Over the decades, summertime, outdoors, and barbeque have become synonymous. But, with more people gravitating towards outdoor smokers, BBQ is now enjoyed all year round. It's no longer restricted to the summer alone. And of course, that’s a great development.
While the incredibility of grills is not in doubt, smokers help to elevate outdoor cooking to a new level. They can create a delicious, juicy taste with no hassle. Little wonder meat lovers choose them over other types of cooking nowadays. If you are looking for reasons to ditch your grill for a new outdoor smoker, we’ve packed many in this guide. In this article, we will discuss the different types of smokers and their different benefits.
Let’s dive in!
5 Types of Smokers and Their Benefits
There are different types of smokers, with each type coming with different advantages. Let’s take a look at the most prominent types of smokers below.
Electric Smokers
Electric smokers are the most convenient type around, so it’s no surprise that they're popular. All you need to do is set it, and since it’s like a stove, it’s easy to regulate the heat. Like an electric oven, these smokers usually feature a heating element. This delivers the heat to burn the wood chips and the heat to cook the food. You also don’t need to do much cleaning with electric smokers as the wood chips don’t produce much ash. We have highlighted some benefits of electric smokers below;
- Temperatures can be controlled.
- Portable design.
- Convenient to use.
- Mess-free.
- Come in different sizes.
Pellet Smokers
Pellet smokers are thermostatically controlled, just like kitchen ovens. You just need to plug it into a socket, set the desired temperature, and watch the smoker do every other thing. This includes automatically feeding pellets into a firepot to create the fire needed for heat and smoke. Pellet smokers are advanced technology, and that makes them very effortless to use. Below are some benefits of pellet smokers;
- Come in various sizes.
- Very easy to use.
- Even heat distribution.
- Wide temperature range.
- Can double as a grill.
Propane Smokers
For their convenience, propane-powered smokers are one of the most popular smokers around. No wood or charcoal mess to do with – only cooking mess and grease, which shouldn’t be too difficult to clean. Propane-powered smokers are also known for their fast heating and incredible portability. While some people worry about them leaving gas odor or taste in your food, we don’t think there’s anything like that. But keep an eye on its gas levels to avoid running out of propane in the middle of your family get-together. We have listed some advantages of propane smokers below;
- They come in different sizes
- No expenses.
- Very simple to use.
- Easy cleaning.
- One of the more affordable options.
Offset Smokers
Powered by a range of fuels, offset smokers are usually used by professional chefs. While most people refer to them as traditional smokers, they produce exceptional quality food. Thanks to their large size, they are also suitable for cooking for a large number of people at a time. But they are often heavier than other types of smokers. Since they are made for parties and big gatherings, that’s forgivable. It’s also important to mention that offset smokers take longer to heat up than other types of smokers. That said, take a look at the different benefits of offset smokers below;
- They come in various sizes.
- They are long-lasting.
- Large cooking capacity.
- Dual chamber design.
- Low maintenance cost.
Cabinet Smokers
The distinct thing about cabinet smokers is their heat sources. Their heat sources are located under the cooking chamber, instead of beside it. Cabinet smokers are quite durable. They are also effortless to maintain, thanks to their simple design.
Cabinet smokers hold a distinct advantage over other smokers. Despite having a small footprint, they are capable of holding lots of meat. Apparently, this is because of the many trays loaded in the food chamber. Cabinet smokers are also known for having two doors. While one door goes to the fuel chamber, the other door goes to the cooking chamber. With these smokers, you can fuel the fire without compromising the heat. Below are some advantages of cabinet smokers;
- Very sturdy design.
- Few components to break/lose.
- Can feed a crowd.
- Varieties of sizes.
- Usually inexpensive.
General Benefits of Smokers
Nothing beats the flavor and mouthwatering taste of smoked meats during the summer. If you are thinking of buying a BBQ smoker, below are some more reasons why you need to go ahead with that buy.
Great and Diverse Flavors
To put it simply, the amount of smoke that gets into a cut of meat determines its flavor. And this is one of the reasons why you need a BBQ smoker. Smoke heats sugars created by burning wood whilst conveying a certain taste. Besides, with a variety of cooking woods, a chef can create an unlimited number of flavor profiles.
Juicier Meat
The best outdoor smokers work like a slow cooker. This gives your meat the tenderness and juiciness it deserves. As you know, slow-cooking your meat for a long period breaks the connective tissue inside the meat down. This is why smoking turns tough pieces of meat into supple and soft pieces that you can eat with a fork.
Easy to Use
Another benefit of outdoor BBQ smokers is their ease of use. Some types of smokers are not easy to use. But, the advanced technology of electric and pellet smokers completely simplifies cooking. Propane smokers and electric smokers are also easy to clean and maintain. They usually don’t leave too much mess for you to clean up.
Feed the Crowd
If you are having a neighborhood BBQ party or get-together, you can’t go wrong with a BBQ smoker. They are ideal for this sort of cooking, allowing you to feed a crowd of people at a time without any hassle. There are competition-grade models, which can cook for an army. But if you only intend to make dinner at a family reunion, a large one should be enough.
Conclusion
As a meat lover, you’d know that nothing beats the crispness and tenderness of smoked meat. The incredible food they produce apart, outdoor smokers are also perfect for cooking for a large number of people. If you needed reasons to get an outdoor smoker for yourself, we've given you enough in this article. Meanwhile, if you need a high-quality smoker, the Memphis Elite Built-in With Wifi 304 Stainless Steel Pellet Grill can do some magic.