Outdoor smokers have recently risen in popularity due to their versatility and ease of use. Many smoking enthusiasts put a lot of time and money into their craft, but it is possible to purchase a top-notch outdoor smoker without breaking the bank. Some of our favorite smokers are available for purchase through links on our website, but like with anything, each model has its advantages and disadvantages.
Here are 3 of Our Favorite Outdoor Smokers
Smoker #1: Big Green Egg
The Big Green Egg is an incredibly versatile appliance. Known as the “ultimate cooking experience,” this smoker comes in a variety of sizes and price points. The Big Green Egg utilizes an all natural cooking method that was inspired by a 3rd century Chinese civilization: the Qin Dynasty.
The Big Green Egg most closely resembles the early ovens found throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. In fact, many early civilizations cooked their meat in rounded, dome shaped ovens that trapped the smoke and the heat from the fire. This method of cooking has remained popular for hundreds if not thousands of years. It really started to take hold in America immediately following World War II and today, this easy to use method of cooking can be yours with the purchase of a Big Green Egg.
Present day models of the Big Green Egg are ceramic, with a vent cap and a draft door that can be adjusted for varying temperatures. The Big Green Egg is great for slow smoking as well as a quick searing at high temperatures. The signature green glaze is meant to withstand the elements, so your Big Green Egg will be ready to use for years to come.
Smoker #2: Traeger Wood Pellet Grills
Traeger’s products take full advantage of the “set it and forget it” method of cooking. Fill your smoker with hardwood pellets, adjust the temperature, and then sit back and wait for your food to finish cooking. The beauty of a smoker such as the Traeger Wood Pellet Grill is that the heat is evenly distributed within the grill, producing perfectly cooked cuts of meat with very little effort. The smokey taste combined with the meat’s natural flavors makes this smoked meat a perfect complement to any meal. Each type of hardwood produces a unique smokey flavor, so try out a few different combinations and see which one is your favorite.
Smoker #3: Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Series
Unlike Traeger’s line of products, Weber’s collection of smokers and other grills focuses on charcoal grilling rather than cooking with hardwood pellets. Weber’s Smokey Mountain Cooker Series includes a selection of smokers that come in 3 sizes, ranging from 14” to 22”.
What Should I Cook in My Outdoor Smoker?
Outdoor smokers are a surprisingly affordable way to expand your options for dinner. You can prepare any number of things in your outdoor smoker, but keep reading to learn about some of our favorite foods to cook in our outdoor smokers. Some of our favorite recipes are Bourbon Smoked Chicken, smoked oysters, pork chops, and other smoked meats.
Bourbon Smoked Chicken
Baste your chicken with butter and whiskey to create a unique, flavorful combination. We recommend using whiskey barrel chips to smoke the chicken. These type of chips can be found in most gourmet and grill shops and will help to enhance the flavors of the marinade. This chicken will come out moist and flavorful, sure to please all of your dinner guests.
Smoked Oysters
Oysters can be smoked on the grill until they are perfectly poached but not dry or overcooked. This method of cooking helps to preserve as much of the oysters’ natural juices as possible, making this a delicious and healthy way to cook oysters. This cooking method eliminates the strong, oily taste that comes along with canned oysters, instead focusing on the natural saltiness of the shellfish.
Smoked Pork Chops
We recommend using a combination of charcoal and applewood chips when smoking pork chops. This combination, along with a BBQ sauce glaze, will result in easy to make pork chops with a winning combination of flavors.
Pork, chicken, and beef are all delicious when properly smoked. Rub any cut of meat with 1 tablespoon per pound of all-purpose spice rub and enjoy a simple, delicious cut of smoked meat. Fish, oysters, and other shellfish are also great when slow cooked in a smoker. Take a look at the smokers listed on the Armand’s Discount website so that you, too, can include delicious smoked meats in your weekly meal plan. Or better yet, come in and view them in person. Our team would love to answer any of your questions!