12 best hot and cold smoked smokers
Smoking technology has been known for more than one century. Products that have undergone such processing receive a unique taste and aroma. Several decades ago, craftsmen made smokehouses with their own hands, passing knowledge and drawings from hand to hand. The devices were inconvenient and covered the entire surrounding area with smoke.
The producers decided to answer the request of lovers of non-trivial recipes and created industrial samples of smokehouses. Now everyone can buy a device in a store and enjoy a delicious product free of harmful impurities used in stores. We present to your attention a rating of the best smokehouses.
What to look for when choosing a smokehouse
The choice should be approached responsibly so as not to end up with a smokehouse that cannot be used for a number of reasons. Basic moments:
Smokehouse type - depends on where exactly it will be used. On the market there are: electric (suitable for smoking inside an apartment or indoor premises in a house), gas - volcanic stones are used, heated with gas (difficult to find in stores), coal - it is better to use it outdoors. Users note that the woody type is the most successful - the products in such a smokehouse acquire a unique aroma and color.
Working chamber size - industrial and domestic. If you need to “process” a large number of products, it is better to choose the industrial version.
Device mobility - stationary and mobile (can be transported). Stationary options are suitable for residents of private houses, and mobile options are more convenient for those who take a smokehouse with them to their dacha or nature and take it back.
Smoking temperature - cold, hot, semi-hot. The difference in smokers lies in the temperature of the smoke used to process the food and in the terms of its further storage.
Body material - cast iron, stainless steel or heat-resistant steel. The optimal material is stainless steel. Cast iron is too heavy, stationary options are made from it, and heat-resistant steel is short-lived. Of particular importance is the wall thickness of the case.
The rating contains models that take into account all the above points and successfully combine price and quality.
The best manufacturers of smokehouses
Time-tested manufacturers and newcomers are always represented on the market of any goods, who are trying to earn credibility or simply attract buyers to the brand with a low cost. It is better to trust sellers whose products have already been tested by users, have positive reviews, and can be repaired in certified centers.
At the moment, on the smokehouse market, manufacturers are most trusted by:
- Alder smoke - Russian-made smokehouses. The company offers the manufacture of food processing appliances according to individual projects;
- Smoke Dymych Is another domestic producer of cold smoked smokehouses. The products are characterized by small dimensions, neat assembly and optimum power. Provided with a two-year warranty;
- Grillux smoky - a company from St. Petersburg produces smokehouses of different price segments, which are highly valued among tourists, hunters and fishermen.
The best hot smoked smokehouses
The technology of processing products with very hot aromatic smoke is the fastest. They are a device in the form of a cylinder or rectangle with lattices or mesh bases, on which the prepared for smoking is placed. The design can be completely sealed or have a smoke exhaust hose.
Alder smoke Profi 500 * 300 * 300
A good option for fast food preparation.The model is equipped with a water seal, suitable for outdoor and indoor use. A smoke outlet is provided on the body, on which a silicone tube is put on for output to the outside. Execution material - stainless steel. The inner chamber is spacious enough to cook large products - pieces of meat, whole chicken. The drip tray for accumulated grease is easy to clean as it is made of a special alloy.
Buyers note the inconvenience of moving a hot smokehouse - there is no heat insulation on the handles.
PROS:
- the body is resistant to deformation and corrosion;
- the presence of a water seal;
- seams are made by special welding;
- bunk inner chamber;
- tray for fat made of copper;
- versatility of barbecuing.
MINUSES:
- inconvenient lattices on which it is difficult to place small pieces;
- difficult to place directly on coals - no stand.
Forester C823
Compact device - the smokehouse can be taken on a hike or to a summer cottage. The set includes two grids, a built-in thermometer allows you to control the process without opening the lid. Manufacturing material - steel with heat-resistant painting (limit up to 700 degrees). The case has handles for carrying, and special latches will prevent accidental opening of the lid.
Users note that the smokehouse is ideal for nature lovers. It does not take up much space, which is already very important to save on travel.
PROS:
- built-in thermometer on the lid;
- heat resistant coating;
- small size;
- two types of lattices;
- a tray in which the melted fat drips.
MINUSES:
- fogging of the thermometer;
- thin material of the handles.
Grillux Smoky proof, 48x22x28.5 cm
The model has a simple design. The depth of the bowl is 16 cm, the gratings are arranged in two tiers. This volume is enough to cook food for 2-3 people at a time. Made from steel sheets. There is a water seal, there is no smoke exhaust pipe.
PROS:
- simple construction;
- low price;
- convenient to carry;
- water seal;
- well-thought-out system of smokehouse grates.
MINUSES:
- thin walls;
- no drip tray for melted fat.
The best cold smoked smokehouses
Cold smokers use chilled smoke. Its temperature rarely rises above 40 degrees. It is necessary to pay attention to the power of the compressor, the thickness and material of the smokehouse, the volume of the smoking compartment, the possibility of autonomously maintaining the generation of smoke.
The device of such smokers is more complicated, since they often work throughout the day. Industrial devices consisting of a smoke generator with a compressor, a corrugated pipe (allows you to cool the heated smoke), a smoking chamber.
Merkel Optima
Merkel Optima is supplied with a tank for fuel - chips, briquettes. Carcinogens, soot and ash released in the process are screened out and deposited in a special tank. Case material - stainless steel, wall thickness 2 mm.
The design of the smokehouse is collapsible. Ash can be removed using a removable tray. The cover is made of wood, excluding burns and other troubles.
Customers note that the Merkel Optima has a successful tray-shaped cooler design, increased (up to 12%) efficiency in comparison with other models.
PROS:
- autonomous smoke generation time - up to 8 hours;
- barrier cleaning system;
- smokehouse warranty - 10 years;
- automatic equipment for maintaining the temperature;
- the smoke generator does not go out arbitrarily.
MINUSES:
- the need for frequent manual condensate removal.
UZBI Dym Dymych 01B
The letter "B" in the model name speaks of a large smoking container - 50 liters. The body material is cold-rolled steel coated with hammer enamel, which reliably protects against corrosion. A distinctive feature - the buyer can make another smoking container and connect the device to it.
The manufacturer gives a guarantee for the smokehouse - 12 months. The device should only be used in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Buyers note that sometimes difficulties may arise with setting fire to wood chips.
PROS:
- large smoking chamber;
- the ability to connect to another camera;
- ease of assembly;
- high power air pump;
- long connecting hose.
MINUSES:
- a plastic case in which the compressor is located.
UZBI Dym Dymych 02
Smokehouse model UZBI Dym Dymych 02 is an improved version of the previous one. It has a design: a smoke generator connected by a hose to a smoking chamber (50 liters). The generator does not have a fan, but has a compressor that provides excellent thrust.
All devices in total are about 7 kg. Smoking takes place at a temperature not exceeding 35 degrees, which allows you to kill all pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms in the prepared food.
PROS:
- high power compressor;
- small size and weight;
- adjustable compressor power;
- the possibility of using another chamber in the smokehouse;
- polymer coated walls for safe cooking.
MINUSES:
- no stand;
- thin wall material.
The best stainless steel smokehouses for summer cottages
Summer residents should choose mobile versions of smokehouses made of stainless steel and having thick walls. Such units undergo frequent assembly and disassembly procedures and should not take up much space. Most often, summer residents prefer hot smokehouses, since the end result is ready after a short time.
Alder smoke Fortune 400 * 250 * 200
Model of high-quality assembly, body material - stainless steel. The construction is simple: steel box, food grids, lid. Wall thickness 2 mm, weight about 20 kg. The type of smoking is hot, wood chips are used as fuel.
Feature - a triangular-shaped cover for efficient drainage of condensate. Thus, it does not fall on the food and does not flow from the lid when it is lifted. There is a water seal.
Buyers note that there is an opportunity to independently improve the design by installing a thermometer and pens.
PROS:
- convenient shape of the lid for draining condensate;
- durable material;
- two-level lattices;
- well suited for barbecue;
- tray for fat.
MINUSES:
- no thermometer;
- uncomfortable unpaired smokehouse handle.
Grillux Smoky Boom 53.6x28.8x31.6 cm
The simple design of the hot smoked smokehouse with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm allows it to be one of the most inexpensive in the category. Weight approx. 14 kg. Completeness: two grids, removable drip tray, cover to protect against damage.
The grids can be installed on two levels, which will allow you to cook food in the smokehouse for a company of up to 7 people. If you remove the lid, the smokehouse can turn into a brazier or grill. Legs are not provided by the design.
Buyers note that the smokehouse model is lightweight and easy to transport. Many are unhappy that there is no protective case for this price.
PROS:
- low cost;
- the versatility of using the smokehouse;
- ease of cleaning;
- high-quality assembly;
- large volume;
- two levels of grates.
MINUSES:
- no stand;
- there is no case included.
PALISAD 69528, 42x27x17.5 cm
The most simple and inexpensive tourist model of a smokehouse. PALISAD 69528 is very light (2.5 kg), but the wall thickness is 0.5 mm. The grilles are placed in two tiers, there is no water seal.
The smoker does not have a tray to collect the melted fat. Coal or wood is used as fuel. The device will not allow you to cook goodies for a large company, but it can easily fit in a travel backpack or bag.
Buyers note that the walls of the smokehouse are made of thin material, therefore, over time, they deform from high temperatures, the lid begins to fit poorly.
PROS:
- compactness;
- light weight;
- low price;
- two rows of gratings.
MINUSES:
- no water seal;
- in the smokehouse, fat falls on the coals due to the lack of a special tray.
The best electric smokehouses for home smoking
Electric smokehouses are an excellent choice for those who want to pamper themselves with delicious homemade products without leaving the countryside. The buyer does not need to constantly monitor the temperature, to prepare for the process for a long time. Home options for electric smokehouses are designed for a one-time laying of up to 5 kg.
Suitable for hot and cold smoking (depending on the model of the device). Often, such smokehouses look like expensive home appliances, equipped with a set of additional functions that facilitate operation.
Muurikka Electric 1100 W
The model of the smokehouse is made in the form of a cylinder, the material is high-quality stainless steel. Ergonomic wooden handles are located on the body, which greatly simplifies the transportation process. The set includes a grill grate, a grease tray.
Smokehouse Muurikka is a versatile device. It can become a simple stove in which you can cook without smoke. Wood chips or pressed briquettes are suitable as fuel. Suitable for year-round use.
PROS:
- light weight (5 kg);
- versatility;
- body material;
- removable handles;
- two pallets - for fat and shavings;
- low cost.
MINUSES:
- low power;
- one lattice.
Anuka electric
The uniqueness of the device is its versatility - you can cook pies, pizza, etc. The device consists of a cast aluminum base with a non-stick coating. The heating element is hot smoke, heating it up to 190 degrees.
The tight cover prevents the ingress of oxygen and the ignition of smoldering chips. The smokehouse has a thermometer and an automatic shutdown function.
PROS:
- consumes little electricity (power 500 W);
- auto-off function;
- easy cleaning;
- two-level chrome grille;
- easy transportation;
- stable legs;
- recipe book included.
MINUSES:
- high price.
Alvin Ecu
Small vertical model of a smoker, well suited for home-smoked products. Adjustable power (300-750 W). Can be used on an open fire. Material - stainless steel with a safe powder coating to protect against corrosion and mechanical damage.
The set includes three levels of mesh bases for storing food. It is positioned as the best model of an electric smokehouse for indoor use.
Users note that this is the best smokehouse model for this price. The walls are made of 0.8 mm steel, so they deform over time.
PROS:
- low cost;
- ease of use;
- fast cooking process;
- open burning can be used.
MINUSES:
- powder coating burns and gives off an odor;
- over time, the tightness is broken and smoke pours out.
Which smoker is better to choose
Before buying a smokehouse, you need to decide what type of smoking the future owner prefers and how the device will most often be used. For example, if the goal is frequent trips to nature or fishing, a stainless steel model with low weight and low cost will do. In an apartment or other room, electrical models have proven themselves well, they can be used all year round.
A thoughtfully purchased smokehouse will not give the buyer the opportunity to regret the choice made. Home-smoked products will delight you with naturalness, the absence of carcinogens, soot and burnt sawdust. All the described smokehouses use special wood chips as fuel, sold in almost all stores.
The rating includes models that have proven themselves in the market and have many positive reviews. In each category, options for any wallet size are considered, we hope this will help you make the right choice.
