Best BBQ smoker for meat | These 7 brands are perfect for it

Are you searching for the best low and slow-smoked meat? Have you ever tried to achieve that tender and fall-off-the-bone result without success?

The secret lies in your smoker and recipe. Your meat will never taste the same after smoking the right way!

Well, you need a BBQ smoker. But not just any BBQ smoker, you need a BBQ smoker that’s specifically designed for meat. 

Let’s take a look at the top choices.

What’s the best BBQ smoker for meat?

In this post, we shall highlight the best BBQ smokers that you can find on the market for every budget, but the most versatile BBQ smoker for meat is the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker that’s perfect for outdoors because it’s durable, easy to use, and offers unmatched flavor. 

Here the BBQguys reviewed it on their YouTube channel, which is worth a watch:

How to buy a bbq smoker video

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Here’s an overview of my top list and I’ll get down to the individual reviews right after that:

Best BBQ meat smoker	Images
Best vertical charcoal meat smoker: Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker	(view more images)
Best budget meat smoker: Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker	(view more images)
Best BBQ meat smoker and grill combination: PK Grills PK360 Outdoor	(view more images)
Best pellet grill meat smoker & best with Bluetooth: Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker	(view more images)
Best vertical offset BBQ smoker for meat: Dyna-Glo Wide Body Charcoal Smoker	(view more images)
Best gas/propane meat smoker: Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker 30″	(view more images)
Best digital electric BBQ smoker for meat: Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe Black	(view more images)

Also keep reading for an insight into the best types of meat to use for smoking.

However, there is one challenge to this—choosing the best and right type of BBQ smoker since there are endless choices out there in the market.

What is a BBQ smoker?

A smoker is a cooking device used outdoors that maintains low cooking temperatures for a long period of time. It produces smoke from the added wood chips or chunks.

This smoke is flavored and infuses the meat with tasty aromas. A very good smoker is capable of maintaining the smoke for a long time so the meat can absorb the flavors. 

Find out about the best woods for smoking in the Ultimate Smoking Wood Chart

BBQ smoker buying guide

These smokers will help you make a better BBQ. So, you will never complain about having a bad BBQ smoker again!

However, there are several things that you need to consider before choosing the best BBQ smoker. These things include:

Type 

Before I talk about the types of smokers, I want to mention first that when you smoke meat, the flavor is the most important. Your fuel source combined with the flavored smoking woods is what sets the meat apart from the basic store-bought smoked cuts. 

Charcoal

Nothing really beats the charcoal and wood-flavored smoked meat. Therefore, if you want authentic BBQ smoked meat, you can’t go wrong with a charcoal smoker.

Most charcoal smokers have a bullet shape. They are simple to use once you learn how to control the temperature.

Beginners have a hard time learning how to use vents and how to keep the temperature steady while smoking.

But, again, the meat’s flavor is truly amazing. Maintenance with these smokers is really simple and the are no fancy buttons or settings to deal with in most cases. 

I’ve rounded up the 10 Best Charcoal Smokers that’ll have you smoking like a pro here

Offset

Also being charcoal smokers, offset smokers have a large cooking chamber with plenty of grill grates and cooking surface and a separate smokebox and firebox for your fuel and wood smoke.

It’s a bit hard to use the offset smoker because the temperature can get out of control and they are a bit leaky. However, the flavor is great and just like that of the classic bullet charcoal cooker. 

Pellet

The pellet smoker is one of the most popular modern smokers on the market.

This type of smoker offers better control over smoke production and temperature. The meat comes out full of flavor and retains some of its natural juices.

There’s a rod that ignites when you turn it on and this starts burning and feeding wood pellets.

The pellets can be quite expensive though and you need lots of them for a long smoke for something like beef ribs.

Check out my complete Pellet Smoker Grill buying guide

Gas/propane

The propane smoker is easy to use and control. This type of smoker offers amazing flavors because the gas doesn’t infuse the meat with any odd flavors, so all you get is the flavors of the wood chips and high-quality smoke.

You can also set and leave this smoker because you don’t need to adjust any coals or embers to correct temp changes.

Basically, the gas smoker is easy to use like the electric and there are many cheap versions available. 

Electric

The electric smoker is the easiest to use as it runs on electricity so you can plug it in and go about your day.

To use the electric smoker, all you have to do is plug it in, choose the desired temperature, add flavored smoke wood and let it smoke for however many hours it needs to.  

You don’t need to keep refueling, so it’s truly a set-it-and-leave-it smoker. Usually, you have an app that shows you the temperature and lets you adjust the settings remotely.

With an electric smoker like a Masterbuilt, you can even smoke indoors!

Size & capacity & cooking area

Smaller smokers can allow you to smoke food for an average-sized family, while larger smokers will enable you to smoke for larger crowds.

The cooking surface is extremely important though because you need to ensure you can cook large briskets and several rib racks at once if you’re looking to feed a party crowd.

Also, you want to be able to move the grates and adjust them to fit large birds like turkey on hooks, for example. 

Apart from evaluating the number of people your smoker can cater to, you should also consider the size of cuts that can fit in your smoker.

Don’t forget to check out the storage options you have. Always put into consideration the required space around the smoker since you will need plenty of space for airflow and ventilation.

The shape of the smoker you will buy will significantly determine your decision.

A large smoker will have about 700 sq inches of cooking space or more whereas a smaller electric or charcoal smoker will have 300-500 sq. inches.

That’s enough space for the average family!

Don’t forget to check how many cooking grates there are too. The vertical offset smoker for example will have about 4 grates stacked vertically.

But, again, the larger the smoker, the more grill grates and the more meat you can pile on. 

Bluetooth connectivity

Some modern smokers, especially electric ones have WIFI or Bluetooth connectivity. This means that you can always know the temperature inside the cooking chamber and some also show you the temperature of the meat. 

This means you can control the smoker from a distance and do other things without babysitting it! 

The truth is though that this is not really necessary for smoking meat. It’s a nice bonus feature but it can drive up the smoker’s price and true pitmasters already get good results with a simple external thermometer and temperature probes. 

Value

The value of a BBQ smoker should not be based on its price entirely. Of course, the price is one of the factors that you should consider when determining the value of the smoker.

But, you should also consider the smoker’s design, features, engineering, functionality, as well as the quality of the materials.

The best smokers are made of stainless steel because this metal is durable.

Durability 

When searching for a BBQ smoker, you will realize that some smokers have been built with lower-quality and more economical components like low-grade parts and painted steel.

These components will eventually wear down because of extreme weather elements.

So, it’s advisable to make sure that you choose a smoker constructed out of durable materials like cast aluminum or stainless steel that will never corrode or rust.

Although these smokers might cost you a considerable amount of money, they will give you excellent value for your money in terms of durability and performance.

After all, you want a good piece of equipment that lasts for many years.

Some smokers also have porcelain or chrome-plated grates. These are better because they are nonstick and easy to clean and great at heat retention. 

Versatility 

Different models will give you both smoking and grilling options. So, if you opt for this type of smoker, make sure that the model has a good design.

Some products will promise such features, but you won’t be able to access both of them. The best models allow you to smoke and grill. 

Combo grills are especially useful if you want to save space in your backyard. Having a bulky smoker AND grill can take up too much space but if you’re a true smoker fan, you might want the best smoker in addition to your BBQ grill. 

Portability

This is one of the greatest factors that will determine the model that will need to buy. Handles are always good to have as are wheels. 

A portable BBQ smoker should be your best option, especially if you want to use the smoker in camping and tailgating.

Lastly, consider getting a smoker with detachable legs whenever possible. 

Best smokers for meat reviewed

So yeah, there’s a lot to keep in mind when buying a smoker for meat. To make choosing one easier, I’ll list my favorites in each category here. 

Best vertical charcoal meat smoker: Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

• type: charcoal smoker
• size: 18″
• cooking area: 481 square inches
• Bluetooth: no

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If you’re on the hunt for intense smokey wood flavored meat, a classic bullet charcoal smoker is the best option. The Weber Smokey Mountain is top of its class in durability and performance. 

While it’s not as easy as using a pellet smoker, Weber’s Smokey Mountain is by far the best value for your money, not to mention it’s a cult classic for good reason: the food tastes incredible!

When it comes to holding a steady temperature, most customers agree that you can’t really beat this charcoal smoker.

It’s affordable, well-built from heavy-duty stainless steel, and is pretty spacious.

I prefer the 18-inch over the 14-inch because you have a larger cooking surface. If you’re going to get a smoker, you should be able to smoke lots of food at once. This model has two large racks.

Like other bullet smokers, this one also has a bottom rack and a large water pan, a charcoal retaining ring, and two food racks.

Unlike those no-brand cheap smokers though, the Smokey Mountain is very well designed and is made from porcelain-enameled steel that’s extremely durable.

As well, the smoker comes with a protective bottom heat shield which ensures the smoker doesn’t ruin your deck or lawn.

The only difficulty you’ll encounter is keeping the temperature steady because it takes a bit of trial and error to manage the heat properly.

There are three bottom vents you can open and close as needed and one top vent which is supposed to help hold the temperature. The thing with this smoker is that it’s easier to maintain higher temps for smoking foods like brisket.

You can check the built-in lid thermometer to see the temps, but I still recommend an external Bluetooth thermometer because the built-in one just isn’t accurate enough.

When smoking on lower temps for foods like beef jerky (200 degrees), you need to be more careful with adjusting the vents because it’s hard to keep the heat steady as it tends to get too hot.

The Smokey Mountain has a large door where you can easily access the fuel source (charcoal) to add more or to add more wood chips.

Overall, it’s a really good smoker and offers delicious results. After you get the hang of using a charcoal smoker like this one, you’ll have a hard time switching to another type.

Check the latest prices here

Best budget meat smoker: Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker

• type: charcoal smoker
• size: 17″
• cooking area: 453 square inches
• Bluetooth: no

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Remember back in the day when your grandparents would smoke meat with a simple bullet smoker? Well, the Realcook is a cheap, sturdy, simple charcoal smoker just perfect for those looking for amazing, flavored meats.

There’s something appealing about this easy to assemble grill which is ideal for both hot and cold smoking.

This is a smaller 17” smoker but it’s easy to put together and lightweight which makes it portable. Besides, you can fit it in any corner of your patio or yard and it won’t be too bulky. There are two bakelite handles for easy transport to and fro.

The 453 square inch cooking area is quite large considering the cooker’s size. You have two levels where you can cook lots of meat at once. You can even use hooks to hang up meat like chicken or turkey.

The smoker is held together by a set of latches and when you want to convert it into two grills or fire pit you can modify the setup by removing the latches.

It’s a basic design but great for beginners and if you don’t like the app-controlled smokers, you’ll appreciate this old-school build.

One notable feature is the built-in thermometer which, compared to other smokers, is relatively accurate and reliable. There is an adjustable air supply too with vents so you can have more control over temperature.

Just be warned that there is no bottom vent, and some people think this is a big flaw.

On the other hand, it can retain the heat well and that’s what customers love about this smoker most.

The one downside though is that you need to add coals and wood every 1-2 hours, so it’s definitely not the set it and leave it smoker like the Char-Broil electric smoker.

There are two access doors for the charcoal/wood and the water pan. This is great because it doesn’t mess up the temperature inside the smoking chamber.

Here’s my take on the Realcook vertical smoker: it’s not the most modern or high-tech smoker out there but it’s very cheap and does a fine job. In fact, it has all the basic features you need and with a little bit of practice, you can make the perfect BBQ.

It’s not as insulated as the Weber models so it might take longer to smoke the meat. But it’s made of pretty good materials like chrome-plated rust-proof stainless steel and porcelain-coated grill racks.

The bottom line is that this is a versatile cooker, and you can also grill and use it as a fire pit so it’s a great addition to the household.

Check the latest prices here

Weber Smokey Mountain vs Realcook Vertical Smoker

This is a battle of two similar bullet-shaped vertical charcoal smokers. However, the biggest difference is the brand and quality.

Weber is probably the most popular charcoal smoker brand known to give meat outstanding flavor. The Realcook is a cheaper alternative which is also great but not as well built and designed.

The Realcook smoker is slightly smaller but both these cookers have a similar cooking area and adjustable grates. It’s much more versatile and convertible than the Smokey Mountain because you can remove and reassemble the latches accordingly.

The Weber is sturdier in build and made of premium materials like porcelain enameled steel so you won’t find any flimsy latches here. Also, the racks are very sturdy and can hold any cut of meat you want.

But best of all, it doesn’t rust and corrode as easily as the cheaper charcoal smokers and this is a bonus because it reduces maintenance costs. 

When it comes to fuel consumption, the Weber is more fuel-efficient overall and you can get longer smoke times with the same amount of fuel compared to the Realcook. 

Here’s the advantage of the Realcook though, it’s a true drum smoker with 2 access doors to the drip pan and wood box. Therefore your temperature will remain stable inside the smoker when you add water or wood.

Beginners really rave about the Realcook smoker because it’s quite easy to use and so cheap, you can’t go wrong with it. 

Best BBQ meat smoker and grill combination: PK Grills PK360 Outdoor

• type: charcoal smoker/grill combo
• size: 23 x 54 x 43 inches
• cooking area: 360 sq in square inches
• Bluetooth: no

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When you don’t want to clog up your patio with both a grill and a separate smoker, the best solution is the PK Grills grill and smoker combo that is also portable and truly versatile. The PK360 grill has raised the bar in the charcoal grilling industry. 

It’s an all-in-one cooking and prep station since the unit comes with a removable pedestal base that is ideal when you need to use the grill while camping. But it also has two side shelves where you can prep the food and serve it.

As a result, this is a great combo smoker and grill for camping, tailgating, and hunting or fishing cabins. Since this grill uses charcoal, you will not need any extension cord.

The reason why this cooker stands out from the average smoker or grill is the high-quality materials it’s made of. It has an insulated aluminum cooking container which is better for temperature control.

Also, this material is also rust and corrosion-proof, so your grill and smoker is going to last for many more years than a cheap device.

One notable thing about the PK360 charcoal grill and smoker is that it has both fast and grilling, or slow and low BBQ cooking since its unique capsule shape, combined with its 4 vents, makes it easy to deliver whatever you want.

There are two cooking zones. The first is designed for fast grilling sizzling meat and the second zone is for smoking and indirect heat cooking. That’s where you want to put your meat if you want to smoke slowly for hours. 

Here’s the real innovation though: there are four vents not two like other similar combo grills. 

The combination of 4 vents and thick cast aluminum creates an efficient grilling and smoking chamber and gives you better heat management compared to the standard 2-vent grill.

Therefore, you can adjust the vents in 4 places and there are two rotating bars on the cylinder’s bottom. These increase the airflow and offer much better control of the rate of fuel burning, and in turn, it’s easier to control the cooking temperature.

Basically, when you turn the bars, this increases or decreases airflow at the bottom of the smoker. The top grill lid has two vent holes to and by adjusting those, you have even more control.

The PK Comes equipped with a Tel-Tru thermometer and this is one of the best thermometers you will find out there in the market, with an accuracy of +/- 1%.

The final feature I want to mention is the ash management system which takes in all the ash so you can dispose of it and clean the grill in an instant.

One drawback of this unit is that it doesn’t hold the temperatures as well as a Weber smoker when cooking on low temps. So, you need to be alert and ready to adjust the vents.

Most users agree on one thing: the smoker is easy to use, and it will give you consistent results. It has been designed for competitors and built for the novice and its aluminum build is one of the most durable available on the market.

Check the latest prices here

Best wood pellet smoker for meat: Z GRILLS ZPG-series grill

• type: pellet smoker & grill combo
• size: 45 x 28 x 49 inches
• cooking area: 452 square inches
• Bluetooth: yes

The contemporary smoker is always on the lookout for a modern smoker with features like Bluetooth connectivity. That’s why you need the Z-Grills updated pellet grill which you can control from your smartphone.

Z Pellet Grills are always compared to Traeger grills because they are competing smokers with similar features.

However, the Z Grills is cheaper and appeals to people with a lower budget or those who don’t want to spend on a Traeger when this Z Grill can do it all too.

Z-Grills is a US-based brand, which takes pride in manufacturing high-quality smokers and grills, and they have been in this business for the last 30 years. But they’ve only burst onto the smoker must-have list in the last few years because they offer high-quality cookers with great temperature stability and remote Bluetooth control.

The ZPG-450A model is very versatile because it has 8-in-1 functions. So, you can grill, smoker, sear, BBQ, roast, braise, and use it as an oven.

One of the reasons why this model is so popular is because it’s easy to use, even easier than the Traeger smokers. There’s a one-button start-up, which eliminates the need for any started fluid.

The smoker supposedly has an accurate temperature control system, so your meat doesn’t get burnt and spoilt. The temperature will remain within 10 degrees of the set temperature but of course, you can always make adjustments to keep it within 1 or 2 degrees.

Here’s the problem though: some users say that the temperature can get too hot all of sudden and the smoke setting is higher than needed.

What I like about it most though is that you can set it and leave it while smoking. Since the app shows you the temperature inside the cooking chamber, you are always in control and no longer need to babysit the smoker.

When it comes to efficiency, this smoker is quite good because, with only 20 pounds of pellets, you can grill/smoke for an average of 20 hours. When you do your calculations, you will realize that pellet grilling, and smoking is more economical compared to gas grilling.

Also, let’s talk about the large cooking surface. With 452 sq in porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, you can cook 10 burgers, 3 rib racks, or 3 whole chickens in one go. It’s definitely a family-sized smoker and offers plenty of cooking space.

The good news is that you can get flavored wood pellets and get delicious applewood or hickory-smoked meats, just like with a charcoal grill.

A pellet grill is one of the grills that will assist you to get all the flavor of wood-smoked meat you need. Just try it out, and you will see the difference.

Check the latest prices here

PK Grills vs Z Grills Pellet Smoker

Choosing between these two combo smokers and grills is no easy task. The PK Grill is the modern charcoal smoker & grill combo while the Z-Grills is one of the most popular combo pellet grills. 

The main difference here is the fuel source: if you’re a diehard charcoal fan, you probably don’t want to switch to a pellet grill but let me tell you that temperature control is quite easy with both of these grills. 

The Z-Grills has a larger cooking area and a huge hopper with an automated feed system so you don’t need to fill up often, except when the smoker runs out of pellets.

As a result, the whole smoking process is automated and you can do other things while the food smokes. Also, there is a smart digital controller which keeps the temperature within a 5-degree range of the desired temperatures.

But, the feature that takes this smoker to the next level is the Bluetooth feature. You can control the cooker and temperature from your smartphone and tablet from a distance. 

The PK Grill is better in terms of build and design. It’s made of very strong and durable cast aluminum which is pretty much damage-proof. The metal is better than that of the pellet grill.

However, it doesn’t have Bluetooth controls so if you’re looking for a modern smoker with the latest features, the Z-Grills is a great choice. 

The PK Grill also has a great design with two side tables so you can prep the meat and add the dry rub right there on the smoker and if you’re feeling lazy, you can even set up a tasting station right there. 

Both smokers are portable and multi-functional so it comes down to your budget.

The PK grills smoker is much more expensive so you need to decide if you want to spend that much on a charcoal grill/smoker combo when the pellet Z-Grill can offer the same results.

Also read: infrared on your grills to make the cooking even smoother

Best vertical offset BBQ smoker for meat: Dyna-Glo Wide Body Charcoal Smoker

• type: vertical charcoal smoker
• size: 45.5 x 24.9 x 58.8 inches
• cooking area: 1382 square inches
• Bluetooth: no

Best gas/propane meat smoker: Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane

• type: propane smoker
• size: 30″
• cooking area: 734 square inches
• Bluetooth: no

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Propane smoking is still very popular and fuel-efficient, so no wonder the Masterbuilt Propane smoker is still one of the top sellers. It’s designed for serious smokers who want to cook large cuts of beef, pork, and whole birds but like to mix it up with fish and seafood too.

At 30”, it’s quite a large vertical smoker with plenty of cooking space (734 sq. inches). You can make 8 whole chickens, 2 large turkeys, and 4 rib racks or pork butts at once – that’s more than enough to feed a party!

This is a great smoker if you want a smoke ring when linking sausages. If you set the single rack at the top position in the smoker, you can tie the sausages on, and then the smoke will infuse and permeate them completely.

The smoker is very affordable and at the same price point as the budget charcoal smokers but it’s easier to use. You don’t need to struggle to get the fire going because there’s a push-ignition button.

When you want a full BBQ cookout, you can fill it up but it’s also economical and efficient for smoking small cuts of meat, especially salmon and other fish.

The smoker has two doors for easy access and four grill grates with chrome plating. You can adjust them as needed for bigger meats and use hooks for poultry.

There’s a temperature gauge on the door, which is relatively accurate, but again, as with all other smokers, the accuracy isn’t enough for very precise smoking so it’s best to get an external thermometer that shows you the temps on your phone.

Masterbuilt’s propane smoker is built with a 15.400 BTU heat burner element which is made of stainless steel. There’s also a porcelain flame dish bowl that sits on top of the burner to protect it from grease drippings.

You can add your favorite smoking woods too for amazing flavor. If I had to compare the smoked foods flavors of this propane smoker with that of electric smokers, I think it’s much better and almost on par with pellet and charcoal smokers.

This smoker is quite easy to clean, especially since the grates are chrome plated so the food doesn’t stick. Just use a simple nylon bristle brush and scrape gently. Then, clean the flame disk bowl too because it tends to get full of grease.

One problem with this smoker is that the fatty drippings and grease buildup cause the temperature to get too high inside the smoker.

The solution is to clean the interior frequently and soak the wood chips prior to smoking.

Overall, if you like easy smoking and want a smoker that can hold the temperature for up to 5 degrees +/-, this propane smoker is among the top in its class. But this model stands out because it is affordable and great value for the price.

Check the latest prices here

Best digital electric smoker for meat: Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe Black

• type: digital electric smoker
• size: 30″
• cooking area: 725 square inches
• Bluetooth: no

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If you want a simple, easy way to smoke, the electric smoker is the best option. It’s perfect for beginners or people who want to smoke without having to worry about temperature control.

Char-Broil is the real set it and leave it smoker. Oh, and the best part is you can smoke indoors!

The Char-Broil digital smoker is a great upgrade to the traditional analog smoker because it offers more precision, it’s high-tech, and has a large cooking area.

As well, it’s better insulated and retains the heat. Also, it has a keep warm feature so your smoked meat is hot until you’re ready to eat it. These are the best meats to smoke in an electric smoker. 

I recommend this model for those who want to fit a smoker in a tight space. It’s small, compact, and pretty sturdy, and under 3ft high.

You can also put it on your backyard patio or balcony, and it won’t take up all the space.

Compared to Weber and Traeger electric models, the Char-Broil brand is much more affordable and has a nice design, so it truly has a competitive edge over many well-established brands.

This new model has a popular addition: an insertable meat thermometer. It’s the feature analog models don’t have.

Therefore, you can put the thermometer probe into the meat, and it alerts you once the food has reached the desired temp. 

The smoker is quite powerful because it has a 1000-Watt heating element. This means in about 4 hours, you can smoke about 15 lbs. of meat, like turkey.

Of course, it’s not like smoking with wood, but you can still get really tasty results.

There’s one disadvantage: it has a smaller cooking area than charcoal and pellet grills. You get 725 sq. inches with this model and 4 adjustable racks.

The flavor isn’t quite on par with a pellet or charcoal smoker, but the advantage is that it’s easy it is to use.

When you’re ready to smoke, you can set the temperature from the user-friendly control panel. It has an LED display that shows temperature settings as well as the internal temp.

It will take a bit longer for the smoker to reach the ideal smoking temp of 200 F.

This model is better insulated than the previous models. There’s a big smoke-tight latch to lock in all the smoke and the smokebox has double insulation. Therefore, your temperature stays even inside.

Another fun feature is the large window where you can see the meat as it’s smoking. It’s always nice to keep an eye on the smoker as you go about your business.

The wood tray is quite large so you can add your favorite flavored woods to infuse the meat with delicious flavors. You need to refill the wood about once every 4-7 hours.

So, if you’re trying to decide between an electric smoker or a charcoal/pellet, it comes down to flavor and how intense you want that smokiness to be.

But smoking is easiest with an electric smoker, there’s no doubt about it!

Check the latest prices here

Keep your Char-Broil in mint condition and make sure to properly clean it every now and then, here’s how

Masterbuilt Propane Smoker vs Char-Broil Electric

Many people always ask whether the propane smoker and the electric give the same results in terms of performance and flavor.

Well, the answer is not quite but close enough. But, you will no doubt taste the superior smoke flavor of the propane Masterbuilt smoker.

It gives a healthier, cleaner, and purer smoky wood flavor to the meat.

The electric smoker is good too but its main advantage is convenience, not flavor. 

If you’re a busy person or a beginner when it comes to smoking, you want a set-it-and-leave-it smoker you can fill up with meat, set, and leave until the food is done.

Char-Broil is a well-priced electric smoker that gives accurate temperature readings you can count on so you don’t need to be around the cooker at all times. 

The reason why people love electric smokers is that you don’t need to deal with ash, charcoals, propane tanks, and expensive pellets.

In fact, the disadvantage of the Masterbuilt propane smoker is that you always need to have a full tank on hand in case it runs out. There’s nothing worse than running out of fuel mid-smoke as it ruins your meat!

When it comes to sizes these smokers are similar but the Masterbuilt has a powerful 15.400 BTU burner whereas the Char-Broil is not as powerful but it also works well.

If you like to see the meat as it cooks, you’ll love that the electric smoker has glass doors. The propane smoker doesn’t so you’ll have to imagine what’s going on in there. 

What’s the best meat to smoke?

There’s nothing that beats grilled food. That’s the reason why you need to try out smoking your meat—to see the change in this season.

Believe it or not, the cheapest cuts of meat are the best to smoke because they are tougher and fattier. 

Here are some of the best cuts that you should consider smoking:

Beef brisket

This is the best cut that will give you the best results after smoking. However, you need to make sure that you choose the best piece of meat if you want to get good results.

A cut with a healthy layer of fat and ample marbling will assist the meat to retain its moisture. Ask your butcher to give you the tenderest meat they have.

When buying your beef brisket, as the butcher to lift it—the more the brisket bends, the more tender it shall be when you smoke it. Don’t forget to prepare your cut with a rub if you want to achieve better results.

Also read: a delicious smoked mac and cheese recipe to make as a smoked meat side dish

Pork shoulder or Boston butt

This cut has an amazing ratio of lean meat to fat—which makes it the ideal cut for people who love slow smoking.

The end result of this cut will be a flavorful and delicious pulled pork, which doesn’t need sauces or rubs.

Once done, you can enjoy pork sandwiches, and you can also consider other exciting recipes like pulled mac and cheese, casseroles, and pulled pork tacos.

There are endless smoked Boston Butt recipes that you can find out there in the market.

Beef and pork ribs

Well, almost everyone loved smoked spare ribs, especially during the summer days. These are some of the best and easy cuts to smoke, once you remove their membrane, and then rub them using your favorite seasonings and spices.

These tasty, tender, and fun-to-eat cuts shouldn’t miss on your smoking recipe. Here are some of the best recipes that will assist you to achieve the best results.

Chicken

The best way to smoke chicken is to smoke the whole bird. You’ll need a good spice rub and some olive oil.

A good spice combo includes salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh herbs. For extra flavor, consider lemon zest. 

The problem with smoking chicken is that the exterior crust often tastes leathery. To avoid this and get a crusty outer layer, cover your chicken in olive oil prior to smoking.

The fat from the oil makes the chicken more soft and tender.

If you want crispy skin, make sure you turn up the heat on your smoker to at least 400 to 500 F. 

For a quick smoking session, choose chicken wings. They will taste be fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor. 

Lamb shoulder

Lamb’s shoulder contains a high-fat content that breaks down in a manner that gives this meat the smoky texture everyone desires. However, lamb shoulder is a bit challenging to find and expensive compared to other cuts.

Leg cuts

Just like the lamb shoulder, leg cuts also need that low and slow cooking. However, this cut has one challenge—lots of creativity in terms of their positioning because of their uneven shape.

When smoking leg cuts, make sure that you check the internal temperature to avoid getting overcooked or undercooked meat.

When smoking this cut, you can opt to cut the meat in half, and smoke one half at a time, as this will assist you in achieving even smoking.

Turkey

If you thought that roast turkey was the best, wait until you try out a smoked turkey. If you prepare and smoke it well, then you should get the best flavorful and moist results.

In addition to this, the texture should be somewhere between soft and extremely tender. It’s always a good idea to make sure that you brine your turkey well, and then smoke it slower compared to other cuts.

You should understand that turkey has less fat, and this can cause the meat to dry if you don’t brine and cook it well.

This is where to Put the Thermometer in Turkey

Goat meat

This is another interesting type of meat that will give you the best results when smoked.

You can prepare smoked goat meat for supper if you need to give your family something healthy and tasty.

Goat meat has a lower count of cholesterol, calories, and fat compared to other types of red meat.

Smoking the meat will highlight its hidden sweetness, and also complement its fibrous texture. Brine and smoke goat meat the same way you would prepare deer or lamb meat.

What do you need for smoking meat and how to do it

The most common mistakes occur when people try to smoke meat without knowing how to do it properly. Also, many smokers aren’t familiarized with their BBQ smoker, and thus don’t use it properly.

This can cause your barbecuing to go wrong. Let’s examine some of the common questions or problems and look at simple solutions. 

What do I need to smoke meat?

Here are some tips to help you with your meat smoking journey.

Fatty meat

First of all, you need to choose meat that benefits from the slow-cooking process. This means it’s probably best to choose pork, beef, or game.

The meat should have a good quantity of fat on it. When a meat cut has a lot of connective tissue and fat, it is known as ‘marbling’. This makes the meat taste more delicious and it is succulent. 

We recommend you get a big piece of steak. When you are smoking, the bigger the meat, the better the flavor. So, why not try a pork shoulder or beef brisket?

The idea is that smoking is a long process. So a tough piece of meat becomes tender during the cooking process.

If you start with a tender meat cut, it will become overcooked, which is what you want to avoid. 

The bottom line is that you need to look for cuts of meat with plenty of fat, protein, and collagen. These cuts perform best when smoked. 

Wood

You can’t smoke without good wood. Depending on the type of wood you choose, it gives the meat a different flavor. Each type of wood pairs well with certain types of meats. 

For example, a light wood like alder is sweet and savory, therefore it pairs well with white meat. 

Fruit woods generally pair well with all meat types. Consider apple or apricot for a sweet subtle flavor. 

If you’re smoking red meats such as ribs and big cuts of pork, we recommend a strong smokey flavored wood such as hickory. The flavor of this wood is intense.

Oak is another excellent choice for slow-cooking such as smoking because it imparts a subtle flavor that intensifies over time. 

Pellets

If you own a pellet smoker, you need to choose the right flavored pellets. These are easy to find and there are many flavors available. The great thing about pellets is that they are easy to use. Simply add more to the fire as needed.

Brine

Many amateurs forget or skip the brining process altogether. Brining is so important because it prevents your meat from tasting dry or chewy. 

To make a brine, all you need is salt, water, and some of your favorite herbs and spices. Leave your meat in this mixture for a few hours, or overnight and your meat will taste amazing. 

There is a science behind the brining process. Salty water makes the meat proteins absorb more water, which prevents it from drying out as it smokes. 

Cook on low heat

The best way to approach smoking is to go low and slow. So, that means you should start the process on low heat, somewhere around 230 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this temperature, the meat retains most of its nutrients. 

Don’t forget to take it slow and let the meat smoke for a few hours. 

How long do I smoke meat?

Here, there is an important distinction between smoking and grilling meat. If you grill meat, you will most likely grill it anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours (usually).

But when you smoke meat, it takes many hours. On average it can take 6-8 hours to smoke large cuts of meat.

A big chunk of brisket can even take up to 22 hours, so make sure you have enough time. 

What is the purpose of smoking meat?

First of all, make sure you don’t confuse smoking meat with drying, which refers to a whole different process. Drying or curing meat is not the same as smoking. 

Smoking refers to the process of cooking meat over a fire. In order to infuse the meat with flavor, you need to add wood to the fire in the form of logs, wood chunks, or wood chips. This gives the meat that classic smoky flavor. 

Basically, smoking infuses meat or other foods with the flavor of the wood.

What meat should I smoke the first time? 

If it’s your first time smoking meat, we recommend you go for something simple. Choose meat that tastes best when smoked.

For example, try the beef brisket, ribs, or pork shoulder. This is because these cuts of meat are chewy and hard, and fatty. Therefore, they taste best when smoked on the grill.

Choose a wood like hickory or mesquite for the best flavor. 

As long as you brine, season, and follow the recommended cooking temperature, it should taste good. 

Bottom line

Getting the best BBQ smoker for meat that gives you good value for your money is the best thing you can ever have. That’s why you need to spend quality time when searching for a BBQ smoker.

All in all, the products that we’ve highlighted above will allow you to have the best BBQ smoking experience, and you will not regret buying any of them.

But, if you’ve heard people raving about that smokey flavored meat you can only get while smoking at home, then you should try the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker because it’s a great family-sized smoker with plenty of cooking space and excellent temperature control capabilities.

It’s guaranteed to take your smoking game to the next level. 

Also read: should I buy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store?

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.