Through the passage of time BBQ smokers are getting more and more popular. As a consequence, there are myriads of different types of smokers available in the market presently.
It is evident that every type has its own set of boons and banes. For this purpose, it is extremely important for a customer to know about the different types of smokers. It will help them to deduce which one is the best for them and which one to buy.
To be frank, it is not that simple to differentiate and identify different types of smokers. It is because it is a complex product with a bunch of features and different attachments. As a result, the customers usually get baffled and end up buying the wrong product.
If you are a judicious customer and are not willing to deduce the best smoker for yourself by the hit and trial method, then you are in the perfect blog. It is because in this blog I will be briefly discuss the different types of smokers. For this purpose, I will discuss their features, average prices, and their pros and cons.
I give you the assurity that after reading this article, you will be able to differentiate and choose between the different types of smokers easily. Furthermore, you will also be able to recommend it to others and help them.
Table of Contents
7 Diffrent Types Of Smokers
There are multiple types of smokers available in the market. However, most of them are not very popular. Furthermore, they are not easily available in the market. For this reason, I am only listing those types of smokers who are popular and worth buying.
In addition to this, I will also like to inform you that the 7 types are basically all available in the market and the other types are either a hybrid or an upgraded version of the given smokers. Hence, without discussing further let’s quickly learn about the different types of smokers available in the market.
1. Charcoal Smokers
Charcoal smokers come in a variety of forms and sizes. As a result, you can grab a size that is most appropriate for you.
In regards to the material that contributes the most to flavor, charcoal and wood pellets give the same results. Charcoal smokers require slightly more work than electric or gas smokers. It is because they need additional setup, monitoring, and maintenance. But, in exchange for the greater taste.
Hence, if a person is looking for the best taste and is ready to work for it. Then this type of smoker is a must-buy for them. I am listing below some of the best Charcoal Smokers from Amazon for you to pick.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo + 2 Warming Racks + Cover Bundle | 9 Reviews | $577.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking,... | 2,124 Reviews | $129.99 $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker | 2,099 Reviews | $119.61 $108.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Pros And Cons
- Charcoal smokers provide a world-class taste.
- This type of smoker takes a little more effort than the electric ones. But, mastering this type of smoker is also easy.
- These smokers are available in multiple sizes and shapes. As a result, you can pick the best fit for you.
- It will take some time to start smoking since you will need to fire the grill and allow it’s ash over before putting it to the smoker.
- It takes a considerable time for cleaning after cooking attributable to the ashes.
- Electric smokers are comparatively simpler to operate than the charcoal smokers.
2. Pellet Smokers
Pellet smokers combine an oven and a smoker in a rather high-tech device. They mix the added smoky taste of real ignition with the ease of use of an electrical smoker.
The temperature of the pellet smoker or pellet grill is controlled by a thermostat. Plug it in, select the temperature, and the smoker will handle the rest, feeding compressed sawdust pellets into a fire pot as needed for smoke and heat. Hence, operating this type of smoker gets really simplified.
There is only one thing that holds back the customers from buying these smokers. It is their price, as the pellet smokers generally cost more than 400 dollars. Nevertheless, it is a good investment. I am losing below some of the finest pellet smokers available in the market for you to pick.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker 6 in 1 BBQ Grill Auto Temperature Control,... | 3,288 Reviews | $536.26 | Buy on Amazon |
| PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker, Copper | 522 Reviews | $470.32 | Buy on Amazon |
| Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Bronze | 1,298 Reviews | $749.95 $699.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Pros and Cons
- We can ignite the grill with the touch of one button which is really very convenient.
- Because the wood pellets burn down to almost nothing, there’s not much housekeeping required other than emptying the firebox, which is generally detachable.
- Many pellet grills use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for linking to a smartphone. As a result, it becomes very convenient for us to use it.
- We need to pay around 500 dollars to get a good pellet smoker. As a result, they are a little pricy for some customers.
- Wooden pallets are relatively difficult to find and they are comparatively expensive than charcoal or propane gas smokers.
- They are not as smokey as charcoal smokers. As a result, the taste is a little less scrumptious comparatively.
3. Gas or Propane Smokers
While gas cooks at a steady temperature, it does not emit smoke. As a result, adding wood in the shape of chips or pieces is necessary while grilling.
When it comes to fueling these smokers, the terms ‘gas’ and ‘propane’ are used frequently. I will like to inform you all that, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is another name for propane (LPG), so do not get confused they are the same.
If you have a direct gas line to your house. Then using a refillable gas bottle will be a good choice for you. Unlike pellet smokers, they are inexpensive and readily available. As a result, there is no need for stocking the fuel.
If you think that a gas smoker is probably one of the best types of smokers for you. Then you may go ahead and pick one from the list given below.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker, 30" , Black | 791 Reviews | $259.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker | 2,092 Reviews | $209.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Broil King 923617 Smoke Vertical Natural Gas Cabinet Smoker | 52 Reviews | $749.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Pros and Cons
- Gas is widely available in the market. As a result, it becomes very convenient for the user to use a gas smoker.
- It is very simple to regulate the temperature of a gas or propane smoker.
- Most of the gas smokers come at an economical price, as they cost below 200 dollars. Hence, they are affordable for everyone.
- Gas smokers do not provide a flavor as amazing as charcoal or pellet smokers.
- If you want to use a gas smoker for a long duration then it becomes necessary to have more than one container of gas.
4. Offset Smokers
Bbq smokers with a horizontal cooking chamber and a fireplace just on their side are known as offset smokers. It is meant to smoke the food with the help of indirect heat for “low and slow” bbq.
Maintaining a charcoal or wood fire in the firebox and adjusting the flow of air in the firebox then out the stack via controllable vents regulates the temperature.
When you want to increase the temperature open the vents wider to provide more air to the fire. On the other hand, when you want to lower the temperature, close the vents to provide less air to the fire. Hence, it is comparatively more tricky to do BBQ on these smokers in comparison to pellets and propane smokers.
If you feel like the offset smoker is one of the best types of smokers for you. Then pick one from the list of best offset smokers given below.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker | 4,483 Reviews | $349.00 $256.47 | Buy on Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor... | 1,581 Reviews | $156.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Pros and Cons
- Offset smokers generally have a bigger barrel. As a result, one can cook for a large amount of people at one go.
- It is possible for us to grill in an offset smoker too.
- These kind of smokers generally last for a longer period because they are durable.
- Offset smokers are bigger in size. For this reason, it is a little expensive to run this smoker as it needs more fuel.
- It takes a while to heat up the smoker and some times it even takes hours to cook the food.
- These smokers are less portable, it is because they are heavier.
5. Electric Smokers
Electric smokers are a sort of outdoor cooking gadget that smokes food using hot electrical rods. Electric smokers are easier to use and allow for a wider variety of designs than their charcoal-burning counterparts. They are almost all made of cast iron or stainless steel.
The majority of electric smokers provide a cooking area, temperature control options, heating shelves, dual doors, cooking shelves, smoking shelves, and accessories like one-touch power switches. Furthermore, they have automated preheating and cool-down cycles, remote controllers, and a digital control panel.
For those, who want to have the comfort of having an electric BBQ smoker. Kindly, pick one among the best types of smokers of the electric variety listed below.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker, Large, 725 Square Inch | 2,374 Reviews | $349.99 $285.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Masterbuilt MB20077618 Analog Electric Smoker with 2 Smoking Racks, 30 inch, Black | 4,233 Reviews | $127.00 $112.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks, 30 inch, Black | 4,233 Reviews | $189.99 $144.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Pros and Cons
- Electric smokers are good for beginners, as they do not involve use of charcoal or wood.
- There is not much cleaning or maintenance needed.
- They are WiFi operated and can work smoothly with the help of a smartphone.
- The food is not as scrumptious as we get in charcoal or wood smokers.
- It is not possible to use electric smokers outside if there is no electrical outlets available.
- Some models of electric smokers are very expensive.
6. Kettle Grills
The kettle grills are a circular charcoal barbecue with a spherical form that gives it its name. Weber, a grilling manufacturer, invented the concept in 1951. Aspherical lid, metal cooking grates, and 2 pairs of vents—bottom vents below the charcoal firebox, and top vents in the lid—comprise the Weber kettle grill design. The original kettle grill design underwent modest changes throughout time. However, fundamental components such as the form, charcoal energy, and the use of a steel charcoal grid as a cooking platform remained.
If you also want the benefit of having a grill and a smoker in one product. Then I will advise you all to pick a kettle grill from the one which I am listing below.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black | 9,560 Reviews | $232.80 $219.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 22-Inch Charcoal Grill Leuwd, Kettle Charcoal Grill with Plated Steel Grates, Lid Thermometer, Slid... | 53 Reviews | Buy on Amazon | |
| JAK BBQ J 1500 Charcoal Kettle Grill 16.5 inch small bbq grill charcoal charcoal grill round bbq... | 20 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
Pros and Cons
- We don’t need to make any major changes to our kettle grills For using it as a smoker.
- Some kettle grills are cheaper than 100 dollars, which makes them very affordable for us.
- Once you have mastered the kettle grill, then you will be able to do the job of grilling and smoking super fast.
- The kettle grills require cleaning and maintenance after cooking. It is because they use charcoal as fuel.
- The primary work of kettle grills is not smoking. As a result, it is a little difficult to operate it and regular charcoal smokers sounds better than the kettle grills.
7. Kamado Grills
Kamado grills are for you if you want to cook the bread for your sandwiches and barbecue the chicken which goes in it. These grills have a long history. However, a modern kamado grill looks like an insulated egg-shaped grill with a hinged cover that allows ample air circulation across each grate.
Although some grills are constructed of steel or even cast iron, the greatest kamado grills are still made of ceramic. It is because of their solid walls. Furthermore, they have exceptional insulation, efficiency, and the capacity to withstand extremely high and low temperatures, which is ideal for grilling and smoking.
Understanding how the kamado works might be difficult at first. However, if you figure out how to manage the temperature, this adaptable grill can deliver outstanding results—and it might just become your new favorite method to cook.
I am listing below some of the best Kamado grills for you in case you want to go for these grills.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VESSILS 13 Inch Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill Stand Style – Heavy Duty Ceramic Barbecue Smoker and... | 84 Reviews | $219.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Kamado Joe Classic Joe II 18 inch Charcoal Grill + Cover Bundle | 1,158 Reviews | $1,378.99 $1,223.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill, Graphite | 2,655 Reviews | $374.99 $329.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Pros and Cons
- We can use these grills for multiple purpose. For instance, we can make pizza, smoke meat, e.t.c.
- The thick wall of the grills ensures that you can easily retain a lot of heat in the grill.
- The thick wall of the grills ensures that you can easily retain a lot of heat in the grill.
- This is not the best product for smoking as it is partially a grill and partially a smoker.
- It is a little difficult to add more fuel to the grill while cooking because fire sits below the food.
Conclusion
Firstly, I will like to inform you all that I am personally using a pellet smoker because of its comfort. But, I have used all the varieties of smokers. I will say that every smoker is pretty good and works well for its purpose.
However, it is totally up to you and your needs from the product which will determine which of the smokers are the best types of smokers for you. The personal requirements can be like the longevity of the product, your budget, and the multiple features the product haves.
In addition to, listing the best types of smokers, I have also given the best smokers list of each variety. As a result, you are not required to undergo the hassle of another research and simply pick the best.
Lastly, if you are still having any issues on the topic best types of smokers. Then please do let me know through the comment section. I will try my best to solve your issue and give an appropriate solution as soon as possible.
Resources
Here at best for customers, I and the whole best for customer’s team give their best to provide correct and complete information. For this purpose, we do regular research and experiments. I will like to inform you that we ensure that the source of the information is 100% authentic. It is because the data garnered from tertiary sources might have the wrong information. As a result, it may cause monetary or other harm to our readers.
- Smoking Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_(cooking)
- Pellet Grill Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellet_grill
- Barbeque Grill Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbecue_grill
- Kamado Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamado
