Best Meat Smokers and How to Smoke Meat on Them

If you love to grill, then there’s no doubt you’ve been wondering how to smoke meat. There are several ways to achieve smoky goodness, but the easiest way is on a meat smoker. These outdoor cooking appliances are specifically designed to inject food with charbroiled flavor, but not all meat smokers work the same, so it’s important to know which setup is best for you.

To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a guide to smoker grills for you to find all the answers you’ve had about meat smokers, including how to use a smoker grill. Then, we provide product reviews for three meat smokers priced between $750 and $2,000 to give you an idea which meat smoker will work with your budget.

What is a Meat Smoker?

Meat smokers cook food with smoke produced by maintaining low temperatures for a long period of time. That smoke is created using charcoal or briquettes, wood chips, or wood pellets.

One of the biggest differences between a smoker and a traditional grill is how these two outdoor appliances cook food. If your idea of grilling is searing proteins and veggie sides quickly, a smoker is not the tool for the job. That’s because meat smokers use indirectly to cook food the same way an oven prepares meals. This cooking method makes meat smokers ideal for slow-cooking large cuts of protein such as whole chickens, ribs, pork chops, tri-tip, and other meats that are best prepared with low and controlled heat settings.

Here’s a quick rundown on the different types of meat smokers available:

• Gas Smokers — Easy to control with a clean, smoky flavor.   
• Charcoal Smoker — Produce an iconic smoky flavor but can be tricky to operate
• Pellet Smokers — Easy to work, and some models use flavored wood pellets that offer unique smoky flavor
• Electric Smokers — Great for beginner grillers interested in smoking meats

How much do meat smokers cost?

Ultimately, the price of a meat smoker will vary depending on the fuel source and size. In general, these tend to be a more expensive type of grill. At Idler’s, you can find a meat smoker starting around $280 up to $1,950 or more for premium meat smokers.

Types of Meat Smokers

Whatever level grillmaster you consider yourself, you can find a meat smoker for your needs. Here’s a deeper look into the types of smoker grills on the market today.

Kamado Smokers

Identifiable by their egg shape, kamado smokers are ceramic outdoor ovens fueled by charcoal. These grills reach high temperatures, and due to their domed build, they circulate heat similarly to convection ovens. Kamado smokers can be trickier to use than other traditional charcoal smokers. For the best results, users should be comfortable cooking on a dual-zone grilling setup if they plan on purchasing a kamado grill.

✓ How to smoke meat on a Kamado smoker:

1. Begin by removing the grates and loading fresh charcoal at the bottom of the smoker.
2. Then, take an igniter (either paraffin wax starters, compressed cardboard, or other starters), and place a few around the center of your charcoal pile.
3. Next, ignite the starter, and turn the bottom vent always open.
4. Once ignited, leave the smoker open for about 10 minutes.
5. After 10 minutes, place a couple of wood blocks on either side of the smoker and cover the pile with the deflector plate (this will create indirect heat).
6. Then, replace the grill plate, cover, and allow the smoker to come to temperature. For lower smoking, it’s recommended to keep the bottom vents a quarter way open and the top vents at halfway to fully open, depending on how hot you want to smoke at.

Offset Smokers

Also called horizontal smokers, offset smokers have a separate compartment for smoking and another for the firebox. Offset smokers are made for smoking foods at low and slow temperatures. Users tend to appreciate the independent fuel box that makes it easy to change wood chips while cooking, eliminating the need of opening the main chamber and letting hot air out.

Kettle Smokers

The kettle smoker is iconic for its saucer shape made popular by Weber back in the 1950s. In fact, kettle smokers are essentially traditional grills. Their versatile setup makes it possible to smoke meat with indirect heat or use it as a conventional barbecue to sear burgers, hot dogs, kabobs, and more.

✓ How to smoke meat on a kettle smoker:

1. Remove the lid and the center grill portion on the inside.
2. Make sure every vent is completely opened.
3. Next, make a ring of charcoal. Weber also recommends placing four wood chunks in four areas around the ring.
4. Once set up, use a chimney starter to ignite the recommended amount of briquettes until almost completely ashen; pour over the unlit charcoal once it’s reached this point.
5. Next, place the center ring over the smoker base with the unfilled water pan below.
6. Once the ring is located, carefully fill the water drip pan with warm water.
7. Replace the grills, cover, and allow the inside to come to temp (around 135–150 degrees).
8. The moment the grill comes to the right temperature, close the bottom vents halfway.
9. Now, place your meat on the grill. Make sure to routinely check the grill for fuel and water, replacing when necessary.

Vertical Smokers

Upright smokers are truly versatile grill equipment available in virtually all fuel types. Vertical smokers are especially great for limited patios or backyards. Just keep in mind: these smokers have smaller grilling surfaces than other smokers and are intended for smoking meat in spaces that are limited on square footage.

✓ How to smoke meat on a vertical smoker:

1. Turn the dial to your preferred temperature.
2. Next, remove the wood chip tray and fill it.
3. Then, remove the water drip pan and fill it with water. If you plan to grill for a long period of time, make sure to replace the water often.
4. Vertical smokers have hot and cold zones. Place larger cuts of meat at the bottom near the most heat and smaller proteins at the top where it’s colder.
5. Once your meat has been placed, regulate the heat. For colder smoking settings, turn the vents all the way open. For hotter, quicker smoking sessions, you can keep the vents halfway to all the way closed, depending on what you’re smoking.

Learn more: Backyard BBQ Recipes

Benefits of Cooking on a Meat Smoker

If you’re looking to expand your grilling technique, here are solid reasons you might want to invest in a meat smoker.

✅ Smoking Meat Can be Lean

Smoking is an alternative cooking method that can dramatically cut down calories. Instead of oil, meat smokers use water drip pans to keep items moist, tender, and full of smoky flavor.

✅ Smokers Product the Best Smoky Flavor

You simply can’t get the smoky intensity you get when you barbecue on a smoker. The low and slow process of grilling on a meat smoker means that flavor has a longer time to penetrate meat for results that are full-flavored.

✅ Smoking Turns Tougher Cuts of Meat Soft

Using the low and slow cooking method for tougher cuts of meat breaks down protein fibers, collagen, and muscles for buttery-soft results. It will be far easier to get tender meat on a smoker than it is using the high-heat method on a traditional BBQ grill. 

✅ Smoking Produces Juicier Meats

Slow smoking also gives natural fats in meat time to slowly render. As a result, tougher meats turn out mouthwatering and more tender versus those being prepared using high heat.

3 Best Smoker Reviews

Start your journey into the art of meat smoking with these top meat smokers shoppers. Find similar optoins and more at Idler’s.

Traeger Pro 780 Black Pellet Grill

Traeger invented the original wood-fired grill over 30 years ago in Mt. Angel, Oregon, and continues to lead the industry as the worlds #1 selling wood-fired grill, perfected by decades of mastering the craft of wood-fired cooking. Fueled by 100% pure hardwood pellets and controlled with a digital pro controller, means from low and slow smoking to grilling at temperatures up to 500° F, you'll have the heat you need to create saucy BBQ all year long. The Pro 780 pellet grill sports a durable powder coated steel finish that is Reliable and Built to Last. It also boasts 572 square inches of grilling surface area, so there's plenty of space to cook for large groups. As always, Traeger includes our 6-year warranty for peace of mind.

Traeger 46 inch Black Ironwood 650 Pellet Grill

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line pellet grill that can do it all, then you need the Traeger Ironwood 650. This WiFi pellet grill is packed with next-generation grilling features, making it the perfect choice for those who want to elevate their craft. With the Traeger App, you can control your grill anytime, anywhere, adjust temperatures, monitor food, browse over 1,600 recipes, and more. The Ironwood 650 also features a unique LED display that makes it easy to see what temperature your food is cooking at. Plus, with its sleek black finish, the Ironwood 650 will make a great addition to your outdoor kitchen.

Traeger Pro 575 41 Inch Black Free Standing Pellet Grill

Make wood-fired cuisine easier than ever with the Traeger pellet grill. This state-of-the-art grill is based on the best-selling wood pellet grill ever, and it's been infused with WiFi technology for even more convenience. Whether you're grilling, smoking, roasting, or baking, this product will help you make Traeger grill recipes that are consistently delicious and packed with flavor. With its 41-inch cooking area, you'll have plenty of space to cook for a crowd, and the digital Elite Controller makes it easy to manage temperature, set timers, and more. Make every meal an event with the Traeger Pro 575 pellet grill.

A smoker grill can be an exciting addition to your outdoor cooking equipment and the perfect tool for enjoying meat full of smoky flavor all year round. Although they are priced more than traditional BBQs, meat smokers are the easiest way to unlocking the art of smoking food. At Idler’s, we carry meat smokers from the best brands on the market starting under $300. Visit our catalog today to see all the exciting options!

Why Trust Idler’s Home?

At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and with five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to help you make the vision you have for your home a reality.

Shop Smoker Grills at Idler’s

Envision the possibilities for your home and shop smokers at Idler's at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you know how to smoke meat — whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!

Learn more: 11 Best Smoker Recipes

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