A good BBQ smoker can maintain low temperatures necessary for cooking a sumptuous meal. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of smokers available in the market today. Most notably, other barbecue grillers cook at very high temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius. Smokers work best in this case because the source of the heat stays away from the food,
thus giving it enough time to cook well using the smoke. The fact that there are many BBQ smokers out there would confuse you even more.
In this article, we have saved you the hassle of having to go through the process of selecting which one is best. The experience and expertise we have acquired over the years during our research in determining the best BBQ smokers are worth your while. Most importantly, we have narrowed down the best smokers among the many brands in the market to suit your needs. The features and qualities you need in choosing your BBQ smoker are well articulated here. We have considered factors like affordability, durability as well as portability to suit your budget while acquiring a high-quality model at the same time.
Our top pick
Tepro 1087 Biloxi Pit Barrel Offset BBQ Smoker
This smoker is among the best models that you could use to prepare exciting and sumptuous dishes. It provides a chance to cook food in the traditional BBQ way in the presence of wood fire or under hot coals. The one-millimetre thick steel ensures food cooks slowly and carefully.
Benefits
It is heat resistant
It comes with a built-in thermometer
The smoker contains cooking grids made of durable enamel.
It has a generously sized grill accompanied by a warming rack.
Features
It has a 58×40 cm grill surface that provides enough space in an instance where you are grilling using direct heat.
The side chamber contains a large air vent to allow flexible adjustment of the cooking temperature.
It comes with a large shelf to store your sauces and marinades while cooking.
It is 126cm in width and weighs 32.46kgs hence easily portable.
- Generous sized grill with warming rack
- Enamel cooking grids
- Trolley mounted, with large steel wheels
- Heat resistant finish to a max. 350°C
- 1mm thick steel - Built in thermometer
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Types of smokers
Charcoal smokers
Wood smokers
Electric Smokers
Gas smokers
How Smokers Work
All the above smokers cook food by using actual smoke. In fact, all kinds of meat, including fish and poultry, follow the same process. Impressively, gas and electric smokers are easy to use and less demanding. However, charcoal and wood smokers are more complicated because they produce the signature smoke flavour making the meat tastier. The experience of cooking outdoors while using these smokers is terrific.
On the bottom of the smoker chamber, you will find a wood chips pan and a water pan. The water is vital in maintaining the internal temperature at optimum levels. Wood provides the smoky taste needed for authenticity. Foods such as meat are better preserved using smoking. As a result, the meal will have an amazing feeling. The goal is to cook the food for more extended
periods using the smoke at a low temperature. Chemical compounds found in smoke prevent the growth of bacteria. For this reason, the smoke is also essential for food preservation.
Which is best between a grill and a smoker or a combo?
The type of food you want to cook is the determinant of whether to choose a grill or a smoker to cook. A grill uses more fire; hence you would want to use it when preparing food for a large number of people. Furthermore, you need to keep checking on the food while using a grill and tuning it to avoid burning. On the other hand, a smoker cooks slowly; therefore, you will not
have to keep on checking on it as it uses indirect heat to cook. Food cooks gradually while the smoke flavour penetrates the meat, thus giving it a savoury taste. The smoker grill combo gives you the best of both their qualities.
Consider these factors when choosing a BBQ smoker.
Size
The size of the cooking area is an essential factor to consider. You will want to choose a small one if you prepare food for a few people. However, if you are a people’s person, you are likely to have visitors from time to time, and therefore, a more massive smoker would be necessary. Sometimes you need to prepare different kinds of food on the same cooking surface at a particular time. A better smoker would come in handy in such a situation.
Construction
The material used to make the smoker has much effect on whether it could stand the test of time and the heat it is subjected to or not. You are better off with a smoker that has a steel body with cast iron gates and powder coating. Ensure the paintwork is waterproof and rust-free. Construction feature solely depends on you as the buyer since you choose what you prefer and pay for. Furthermore, some cheap designs come with the type of steel coating whose durability is questionable.
Built-in thermometer
The thermometer has importance in monitoring the optimum temperature while the food is cooking. Therefore, with the presence of a thermometer, you do not have to keep on opening the lid to see whether the food has cooked until it is actually time to open the cover. You need not worry in case your smoker does not have a thermometer as you can always buy it separately.
Portability and easy access
You should find a smoker that weighs less with sturdy steel as you might need to carry it hurriedly in case of a sudden change of weather. One with sturdy wheels makes it easier for you to move from place to place. Less weight and wheels could very well complement each other.
See below our recommendations on the top BBQ smokers.
TecTake BBQ Charcoal smoker 3 in 1
Product description
Height: 80cm
Diameter: 41 cm
Plank heights: 35 or 56 cm
Air-door: 14 x 12 cm
Vent holes: 10 cm with six slots deduction
Distance from floor to canister 11 cm
Material: Coated Metal
Weight: 6.5 kg
Benefits and features
The smoker comes inclusive of two side doors important for ventilation.
It has a water bowl that is necessary for perfect steaming and smoking.
The coal ashtray with grate enhances durability.
It has two side handles for flexible portability.
For this model, the built-in thermometer is found on the top cover. This factor is beneficial because you do not need to open the lid of the smoker to check on your food while it is cooking. As a result, you give the food enough time for the smoke to easily penetrate the food thus giving it a savory taste.
- Multifunction Grill BBQ - different models -
- Including cooking with thermometer on the lids
- Please read the description below for more informations!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Char-Broil Smoker and Grill
This smoker assures you of high performance and tasty food in the end. With a three-in-one roaster, grill and smoker, the result is unlike any other.
Product description
Height: 92cm
Width: 59.4cm
Length: 58.7cm
Weight: 28.1kgs
Part number: 140678
Benefits
The grill smoker is equipped with a TRU- infrared cooking functionality that enables it to cook food evenly. Consequently, the food is juicier with less percentage of gas usage.
You can grill your steak, smoke your meat or roast your chicken without having to use any extra oil.
The grill top is removable and easy to clean. You are able to grill steaks and cook vegetables without worrying about flare-ups.
The rotary ignition feature lights quickly with one turn of the knob.
It comes with four rib hooks, thus making it possible to prepare mouth-watering ribs.
The two-year warranty it comes with ensures quality service.
- Grill top - removable, easy to clean porcelain coated cooking grates that grill steaks and vegetables, without flare-ups.
- Rotary ignition - lights quickly and easily with the turn of a knob.
- Roaster - roast up to 11kg of meat using the cooking basket with adjustable racks.
- Rib hooks - comes with 4 rib hooks to roast mouth-watering ribs.
- Warranty - 2 years all parts including the burner.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
KCT 3 in 1 Upright BBQ Smoker
This smoker is a perfect fit for the barbecue parties and summer months. It is an effective 3 in 1 smoker hence making it an all-purpose model. The steel drum construction is an assurance of durability. Furthermore, it has two internal cooking layers that ensure slow cooking with the right temperature.
Product specifications
Dimensions: 795x500x430mm
Height: 560mm
Diameter of the two cooking grids: 380mm
Charcoal grill diameter: 250mm
The two doors: 136mm and 120mm respectively
Benefits
This smoker has all the grilling, smoking and roasting capabilities.
The charcoal and steam provide a controlled cooking ability.
It has two layers that can be used for grill cooking and the other for fish or bacon smoking. The two front doors are essential for air ventilation.
The temperature gauge monitors the optimum heat, whereas the air dumper valve helps to control the airflow.
- Ideal for smoking, grill and roasting
- Charcoal and steam controlled cooking
- 2 Layers for grill cooking Hanging section in lid for smoking Fish or bacon
- 2 front doors that act as air vents
- Top located Temperature Gauge Air dumper valve in lid to help control air flow and temperature
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
TecTake BBQ Charcoal smoker
Product description
Height: 117 cm
Total width: 115 cm
Total depth: 67 cm
Grill surface: 58 x 30 cm
Small chamber: 31×30 cm
Large chamber: approx. 62.5×30 cm
Wooden tray: 61 x 20 cm, 76 cm high
Lower wire shelf: 66 x 31 cm
Wheels diameter: 15 cm
Material: powder-coated metal
Weight: 14 kg
Important features and benefits
The smoker has perfect smoking or steaming results.
It has a mobile metal frame hence ensures durability.
The thermometer on the lid monitors the optimum temperature.
It has an adjustable side vent.
Coal grids are available for both cooking chambers.
The side push handles offer flexibility.
You will find a wire shelf underneath the grill for more natural cleaning.
It has a wooden tray in front of the grill that you could use to store your barbecue sauce.
The attractive wooden handles give you a safe catch.
It comes with a drip pan responsible for collecting roast juice.
- Multifunction Grill BBQ - different models -
- Including cooking thermometers on the lids
- Please read the description below for more informations!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Tepro 1087 Biloxi Pit Barrel Offset BBQ Smoker
This smoker is among the best models that you could use to prepare exciting and sumptuous dishes. It provides a chance to cook food in the traditional BBQ way in the presence of wood fire or under hot coals. The one-millimetre thick steel ensures food cooks slowly and carefully.
Benefits
It is heat resistant
It comes with a built-in thermometer
The smoker contains cooking grids made of durable enamel.
It has a generously sized grill accompanied by a warming rack.
Features
It has a 58×40 cm grill surface that provides enough space in an instance where you are grilling using direct heat.
The side chamber contains a large air vent to allow flexible adjustment of the cooking temperature.
It comes with a large shelf to store your sauces and marinades while cooking.
It is 126cm in width and weighs 32.46kgs hence easily portable.
- Generous sized grill with warming rack
- Enamel cooking grids
- Trolley mounted, with large steel wheels
- Heat resistant finish to a max. 350°C
- 1mm thick steel - Built in thermometer
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion
In case you fancy smoked food, the best investment you can make is a good BBQ smoker. As a matter of fact, the smokers mentioned above come at affordable prices with quality features depending on your needs. More so, the features and attachments they come with, help you a great deal throughout the process of cooking.
Most of the smokers are accompanied with hanging rods that make it easy for you to hang, relax and watch while cooking. Moreover, the hooks contain a stainless steel material that ensures the safety of food. However, you should also consider the mode of preparation of the food according to your preference. In fact, you can never go wrong with stable and unique features like heat-
resistant paint and airflow control that ensures proper ventilation while preparing your tasty meal.
The best thing is that you do not require to be a trained chef to prepare a savoury meal with a BBQ smoker. After all, whenever you need to make exceptional food as a first-timer, you can always check out tutorials on how to make them. Finally, we hope that this article guides you into choosing the perfect BBQ smoker for all your smoking needs.