If you are looking for a way to make your Thanksgiving turkey more delicious and juicier, consider smoking it outdoors. Smoking a turkey is not as hard as it sounds, and it can give your bird a wonderful flavor and aroma that will impress your guests.
But how do you choose the best outdoor smoker for turkey? There are many types and models of smokers available, and each one has its own pros and cons. In this article review, we will review some of the best outdoor smokers for turkey that you can buy in 2023 and give you some tips on how to use them.
Types of Outdoor Smokers
There are four main types of outdoor smokers that you can use for turkey: charcoal, gas, electric, and pellet. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, preference, and skill level.
Charcoal Smokers
Charcoal smokers are the most traditional and popular type of smokers around, and they use charcoal as the fuel source. Charcoal smokers produce a lot of smoke and heat, which gives the turkey a rich and smoky flavor. However, they also require more attention and maintenance, as you need to monitor the temperature, add more charcoal, and control the airflow. Charcoal smokers are also messier and more expensive to use than other types of smokers.
Gas Fueled Smokers
These are smokers that use propane or natural gas as the fuel source. Gas smokers are easy to use and control, as they have a thermostat that regulates the temperature. They also produce less ash and smoke than charcoal smokers, which makes them cleaner and more convenient. However, gas smokers also produce less flavor than charcoal smokers, as they burn cleaner and hotter. Gas smokers are also more expensive to buy than charcoal smokers, and they depend on the supply of a gas source.
Electric Smokers
Electric smokers are smokers that use electricity as the fuel source. Electric smokers are the easiest and most convenient type of smokers to use. They usually offer a digital controller that sets the temperature and time. Plus they produce consistent results and require minimal supervision. However, electric smokers also make the least flavorful food than other types of smokers, as they generate less smoke and heat. Electric smokers are also more expensive to buy than charcoal or gas smokers, and they depend on the availability of electricity.
Pellet Smokers
Pellet smokers use wood pellets as the fuel source. Pellet smokers are similar to electric smokers in terms of ease of use and convenience, as they have a digital controller that sets the temperature and time. They also produce a better flavor than electric or gas smokers, as they generate more smoke and heat from the wood pellets. However, pellet smokers are also more expensive to buy than other types of smokers, and they depend on the availability of wood pellets.
Vertical vs Horizontal Smokers
When looking for a new smoker, you might be wondering what’s better: vertical or horizontal smoker. Both types have their pros and cons, depending on your preferences, budget, and cooking style. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between them:
Vertical (upright) smokers
Vertical smokers are more compact and use less fuel than horizontal smokers. They also tend to produce more moist and tender meat, as the juices drip down and create steam inside the chamber. However, vertical smokers have less cooking space and can be harder to control the temperature and airflow.
Horizontal Smokers
Horizontal smokers are more spacious and offer more versatility in terms of cooking methods. You can use them as a grill, a roaster, or a smoker, depending on how you set up the fire and the vents. They also allow for easier access to the food and more even heat distribution.
However, horizontal smokers are more expensive and consume more fuel than vertical smokers. They also tend to dry out the meat more, unless you use a water pan or spray the food regularly.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the best smoker for you depends on your personal preference and needs. You can make delicious barbecue with either type of smoker, as long as you master the basics of smoking: choosing the right wood or fuel, maintaining a consistent temperature, and knowing when the meat is done.
Our Top 5 Vertical Smokers
If you’re looking for the best vertical smokers to make some delicious barbecue, you have come to the right place. We have reviewed and ranked the top-rated vertical smokers based on their performance, durability, features, and price. Here are our picks for the top smokers you can choose from:
#1 – Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
This classic smoker has a porcelain-enameled body that retains heat and moisture, and a built-in thermometer that lets you monitor the temperature. It also has two cooking grates that can fit a whole turkey and a ham at the same time. It’s easy to use and clean, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. Smoker is also available in 3 different sizes: 14.5-inch, 18-inch (shown), and 22-inch.
$454.80
$419.00
4.31 out of 5 stars
Weber 18" Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker, Black
Experience the authentic flavor of smoked meats with the Weber 18" Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker in Black
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#2 – Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric 4-Rack Smoker
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker is electrically powered with an easy-to-use analog dial. Simply plug in your smoker and set your temperature up to 275°F to begin smoking your favorite foods. The vertical body design allows heat and smoke to circulate evenly, leaving you with tender meats and flavorful veggies. Spacious vertical design that fits up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs. Includes Woodchip loader and tray that adds delicious smoky flavor to food. Also available in a larger 40-Inch model.
$288.51
$212.49
4.58 out of 5 stars
Masterbuilt Digital Electric 30" Smoker - MB20071117
Enhance Your Outdoor Cooking Experience with the Masterbuilt Digital Electric 30" Smoker
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#3 – Pit Barrel 18.5″ Classic Cooker
This smoker is designed to be simple and effective. It has a steel drum that creates a convection-style cooking environment, and eight stainless steel hooks that can hang different cuts of meat. It also has a charcoal basket that can hold enough fuel for up to 12 hours of smoking, and a removable ash pan for easy cleanup. It comes with everything you need to start smoking, including a grill grate, a coal basket, 2 hanging rods, 8 hooks and a hook remover tool.
$125.00
4.3 out of 5 stars
Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package - 18.5 Inch
Explore the versatility of the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package in 18.5 inches today!
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#4 – Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
This smoker has a unique design that allows the smoke to flow upwards and create a more even distribution of heat and flavor. It has six adjustable cooking grates with 1,890 square inches of total cooking space that can accommodate up to 150 pounds of food, and a large wood/charcoal chamber that can burn for hours without refilling. It also has a removable ash pan and a steel smokestack with an adjustable flue.
4.96 out of 5 stars
Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker - Black
Perfect your outdoor cooking with the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker in Black
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#5 – Realcook 17″ HD Round Vertical BBQ Charcoal Smoker
This versatile smoker lets you cook different kinds of food at the same time, thanks to its four-layer design. Use it as a grill, a barbecue, a steamer, or a smoker. It is made of durable steel with a heat-resistant coating that can withstand high temperatures. It has 2 access doors for easy charcoal and water adding, and a built-in thermometer for precise temperature control. The package includes 2 cooking grids, a crossbar, and 4 hooks for hanging meat or fish. Whether you want to smoke ribs, chicken, turkey, salmon, or cheese, the Realcook smoker will give you delicious results every time.
$99.99
4.93 out of 5 stars
Realcook 17" Steel Charcoal Smoker - BBQ Grill
Experience the Ultimate Flavor with the Realcook 17" Steel Charcoal Smoker BBQ Grill
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Our Top 5 Horizontal Smokers
If you are looking for the best horizontal smokers on the market, you have come to the right place. We have reviewed and ranked the top-rated horizontal smokers based on their performance, durability, features, and price. Here are our picks for the best horizontal smokers of the year.
#1 – PK Grills PK 360 Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The PK Grills PK 360 has a unique capsule shape that allows for direct and indirect cooking, as well as high and low temperatures. Cast aluminum construction that is rust-proof and easy to clean. It also features a four-point venting system that gives you precise control over airflow and heat. Offers a spacious cooking area of 360 square inches, enough to fit up to 10 burgers or two whole chickens. The grill also comes with a detachable pedestal stand that makes it easy to transport and store. A great choice for anyone who loves grilling and smoking with charcoal and wants a reliable and portable device that can handle any outdoor cooking challenge.
$899.99
4.83 out of 5 stars
PK360 Charcoal BBQ Grill Smoker for Outdoor Cooking
Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking Experience with the PK360 Charcoal BBQ Grill Smoker
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#2 – Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Smoker Grill
The Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Smoker Grill has a massive 950 square inch cooking area that can fit up to 38 burgers at once. It also has a warming rack, a bottom storage shelf, and front and side shelves for extra convenience. The cast iron cooking grates, the adjustable fire grate, and the dual dampers allow you to control the temperature and the smoke level with ease. Easy dump ash pan makes cleaning up a breeze. It is made of heavy-duty steel with a powder coating finish for durability and style. The Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Smoker Grill is the grill of choice for professionals and backyard enthusiasts who love to cook with charcoal.
$279.14
4.78 out of 5 stars
Char-Griller® Outlaw Charcoal Grill Smoker with Premium Features
Upgrade your outdoor cooking game with the Char-Griller® Outlaw Charcoal Grill Smoker and its premium features
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#3 – Captiva Designs Heavy Duty Outdoor Charcoal Smoker Grill
The Captiva Designs Heavy Duty Outdoor Charcoal Smoker Grill can handle both smoking and grilling, allowing you to prepare a variety of delicious dishes. It has a total cooking area of 941 square inches, enough to accommodate up to 20 burgers at once. The grill also features a built-in thermometer, an adjustable charcoal pan, a side firebox, and a warming rack. The Smoker Grill is made of sturdy steel with a powder-coated finish, ensuring long-lasting performance and easy cleaning. Whether you want to smoke ribs, grill steaks, or roast vegetables, this grill can do it all.
$579.99
$440.99
4.49 out of 5 stars
Captiva Designs Heavy Duty Charcoal Smoker and Grill
Craft delicious, smoked BBQ creations with our durable charcoal smoker and grill from Captiva Designs
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#4 – Royal Gourmet CC1830FG Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830FG Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker has a spacious cooking area of 800 square inches, which can accommodate up to 10 burgers at once. The offset smoker box can be used to add extra flavor and aroma to your grilled dishes, or to prepare low and slow barbecue. The grill features a porcelain-coated steel wire grate, an adjustable charcoal pan, a lid-mounted thermometer, and a front table for convenience. The grill also has two wheels for easy mobility and a bottom shelf for storage. The Royal Gourmet Smoker Grill is easy to assemble and use, and it will make your outdoor cooking more enjoyable and delicious.
$150.99
4.28 out of 5 stars
Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover
Perfect for all your outdoor cooking needs with added protection
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#5 – Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker
The Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker elevates the classic smoking experience. A large-capacity smoker built with versatility in mind, featuring optional smokestack locations and removable baffles that allows you to choose between reverse flow smoking for even heat and smoke distribution, or traditional offset smoking. Made from heavy-gauge steel, it promises durability and reliability. Primary cooking space of 751 square inches and a secondary space of 309 square inches, it offers ample room for large cuts of meat. Smoker also includes a professional temperature gauge for accurate monitoring, a large charcoal basket for efficient burning, and large wagon-style wheels for easy mobility. It's equipped with cool-touch handles for safety and a bottom shelf to keep cooking utensils and extra fuel handy. Smoker is backed by a 2-year warranty on all parts.
$749.00
4.56 out of 5 stars
Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Smoker - Authentic Flavor
Experience the Authentic Flavor of Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Smoker with this top-notch outdoor cooking essential
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Top Smokers Summary
These are our pick of the top-rated outdoor smokers that you can buy today. They are durable, easy to use, and produce delicious smoked food. Whether you prefer vertical or horizontal, there is a smoker right for you. So don’t wait any longer and order yours now and be ready for Turkey Day. You won’t regret it!
