Save an EXTRA 5% on orders $1,000+ (Except Blaze & Summerset) | Code: Save5
Save an EXTRA 5% on orders $1,000+ (Except Blaze & Summerset) | Code: Save5
February 22, 2022 14 min read
Who doesn't love smoked foods? One taste of smoked meat takes you immediately to a summer barbecue, and now that we can enjoy smoked favorites like pulled pork in restaurants, we don't even have to wait for good weather to enjoy barbecue flavors!
Of course, nothing tastes as good as the real thing. The good news is if you want to try smoking your own meats at home, you can do it without breaking the bank.
Below, we'll show you the best budget smokers and where to buy them, what to look out for when buying a budget grill, and everything else you could possibly want to know about smoking.
Let's get into it!
Smoking is an ancient method of preserving and cooking meats and fish. It involves heating food over a source of smoke.
The process begins when smoke enters a sealed container called a "smoke box." Smoke boxes come in many shapes and sizes. They can be made from metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or even concrete.
The smoke box is filled with wood chips, sawdust, or other materials that can contain smoke. These materials are placed inside the smoke box before the food is put inside.
Once the food is put inside, the smoke box is closed tightly. This traps the smoke inside the smoke box. The smoke helps the food to cook slowly.
The smoke box must be kept at a certain temperature for the food to cook properly. If the temperature drops below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), the food will spoil.
When the smoke box reaches the correct temperature, you should hear the sound of popping wood. This means the smoke has been trapped inside the smoke box.
When the food is cooked, the smoke box is opened and the food is removed. The food is then ready to serve!
Easy to use, the Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker can be assembled in 20 minutes by following clear, and simple instructions. It is ideal for those who regularly want their food to have a smoky flavor, without having to worry about smoke getting into the house.
The easy-to-control temperature and grease management system puts you in control and provides reliably delicious results every time. If you want a simple way to enjoy outdoor cooking and smoky flavors, you can't go wrong with the Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker.
Pros
Cons
Also, Available At
You can also find the Royal Gourmet SE2801 on the official Royal Gourmet website.
Calling all carnivores out there!
The Char-Broil 12201570-A1 smoker is perfect for barbecuing chicken, pork ribs, and turkey breast, as well as steaks and burgers. This smoker takes all the hassle out of smoking.
There's no need to stand over the grill, so you can mingle with guests at your barbecue, or sit back and relax while the smoker does all the work without having to worry about flare-ups.
Cleaning the smoker is just as easy as cooking with it, as the clean-out door makes quick work of ash removal. Plus, the Char-Broil 12201570-A1 is made right here in the U.S.
Pros
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Also, Available At
You can also find the Char-Broil at Walmart.
One of the trickiest things about smoking food is making sure heat doesn't escape when trying to check on the temperature of your food.
But the built-in temperature gauge of the Masterbuilt MB20070210 makes this problem a thing of the past! The temperature control is also easy to use, and the smoker heats evenly and consistently.
The chrome-plating on the smoking racks is attractive and adds a nice touch, and the wood chip tray makes cleaning easy. We would recommend this smoker to anyone looking for a quality smoker that is easy to operate.
Pros
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Also, Available At
You can also find the MB20070210 on the official Masterbuilt website.
The two valves of the Pit Boss Grills 2 Series Gas Vertical Smoker make temperature control even easier. The grates are made of stainless steel, which is much more durable than cast iron.
As well as having a large cooking surface, the Pit Boss Grills 2 Series Gas Vertical Smoker has a view window that is large enough to check on your food without having to open the lid. There is also a large grease tray underneath the unit, which keeps the smoker nice and clean.
Pros
Cons
Also, Available At
You can also find the Pit Boss Grill 2 Series Gas Vertical Smoker at Walmart.
If you're looking for a smoker that makes a great outdoor addition to your kitchen and can cook large quantities of food, all while being easy to clean and maintain, then look no further than the Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker.
It is a great investment if you regularly have barbecues and parties, and doesn't break the bank.
With the Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical Charcoal Smoker, you can grill chicken breasts, pork chops, ribs, burgers, steaks, and fish, adding a beautiful smoky flavor to them all.
Pros
Cons
Also, Available At
You can also find the Cuisinart COS Vertical Charcoal Smoker on the official Cuisinart website.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly upgrade to your smoker then look no further than the Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors.
It heats up quickly and maintains a steady temperature throughout the duration of the cooking time. It's certain to give your food an irresistibly smoky flavor and is easy to clean and maintain too.
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From a mighty smoker to a convenient, compact smoker, the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is easy to set up in about an hour, and once assembled, can be used straight away.
It is ideal for those who regularly smoke their food, as its small, compact size means it won't get in the way of your other patio furniture.
Despite its small stature, this smoker has plenty of cooking space, and the dual latch on the door keeps heat right where it needs to be.
If you're looking for a space-saving grill, then look no further than the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker.
Pros
Cons
Also, Available At
You can also find the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker at Walmart.
Choosing the best smoker can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start.
There are many types of smokers available today, but which one should you pick? How do you decide which type will work best for your needs?
Selecting the best smoker depends on several factors. You need to consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your preferences when picking the perfect smoker for your needs.
Here are some tips to help you pick the best smoker for your needs, as well as some tips about smoker maintenance, safety tips, and how to make the most out of your smoker.
A smoker is a device that allows food to be cooked without direct contact with flames or high temperatures. This is useful for foods like meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, and more.
A smoker works by creating smoke around food while it cooks.
It's the chemicals in smoke that give smoked food that delicious flavor, and with some smokers you can even choose what type of smoky flavor you want to infuse into your food. These flavors include sweet, savory, spicy, and even bitter notes.
When selecting a smoker, look for features such as adjustable temperature settings, automatic controls, and built-in timers. Many models have additional features such as rack systems, rotisseries, and warming drawers.
There are many reasons why people use a smoker. Some people enjoy smoking meats, poultry, and seafood. But you don't have to be a carnivore to enjoy smoke flavors.
You can smoke vegetables, fruit, and herbs, as well as nuts, popcorn, bread, cheeses, and pastries.
There are many benefits to using a smoker. Here are just a few of them:
There are two main types of smokers: gas and electric. Electric smokers are usually smaller and lighter than gas smokers. However, they're still able to produce delicious results.
Gas smokers are typically larger and heavier than electric ones. They often come equipped with wheels, making them easier to move from place to place. Gas smokers require fuel, such as propane or natural gas.
Electric smokers are powered by electricity. They also require fuel, such as charcoal briquettes or wood chips.
The choice between a gas and an electric smoker largely depends on your personal preference. If you prefer to grill outdoors, then you might want to go with a gas model.
If you'd rather keep your smoker inside, then you may prefer an electric model. Either way, both types of smokers are easy to operate.
To choose the best smoker for your needs, consider the following factors:
Size - Size matters. Smaller units can fit easily into tight spaces. Larger models are generally easier to maneuver.
Weight - Weight affects how much space a unit takes up. You don't need to be concerned about weight if you plan to use your smoker only occasionally.
Features - Look for features like adjustable temperature settings, automatic control, and timer.
Price - Don't pay more than you should. You won't regret buying a quality smoker at a fair price.
Safety Features - Make sure your smoker has safety features like auto shutoff and ventilation fans.
Ease Of Use - Ease of use will determine whether you'll actually use your smoker. A simple design makes it easier to use.
Smoking Times - How long do you plan to smoke food? Do you want to smoke your food every day or just once per week? Consider this factor before choosing a smoker.
Storage - Keep your smoker out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures. Also, make sure the storage area is clean.
Here are some tips and tricks to make the smoking experience easier, more enjoyable, and safe.
There are also things you should avoid when smoking. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Cleaning your smoker is easy, but so important to the longevity and performance of your smoker. Here's how to clean it:
Always follow these safety guidelines when using your smoker:
While smoking food does wonders to the flavor, it's not enough to just throw some ingredients into the smoker and hope for the best.
There are tips and tricks you can employ that take your smoked foods from good to great. Let's take a look at some tips to help you enjoy smoking foods:
Now the food you smoke is sure to taste gorgeous!
Yes, you can build a smoker yourself in a few easy steps and with a couple of items!
You'll need a firebox, a water pan, a drip tray, a charcoal chimney, a fuel supply (wood chips, sawdust, etc.), and a lid. Here's how to build a smoker:
The easiest smoker to use is a smoker that has an electric fan to control the temperature settings like an electric or pellet smoker.
A smoker can cost as little as $50 and as much as $10,000. Factors that affect the cost of a smoker are the materials used, quality of the build, brand name, and features.
Smoking is all about low and slow. Think temperatures between 225 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 135 °C) for long periods of time. You can smoke food for 3 hours to over 15 hours.
Usually, smoking involves burning wood chips, chunks, or pellets to impart smokey flavors.
Grilling involves cooking food at higher temperatures for a shorter amount of time. It may or may not include wood smoke depending on what you're doing.
We hope that our above picks have shown you that you don't need to break the bank to enjoy tasty, smoked flavors at home.
There are many benefits to smoking food and with our budget-friendly picks you can reap those benefits every day!
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