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While summer is an ideal time to fire up your smoker, you don't have to wait until it is balmy outside to invest in one. In fact, during the winter off-season, you can find sales and deals on smokers at popular retailers such as Kohl's, Amazon, Walmart and Target, to name a few. Right now, for example, Amazon has discounts on select smokers such as 23 percent off the highly-rated Realcook Vertical 17-inch steel charcoal smoker.

SKIP AHEAD How to shop for smokers

And with Covid-19 cases increasing this winter, you can smoke your meats and fish from the safety and comfort of your backyard. As you spend more time at home to help curb the spread of coronavirus, let smoking and time perfect your recipe on slower, lazier weekend days, especially if you live somewhere with a milder winter. To help you figure out if a smoker is right for you and where you should begin the process of buying a smoker, we consulted cooking experts on shopping tips regarding the best smokers out right now.

“Those who love the unique flavor profiles in Southern food should really consider purchasing a smoker. It really brings out a unique flavor profile in the meat that is unmatched,” said Javier Chavez, owner and executive chef of Kitchen Table and Kitchen Table Squared in Nevada. “The smokiness adds another layer of flavor to the meat, just like adding salt and pepper — but it goes way beyond that.”

Grab a beer and kick your feet up — let it go low and slow.

Max Hardy, Owner and Head Chef, Coop Detroit

Since smokers can provide heavy smoke flavor in a low heat environment, they offer something that grills just can’t emulate. Depending on the type of smoker you’re looking for, these are the top picks, according to the experts we consulted.

The Weber Smokey line is the top pick for Max Hardy, owner and head chef of Coop Detroit because it meets all of the needs for both the professional and amateur smoker. The 14-inch version is the smallest of the three, making it ideal for delicious barbecue even when you’re away from your backyard. This portable charcoal smoker comes with a cover, plated steel cooking grates, rust-resistant metal legs and a built-in lid thermometer. You can also order the 18-inch smoker if you want more room to cook up your meats, although it'll cost you an additional $110 while the 22-inch smoker will set you back an extra $210.

Although the Big Green Egg is at a higher price point than other at-home smokers, “these ceramic cookers are almost a must for any backyard kitchen,” explained Jonathan Fox of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Many agree that this versatile ceramic kamado-style charcoal grill is worth the investment with its ability to grill, roast, smoke, bake and sear. Plus, with a lifetime warranty, you don’t have to worry about rust or how it holds up to the elements. The seven different sizes to accommodate different yard spaces all share the innovative egg-shape design, but the most popular is the Large, which can cook 12 burgers, six chickens vertically and seven racks of ribs vertically.

While The Big Green Egg can be purchased in stores, it's not sold online. A similar product, the Kamado Joe Classic I, can be shipped to your home, however. It smokes meat starting at 225 degrees and can cook food up to 750 degrees. There is also a slide-out drawer, which makes cleanup easy.

The Masterbuilt Pro is one of the most widely used and versatile brands out there on the market, according to Chavez. This straight-forward electric smoker is ideal for those getting started and features four chrome-coated smoking racks, a side wood chip loading system and digital controls. All you have to do is plug it in, sit back and get ready to enjoy the final product without having to worry about charcoal or propane.

Don’t let the size of this pellet smoker mislead you, said Gina Ferwerd, recipe developer, food blogger behind Nom News and author of “Meals from the Mitten.” Not only can it fit a surprising amount of meat, it’s also equipped with a smart Wi-Fi and Proportional, Integral, Derivative (PID) controller, which automatically maintains the cooking temperature. “The Wi-Fi allows me to know the temperature and let's me know when to flip or take the meat off through the Camp Chef App,” she said. “Once I set the temperature, the PID controller regulates the automation of feeding the pellets to add more heat or restricts the pellets if the temperature is up to par. It basically does all of the work for you.”

With four vents and a capsule shape, this charcoal smoker can easily convert from slow and low heat into a fiery grill. Bill Espiricueta, executive chef and owner of Smōk, recommended this portable cast aluminum grill and smoker combo that easily detaches from its stand to make traveling with it a breeze. “It’s so well made, easy to transport and doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that just end up confusing some home grillers,” he said.

This six-in-one pellet grill gives backyard pitmasters the ability to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and bbq. With WiFIRE Technology that allows you to monitor and adjust the grill anywhere, this Wi-Fi pellet grill is a sophisticated model that allows you to both sear and cook low and slow with impressive results. With a hopper capacity of 20 pounds (complete with a pellet system), adjustable two-tier grate system and 885 square inches of cooking space, you can enjoy the equivalent of ten chickens, seven racks of ribs or nine pork butts for a wood-fired backyard feast.

Whether you’re using this as a “set-it-and-forget-it” smoker for traditional smoking or want to switch to a high-heat charcoal grill, the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker is both versatile and compact. The unique “Hook and Hang” design smokes food vertically so juices drip down the cooking chamber and onto coals, infusing extra flavor into the smoke. The 30-gallon steel drum cooker is 18.5 inches and made from 18 gauge steel with a porcelain enamel coating.

Gas grills simply don’t bring out the robust flavors compared to smoking or charcoal grills, Chavez noted. “The smoking aspect really brings a different flavor profile, especially because you can choose what type of wood that you want to smoke,” he said. “Oakwood, cherry wood and mesquite wood achieve three different flavors, flavors that you won't find when using a charcoal grill.” But being able to cook low and slow over a flavored heat source isn’t the only difference between a gas grill, charcoal grill and smoker, according to Jim Mumford of Jim Cooks Food Good and Brand Ambassador for Johnsonville. Here’s a basic way to understand their differences:

The main benefit of a smoker is that you achieve maximum flavor from your food and it’s healthier, said Hardy. However, a major drawback to some is that you must put some time aside because it takes longer to smoke meat properly. “You also have to continue checking the smoker and making sure your temperature is consistent for even smoking. Grab a beer and kick your feet up — let it go low and slow,” he said.

The first order of business in finding the right smoker for you is deciding which type you want. For novices, pellet smokers have become increasingly popular on the market, according to Fox. “These smokers are almost ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ cookers that give you low and slow cooking and flavor without the work,” he said. “This is a good way to get your feet wet in barbecue.” However, there is a range of heat source options and smoker styles to be aware of before making your decision.

The biggest thing a person should consider when buying a smoker is the fuel source, said Mumford, because each heating element brings with it distinct advantages and drawbacks.

In addition to different heat sources you also have your choice of smoker styles, Mumford explained:

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Lauren Levy is a contributor with work published on The Knot, PopSugar, CafeMom, Mom.com, Bridal Guide and Care.com.

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