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Beginner’s Guide to Smokers: Start Your BBQ Journey

By Chris Johns •  Updated: 08/25/24 •  12 min read
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Best Smoker for Beginners

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 2024.

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.

Top Smokers for Beginners in 2024

Let’s dive into the details of each of these top-rated smokers for beginners:

1. 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.

Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker, Black - Steel, 2 Nickel-plated Cooking Grates, Porcelain-enameled, 39.1 pounds

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Smoker

  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.”

For those looking to start their smoking journey with a high-quality, versatile smoker that will grow with their skills, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is an excellent choice. Its ease of use and consistent performance make it our top pick for beginners.

2. 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.

Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker

  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.”

The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is an excellent choice for beginners who want to enjoy delicious smoked meats without the learning curve of traditional smokers. Its user-friendly design and consistent performance make it our top pick for electric smokers.

3. 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.

Char-Broil® Analog Electric Smoker, Black - 18202077

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker

  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.”

For beginners on a budget, the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker offers a great introduction to smoking without a significant investment. Its simplicity and affordability make it an excellent choice for those just starting their smoking journey.

4. 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.

Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Black

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker

  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.”

The Realcook Vertical Charcoal Smoker is an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience traditional charcoal smoking without investing in a larger, more complex unit. Its compact size and user-friendly design make it ideal for those just starting out.

5. 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.

Royal Gourmet CC1830FC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker (Grill + Cover), Black

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

  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.”

The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore both grilling and smoking. Its versatility and affordable price point make it a great option for those just starting their outdoor cooking journey.

6. 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.

Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker,Black

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

  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.”

For beginners who need a large-capacity smoker or want room to grow, the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is an excellent choice. Its impressive size and efficient design make it perfect for those who want to take on bigger smoking projects.

7. 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.

Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker, Black

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker

  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.”

The Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker is an excellent choice for beginners with limited space or those who want a more portable smoking option. Its compact design and ease of use make it perfect for those just starting their smoking journey.

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!

4.1/5 - (25 votes)

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.

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