Smokers Buying Guide
Do you love the taste of smoked foods? Many people do, and if you haven't tried smoked foods, maybe now is the time. Serious connoisseurs of smoking like to tell others that you truly haven't barbequed until you've tended a fire all day to get that perfect pulled pork or smoked brisket. After all, smoking is the true process of Barbecue. Sure, grilling is a lot of fun, but if you are serious about barbecuing, you should look into buying a smoker.
Types of Smokers
There are two basic categories of smokers the vertical water smoker and the barbeque pit/dry smoker. Within each, there are several different models and styles to choose from.
Vertical water smokers somewhat resemble a trashcan in terms of its look. They are also often referred to as bullet smokers. In a vertical water smoker, a water pan typically sits between the heat source and the food and helps regulate the temperature. This ensures that the heat is kept near 212F degrees, or the boiling point of water. There are four types of vertical water smokers: gas, electric, charcoal and wood burning.
These are both convenient and easy to use. Many gas smokers are portable and can be easily traveled with, as long as you keep the gas tank full. Electric smokers obviously just plug right in.
These do require a bit of work and attention, but are affordable and provide great flavor. Small charcoal fire smokers are highly portable and very easy to use. As with a wood fire, you can expect to spend some time tending the fire. If you'd rather not do that for a long period of time (some smoking processes depending on the meat can take up to 8 hours), you should consider a gas or electric smoker.
These are often referred to as the traditional or the original smokers. These types of smokers take some practice to use and to perfect the smoking process. Learning the right woods to burn (the fire has to be clean), how hot your fire needs to be, and how your smoker reacts will require a bit of practice and patience. Those who use this type of traditional smoker swear by the taste of the meat. For many, you can't beat the natural smoky flavors that can be achieved with the right wood.
With an electric, you get the added bonus of not depending upon any type of fuel source. You just set the temperature and go. Unfortunately, they can't take them with you unless you are going to be near a power source. Serious barbecuers reportedly are not quite as impressed with electric smokers, often making a comparison between a microwave and fine cooking. They view an electric smoker as a microwave in the sense that it is definitely convenient to use, but not a lot of fun!
Barbeque Pits or Dry Smokers
Professional barbecuers tend to favor a more traditional approach using a barbeque pit-style smoker, and dry heat as a source to smoke. These types of smokers often feature an offset firebox on one side of the grill and a cooking chamber on the other. Dry smokers do not require charcoal or gas. Instead, they use split logs which serve as their dry heat source. The down side to using wood means that you must constantly maintain the fire to keep the smoker at its target temperature.
Many barbecuers feel that a dry heat source provides a more intense, smoky flavor. Since the meats are further away from the heat source, the cooking process is slower and longer. Slower cooking translates into more intense flavor.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
For many, the first consideration when selecting a smoker is going to be price. With a wide selection and variety of smokers from which to choose, everyone from beginners to experts should be able to find something within their price range. The general rule of thumb for many when purchasing a smoker is to buy the best smoker you can afford and justify. It may help to purchase that higher-end smoker if you look at it as a long-term investment. Many smokers are built to last for years. And that translates into years of smoking enjoyment and tasty meals.
After considering price, you should also think about:
Fuel
As mentioned, smokers are designed to use a variety of fuel sources. How readily available the fuel source is and how potentially expensive it may become can be a major factor in selecting a smoker. Remember, depending on what you are smoking, you are going to have to use a fuel source, aside from electric models, which will require re-supplying for anywhere up to eight hours each time.
Also, if you can't see yourself diligently tending a charcoal or wood fire for long periods of time, you may prefer a gas or electric smoker. However, the flavor from a gas or electric smoker may not be as intense or flavorful as with authentic wood or charcoal.
Capacity
How many people do you intend to cook for? Will it just be your immediate family and a few friends, or are you a hard-core smoker or professional who will cook for anyone and everyone? Again, it's important to keep in mind how long meats are going to take to cook. If typical cooking times can run upwards of eight hours, you are going to want enough space to smoke everything in one batch.
Portability
Smokers can range from small and portable grills that are easy to carry to large units that mount onto trailers. Charcoal smokers are generally more portable than gas or electric smokers and are lighter in weight, making them much easier to carry.
Air Flow Control
Look for units that have adjustable vents. The ideal temperature for smoking is between 200 and 250 degrees. Smokers that have a good venting system will allow for better control of the air flow and temperature to maintain that heat.
Price Range
Smokers are available in a wide range of styles. Prices can range from $50 to $5000 depending on the size, type and quality selected. In the case of smokers, many agree that spending a little extra will definitely get you better quality, more features and longer life. Super-low priced smokers tend to be low quality, lightweight and flimsy. This in turn will lead you to higher fuel costs and more difficult maintenance needed to keep a consistent smoking temperature. So, for a little extra investment, you can get a better unit that will last you longer.
Charcoal water smokers are considered one of the best values for beginning smokers. Many units start out at under $50. If you are leaning toward a gas or electric unit, you can find a solid smoker for under $100. If you are set on a wood-fired pit smoker, expect to see prices that range from $200 to $600. A good quality wood-fired pit smoker will probably set you back about $500. However, many of these units are designed to provide you many years of smoking bliss.