How Much Do You Really Need To Spend On A BBQ Smoker?

If you enjoy watching professional TV chefs prepare barbecue, or just love the flavor of an expertly crafted brisket, you might wish you could emulate the techniques used to make top-notch smoked meats. If you're in the market for a BBQ smoker, you might wonder what kind of smoker you need and how much it costs to purchase quality equipment to prepare a good barbecue. To answer these questions, Michael Hidalgo, director of pro sales at BBQGuys, spoke exclusively to Chowhound to break down the information you need to purchase the best BBQ smoker to fit your budget and your culinary needs.

BBQ smokers for home use range in price and style, with costs varying from a couple hundred dollars into the thousands depending on features and quality. As a home chef, you might consider how to choose a BBQ smoker that fits your budget. The wonderful thing is, you don't have to break the bank to start preparing BBQ at home, and you can still make tender smoked brisket. "A home cook can find a solid entry-level smoker starting around $100. At that price point, you're typically looking at a basic electric model that, with a little practice, can turn out impressive results," Michael Hidalgo related.

If you'd like a cost-friendly way to learn the basics of BBQ, pairing an inexpensive smoker model with an affordable Aldi brisket can help you learn how to smoke meat.

Michael Hidalgo explained that higher-priced BBQ smokers are often built better and have additional features that can make smoking easier. "Higher-end smokers often use thicker-gauge steel and more stainless components, which improves heat retention and durability. You'll also get more precise temperature control, digital displays, built-in meat probes, and even Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring," Hidalgo explained. Some brands might help you avoid over-smoking barbecue meats with their offering of better temperature controls.

Another thing to consider is the style of smoker to purchase, whether a charcoal, electric, or pellet smoker. "When it comes to flavor, there's not a dramatic difference between electric, pellet, and wood smokers for most people. Charcoal, especially when combined with wood chips, tends to deliver a deeper, more traditional smoky flavor which is personally, my favorite," Michael Hidalgo said. Some brands can run between approximately $150 and $400 for a quality charcoal smoker, which offer a more hands-on cooking experience. "Electric and pellet smokers are by far the most user-friendly," Hidalgo explained, making them "a great choice for beginners or anyone who values predictability in their cook." Some of the better yet still affordable pellet smokers can cost between approximately $400 and $500, depending on where you buy it.

If you want to upgrade your smoker or would like to purchase a higher-end model, there are some considerations to help you decide if it is worth the extra cost. It also depends on how often you use your smoker. "If you're smoking regularly, whether it's every weekend or for large gatherings, a higher-end model with better build quality and more features is worth the investment. These models tend to last longer and offer more consistent performance over time," Hidalgo said. "On the other hand," Hidalgo mentioned, "if you're just getting started, a more affordable smoker should do the trick."