Smoking your BBQ meat is a must for many BBQ lovers. Not only does it give you the freedom and control to prepare the food just how you like it, but also it's a great way to learn and upgrade your skills any time you want. So, if your outdoor kitchen is completely set and it only lacks the smoker, it's time to get one. If you're searching for smokers for sale in Australia BBQ stores, here are the things you need to consider.
Types of Smokers
Pellet
Pellet smokers are like a fusion of an oven and a smoker. They combine the smoky goodness of traditional smokers with the convenience of an electric one. With a pellet smoker, you can easily switch between using it as an oven, grill, or smoker. These smokers use compressed sawdust pellets that resemble chicken feed. The pellets are loaded into a hopper on the side of the smoker and then fed into a firebox by an auger drill. Once inside the firebox, a heated metal rod ignites the pellets, creating both smoke and heat.
Electric
The electric smoker is a popular choice for those looking for a convenient grilling experience. It's easy to use and requires minimal maintenance compared to other types of smokers. With just a simple adjustment of time and temperature, you can enjoy perfectly smoked food without the hassle of dealing with charcoal or propane. Plus, some models even come with an app for remote control, making it even more convenient. If you're searching for smokers for sale in Australia, you can find a variety of electric smokers in stores, making it a great option for commercial BBQ use. The smoke in electric smokers comes from wood chips placed above the heating element, creating a delicious flavour without actual combustion. The vertical design of electric smokers allows for indirect cooking, with water pans adding moisture and enhancing the smoky taste of the food. The low and slow cooking process ensures tender and flavorful results every time.
Charcoal
Charcoal smokers come in various shapes and sizes and require a bit more effort compared to electric or gas smokers. These smokers need to be cleaned, set up and maintained. When the wood is heated to a high temperature, the non-carbon organic compounds are burned off, leaving behind 'char' that doesn't produce much smoke. This char then transforms into small briquettes known as charcoal. The delicious smoky flavour that enhances the taste of food occurs when the charcoal burns chemicals like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide. To create additional smoke, wood chips are placed on top of the charcoal to smoulder. The more air that enters the firebox, the hotter the charcoal will burn.
Gas
Gas smokers are best for people who prefer not to deal with any maintenance or cleaning. These smokers use natural gas or propane (sometimes referred to as Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG). If you have a direct gas hookup, then great, but if not, you will have to get a refillable gas bottle (you can find it at any gas station and outdoor stores).
Most of these smokes are built cabinet-style where the burner and vents are at the bottom and the chimney and the dampers are at the top. The gas goes from the bottom through a manifold and down to the cooking section where it is torched as it flows out of the burner valves. Gas smokers don't produce smoke naturally, so you will have to add wood chips to make that smokey flavour.
What to Look in For a Smoker?
The Materials
Make sure your smoker is constructed with high-quality welding and inspect for any sharp edges or sturdy wheels and legs. Also, take into account the paintwork. It's ideal to have a smoker that is both waterproof and rustproof. While examining it at the store, give it a little test drive to see how the moving parts hold up; if they appear fragile, then this particular model isn't worth your hard-earned cash. You want a smoker that can withstand the test of time.
Temperature Range
Having the right temperature range is important when it comes to BBQ smokers. For chicken, you'll want a smoker that can reach around 160 degrees Celsius. But if you're cooking steaks, you'll need a smoker that can reach about 260 degrees Celsius. The temperature plays a crucial role because if it can't reach the desired degrees, you won't get the results you're looking for. It means you'll be limited to cooking only certain foods, and others won't taste as good.
Safety
When choosing a smoker, it's essential to consider safety, especially if you have children or pets around. Look for a smoker that has wheels with locking mechanisms to prevent any accidents. Make sure the electric parts are well-protected from the elements to avoid any damage. Also, opt for heat-resistant handles on the smoker. Wooden handles may not last long, so stainless steel handles are the best option for durability and safety.