While it's true that you can do a darn good job of smoking food on a regular gas or charcoal grill (I still do it today) there is nothing like having a smoker. There are a few different types of smokers available. Let's take a look.
The Water Smoker
It's also referred to as the Bullet, looks something like R2D2 from Star Wars. Its cylindrical shape is small and convenient for the average barbecuer. It has a charcoal fire or electrical heating element at the bottom, a water pan (to add moisture to the food) just above that, then the space for the food of choice to be smoked on top. You add soaked wood chunks to the fire for the smoke. It is challenging however, to hold a consistent temperature. Otherwise, the Water Smoker does a fine job.
The Electric or Propane Box Smoker
You could confuse this smoker with a dorm-sized refrigerator. This box-like smoker has the heating element on the bottom with racks above it for the food. Smoke is provided by adding wood chips in a special drawer near the bottom of the unit. Some higher end models automatically add the wood chips or pellets for you. It's much easier to achieve and hold a consistent temperature with this type of smoker. Some models even have a digital heat setting available. This also does a good job.
Off-Set Barrel Smoker
This type is my choice in smokers. A fire box holds the charcoal or wood for heat. This box is to either the left or right side and slightly lower of the main part of the unit. This design assures that the food being prepared does not come in contact with the flame. The smoke travels from the fire box across and under the food and out a small chimney which is on the opposite side of the smoker. The main idea in true barbecue is "low and slow", and this design is perfect for that.
Now that you know a little bit about smoker design, let's take a look at my recommendations for good values in smokers.
Brinkmann Gourmet Charcoal Smoker
The Brinkmann Gourmet Charcoal Smoker my choice for a great starter smoker. Its attractive price makes it a true value. I personally have one of these beauties and I love to use it. Its bullet design has two cooking levels for very good capacity. It will make a true barbecuer out of you.
Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker
Weber has consistently produced truly wonderful grills for many decades. They offer the bullet design Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker in two sizes. The 18.5 inch is small and compact, perfect for a situation where space is limited. The 22 inch model is a wonderful smoker unit. They both are constructed with the same high quality craftsmanship and materials that are the backbone of Weber products.
Masterbuilt 30″ Electric Smoker
This box-smoker design is great for smoking any types of food. From ribs to briskets, you can do it all with this unit. It has many great features and is priced right. You can't go wrong with the Masterbuilt Smokehouse Smoker.
Bradley Digital Electric Smoker
The Bradley Smoker has a digital time/temperature/smoke control. You don't have to babysit this smoker, it does all the work for you. Just set it and forget it (although it wouldn't hurt to check it once in a while). It has 4 racks for plenty of ribs, chicken or brisket. It's a great value for the money.
Char-Griller Smokin' Pro
With the Char-Griller Smokin' Pro off-set barrel design, you will be the envy of the neighborhood. This smoker is my choice for "best buy". Its cavernous main area is capable of holding 100 lbs. of meat. How's that for big? If you're really into smoking and true barbecue, this is the smoker for you.
