Posted by Admin | Posted in BBQ Sale Blog | Posted on 21-09-2011
Tags: charcoal smoker, charcoal smokers, grilling, smokers, vertical charcoal smoker, vertical smoker
Some outdoor grillers like to kick their barbequing up another level with a smoker. You can buy a separate grill to use as a dedicated charcoal smoker, or you can just lay wood chips over the coals on your usual charcoal grill. Either way, a good charcoal smoker can liven up summertime grilling.
Generally charcoal smokers are pill- or barrel-shaped and sit upright. A few barrel-shaped smokers lie horizontally and have a stand with wheels, much like standard grills. The charcoal and wood chips go on the bottom, and two grilling racks provide space to smoke at different temperatures.
Depending on their make and sophistication, charcoal smokers range in price from $55 to $2,000 and beyond. Some have several doors to inspect on the meat without opening the lid and letting out a lot of heat. Others have a water pan for steam smoking. Some have chimneys, others have vents. Some are smokers on legs, other are decked out with tables, baskets, enormous grilling space, various compartments and more. The fanciest have separate smoke compartments and stainless steel counter space.
While many charcoal smokers are equipped with thermometers standard, many smoker reviews call them rubbish and advise getting a real meat thermometer instead . Other reviewers said they saw little advantage in stainless steel exteriors over the lower cost powder black coating on steel.
Smaller upright smokers are compact and good for a couple smoking pork chops or ribs. The bigger horizontal smokers are fantastic for hosting larger parties.
Because smokers get very hot , be careful using them on wooden decks. Check with your apartment or condominium office to see if they are allowed . Landlords mostly consider them a greater fire hazard as they are left unattended for larger periods of time than a conventional grill.
Smokers and reviewers suggest taking notes every time you smoke meat, so you’ll be able to adjust temperatures, the type of wood to use with certain meats, and how long to smoke .
As with conventional charcoal grills, one key feature to look for is ash catching and removal. Most grills are equipped with a small bowl attached to the underside to catch ash coming out of the vents and larger grills have separate removable compartments that catch and hold ash.
Chimney starters are a great option to get the charcoal hotter faster and because they use paper, they eliminate lighter fluid residue. However, none of the most popular and widely-distributed charcoal smokers include chimney starters as a standard feature. Chimney starters usually cost about $15.
