Category: Buying

Having a smoker in your home can help you whip up a variety of grilled goodies that you can serve to your family and guests. You’ll look like a pro when they taste the charred meaty goodness, even without suffering hours of being in front of the smoke, thanks to the help of an electric smoker.

If you’re a newbie who looks for his first electric smoker, or a seasoned backyard barbecue junkie who is looking to replace his smoker, you might want to consider reading through this article to find out what to look for in an electric smoker. You may think that a good grill may do the thing, but smoker can do wonders to your ribs, salmon, beef, turkey, etc.

Electric smoker does a better job at grilling as it minimizes errors in cooking. When compared to grills, this is more efficient to use as it produces a no-fuss experience, resulting to meat charred to perfection. If you’re convinced, read through the article to find the electric smoker that suits your needs and preferences.

What to look for in an electric smoker?

Price – Smokers can be really expensive; if you want to get a good appliance that sits on top of every prospective buyer’s dream list, you have to shed typically more than $500 or $1000. Of course, it seems not practical to go way over the thousand mark even if you have the cash to spare as it can be spent on other stuff, like buying an endless supply of meat for your smoker.

As what practical people say, what’s the use of having an expensive smoker, if you don’t have money left to buy anything to grill on it? But if you have a little extra, and you’re feeling generous to the company making these expensive smokers, why not splurge? You’re sure that you’re getting what you pay for, anyway.

Louisiana Grills LG-00100-1301 TG-300SS Country Smoker Tailgater 300 SS

Bestseller No. 1

Louisiana Grills 61100-LG1100 LG 1100 Pellet Grill, 1061 Square Inch

• LG 1100 Series Wood Pellet Grill. Dimensions- 26 x 43.25 x 23 inches
• 1061 Sq. In Cooking Surface (731 Main 330 Upper)
• Porcelain Cast Iron Main Grids

$999.00

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May be considered as a great investment considering its quality and built. It may rather be on the expensive side, but its deemed worth saving up for.

For those who don’t feel going over the one thousand mark, there are still a number of smokers to choose from. Don’t worry, it’s not like you won’t be able to snag a good one. And for those who are really on a tight budget but would still like to experience the goodness of meat cooked in a smoker, fret not, as there are a lot of quality smokers that go below $500 such as the:

Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

Sale

Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller

• 730 sq. inches of cooking space with 4 chrome-coated racks and 800 watt heating element
• Digital temperature and timer controls
• Thermostat temperature control for even cooking from 100 to 275 degrees F

from $233.19

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Size – The capacity of the smoker has always been in the list of “the important things to consider when buying an appliance” because it determines the capacity of meat you can cook. This is especially the case if you’re getting a grill for the purpose of having guests over to enjoy a nice home-grilled meal with you, apart from the fact that you’re saving up a lot instead of having someone to cater food or to dine out.

Smokers also add a nice touch to a home party. So if this has been what’s on your mind, consider getting a smoker big enough to accommodate cooking food enough for your family and guests. Also think about how often you’re going to use it for; if you do have a lot of guests but only party once in a while, it may not be worth getting a big smoker that you would rarely use.

To give you an idea of a smoker’s capacity, the smallest one is considered good for medium to large families (around 15 people) and a few guests while a large smoker can cater to a whole day of barbecuing for a bunch of hungry guests.

If you’re aiming for smoking for your family and a number of guests as often as every weekend, consider a small to medium sized smoker that is built for frequent use. There are smokers that come in several tiers to accommodate more grilling such as the:

Smokin-It Model #3 Electric Smoker

Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker

• Up to 22 lbs. of meat capacity per load
• 400 watt heating element, 8 amps 120 volt single phase
• 3" Diameter rubber casters and 3 removable shelves included with space for 4 shelves total.

$329.99

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If you’re smoker to a group of around 30 to 50, get a big smoker, unless it’s a one time party then consider having other options in the menu aside from smoked goodies so you can just use whatever size of smoker you have, this is so you won’t buy a big one that will just rust in your backyard.

Thermostat Control – Almost all electric smokers have thermostat control. This is important so you can choose the heat setting and the time for it to grill. Afterwards, you can just leave it behind and spend some precious time mingling with your guests. Get something with the likes of the:

Meco5030 Electric Grill and Combination Water Smoker

SaleBestseller No. 1

Easy Street Electric Tabletop Grill with easy-view window and rotisseri

• 200 square inches of cooking space
• Three-position cooking element. Rotisserie accessory included.
• Along with its easy-view window, this grill's three-posi tion element is capable of (1) creating a zone of eve n heat for traditional grilling, (2) creating a versatile zone of different temperatures for cooking medium, ra re and well-done simultaneously and (3) converting to a fully vertical position for rotisserie grilling.

$167.30

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The thermostat gauge on this grill is removable and has low, medium, and high settings for smoking just about anything.

You may not have this if you choose to buy charcoal or wooden smokers because you’ll have to constantly check if the fire’s going and if the heat is enough. However, to make it easier, there are third-party thermostat add-ons that you can fixate in your grill. Just think, isn’t it more fun to be at the party talking with friends over good food than getting stuck at the grill?

Conclusion

If you aren’t sure of what to get having considered all the factors above, you may opt to read more about your grill of choice by looking over electric smoker reviews that will help you greatly, especially with determining specifications. Electric smokers come in a variety of looks, sizes, and brands so it’s generally up to you and your budget which one best suits your needs. Just remember, you don’t need to get the biggest size or the most expensive brand there is. Smaller and mid-priced ones can do the job and produce meats cooked to perfection. As a consumer, you need to be careful and wary about what you’ll purchase to get the best deal for your bucks.

If you’re a first-timer in the smoky world of grilling, you may consider not to invest in an expensive, high-end griller/smoker especially if you don’t have the experience of using it yet, even if you have the funds. Get something that is reliable yet won’t break your heart if you run into problems in the future because of your trial and errors.

A great start would be buying something like the Brinkmann Charcoal Grill and Smoker, as it is cheap and does the job like a pro. You won’t find anything as reliable and as affordable as this one.

PROS: The Brinkmann has a no-nonsense way of usage. The design is simple; it’s easy to use and easy to clean. The results always have these qualities: excellent flavor, tender, juicy, and appealing. People would wonder why they have purchased smokers that go over $500 when there’s one below $100 that does the job well. This smoker is also made of lightweight materials that is easy to assemble and store in your garage or be transported anywhere you please.

CONS: It’s a big hassle to add more charcoal if you’re going for long cooks/grills because there are lots of smoke and heat loss whenever you would open the door that leads to the charcoal pan. It would be great if Brinkmann could design something where the charcoal chamber is completely separated from the main body. Also, there are a few instances when some customers received a leaky smoker. This can be resolved by putting gasket tapes though.

What are the important aspects of the Brinkmann 852-7080-E Charcoal Gourmet Grill and Smoker?

Type: The Brinkmann Grill and Smoker runs using charcoal or wood chips as fuel. This is the cheapest method to use compared to electric and gas smokers. The upside is not only the cost; this smoker is also capable of putting an additional delicate smoky flavor and scent to your food. This is something that many BBQ aficionados consider important.

Therefore many would rather sacrifice the ease of having to use an electric or gas smoker. These types of smokers wouldn’t require your attention as it can grill and smoke on its own. All you have to do is place the meat and turn the knob on. Unlike charcoal smokers where you have to continuously check on the smoker to ensure that the temperature is maintained.

Charcoal smokers are also quite messy to use. You need to clean the fuel and water pan after every use. You also have to wait a while for the charcoal and wood chips to burn a decent temperature before putting the meat in, which can be quite hassling. However, the end result is always worth it.

Portability: Although this smoker isn’t that heavy compared to other ones in the market (this weighs 33.3 pounds), moving it might be a bit of a challenge because of its shape and the lack of wheels.

Good thing it comes with two wooden handles at each side that stays cool for easier lifting. Even though the handles won’t burn your hands, don’t attempt lifting it while in use, or while still hot, because it might cause injuries. This smoker measures 17 by 17 by 35 inches and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

Capacity: The Brinkmann Smoker comes with two chrome-plated steel cooking grills can hold up to 50 pounds of food. For example, you can cook a big ham on one level and a whole chicken on the other. The top and bottom grills cook in the same temperature so before putting meat in, consider what cooks the fastest and put it on the top grill so you can take it out easily afterwards.

Insulation: Although it fairly cooks well and is considered by many as well insulated, few owners complained about their Brinkmann leaking heat and smoke. This is easy to remedy, especially if you’re only going to fill in a few gaps. Just use gasket tapes that are easily installed and can be bought in many major hardware shops.

Accessories: The smoker has a dome lid that holds a thermometer responsible for flashing the temperature at a glance. It also has a front-hinged door that allows for replenishment of charcoal or water while in the middle of smoking. However, the door is too small and you can only add so much at a time if you don’t want too much smoke and heat to leak out.

Other highlights of this smoker are the porcelain-coated steel water pan, an extra-large aluminized-steel charcoal pan, free wood chips, and a separate base pan for easy cleaning and set-up.

SaleBestseller No. 1

Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18" Charcoal Smoker

• Two 18" stainless steel racks provide 510 square inches of cooking space
• Porcelain enamel water bowl. Dimensions- 22 L x 24 W x 43 H inches
• Top and bottom vents provide a dual air vent system

$139.09

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What other things should you know about the Brinkmann 852-7080-E Charcoal Gourmet Grill and Smoker?

The Brinkmann Smoker is fairly easy to assemble; you need to dedicate about an hour and use the accompanying manual. Owners lament about how it should come with a gasket to place over leaky edges. However, anyone can buy this easily and won’t cost too much.

Some owners also don’t like the fact that it takes so much time from the prepping until finishing grill. But anyone should have known this before buying a charcoal smoker. To give you an idea, one reviewer posted “you have to prep the smoker and light the charcoal for 30-45 minutes, cook ribs for 4 hours, spend time waiting for the excess coals to burn out for 1-2 more hours, then break it all down and trash the ashes.”

The process of having a finished grilled rib would take at least half a day so it’s important to determine how much you’ll cook and when it’s going to be served.

The Verdict

For the price, the Brinkmann Charcoal Gourmet Smoker wins hands down. For the quality of materials (although a bit leaky), the capacity, and the overall finish, it’s a pretty good deal, especially if you’re just starting out in smoking. If you just want to try first how smoking goes using charcoal as fuel, don’t invest in anything about $100, get this Brinkmann smoker and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

If you’re new to smoking, it is imperative that you get something that you can experiment on without spending too much in case you break it with some trial and error. But of course, get something that is good for your money and will still last a while. The best place to start is through a charcoal grill as it’s really the foundation of all things that involves food, smoke, and fire.

For starters, get something like the Char-Broil Offset Smoker American Gourmet Grill, as it’s fairly cheap for the price but works as advertised.

PROS: For the price, this is a keeper. It was easy to assemble, it holds the heat well and there is enough room for your food. It’s also made of lightweight materials and can be easily transported from one place to another. So if you’re looking for a grill that can be taken anywhere with ease, get this one. With a few modifications to solve the cons, you may find that this little grill is worth it for the price.

CONS: This grill is very small; if you plan to entertain a larger group of hungry mass, you better look elsewhere as this grill will not satisfy. It’s only recommended for a small group, such as your family and a few friends over, about five to seven people. More than that, someone’s going to get hungry. The material isn’t made of super heavy-duty material so expect the metals to be a little thin. It’s also prone to leaking heat and smoke, but you can easily remedy it.

What are the important aspects of the Char-Broil Offset Smoker American Gourmet Grill?

Type: This is a charcoal smoker that can effectively smoke your meat, fish, and veggies without problem. It can use wood chips as fuel apart from the traditional charcoal. Many people opt to buy charcoal smokers because of the smoky flavor it can add onto the meat. This type of smokers is also really cheap and the fuel it uses is very affordable too, so it’s perfect for those starting out in grilling.

The only downside of using a charcoal smoker/grill is the fact that you’ll have to be there almost all the time to check onto the temperature of your food. Charcoal isn’t predictable and the heat sometimes dwindles to the extent that it might burn or overcook your food, or undercook it. Although it doesn’t really require for you to be there all the time, it needs to be checked every now and then.

Charcoal smokers are also messy; you have to clean and throw the ash out every after use, unlike gas and electric smokers that are plug and play. However, only charcoal smokers can give that aroma and smoky flavor of a legit grill. For people who really prefers flavor to anything else, charcoal is their top pick.

Portability: The Char-Broil Smoker is very light, weighing only 16 pounds. This is due to the lightweight materials used. Although it’s a little bit sturdy, it’s also a bit tacky as many owners find the metal sheets too thin for their liking, although as mentioned, it does the job all right.

The smoker comes with built-in wheels for portability but it doesn’t really have handles for dragging. You need to drag it by the main smoker only when it’s cool. It’s not recommended to be moved while in use due to safety reasons.  Char-Broil could definitely add some handles in their future versions for easier transport.

Capacity: This small smoker comes with 288-square-inches primary cooking area with 138-square-inches of secondary cooking area. The cooking chamber is covered by a 288-square-inch porcelain wire-cooking grate that can whip up grilled goodies enough for 5-7 people, or a small gathering with few friends and family.

The firebox is separate from the main cooking chamber so as not to disrupt any smoking and grilling whenever you need to add more wood chips or charcoal. The offset firebox also allows for classic indirect cooking through the transmission of smoke, flavor, and low heat, through the cooking chamber.

Insulation: Due to the thin materials used for this smoker, it’s not really 100% effective in insulating the smoke and heat inside. More often that not, smoke and heat leaks out of the main cooking chamber, decreasing the chances of a good smoke and grill. Owners said that this could be remedied by doing a few modifications to contain smoke using high temperature gasket tape.

When used the gasket tape in the right places, the result will be a tight seal. Tapes can be purchased in major hardware shops and they aren’t very expensive.

Bestseller No. 1

Char-Broil Offset Smoker, 40"

• 739 sq in primary cooking surface with 275 sq in secondary cooking surface
• 3-piece smoking chamber helps eliminate air loss and maintain temperature
• Porcelain-coated cooking grates and lid-mounted temperature gauge

$179.99

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What other things should you know about the Char-Broil Offset Smoker American Gourmet Grill?

This smoker comes with a thermometer attached to the top of the main smoking chamber but owners have many times questioned its effectiveness. Some buyers were also lucky to receive a replacement thermometer along with their package. To ensure that the thermometer is working correctly, use a digital thermometer to check if the heat is within the correct range.

Some more downsides are the weak hinges that look like it’ll come off anytime soon and the paint that scrapes. These are really aesthetic problems and can be fixed easily. Use a spray paint on the grill for a permanent color that won’t fade and you can fix the hinges so that it will be properly in place. Other than that, this is a good grill for the money.

The Verdict

Don’t expect the Char-Broil Smoker to accommodate a barbecue party; this one is made for personal use to feed your family and some of your friends. Therefore, it’s perfect for beginners in smoking who don’t want to spend more than $500 on a smoker that they’ll only practice on.

This is where you should learn how to smoke low and slow. Don’t expect this to be heavyweight as it can only fit in a few pieces of meat, fish, and veggies at a time. You should consider the hours it takes to smoke so that no one will wait too long.

Having a smoker is awesome because you don’t have to worry about what to serve your guests during the next backyard barbecue party as it will do all the grilling for you. An electric smoker is so easy and efficient to use, that your role in producing grilled meat and goodies is putting the food inside the grill, turning it on, and wait. This is a new take to the good old grill, as smokers won’t require your full attention anymore.

If this is your first time getting a grill, the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker, is one of the favorites in the market that you should also consider buying.

PROS: This smoker is one of the best you can get for your bucks. At a price that’s very affordable you’ll be taking your grilling to new heights. Whether you’re new or a seasoned smoker, the Masterbuilt will ensure you’ll have fewer hands on, intensive labor smoking. Instead, you can use this time to spend some quality time with your family!

CONS: Many owners have complained about this products heater element that burns out quickly and can’t be replaced. When the heater element is gone, the electric smoker is considered junk because you can pretty much do nothing with it. Owners have contacted customer support and had varying answers: Either buy their newest product for less the price or refund their money.

What are the important aspects of the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker?

Type: This product is an electric smoker that can be plugged directly to your home outlet. It’s safe to use although some owners complained about their wires “burning” but this is a very rare case; out of the over a thousand reviews on Amazon, only a small few reported this. Electric smokers may be cost-efficient than gas smokers if electricity in your area is cheaper than gas. It varies per location.

If you’re going for a cost-effective smoker where you will save a lot of bucks in the long run, do check what’s the cheapest fuel in your location prior to purchasing. Of course, if you’re really up to saving, there’s the all time cheap fuel, which is wood and charcoal. You can opt for that.

Another thing about electric smokers that barbecue fanatics don’t like about is the lack of smokey flavor of the meat. Only charcoal smokers can effectively add this flavor while gas smokers can add some.

Portability: It weighs about 50 pounds and can be really heavy if you want to move it around, especially if you want to store it in your garage and take it out to the patio only when it’s time to use it. One of the good things about this product according to reviewers is the built-in wheel. It’s kind of tricky to use so they gave a tip: Wheels work best when the unit is tilted.

Capacity: This electric smoker comes in two sizes, 30-inch and 40-inch. What we’re reviewing is the smaller one, which comes with four racks, capable of being loaded with big roasts and whole chicken or turkeys at a time. You’ll be able to put in a total of 30 pounds of meat in one cook. Getting the 30-inch one is more than enough if you’re only serving your family and some guests, about 15 guests in total. If you’re expecting more than that, get the bigger model.

Insulation: The Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is well insulated. It comes in a cabinet style body that is really chunky, that you don’t have to worry if the heat from the inside is leaking out. Customers say that this style is better than the traditional side smoker, bullet, etc., Owners said that they have double checked the temperature inside with their own digital thermometer to check its accuracy and reported that the smoker’s temperature run true within a degree or two.

Accessories: You never have to open the door to check the temperature because it comes with a built-in thermometer that lets you set your preferred temperature. If you have been smoking a lot, you’ll know that keeping the temperature steady is what you’ll likely do a lot, if you want to achieve your ideal grill. You can constantly check the temperature in the built-in digital face to ensure that it’s up to par.

This smoker also comes with a handheld remote control (two AAA batteries required), which lets you program the time and temperature as well as check the meat probe temperature and switch the light on and off.

Sale

Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller

• 730 sq. inches of cooking space with 4 chrome-coated racks and 800 watt heating element
• Digital temperature and timer controls
• Thermostat temperature control for even cooking from 100 to 275 degrees F

from $233.19

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What other things should you know about the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker?

Assembling the smoker was very simple and took only about 15 minutes. 24-hour timer with an automatic shutoff, so food is never overcooked or dry. It comes with only 90 days of limited warranty.

With all its good reviews about great smoking and grilling with little to no supervision, there are also negative reviews about the heating element, which is the one that’s most likely to fail. Masterbuilt’s customer representative said that the heating element can be replaced on all of their smokers but some will require new body assembly as well and that they don’t really stock parts for older models.

It’s imperative to check if the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker that you’ll buy is in their list of “new models” so you’re sure that if your run into problems, the company will be able to send you the right replacements. Those that own older models were offered to buy improved unit with a discount while some were given full discounts. The response of the customer representatives varies, but overall they’re easy to talk to and are helpful.

The Verdict

As stated before, make sure to get the newest version of the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker because the company doesn’t stock old parts. If you run into problems, you’re sure that there are replacement parts waiting for you.

Generally, Masterbuilt doesn’t charge for these parts, especially if it’s still under their warranty. And if you’re unhappy with the product overall, they will send you a full refund. Only very few had complaints though; the majority of users loved their Masterbuilt Electric Smoker so it’s definitely worth a try.

If you frequently hold backyard barbecue gatherings, then you must consider getting a smoker that will cater to the hungry stomach of your guests. Gas smokers are capable of producing good-quality smoked meat that is juicy, seared right, and has a delicate smokey flavor. You don’t have to worry anymore on what to serve your guests because your smoker will take care of it.

Consider getting the Masterbuilt Propane Smoker, if you are looking for a propane smoker you can rely on.

PROS: Temperature control is easy using this propane is fairly easy and you can just keep the desired temperature and leave it to tend to your food. The capacity is quite big too; you’ll be able to put a lot of food in the tiers, great for if you’re holding parties and invite a couple of guests. To give you an idea, you can fit four whole turkeys in it. The grates are adjustable if you need adequate space for big pieces of meat.

CONS: There are a lot of instances when customers received incomplete packages and/or broken parts, the most common being the hinges broken or don’t line up creating a gap between the door and the box. Sometimes the leg breaks easily, or don’t assemble to the box, or don’t come with the package at all. Many customers said they have called customer support for replacement but was told that the company will send parts for the customer to repair it.

What are the important aspects of the Masterbuilt Propane Smoker?

Type: This product is a propane-run smoker. You need to purchase your own propane tank for this because it doesn’t come with it. Although the tank is fairly easy to assemble onto the smoker, you need to take precautionary measures when doing so because you don’t want it to have leaks in the future.

Also inspect the hose that you will use to ensure that it’s in tip-top shape. If you don’t want to use the type 1 regulator and hose that comes with the package, you can opt to buy your own. Propane tanks can be a hassle to use too because you have to take it to your nearest utility station for replacement or refilling.

However, this option is cheaper especially if you live in an area where the electricity charges are high. Having a gas smoker also enables you to have at least a smokey flavor in your meat unlike electric smokers. But if you’re really aiming for authentic smokey flavor, only charcoal or wood smokers can give that.

Portability: This smoker isn’t considered very heavy at 58.4 pounds so you can move it anywhere you desire especially if you’re aiming not to fix it in one place. If you’re the type who keeps your smoker in the garage to take out only for use, you need to use some sort of cart to transport this, as it doesn’t come with wheels. Also, for your own protection, don’t try carrying it while it’s hot even though it’s well insulated.

Capacity: The Masterbuilt Propane Smoker has a good amount of room for cooking. It comes with four 14×14-inch pullout racks that allow you to put several butts or racks of ribs and many others. The smoker has about 700 Square Inch of total cooking space. All the food that you placed inside the smoker is easily accessible. One reviewer warned owners not to be surprised when your neighbor comes knocking to put their meat along with yours in the smoker.

Insulation: This product has insulated doors, which holds the heat better inside. The latches are small but accessible and are less likely to get bumped as you walk by. A reviewer said that he anticipated that there would be heat leaks in this kind of smoker so he prepared to install a gasket around the door to prevent heat and smoke loss. But when the product arrived, the Masterbuit Propane Smoker leaked so little that a gasket is not necessary.

Accessories: This smoker has a built-in temperature gauge that is dead on accurate. If you want to know if the unit you got has the same accuracy, take an oven thermometer to verify the heat inside. The door can be locked securely and has a cool touch wire handle to protect you from burns. It comes with a drip/water pan but many people considered it too small for the size of the unit. You can easily remedy this by purchasing a foil unit that won’t cost you over $5.

SaleBestseller No. 1

Masterbuilt MB20051316 Mps 340g Thermotemp XL Propane Smoker, Black

• Temperature sensor controls burner to maintain desired temperature
• Safety valve shuts off burner if flame is extinguished
• Tank fuel level gauge indicates the amount of propane in the tank

$349.97

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What other things should you know about the Masterbuilt Propane Smoker?

Assembly of the MasterBuilt was very straightforward; the product comes with clear and concise English instructions and neatly packaged parts and hardware. It takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to put it together.

This is a vertical cabinet-style smoker that has separate doors for the meat smoking and for tending to the wood chips and water pan. This way, you won’t have to open the main cooking chamber and let the heat and smoke out whenever you need to add more chips or water. Owners recommend maintaining the wood chips for smoking every 30 minutes or so and to keep the liquid tray full.

One of the owners also responded to comments that the smoker’s results were metallic tasting food, and told them that the machine should be cured with olive oil prior to use. Do this an hour before. He said that it removes the paint smell and the aftertaste.

The Verdict

This is a great propane smoker because you’ll be able to smoke a lot of food with its wide capacity and you’re getting it for a really affordable price compared to other smokers in the market. For the price, it’s really worth it because of the thick and durable materials used.

Customer service is also great; they’re quick to assist you in your concerns and help you if you run into troubles. Except of course during times when they expect you to know how to replace some parts in your smoker, as many irate customers wrote.

Charcoal smokers are the best one in its category if you are aiming to have meat infused with a delicate smoky flavor. Using a charcoal smoker may be a bit of a hassle because you’ll have to check the temperature and the coals every now and then when you are cooking. It’s kind of difficult especially if you’re going for a slow, overnight smoke. The results are definitely worth it, however,

If you plan to start out in charcoal smoking, getting the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker, would be the best way to kick things off.

PROS: The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a high performing, efficient, easy to use, and affordable. At the price you’ll pay, you’ll get a lot of uses and tons of quality smoked meat and food. Weber also stands by the quality of their product that they are giving it a 10-year limited warranty.

The body is simply designed but is made of materials that can endure for a long time. This is definitely one of the best charcoal smokers in the market, and many owners have attested to it.

CONS: The only problem about this smoker isn’t about function, but rather, Weber’s own quality assurance team. A lot of this product’s negative reviews share one thing in common: Receiving the wrong charcoal grate size and the difficulty of having it replaced.

If you’re ordering from Weber, you’ll have to pray long and hard that you’ll receive the package with the correct grate and parts, otherwise, it’ll take several weeks and heightened stress and anger before you’ll receive the replacement.

What are the important aspects of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker 18.5 Inch?

Type: This is a charcoal smoker that uses wood chips and coal for fuel. It’s the best friend of every hard-core smoker as it is capable of bringing the best out of grilled meats. If you do it right, you’ll have meat that is seared perfectly on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside. It also has a delicate smoky aroma and flavor that would make anyone forget about his cares.

The only downside of using a charcoal smoker is the maintenance and supervised cooking. Whenever you’re smoking, you’ll have to check it every now and then to see if it’s maintaining its temperature as well as refueling. If giving out this extra effort is bothering, you can choose to purchase a gas or electric smoker that would run on its own, with little to no supervision.

However, you won’t get the desired smoky flavor anywhere than through a charcoal smoker. This smoker is made of porcelain-enameled steel and measures approximately 21 by 19 by 41 inches. The Lid and bowl constructed of premium-grade U.S. steel coated with porcelain enamel inside and out.

Portability: Weighing only 39 pounds, this smoker is definitely portable. You can bring it anywhere with ease. This is great if you store it indoors or in your garage when not in use and take it out for a weekend of smoking. It also has a heat shield at the bottom to protect your surface from getting hot; making it safe for you to place anywhere you please. The door latch is spring-loaded and features a lever type handle.

Capacity: This smoker contains two nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates for a total of 481 square inches of cooking space. The two cooking grates are made of heavy-duty plated steel, providing ample room for smoking ribs and a roast at the same time. If you’re planning to smoke lots of ribs, it is recommended to invest in a standing rib rack that allows you to stand up to four slabs at a time, which conserves lots of space. It costs only about $15.

Insulation: The Weber Smokey Mountain holds temps well when properly adjusted. Although some owners considered the door as a fairly thin piece of metal, the hugged the unit well and closed tight. No smoke or heat comes out of the smoker. If set right and filled with charcoal, it will run overnight without worries or supervision in just one load.

Accessories: This smoker comes with a durable, built-in lid thermometer that allows you to easily monitor your smoker’s temperature as well as a porcelain-enameled water pan, which adds steam to the smoking process so meat stays moist and tender. You can put whatever liquid you want into the pan such as juices, beer, or wine to add more flavor or aroma into your meat.

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Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18 Inch Smoker

• Porcelain-enameled lid, bowl, and center section retain heat and won't rust or peel
• Two cooking grates provide ample room for smoking two large items at once
• Silicone temperature grommet monitors the internal temperature of your smoker

$329.00

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What other things should you know about the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker 18.5 Inch?

The Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker took about 15 minutes to assemble. You’ll see about three major pieces and small connecting pieces. It comes with a manual for easy assembly and you can check for help online if you experience difficulties.

Ensure that after few use that you’ll scrape the grease and gunk on the inside of the smoker, as it tends to overheat when it’s full of unnecessary layer. You don’t need to thoroughly clean the covers, as the meaty smell will add more meaty scent on your next smoke, with the exception of the rim. It should be thoroughly cleaned to ensure an airtight seal.

Owners also appreciate the wider door for adding charcoal, pieces of wood, and such. The older model had a smaller door that made it difficult to place wood chunks.

The Verdict

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker is definitely one of the best, if not the one on top of the smoker chart. It’s very easy to use, lightweight, and has sturdy materials and grate that will surely last you years of contented smoking.

Every single part of this smoker works in harmony with each other, making it a breeze to operate. Unlike other smokers or grills that requires you to be present all the while, this one can operate on its own after you set it up right. The body, albeit thin, is efficient at keeping the heat and smoke intact inside for great cook and flavor.