible to control the temperature inside the grill.
Pros of A Charcoal Smoker
- You will enjoy the distinctive, tender yet smoky flavor that cannot be achieved with propane, pellet, or electric smokers
- Ideal for cooking food on high heat, for example, steaks, kebabs, or pizza.
- Charcoal is way cheaper than gas.
Electric vs. Propane Smoker: The Differences that Matter
The million-dollar question that you are likely to pop is- which of the electric vs propane smokers is worth the hassle?
Both are moderately easy to use and can be good picks on a tight budget. As their tags suggest, they use different sources of power- a critical decision factor. They both need a power plug, so make sure you plan for this beforehand.
Electric smokers are not as widely applicable as propane smokers since they run on relatively lower temps. However, it is this feature that makes electric smokers viable for cold smoking.
Propane smokers are a far more versatile option since they are portable and can reach high operational temperatures. However, you need to monitor the temperature closely because some models have poor insulation. With that in mind, they may not offer as much ease of use as their electric counterparts.
Pellet vs. Gas Smoker: Which One is Worth the Buy?
When it comes to the question of the best smoker grill, pellet, and gas smokers are worthy contenders. Gas smokers are suitable for rare and medium-rare steaks. It helps the inside get cold enough to make for a tasty raw steak.
Gas smokers have the upper hand in terms of quick and efficient grilling. Gas smokers post better health statistics. They burn away cholesterol hence less fatty meat.
Pellet smokers are more affordable both in terms of purchase and fuel costs. You can rest assured that wood pellets are a cheap commodity, well within your price range.
You’re less likely to undercook food with pellet smokers. The drawback of the same is that you can’t achieve sleek rare steaks. You can monitor and regulate the temperatures by reducing the number of pellets or by utilizing a thermostat.
Choosing Smoker Fuel
The best fuel for smokers depends on the kind of food you want to enjoy.
When you’re burning meat to obtain a flurry of flavors, there’s no way that propane and charcoal will get you the same results. Like everything, each fuel has its pros and cons.
Cooking with whole pieces of wood will give you a luxurious, smoky, crispy flavor. However, if you choose the wrong type of wood, you’ll end up with charred steaks.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, wood pellets are a good buy. They achieve a robust, woody flavor. However, they are not recommended for grilling. They can also lead to an intense taste.
Charcoal briquettes are excellent for high-heat grilling but can leave your food with unnecessary additives.
Choosing the best type of smoker is a truly mind-spinning experience. Simply put, there’s no right answer! As we outlined earlier, each of these smokers can have epic cooking experiences. Are you looking for an affordable smoker?
Then charcoal and pellet smokers are your best bet. Do you prefer a fast and efficient smoker? An electric smoker will do just fine. We recommend that you buy a smoker that fits your requirements.
