Questions to Ask When Choosing Your First Smoker
Shopping for a smoker can be fun, but keep in mind that a smoker is a sturdy piece of equipment that should last for years and years. So you'll want to plan ahead when deciding which smoker model to buy.
Here are some questions to ask in order to help you choose the best smoker for you and your family.
Do you prefer a propane or pellet smoker?
Some smokers use wood pellets to smoke the meat while others are run on propane. While a propane model is likely more affordable, some users prefer the woodsy flavor from the pellet smoke. If this sounds like you, you'll want to choose a smoker that uses wood pellets.
How often do you plan to use the smoker?
If you plan to use the smoker only occasionally, you may want to look for a light-duty model that's not too large and won't take up a lot of storage space. But if you plan to use it several times a week, you'll need one that can put up with frequent use.
How many people are in your household?
It stands to reason that the more people you're planning to feed with the smoker, the larger you'll need it to be. Keep in mind that if you plan to increase your family size soon, you should plan ahead for that and choose a larger model of smoker.
Where do you plan to keep the smoker?
While you must use smokers outside due to carbon monoxide risks (not to mention smoke damage to your home), they typically should be stored inside a building when not in use. If your storage space is a shed or some other not totally protected area, you need to be especially careful to choose a smoker that will hold up under those circumstances. You'll also want to choose one that comes with a heavy-duty cover.
Do you have experience using a smoker?
If this is your first time with a smoker, you probably won't want a professional-level model right away. Instead, you'll want to start out with something a little more user-friendly that won't intimidate you every time you want to smoke something.
These questions can help you pinpoint the exact qualities you need your first smoker to have. That way, you can narrow down the wide variety of smokers on the market to just the ones that really fit your needs. Get in touch with a local smoker supplier today to start looking for the right smoker for you and your family.
