What Is the Best BBQ Smoker for You?

There are several types of smokers to choose from.

The main types include charcoal, electric, gas, offset, and pellet. Pellet smokers even combine smoking and grilling in one convenient package.

Deciding on the best BBQ smoker for you is easier said than done.

This is much different from the old days.

Current barbecue techniques in America originate from a Caribbean method of cooking meat over sticks and samplings. 

The native people referred to this as “babacoa”. Spanish settlers eventually brought this cooking style that we now call barbecue with them. 

BBQ smokers have come a long way in recent years. In this article we will discuss each type and provide its pros and cons.

Each smoker is a stand alone appliance with useful features that makes using them a breeze.  

Keep reading to find out more.

5 Types of BBQ Smokers

There are several types of smokers choose from.

All have something unique to offer backyard cooks looking for either a perfect smoked brisket or just an easy evening meal.

1. Propane/Gas Smokers

Gas smokers use propane or natural gas as a fuel source.

These smokers can be hooked up to your home’s natural gas supply. If no supply is present, a propane (liquefied petroleum gas) tank can be attached. Tanks are refillable and are available at most home improvement and grocery stores.

Propane/Gas smoker basics

The design of most gas smokers is fairly simple. 

There is a gas burner at the bottom of the smoker. The burner connects to the gas supply.

A smoker pan for wood chips or chunks sits above the burner. Wood chips placed in the pan create the smoke and flavor.

There is a water pan on top of the smoker pan. The purpose is to add moisture and regulate temperature.

A chimney and dampers are on the top of the gas smoker. 

The smoke circulates around the food, cooking it by convection.

Pros

• Gas smokers are easy to use and require minimal setup time and propane gas is widely available
• Precise temperature controls allow you to set the temperature and forget it
• Gas smokers produce a small amount of less ash and soot and are easier to clean than other types of smokers
• They are generally more fuel-efficient than charcoal smokers. 

Cons

• Gas smokers produce meat with less smoke flavor
• They are generally more expensive than electric or charcoal smokers
• Require a steady supply of propane to operate. If you run out of propane during a smoke, you will need to stop cooking until you can get more

Gas smokers are the best bbq smokers for home pitmasters who want to smoke their food without the hassle of tending to a fire or monitoring charcoal. 

They are also a good option for those who want to have more control over the temperature and cooking time of their food.

2. Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers are the classic entry into the art of  barbecuing. They produce meat that is tender and full of flavor.

Charcoal smoker basics

Charcoal smokers normally consist of a barrel-shaped body with a smokestack, firebox, and water pan.

Charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal is ignited in the firebox creating hot air that is circulated by an adjustable vent and then passed through the smoke chamber before it exits up the smokestack. 

The water pan is filled with liquid that creates steam to keep food in the cooking chamber moist and tender. This setup creates tasty meals and uses less fuel than other methods.

Pros

• Charcoal smokers bring a unique flavor profile that many other methods can’t replicate
• They are fairly inexpensive, making them an attractive choice for those with limited budgets
• They’re easy to insulate, meaning the temperature will be consistent while smoking food

Cons

• Charcoal smokers don’t have as much temperature control as electric or propane fueled models
• They take more time to set up than gas-powered smoker
• Charcoal smokers emit smoke and ash which can be problematic in dry climates or windy weather conditions

Should you buy a charcoal smoker?

A charcoal smoker is the best bbq smoker for anyone who wants to achieve a traditional smoky flavor in their food.

It is a perfect choice for those who love to cook outdoors, whether it’s for a backyard barbecue or a camping trip. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, a charcoal smoker can help you achieve mouth-watering results.

3.Offset Smokers

Offset smokers are slowly becoming one of the most popular methods of smoking meats.

They are known for imparting a distinctive taste to the food due to the smoke produced by burning hardwood like oak or hickory. 

Offset smoker basics

Offset smokers have a classic design.

They have a long horizontal cooking chamber with a firebox that is “offset” to one side. It is mounted slightly lower than the cooking chamber.

Wood or charcoal burns in the firebox, creating drafts of indirect heat and smoke through the cooking chamber and out the chimney stack.

Standard offset smokers have the stack mounted on the side opposite the firebox. If the chimney and firebox are on the same side, the smoker uses a reverse flow system.

Pros

• Offset smokers can reach higher temperatures than other types of smokers and produce food with incredible, smoked-infused flavor
• They offer a lot of room to smoke large cuts of meat 
• The directional air flow helps maintain steady temperatures

Cons

• Offset smokers take longer to preheat and need more air flow throughout the cooking process
• Cheap mass-produced offset smokers should be avoided. Their thin skin construction results in huge air leaks and make it hard to maintain a consistent temperature, 
• Ash and debris buildup should be given careful consideration as they will impact your grill’s performance over time unless regularly cleaned out

Should you buy an offset smoker?

An offset smoker is a great option for anyone who is serious about barbecuing and loves old school authentic barbecue using wood and loves the challenge of controlling a live fire.

If you have a tight budget, an offset smoker may not be the best choice. More often than not, a cheap offset smoker will just leave you frustrated because of the difficulty involved in controlling the temperature.

4. Pellet Smokers

Pellet smokers (also referred to as pellet grills) are an increasingly popular way of smoking meat.

Using electricity and pellets made from compressed sawdust, the smoker is capable of reproducing low and slow barbecue cooking with minimal effort. 

It offers the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it style cooking with cooking options such as grilling, roasting, baking, and smoking.

Pellet smoker basics

Pellet smokers use lit wood pellets and fans to heat food to a specific temperature, similar to an outdoor convection oven. 

There is a hopper on the side of the smoke that holds the pellets. 

An auger pushes them through a heating element inside the firebox where they are ignited and begin to smoke.

A digital controller adjusts the airflow and the amount of pellets supplied to the firebox to maintain temperature.

The pellets come in many flavors and can be mixed to create custom flavor combinations. 

Pros

• Pellet smokers are fuel efficient, easy to use easy-to-use electronic controls with accurate temperature control and a wide selection of wood pellets
• They offer high versatility as they can be used for both high temperature searing and low and slow smoking
• These grills require less effort than other types of smokers or grills and require little in terms of set up or clean up
• There are easy-to-use electronic controls for accurate temperatures and a wide selection of wood pellets that give endless flavor options

Cons

• Pellet smokers can be more expensive than charcoal grills or gas grills
• To operate the heating rod, fans, and drill that ignite the pellets, there has to be an an electrical outlet nearby
• It is important to have a stockpile of wood pellets available, as they are not as readily available as charcoal or gas.

Should you buy a pellet smoker?

A pellet smoker is the best BBQ smoker for the pitmaster in your life who loves to experiment with smoky flavors using real wood.

These smokers offer the same control, low maintenance, and even heat distribution that you’d get with a traditional charcoal smoker. You also get the added convenience of being able to set it and forget it. 

If you’re tired of babysitting your traditional smoker, a pellet smoker would be a great investment.

And if you want something versatile, it can also grill, roast and bake.

5. Electric Smokers

Electric smoker use electric heat and smoke to cook foods. They are generally considered to be convenient and easy to use.

When using wood chips, the results achieved with an electric smoker are not much different from those of a charcoal or wood smoker.

Electric Smoker Basics

Almost all electric smokers have a vertical design. A heating element is located at the bottom with wood and water pans between it element and the smoking chamber.

The heating element heats up the wood chips which generate smoke as they burn. 

The water pan provides moisture and creates steam to tenderize food and produce flavor-rich vapors. 

The water pan also shields the food for the direct heat of the heating element, keeping the temperature low and the cooking slow.

Electric smokers are often equipped with digital controls that allow you to set the temperature and cooking time, and some models even have built-in meat thermometers. 

Pros

• Electric smokers are convenient, relatively inexpensive and require minimal setup or maintenance
• They are portable and lack the flare ups you get from charcoal or wood
• They provide consistent temperature and smoke, which can be difficult to achieve with traditional smokers 
• Electric smokers are generally safer than traditional smokers because they don’t require an open flame. This reduces the risk of fire or accidental burns

Cons

• Because electric smokers don’t always reach high temperatures quickly, it can take longer for food to reach desired “doneness” in comparison to other methods
• They do not deliver a crisp smokiness like charcoal or wood smokers
• A power source must be nearby to operate 
• Electric smokers are generally smaller than traditional smokers, which means they have a limited capacity. This can be a problem if you’re cooking for a large group or if you want to smoke large cuts of meat

Should you buy an electric smoker?

An electric smoker is the best BBQ smoker if you like smoking your own food and don’t want to deal with the hassle of charcoal or wood burning smokers. 

They use a lot less electricity than traditional ovens, which makes them great option for energy-conscious cooks. 

They are excellent for beginners who may struggle to maintain a constant temperature with other smoker types. 

Things you should consider before buying a smoker

Take the time to consider important aspects of the smoker including budget, fuel, portability, and size before making a purchasing decision. 

Don’t forget about the food you plan to cook and how many people you need to cook for. These factors will determine how much fuel is needed and which model is most suitable for your needs.

What’s My Budget?

Depending on your budget, there may be more or less options that are available.

Budget is important because different smokers come with varying price tags.

For instance, higher quality offset smokers are typically much more costly than smaller, entry-level pellet smokers.

If you consider a smoker that fits your budget you can save money. And ensure you purchase an appliance suited to your needs.

Also, annually replacing accessories like briquettes may add up over time if the cost of these items is not taken into consideration when budgeting for a smoker. 

These considerations will allow you to make an informed decision without putting strain on your wallet.

What type of fuel do I want?

It is important to carefully consider the type of fuel you would like to use. 

Electric smokers are very easy to use but can require a higher upfront investment.

A charcoal smoker is relatively inexpensive but requires more supervision and regular monitoring for temperature control. 

Gas smokers offer great temperature control but tend to produce less smoke flavor than other fuel types. 

Pellet smokers provide an even temperature with lower operating costs compared to gas smokers. But they need more frequent refueling than others. 

Understanding these differences will help you make an educated decision on what fuel type works best for your needs.

How portable do I need it to be?

If you plan on placing the smoker in the trunk and taking it to another location, its size will determine if that is possible. 

Portable BBQ smokers are great for tailgating, picnics, private parties, camping trips or wherever else your heart desires – so pick out one that is easily movable, yet still big enough for all your needs.

How many people am I cooking for?

The size of the smoker and the cooking area it offers determines how much food you can cook at once.

If you are only cooking for a small family, a smaller smoker may be all you need. By understanding the number of people you will be cooking for, you can determine the appropriate size and capacity of the smoker needed to meet your requirements.

Larger smokers tend to be more expensive and require more fuel to operate. So buying a larger smoker than you need could be a waste of money and resources.

On the flip side, a smoker that is too small may not be able to cook all the food you need. You may have to cook in multiple batches, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

What type of smokers do professionals use?

Some popular types of smokers among professionals include offset, pellet, electric, and charcoal.

There is no one specific type of smoker that professionals use. It depends on their personal preferences and the type of food they are smoking.

At BBQ completions, drum smokers have become popular because of their simplicity and affordability. They are highly fuel-efficient, and can maintain consistent temperatures for long periods of time.

My Final Thoughts

Let’s face it, choosing the perfect smoker can be overwhelming. With so many types and brands out there, it’s easy to get bogged down in the details. 

That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the five most common types of smokers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Trust your gut and go for it!

And here’s a little secret – there’s no one “best” type of smoker. It really depends on your personal preference and cooking style.

So, which one speaks to you?

If you want to know what the most popular smokers are read our guide, The Most Popular Smokers in the U.S.