Beginner’s Guide to Smokers: Start Your BBQ Journey

If you’re ready to dive into the world of smoked meats but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. As a beginner, choosing the right smoker can make all the difference in your smoking journey. We’ve tested and reviewed the top models on the market to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best smokers for beginners in 2025.

From easy-to-use electric smokers to traditional charcoal options, we’ll cover the key features to look for and our top recommendations to help you find the perfect smoker to start your BBQ adventure.

What is a Smoker?

A smoker is a specialized outdoor cooking appliance designed to cook food at low temperatures while infusing it with smoky flavor. Unlike traditional grills that cook with direct heat, smokers use indirect heat and smoke from burning wood or charcoal to cook food slowly over extended periods. This low-and-slow cooking method breaks down tough cuts of meat, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes that can’t be replicated with conventional cooking methods.

Modern smokers come in various types, from traditional charcoal smokers to convenient electric models, each offering different levels of control and authenticity in the smoking process. While designs vary, all smokers share the basic principle of maintaining a consistent low temperature while generating clean smoke to flavor the food.

Benefits of Using a Smoker

A smoker can transform your outdoor cooking experience and open up new culinary possibilities. Here are the key advantages of cooking with a smoker:

Enhanced Flavor Profile

• Creates deep, complex flavors through smoke penetration
• Allows for experimentation with different wood types for unique taste combinations
• Produces authentic barbecue flavor that can’t be replicated with liquid smoke or other shortcuts

Versatility in Cooking

• Perfect for tough cuts of meat that benefit from slow cooking
• Can smoke everything from meats and fish to vegetables and cheese
• Many models can also be used for traditional grilling
• Ideal for both small family meals and large gatherings

Better Food Quality

• Low-and-slow cooking breaks down collagen for tender results
• Helps meat retain moisture better than high-heat cooking
• Creates the distinctive “smoke ring” prized by barbecue enthusiasts
• Allows for natural rendering of fats and connective tissue

Best Smokers for Beginners

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Smoker – Best Overall

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Smoker takes our top spot for its perfect balance of ease of use, quality construction, and excellent performance. This charcoal smoker is ideal for beginners who want to learn the art of smoking with a traditional fuel source.

Highlights

• 481 square inches of cooking space on two cooking grates
• Porcelain-enameled water pan for maintaining moisture
• Built-in thermometer for easy temperature monitoring
• Adjustable dampers for precise temperature control

Specifications

• Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 41 inches
• Weight: 39.1 pounds
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Cooking Area: 481 square inches

The Weber Smokey Mountain is known for its excellent heat retention and even cooking, making it forgiving for beginners while still offering room to grow as you develop your smoking skills. Its bullet-style design allows for efficient smoke circulation, resulting in consistently delicious smoked meats.

Customer Reviews

1. “Perfect for beginners! Easy to maintain temperature and produces amazing results.”
2. “Built like a tank. I expect this smoker to last for many years.”
3. “Great size for family cookouts. Can easily fit a brisket and a few racks of ribs.”

See at Amazon

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker – Best Electric

For those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, the Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is an excellent choice. This electric smoker takes much of the guesswork out of smoking, making it perfect for beginners who want consistent results with minimal effort.

Highlights

• Digital panel controls for easy operation
• Patented side wood chip loading system
• Four chrome-coated smoking racks
• Thermostat-temperature control for even cooking

Specifications

• Dimensions: 19.88 x 20.47 x 33.26 inches
• Weight: 45.9 pounds
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Cooking Area: 711 square inches

This Masterbuilt smoker offers precise temperature control and consistent smoke production, allowing beginners to focus on perfecting their recipes rather than managing the fire. The side wood chip loading system allows you to add chips without opening the smoker door, maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the smoking process.

Customer Reviews

1. “Perfect for apartment dwellers. Produces great smoky flavor without the hassle.”
2. “So easy to use. I’m smoking delicious meats with barely any effort.”
3. “Love the digital controls. Takes all the guesswork out of smoking.”

See at Amazon

Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker – Best Budget

If you’re looking for an affordable entry into the world of smoking, the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker offers great value for money. This budget-friendly option provides a good introduction to smoking without breaking the bank.

Highlights

• 544 square inches of cooking space over three chrome-plated cooking grates
• Dual exhaust ports for even smoke circulation
• Door-mounted temperature gauge for easy monitoring
• Removable water pan and wood chip tray for easy cleaning

Specifications

• Dimensions: 15 x 20.7 x 33.5 inches
• Weight: 49.5 pounds
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Cooking Area: 544 square inches

This Char-Broil smoker offers a simple, no-frills approach to smoking that’s perfect for beginners. The analog controls are straightforward to use, and the insulated design helps maintain consistent temperatures for even cooking.

Customer Reviews

1. “Great starter smoker. Easy to use and produces good results.”
2. “Excellent value for the price. Perfect for learning the basics of smoking.”
3. “Compact size is perfect for my small patio. Smokes meat beautifully.”

See at Amazon

Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker – Best Vertical Charcoal

For those who want to try traditional charcoal smoking but prefer a vertical design, the Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker is an excellent choice. This compact smoker offers versatility and good performance at an affordable price point.

Highlights

• Two cooking grates provide ample smoking space
• Built-in thermometer for easy temperature monitoring
• Two access doors for easy tending to fire and food
• Porcelain-enameled water pan helps maintain moisture

Specifications

• Dimensions: 17 x 22 x 35 inches
• Weight: 18.55 pounds
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Cooking Area: Two 17-inch grates

This Realcook smoker offers a good balance between ease of use and traditional charcoal flavor. The vertical design allows for efficient smoke circulation, while the two access doors make it easy to tend to both the fire and your food without disturbing the entire smoker.

Customer Reviews

1. “Great little smoker for the price. Perfect for beginners.”
2. “Easy to assemble and use. Produces delicious smoked meats.”
3. “Compact size is perfect for my small backyard. Holds temperature well.”

See at Amazon

Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker – Best Offset

For beginners who want the versatility of both grilling and smoking, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker offers a great introduction to offset smoking. This combo unit allows you to experiment with different cooking styles as you develop your skills.

Highlights

• 811 square inches of total cooking space
• Combination offset smoker, charcoal grill, and BBQ pit
• Adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
• Removable charcoal drawer for easy ash management

Specifications

• Dimensions: 53.39 x 27.95 x 48.82 inches
• Weight: 54.5 pounds
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Cooking Area: 811 square inches (443 sq in main chamber, 184 sq in swing-away rack, 184 sq in offset smoker)

This Royal Gourmet smoker-grill combo offers beginners the opportunity to explore different outdoor cooking methods. The offset smoker box allows for traditional low-and-slow smoking, while the main grill area is perfect for direct heat grilling.

Customer Reviews

1. “Great starter smoker/grill combo. Versatile and easy to use.”
2. “Good value for money. Perfect for learning both grilling and smoking.”
3. “Takes some practice to master temperature control, but produces great results.”

See at Amazon

Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker – Best Large Capacity

For beginners who plan on smoking for larger groups or want plenty of space to experiment, the Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker offers impressive capacity and performance.

Highlights

• 1,890 square inches of total cooking space
• Six height-adjustable cooking grates
• Offset firebox for indirect heating and smoking
• Built-in stainless steel thermometer with “Smoke Zone” indicator

Specifications

• Dimensions: 21 x 43.3 x 50.2 inches
• Weight: 83 pounds
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Cooking Area: 1,890 square inches

This Dyna-Glo smoker offers impressive capacity, making it perfect for beginners who want to smoke large quantities of food. The vertical design and offset firebox allow for efficient smoke and heat circulation, resulting in evenly cooked, flavorful meats.

Customer Reviews

1. “Huge capacity! Perfect for smoking for large gatherings.”
2. “Takes some practice to master, but produces amazing results.”
3. “Great value for the size. Well-built and maintains temperature nicely.”

See at Amazon

Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker – Best Compact

For beginners with limited space or those who want a more portable option, the Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker offers a compact solution without sacrificing performance.

Highlights

• Two 16-inch stainless steel cooking racks
• Vertically hinged door for easy access
• Dual air vents for precise temperature control
• Porcelain enamel water bowl

Specifications

• Dimensions: 22 x 24 x 43 inches
• Weight: 37 pounds
• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Cooking Area: Two 16-inch cooking racks

This Cuisinart smoker offers a good balance of portability and performance. Its compact size makes it ideal for small patios or balconies, while still providing enough space to smoke a variety of meats.

Customer Reviews

1. “Perfect size for my small patio. Easy to use and produces great results.”
2. “Excellent starter smoker. Holds temperature well and is easy to clean.”
3. “Great value for the price. Compact but still has enough space for my needs.”

See at Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smoker for Beginners

When shopping for your first smoker, consider the following factors to ensure you select the best option for your needs:

1. Fuel Type: Decide between electric, gas, charcoal, or wood pellet smokers. Electric and gas are generally easier for beginners, while charcoal and wood offer more traditional flavors but require more skill.
2. Size and Capacity: Consider how much food you plan to smoke and how much space you have available. Larger smokers offer more capacity but take up more room and use more fuel.
3. Temperature Control: Look for smokers with easy-to-use temperature controls and built-in thermometers for precise cooking.
4. Construction Quality: Choose a well-built smoker with good insulation to maintain consistent temperatures and last longer.
5. Ease of Use: Consider features like easy-access doors, removable ash pans, and simple cleaning processes.
6. Versatility: Some smokers can also be used as grills, offering more cooking options.
7. Price: Set a budget, but remember that investing in a quality smoker can pay off in the long run with better performance and durability.
8. Brand Reputation: Research brands known for quality smokers and good customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest type of smoker for beginners?

Electric smokers are generally considered the easiest for beginners due to their set-it-and-forget-it nature. They offer precise temperature control and consistent results with minimal effort.

How much should I expect to spend on a beginner smoker?

Beginner-friendly smokers can range from around $100 to $500. While it’s possible to find budget options under $100, investing a bit more often results in better build quality and performance.

Can I use a smoker in an apartment or on a balcony?

It depends on your apartment rules and local regulations. Electric smokers are often the safest choice for apartments, but always check with your landlord or property manager first.

How long does it take to smoke meat?

Smoking times vary depending on the type and size of meat, but generally range from 2-3 hours for chicken to 12-16 hours for a large brisket. Always cook to the proper internal temperature rather than relying solely on time.

Do I need to soak wood chips before using them in a smoker?

It’s not necessary to soak wood chips, especially for electric or gas smokers. Dry chips will start smoking faster, while soaked chips may delay smoke production and potentially affect temperature stability.

How often do I need to add wood chips when smoking?

This depends on your smoker and the intensity of smoke flavor you prefer. Generally, you’ll need to add wood chips every 30 minutes to 1 hour for consistent smoke production.

Can I use my smoker year-round?

Yes, you can use most smokers year-round, although you may need to adjust cooking times and fuel consumption in colder weather. Some smokers perform better in cold conditions than others due to insulation quality.

Conclusion

Choosing the best smoker as a beginner doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you opt for the traditional approach of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, the convenience of the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker, or the versatility of the Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, there’s a perfect smoker out there for every new pitmaster.

Remember to consider factors like fuel type, size, ease of use, and your budget when making your decision. With the right smoker and a little practice, you’ll be serving up delicious smoked meats in no time.

Happy smoking!

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

Keep Reading

Explore more →

Unleash Smoky Perfection: The Best Charcoal Smokers of 2025

Discover the 7 best charcoal smokers for authentic BBQ in 2025. From beginners to pitmasters, find top-rated options for flavor-packed smoking.