There really is nothing more delicious than smoked food, the flavour and softness of the meat or fish that you are cooking really cannot be beaten! But actually creating this flavour at home can be quite challenging, as not many people have the equipment or cooking knowledge to be able to pull it off! If you are currently facing this exact predicament then it sounds like you are in need of a smoker BBQ.
A smoker BBQ has a different layout to a standard BBQ, with a separate heat chamber to the actually cooking grill. This allows you to cook at a much lower, more controlled heat so that you can really smoke the food that you are cooking. Not only does this mean that you can achieve that smoky flavour that you are looking for, but also that your food can cook slowly to prevent that “crispy” (or in other words – burnt!) outer, whilst the inner meat is still undercooked! Smoker BBQs will often also have water trays, which use the heat to create that extra smoky taste!
If this sounds like exactly what you are looking for, then look no further. As we have some of the best smoker BBQs available at the moment for you to choose from. Not only that, but we have included a buyers guide which is filled with all the essential information that you need to consider before making your purchase.
Best Smoker BBQ – CosmoGrill XXL Charcoal Outdoor Smoker
- Weather Protection: Includes a durable 600D Oxford fabric cover, UV and dust resistant, to protect your BBQ during adverse weather conditions. Perfect for year round outdoor use
- Smoking Power: The generous grilling area accommodates over 15 burger patties and 15 sausages simultaneously; perfect for entertaining large groups without compromising on cooking space
- Heat Retention: This American style smoker has two cast iron grills ensure even heat distribution; once hot, they stay hot, delivering consistent and reliable cooking results every time
- Temperature Control: Integrated temperature gauge, chimney, and adjustable air vents allow precise heat management; height-adjustable coal tray lets you customise the cooking environment for perfect flame-grilled flavours
- Multi-Zone Cooking: Variable heat zones enable simultaneous cooking of different meats and vegetables; the stainless steel warming rack keeps food warm, while the front door allows easy coal access without disturbing the grill
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
One too many burnt and wasted racks of ribs? Tired of having to purchase all your meat pre-smoked? Looking for a smoker BBQ to enjoy your summer months and impress your family and friends? Then look no further – we have included some of the best smoker BBQs and all that you need to look out for when you are buying.
Style
There are two main styles of smoker BBQs which really comes down to personal preference and the space that you have available. The first style is an upright model which has the cooking area directly above the heat chamber. This makes it easier in a way for the smoker BBQ to get to work, as the heat can just rise through the cylindrical tank, smoking the food as it goes. These models tend to be more compact so are better for smaller spaces. However, this does mean that they offer a smaller cooking area, so aren’t always ideal for if you are wanting to cook large pieces of meat (there are SOME that will be big enough but these tend to be more expensive). Not only this, but the cooking area being so close to the ground causes problems for some people as they have to get almost down to floor level to control the fire.
The other type of smoker BBQ that you have available is a side chamber model. A side chamber model (as the name suggests) has the heat compartment of the BBQ at the side of the cooking compartment. This does mean that you may have to consider rotating your food around occasionally (depending on the style of the BBQ and the food that you are cooking) but they are also much more user friendly! You will often find that they have larger cooking areas, allowing you to cook a wider variety of meats and fish, but also that the heat compartments are so much easier to access due to them being raised off the floor! This makes it much easier to start the fire and add fuel etc.
Depending on the style of smoker BBQ you are going to need to consider whether they have front or top door hatches. Models with front hatches make it much easier to access the cooking compartment so that you can carefully prepare your food for smoking. Top “hatch” style models will mean you have to lower the food into them which can be more difficult (especially if you are dealing with a hot smoker BBQ).
Size and Weight
Once you have decided on the style of smoker BBQ you will be able to consider the size and weight of the BBQ that you go for. Obviously, this really comes down to the amount of food that you are wanting to cook and the space that you have available.
It is worth first checking the height of your smoker BBQ – the closer to the height of your body, the easier it is going to be to use. Upright models tend to naturally be tall enough for easy use thanks to the layers being stacked on each other, but for side chamber models you are going to need to check the overall height considering the legs etc. You then need to look at the length of your smoker BBQ, again upright smoker BBQs are going to be much narrower so able to fit into smaller spaces. Upright smoker BBQs tend to be between around 30cm and 50cm in length, whereas side chamber models can be closer to 90cm – if not even bigger!
These variations in size are going to impact on the overall weight of your smoker BBQ, which is important if you are going to be planning on moving your BBQ from one place to another. This may be as simple as moving your BBQ into storage for over the winter months, or it could be that you are wanting to take your BBQ with you to different places, if you are going camping or going out for the day to the beach! There are a number of variations that will affect the portability of your smoker BBQ (more on this below) but the main one that is going to make an impact is the overall weight! Some weigh as little as 30kg, whereas others models are upwards of 60kg, which is a massive difference if you are planning on carrying your smoker BBQ around.
Cooking Options
You are wanting your smoker BBQ to cook and smoke food – so you obviously need to think about how easy or difficult this is going to be to achieve! Different smoker BBQs are going to be better designed to cook different types of food so you will also need to think about what you are planning on cooking the most of. Make sure to check the size of the cooking surface that comes with your smoker BBQ. A smaller cooking surface of 15cm will be fine if you are cooking smaller, individual portions of meat for one or two people, but if you are wanting to cook for more people, or are planning on smoking large pieces of meat then you are going to need a much larger cooking area. Some have cooking areas slightly bigger than 30cm which will give you much more space to work with.
You also want to look at the design of the cooking area…Is this as simple as a single grill tray? Does it come with a double grill tray to allow you to smoke more than one thing at once? Are hooks included to allow you to hang food for a more consistent, smoked finish? Some of the best smoker BBQs will have adjustable cooking areas so that you can change the space according to what you are cooking at the time.
Smoker Specific Features
You know the main things to look out for now, but there are some additional features that are more specific to smoker BBQs that you are going to need to consider before you buy. These will affect not only how easy it is for you to use the smoker BBQ, but the overall quality of the food that you get when you are finished!
- Air vents – This definitely has to be first on the list! A smoker BBQ works by cooking the food slowly for a more smoked, even cook. The only way to achieve this is by cooking at a lower temperature, which can be achieved by the air vents in the smoker. Look out for models that have air vents in both the cooking area and the fire area as this will allow you the most flexibility in your temperatures. When the air vents are closed, this will reduce the oxygen that is getting to your fire, to therefore reduce the fire itself and the heat overall.
- Thermostat – One of the best ways to check whether you are cooking at the right temperature is by using a thermostat. A standalone thermostat is going to leave you having to open the lid of your cooking compartment regularly (which will then reduce the heat of the air around your meat). The best way to avoid this is by purchasing a smoker BBQ that comes with an inbuilt thermostat that will tell you the temperature inside your cooking area without you even needing to open it.
- Fuel compatibility – It is worth checking the types of fuel that you are able to use for your smoker BBQ. Some will work with coals whereas others will just work with wood, this is important as wood is going to be the best to create that smoky flavour but it isn’t always the cheapest option for fuel. We also found some models that work on gas but these tend to be for bigger smoker BBQs.
- Water pan – Many smoker BBQs are going to come with a water pan that is there to assist in creating the smoky flavour on your meats. Check for the size of the water pan as this will determine how long you can cook for before it needs replacing. A 3-4 litre water tank will allow you to cook for 2-3 hours before needing replacing.
Best Budget – Uten Barbecue Grill Smoker
- 【Make Your Barbecue Smoky】If you are tired of the lack of flavor of natural gas barbecue grill, you may wish to try Uten charcoal barbecue grill. You can use it to make grilled flavour barbecue or enjoy smoking meats.
- 【Foldable & Portable】The portable and lightweight folding leg is designed for easy transport and storage. Comfortable lifting handles allow you to take it from the storage room to the backyard garden in a breeze. Non-slip rubber feet can make the grill more stable. So, you can enjoy the benefits of grilling anywhere. You can also carry the compact charcoal grill in your car Trunk for any outdoor activities as it only takes up a little space.
- 【Easy to Assemble & Use】The grill comes with an easy-to-follow instruction for stress-free assembly without tools, just open it and put four feet down and fold the legs and it is ready to go with handle after using. Its designed with air ventilation vents on both ends of the grill so that airflow can be controlled easily and heat distributed evenly throughout the grill. Easy to use and clean.
- 【Healthy & Premium Quality】Made of 430 rust-resistant stainless steel for years of worry-free use. Heat-resistant and not easy to be deformed. Safe and healthy and non-toxic smoke. Included with the grill is small and large barbecue wire mesh panels meeting all you need. When using the Uten BBQ, if you put a layer of tin foil on the charcoal trough, this will maximize extend the life of the grill.
- 【Great Choice for Barbecue Party】Just choose this best gift for BBQs, picnics, camping or a night on the patio, indoor, outdoor parties, traveling, park, beach, wild with your friends and families. Enjoy your tasty food Anywhere! Anytime! And it will make your life more safe, healthy, convenient and fast.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Additional Smoker BBQ Features
Now that you know the main aspects to consider before purchasing your smoker BBQ. There is such a wide range of smoker BBQs to choose from, if you are wanting the best for both you and your food then this is what you need to look for!
- Build Material – Almost all Smoker BBQs are going to be made out from steel, as this is going to be one of the more durable metals that will be able to withstand both the weather and the heat that they are up against. However, even steel will rust over time so make sure to check whether it is power or paint coated as this will help to offer an extra layer of protection. When looking at the build material it is also worth checking for the amount of insulation that is provided as this will make your smoker BBQ more efficient when you are cooking!
- Portability – As we mentioned above, portability may be important if you are wanting to take your smoker BBQ to different places. Look whether it comes with wheels on the base or handles that will make it easier to transport.
- Cleaning – Your smoker BBQ is going to get messy with the grease and oils from the food, and the soot and dust from the fire, so if you are wanting to keep it looking like new then you are going to need it to be easy to clean. Look out for models that have easy to remove trays and wide opening doors so that you can access all parts of the BBQ to keep on top of it!
- Tables – Some of the best smoker BBQs will come with a side or front table to allow you to store your cooking utensils when they are not in use. For us, this is a MUST as it makes it so much easier when you are rotating or checking your food.
Best of the Rest
- Quality Protection Builtin thermometer with detailed temperature scale and adjustable airflow on the lid for better temperature control. Porcelainenamelled water pan and charcoal pan offer you stable use. Sunlifer BBQ charcoal grills with heatresistant bakelite handles make transporting roasting and cooking a eeze. Heavy duty steel construction for durability and long life.
- Multifunctional Smoking is a popular method that allows food to be preserved longer it can be used for cold or hot smoking. Can be used in multiple ways smokebarbecuesteambakestewroast offers tremendous flexibility. The SUNLIFER charcoal round grill can also be used as a fireplace small charcoal grill singlelayer smoker grills & smoker at the same time.
- Access Doors The charcoal grill with lid has 2 access doors it is more flexible to check the food status and add charcoal wood or pellets without removing the whole layer to avoid heat. The porcelainenamelled water pan traps smokers and moisture to impart a smoky flavor to your meat.
- Large cooking space The Sunlifer charcoal grill has 2 large cooking grates so you can smoke or grill meat or vegetables at the same time. With a crossbar and 4 hangers in the lid you can smoke different sizes and shapes of meat.
- Portable and Easy to Assemble The twolayer design can be easily taken apart for transport or cleaning. Unlike an integral barrel grill our charcoal BBQ smoker grill can be easily disassembled into 4 parts which only takes up a small cube in most car trunk ideal for camping BBQ. Use as a grill or smoker it's up to you. With the locking system it offers you more stability.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a smoker BBQ only smoke food?
No! You will find that with most smoker BBQs you will also be able to use them as a standard BBQ. This does depend on the model so is worth checking for when you are buying, but we found that most can be used interchangeably.
What guarantee comes with a smoker BBQ?
This largely depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the product that you choose to buy. Models that are made of good quality steel that is powder coated will usually come with a guarantee of up to 5 years, whereas smaller models may only have a guarantee of 2 years.
What foods can I smoke on a smoker BBQ?
Really your options are limitless as to what you can smoke on your smoker BBQ. For example, you could smoke fish, pork, beef, bacon, racks of ribs. The list goes on!
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