Are you looking for a smoker? A smoker is an outdoor cooking appliance that can maintain low cooking temperatures for a long period while producing smoke and holding it around the meat for absorption.
There are different types of smokers today, and the most common ones are charcoal and pellet. If you’re torn between the two, we’ll provide you with some details to clarify their differences to help you make the right decision.
Charcoal Smokers
One of the most popular ways to grill food is through charcoal; hence, the popularity of charcoal smokers. A charcoal smoker comes in various shapes and sizes. Many believe that when it comes to grilling, charcoal is the best.
In the case of this smoker, Charcoal briquettes are the primary fuel source, while others use wood chips or lumps to the fires. This is done to enhance the taste and add a strong smoky flavor to the meat.
Cooking involves a slow process, and it usually requires practice to master it. It’s because it’s more challenging to control the internal temperature of the smoker. Additionally, starting the fire, getting the right temperature, and cleaning up will take a while. The good news is, all of these things will add more flavor to the food, which makes things even more worthwhile.
On the other hand, this type of smoker is considered messy because you might have a difficult time cleaning it up every time you cook with it.
Pellet Smoker
Pellet smokers may seem like a thing of the past, but you will be surprised to know that many people still prefer them. That said, they’re still very much in use today as one of the most popular tools for outdoor cooking.
A pellet smoker is fed with food-grade wood pellets that are placed into the hopper of the burner and ignited inside. Usually, there is an auger that connects the hopper to the burn pot beneath the cooking grate. As the auger rotates, the pellets move into the burn pot.
The wood pellets are then ignited with a hot rod, and they give off heat and smoke as they burn. The smoke provides the meat with a smoky flavor without the need to add wood chips. Another great thing about this is that it’s easy to cook at high heat or low heat, and they’re also free from fillers and additives that are usually present in briquettes.
Moreover, a pellet grille can maintain a steady and constant temperature easily. However, they run on electricity, which means when in use, you need to be close to an outlet at all times. They are also harder to maintain because they need to be cleaned up more regularly.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between pellet and charcoal smokers, which do you choose? It all comes down to your specific requirements and preference. Fortunately, both are effective and versatile. If you want to tend to your own fire when you cook, then you can handle a charcoal smoker. On the other hand, a pellet smoker will work best if you’re looking for something easier to manage.
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