Say goodbye to grilling – smoking meat is the new patio activity of the summer. Smokers are a must-have outdoor cooking appliance. Why? The combination of charcoal and wood chips gives meat and vegetables a delicious smoked taste along with tender centers and crisp outsides. The key to properly using a smoker? Just remember: low and slow.
The best smoker will be easy to operate and well built. A cheap smoker will have seams where heat can escape, which can make keeping a consistent temperature impossible. You’ll also want to look for one that has enough cooking space for loads of food. Some have two full racks for cooking while others have spacious surfaces. Remember, a properly prepared chicken on the smoker can take about three hours. You don’t want to be making those one at a time!
Having trouble keeping your meat juicy? Dry meat is usually caused by temperature fluctuations. Wood and charcoal give off different levels of heat as they burn. Some smokers have water trays to keep humidity up. If yours doesn’t have one, find space for an old pan.
The basis of flavor in smoking food is the wood. You can use many different types, from cherry to pecan. But some woods just don’t work very well, and some can actually be poisonous. Unless you’re an expert, only use wood from a reputable store.
Need help knowing which smoker to buy? Here are our top three picks:
For serious smokers who need a lot of surface area. It delivers faultless cooking performance without the need for gizmos and gadgets.
Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker, Model MB20070421
Families with small budgets will love this simple, energy-efficient smoker. Rack the meat, load the wood chips, set the thermostat, and enjoy when done.
Nordic Ware Stovetop Kettle Smoker, Full Size
A clever unit that can be used on a gas grill or fire pit outside or with an electrical outlet inside. Good for those who don’t need to smoke more than one bird at a time.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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