Large or Small Which Smoker Is Best For You? Experts Advice
If you are New to smoking and just looking for your First smoker cooker, you will need to decide how big of a cooker you really need. Many people will run right out and purchase a Large electric smoker without even thinking about what they really need and could have gotten away with buying just a Small electric smoker. There are certain considerations you need to think about first before running out and buying something you really don’t need.
Whether you plan on cooking a roast or a whole case of baby back ribs, you want to have a smoker that is adequate for the job. If you are only cooking at home for your family, you won’t need expensive competition big bbq smokers, but if you do plan on competing, you’ll want a smoker that can handle a lot of large cuts of meat.
Electric Smoker-What Size do You Really Need?
When it comes to smoker cookers, many times a Small bbq grill is more than enough. Even the smallest smokers are able to make enough food for a larger sized family, perhaps even as many as twenty people. Large smokers on the other hand can produce enough meat to cater a party throughout a whole day. This is why you really need to think about how much food you need to make before you buy.
If you are just going to be Smoking meats for your family on the weekends, then a smaller unit is plenty. If you are planning on smoking meats for a company party, then you will need the bigger space. Many of these smokers will tell you how much food you can make in them at once, and remember that as a general rule, you will need about one pound of raw meat per person.
Points To Remember (Tips and Tricks)
Below is a simple list for you to remember when you go shopping for your smoker. Sometimes purchasing the best small grill that you can is the best solution.
- Where are you cooking on a regular basis?
- How many people are you cooking for?
- What does your budget look like?
- How much space do you have?
Whether you want a traditional charcoal smoker or you’d like a more convenient Electric smoker, determining the size that you need is extremely important before you make a decision. Most times, starting out with a smaller and less expensive smoker is the best choice. You can also purchase a more expensive and larger smoker later on if you determine that you could make use of it.
Any advice on wattage requirements when selecting a specific model? I see models from 650 to 1500 watts; is this directly related to food capacity or are the higher wattage models more appropriate for colder climates?
Also, how important is UL and/or CSA approval from a safety standpoint?
If you can find a 1500 watt element with a temp control on it, that would be perfect. I’ve been smoking on a 1200 watt Brinkman for years and it can be an issue regulating the temp. I like to keep it as close to 250 as possible. The lid on the Brinkman does not fit tight, so a little tinfoil wrapped around the gap lets me regulate the temp. A lot of trouble, but its all about learning YOUR smoker. I have my eye on a replacement 1500 watt element with a thermostat that will fit, I think this will help.Also, if you have a thin walled upright smoker, smoking in winter is out of the question. Look for a double walled version to keep the heat in.