If you really want a great tasting barbecue, the Weber 731001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 22-1/2-Inch Smoker 22-1/2-Inch Smoker can satisfy that craving. The charcoal smoker from Weber slowly cooks turkeys, roasts, hams and sea foods. You get authentic smokehouse flavor anytime at the comfort of your own home. Let’s take a look at what it [...]
BBQ Smokers Review
Whether it be meat or fish, nothing beats a well-grilled food with a real smokey flavor. This what makes people get attached to barbecue smokers.
Smoking is usually done using wood or charcoal. Today, more brands are selling smokers that use propane that heats a box of wooden chips used to create smoke that gives the meat the delicious flavor. At the same time propane fuels the heat that cooks the meat. Smokers usually term the cooking as low and slow, where a slow even heat is maintained throughout. This is a fundamental requirement for any good smoker.
The standard for smokers has started to rise recently. Manufacturers are churning out gas and electric smokers. These new developments give an advantage to the casual griller as it would allow better control of the heat unlike charcoal and wood smokers where it needs closer attention everytime as you would manually adjust the heat to the desired temperature.
During the smoking, the smoker's door is closed. This creates a thick cloud of smoke that immerses the meat. The design of the smoker allows smoke to move around freely inside. The long, slow cooking infuses the distinct smokey flavor into the meat as it spends hours in the smoker.
For a casual or experienced smoker, the choice of a good smoker from the beginning is important. For a smoker that you will use for a long time. It is good to buy the highest capacity smoker that you can afford. This allows you to maximize your cooking time as smoking takes a lot of time indeed. Remember that smoke needs to travel freely around and a crowded smoker will surely affect the taste of the food. You also have to think of the kinds of foods like large briskets and whole chickens, as these take so much space and also, you might be finding yourself hosting more friends, neighbors and guests beyond your normal family or inner circle of friends. It's good to be prepared and like they say, the more the merrier.
When choosing a good smoker, make sure that you check the quality of the metals used. If it's too thin it will not retain heat as the heavier smokers. Since the cooking time lasts for up to several hours, make sure that the metal is heavier enough to withstand the stress brought about by the long heating. Moreover, thicker metals will last longer.
Another important feature not be overlooked is the seal. Smoke gives the flavor to the meat so the smoke should not leak out of the smoker thus the need for a well sealed lid. The seal also helps retain the heat within the smoker and maintains the desired cooking time.
There are different types of barbecue smokers. Among the most common are described below:
Electric smokers - these are a popular choice by smokers who want a fast starting time. These are also good to be used outdoors but capacity is this type's only limitation.
Gas smokers - Propane gas is cleaner than charcoal and is more convenient to get it started. It offers more choices of wood pellets or charcoal. Newer designs are coming out like the upright type makes it more convenient to move around and more compact to be used in small spaces.
Charcoal smokers - This offers more benefits than the other models, like higher temperatures that allows it to cook thicker slabs of meat, easily. Cooking at lower temperatures can still be achieved through the charcoal smokers. The best taste still wins for this type of smoker than the rest.
Cold smokers - If time is not an issue, then the cold smoker is for you. Trout, salmon, bacon and the like are also cooked best in this type of smoker. It allows for a more consistent smoking with longer cooking times as the only downside. But in exchange for that wonderful smoke taste, this will not be a problem for many.
Hot smokers - These are the type of smoker used for large-scale catering where cooking and smoking is done at the same time. It offers faster cooking time as well.
BBQ Smokers At A Glance
Pros:
- Gives the best, distinct smokey flavor in every barbecue
- Available in different types depending on your need
Cons:
- Longer cooking time
- Temperature should be maintained or controlled all the time
It is good to know how to use a smoker before buying one. If you are new to using a smoker, this can be overwhelming. Most manufacturers are more than willing to guide you how to use their products. When you buy your new unit, make sure that you took note of the important things you just read in this review.
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