Barbecue smokers open new wonders in summer grilling. They range from small steel smokers that are easy to use all the way up to big brick smoke pits and grills fitted in the counter in the kitchen. Barbecue smokers can use propane to heat the wood , but the traditionalists say that charcoal is the only way to fly .

A lot of charcoal barbecue smokers are pill- or barrel-shaped and sit upright. Others barrel-shaped smokers lay horizontally and have a stand with wheels, just like normal grills. The charcoal and wood chips go at the bottom, and multiple grilling racks allowspace to smoke at different heat settings .

Depending on their sophistication and make , charcoal smokers vary in cots from 55 bucks all the way to two grand and beyond. Some have several hatches to check on the meat without opening the top and letting out a lot of heat. Others have a water pan for steam smoking. Some have chimneys, several others have vents. Some are smokers on legs, others are decked out with baskets, tables, huge grilling space, multiple compartments, tables, baskets, huge grilling space, multiple compartments and more. The poshest have stainless steel counter tops and separate smoke compartments separate smoke compartments and stainless steel counter space.

While many charcoal barbecue smokers are equipped with thermometers standard, many smoker reviews call them utterly worthless and recommend buying a proper meat thermometer. Other reviewers said they saw little advantage in stainless steel exteriors as opposed to the less expensive powder-black coating on steel.

            There are less gas-fueled smokers and while propane smokers are inexpensive, reviewers argue that they burn too hot. One plus , however, is that propane smokers eliminate any reason to open the tops to add charcoal, keeping the smoking compartment a consistent temperature.

Smaller upright smokers are compact and good for a couple smoking ribs or pork chops . The larger horizontal smokers are best for feeding larger parties.

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            Because smokers get very hot, use caution when using them on wood decks. Check with your condominium or apartment management to find out if they are permitted . Landlords many time think them a greater fire hazard since they are left alone for longer periods of time than a regular grill.

            Reviewers and Smokers suggest taking notes every time you smoke, so you can adjust temperatures, the kinds of wood to use with certain meats, and how long to smoke.