Smokers
Smoking is essentially grilling and can be done on charcoal or gas grills. However, if you're all about the smoke, then you may consider buying a smoker.
There are two basic types of smokers: vertical water smokers and horizontal dry or pit smokers.
Vertical Water Smoker Components
- Cylindrical barrel 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet high and about 18 inches in diameter
- Base of barrel is heat source -- charcoal, gas, or electric
- Wood chips or chunks are placed on heat source to enhance desired smoky flavor
- Water pan is placed above heat source
- One or more grill racks are above the water pan
Benefits of Vertical Water Smoker
- Water adds moisture to smoking process
- Substantially less expensive than pit smokers
How Horizontal Dry Smokers Cook
Horizontal smokers cook food by indirect grilling. These smokers have two chambers: one large one where food is placed, and a smaller offset fire chamber where the fuel source heats the food chamber indirectly.
Benefits of Horizontal Dry Smokers
- Volume of food that can be smoked at one time is substantial
What to Look for in Vertical and Horizontal Smokers
- Heavy-gauge metal, usually steel
- Smooth porcelain enamel inside and out for durability
- Tight-fitting lid to hold in smoke and heat
- Built-in temperature gauge to monitor heat inside
- Access to lower half of barrel for ease of adding wood, water, or charcoal as needed
- Trays for catching and disposing of ashes
- Sufficient vents to help regulate heat and smoke
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