A Guide to Choosing the Right Barbecue Smoker for Your Needs

With prehistoric origins, smoking is one of the oldest food preservation methods. While we do it for the flavor these days, smoking meat is still a popular pastime. There are so many ways to do it, and so many options on the market, that making the right choice can be difficult. Here, we'll show you how to choose the best smoker for your backyard.

Learn About Smoker Types

There are lots of choices out there, but all fall into a few groups. Most of today's smokers use fuels such as:

• Gas. These units use natural gas or propane for heat, and they need wood to make smoke.
• Electricity. An electric smoker doesn't create open flame, which affects the taste of foods cooked in it.
• Wood. A wood-burning smoker requires user intervention to keep the flames going.
• Charcoal. With a charcoal smoker, burning coals create smoke. Users can also add wood for different flavor profiles.
• Pellets. Today's pellet smokers use electricity to feed compressed wood pellets into a firepot.

Now that we've explained a few basic smoker options, we'll outline the factors buyers should consider when choosing a smoker.

Your Family's Budget

BBQ smokers are available at various price points, which makes it easier for buyers to narrow the field. At the lower end of the range, you'll find poorly insulated, low-quality smokers, which means you'll have to consider the outdoor temperature when cooking. By paying a little more, you'll get a higher-quality unit that offers superior results.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Buyers should also think of their abilities and preferred cooking styles. Some outdoor cooks enjoy making manual adjustments to their smokers, while others take a more hands-off approach. That's not the only thing to think about, though; maintenance is another crucial consideration.

Smoker Capacity

Another thing to think about is how much meat the smoker will hold. If you're cooking for large groups, be sure to choose a unit that's up to the task. Some buyers start out will smaller units, upgrading when the need arises. However, smaller smokers are portable enough to take on tailgating and camping trips.

Versatility and Adaptability

Multi-function appliances are a big trend in outdoor cooking, and that has led many cooks to look for smokers that can be used for other purposes. The best smokers allow users to bake, grill, and smoke—which adds value and makes the purchase more worthwhile.

Build Quality and Durability

Finally, you'll need to consider the smoker's overall quality. The aspects mentioned above play a key role in a unit's quality, but durability is another important consideration. Higher-end units have better designs and more durable materials, which means they tend to perform better over time. If you are just starting out, though, a more cost-effective unit may be just fine until you've learned the ropes and are ready to move up.

Consider These Factors When Choosing a BBQ Smoker

What's the best kind of smoker? There's no universal answer, and your choice will likely depend on your budget, preferences, and needs. If you're in the market for a great new smoker, check out our online selection of pellet-fueled options. We're here to answer your questions, address all your concerns, and help you choose the right smoker for your needs, home, and budget.