Smoker Buying Guide
Updated 2 July 2025 • Approx. 10 min read
Fast-Track: Budget $299–$2,500, pick pellet (set-and-forget) for ease, offset for smokiest flavor, aim for 400+ sq in grate for big cooks. Scroll for fuel charts, capacity math, video, and FAQs.
Table of Contents
- Smoker Types & Fuel
- Temperature Control Tech
- Cooking Capacity & Footprint
- Maintenance & Running Costs
- Video Overview
- FAQ
1. Smoker Types & Fuel
| Type | Fuel | Temp Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pellet Grill (barrel) | Hardwood pellets | 180–500 °F | Hands-off brisket & ribs |
| Vertical Pellet Smoker | Pellets | 150–400 °F | Jerky & sausage racks |
| Offset Stick-Burner | Split logs / lump | 150–350 °F | Bold smoke ring on brisket |
| Ceramic Kamado | Lump charcoal | 200–750 °F | Low-n-slow + high-heat sear |
2. Temperature Control Tech
- PID Controller (±5 °F) – found on premium pellet grills.
- Cycle Controller (±20 °F) – older pellet models; fine for pork butt.
- Dampers & Baffles – manual offsets/kamados; learn the airflow curve.
3. Cooking Capacity & Footprint
- 400 sq in = 2 briskets or 6 pork butts.
- Leave 18″ clearance for lid swing (kamado) or firebox door (offset).
- Vertical smokers save patio space—18″ × 18″ footprint for 600 sq in of racks.
4. Maintenance & Running Costs
| Task | Offset | Pellet | Kamado |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash clean-out | Every cook | Every 3–4 cooks | Light brush out |
| Fuel cost/hr | $1.50 logs | $1.00 pellets | $1.20 lump |
| Startup time | 30 min | 15 min | 20 min |
🎥 Choosing the Right Smoker (5 min)
FAQ
+− Which smoker is easiest for beginners?
Pellet grills with PID controllers—just set the temp and cook.
+− How much charcoal or pellets per hour?
Plan on ~1 lb/hour of pellets at 225 °F; 1.5–2 lbs/hour of lump in an offset.
+− Can a kamado hit steak-searing temps?
Yes—open vents fully and a ceramic kamado reaches 700 °F for direct searing.
Leave a comment