Best Charcoal Smoker for Beginners

So you want to be a grill master. Sounds like we’re on the same page. But how can you make sure your first ever attempt as a grill master is a success? Let’s check the Best Charcoal Smoker for Beginners on the market today.

Well, what if we told you that you could become an expert on grilling in the quickest time possible? 

Yes, we used the word ‘expert’. 

And even if you know nothing about barbeque, it’s possible to be an instant expert.

You see, barbeque is about the style of cooking, not the technique. The good news for you is that there are a number of styles out there that even a novice can master. 

The best of which is the charcoal style because it makes use of the most basic tools available to any grill master. And you can even do it at home. All you need is a charcoal smoker and the right type of meat, and you’re good to go.

Here, we’ll take a look at the best charcoal smokers for beginners. We want you to become grill master as soon as possible, and all it takes is a bit of practice.

Best Charcoal Smoker for Beginners Reviews

Masterbuilt MB20041220 Digital Charcoal Smoker Review

The digital smoker MB20041220 by Masterbuilt is your solution to succulent, smoky-tasting food that’s low in fat and calories. 

This amazing smoker reaches 225°F in just 10 minutes, so you can get your food on the grill fast. 

The digital control panel and included smart device control let you customize your cook time and temperature with ease, while the GravityFed hopper ensures that you’ll be able to smoke for up to 8 hours without interruption. 

Plus, the DigitalFan keeps things precise, so your food comes out perfect every time.

With 1050 square inches of cooking space, this smoker makes it easy to cook for a large crowd. 

The fold-out cord storage ensures that you’ll never lose power to the smoker, while the folding stainless steel shelf provides extra space for preparation.

Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Bullet Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone with a small backyard. 

With 395.4 sq. inches of cooking space and two porcelain-coated smoking racks, this smoker can cook up a storm. 

The front-access door makes adding charcoal easy, so you can spend more time enjoying your food and less time fiddling with your smoker.

Its porcelain-coated charcoal pan and water bowl ensure even heat distribution and easy cleanup.

With its built-in lid thermometer, you can easily keep track of the temperature and make sure your food comes out perfectly smoked every time.

Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker Review

If you’re looking for the perfect smoker to achieve that smoked flavour, look no further than the Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker. 

This smoker is made of porcelain-enamelled steel and comes with 2 nickel-plated 18 1/2-inch cooking grates.

The water pan ensures that your food remains moist, while the thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature inside the smoker. 

The individual vents on the lid and bowl allow you to control the heat and smoke, ensuring perfect results every time.

With its easy-to-adjust dampers, you can ensure that your meats come out perfectly smoked every time. 

Plus, the heat-resistant nylon handle ensures that you’ll be able to easily move it around without getting burned. And thanks to the 3D interactive instructions, you’ll be a smoking pro in no time!

Classic Pit Barrel Charcoal Smoker Review

No need for a gas grill when you’ve got this bad boy. The Classic Pit Barrel Charcoal Smoker gives you all the flavour of charcoal grilling with none of the hassles. 

This smoker is made with a simple design that makes it easy to assemble, and its minimal assembly requirements mean you can start smoking your favourite meats in no time. 

With eight stainless steel hooks, a standard grate for grilling and searing, and a coal basket, this smoker does it all. 

The barrel design ensures even cooking temperatures, so your food will come out perfectly every time. Plus, it’s easy to clean, so you’ll be smoking like a pro in no time.

Char-Griller E16620 Charcoal Smoker Review

If you’re looking for a smoker that can cook up to 27 burgers at once, the Char-Griller E16620 is a perfect choice. 

This smoker comes with 447 square inches of cooking area, 8″ locking caster wheels for easy transportation, and a bottom storage shelf to keep your supplies organized. 

The foldable side shelf workstations also have BBQ tool storage hooks to keep your tools handy while you’re cooking.

With its steel construction and triple-walled insulation, this smoker will last for years. And with its adjustable dual dampers and thermometer, you can easily control the heat levels to get that perfect smokey flavour every time.

The smoker has adjustable top and bottom dampers for perfect temperature control and an easy dump ash pan so you can keep things tidy. 

Plus, the removable warming rack lets you keep food hot while you’re still cooking. 

The smoker is made of durable stainless steel with cast iron cooking grates, so it can withstand the high temperatures needed for smoking meat. 

The built-in heat gauge ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time, and the adjustable temperature range allows you to smoke everything from chicken breasts to brisket.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

What kind of smoker should I get?

There are many kinds of smokers out there. Some are very basic, while some are commercial types that could cost you thousands. With all the choices, it can be very overwhelming. The best thing to do is ask yourself these questions:

– Where will I place my smoker? (indoors or outdoors)

– What kind of foods do I want to smoke? (Pork, Beef, Chicken, Turkey, etc.)

– How many people will my smoker cater to?

– What kind of cooking surface do I want as my primary choice (grill, griddle, or a combination)?

– Do I want to customize my own smoker?

If you are just beginning, then it is best that you find a medium size smoker that you can place indoors. 

The meat won’t take long to cook, and if it does get cold, you don’t need to worry about heating up an entire barbecue pit just to keep the meat warm. 

The average cost for a smoker that you can find is around $100, and it will give you all the great results that you are looking for.

What kind of food should I cook with my Charcoal Smoker as a beginner?

The best thing to do as a beginner would be to cook any kind of meat. If you are just beginning, then it is best that you cook an assortment of meats so you can have a taste each time. 

It is going to be pretty hard if you only cook one kind of meat. For example, if all you want to do is smoke pork, then it would be best that you try different kinds of pork. Some of the most popular ones are pork butt, ribs, tenderloin, etc. You can also smoke beef brisket or ribs to personalize your own taste.

What kind of wood should I use as a beginner when cooking with a Charcoal Smoker?

You can find different kinds of wood that you can use for smoking meat. The most popular kind of wood is mesquite, and it’s also the most loved. It gives the meat a nice bold taste, but it also has an aftertaste that can be difficult to adjust to. 

However, if you want to try something new, then you can go for hickory. It gives the meat a stronger smoky taste, but it also has a subtle hint of sweetness to it. It is perfect if you want something that comes out strong but not overpowering.

How long should I cook my meat on a charcoal smoker?

Cooking times vary depending on the type of meat you are cooking. A good rule of thumb for you to follow is 10 minutes per pound.  

For example, if you are smoking a pork butt that weighs roughly 8 pounds, then you should leave the meat on for 80 minutes. This includes the time that the meat is still raw until it’s done cooking.

You can also check with a meat thermometer to make sure that it is done. A good temperature range for you to follow is around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are charcoal smokers safe to use for beginners?

A charcoal smoker is safe to use for beginners, but you must know what you are doing. This means that you should read all the instruction manuals and read as many articles as you can. 

If you are new, then it is best that you use a charcoal smoker with a lid. This will ensure that everything inside is safe and secure. If you feel like the lid is too bulky, then try grilling over indirect heat. This will allow the lid to remain open for you without worrying about anything that might be going on inside.

Are charcoal smokers easy to clean?

Charcoal smokers can be difficult to clean if you are not familiar with how it is done. When you finish cooking, make sure that the smoker is still hot before cleaning it. This will allow you to remove the grease more easily. 

Cleaning the outside of the smoker is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is brush it with a grill brush in order to remove any residue that might be sticking to it.

It is also important that you clean the drip pan, but only when it is cool enough. Clean it with soap and water, but make sure that the pan is completely dry before you start cooking.

What grilling accessories do I need as a beginner?

Grilling accessories depend on what type of food you want to cook. If you are a beginner, then it will be best that you stick to the basics first. Here are some things you will need to get started:

– Long Tongs – You will use this tong for turning the meat while it is on the grill

– Grill Brush – It will help remove food chunks and dirt from the cooking grate

– Grill Mitts – These mitts will protect your hands from the heat

– Heat Proof Plate – This plate will keep the food warm while you are grilling. If you do not have a plate, then you can use the smoker lid.

Conclusion

There are many great benefits of using a charcoal smoker over the others. The most important one is that you can control the heat better with this type of smoker. You can put more or less coal depending on how you like your food to taste. 

You can also set up your grill in different ways, and it will give you more creative freedom when it comes to cooking.

Even though the charcoal smoker is probably not for everyone, it can still be used by beginners. You just need to make sure that you read the instructions well and ask around if you have any questions about what to do next. You can also check our article on the Best Charcoal Smoker.

You should also understand how long each type of meat needs to cook and what temperature you need to maintain for the best results. If you are not sure, then it would be best that you look up this information first before you start grilling.

I hope you liked our article on Best Charcoal Smoker for Beginners.