Summer is here and that means it is time once again to bust out the barbecue. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most people will be spending the majority of the summer safely at home. As a result, there has never been a better time or excuse to upgrade your grilling station and expand your barbecue horizons.
Since we’ve no place to go, why not learn to cook low and slow? Smokers are becoming more popular these days and are the perfect companion to your standard grill setup. Smokers come in all shapes and sizes, so we are here to help break them down so you can find the device that is perfect for your outdoor space. Let’s dive in!
What’s the Difference Between a Grill and a Smoker?
First and foremost, it is important to understand the difference between a smoker and a standard grill. As the name implies, smokers use smoke to cook the food (an indirect heat source), as opposed to a grill which uses an open flame (a direct heat source). Smokers are more suited to a low and slow style of cooking, while a grill can bring a piece of meat up to temperature much quicker.
Smokers and grills can both be fueled by electricity, gas, wood or charcoal, but the flavor results will vary greatly between each method. Electric and gas devices are much easier to use, but they lack the punch of flavor that charcoal or wood can produce in your food. Smokers are slightly less flexible than a standard grill as they really only have one mode of cooking: low and slow with internal temperatures ranging from 160 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Backyard grills are capable of using a combination of direct heat and indirect heat with internal temperatures up and above 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but they certainly cannot attain the rich flavor that a smoker produces.
So, what type of smoker is right for you?
The Four Main Types of Smokers
When considering purchasing a smoker, it’s important to know what options and features are available to you so you end up with the right unit. There are four main types of smokers and each has their advantages and disadvantages. The four types of smokers are:
- Pellet Smoker (Wood)
- Charcoal Smoker
- Gas Smoker
- Electric Smoker
Pellet Smokers
There is a lot to consider for each type of smoker, so let’s break each of them down.
A pellet smoker is one of the easiest smokers to operate as the entire smoking process is almost automatic. The wooden pellets used in these smokers are made from natural materials and do not contain any filler or additives, adding a mild and smoky flavor to your meat. Pellet smokers provide superior control over smoke production and temperature.
Pros and Cons of Pellet Smokers
Pros: The best part of a pellet smoker is that it is pretty easy to use, even for an amateur. Pellet smokers are extremely efficient, achieving high-efficiency rates of nearly 90%. The pellets used in these smokers are made of natural woods and are carbon neutral, making them incredibly environmentally friendly. The pellets can be easily ordered off the internet and stored for long periods of time.
Cons: While pellet smokers are easier to use, they are a little high maintenance. These smokers need to be regularly vacuumed and cleaned once every three months and most manufacturers recommend having your smoker serviced by a professional on a yearly basis. Another downside is that you pay for the convenience of this smoker in higher upfront costs.
Charcoal Smokers
For many people, when you say “barbecue,” you associate it with the tastes that come from charcoal grills and smokers. While slightly more labor intensive than a pellet smoker, the flavors produced from these devices are second to none. This classic style smoker is sure to be a winner with the whole family if you can learn to master the coals.
Pros and Cons of Charcoal Smokers
Pros: The flavor of your final product is far superior to any other smoker. The coal and/or wood used in a charcoal smoker will define how your food tastes. If you want to experiment, you can use different types of woods to change the flavor of the cooked meat. It is also easier to control the heat in a charcoal smoker as you can add or remove coals as desired.
Charcoal smokers are much simpler in design and don’t contain the small parts you generally find in pellet and electric smokers. As a result, these smokers are pretty easy to maintain. Most are built with a can for catching ash which means that cleaning a charcoal smoker is a breeze.
Cons: While we did just mention that temperature control is a pro, it can also be a con if you are not paying attention. Overcooked meat is a big risk if you aren’t dedicating your attention to the cooking process at all times with a charcoal smoker.
If you plan to use your smoker all year round, you will want to invest in a higher quality charcoal smoker. These smokers can be very affordable, but the cheaper models are often made with thinner layers of metal which causes the internal heat to dissipate quicker. Overall costs for the device and fuel will be higher if you plan to use your charcoal smoker during colder climates.
Gas Smokers
If you are looking for a smoker that is more convenient and healthier for you, look no further than a gas smoker. Gas smokers are perfect for a busy lifestyle as they don’t require your ongoing attention. Food cooked in a gas smoker often has a more natural flavor, as the heat source doesn’t impart its odor into your food.
Pros and Cons of Gas Smokers
Pros: The big advantage of using a gas smoker is it is extremely easy to use. Just set the desired temperature and wait for the food to be cooked. These smokers will maintain the internal temperature without needing any constant adjustments. Speaking of temperature, gas smokers can reach incredibly high temperatures and as a result, can double as an outdoor oven should you need.
Cons: As the name implies, these barbecue smokers run on gas. Committing to a gas smoker means that you will have to refill the canister regularly or keep spare canisters on hand. You may also want to invest in a gas meter to make sure you never run out, but this will increase your upfront costs.
Gas smokers also contain lots of small parts that have a tendency to break, especially if you don’t invest in a high-end smoker. Repair costs for these devices are slightly higher on average when compared to other smokers.
Electric Smokers
If you have used a charcoal grill for years and are considering an upgrade, an electric smoker might be the perfect option for you. Electric smokers are powered by electricity and are incredibly easy to use. An electric smoker is the most effortless smoker available as all you have to do is plug it in, set the temperature and let the food cook. You will never have to worry about fuel or canisters as long as you are near an electrical outlet.
Pros and Cons of Electric Smokers
Pros: Electric smokers are extremely user-friendly, especially when compared to a charcoal smoker. With an electric smoker, even an amateur can get perfect cooking results. While electric smokers are expensive up front than other smokers, they prove to be a lot more cost-efficient in the long run. Electric smokers are also much safer than other smokers and are highly recommended for families with lots of pets and kids running around.
Cons: Most people believe that barbecue meat cooked in an electric smoker is not as flavorful as the meat prepared in a more traditional smoker. This is doubly true if you purchase a cheap electric smoker. These smokers are often slightly more complicated when it comes to initial setup and often require you read the entire manual to figure out how to operate them properly. Overall, you will invest more time and money up front for an electric smoker.
Conclusion
If you love barbecue and are looking to take your grilling game to the next level, investing in a smoker is one of the best choices you can make for you and your family. Make sure to consider all factors when choosing the type of smoker to purchase. Consider your available outdoor space, account for where the smoke will flow, consider up front and ongoing fuel costs, plan for storage space, think about what meats you want to cook, etc. We highly recommend getting a warranty with the purchase of any type of smoker. Now that you are versed on all the smoker options out there, it is time to begin your journey to delicious smoked meats.