There are a lot of BBQ smokers and grills to choose from nowadays. So, if it is your first time buying one, I understand that the experience could be a bit difficult.
At first, operating a smoker seems complicated, but if you use a beginner-friendly unit, you’ll be up and running in no time!
In this post, I listed seven of the best BBQ smokers for beginners to help you with your dilemma.
There are five main types of smokers: charcoal, offset, pellet, propane or gas, and electric smokers.
The best smoker for a complete beginner is either an electric or a propane/gas smoker. That’s because these smokers are “set it and leave it” devices and don’t require much skill to operate. They are equipped with digital controls so you can set the desired temperature, and then there’s no further monitoring needed while you cook low and slow. At most, you have to refill the wood chip tray to create aromatic wood smoke.
Understand the pros and cons of each smoker. Compare their features, advantages, and disadvantages, before making your first purchase. If you are still confused about which one to choose, I also included some quick tips to help you make an informed decision.
Most of you will still buy a charcoal smoker because it’s more traditional and it does give the best smoke flavor, so the best choice for beginners is this Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset smoker. It has a lot of great features but really isn’t all that expensive. Plus, a vertical smoker is very beginner-friendly.
But first, let’s take a look at your top options real quick:
In this post we'll cover:
- 1 What to look for in a smoker if you are a beginner
-
2 Top 7 Best BBQ Smokers for Beginners reviewed
- 2.1 Best value for money: Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker
- 2.2 Best cheap budget smoker for beginners: Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill
- 2.3 Best Digital Electric smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20071117
- 2.4 Mid-range BBQ Smoker: Realcook Steel Charcoal
- 2.5 Best horizontal smoker for beginners: Char-Broil American Gourmet
- 2.6 Best propane smoker for beginners: Cuisinart COS-244
- 2.7 Premium beginner-friendly smoker: Weber Smokey Mountain
- 2.8 Easiest to use electric smoker with remote control: Char-Broil 17202004 Digital
- 2.9 Best propane smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20051316
- 2.10 Best budget electric smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20071117
- 2.11 Best barrel smoker for beginners: Pit barrel cooker
- 2.12 Best pellet smoker for beginners: Camp Chef SmokePro Deluxe
- 2.13 Where most people start: Weber Original Kettle
- 3 The bottom line
What to look for in a smoker if you are a beginner
Pros are all about intense flavors and complex features. But, as a beginner, you need to keep it simple. It might not be worth investing in a thousand-dollar smoker until you know how to use one properly. Plus, it takes time to figure out what you like, what you don’t, and what foods taste best when smoked. Before you decide on a smoker, consider the following factors. After all, some features are more important than others, and sifting through tons of information is tiring.
Heat retention
The most important feature of a smoker is how well it retains and distributes heat. If the smoker is not well insulated, it will leak heat, and the food won’t be any good. Therefore, look for well-insulated smokers with tight-seal doors. If you’re smoking a large brisket, it can take 12 hours, and you need a smoker that can maintain a constant temperature for many hours. Electric smokers are great because they distribute the heat upwards, and the temperature inside the device stays consistent.
Size & what foods can you smoke
Always consider how many people you plan to cook for. Are you cooking for a large group or just two or three people? Electric smokers come in small compact versions and large commercial sizes. Therefore, you need to think about how much food you want to smoke at once. If the smoker is too small, you’ll need to batch cook. Also, consider what types of food you want to cook. If you’re into large briskets and rib racks, you need a spacious smoker. A propane smoker is not ideal for long rib racks because most vertical propane smokers are narrow. If you only want to smoke a couple of chickens, you can do wonders with a smaller unit.
Fuel source
Some fuel is more expensive than others.
- Electricity is a cheap fuel source and probably the most cost-effective in the long run.
- Propane is more expensive and runs out pretty fast, so you have to keep refiling the propane tank.
- Charcoal is cheap and cost-effective, but it takes some work the maintain it at the desired temperature.
- Pellets are a high-energy fuel source, so they burn quite fast. During a long smoke, you might have to refill the pellet smoker several times. Therefore, pellets are the most expensive option.
It all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend on smoking.
Price
Charcoal smokers are very cheap compared to pellet grills. Electric and propane units are available in various price ranges. The bottom line is that a more expensive unit will get you more features. But, if you’re a beginner, you might not want to invest in costly smokers. The truth is, an affordable and mid-price smoker is perfect, and you can make delicious smoky foods.
Grill function
Do you want a smoker only? Or, do you want a hybrid cooker that is a smoker and grill combo? A grill is used for cooking food quickly on high heat, like burgers on a pellet grill. On the other hand, the smoker is used for cooking food using the low and slow cooking techniques. If you have an electric smoker, it’s used for smoking only, not grilling at high temperatures. Grill and smoker combos are excellent for beginners because you can grill burgers and chicken wings when you feel like it or smoke ribs for 8 hours when you want. Therefore, these smokers are versatile and good value for the money.
Portability
This last feature is a deal-breaker for many. Some smokers have wheels, and others don’t. If you need a large smoker and have a designated space for it on your deck, you don’t really need wheels to move it around. However, if you want a small smoker that’s portable too, then look for wheels.
Also read: 3 tips on how to make a great BBQ Smoker Centered Outdoor Kitchen
Top 7 Best BBQ Smokers for Beginners reviewed
Let’s have a look at some good BBQ smokers.
Best value for money: Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Smoker is one of the best BBQ smokers for beginners. This smoker has very few moving parts, so it is relatively easy to assemble. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Smoker has 5-cubic feet of smoking area in its main chamber. The chamber can be divided into sections using six adjustable, removable racks. Each rack can accommodate up to 25 pounds of weight. This vertical offset smoker also has a built-in ash pan that you can easily remove. There is a porcelain-coated wood box on top of the ash pan where you burn your charcoal or woods. Check out SteeveeDan here with his Dyna-Glo:
On top of the main chamber, there is an adjustable side damper, as well as an adjustable smokestack that will allow you to control the smoker’s air flow and heat. Performance-wise, Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Smoker can basically handle anything you throw at it. The removable racks will allow you to smoke or grill different food, from ham and turkey to big pork shoulder. To summarize, here are the pros and cons of Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Smoker:
Pros
- Adjustable smokestack
- Adjustable damper
- Removable ash pan
- Removable firebox
- Adjustable, removable racks
Cons
- Heat retention issue when in cool climate due to thin metal
Best cheap budget smoker for beginners: Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill
If you are after the classic way of smoking your barbecue, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is the right smoker for you. Aside from its compact structure, this charcoal grill is one of the best smokers for beginners because it is easy to assemble. It will not take you an hour to put everything in place. The Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker has a side smoker that comes with damper controls. You can easily start a wood chip and charcoal fire in it without the need for direct fire in the main grilling chamber. This smoker also has a sturdy cart with an expanded metal bottom shelf. This design and feature keep it rigid as compared with other smokers and grills.
Its grill gates are coated with non-stick porcelain. The adjustable charcoal pan will allow you to manage the fire and heat, depending on your need. Here are some of the pros and cons of this smoker:
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable charcoal pan
- Expanded metal shelf
- Sturdy base
Cons
- Small offset smoker box
- Smoker box is hard to clean
- Not suitable for large cut meats
Best Digital Electric smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20071117
The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is a digital smoker recommended for newbies. It is easy to operate, ensuring that you always get a flavorful meal even if it is your first time smoking or grilling. You can easily add wood chips to this smoker without opening its door. That will allow you to keep the heat within the grill box at your desired temperature. It also comes with temperature and time controllers for quick monitoring. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker not only has a durable build, it also has enough space inside to grill or smoke your favorite meat.
Its grilling and smoking chamber comes with four adjustable and removable racks that will enable you to cook for three to four persons at the same time. And because the racks are removable, you can easily adjust the space inside the chamber to accommodate large cuts of meat or poultry. Keeping the Masterbuilt MB20071117 clean is not a problem as well. There are two trays inside its grilling and smoking chamber. One is for collecting oil and grease, the other for collecting the ash from the wood chips. To summarize, here are the pros and cons of this grill and smoker:
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Easy to clean
- Durable built
Cons
- Issue with control panels readings under sunlight
Check prices and availability here
Mid-range BBQ Smoker: Realcook Steel Charcoal
With its high-quality materials and affordable price, Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker is a smoker that you will not regret buying. It is extremely easy to assemble and will not take you over half an hour to put together. The Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker’s multi-layer design allows it to work not just as a smoker, but also as a fire pit and barbecue grill. It comes with a built-in thermometer, a bottom damper, and an ash collector. These allows for easy bottom airflow control and temperature maintenance within the barrel when you are smoking. This smoker can be taken anywhere. You can quickly disassemble it into four parts and place it in your car trunk, making it suitable for outdoor activities like beach and backyard parties. The Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker has two cooking racks that can accommodate large cuts of meat. It is also tall enough for hanging slab of ribs, turkey, and other poultry using the four available hooks inside the lid. Cleaning the Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoke is relatively easy with its pan that catches oil and other liquid drippings. If you want to get all the ashes out, just release the lower locking clasps and remove the top sections and lid.
Pros
- Multi-layer allows for different functionalities
- Can be used as a firepit, griller, and smoker
- Hooks in the lid
- Dual access doors
Cons
- Small handles
- Not suitable for cold weather (which requires these additional techniques)
Best horizontal smoker for beginners: Char-Broil American Gourmet
If you are regularly hosting barbecue parties, the Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker will be a great addition to your backyard. Its main chamber alone has a 290-square-inch cooking surface, which can accommodate up to 18 burgers all at once. If that is not enough space for you, you can also grill in its 140-sq-in firebox. The Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker comes with a vertical pipe smokestack, adjustable dampers, a temperature gauge, and an offset firebox. The multiple dampers can give you more control over the heat and temperature within the offset smoker’s chamber. They can be opened and closed effortlessly to adjust airflow.
On the other hand, the lid-mounted temperature gauge will allow you to monitor the internal temperature of your smoker and adjust it to your desired level. The Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker cooking grates are porcelain-coated for quick cleaning. Another cool feature of this smoker is its cool touch handle and wheels that make moving it around fast and easy. There is also a side shelf where you can place your sauces, rubs, and other grilling or smoking utensils.
Pros
- High-quality product
- Better mobility
- Multiple dampers for easy heat and smoke control
- Wide-surfaced grilling and smoking area
Cons
- Large size
- Heavy weight
Best propane smoker for beginners: Cuisinart COS-244
Are you planning to buy your first propane smoker? If you are, Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36″ Propane Smoker may be the best smoker for you. Cuisinart is relatively new when it comes to producing outdoor cooking products. But they did everything right with their vertical propane smoker. To begin with, the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker stands 36 inches tall. The vertical design makes it easier to store since it occupies little room unlike horizontal or offset smokers. It has a sturdy frame and body, with a twist lock door for sealing the chamber.
The smoking chamber measures 5.45-cubic feet and comes with four 14×14 inches racks. The grilling and smoking chamber is big enough to accommodate slabs of meat and poultry. If you want to smoke fresh link sausages, you just have to set the rack at the highest position and tie your sausages to them. The Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker has a dripping pan for collecting oil, grease, and other liquid. There is also a wood chip tray that you can easily pull out for quick ash disposal. Its grates are also porcelain-coated so cleaning them is not a problem at all.
Pros
- Removable liquid drip pan
- Removable wood chip pan
- Comes with a 40-inch hose and regulator
Cons
- No natural gas conversion
- Small grates
To make the most out of your smoker, be sure to look at our recommendations for Best BBQ smoker accessories | 20 must-have smoking tools.
Premium beginner-friendly smoker: Weber Smokey Mountain
With its easy-to-operate design, the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker and Charcoal Smoker is one of the best BBQ smokers for beginners. It is relatively small as compared to other offset smokers. However, the Weber charcoal smoker has already proven that “big is not everything” and here is why. The Weber Smokey Mountain (full review) Cooker and Charcoal Smoker is lightweight and easy to move around. It is a simple smoker without much to offer as far as automation is concerned. But that feature makes it user-friendly and easy-to-operate. In fact, because of its plain design, it is a favorite among BBQ competition participants. The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker and Charcoal Smoker comes with a porcelain-enameled base, middle cooking section, and a lid.
Its two cooking grates are made of stainless steel. There is also a water pan and a charcoal pan for refilling water, charcoal, or wood chip. The smoker’s metal legs are rust resistant. It also has a built-in thermometer for monitoring internal temperature of the chamber. The Weber charcoal smoker has four aluminum dampers that will allow you to control the airflow and keep the temperature at your desired level.
Don’t expect to plug it in and start smoking right away. A charcoal smoker requires a bit of set-up, but there’s nothing quite like it when it comes to flavor. Basically, if you want to start smoking meat due to flavor, then I highly recommend getting the Weber Smokey Mountain. It’s one of the top smokers in America and for a good reason too. Not only is it affordable, but it is also well-built, durable, and it has a drum design. Therefore, its shape makes it suitable for beginner smokers to learn to smoke with. Here is pitmaster Harry Soo explaining how to operate it:
The smoker is compact, and you can easily fit it in tight spaces, so it’s great if you have a small patio. In terms of cooking space, it’s pretty decent as you can cook two large pieces of meat simultaneously or lots of poultry and fish. Like electric and propane smokers, this Weber model is vertical, so you can arrange and fit quite a lot of food. When using the Weber, you’ll have to be present as it smokes the food. It’s not a “set it and leave it” smoker like my other recommendations. But, it’s not too hard to operate because it has a side-mounted fuel door. Therefore you can add more charcoal or stoke the fire while cooking. The best entry-level smoker, there is nothing better than this model at this price. When buying a Weber Smokey Mountain, you become an owner of an efficient and very durable smoker that will withstand a whole lot. Simple charcoal smokers are most durable out of all types of smokers while also giving the best results and being available at the best prices. All the other types of smokers have nothing interesting in this price range or are prone to malfunctions like in case of electric smokers. WSM is available in a few sizes, as of now I’m discussing and recommending you the universal medium size of 180-inch. At first glance it might not have that much space but inside you will find as many as two racks that can really fit a whole lot of food. Coming back to durability, Weber Smokey Mountain has been around since 1981 and at it keeps being improved since then. Today it’s a perfect smoking tool built of high quality materials. It is so solid that at this price you can expect 10 years of full warranty from Weber and I have no doubts that in the right conditions this smoker can last for much longer. The water smoker design stabilizes temperature and makes it much easier to control which means that even those without much experience or complete beginners won’t have much problem with this smoker. I’ll just add that in hands of a very experienced person it is a powerful smoking tool. It is confirmed by this smoker’s presence at numerous competitions where it often wins against those equipped with professional devices that cost much more. As a beginner, you can also expect a very large number of useful guides online thanks to this smoker’s popularity.
There are also several built-in dampers so that you can adjust the airflow to prevent overheating and flares. The lid is equipped with a built-in temperature gauge so you can see how hot the cooking chamber is. But, I recommend using a separate meat thermometer to check if the food is cooked. I included this charcoal smoker as a recommended unit for beginners because it is pretty easy to operate. That side-mounted fuel box makes it easy to control the temperature, even for newbies. Trustworthy brand, continuous support and improvement. Nice set of features that make it stand out. It’s almost crazy to even think about changing a reliable and popular smoker such as Weber’s Smokey Mountain Smoker, especially since Weber has taken the time to listen to us (the customers) and make the slight changes requested to this unit.
They added a lid mounted thermometer, as well as a bottom mounted heat shield which is unobtrusive to the unit’s functions but is very convenient for you. Before this change, you’d have to drill a hole and place your own thermometer or keep one next to the smoker and regularly open the lid to check on the temperature.
With this new change, you can easily monitor the cooking temperature and the heat shield protects whatever surface you decide to place your BBQ smoker on. Overall, we got a highly improved WSM. Verdict: There’s no beating the natural wood smokey flavor this smoker gets you, and it has a versatile and easy-to-use design.
Check prices and availability here
Pros
- Portability
- Mobility
- Easy access fuel door
- Two-level smoking
Cons
- No ash pan for quick disposal
- Small size
Easiest to use electric smoker with remote control: Char-Broil 17202004 Digital
Since electrics and propane smokers are best for beginners (more on that below), I am reviewing the ones that you can use as a first-time smoker. They are simple to operate; thus, there’s no need to worry about ruining the food. If you need a fool-proof smoker that you can learn to use in minutes, then I recommend the Char-broil digital electric smoker. It is an affordable and easy-to-use smoker for any beginner. Therefore, it’s my top pick for any first-timer because there are no complicated controls. Everything is digital, and you even get a remote control to monitor the temperature from a distance. Also, you have a glass door so that you can see the food smoke away. That’s very exciting for any amateur!
Of course, glass doors need to be cleaned regularly. Here’s how to do that the easy way
As I mentioned, this smoker has digital controls and all the features you need to smoke your favorite foods hassle-free. As long as you have a plug nearby, this smoker will smoke the meat using an 800 Watt heating element. There is a removable temperature gauge so you can see how hot it gets inside the cooker. As a result, anyone can easily see the temperature, so there is no chance to mess up the food! This ensures the food is cooked at a steady and constant temperature for perfectly smoked meat. Check out how to smoke a juicy tender brisket in a unit like this:
The smoker has a vertical shape with four height-adjustable racks. Therefore, you can assemble the smoker’s grates any way you like, depending on what food you’re smoking. Once the food is done, the smoker has a warming feature to keep it warm. You can even take the smoker on the road because it has wheels, so it’s easy to maneuver and portable.
As well, you have a lot of cooking space, 725 sq. inches, to be exact. That means you can smoke lots of poultry, pork, beef, lamb, fish, seafood, cheese, vegetables, and anything else you want to try! But what really makes this easy to use is that the smoker has a spacious smoker box where you place wood chips. You only need to refill after 5-7 hours, so you don’t need to monitor the smoker at all times. The wood chips infuse your food with the smoky aroma you’re looking for. Additionally, there is a grease tray to prevent messes and a water pan so you can add water to make the food moist and juicy. Verdict: This smoker runs like an advanced unit, but it’s suitable for beginners, so it’s a thumbs up from me! Check prices and availability here
Best propane smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20051316
Propane smokers are easy to use, too, once you get the hang of things. If you’re after a great smoky flavor, Masterbuilt’s propane smoker is an excellent choice. It costs less than $400, but it’s equipped with all the features a beginner needs. You can fit a lot of food into this vertical four grate XL smoker with 961 sq. inches of cooking space. Starting the smoker is very easy. It has a built-in ignition push button, so even someone with no knowledge of smokers can turn it on. You don’t have to worry about tampering with the propane because it’s all safe. The smoker is equipped with a thermostat so you can set the desired temperature. As a result, you don’t need to monitor or adjust the temperature while smoking. This makes the smoker beginner-friendly. As long as you know what temperature each food cooks at, you set it and leave it. Even the assembly of the smoker is easy, here is a step-by-step video:
There are safety features, such as a safety valve that shuts off the gas if the flame is extinguished by wind. A built-in fuel gauge shows you how much fuel you have left so you can plan ahead before smoking. What makes this propane smoker stand out is the design. It has a dual-door which allows you to add in wood chips for that delicious smoky flavor.
As well, the doors are made of heat-resistant glass so you can watch the food smoke. The wood chip tray is removable, so you can add the chips and remove the ashes quickly. Then, you’ve also got a drip pan to collect the grease, which makes cleanup much faster. With this smoker, you get that authentic BBQ experience because you can see the food cook, but you’ll also smell the smokiness. Verdict: Digital temperature control and effortless maneuverability makes this smoker beginner-friendly and delivers impressive flavor! Check prices and availability here
Already hooked on gas BBQ smokers and looking to upgrade? Find the Best 2 Gas BBQ Smokers reviewed here + what to look out for when buying
Best budget electric smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20071117
It’s hard to beat a Masterbuilt smoker. So, getting one of their electric smokers for $200 is such a good deal. But, since it’s a Masterbuilt smoker, the food takes on a more intense smoky flavor compared to other electric smokers. It’s not quite like a charcoal smoker, but the taste is very close with this model. So, for any first-time smoker, this budget-friendly smoker delivers the flavors you’re after, and it’s easy to use. As soon as you plug it in, the smoker starts to heat up. There’s no waiting around or trying to get the perfect temperature like you have to with charcoal smokers. You operate the smoker with buttons, and it’s so fool-proof, you can’t mess up anything. The one disadvantage of this model is that it doesn’t have wheels; however, it’s so cheap, it’s not a big issue. Plus, as a beginner, you’ll probably set it up somewhere and then keep it there for years to come as you realize how amazing smoked food tastes! The build quality is good, and the fully-insulated body ensures you get an even smoke every time. While there aren’t any glass doors, the unit is compact and equipped with digital controls. Therefore, even beginners can set the desired temperature and cooking time. This smoker has a patented side-loading wood chip door and tray, so you don’t need to open the front panel door to load the wood. As a result, heat doesn’t escape the cooking chamber, affecting the temperature.
For beginners, the smoker has quite a decent amount of cooking space. You can smoke six whole chickens at once or two large turkeys. Besides poultry, you can also smoke cheese, pork, beef, fish, or whatever else you fancy. Just be sure to check on the wood chips as they burn a bit faster in this smoker because the tray is smaller. Verdict: This is a high-quality cooker at a low price with all the features a beginner needs! Check the latest prices here
Learn more about electric smokers in my Complete electric smokers guide: how to choose 1, AND use your pick!
Best barrel smoker for beginners: Pit barrel cooker
The only worthy competitor of Weber Smokey Mountain in this price range. When it comes to quality of workmanship and durability, both models are top-tier. Despite PBC being covered only with one year of warranty, you have nothing to worry about, it’s a very solidly made and durable smoker. A charcoal smoker just as great as my previous suggestion, although in my view it loses in terms of temperature control. Pit Barrel Cooker is less versatile in this regard, on top of that PBC is hotter and differs a little in the cooking system. First and foremost, it doesn’t have a water bowl, and the cooking system consists of hanging food on hooks. It works great when smoking big and long pieces of meat such as ribs. Also included are grill grates if for some reason you are going to need them. According to numerous experts, a hook system is better because the meat avoids contact with a hot rack, which allows it to cook more evenly. The PBC structure doesn’t allow to achieve lower temperatures but when smoking, the temperature is stable, although slightly higher. Easier temperature control might be a deciding factor for a beginner. I also appreciate the hook system as well as the ability to use a rack for a whole chicken or turkey for example. No matter if you choose WSM or PBC, you are certainly going to be satisfied in terms of quality of workmanship and durability. Besides two significant differences ( hook cooking style and stable yet higher temperature ) both models are worth recommending. Check prices and availability here
Best pellet smoker for beginners: Camp Chef SmokePro Deluxe
Pellet smokers are sadly among the most expensive types of smokers but in terms of convenience and versatility they definitely take number one spot. If it wasn’t for pretty high prices for an entry-level model, I’d say that it is the best smoker for beginners or for those who don’t like being involved in the whole smoking process. A smoker of this type comes with a lot of space for food but not quite as much as a typical charcoal smoker. On top of that, you need to know that the food will differ in taste and not everyone is okay with that. The incredible convenience and ease of use are two very important aspects that might be a deciding factor when choosing the first smoker. Sadly, an argument against it is the price but if you have an adequate budget then I encourage you to consider this type of smoker. It is also a great choice for those who are bored with traditional smoking. You have to admit that a pellet smoker allows to save a lot of time and effort, giving top-quality barbecue instead, with the characteristic smoky flavor ( different than charcoal ). Another one of their advantages is achieving high temperatures which makes them good not only for smoking but also grilling. Camp Chef SmokePro Deluxe comes with all the essential elements such as a precise controller or solutions to make ash removal easier. It’s a solid and durable pellet smoker that can survive a lot when in good hands. Pellet smokers are sadly expensive, and in my view this is the only model worth noting in the lowest price range. Check the latest prices here
Where most people start: Weber Original Kettle
You have a very limited budget but still want to draw pleasure from smoking, or even grilling at the same time? Weber Original Premium kettle is a great combo grill that is phenomenal in both situations. You won’t find a better grill that is great for grilling and for smoking – especially for this kind of money. Of course in terms of smoking a dedicated smoker will be definitely much better as it will simply be much more convenient, better insulated, more spacious and simpler to use as well as will have useful smoking features. If smoking isn’t that much important to you, though, or if you simply have no money or want to try smoking for the first time without spending a fortune, buy a weber kettle. If you don’t like smoking then it is no loss to you, as you still have the best charcoal grill in the world. An original weber premium kettle has a lot of space which, when used creatively and with briquettes put on it, allows to turn it into a great smoker. It is much harder to control temperature in it for many hours, though, but it is possible. Another advantage of this grill is its very huge popularity, which means you won’t have any problems finding useful guides or videos that will show you in detail what to do step by step to prepare great barbecue. The last argument will be quality and durability, weber kettle was created a few decades ago. Ever since then, it keeps being upgraded all the time which makes it the best grill now in many regards. The manufacturer covers this model with 10 years of warranty, although I know for sure that well maintained models can easily lasts even a few times that long (of course I’m only talking about the structure, not the grill grates). Check the latest prices here
The bottom line
Smoking food is the type of delicious backyard activity the whole family loves. When you’re after the best easy-to-use smoker, look for vertical units with side-loading wood chip trays. If you’re excited to watch the food smoke, get a glass door smoker. The main takeaway is that a great beginner-friendly smoker doesn’t have to cost a fortune. An electric or propane smoker with digital controls is the best option for someone starting their BBQ journey. Once you get the hang of smoking delicious meat cuts (& more), there’s no going back.
You have a smoker, but what to cook? Check out these Top 10 BBQ Smoker Recipes – From ribs to veggies
