8 Different Types of Meat Smokers For You to Choose From

If you love barbecuing or grilling, you must consider cooking your meat with the help of a smoker. While it sounds similar to your regular grilling routines but a meat smoker’s process is rather different and enhances the flavors of your meat. Adding a smoker to your backyard will open the door to a world of new experiences when it comes to cooking meat that provides some incredible results. Over the years with technological advancements, there are several different types of smokers available in the market. While some are large devices which are fit in one place while some are portable which you can take it along if traveling. 

The most important question you must ask yourself before you purchase any meat smoker is what kind of meat you want to smoke and how much far are you willing to go to get it done? In this article, we will go through the 8 different types of meat smokers and focus on some key features in each of them. But first, if you are new to this cooking method, let us understand what is meat smoker really is.

8 Different Types of Meat Smokers

1. Kamado Grill

If you have ever noticed an oval-shaped, thick ceramic wall-based smoker in your neighbor’s backyard then that is Kamado Grill. It is originated from Japan and get its name from a Japanese word for stove or cooking range. It consists of adjustable top and bottom airflow ducts that help in cooking your meat to perfection. Another great characteristic of using this smoker is that it provides excellent heat insulation even during cold weathers or in cold climates.

2. Vertical Smokers

Being one of the most common smokers in the market as they are easy to operate and an excellent option for beginners. Because of their size, these smokers don’t take up much space and tend to be more efficient compared to larger smokers. Whether you cooking a mean juicy steak or some mouthwatering seafood, the three chambers present in the smoker helps enhance the flavor of your food and keeps your meat from drying out. Even though it is one of the most affordable smokers in the market, the higher-end versions offer both controls of airflow in the ducts at the top and bottom portion of the smoker.

3. Drum Smokers

Drum smokers are similar to vertical smokers but it is one of the simplest smokers out there. It is basically an inexpensive DIY project that you can create in your backyard with a little skill that is lightweight and portable. In drum smokers, the fireplace is located at the bottom through which your meat receives direct heat. Due to the lack of water plates in the smoker, the chances of your food drying out are very high. Ensure that you balance the vents or ducts to your desired cooking temperature. 

4. Electric Smokers

Electric smokers are pretty straightforward and excellent for newbies to use. The biggest advantage when using an electric smoker is the ability to set the temperature you require and not have to check on it during the cooking process. Compared to meat cooked over charcoal or wood, the smoke taste present in your meat is much different. Like any new device, the high-end versions offer more advantages such as regulating the heat in the smoker automatically. While the lower end is more manual control over the temperature. Electric smokers come in different sizes so ensure that you choose the one that works best for you. If you own a masterbuilt electric smoker, here are tips and tricks that will help you troubleshoot issues with the Masterbuilt smoker products.

5. Pellet Smokers

A pellet smoker grill is a rectangular-shaped grill that works as an oven as well as a smoker. The smoker has a hopper and auger drill that uses wood pellets as fuel. Pellet smokers are automatic and advanced tech that is easy to use and cook your meat. The pre-installed thermometer present inside the smoker allows you to control the temperature of your smoker as it continuously feeds pellets to cook your meat. You should also buy a grill thermometer so you can ensure your meat is cooked properly. Using an automatic thermostat controller will also allow you to control the machine through your phones or tablets.  

6. Box Smoker

Box smokers are basically tall boxes that has a cooking chamber inside of them which quite similar to charcoal smokers. As the name suggest, charcoal smokers use charcoal, box smokers use propane or gas to cook your food. The cabinet box comes has a chimney and exhaust valve, which allows you clear the excess smoke easily. The insulation property is the highlight of these smokers but it is mostly found in the higher range of box smokers. Another feature that you should look for when buying a box smoker is the ability to reload the firebox without opening the door.

7. Smoker Ovens

A great benefit in using a smoker over is the amount of control you have over the temperature. It gives you freedom to leave your meat to cook without any worry of the appliance catching on fire. A smoker oven is very easy to use if you are a beginner since most of them have computer controls. The smoker is highly insulated with a healing element located at the bottom. The funneled piece of metal prevent any direct contact of heat and also collects the grease from starting a fire. Smoker ovens are the perfect combination of technology and barbecue and are the ideal solution for the person who loves barbecue but doesn’t want to put a lot of work into it.

8. Offset Smoker

An offset smoker massive and make from unused oil barrels. If you love cooking for many people, using an offset smoker is the best option for you as it allows you cook multiple pieces of meats and fishes at the same time. It gives your food a smoky and delicious flavor which is achieved due to the smoke filters present in the device. Most offset smokers allow you to flame-grill on one side and smoke food on the other side. That’s why, you can use both charcoal and wood as fuel which helps in adding flavor to your food. 

It is important to note that, no matter the smoker you choose, ensure that you do enough research regarding the feature and benefits it offers. The last thing you would want is, purchasing a smoker and unable to use it to your preferences.