You’ve decided to start smoking meat and you’re already looking at pellet smokers. If all this sounds like an overwhelming amount of information, don’t worry! We have a simple guide that will help you navigate the sea of different types of pellet smokers and understand what makes them tick.

Best pellet smoker is one of those kitchen gadgets that looks simple enough for anyone to build but actually requires a lot of technical know-how. The good news is that even though it seems complicated, there are some basic steps you can take to get your first pellet smoker up and running without much trouble. You just need to be willing to do a little research and follow our tips on how to choose the right pellet smoker for you.

What exactly is a pellet smoker?

If you want to find out more about pellet smokers, you should read our article on pellet smokers vs. wood cookers. But in short, a pellet smoker works by heating fuel pellets with air to create smoke, which can then be used inside a cooking chamber or directly outside the cooker (in the case of portable models) to cook food.

Why would I use a pellet smoker instead of a traditional grill?

First off, pellet smokers are a lot easier to clean than traditional gas grills. They also operate much cooler than most gas grills, so they won’t scorch your food. Many people also love the convenience factor of using a pellet smoker because you don’t have to light a fire or deal with any flare ups. That means you can spend less time cooking and more time socializing around the barbecue.

How does a pellet smoker work?

To put it simply, a pellet smoker uses a special type of fuel called “pellet fuel.” Pellet fuel burns very hot compared to other fuels, such as charcoal or wood, allowing you to keep your temperature low while still getting the same heat output. You can see in the video above that you can cook meat or vegetables on the lowest setting without having to adjust the temperature once.

Are pellet smokers safe to use indoors?

Yes, pellet smokers are perfectly safe to use inside your home. However, since they produce a lot of smoke, it may be difficult to breathe if you live in a house where the windows aren’t open or you’re allergic to smoke. Some pellet smokers also come with a fan to circulate the smoke and circulate the heat, but it’s always best to check with your local building codes before using your new pellet smoker.

Tips for choosing the perfect pellet smoker

Choosing the right pellet smoker for you takes time and effort. There are so many things to consider when you’re shopping, and we’ve outlined below some of the most important factors to look out for. Remember, there is no single model that fits every situation, so try not to buy something that doesn’t fit your needs.

The main thing to remember when buying a pellet smoker is that you’ll want to invest in a quality cooker. It’s definitely worth spending the extra money on a top-notch model, especially if you plan on using it often. You probably wouldn’t want to buy a cheap pellet smoker and then have to replace it after only a few years. You also shouldn’t go overboard with expensive accessories either, since these tend to wear down over time.

One last thing to keep in mind when selecting a pellet smoker is how large the cooking area is. This will determine whether you need a larger cooker or multiple smaller ones. For example, you might want to pair two smaller pellet smokers together to cover a larger cooking area, or you could use one large pellet smoker and a rack to cover a smaller space.

Now that you have a better understanding of pellet smokers, you should have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of pellet smokers available today.