The classic smoker look: get an offset smoker

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  May 30, 2022

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An offset smoker is a type of smoker that uses indirect heat to cook food. The food is placed on a rack in the main chamber of the smoker, while a fire is lit in a separate chamber, that is lower (or “offset”) than the cooking chamber.

It’s the kind of smoker you picture in your mind when thinking of what a “smoker” should look like and it has a horizontal setup.

The heat from the fire chamber is then used to cook the food in the main chamber. This type of smoker is often used for smoking meats, as it can give the food a more smoky flavor.

An offset smoker is a great choice for those who want to try smoking meats, as it can give the food a more authentic smoky flavor. However, it is important to note that this type of smoker requires more vigilance than other types of smokers, as the control of heat and airflow with the fire chamber can be a bit more difficult to manage.

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.