Traditionally, meat smokers were used for stuffing meat with smoke so that it would remain fresh for longer time. The process also resulted in slow cooking of meat, and gave it a characteristic flavor that is relished by meat eaters. Even today, wooden chips, charcoal, or pellets are used as fuel in meat smokers for generating smoke, which is then passed through selected meat, so that the smoke is absorbed and the meat gets its authentic smoke from wood or charcoal burning flavor.
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But today, it is not surprising to find meat smokers that use propane, or electrical heating elements along with traditional options. Best meat smoker not only ensures that the meat acquires the authentic charcoal or wood burning flavor, but also gets cooked to the right level, i.e., it is not overdone, nor is it half cooked. Following reviews help to identify features available in contemporary meat smokers.
Great Meat Smokers
#1 Bestselling Smoker in the Market
Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smokehouse Smoker Review
The Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smokehouse Smoker is a 30 inch meat smoker, using electricity as its primary fuel. However, this appliance also uses wood chips for imparting authentic wooden smoke flavor to the meat. Basically, the outer body of this appliance is made from steel, which is powder coated. It is possible to cook fish, pork, ham, sausages, chicken, turkey, and even vegetables in this appliance.
A removable tray is provided on the side for holding such wood chips. The drip pan included in the appliance is also removable. Its controls include a timer, a temperature controlling gauge, and an air damper control, all of which are operable with simple digital push buttons. The timer can even be set in auto switch off mode after 24 hours. These controls are located on the top of the appliance for easy accessibility.
In addition, this meat smoker also comes with a remote control. The thermostat in this unit can ensure even cooking of meat, i.e., for temperatures from 100 F to 275 F. The cooking space within this meat smoker is about 730 square inches. Inside the appliance, there are 4 chrome plated racks. This meat smoker is completely insulated to prevent loss of heat.
Top Charcoal Smoker for the Money
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Review
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is a 22 inch meat smoking machine is shaped like a capsule. The heat for cooking and smoke in this meat smoker comes from charcoal. Basically, the body of this appliance is made from steel which is porcelain enameled.
A nylon handle that is resistant to heat has also been added to make it easier for user to periodically check the progress of food being cooked inside. There are two cooking grates provided in this appliance. These grates are nickel plated and 22.5 inch wide, offering an overall 726 sq. inches of cooking space within the capsule.
The gap between the two and the gap between the lid and the upper cooking grate is enough for roasting a large bird, and smoking ribs simultaneously. A water pan is also integrated in the appliance, which ensures that the meat remains moist. A thermometer is integrated on the lid of this meat smoker. There are vents on lid as well as bowl. A storage cover is also provided.
Best Propane Meat Smoker
Masterbuilt GS30D Propane 2-Door Smoker Review
The Masterbuilt GS30D Propane 2-Door Smoker is a vertical unit made from steel that is powder coated. It includes a burner that is made from stainless steel, which comes along with a regulator (type 1), and a hose. The appliance is designed for usage with propane. Like other meat smokers, it has a tray for holding wood chips, but it is coated with porcelain in this unit.
It also has a water pan integrated in its design. This unit qualifies as the best meat smoker because it has two doors, which means heat and flavor loss is minimized. Overall cooking space inside this appliance is about 717 sq. inches. 4 cooking grates that are chrome plated are provided for placing the meats. There is a temperature gauge that is built in, which indicates the temperature inside the chamber for adding some ingredient in between.
A wire handle that is cool to touch helps to check without danger of scalding. The unit comes with sophisticated ignition that is push button type. The doors of this unit can be locked, and prevent either the heat or aroma from escaping. Air damper allows for changing the smoke levels as needed.
Best Charcoal Offset Smoker
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker Review
The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is heavy duty appliance. Therefore, it comes with steel body that is built for heavy duty. The body is powder coated to ensure that it can withstand high temperatures and lasts long. It also comes with heavy gauge steel box for wood chips, which is porcelain enameled.
Other features include ignition system which lights up with electronic pulse. The burner in this meat smoker is made from cast iron. It is heavy duty burner rated as 15,000 BTU. Overall cooking space in this unit is about 784 sq. inches, which means it is possible to smoke almost 100 lbs meat and other food in this unit simultaneously.
There are two doors in this unit, which gives the advantage of preventing heat or aroma loss. Usually, in single door units, that is a major drawback, especially when wood chips are being added.
Best Meat Smoker to Buy
Bradley Smokers Original Smoker Review
The Bradley Smokers Original Smoker is a sophisticated machine capable of holding almost 9 hours requirement of wood bisquettes available in different flavors from the company. The machine is durable, and easy to operate. There is a water basin inside it.
The smoke generator ensures that the bisquettes are ignited in time, and extinguished before they turn into ashes, ensuring that the food does not get contaminated with ashes. The user has to define the temperature and fill the water basin. The rest of the process is almost automatic.
The top of this machine has vent for releasing the excess smoke inside. A temperature gauge is built within the door of this appliance to indicate the temperature within the meat smoker. There are four cooking grates inside for smoking different foods or larger quantities of food.
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There are traditional meat smokers and there are contemporary meat smokers. These are available in different sizes and shapes. Many of these are also automated these days, making cooking easier than ever before. Not all features are needed for all types smoking, and cooking. Find the meat smoker that meets most of the requirements requires some study of available products and features. The best meat smoker is obviously the one that not only meats those requirements but is also affordably priced.
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