Many people enjoy a great BBQ, whether it’s a charcoal grilled steak or a delicious piece of salmon; however, to add even more flavor, you might want to step it up and consider learning the basics of using a smoker. Smoking offers an incredible new level of flavor and the best part is, it’s easy to do. Of course, you’re going to need a quality smoker in order to get the best results. If you’re in the market for a smoker, you’re going to have numerous options, so it’s important to understand what factors make the best charcoal smokers for your needs.
When you’re ready to start your search for the right smoker, be sure to keep in mind how you will be using it. If you’ll be smoking meats for major competitions, you’re going to need something much larger and, obviously, more expensive. However, for the average backyard smoker, you will still have many options. The size of your smoker will depend on the quantity of foods you’re going to smoke at any given time. There are many affordable models that will work just fine for the average family. Another important criteria will be your budget. Smokers can be found for under $100 or can reach to $1,000 or more. Bigger isn’t always better.
Ceramic smokers are extremely popular and are typically very efficient in holding in heat. This allows you to use less charcoal. Another common style is the coated steel smoker. Many people own backyard grills with this type of construction. They stand up well to years of use and can be an excellent choice for a charcoal smoker.
If you are looking for a smoker that you can also use for occasional grilling, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the design. Some designs can be used for grilling, but you’ll be doing it on your knees. Others, especially the egg shaped smokers, will let you grill, but your surface area will be extremely limited. For some people, this isn’t a big factor in choosing a smoker, but it’s important to keep in mind if you’re looking for something capable of meeting both needs at once.
Lastly, you’ll want to decide if you want a dry or moist smoking environment. Some smokers come with a water pan that is located between the heat source and the food. The idea being that the more humid smoking environment will help keep your meat moist. Do some research and decide on budget, and then choose a smoker that meets your need for size and cooking style.
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