Why does smoked food taste so good? It takes outdoor cuisine to a whole new level, exciting and fragrant. When a smoker is on the cards, make it a quality choice. Here you go. Happy smoking, folks!
Lifestyle Big Horn Pellet Smoker + Grill
Cook King Berlin Smokehouse
Callow Premium Charcoal Smoker BBQ Grill
So what can you smoke in your BBQ smoker? How about smoked cheese? It's an awesome flavour. You might go for a selection of beautiful meats or fish. Imagine smoked chicken or turkey, smoked salmon or cod. Yum. You can even smoke vegetables for that on-trend flavour like you find in the poshest restaurants.
Why do we love the flavour of smoked food so much? We have a theory. Humans and our ancestors have cooked food on fires for at least two million years. And that must have had an effect on us. The flavour is so comforting, but it's also exciting.
Smokers are very easy to use, too. Look out for a quality item and you won't go far wrong. The one we've picked is made by hand from tough steel. It's built to last and can smoke multiple things at once. It comes with adjustable vents at the top and bottom so you can control the smoke well. It even features handy extras like adjustable shelves, food hooks and hangers, and a handy a storage compartment. Classic good looks complete the picture.
To keep your garden smoker in the best condition, coat it with vegetable oil once it has cooled down. This'll help stop rust.Â
FAQs on Food Smokers
A food smoker cooks and flavours food using low heat and smoke. It works by:
- Burning wood chips, pellets, or charcoal to create smoke
- Slow-cooking meat, fish, or vegetables over time
- Infusing a distinct smoky flavour based on the wood type used
Common types include:
- Charcoal smokers: Traditional and widely used, offering rich flavour
- Electric smokers: Easy to use with digital controls
- Gas smokers: Heat via propane with wood chips for smoke
- Pellet smokers: Use compressed wood pellets for both heat and smoke
- Smoke boxes: Small boxes used inside BBQs to add smoky flavour
Different wood types offer different flavours:
- Hickory: Strong, smoky – great for pork and ribs
- Applewood: Mild and fruity – ideal for poultry and fish
- Mesquite: Bold and earthy – best for beef or game
- Cherry: Sweet and light – great for all meats
Soaking is optional:
- Soaked chips: Burn slower and produce more smoke, ideal for long sessions
- Dry chips: Ignite faster and give more intense smoke over a shorter period
Smoking is a slow cooking process:
- Poultry: 3–5 hours depending on size
- Ribs: 4–6 hours
- Brisket: 8–12+ hours
- Fish: 1–3 hours
Yes – just follow basic safety and placement rules:
- Place it on a flat, non-combustible surface
- Keep it away from overhangs, fences, and dry plants
- Ensure good airflow to manage smoke dispersion
Regular cleaning helps preserve flavour and safety:
- Empty ash and used wood after each use
- Clean cooking grates with a wire brush
- Wipe down interior and drip tray periodically
- Hot smoking: Cooks food while flavouring it – typically done at 90–120°C
- Cold smoking: Flavours without cooking – done below 30°C and requires pre-cooked or cured food