Just because you’re an entry-level smoker doesn’t mean you don’t want the best. It’s easy to learn how to smoke, but it takes the right equipment. Ultimately, you need a smoker that’s simple to use. Make sure that you feel comfortable using it for the first time, and you’re sure to become a master in no time.
Though there are pros and cons of owning a smoker, most people want that smoky flavor. You’ve also got to consider that there are many different types of smokers, such as offset, vertical, and more. The first smoker you buy could be gas, electric, or even wood pellet style. Though the price point is sure to be a factor, pay close attention to other things you may need to purchase. For example, you may require wood chips for a pellet smoker or propane for gas smokers. These make the overall cost of using the machine higher.
Buying your first smoker is much easier when you focus on the smoker cons first. Then, you can figure out what to like about each one and go from there. Consider build quality and the method of cooking used. Let’s take a look at the best smokers for beginners!
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Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Electric Digital Smoker
If you’re interested in the best electric smoker, you may want to consider the Masterbuilt brand. This 30-inch smoker is digital and electric. You’re going to appreciate the side-loading wood chip tray, which means you don’t have to open the door and let the smokiness out to add more chips. We also like the water pan because it sits at the bottom to provide humidity.
With 730 square inches of cooking space, you’re going to find that this smoker can cook tons of food. There are four racks, but you can remove some if necessary.
Most electric smokers are great with temperature control, and this one is no different. Right on top of the machine is the digital display. You can select the right temperature and keep it there, regardless of how much food you make.
Smoke Hollow PS40B Propane Smoker
If you’re interested in the best beginner propane gas smoker, you’ve got to focus on Smoke Hollow. With it, you get even heat and smoke throughout the device. Plus, it has a temp gauge right on the front. This allows you to check temperatures without opening the machine.
Propane smokers are an excellent choice when you want to keep the device in the same place all the time. We recommend unhooking the tank from the smoker for safety when you’re not using it. It features a push-button start, and you can easily change how much heat gets put into the machine.
You’re going to appreciate the stainless steel burner, which prevents rusting. Plus, there are four chrome-plated racks for smoking. It does sit low to the ground, but the legs help prop it up a bit. Still, you can choose to use it on a table for easier access.
Kamado Joe Classic I, 18-inch
One of the best charcoal smokers has to be the kamado-style option. This one is a combination charcoal grill/smoker, and it comes in blaze red. Everyone’s going to see this beautiful device and want to enjoy it in action.
The flexible cooking system helps to transform the traditional grate into a powerful tool for cooking. There is a half-moon design to let you cook different things at various temperatures. Plus, the stainless steel cooking grates mean that the food doesn’t stick to it.
Since it uses charcoal, you’re probably going to be used to it. Many people like this fuel source and often learn on it from their parents and friends.
We like that it has side tables, so you can store utensils and other items. When you’re grilling, the worst thing is to have to go back inside to get what you require. Now, you can have it all lined up and ready to go when you need it.
Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro
The offset smoker is one of the top choices for many people. When smoking meat, you want the pellets to be off to the side. That way, they don’t burn up too quickly. The Camp Chef brand features an electric smoker for beginners. With it, you can cook just about anything without fail.
Typically, pellet smokers use charcoal or rely only on wood. However, this can produce too much smoke flavor. Since Camp Chef is an electric smoker, it only uses the wood to create the taste. With it, you can bake, smoke, grill, braise, roast, or barbecue on a single unit.
We like that it comes with a digital control feature and also includes a meat probe. That way, you can check the internal temperatures of the meat without having to open the lid.
Electric smokers like this are excellent because they have an ash cleanout system. Just pull the lever and let out the ashes from the wood. This means you don’t need a vacuum and can get back to smoking!
Z Grills ZPG-6002B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
When it comes to propane smokers, the Z Grills brand is what you want. We like the overall design of this offset smoker, and you’re going to appreciate the 601 square inches of cooking area.
This pellet smoker uses wood chunks to create the smoked flavor you want. Plus, we like that you can cook low and slow. It actually lets you bake, smoke, roast, barbecue, braise, and grill food.
Most offset smokers don’t allow you to sear, but this one does! The temperature reaches up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Open its air door to sear, and then you can adjust the temperature to whatever you need for cooking your food.
You’re going to appreciate this type of smoker because of the pellet technology. You get amazing flavor with it and don’t have to use gas. Plus, it’s accurate to within 10 degrees of your preferred temperature, regardless of the air around you.
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, 18-inch
The Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker is one of the top charcoal smokers on the market. We like that it’s easy to use, but you’re going to be surprised at the shape. Most people worry about having enough room for their meat, but there is plenty of cooking space available.
With two nickel-plated grates, you can fit a rack of ribs or any other type of meat you want. In fact, it holds a ham or turkey!
The set it and forget about it technology makes it ideal for the beginner. Plus, it’s made of steel to be durable and strong, but it only weighs 40 pounds. With it, you get a thermometer, vents for the bowl and lid, and a nylon handle meant to be heat-resistant.
Pit Barrel Cooker
If you want the top charcoal smoker for beginners, then this is the right choice for you. It comes with everything you need, including eight stainless steel hooks and the standard grate for searing/grilling.
Since it runs on charcoal, it provides a beautiful smoke flavor for any food you prepare. Plus, the unique design means that you can use less charcoal and still get the job done fast. Though it’s a smoker, it can cook meat quickly when needed.
This package has everything necessary, including the hanging rods and the basket for the fuel. For all that, you also get a unique shape like a barrel that is going to impress the guests.
Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker
Those who like pellet smokers are sure to appreciate the Cuisinart brand. It runs on propane, but it also uses wood pellets and a water pan to create the smoke flavor you crave.
Many people want to check the inside temp of the device but don’t want to open the door to let the smoke out. This product features a temperature gauge, and it’s easy to read.
You can remove all of the racks, which makes it very easy to clean. In fact, they can go in the dishwasher, which saves you a lot of time. Everyone’s going to like the four racks, but you can remove what you don’t need to fit larger meats within.
Conclusion
If you want the best beginner smokers, you now have eight options to choose from. It might be a little difficult to decide because each one has various benefits. However, we feel it’s best to focus on the type of smoker you want. For example, do you want one that uses coal or gas to cook with?
The best electric smokers for beginners are all listed here. If you pick any of them, you are sure to get the right grilling and smoking action you want. Once you know which style you need, you can consider prices. That way, you get something that’s durable without hurting your wallet. In fact, you could choose to save up and get one of the more expensive brands. This is going to ensure that you’ve got something to grow with as you become a master smoker. Happy smoking!
