5 Features to Check When Shopping for BBQ Smokers

BBQ smokers are the perfect appliance when you are in the mood for a backyard party. With a smoker, you can make delectable kebabs, burgers, hot dogs, and more. While there are quite a few BBQ smokers out there, some features are more important than the others. Apart from the smoker’s size and capacity, which you should decide according to the party’s size, you want to host, here are some essential features you should look for in the best BBQ smokers.

1. Durability and Maintenance

Invest in a smoker, which will last you for an extended period. Stainless steel smokers are the best as they are very resistant to heat and smoke. You can grill and smoke all you want, but it will have minimal damage to the components. Choose a smoker that is easy to clean and maintain. The soot and grime from the oil and smoke should come off quickly. If not, it will build up layers inside the smoker, and the smoker will cease to function correctly or consume more electricity.

2. Energy Efficiency 

Choose a smoker that is energy efficient and will not consume a lot of electricity. You might have to pay a little more for an energy-efficient machine because of the use of green technology that goes behind making it, but it will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run when you see your reduced electricity bills. It would help if you didn’t have to worry about high electricity bills every time you think of throwing a party. Your smoker should have a sound temperature control system so that you can save electricity further when you cook at low temperatures.

3. Fuel Temperature

When it comes to the fuel temperature, it is different for every smoker. Some smokers need an internal thermometer, while some can check the temperature from the outside. Not only is this feature important for checking the right temperature at which you would want to cook your meat, but it also prevents the smoker from overheating. Make sure it is easy to read the temperature on your smoker. If you want to cook large quantities of the meal, go for a smoker with high-heating capacity, rather than overburdening a regular smoker by heating it longer than recommended.

4. Safety

Safety is of paramount importance in your smoker. Choose one which has good insulation. BBQ smokers come with internal insulation, and apart from feeling a little warm on the outside, there is no excessive heating. That way, you will not get burned even if you accidentally touch the smoker when switched on and cooking. Since smokers can reach very high temperatures, this is an essential feature. You would not have to worry about children accidentally hurting themselves as they run around during a party.

5. Easy to Move and Operate

If you think that you will be repositioning your smoker every time you use it, get one that comes with carts and wheels. It is easy to move, and you can place them anywhere you like. Get a smoker that comes with a self-opening lid so that you do not have to pull it up each time. Detachable parts are the best when it comes to cleaning, as you will be able to clean all the ash and grime away neatly, without having any difficulty in reaching all the corners.

With these points in mind, you will be able to choose the best BBQ smokers for your parties. You won’t have to think about hiring a grill and smoker, and you will be in control of what you want to cook and serve, without any hassles.