When smoking meat, we’re required to undergo a process of cooking a cut or piece of meat slowly and on a low heat. The common temperature used when smoking meat is approximately 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
The meat becomes tender and juicy from placing it in an area with condensed smoke and indirect heat. Smoked meat gets its signature flavor from the smoke produced from wood chips and chunks. As a result, many find that smoked meat is more delectable than roasting or grilling.
All of these benefits from smoking meat are highly dependent on the type of smoker you use. When looking to purchase a smoker, you need to take into account the type of smoker and the features its equipped with.
Navigating these different smokers and smoker features can be incredibly challenging as a beginner. However, we have designed this article to help beginner smokers understand everything there is about a smoker, along with providing some of the best beginner smoker options on the market to make choosing a smoker easier.
Short on Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Smokers
Weber Smokey Mountain Best Charcoal Smoker
Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Best Alternative Charcoal Smoker
Camp Chef 24-Inch Smoke Vault Best Gas/Propane Smoker
What Are The Different Types of Smokers?
There are a variety of different smokers available on the market. Each of these smokers is equipped with a set of unique features from other types of smokers. For this reason, it’s important to identify which smoker satisfies the preferences you would like to receive from using a smoker.
We have provided some of the most common types of smokers that are available on the market. We advise you to consider all the different features these smokers have to offer, along with the pros and cons, before you decide on the smoker that’s going to best suit your needs.
Charcoal Smokers
This charcoal smoker uses charcoal as fuel. Along with other smokers, this charcoal smoker offers a classic smoky flavor with the addition of a smoke ring. This type of smoker has been around for a good while and is used all across the globe.
When using a charcoal smoker, wood chunks or chips are incorporated into the process to provide extra flavor and tenderness to the meat. A charcoal smoker comes in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
One of the benefits of using charcoal is that it’s known to be an effective fuel for the smoking process. However, this method of smoking does require close attention and monitoring when compared to propane smokers or electric smokers. The charcoal smoker has the reputation of providing great results to pieces or cuts of meat. However, a charcoal smoker can only offer these results if you perform a high amount of effort when preparing, cooking, and cleaning.
Propane/Gas Smokers
Propane smokers or gas smokers are known as one of the most convenient and easy-to-use smokers currently available. In addition to this, a propane or gas smoker also provides users with good value for money. The processes involved in using these gas smokers make these products the perfect option for first-time or beginners in the smoking world. All that’s required from you when using a propane or gas smoker is to set it up and let it do its magic.
The construction of a propane or gas smoker is similar to the construction of a metal box. The smoker is designed with a set of legs, which allows for it to stand well. Along with this, the smoker is also made to resemble the design of a vault or locker. The utilization of gas smokers and propane smokers provides users with a simple design. This simple design offers a larger cooking area. Not to mention, it’s easy to operate, is equipped with a burner located at the bottom of the smoker, and contains a tray to place your selected wood chips or chunks on.
Pellet Smokers
A pellet smoker uses wood pellets as a source of fuel to smoke the pieces or cuts of meat. These wood pellets are comprised of small wood chips but offer a high volume of energy. Along with this, the wood chips included as a fuel source also provide a rich and tasty BBQ flavor. In addition to this, these pellet smokers are equipped with a digital controller, which allows the user to monitor the temperature control within the pellet smoker.
The temperature gauge included in the best pellet smokers helps feed the pellets automatically into your fire port. This feature is used to keep the pellet smokers at the designated temperature setting. The addition of these features makes pellet smokers a very popular smoker among smoking enthusiasts.
Pellet smokers are one of the best smoker options for beginners as it offers a classic smoky wood flavor to the meat that doesn’t need a lot of monitoring to achieve. Most of the best pellet smokers are equipped with a ‘set it and forget’ functionality. Thus, you’re able to achieve this rich smoky taste without giving too much attention to the best pellet smoker or pellet grill.
Electric Smokers
The electric smoker is a new model in the range of different smoker models. The purpose of these electric smokers is to enable more people to start smoking in an easier way. Unlike the traditional propane and BBQ smokers, these electric smokers don’t utilize flames to undergo the smoking process effectively.
The majority of best electric smokers for beginners are operated through regulating electricity through a heating element or component. Electric smokers don’t use flames and airflow as a source of heat. This feature makes the electric smoker more controllable, making it an ideal option for beginners.
Kamado Smokers
The Kamado smokers are based on traditional Chinese and Indian cookers and work effectively well as a first smoker for someone without any experience in smoking meat. This particular smoker is designed to feature an oval or egg-like shape. These smokers hold the reputation of being incredibly versatile as the model can bake, grill, roast, and smoke a variety of different food types.
The Kamado smoker is generally made from ceramics, and the best Kamado smoker for beginners is one that is equipped with material with great insulation properties. These types of Kamado smokers can effectively store and radiate heat. This makes them great for any cooking and smoking activities. It’s also great for outdoor cooking, as the design is portable and lightweight.
Smoker Grills
These are grills that also work as a smoker. A smoker grill is a great option for beginners who already know how to work a grill and don’t want to purchase a seperate smoker.
Offset Smokers
Offset smokers are a challenging first smoker for beginners but offer exceptional results if done correctly. Compared to different types of smokers, this offset smoker works extremely well for those who have experience in smoking. Offset smokers also work as a great alternative to a charcoal smoker.
The name for this particular smoker comes from the firebox being located a little below the side of the cooking chamber. This specific design allows the smoke to flow from the firebox into the cooking space. Due to this, offset smokers hold the capability of offering consistent and constant cooking.
back to menu ↑Comparison Table
| Smokers | Type | Weight | Dimensions | Review |
| Weber Smokey Mountain | Charcoal | 39.1 Pounds | 21 x 19 x 41 inches | Check Price |
| Classic Pit Barrel Cooker | Charcoal | 57 Pounds | 21 x 21 x 31.1 inches | Check Price |
| Camp Chef 24-Inch Smoke Vault | Gas/Propane | 74.6 pounds | 30.5 x 25 x 17 inches | Check Price |
| Smoke Hollow 44-Inch | Gas/Propane | 110 Pounds | 24.5 x 33 x 60 inches | Check Price |
| Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch | Electric | 45.86 Pounds | 20 x 17 x 33.5 inches | Check Price |
| Smoke Hollow 26-Inch | Electric | 34.9 pounds | 16.5 x 19 x 35.5 inches | Check Price |
| Kamado Joe Classic III | Grill | 316 Pounds | 30 x 46.5 x 50.5 inches | Check Price |
| Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D | Offset | 57 Pounds | 20.2 x 34.52 x 47.03 inches | Check Price |
| Char-Broil 30-Inch | Offset | 69.4 Pounds | 54.3 x 43.9 x 22.7 inches | Check Price |
The 9 Best Smokers For Beginners
There is a wide array of smokers available on the market. This can make choosing the best smoker for beginners challenging. That’s why we have compiled this list of best smokers for beginners to help make the choosing process less daunting. Here are our picks for the best smoker for beginners:
1. Weber Smokey Mountain – Best Charcoal Smoker
The Weber Smokey Mountain is designed as one of the best charcoal smokers for beginners. The Weber Smokey Mountain is equipped with porcelain-enameled steel to help retain heat and make the temperature extremely constant. This Smokey Mountain model is one of the most popular smokers out there. This is because this Smokey Mountain model features ease of use functionality and produces excellent BBQ.
This range of Weber Smokey Mountain charcoal smokers comes in three different sizes, accommodating a wide variety of cooking spaces for different user preferences. As a result, the Weber Smokey Mountain charcoal smoker holds the reputation of being the best charcoal smoker for those looking for their first smoker. The temperature gauge included in this Smokey Mountain model offers users the ability to easily maintain the temperature of the heat and smoke within the smoker. This makes the Weber Smokey Mountain ideal for those who want the taste of charcoal smoking without the hassle of achieving it.
2. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker – Best Alternative Charcoal Smoker
Pit Boss has provided users with the Pit Barrel Cooker Package, which is the best beginner model for those who are just learning about smoking. This Pit Barrel Cooker is built made up of a 30-gallon porcelain steel drum that’s built with porcelain enamel coated 18-gauge steel. Due to the inclusion of these elements, a robust and durable container is made to undergo the smoking process. This can also help with heat retention.
What we really liked about Pit Barrel Cooker is that it’s designed to offer users a ‘set it and forget it’ function. Thus, you don’t need to constantly monitor your meat because the smoker does it for you. Not to mention, the product also comes fully assembled, which we found very convenient as you didn’t need to undergo the hassle of constructing the smoker.
3. Camp Chef 24-Inch Smoke Vault – Best Gas/Propane Smoker
This Camp Chef Smoke Vault model is designed to be one of the easiest and best gas and propane smokers for beginners. The unique design of this gas propane smoker isn’t the only attractive thing. There are a variety of features included in the design that make this Camp Chef 24-Inch Smoke Vault one of the best beginner smokers.
The Smoke Vault offers users a refreshing twist to what a smoker is conventionally supposed to look like, which we really liked. However, this Camp Chef model is also available in two sizes to fit a range of user preferences. The Smoke Vault is designed as an 18-inch and 24-inch smoker. These different-sized models offer almost the same features, where the size is the main difference. The primary problem with gas propane smokers is the built quality. However, the built quality of the Camp Chef Smoke Vault is exceptional and effectively retains the heat and smoke within the smoker.
4. Smoke Hollow 44-Inch Propane Gas Smoker – Best Alternative Gas/Propane Smoker
The Smoke Hollow 44-Inch Propane Gas Smoker is equipped with incredible features that make it one of the best smokers for beginners. Not to mention, these gas propane smokers can also be used as gas grills. This Smoke Hollow Gas Propane Smoker offers some of the best rich smoking features while still having a pretty attainable price tag.
The Smoke Hollow Gas Propane Smoker features a large 6.5 cubic feet cooking area, which allows you to prepare meat for a large group of people. In addition to this, it also comes with seven cooking grids. These seven cooking grids come as four standard cooking grips, two jerky cooking grids, a rib rack, and a sausage hanger. There is so much versatility offered in this propane smoker that we fail to see anyone needing another cooker.
5. Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch – Best Electric Smoker
This electric Masterbuilt model is the best electric smoker for beginners. It’s designed with exceptional features that make it easy for beginners to understand and use effectively. The Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Smoker is one of the most popular on the market from all the features offered. The Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is also known as being a good option as the best electric smoker for beginners. One reason for this popularity is that the smoker is available at a very reasonable price. This makes it a great smoker for beginners as we understand that not many people want to spend a lot of money on an activity they are just trying out and may not like.
Moreover, this Materbuilt model is also incredibly well-built when you take into account the cost of the smoker. It isn’t as stable as some of the more expensive models, but it does get the job done well. Not to mention, it’s well insulated and holds the capability to maintain the heat within the smoke effectively. Nonetheless, the most prominent feature is the massive cooking area. This Materbuilt electric smoker has 730 square inches of cooking space, which accommodates cooking for large groups of people.
6. Smoke Hollow 26-Inch Electric Smoker – Best Alternative Electric Smoker
The Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker is built with incredible features that make it one of the best beginner smokers on the market. If you’re looking for a cheap electric smoker that still offers great functionality, then we highly recommend checking out the Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker. The cooking space provided by this electric smoker holds the ability to fit two whole turkeys. In addition to this, the electric smoker has two chrome-plated cooking grids. These are adjustable so that you can smoke different foods at once.
The electric smoker also included a porcelain wood chip tray and water pan. These features ensure that you have everything you need to start smoking your meats effectively. The entirety of the smoker’s construction is incredibly well-made and sturdy when you consider the reasonable price of the electric smoker. We really like that the digital electric smoker features effective temperature control. This feature provided us with a ‘set it and forget it’ functionality, making the digital electric smoker easy to use for beginners.
7. Kamado Joe Classic III – Best Grill and Smoker
The Kamado Joe Classic III incorporates the kamado concept into its design and provides users with a high cooking efficiency and ease of use. This makes this Kamado Joe model good for beginners and more experienced users.
The built quality of the grill and smoker is excellent as it’s equipped with heavy, thick, and long-lasting, high-quality materials. It comes with a single set of thick grates that are made from stainless steel. However, this set can be expanded to increase the cooking space to 500 square inches of cooking space.
8. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker – Best Offset Smoker
The Dyna-Glo offset smoker is designed with a great cooking space. With an impressive 784 square inches of cooking space, the Dyna-Glo offers a wide enough cooking space to perfectly smoke meat for massive groups of people.
The offset charcoal smoker is designed with six height-adjusting cooking grates. In addition to this, the smoker also offers the best temperature gauge. This is a helpful feature for beginners who are yet to know how to effectively set the ideal smoking temperature. Thus, you hold the capability of setting a temperature that isn’t too high or low for smoking your meat effectively. The removable ash pan feature makes it easy to maintain the smoking process without checking the cooking chamber.
9. Char-Broil Offset Smoker – Best Alternative Offset Smoker
One of the best offset smokers on the market is the Char-Broil offset smoker. The smoker offers a cooking area of 605 square inches. This may not seem like the best amount of space for cooking than the other smokers on this list. However, this Char-Broil offset smoker makes up for it by including some of the best additional features into the design.
The inclusion of black, powder-coated steel construction provides the smoker with the best durability. In addition to this, the porcelain-coated cooking grates make the Char-Broil smoker easy to clean and maintain.
A Buyer’s Guide: What To Consider Before Making a Purchase
There is a variety of considerations you need to make before purchasing a smoker. Here are the most important factors to consider to help you buy the right smoker for you:
Cooking Space
The cooking space of the smoker should be large enough for your needs. Of course, everyone’s needs are going to be different. Thus, it’s important to consider how much cooking space you’re going to need your smoker to be equipped with.
Easy-To-Clean
An important feature that your smoker should be designed with is an easy-to-clean component incorporated into the design. This feature is incredibly beneficial as you gain the ability to focus on your meat rather than focusing on scrubbing away the grime that’s collected on the smoker.
Size
Size plays an essential role when deciding on the type of smoker you’re ultimately going to purchase. You need to look around and see what space you have available to keep your smoker. This available space is going to dictate how big or small your smoker can be. Otherwise, you may opt for a vertical smoker instead of fitting the smoker into a smaller space.
Smoker Type
As previously mentioned, there are a wide variety of smoker types available on the market, and each has its own pros and cons that are discussed above.
When choosing the best smoker type for you, you need to consider your living space, power or fuel supply, budget, and how much food and how you want the food to be cooked.
Fuel Type
When deciding on a fuel type, you should consider how easily available the fuel is. Charcoal is incredibly plentiful. Thus, you’re never going to have a problem getting charcoal to provide energy to your smoker.
Using a gas smoker can also be really easy to source gas for if your home runs on gas. All you need to do is connect the smoker to your house line. This is going to provide you with a constant fuel source without incurring additional costs.
Wood pellets aren’t as easy to source or plentiful as charcoal. In addition to this, pellet smokers are also more expensive to purchase.
However, the availability of the fuel source shouldn’t be the only factor when deciding on the fuel type that your smoker is equipped with. You also need to take into account the type of flavor you would like to provide to the food you’re smoking. The fuel source plays a crucial role in this.
Build Quality
The build quality is largely dependent on how much you’re willing to spend on the smoker. Inexpensive models have the reputation of being made with thin material, which is susceptible to leaking smoke and fails to regulate the heat effectively. This often results in the smoker’s temperatures fluctuating.
Due to these circumstances, you’re going to need to find a good balance between purchasing an inexpensive model that’s still effectively built. It’s no use in purchasing the cheapest model out there if you aren’t able to use it effectively. In cases like this, spending a bit more on a well-built smoker that’s sealed and has good insulation is going to save you money on fuel over the course of the smoker’s lifetime.
Additional Features
There are a variety of different features that can be included in the design of a smoker to make the process of smoking food easier for beginners.
One of these features is temperature control. Having effective temperature control settings designed into the smoker can help you regulate the temperature you’re smoking the meat at. Thus, preventing you from over or undercooking the food you’ve placed in the smoker.
The inclusion of stainless steel in the design also adds to the smoker’s durability. This also helps with insulation, which makes the heat within the smoker remain constant.
back to menu ↑Frequently Asked Questions
How does smoking work?
The old fashioned process of low and slowing barbecuing is a simple idea to understand but a complex mechanism to master. When smoking food, you need to start with a fuel source. This could be electricity, wood pellets, gas, or charcoal.
The flavor incorporated into the meat or other food products is provided by additional wood chunks or chips to the heat source. This addition of the wood is also the element that generates the smoke. By having control over the oxygen, you are provided with the ability to achieve low temperatures. This is how the smoking process gets its nickname as ‘low and slow.’
What is the difference between grilling and smoking?
Smoking meat is all about going low and slow. The temperatures usually used in this process are between 225 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit and are maintained for long periods, generally spanning between three and 15 hours. This smoking process commonly involves burning wood chunks, chips, or pellets. This imparts smoky flavors into the taste of the meat being placed in the smoker.
Grilling foods is usually done at higher temperatures. This is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit and is placed under these temperatures for shorter durations. The process of grilling food may or may not include wood smoke. However, this is highly dependent on the flavors you wish to achieve. Moreover, you may not need to close the griller’s dome. However, this decision is highly dependent on what you’re cooking and what results you wish to receive.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
When looking at purchasing your first smoker, you need to determine the budget for this particular purchase. This can prevent you from impulsively purchasing a product that you might regret. This is especially the case if you decide that smoking isn’t for you after trying it out with your first smoker. You want to restrict the amount of money to spend to prevent this regret from occurring.
In addition to determining the budget, you should also decide on the type of fuel you would like to use. This decision ultimately affects the purchase cost of the model, along with the ongoing costs, the effort needed when cooking, and the results of the smoked food.
Moreover, you also need to decide if you want a device that works as a dedicated smoker or a combination grill and smoker. Choosing this in the purchasing stages helps eliminate the need for expensive add-ons or purchasing a separate grill at a later time.
Determine how much food you’re going to be smoking. The number of people that you’re going to be preparing food for is going to ultimately decide on the correct smoker size to buy.
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