How to Choose Your Smoker?

/en/

[row class="c-rcktcms__center"]

[col size="12"]

A smoker is a barbecue that allows you to smoke food. To be clear for everyone, I'm talking about a high-temperature smoker, which can also be used as a barbecue. Personally, I haven't seen many in France, but I'm certain that this type of barbecue will develop. Here are my few tips to consider before buying your barbecue smoker.

The price of a barbecue smoker

Smokers can be found at all prices from about €50 to several thousand euros. However, if this is your first purchase, and you're not sure yet if you'll use your smoker regularly, I advise you to choose a small, vertical water smoker. They are among the cheapest on the market and are sufficient for beginners. Most people keep this smoker most of the time because it's sufficient. Nevertheless, I have listed the best smokers available on the market by categorizing them, those priced under €300 and those over €300.

Fuel for a barbecue smoker

There are charcoal and wood smokers, electric smokers, wood chip smokers, and propane smokers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Charcoal and wood are the most traditional, giving food an authentic taste. They are also generally the least expensive, although this isn't always true as the most expensive ones are also wood-fired...
The electric smoker is the easiest to use and master, however, it's the least authentic of all. It's a computer that electrically controls the smoker and it operates until the meat is smoked.
Smokers that use wood chips are like electric smokers, an electric current burns the wood chips and produces heat and smoke, not very traditional but effective and easy to use.
The gas smoker heats up faster and better than an electric smoker, it's also even easier to handle and control. Depending on the price you're willing to invest, you can choose a barbecue smoker that doesn't require much effort. Your choice will depend on the level of involvement you want to have. Barbecue is a very old tradition that takes time, you prepare your fire, watch over it, then slowly cook your food. If this isn't your case, it would be better to opt for a model that requires less work than wood.

The size of your barbecue smoker

The smallest smoker can cook enough food for a large family (20 people). And for the large models, I'll let you imagine. It's very important to know how often you'll use it, and how many people eat at the table. Although today there are smaller models for small families of 4 people.

The versatility of your barbecue smoker

If you're looking for a barbecue that functions as both a smoker and grill at the same time, and you want to have the best possible equipment, I would strongly recommend the kamado barbecue. It's currently the best option for being as effective in grilling as in smoking.

The brand of your barbecue smoker

You'll still need to be very careful about the brand of your barbecue, of course store brands are cheaper, however, the after-sales service won't be up to par and you won't be dealing with real professionals, I can only advise you to turn to brands that specialize in this type of barbecue.