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Dreaming of fall-off-the-bone, tender, smoked meat? Pull out all the stops at your next BBQ and wow your guests by purchasing a smoker!
Tasty on its own, versatile enough to eat with different side dishes and succulent on a sandwich, smoked meat really is a crowd pleaser while also looking delicious on a plate.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can even experiment smoking tofu and vegetables so you don’t miss out on the true smoked BBQ experience.
Even if you don’t host bbq parties, but enjoy the taste of smoked goods, this can be used all year round for individual use providing that you have a place to store it.
A smoker slowly cooks your food in low temperature settings, creating smoke which adds flavor, moisture and aromas which a griller is unable to do.
The result is succulent meat which will fall apart with the touch of a fork and will make your taste buds explode. Depending on your preference and the price you are willing to pay, the final result and flavour of the smoked goods vary slightly depending on whether the smoker is fuelled by coal, propane, electric or wood.
With so many brands competing against each-other, it can be difficult to differentiate which brand and model best fit your lifestyle and needs.
To save you some time, we have analysed 25 products during 55 hours and taken into account 876 consumer reviews.
Following out last update, we recommend the Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker for electrically controlled smoker is capable of performing all of your smoking needs without much input from you. If you preferred a charcoal smoker we recommend the Dyna-Glo DG01176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker.
Our Top Smoker in 2023
Overall, the Masterbuilt 20070910 electric digital smoker is a great choice for pretty much anyone with the desire to save energy and perform little labor while smoking foods. This fully insulated, electrically controlled smoker is capable of performing all of your smoking needs without much input from you.
Pros:
- Has auto shutoff feature in place
- Has a push-button digital control panel
- Side-loading wood tray and removable drip pan for convenience
- Temperature is thermostat-controlled automatically
Cons:
- Smaller cooking capacity than other smokers
Overall, the Dyna-Glo DG01176BDC-D charcoal offset smoker is a great choice for anyone keen on purchasing a traditional charcoal smoker. It has a very durable steel body and a large fuel container for the charcoal and whatever wood chips you add to provide an extra boost of flavor.
Pros:
- Dual door minimizes heat loss
- Highly durable steel construction
- Smokes up to 150 lbs of food at a time
- Offset design improves its ability to cook slowly
Cons:
- No timer
- Requires manual temperature adjustment/monitoring
Our selection of the best models available right now:
-
- Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker
- Dyna-Glo DG01176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
- Char-Broil The big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
- Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker
- Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker
- Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18” Charcoal Smoker
- Bradley Smokers Original
- Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16”
The Best Smoker Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Electric Pick
|
Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker
|
9,5
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Charcoal Pick
|
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
|
9,4
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
3-in-1 Pick
|
Char-Broil The big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill |
9,5
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
|
Budget Pick
|
Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker
|
9,2
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Our Electric Pick for the Best Smoker
Presentation of the Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker
The Electric Pick
Masterbuilt
If you are a fan of digital control panels and don’t want the hassle of managing a smoker’s temperature manually, you’ll want to invest in the Masterbuilt 20070910 electric digital smoker for all of your smoking needs. It is reasonably priced and has all the features you need for a hassle-free cooking experience.
What We Think of the Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker
This Masterbuilt electric smoke has a number of convenient features that users can take advantage of. One of its best qualities is how well it is insulated. This allows the temperature to remain constant without constantly needing to burn extra fuel. The temperature is thermostat-controlled, so you won’t need to micromanage the temperature like you do with other smoker models.
This 800-watt machine has 4 trays/racks, allowing you to cook multiple rounds of meat or even smoke vegetables or other foods while preparing the main dish. With 730 sq. inches of cooking space, you should have enough room for all your meal items, as long as you aren’t absolutely overloaded with guests. Other models may have a larger cooking space than this, but many people won’t require the extra room.
I am fairly new to the smoking process, so I was very keen on finding a smoker that would be able to mostly manage itself. This electric model makes me feel a lot better about smoking because it controls the temperature for me and will automatically shut off once the timer is done. I didn’t mind the price; I think it accurately represents the quality of the product.
catherine k.
The push-button digital control panel is conveniently located at the very top of the smoker, so you can monitor or change the settings without needing to bend over. The timer can be set anywhere between 0 and 24 hours, and the smoker will automatically shut off once the timer has run out. The side-loading wood tray and removable drip tray are two more features that drastically improve the user experience and overall value of this appliance.
Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker Specifications
- Dimensions: 20” x 17” x 33.5”
- Weight: 45.9 lbs
- Number of Trays: 4
- Power Source: Corded electric
- Watts: 800
- Timer: 0-24 hours
- Cooking Space: 730 sq. inches
- Warranty: 90 days
Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has auto shutoff feature in place
- Has a push-button digital control panel
- Side-loading wood tray and removable drip pan for convenience
- Temperature is thermostat-controlled automatically
Cons
- Smaller cooking capacity than other smokers
Our Final Opinion About the Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Masterbuilt 20070910 electric digital smoker is a great choice for pretty much anyone with the desire to save energy and perform little labor while smoking foods. This fully insulated, electrically controlled smoker is capable of performing all of your smoking needs without much input from you.
Our Charcoal Pick for the Best Smoker
Presentation of the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
The Charcoal Choice
Dyna-Glo
If you’re looking for a new smoker powered by charcoal rather than electricity, this Dyna-Glo DG01176BDC-D charcoal offset smoker is the right choice. It has a large cooking capacity, offset heat source, and a streamlined aesthetic to suit anyone’s backyard oasis.
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker Video Review
What We Think of the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
This Dyna-Glo charcoal smoker has a fairly unique design. The heat production all occurs in a little offset side compartment rather than directly under the food that is cooking. This allows the heat to move more slowly and evenly around the food, which makes the slow-cooking process much better. You don’t have a timer or automatic temperature control with this model, so you will need to pay attention and monitor at regular intervals.
The heavy duty steel construction, weighing in at a total of 57 lbs, makes this one of the most durable and hardy smokers on the market. The dual door design helps minimize heat loss, so your temperature should remain fairly consistent once you get the right air flow set up. It is still a good idea to monitor the temperature though, since it isn’t regulated automatically.
I absolutely fell in love with this charcoal smoker the first time I used it. I was very excited to have the traditional experience of monitoring the fuel and adjusting the temperature with the air flow, and this smoker has not disappointed me. I cook a lot of barbeque for a family of six, and this smoker is going to up my game substantially. Would highly recommend!
david h.
The cooking capacity of this smoker is one of its greatest benefits. It has 1176 sq. inches of cooking space, and can cook up to 150 lbs of food at once if evenly distributed among the 6 racks. Whether you like to cook in bulk or you serve larger numbers of people on a regular basis, the cooking capacity of this charcoal smoker will not let you down.
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker Specifications
- Dimensions: 47” x 34.5” x 20.2”
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Number of Trays: 6
- Power Source: Charcoal
- Timer: No
- Cooking Space: 1176 sq. inches
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Dual door minimizes heat loss
- Highly durable steel construction
- Smokes up to 150 lbs of food at a time
- Offset design improves its ability to cook slowly
Cons
- No timer
- Requires manual temperature adjustment/monitoring
Our Final Opinion About the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Dyna-Glo DG01176BDC-D charcoal offset smoker is a great choice for anyone keen on purchasing a traditional charcoal smoker. It has a very durable steel body and a large fuel container for the charcoal and whatever wood chips you add to provide an extra boost of flavor.
Our 3 in 1 Pick for the Best Smoker
Presentation of the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
The 3-in-1 Choice
Char-Broil
Are you low on space but love the BBQ season? We know that Smokers, Roasters and Grills take up a lot of space when purchased separately and come at an expensive price. Char-Broil has solved this issue by creating 3 functions in just one appliance! You can now smoke, roast and grill with just one appliance making it both versatile and functional.
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill Video Review
What We Think of the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
Versatility is one of the biggest assets of the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill. With 3 functions in only one appliance, it justifies its higher price point to other smokers on the market and is surprisingly compact. Unfortunately, you aren’t able to do multiple functions simultaneously however, if you are somebody who smokes, roast and grills regularly throughout the year, this Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill will meet all of your expectations. If you’re hoping to use this to feed a large number of people, unfortunately the grill surface is small. However, if you have some extra time on your hands, you can easily feed more people by grilling in batches. Nevertheless, we do think the versatility of the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill outweighs the smaller grilling surface.
The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill weighs heavier than other smokers on the market but is still portable. With sturdy handles on the side of the appliance, it can easily be carried to and from its storage space. Since it is fuelled by propane, the appliance can even be taken on camping trips. Propane gas appliances are quick to start up, and easy to maintain an even temperature while also creating a delicious smoked flavour. The sturdy steel legs keep the unit off the ground and provide stability.
I purchased this for thanksgiving and have used this so many times since. The assembly was a breeze and it was so easy to use the 3 different functions. My wife and I are amazed at the quality of the food every time we use it! Well worth the money!
Mark T.
The appliance is controlled by 2 buttons which makes The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill easy to use and functional even if you’re new to smoking, roasting or grilling outdoors. While one button controls the temperature, the other simply switches on the gas. While we appreciate how easy this is to use, it unfortunately doesn’t have a thermostat to inform you of the internal temperature. Therefore, in terms of using the smoker, it can be difficult to determine the optimal temperature to ensure that the meat doesn’t dry out during the smoking process. With regular use of this appliance, you should be able to determine which heat is best for which function. In order to check on the progress of the meat, you do have to remove the lid which as a result, will release the internal heat. We also think it would have been useful to have included in its design a window so you could view inside the appliance when the goods are being smoked instead of having to open up the lid. However, the equipment was carefully designed so they can be easily dropped in for minimum heat loss. There is a small door to add in the wood pellets which also adds flavour to the smoked goods and avoids heat loss. Also, propane gas is both efficient as well as powerful therefore; it isn’t an issue to make sure the internal temperatures are warm enough.
The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill also makes the clean up stress free with the removable grease tray. We also appreciate how easy the grill and baskets can be removed from the appliance which makes it easier to clean.
The design is sleek and Char-Broil has cleverly avoided the use of valves or water pellets which can be clumsy to use. Made from high quality stainless steel, the materials chosen to create the The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill were thoughtfully selected to make this a durable purchase. The porcelain coated hood is heat resistant which makes this both safe to use and stress free.
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill Specifications
- 58.67 x 59.44 x 91.95 cm – 23”x23.4” x 36.2”
- 22.6kg – 49.8lb
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Easy to use with just 2 buttons
- 3 functions in 1 appliance and compact to avoid taking up storage space
- Portable and fuelled by propane gas so can be used camping as well as in garden
Cons
- No thermostat to know internal temperature
- Small Grilling Surface
- Must remove lid to check on smoking progress which creates heat loss
Our Final Opinion About the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
If you are looking for a smoker which is multifunctional, then look no further. The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is easy to use and perfect for beginners. Fuelled by propane gas, it is portable and can be taken away to camping trips if needed. If you appreciate versatility over high capacity, this will save you storage space and make delicious smoked goods.
Our Budget Pick for the Best Smoker
Presentation of the Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker
The Budget Pick
Smokehouse
If you’re wanting to try your hand at a new way of cooking meat and fish, but you don’t have a huge budget for a professional setup, you’ll want to take a closer look at this Smokehouse Products Little Chief front load smoker. It is affordable, easy to use, and has a small capacity to suit household needs.
Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker Video Review
What We Think of the Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker
This small, lightweight electric smoker is a great choice for people who want an affordable, easy to use model and don’t have professional standards. It weighs only 12.2 lbs and is fairly compact for the industry, so it is an excellent model for those who will want to store it in the house over the colder months. Its aluminum design is still quite durable, but it won’t have the same longevity as steel models.
This small 250 watt model can cook up to 25 lbs of meat and fish at a time. This isn’t the greatest capacity, but it is definitely adequate for standard household needs. There isn’t a timer or temperature gauge, but since it will only heat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll just have to track the time for yourself. There are 4 trays included to help you distribute the food for even cooking.
I have never smoked anything before in my life, but my friend and her boyfriend have raved about this Little Chief smoker they bought, so I purchased one for myself. I had high expectations, and I was not disappointed. I love the little starter kit they sent because I really had no idea what I was doing, and it is so easy to use. It’s great for beginner smokers!
samantha e.
The ventilation system in this model is very well thought out, so you can have confidence in its ability to circulate the smoke well, and also allow for proper dehydration at all times. Whether you are new to smoking your own food or not, the instruction/recipe booklet and 1.75-pound bag of Chips n’ Chunks hickory flavor wood fuel will help you get off to a great start.
Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker Specifications
- Dimensions: 24.5” x 11.5” x 11.5”
- Weight: 12.2 lbs
- Number of Trays: 4
- Power Source: AC/DC
- Watts: 250
- Timer: No
Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with recipe/instruction booklet and 75-pound bag of Chips n’ Chunks hickory flavor wood fuel
- Ventilation system is designed for excellent smoke circulation and proper dehydration
- Lightweight but durable aluminum construction
- Compact to store easily in off-season
Cons
- Small cooking capacity
- Only one temperature is possible (165 degrees Fahrenheit)
Our Final Opinion About the Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Smokehouse Products Little Chief front load smoker is the best choice out there for people who won’t place high demands on their smoker. It is quite simple in design, but it is highly portable and easy to use as a result. Plus, it comes with a small starter kit to help you get started.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker
The Best Overall
Landmann
If you are looking for a compact and easy to use smoker which can feed a family or a dinner party, The Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker could be the ideal purchase for you. When the smoking is in process, it requires minimum work on your part so you can focus on your party guests, family or other distractions, while being assured that the result will always be delicious and authentic tasting smoked goods every time!
Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker Video Review
What We Think of the Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker
The Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker is easy to use and can be quickly set up without too much difficulty. However, we would recommend taking the extra time to install the magnets for the door properly so that it seals securely which is vital to avoid heat from escaping the smoker. If the magnets on the door aren’t lined up properly, this could affect the seal and you may need to purchase some extra bungee cords to seal it more tightly. It also comes with 4 adjustable feet so that the smoker can remain sturdy on various surfaces which is definitely an advantage since we would expect this to be used primarily outdoors on potentially uneven surfaces.
The Landmann smoker is compact with an impressive capacity; large enough to feed a family, but compact enough to be stored away in a small space. It includes 3 trays inside to fill up with smoked goods and also has a 3-in-1 tray which incorporates the water pan, wood chip box and grease tray into one compartment. The grease tray allows this to be cleaned up more easily however, keep an eye out to make sure it doesn’t spill over as this will inevitably leak out into the crevices at the bottom.
Weighing just under 15kg, it is possible to carry this and transport it fairly easily especially since two handles can be set up on the side of the smoker. However, since it is an electric smoker, you would need to make sure that your destination has a plug to use this.
One of the main advantages of choosing an electric smoker is the ease of use; simply plug it in and start smoking. The heat can be controlled therefore, if permitted, it could be a perfect appliance for people with an apartment balcony and limited space to the outdoors. The only disadvantage of an electric smoker is that it may lack the authentic smell or taste you achieve from a more traditional wood or charcoal fuelled smoker. However, since you can use wood chips for this smoker, the results of the smoking are still high quality and bound to get you smoking delicious food every weekend!
It was easy to put together and it has decent capacity. You truly can “set and forget it” for hours.
Peter P.
The plug-in temperature controller allows you to choose the ideal temperature for the smoker ranging from 100-260 degrees. However, while the smoking process is in full sway, you may want to add some more wood chips to the smoker. Unfortunately, there isn’t a separate compartment to add the wood chips inside without opening the door and releasing the heat which we do find inconvenient. However, the design does include a viewing window so you don’t have to open the door every hour to check the condition of the goods inside the smoker.
Made from steel, The Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker is sturdy and a durable purchase which could be used for many years in the future if properly maintained and stored in appropriate conditions.
Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker Specifications
- 67.82 x 42.16 x 33.53 cm (26.7” x 16.59” x 13.2”)
- 14.97 Kilograms (33lbs)
- 3-in-1 tray which incorporates the water pan, wood chip box and grease tray
- 3 trays inside the smoker
Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Easy to use and control temperature
- Easy to clean thanks to the grease tray
- Compact with large capacity
Cons
- Grease tray may overspill
- Magnetic door may cause heat to escape if not set up correctly
- Fueled by electricity therefore needs a plug, making it less portable if hoping to use it in parks
Our Final Opinion About the Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker has a clever design to make this an efficient product and as a result, makes high quality smoked goods. It’s compactness yet large capacity makes this product stand out among other smokers and also makes this value for money.
Presentation of the Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker
The Cuisinart Alternative
Cuisinart
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker is available at an affordable price and has a capacity big enough to feed a family thanks to the two stainless steel grill racks. If you have used charcoal and wood fuelled smokers before, this is simple to use and will meet expectations. This smoker will require you to monitor the temperature, water and the progress to make sure the result of the smoked goods surpass your party guest’s or family’s expectations!
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker Video Review
What We Think of the Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18” Charcoal Smoker is on the market at an affordable price and uses charcoal and wood to create the authentic smoking taste. This Cuisinart smoker is easy to set up and has all the basic equipment to begin smoking goods. The Smoker is made from stainless steel and is sturdy as well as durable. However, the equipment isn’t anything out of the ordinary or above or beyond in terms of quality than what we would expect from a charcoal smoker at this price.
Two 18” stainless steel racks are provided which means this is a perfect smoker for a family and a small BBQ party. If you are cooking heavy portions of meat, you may want to add another metal support onto the steel racks to make sure it can withstand the weight. While its primary purpose is as a Smoker, it could also be used as a grill during the BBQ season making this multifunctional.
The design includes a vertical door which can be opened to add charcoal, wood or water in the smoker which does unfortunately mean it will lose heat in the process. The door is hinged and does feel slightly cheap. After regular use, we would be concerned that it may loosen up, leaving gaps in the door unsealed and therefore letting heat out. Overall, the Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18” Charcoal Smoker is sturdy and is held up with 2 metal feet.
The Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18” Charcoal Smoker is slightly bulkier than some other smokers on the market, however, it does have a big capacity therefore, we do think this is relative to its size. It’s relatively light weight too so it can still be transported and used for those summer excursions or camping trips. Cuisinart has also designed handles on the sides of the smoker so it can be easily moved out of the storage space.
Putting it together was fairly easy by following directions. There are so many different variations of what and how you can cook on the smoker – you can use it as a grill, as a smoker, with charcoal, with wood chips, we even added apple cider to the water bowl for added flavor. I would definitely recommend this to everyone!
T. D.
As expected with charcoal or wood fuelled smokers, you will have to check up on the smoker often and be more involved in the process than what electric fuelled smokers require you to be. Make sure the water pan is regularly topped up to ensure that the meat is moist and tender.
The heat is controlled by two dampers which are located at the top and bottom of the smoker. We appreciate the placement of the dual air vent system as this should adequately control the temperature without letting out too much heat when opened. The second vent also provides you with some extra control to the temperature. It also includes a thermometer on the lid which is reliable to use to monitor the temperature and give an estimate on the progress of the meat.
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker Specifications
- 63.5 x 63.5 x 114.3 cm – 11.34 Kilograms – 25 x 25 x 45”
- 11.34 Kilograms – 25lbs
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Dual Vent System
- Affordable Price
- Great Capacity
Cons
- Door feels flimsy
- Bulkier compared to other Smokers on the market
- No other compartments to add water or charcoal, causing heat loss every time door is opened
Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker
Quality 3.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker has a basic design which is easy to use and is priced affordably on the market. If you are looking for a smoker which provides the essential equipment and can feed a family while producing authentic tasting delicious smoked goods, this could be the smoker for you!
Presentation of the Bradley Smokers Original Smoker
The Unique Design Alternative
Bradley
The Bradley Smokers Original Smoker has a unique design and provides a solution for people who don’t feel comfortable dealing with wood and charcoal smokers with their own branded briquettes. Its capacity is impressive and enough to feed a large family and its temperature can be easily controlled through the generator.
Bradley Smokers Original Smoker Video Review
What We Think of the Bradley Smokers Original Smoker
The Bradley Smokers Original Smoker is powered by electricity and available in a unique design with the logo displayed at the front and smoke graphic design at the front. Considering its heavy weight and large dimensions, this isn’t the most portable smoker and we would therefore recommend this for home-use. Its large feet support the weight and keep it stable on different outdoor surfaces.
What makes Bradley Smokers Original Smoker unique is its own brand of briquettes, available in 12 flavours which is required to work the machine. This allows the customer to experiment with different flavours and and in a sense, customise their smoking experience. In spite of this, for people who like to use their own wood or charcoal, this may feel limiting. It also raises the question to how the machine would work if ever in the future these briquettes aren’t available anymore. Despite these limiting factors, the machine cleverly replaces the briquettes automatically before they burn out completely to optimise the taste.
The stainless steel exterior and interior makes it easy to clean as well as making it a durable purchase. To reduce the time spent cleaning, there is a water basin in the smoker to collect the grease.
The Bradley Smokers Original Smoker is simple to use with a removable generator. The buttons switch the smoker on/off, control the temperature and the briquettes. One criticism would be that the temperature control would be more practical if it had the temperature digits written on the dial. We would also recommend purchasing a digital thermometer separately to monitor the heat. ,
This is my first experience using an electric smoker! We cooked a 12 lb turkey using a dry rub and apple wood and it turned out absolutely fabulous!! I plan on doing another next weekend for Thanksgiving. It’s so easy to use, just prep your dish and sit back with a cold one.
Clare P.
The capacity is also impressive and comes with 4 removable racks to securely place smoked goods on. In addition, the Bradley Original smoker can be used as a slow cooker or a slow roasting oven which makes this multifunctional.
If you’re new to smoking, use its complimentary recipe book to give you some inspiration – a nice, simple touch from Bradley Smokers.
Bradley Smokers Original Smoker Specifications
- 86.4 x 50.8 x 45.7 centimeters (33.5 x 17.5 x 20.25”)
- 25kg
Bradley Smokers Original SmokerPros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Bradley Smokers Brisquets provide flavour and allow you to experiment
- Easy to clean
Cons
Cons
- Heavy therefore, not easily carried
- Only works with Bradley Smokers Bisquettes which may be limiting
- Bisquettes don’t provide the authentic taste like charcoal or wood smokers
Our Final Opinion About the Bradley Smokers Original Smoker
Quality 3.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, Bradley Smokers Original Smoker is multifunctional with a great capacity, making it a practical purchase for a family. If you don’t want to worry about working with charcoal or wood smokers, briquettes are the perfect solution to your problem. The briquettes give a unique taste and are available in various flavours. The generator makes this appliance easy to use and is a great purchase for a smoking novice or somebody who enjoys Bradley Smokers products.
Presentation of the Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″
The Compact Alternative
Char-Broil
The Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker is a lightweight and compact model and perfect for somebody who has limited storage space who may want to take this on camping trips or friend’s bbqs. Its unique damper feature makes the model more efficient and the temperature easier to regulate.
Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″ Video Review
What We Think of the Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″
The Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker is lightweight and compact which also has an adequate capacity, enough to feed a small family with smoked goods. Portable and durable, this is a suitable appliance to take away on camping vacations or to a friend’s garden party.
Although damper settings can be fiddly and difficult to control the temperature, Char-Broil has created a unique damper feature which can be adjusted from a scale to 1-5. This gives more control to the user and is ideal for somebody who may be using a charcoal smoker for the first time.
I bought this style Cooker because it has the Capability to be used for Smoking or Grilling, cooks great and easily maintained.I love the built-in thermometer and it was easy to control the temperature. Needless to say, the results were outstanding!
Drew M.
The material is made from steel which feels high quality and has been porcelain coated for durability so that it doesn’t rust.
The door seals well however, you do have to open this every time you want to monitor the progress of the smoked goods, add more charcoal and fill up the water pan.
A removable ash pan is at your disposal to make the cleaning up easier however, they didn’t include a grease tray which means that it may take some time to clean this up.
Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″ Specifications
- 53.85 x 58.42 x 95.5 cm – 21x23x 37.5”
- 7.48 Kilograms – 16.4lbs
- 1 year warranty
Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″ Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Sturdy and quality materials
- Unique Damper Feature
- Lightweight
Cons
Cons
- Have to use the door to place more charcoal and water inside creating heat loss
- We recommend purchasing a digital thermometer for more accurate temperature readings
- No grease tray
Our Final Opinion About the Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker, 16″ is made from quality materials and is affordable. Its unique damper feature is an upgrade from the usual dampers available on other smokes and therefore makes the temperature easier to control. It’s super lightweight which means it is a perfect appliance to take to camp sites and bbq’s.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Smoker
Which Fuel Type is the most efficient?
Smoking takes a significant amount of time to reach the desired results no matter which appliance you purchase. However, a smoker which enables you to control and monitor heat easily is generally more efficient.
While Electric appliances tend to provide more temperature control, the taste is generally not as authentic as wood and charcoal fuelled smokers.
While some appliances are self sufficient at providing an optimal constant temperature, most affordable options have dampers to control the heat.
This means that you have to be a bit more hands on however, some consider smoking as a hobby and therefore don’t mind this.
Making sure that the smoker is made from high quality materials and has a well sealed door also avoids heat from escaping and therefore, making the process more efficient.
Which sizes are they available in?
Smokers come in various sizes to cater to different needs. While some people look for smaller, compact, portable models, there are also much heavier home-use smokers in larger dimensions. The size also generally depends on the smoker’s capacity.
How do you control the temperature?
Making sure that the smoker is at the optimal temperature for smoking is vital for the smoking process. Most have a thermometer in order to monitor the heat. You may want to check reviews beforehand to see how reliable the thermometer provided is since some people also invest in a digital thermometer as a more accurate replacement. The most affordable options have a damper to control the heat or otherwise known as vents. While this can be a practical way of controlling heat, it does require extra attention on the user’s behalf to regulate the heat.
Some smokers also have a control system which you can use to regulate and choose which heat you would like the smoker to be. These smokers are often self sufficient and can be left until the produce is ready.
The most advanced smokers will combine technology so that you can control the temperature and monitor the progress on your smartphone and android device.
Are they portable?
If you want to use a smoker for road trips or to go camping, look for a more traditional smoker with small dimensions. Usually the most portable smokers are fuelled by charcoal and wood.
What material is best?
In general, stainless steel and porcelain coated materials are durable, easy to clean and don’t rust. You should also check that the lid handle and side handles are heat resistant too as this is practical.
Do they all have water pans?
Not all smokers have water pans. The most affordable options usually have water pans which will need to be topped up during the process to ensure that the meat is succulent and moist.
Some smokers self regulate and give results which are of the same high quality without using a water pant.
How easy are Smokers to clean?
Smokers can be difficult to clean however, many brands take this into consideration and now build a grease tray to make this easier. Models and equipment made from stainless steel are generally easier to clean than other materials. Adjustable and removable equipment can also help with cleaning the appliance easily.
How to Properly Choose Your Smoker
Size
Smokers come in various shapes and sizes to meet different purposes. If you have limited storage space, you can opt for a multifunctional appliance which combines features such as smoking, grilling and roasting all in one appliance.
Usually the self sufficient, more expensive models have bigger dimensions which can only be used at home. Therefore, if you have limited storage space, you can choose a portable smoker which generally is much less expensive and fuelled by coal, wood or gas.
If you are used to appliances fuelled by coal, wood or gas, these smokers still produce high quality results at the fraction of the price of electric smokers.
If you are a family, you should check the smoker’s capacity and how many grill racks they provide since sometimes a smoker can have big dimensions but not necessarily a large capacity.
Price
The price of a smoker can depend on how it’s fuelled, the material, its ease of use and technology.
Electricity powered smokers tend to be the more expensive appliances on the market in contrast to charcoal and wood fuelled smokers.
Electricity fuelled smokers are easy to control and monitor its temperature and therefore, tend to be more self sufficient, making it easy to use.
However, it lacks the authentic taste that charcoal and wood Smokers provide. Gas fuelled smokers are less popular however, are very powerful and require slightly less work than charcoal and wood smokers.
In general, charcoal, wood and gas smokers are usually lighter weights and are more portable than electric smokers.
The materials and design of the smoker also plays into the price. Stainless steel appliances are high quality, durable and easy to clean which makes smokers made of this sought after.
You also want to check that the equipment and the door of the smoker is sturdy to avoid heat from escaping.
The way in which smokers control and regulate the temperature is a major factor in how advanced it is and therefore, affects the price.
Most have a thermometer in order to monitor the heat. You may want to check reviews beforehand to see how reliable the thermometer provided is since some people also invest in a digital thermometer as a more accurate replacement.
The most affordable options have a damper to control the heat or otherwise known as vents. While this can be a practical way of controlling heat, it does require extra attention on the user’s behalf to regulate the heat.
Some smokers also have a control system which you can use to regulate and choose which heat you would like the smoker to be.
These smokers are often self sufficient and can be left until the produce is ready.
The most advanced smokers will combine technology such as bluetooth and an app so that you can control the temperature and monitor the progress on your smartphone and android device.
In general, advanced technology integrated onto a smoker requires less work on the consumer’s behalf therefore, cost more. However, if you can successfully work a gas, wood or charcoal smoker, the results are just as good as an expensive smoker at the fraction of the price!
Fuel Type
The choice of fuel type depends on your preference and how much you want to get involved in the process of smoking.
Electric Smokers
- Tend to be more expensive
- Easily control temperature
- Usually for home use
Gas Smokers
- Powerful
- Portable
- Requires more work than an electric smoker but less work than a charcoal & wood smoker
Charcoal & Wood
- Authentic Taste
- Requires more attention and for somebody who enjoys smoking as a hobby or being hands on
- portable
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of smokers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
