The tradition of meat smoking has been esteemed for centuries. It enhances the flavor and juiciness of meats, making it a favorite among many. Nevertheless, for beginners, the technique of smoking meat might appear intimidating. With a wide variety of smoking gadgets on the market, deciding where to start can be challenging.
Best Smokers for Beginners
Rank | Product Image | Product Name | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
| ||
2 |
| ||
3 |
| ||
4 |
| ||
5 |
|
1. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is an excellent smoker if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly smoker. And it’s really easy to use, and you’ll get competition-ready results without much hassle.
We’ve used this smoker several times and have been pleased with the results. The controls are easy; cooking temperature and time are set by the digital panel controls, and the thermostat temperature control maintains even and consistent smoking. The patented side wood chip loading system is a major game changer that enables wood chips to be loaded while the door remains closed and continues the flow of heat.
The display is hard to read in bright sunlight and difficult to set the time and temperature. The racks might rust over time, which will be disappointing.
Overall, it’s a great beginner-friendly smoker and the perfect way to get hands-on with the art of smoking. The results of the others are impressive, and it’s easy to use.
Pros
Cons
2. Realcook Vertical Smoker
This is a suitable smoker for beginners because of its user-friendly design and versatility.
We had a great time outdoor cooking using our Realcook Vertical Smoker. There is plenty of room for cooking, with enough room to smoke several different meats at the same time. Of course, keeping the temperature maintained while smoking is important, and a constant supply of time and temperature is needed.
The dual-access doors were superb. Their design allowed us to check on our meat without losing too much heat, which is a common issue with single-door designs. The porcelain enamel on the water pan helped keep the moisture down, and the tender results came.
We liked the smoker’s low price point and light materials, but we didn’t love them. We questioned whether this aspect meant it would have a long life. However, among beginners trying out smoking techniques, it remains a sound choice between cost and usability.
Pros
Cons
3. Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker
This smoker is a strong option for beginners looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game with minimal hassle.
We appreciate the spacious 784 square inches of cooking surface, which comfortably accommodates everything from chicken to appetizers. The four stainless steel racks come in handy, and we’ve easily removed them for larger cuts of meat when needed.
Starting this smoker is straightforward; just turn the valve on the propane tank and twist the control knob. This convenience lets us focus on enjoying the smoking process rather than wrestling with complicated setups. The built-in thermometer makes it easy to keep an eye on internal temperatures, so we maintain consistency without constantly opening the door.
That said, we’ve encountered some challenges. Keeping the heat stable can be a bit of a balancing act, especially when using the water pan for moisture. We found that removing it sometimes helps with achieving the desired temperatures. Minor assembly issues arose as well, but nothing we couldn't tackle with basic tools.
Pros
Cons
4. EAST OAK Digital Electric Smoker
If you’re new to smoking, this smoker is a beautiful entry-level to use and produces consistent results with very little effort.
After using the EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker, we liked the fact that it is user-friendly. The game-changer side wood chip loader allows us to smoke for hours without opening the door and losing heat. This feature really locks in the flavors.
It offers 725 square inches of cooking area. Fitting multiple racks of meat and vegetables was a snap. Our thermometer came in handy for peeking without constantly looking inside the pockets.
The downside was that we lost a lot of time to our first smoke after cleaning it. The temperature probe was just slightly off, but we adjusted to that. The result was an overall excellent performance and flavor delivered by the smoker, making it a nice purchase for both beginners and more experienced smokers.
Pros
Cons
5. RYHOFOUD 19-Inch Smokeless Charcoal Smoker
If you are new to smoking and looking for a chassis to get you orientated – this smoker is versatile enough for outdoor cooking and a pretty good choice.
We use the RYHOFOUD 19-inch charcoal smoker as an excellent partner for our outdoor cooking adventures. Camping has been the perfect fit because the size is so compact. We can transition from smoking to grilling without having to make a major change in our equipment. We felt comfortable prepping a variety of meats, knowing there wasn’t a safety risk.
The bad news is that the assembly was not without its minor issues. At first, it felt like a bit of a puzzle to put together because the instructions left so much to be desired. There were a couple of components we weren’t impressed with that might be problematic over the long haul.
The integrated temperature gauge helped us get that smoky flavor we wanted, and the smoking experience was enjoyable. The included accessories were useful, especially since we were cycling and would want to switch cooking methods. In general, I think that if you’re a beginner enthusiast and want to take your first steps into the art of smoking, this smoker will satisfy you.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide
Fuel Type
The first thing to figure out is what type of fuel you need. There are literally a multitude of fuels that smokers can use, such as wood, charcoal, propane, and electricity. Fuel is not one size fits all; each type of fuel has its own pros and cons, and what is best for you depends on the type of fuel you want to use.
Size
Another thing to keep in mind is the size of your smoker. Portables come in small and increasingly larger sizes, with heavy-duty models that can power a small party. The amount you’ll have to smoke depends on how much food you’re smoking at a time and how much space you have.
Temperature Control
When it comes to smoking food, temperature is crucial, so it’s important to choose a smoker that has easy temperature control. Models with built-in thermometers or temperature gauges are preferable, while models with digital controls will be more precise.
Construction
It is also appropriate to construct the smoker. Consider models made of durable materials, such as stainless steel or cast iron. Aigle also wants you to give some thought to the seals and hinges: You don’t want them to stick or squeak, nor do you want them to be out of place or broken.
Additional Features
You can now consider any other features you may want. Some smokers come with built-in timers or alarms, as well as adjustable racks or other accessories. Choose a smoker based on the features you’ll really be using and at a price you can afford.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of smoker is best for achieving great taste?
Regardless, your personal preference for achieving great taste will dictate the type of smoker you choose. But when they’re new at this, lots of beginners appreciate the flavor of charcoal and wood smokers. The end result is usually well worth the time and effort, but they do take more attention and skill.
What are some affordable smoker options for beginners?
Charcoal and propane smokers are affordable options for beginners. The most popular electric smoker models are Weber Smokey Mountain, Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker, and Masterbuilt Propane Smoker.
Are electric smokers a good option for beginners?
Electric smokers are great for beginners, yes. They produce smoke that is easy for them to use and requires less attention than other types of smokers. But some claim they don’t deliver the same flavor as charcoal or wood smokers.
What are the top-rated small smokers for beginners?
Weber Smokey Mountain, Pit Barrel Cooker, and Traeger Pro Series 575 are some of the top-rated small smokers for beginners. Compact, easy to use, and with good flavor, these are great smokers.
What are the advantages of using a pellet smoker for beginners?
Because they require very little work, pellet smokers make smoking easy and equally easy to monitor their temperature. They also have a great smoky flavor without the need for constant attention. But they may be costlier than some other varieties of smokers.
Is a vertical smoker easier to use than a regular smoker for beginners?
Vertical smokers are often easier to use than classic smokers. Their footprint is smaller, and you don’t have to watch them all the time. Some may not provide the same level of flavor as other types of smokers, though. The end result is basically just a question of personal taste and what you’re looking for in a smoker.
