Smoking is a great way to cook brisket. It can be a little tricky, but with the right smoker, it’s easy. There are many smokers on the market today, but which is the best smokers for brisket?
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best smokers for brisket available today. We will also discuss the features that make these smokers so great for smoking brisket.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced smoker, we have recommendations that will suit your needs.
If you’re a fan of smoked brisket, then you know that the key to success is using a smoker that’s capable of reaching and maintaining the right temperature. With so many smokers on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
We’ll take a look at some of the best smokers for brisket and outline what makes them stand out from the competition.
We’ll also provide tips for choosing the smoker that’s right for your needs. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on for some helpful advice!
Nobody knows brisket like Texans. In fact, many folks say that if you can’t make a killer brisket, you might as well not bother cooking barbecue at all.
If you’re looking to smoke some brisket of your own, you’re going to need the right smoker. Here’s our list of the best smokers for brisket, based on Texans’ votes.
Anyone who has ever smoked brisket knows that it is not an easy task. The meat can be tough and dry if not cooked properly.
Fortunately, there are a few smokers on the market today that are specifically designed to cook brisket perfectly every time.
A Shortlist Of Our Favorites Smokers For Brisket
Best Smokers For Brisket: Overall Quality
In order from lowest cost to highest cost, here are our picks for the very best smoker brands currently available Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker
Best Smokers For Brisket: Best Value
If you are looking for a high end smoker that is also budget friendly, here are our choices when factoring in cost and quality Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D.
Best Smokers For Brisket: Highest Quality Picks
Here are our top picks for smokers that we feel live up to their premium price tags Traeger Grills Pro 34 Series Electric Smoker
Best Smokers For Brisket: Electric Smokers
If you would like a smoker that is simple to use, easy to clean and provides great results, we recommend looking into an electric smoker.
Here are our choices for high end and budget models Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker
Best Smokers For Brisket: Propane Smokers
Propane smokers can be used anywhere and provide excellent results. They also tend to cost less than their electric counterparts.
Here are our picks for the very best propane smokers available today Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker
Best Smokers For Brisket: Charcoal Smokers
Charcoal produces great barbecue flavors and is fairly easy to use as well. However, you do have to watch your temperature more closely than with other smoker types because there is no automatic control feature.
Our top picks for charcoal smokers are Weber Smokey Mountain Series
Best Smokers For Brisket: Wood Fired Smokers
Wood fired smokers provide a different flavor profile than any other smoker. They also tend to be the most difficult to use and maintain.
We recommend them for experienced pit masters only. Here are our top picks for wood fired smokers Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
So there you have it! Our list of best smokers for brisket, as well as some tips on how to choose one that’s right for your needs.
Best Smokers For Brisket Reviews:
Charcoal Smokers:
Weber Smokey Mountain Series
Weber is a popular name in the outdoor cooking world. Their products are known for their durability and function. Many barbecue enthusiasts swear by Webers, and now they have a smoker specifically designed for smokers who love brisket!
The Weber Smokey Mountain is an offset-style cooker that’s been around since 1981. In those days, it wasn’t called a Weber Smokey Mountain; they were just braziers made from oil drums.
They had no bottom vents or door to attach water pans or grates—just three simple elements: firebricks on the sides, space between bricks for airflow, and vents near the bottom of the barrel to regulate airflow inside the drum.
The design was intended so you could just dump coal into the drum and cook until your heart was content. The WSM has come a long way since those early days, but it’s still one of the most popular smokers for barbecue enthusiasts everywhere.
That said, not everyone wants to spend $700 on a smoker, and if you want to make some killer brisket for less than half that—Weber Smokey Mountain is an excellent option.
For those who need more details before committing to such an investment, let’s take a look at the features that make this Weber model such an amazing device.
Weber’s Smokey Mountain Cooker is a top-quality charcoal smoker that lets you prepare delicious, smoked foods with ease.
This smoker is made of durable steel and features a porcelain-enameled water pan and door, which help to retain heat and moisture while smoking food.
The Smokey Mountain also has an adjustable air intake damper that lets you customize the smoking process to produce the perfect results every time.
Assembly is easy, and the included User Guide makes it simple to get started. Plus, 3D interactive assembly instructions are available through the free BILT app.
The smoker has an overall dimensions of 14.7″ W x 14.7″ D x 31.4″ H and a weight of 24 lbs, making it easy to transport and store.
The cooking grid dimensions are 13 1/2 X 13 1/2″, with a main grilling area of 143 sq inches and a total grilling area of 286 sq inches, perfect for smoking all kinds of meats, vegetables, and more.
With its professional tone of voice, the Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker is sure to please the smoking enthusiast in your life.
Although there are many different smoker designs available on today’s market, none are as iconic or well-known as the classic offset-style smokers like the Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker.
For those who love making and eating delicious barbecue, the Weber Smokey Mountain is a best smokers for brisket to consider.
Weber Smokey Mountain Series Features:
– The porcelain enameled lid, bowl, and center section all retain heat.
– You’ll have an easy time assembling this product.
– This smoker has a high inside temperature of 190°F.
– You can control the temperature of your smoker easily by adjusting the dampers.
Weber Smokey Mountain Series Pros:
The Weber 22.5 is the perfect size because it can be used as a grill or smoker with appropriate mods and you won’t burn out your food.
The smoker is easy to use and maintain.
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a high-quality smoker with an excellent air control system.
Weber Smokey Mountain Series Cons:
The fire pit is too deep, so the water bowl is not sufficient.
The Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker is a great choice for those who want to make barbecue like the pros, and this model is suitable for beginners as well as experienced grillers who know how to use it properly (which includes not overloading it).
Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker:
If you want a cheap smoker that will allow you to smoke your food in style, this may be just the option for you!
This stainless steel vertical smoker comes with a generous 17.5″ x 15″ cooking surface and can accommodate up to 25 pounds of meat at once; it also features adjustable racks and oversized wheels so it’s easy to transport around when needed.
While this unit won’t cost as much as some other types of smokers, it has some nice features that make smoking food fast and easy.
– The adjustable racks and wheels ensure you can use this smoker at your convenience; you can also put up to 25 pounds of meat in there at once so you won’t have to cook in batches.
– Does not require electricity or gas
– Offers a generous cooking surface (17.5″ x 15″)
– Offers an adjustable smoke box lid for added control over smoking process
– Comes with a one year warranty on all parts
Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker Pros:
– Can accommodate up to 25 pounds of meat, which is more than some other types of smokers will allow
– Offers a generous cooking surface (17.5″ x 15″)
– Durable stainless steel construction looks great in any backyard or patio
Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker Cons:
– Temperature control is less accurate than with propane or electric smokers, so you may end up having to open the lid often to check on your food’s progress
If you’ve never used this type of smoker before, it’s important to note that temperature control can be less accurate compared to other options like propane or electric units.
While there are adjustable control panels up top, you’ll need to keep an eye on the smoker to make sure your food is being cooked in a timely manner.
This isn’t a big deal for most people, but do consider it if you’re a novice at smoking or prefer not to have to check up on things so often.
In conclusion, this vertical charcoal smoker from Realcook offers all sorts of great features that will allow you to smoke large quantities of meat quickly and easily.
The unit itself looks nice and durable too, which adds even more value to it! If you’re looking for an affordable option that does not require using electricity or gas then this may be just the thing for you.
Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker:
The Bullet Charcoal Smoker from Char-Broil is the perfect way to get that smoky flavor in your food. With 370 sq in of cooking surface, this smoker has enough room to cook up a feast. T
he innovative airflow control system makes temperature regulation easy, with numbered damper settings for precision control. And the porcelain-coated body ensures lasting durability. Plus, the removable ash pan makes cleanup quick and easy.
The Char-Broil Bullet Smoker is the best smokers for brisket for beginner or experienced smokers alike. The 16″ diameter cooking surface provides plenty of space to cook your favorite meats, and the black finish will look great in any backyard.
The smoker is fueled by charcoal, so you can customize your smoking experience however you like. And with an item weight of only 16.5 pounds, this smoker is easy to transport and store.
Features:
– Smoker can regulate the temperature in their smoker.
– It is easy to access the firebox, making it easier for you to maintain your smoker.
– Durable and high quality product.
– Superior smoking performance at an amazing value.
– Innovative airflow control system that simplifies setting and maintaining cook temperatures
Pros:
The smoker has a lot of space, comes with vents to control the heat, and is tall for less bending.
The smoker is easy to assemble and clean
I chose the CharBroil over the WSM because I liked that it had four real legs instead of three bent strap legs, and handles which made setting up and moving easier.
Cons:
The small size of the oven is not enough for large dishes.
In conclusion, this Char-Broil smoker is one of the most affordable options out there and it offers a generous cooking surface. The downside is that the small oven means you can’t smoke large dishes at once.
However, if you are looking to experiment with smoking meat then this is an affordable option for trying out your new hobby.
Electric Smokers:
Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker:
Masterbuilt is a well-known name in the smoker manufacturing industry. Their products offer superior performance and are built to last for years of cooking enjoyment.
The Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker is one of the best smokers for brisket, offering plenty of cooking space inside along with an analog temperature control system that makes it easy to use without all of the digital bells and whistles found on other models on our list.
This unit has three chrome smoking racks, giving you additional space for more food at once compared to other options.
Smoke generated during the barbecuing process can do a better job of infusing your food with delicious smoky flavor, and the nice thing about the Masterbuilt is that it doesn’t have to be refilled very often during use.
Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker Features:
– 3 chrome smoking racks
– Maximum temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit (not adjustable)
– Easy-view window on door so you can check on your meat without opening smoker up all the way
– Comes with built-in wood chip tray for extra flavor infusion; holds enough chips for several hours of cooking time
This electric smoker uses 700 watts of power (similar units use around 1200 watts), which means it won’t cost as much to run as some other models on our list (and it’s also less likely to trip the breaker in your home).
The Masterbuilt is easy to clean, and you can even use water on the stainless steel racks for a short time without harming them. This smoker weighs around 48 pounds, so it’s not going to be as heavy as some of the others on our list.
Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker Pros:
– Plenty of cooking space inside
– Large wood chip tray holds enough chips for several hours of smoking
– Less expensive than other models with similar features
Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker Cons:
– Temperature can’t be adjusted; will sometimes need more or less heat for proper smoking depending on outside temperature.
While you can’t adjust the temperature on this smoker, it’s still fairly easy to use and will give you great barbecue every time.
The Masterbuilt is really good for beginners because it has a simple design that doesn’t require much setup or monitoring during use (although some people may prefer that).
The 700-watt heating element also ensures plenty of cooking space inside that can handle smaller quantities of food just as easily as large roasts and other projects.
The Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker isn’t too expensive, and while not quite as big as some other options out there, it gives you all of the features you need to make fantastic barbecue at home without breaking the bank.
Traeger Grills Pro 34 Series Electric Smoker:
Traeger is another well-known name in the smoker manufacturing industry who also provided the best smokers for brisket. Their products offer superior performance and are built to last for years of cooking enjoyment.
The Traeger Grills Pro 34 Series Electric Smoker is a great option that has plenty of cooking space inside along with a digital temperature control system that makes it very simple to use, even if you’re a beginner.
This unit will include everything from forks and tongs up through skewers, which make grilling food right on this electric smoker an easy task.
This unit weighs around 46 pounds, which is a bit heavier when compared to the Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker. It has 2 smoking racks with a total cooking space of 884 square inches.
The Traeger Grills Pro 34 Series Electric Smoker also comes with a tool for holding your wood chips in place while adding smoke to your food without needing charcoal.
Traeger Grills Pro 34 Series Electric Smoker Features:
– Includes wood chip tray and tool for holding wood chips during smoking
– 884 square inches of total cooking space; includes 2 smoking racks
– Temperature control system allows you to set it and forget it without worrying about overcooking or burning your food
– Digital temperature control makes setting up an enjoyable experience rather than an annoying chore; unit won’t cook hotter or colder than the temperature you set it at.
Traeger Grills Pro 34 Series Electric Smoker Pros:
– Temperature control system makes the unit extremely easy to use (and there’s no need to worry about setting up charcoal)
– Plenty of cooking space on two smoking racks; includes several utensils for grilling and skewers for making kabobs or other small dishes
– Digital temperature control is easy to use and lets you monitor the temperature at all times
Traeger Grills Pro 34 Series Electric Smoker Cons:
– Price of this product is a bit higher than some other electric smokers of similar size on our list.
All in all this is a great option for anyone looking to get into electric smoking or upgrade their existing equipment because it really does handle heavy duty projects without a problem.
Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D:
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D smoker is perfect for anyone who wants to add delicious smoked flavor to their food. This smoker features five chrome-plated cooking grates, a total cooking space of 1382 square inches, and heavy-gauge steel body construction.
The temperature gauge features a smoke zone which indicates the ideal temperatures for infusing the perfect amount of smoked flavor into your food. The cool to touch handles allow you to access fuel and food safely.
This top-of-the-line charcoal grill is perfect for the outdoor cooking enthusiast who wants the best of the best. Featuring a professional grade black porcelain enameled steel lid and bowl, this grill will give you years of trouble-free use.
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D also includes an electronic touch start ignition system, chrome plated cooking grates, and a large cooking area measuring 45.5 x 24.9 inches.
So if you’re looking for a best smokers for brisket that will let you cook like a pro, look no further than the Dyna-Glo
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Electric Smoker Features:
– The cool touch spring lid grip provides safer access to food.
– Meat probe lets you monitor internal temperature of burgers, fish, chicken etc. to make sure they are done without cutting them open and letting all the juices run out
– Large 1382 square inch total cooking space means this unit can handle big projects like feeding an entire family or group of friends without getting upstaged by smaller competitors on our list.
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Electric Smoker Pros:
– Temperature gauge can help you monitor internal temperature of whatever you’re cooking without cutting it open and letting out the juices
– For such a large unit, this smoker is very easy to move around and store when not in use; heavy construction means you won’t have to worry about it falling over when moving between locations.
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Electric Smoker Cons:
Pricey – but given the technology and cooking space it’s well worth it
This is one of the best value electric smokers on our list when you consider how much room and cooking capability you get for such a low price.
For anyone in need of a large smoker that can handle big jobs, this unit will definitely be worth your money.
Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker:
This smoker is electric, so you won’t need to deal with messy propane tanks or the potential for dangerous leaks.
This unit is also larger than many of our other options at 611 square inches of cooking area, allowing it to accommodate more food at once while still accommodating its heating element (which runs off 120 volts).
The temperature range on this smoker goes from 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can start smoking some foods right away even in cold weather conditions — something that propane smokers may struggle with depending on their quality.
Smoking food is a great way to add flavor and deliciousness to your meal, and the Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker makes it easy and convenient to do.
This smoker comes with a unique, automatic feed system that enables you to load it up with nine hours worth of Bradley Flavor Bisquettes, so you can smoke your food without having to worry about dealing with any foul-tasting ash.
Plus, thanks to its two separately controlled heat elements, the smoker can also function as a hot smoker, cold smoker, oven or dehydrator.
Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Features:
– Temperature ranges from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking convenience;
– You can load it up with 9 hours worth of Bradley Flavor Bisquettes.
– Keeps your racks from tipping over when pulled out.
– Eliminates moisture damage to the switch, and keeps you running smoothly for years to come.
– 611 square inch cooking area accommodates larger meals that need to be shared with friends or family;
Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Pros:
The customer service was fantastic and the product is great.
The smoke generator works well and automatically cycles to use up bisquettes.
It is small and has a good cooking area.
Cleans up easily because the drip pan, water bowl, and food tray all go in the dishwasher.
Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Cons:
I like the Bradley smoker, but sometimes it’s hard to find bisquettes and I think the unit cost is a bit high.
Propane Smokers:
Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker:
The Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to smoke their food without straining the budget.
It has a cooking area of 730 square inches and comes with four adjustable racks so you can share your smoking capabilities with friends and family or give yourself enough room to work on bigger projects at once.
You’ll also get a rear-mounted wood chip loader that makes it easy to add flavor without having to worry about opening the door when it’s in use, which helps keep the heat in and the cooking going smoothly.
Masterbuilt also goes one step further in helping you save time by ensuring your smoker will light easily no matter how cold it gets outside, because they’ve installed a built-in electric heating element.
You can also use it with optional Masterbuilt probe for additional temperature control so you don’t have to check the food all the time, even though this unit does come standard with a meat thermometer on the door.
This smoker weighs 65 pounds and is smaller than some of our other models on this list, but that’s because it runs off of propane rather than electricity.
It takes about 15 minutes to set up, which means you’ll get started using your new smoker faster than some competing products, and has wheels for easy portability between locations where you want to smoke or grill food.
This unit also comes standard with two side handles for better portability if needed.
Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker Features:
– Meat temperature probe lets you monitor internal temperature of meat while it cooks to ensure top quality and prevent burning or overcooking
– Side handles on this unit make it easier to move around than some other smokers on our list, even with food loaded inside; wheels also help with portability
– Digital thermostat helps maintain internal temperature of smoker for consistent cooking results every time you use it
– Automatic Piezo ignition makes lighting your smoker easy regardless of how cold it is outside; built-in electric heating element ensures the igniter will work every time.
Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker Pros:
– Meat probe helps you monitor internal temperature of meat for guaranteed quality
– Large cooking area means you can cook more food at once, which is helpful when cooking big meals for your family or friends
– Heating element ensures igniter will work even in cold weather conditions so there’s no need to wait before using your smoker
– Easy setup process is great for beginners who aren’t comfortable assembling their own smokers yet
Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker Cons:
External propane tank can be tricky to attach if not used to working with this type of equipment; welding required for repairs makes it difficult to find someone to help if you run into issues.
This smoker is one of the most affordable options on our list and provides excellent value for your purchase price.
You’ll get an easy-to-use digital thermostat that automatically maintains temperature for consistent results, plus a large 730 square inch cooking area so you can share the fun with friends and family or do bigger jobs at once.
If you’re in need of something durable that won’t break down or require costly repairs, this is definitely one of the best smokers for brisket around.
Pellet Smokers:
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker:
The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is the perfect grilling companion for anyone who wants to add wood-smoked flavors to their food.
This grill features 8 different cooking modes, so you can barbecue, bake, roast, braise, smoke, grill, sear, and char-grill your food to perfection.
The PID technology ensures that the temperature remains consistent throughout your cooking process, so your food comes out perfectly every time. Plus, the included cover means you can take your grill with you wherever you go.
This top-of-the-line model offers 450 sq in of cooking space, as well as all the bells and whistles you need to smoke your favorite meats to perfection.
With eight preset cooking programs and dual fuel options (electric or liquefied petroleum gas), this grill is the best smokers for brisket for anyone who loves outdoor cooking.
So grab your friends and family, fire up the ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade, and get ready to enjoy some of the best BBQ you’ve ever had!
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Features:
– It’s a grill, smoker, and oven.
– The temperature range is 180° to 450° F.
– You’ll be able to grill all year long with the 8 different settings.
– Your food will taste better than ever before because of the hardwood flavor infused into it.
– It’s perfect for small households with 452 sq.in of cooking space
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Pros:
The smoker does a wonderful job on ribs, brisket, and hotdogs.
This is a great grill with many features and an easy to assemble design.
It cooks everything perfect and is easy to use.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, the grill came with all the tools needed, and it has been a positive experience for cooking.
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cons:
The temp swings vary by 20 degrees.
In conclusion, this smoker offers 450 sq inches of cooking space and 8 different cooking modes for high-quality, wood-smoked food. With the included cover, this grill is perfect for backyard barbecues and parties.
Best Smokers For Brisket buying guide:
Of course, you can’t know which smoker is best for your needs without knowing what sets each one apart. So, before we get to the list of high-quality smokers, let’s look at some key features that make these smokers perfect for smoking brisket.
Type of fuel:
The most important factor to consider when choosing a smoker is the type of fuel it uses. Briskets require long, slow cooking at low temperatures and charcoal smokers are best suited for this.
While gas and electric smokers can maintain low cooking temperatures, they don’t provide the same flavor that charcoal smokers do.
For that reason, we recommend sticking with a charcoal smoker if you’re looking to make the perfect brisket.
Temperature Range & Accuracy
One of the most important factors in choosing a smoker is its range and accuracy when it comes to maintaining heat.
A consistent temperature will produce consistent results every time. Smokers that are designed to cook all kinds of meats must also be capable of smoking meat like pork shoulder or ribs.
However, if they are capable of reaching only higher temperatures, they probably won’t perform well with less fatty cuts like brisket or pulled pork.
On the other hand, smokers with a low range are good for smoking ribs or chicken, but they may not be the best choice for brisket.
No matter what kind of smoker you buy, it is important that its cooking temperature range is suited to your needs. You can use this chart to compare different smokers’ ranges.
For more information on how these ranges relate to various meats, read our article on smoker temperature ranges.
Components & Assembly
Smokers vary in terms of the materials they are made from and how easy or difficult they are to assemble. Smokers built with stainless steel components generally cost more than those with aluminum parts.
However, many people think that stainless steel provides an overall better taste profile due to its ability to maintain heat longer without fluctuating as much as aluminum.
A stainless steel fire box is a great option, as it will retain heat better and make temperature control easier.
Smokers vary in terms of how easy they are to set up. Some smokers only require the user to attach the legs and wheels before plugging them in and adding wood chips.
Other models may require additional assembly steps such as attaching shelves or drawers.
Nobody wants to spend an hour assembling their smoker before they can use it, so opting for a model that comes mostly preassembled can save time, especially if you need a smoker quickly for a special occasion or holiday meal.
Size & Portability
Next, you’ll want to think about size and portability when choosing your best smokers for brisket. After all, you’ll need enough space to fit a large brisket!
If you only have a small patio or deck, you might consider a sleek electric smoker. These models are simple to use and easy to store.
If you’ve got more space on your property, propane smokers may better suit your needs. They’re bigger than their electric counterparts, but they’re still fairly easy to set up and use.
If you’re going all out for a barbecue of the highest quality, large offset smokers with multiple grates provide plenty of smoking area while being somewhat portable at the same time.
Most commercial smokers are designed to accommodate whole briskets, but if you’re smoking for a smaller crowd then a smaller smoker will suffice. Just be sure to choose one with plenty of spacer smoking chamber.
The smoking chamber should also have good airflow so that the smoke can evenly surround the meat. This is what gives brisket its signature flavor.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the smoker you choose has a good-sized smoking chamber. This is the area where the food will be placed during cooking and it needs to be large enough to accommodate your brisket.
Ease Of Use & Reliability
Finally, no matter what type of model you choose, it is important that it is both easy to use and reliable. The right smoker should produce great results every time without fail.
To ensure this high level of performance, some smokers come with handy features that make cooking a whole lot easier.
Features like porcelain-coated grates, built-in temperature gauges, and even remote controls for electric smokers can really take the guesswork out of smoking meat.
In order to effectively smoke your brisket, the smoker needs to be able to maintain a specific temperature range for extended periods of time.
A dial thermometer or an internal meat probe can help ensure that your food is cooked properly and not overcooked.
An ash pan will make clean-up much easier and allow you to enjoy your company while tending to the fire rather than focusing on cooking chores.
There are many great smokers on the market today, but not all of them would be a good fit for someone who is new to barbecue or smoking.
Fortunately, we’ve done a ton of research and testing to pinpoint which models will work best for first time users as well as experienced pitmasters alike.
FAQs on Best Smokers For Brisket:
1. Should I consider an electric or wood smoker?
An electric smoker is the perfect choice when you want to use your outdoor cooking appliance in any season, especially when it’s cold outside.
They’re simple to use and typically require little maintenance with the exception of replacing the elements once every two to three years depending on how many hours per day you run it.
You’ll also need to be sure that they are protected from rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions whenever possible. Some good models will even come with a built-in heater for this purpose (just make sure not to cover them).
The most popular types of wood smokers are propane smokers, charcoal cookers, pellet grills, and offset smokers . Gas is a great choice when you want to get the fire going quickly while charcoal is preferred by purists who love to add their own wood chunks or chips.
Pellet grills use compressed wood pellets for fuel and electric smokers use proprietary heating element elements that produce heat from electricity.
2. What temperature range does a good smoker need to maintain?
An ideal smoking temperature will vary depending on what you’re cooking but it’s usually somewhere in the range of 225°F – 275°F . For the best results, try to keep your food above 140°F before going into the danger zone.
Once you shut the door, leave it closed except for checking internal meat temp every 30 minutes or so. Opening and closing often causes fluctuations in temperature so don’t do it more than necessary.
3. How much space is needed for a smoker?
A good smoker will give you enough room to cook between 8-12 large pieces of meat at once, but some are even larger with three racks that each hold up to 12 burgers or 7 chickens.
You’ll also want plenty of extra space around your smoker in order to get the food on and off easily while using an overhang or table makes this process even easier.
Be sure your outdoor cooking appliance is elevated off the ground on sturdy legs since water, mud, leaves, etc., can cause problems if they get into any electrical parts.
If you have the option to choose the height of your new smoker’s legs , consider how tall people are in your household.
4. What features can I look for in a grill?
The most important feature is the ability to control the heat with either an adjustable thermostat or by adding wood chips, chunks, or pellets for fuel.
A built-in thermometer on the door is also useful since it’s usually fairly accurate (just make sure it’s between 200°F – 250°F whenever you’re cooking).
Better models will also come with several smoking racks that are at least 18 inches wide and often adjustable to accommodate different cuts of meat. Some even have drawers underneath them for holding water pans or extra charcoal if needed.
5. How do I start my new smoker?
Most smokers use some type of electronic ignition system for starting fires. These typically require a battery or an external power source and should be included in your new outdoor cooking appliance.
Once the element is heated, it will glow red and ignite materials placed on top of it to create the fire.
Some smokers have electric coils that screw into place instead but these take much longer to get going so you might need a lighter if they don’t start within about five minutes by themselves.
6. How do I control the heat?
Most best smokers for brisket can maintain a steady temperature for hours at a time as long as you’re keeping food inside.
If you want to smoke all day without checking on things too often, consider getting one with four or more smoking racks so you can put several items inside at once.
Adjusting the vents or dampers on the smoker will let you add more air to create a hotter fire if needed, but be careful not to go too far since this can cause your food to burn.
7. Can I keep my new smoker outdoors all of the time?
It’s important that your new outdoor cooking appliance is protected from rainfall, snow, etc., whenever possible . Most models are made with weatherproof materials including porcelain enamel, powder-coated steel, cast aluminum, and even stainless steel.
If you live in an area where it snows frequently, look for one with a built-in heat shield above at least part of the firebox.
Since rust is another common problem when storing smokers outside year round, it’s important to keep an eye out for this in the paint, seams, and even screws.
8. How easy is my new smoker to use?
Newer models are designed with ease-of-use in mind so they only have a few different parts in general.
Most have removable grates that can be placed in your dishwasher after use while some also include attachable sprayers or brushes to clean inside corners and hard-to-reach areas.
Replacing the charcoal easily is another nice convenience since it lets you get right back to cooking instead of dealing with lumps of leftover ash that take forever to get cold enough to dump.
9. Where should I place my new smoker?
ventilation open whenever possible by avoiding tight spaces, obstructions, etc., so heat can escape easily. One important note is that you should avoid leaving your smoker alongside walls or fences since these areas tend to get hotter than surrounding spots.
If you need to worry about power outlets , keep this in mind if possible by looking for an outdoor cooking appliance with built-in cords or at least ones that are long enough for average use.
You should always place smokers away from the reach of children and pets as well just in case they’re tempted to touch anything hot or chew on any exposed parts.
10. How do I clean my new grill?
Your smoker’s grates should be dishwasher safe but only every six months or so depending on its usage . Most other surfaces can be kept clean by using a garden hose with high pressure, steel wool, or even normal tools like spatulas and brushes.
While these are typically rustproof, pay attention to the seams since this is where they’re most likely to form over time .
11. How much food can I cook at once?
Most models for best smokers for brisket are designed to accommodate several different types of cuts of meat , vegetables, etc., without overcrowding them in the smoker.
That being said, it’s best not to overdo it since you’ll need room for airflow under each piece too.
This means that if you have an adjustable rack, make sure it’s set somewhere between half-way and two thirds full since anything more might cause your ingredients to burn instead of smoking properly.
12. How long will it take to assemble my new grill?
Assembling your new smoker shouldn’t really take more than 10-20 minutes once you’ve familiarized yourself with the parts beforehand. This is important since most models are shipped unassembled and require two people to completely finish the job.
Before buying one, ask the online retailer if they’ll help you by providing their phone number or email address in case there are any problems during shipping.
Hobby outdoor cooking appliances that aren’t included with this support may not be worth buying at all unless you’re willing to spend a lot of time reading directions and figuring out how everything works.
13. What materials should I look for when choosing a charcoal grill?
Many high-end models are made from stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum since these are rustproof. Even if you don’t have any problems with your current grill, this is a nice feature to look for since it prevents the need for messy rust removal in the future.
It’s also helpful to know how large your smoker will be before buying one especially if you want to save money by shopping online.
14. How do I operate my new smoker?
Most smokers are operated using either charcoal or propane depending on their design . There are several types of both including electric , natural gas , and butane but each has its own pros and cons that everyone should learn about before making a purchase.
As an example, charcoal tends to produce more ash while propane is usually more expensive over time .
15. Can I use my grill indoors?
Since most outdoor cooking appliances are designed for outdoor use only, they’re not safe for indoor use at all.
This includes both propane and charcoal smokers so keep yours outdoors at all times since doing otherwise can lead to fires and dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home which is very unhealthy!
If you want something that can be used both inside and out, consider choosing a gas grill or electric smoker instead which tend to be much safer over time.
By now, you should know the answers to all of these common questions but if this isn’t quite enough for you, feel free to contact us today for more information about outdoor smokers.
We’re always happy to help so don’t hesitate to ask anything that will let you enjoy your next grilling or smoking session as much as possible. Our lines are open 24 hours a day so there’s no reason not to get what you need ASAP!
Final Thoughts:
When it comes to choosing the best smokers for brisket, there are many factors that you need to consider. It’s important to find a smoker with features that will work well with your needs and level of experience.
After reading this blog post, you should have an idea of what type of smoker is right for you!
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on for some helpful advice! The tips we’ve provided are meant to help make your decision easier.
We hope our recommendations were helpful in helping you select the best smokers for brisket for your needs! Give us a call if we can be of any assistance moving forward or just want more information on how these smokers perform when smoking brisket.
If this blog post has been informative, please share it with other smokers who might want to better their skills as well. Now go have fun cooking up those delicious meats!
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