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Smoking food is a great way to impart flavor, but also preserve food for longer, extending the refrigerator life of smoked seafood and meat anywhere from a few days to a few weeks (and months in the freezer).

The best BBQ smoker for you depends on the convenience you seek. You can get a barrel smoker, which will require regular hands-on tending of firewood, or you can buy a pellet grill which you can monitor and tend from your smartphone.

In between, there are charcoal, electric (sans pellets), and propane smokers. The thing to keep in mind when purchasing one is how much time you want to spend hunched over or standing beside it and how smokey you really want your food. "They're all great options," said Steven Raichlen, creator of Barbecue University, Project Smoke, and countless grilling cookbooks. Read about how we tested the best BBQ smokers here.

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Best BBQ smoker overall: Traeger Pro 575, $899.99 at Traeger If you're going to buy just one grill for barbecuing, Traeger's Pro 575 is a tank built to maintain perfect temperature and last well over a decade.

Best versatile BBQ smoker: Camp Chef Woodwind Wifi 24, $899.99 at Camp Chef Camp Chef's Woodwind WiFi lets you monitor your grill from inside, and it's compatible with many attachments.

Best upgrade BBQ smoker: Traeger Ironwood 650, $1,399.95 at Home Depot Traeger's Ironwood 650 Wood Pellet Grill with Wi-Fi is the best designed and most even-heating pellet grill we've tried.

Best charcoal BBQ smoker: Weber 18" Smokey Mountain, $419 at Ace Hardware Weber's 18" Smokey Mountain has the same timeless and sturdy design as its Original Kettle, only better-equipped for smoking.

Best propane BBQ smoker: Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker, $170.24 Cuisinart's 36" Vertical Propane Smoker is easy to use, maintains steady heat, and fits anywhere a mini fridge would.

Best electric BBQ smoker: Masterbuilt 30" Electric Smoker, $279 at Lowe's Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker operates with nothing but electricity and wood chips, and is as easy and predictable as smoking gets.

If you're going to buy just one grill for barbecuing, Traeger's Pro 575 is a tank built to maintain perfect temperature and last well over a decade.

Pros: Excellent temperature control, WiFi-equipped, hefty steel built to last

Cons: WiFi connectivity could be better, LCD interface not as intuitive as others, not modular like some other brands

Whether you're just getting into barbecuing or you've spent more days than you can count hunched over a stick burner, a pellet grill like Traeger's Pro 575 is hassle-free and offers steady temperature and smoke. It's also the heaviest-duty grill we've found for less than a thousand dollars.

One of the most important things about a smoker, or any barbecue grill that you're going to operate for hours at a time, is heat retention. If you can't keep steady heat, you're really going to struggle to time and cook your food to perfection. We've tried multiple pellet grills (see more below), and while they've all done their job swimmingly, the Traeger is built with the thickest steel and maintains a temperature within about five degrees of your target. Try and do that with a manual charcoal or wood-burning grill and you'll have your work cut out for you (you'll also learn quickly why Pitmasters earn their distinction).

Frankly, apart from the quality of the steel, all pellet grills follow the same design, more or less. Traeger might be the original, but there are plenty of other brands that come close, and if you want to save some money, Raichlen suggests looking to Green Mountain Grills' models. 

We had some trouble connecting to WiFi using this grill. Our router was on the other side of two brick walls, and it couldn't hold a connection. Though since relocating it, a lone wall hasn't been a problem. 

Traeger, like many other brands, falls short in the way of accessories. Camp Chef's Woodwind WiFi series, which we also recommend, is modular; you can add on grill boxes, a 28,000 BTU side-burner (great for searing, boils, and clam bakes), a pizza oven, and much more. 

If all you want your pellet grill to do is smoke and grill (they all max out at around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won't necessarily pull off any high-heat searing), Traeger's is the one that's built the best and made to last the longest, which is why we think it's worth spending a little extra.

Camp Chef's Woodwind WiFi lets you monitor your grill from inside, and it's compatible with many attachments.

Pros: Modular with several options for attachments, easy to move, industrial-style casters

Cons: Doesn't maintain temperature as well as our top pick (but only a matter of 15 degrees)

While we like the Traeger Pro series for people specifically looking to smoke and grill (with smoke), we haven't found any pellet grills as versatile as those in the Camp Chef Woodwind series, which we've been testing for nearly two years now.

Apart from offering remarkably user-friendly interfaces, the smokers in the Camp Chef Woodwind series (we think the 24-inch model with 800 square inches of cooking surface area is best for most people) are compatible with multiple accessories, and it's hard to imagine something you couldn't cook. 

As far as attachments, we recommend Camp Chef's 28,000-BTU Sidekick, an extremely powerful propane burner capable of searing anything and boiling massive stock pots of seafood (we put the latter to the test twice). The Sidekick also comes with a flat-top griddle and a grease catchment system, and you can add on the "Outdoor Oven" which is really a stainless steel pizza oven.

While this grill isn't made of the same hefty steel used in Traeger's Pro series, we haven't encountered any issues with it, and it's already been through two winters, accidentally left uncovered through snow, rain, and even hail , and is no worse for wear. We also really love the casters, which seem to be the same kind you'd find on industrial stainless steel carts.

If you want a do-it-all outdoor smoker (or grill for that matter) that lets you smoke, grill, braise, bake, boil, and more, this is our favorite modular option. 

Read our full review of the Camp Chef Woodwind Wifi 24.

Traeger's Ironwood 650 Wood Pellet Grill with Wi-Fi is the best designed and most even-heating pellet grill we've tried.

Pros: Easy to assemble, great app with over 1,600 recipes, superior heat retention and temp control

Cons: Not very modular, no storage underneath, only two smoke level settings

Author's note: Traeger's newly overhauled Timberline series is now available. It's a new design for Traeger, and we haven't tried it yet, but if you're looking for a more serious investment, it is worth a look.

Traeger originated the pellet grill, and the brand makes the hardiest smokers we've tested thanks to the 13-gauge stainless steel exterior, cold-rolled stainless steel interior parts, and double side wall interior. This construction, along with the 36,000-BTU burner, allows for better and higher heat retention (500 degrees Fahrenheit to the Pro model's 450).

The Ironwood series also comes with Traeger's Downdraft exhaust, a convection feature that helps circulate smoke rather than channel it upward and out a chimney. While Traeger only offers basic "smoke" and "super smoke" (the latter is only available when cooking at temps lower than 225), the fan helps up the smoke level at higher temperatures far more than we've seen in any other smoker.

Between the double-walled stainless steel sides and the downdraft fan, you're going to get the most precise heat and smoke retention possible, which will also translate to better fuel efficiency. Where we saw upwards of 15-degree-Fahrenheit temperature fluctuations with other grills (Traeger's Pro model included) this one barely veered 5 degrees in either direction, and it stayed burning the longest without running out of pellets or reading an error message.

One minor downside is that there's no under-grill storage, which is really handy for those who like to keep a stock of pellets but don't have anywhere dry to keep them.

Overall, if you want something comparable to the ability of a Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg but doesn't require the fuss or extra investment (depending on what package you choose), the Traeger Ironwood series is your best bet for both function and longevity in the pellet grill department.

Weber's 18" Smokey Mountain has the same timeless and sturdy design as its Original Kettle, only better equipped for smoking.

Pros: Simple but effective, full manual control, small but plenty of cooking area

Cons: Labor-intensive, difficult to maintain temperature control

When it comes to charcoal smokers, there are almost too many designs to consider. That said, unless you're throwing massive backyard barbecues, smoking multiple briskets, or dealing with entire hogs, you probably don't need a ginormous offset barrel smoker (however alluring it may look). 

We find that Weber's Smokey Mountain series' 18-inch smoker offers the most for the casual at-home smoker. It has a relatively small footprint of about 20 inches, is made with the same solid steel and porcelain enamel as the brand's Original Kettle grills, and it will outlast most charcoal smokers on the market for the same price.

If you do want a large offset smoker, Raichlen says look to Horizon, Yoder, or Lang — I'd also add Texas Originals to the list — but know that they'll all weigh hundreds of pounds, and cost you four figures. We plan on testing these larger grills soon.

Depending on the amount of cooking surface area you require, you can size up to 22 inches (726 square inches) or down to 14 inches (286 square inches), but we think the 481 square inches offered by the 18-inch model (between two vertically integrated grates) is plenty for most.

Setting this grill up is easy and straightforward, and once assembled, a pile of charcoal (we recommend hardwood charcoal), some wood-smoking chips (or split wood), and a basin (included) filled with water are all you need. You'll have to keep on top of the fire and airflow throughout to find the perfect balance — and make no mistake, that is an art unto itself, but also part of the fun.

I've spent the better part of a decade tinkering with and smoking all sorts of things with this very grill, and looking back on that experience I can say this: my most monumental successes in smoking have occurred on this very smoker, but so too have my greatest failures. If these prospects don't appeal to you, save yourself the anguish and consider a pellet, propane, or electric smoker instead.

Approach this grill for what it is knowing that while it's in some ways a starter smoker, and one that you can easily store away or station in tighter spots, it will allow you to produce a wide variety of superb smoked goods.

Cuisinart's 36" Vertical Propane Smoker is easy to use, maintains steady heat, and fits anywhere a mini fridge would.

Pros: Convenient, consistent, efficient, portable

Cons: No timer, requires regularly adding wood chips, no casters

Propane smokers are among the easiest and most efficient to operate and assemble. They might not impart the same amount of smokiness (adding dry or soaked wood chips hourly helps), and certainly don't create the same ambiance as a fire, but they're convenient and maintain impeccably steady heat.

We like Cuisinart's 36-inch Vertical Propane smoker because of its basic but robust steel design. There are very few moving parts, and there's only one control knob. And while this smoker lacks a timer or programming, it's propane, which you'll always need to shut off manually anyhow.

If you're willing to forego the element of fire, a propane (or an electric) smoker is a great way to go. It requires almost no input from you beyond adding wood chips and igniting a burner. There's also plenty of surface area spread out between four roughly 200-square-inch porcelain-coated stainless steel racks, which is comparable to the cooking surface area of a medium-sized barrel grill. And because it runs on propane, you can load it into the back of a truck for car- or off-grid camping, should you be so inclined.

The size of Cuisinart's 36-inch Propane Smoker is also convenient for small spaces or those who prefer to store it in the garage. And thanks to the side handles, it's much easier to put away than some other models. Still, we do wish it had casters because it's a bit heavy for many people.

Even with an electric grill, this is as easy as smoking gets, and about as compact as well. So, if you don't want to tend to a fire and would rather not pay for wood pellets, this is your best and most efficient option.

Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker operates with nothing but electricity and wood chips, and is as easy and predictable as smoking gets.

Pros: Intuitive, glass door to check progress, efficient

Cons: No casters or handles, short warranty

Electric smokers are among the easiest smokers to operate. They're insulated, maintain almost perfect temperature control, and can cook for hours and hours without much attention (save for adding wood chips).

Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker comes practically preassembled (attach the legs, the digital monitor, a latch, and it's ready) and will be up and running with the press of a few buttons.

There's no fussy fuel to deal with, and all you have to do is remember to deposit a handful (half-cup) of either dry or pre-soaked wood chips, which you'll want to replenish about every hour or so, depending on the temperature you set.

Vertical electric smokers are the same shape, size, and every bit as straightforward as propane smokers, but without the hassle of dealing with propane (namely, running out of it). The size lets you cook just about everything you would on a mid-sized barrel grill or smoker, and a glass window in the door is a nice touch that allows you to keep an eye on things without having to open it up and lose heat.

We wish this grill had handles because we have had to move it quite a bit, and there's no great place to get a grip on it. Plan to keep this grill more or less where you park it, and know that you'll need a solid electrical source.

Adding wood chips might also be sort of a nuisance if you're not familiar with smoking, but it's incredibly easy compared with maintaining a fire, and it also helps you keep things from overcooking. Otherwise, there's not much to worry about with this smoker. We smoked fish, meat, and a pile of vegetables in it and everything came out perfectly, evenly browned and cooked through. This is as fail-safe and as effortless as smoking gets.

Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker: The Dyna-Glo is a fine grill in design, but we're not convinced that it will last more than a few seasons based on looking at the materials used. Expensive as it is, there are plenty of options that will probably well outlast it for a little more money.

Green Mountain Grills Trek: If you're looking for a pellet grill you can take on the go, the Trek is a great option, though it comes with the same price tag as some full-sized budget options, so you'll want to think whether you want to spend so much on a portable grill. That said, it offers great temperature retention and it's also great for smaller outdoor spaces like balconies, and we highly recommend it.

Nexgrill 29-inch Barrel Charcoal Grill/Smoker: If you're on a tight budget or you just want a charcoal grill (and smoker) in a pinch, this is the best you're going to do. Our hesitation is that this is one of those grills that you could outfit with gaskets to function very well, but the quality of the parts means it's not destined to survive past a couple of years with moderate use.

Z Grills: Another great budget option, Z Grills offers pellet grills in plenty of sizes, and comes with a free waterproof grill cover, which few other brands offer. We're still testing this one, and may yet recommend it as a budget option.

We recently retested three of our top picks and three other, newer models, paying careful attention to the heat retention, temperature fluctuations, general ease of use, and the overall quality of the materials and design.

We also walked through Lowe's and The Home Depot opening and examining every smoker there. We looked at fittings, the quality of the seal between the lid and the grill, and the thickness of the steel.

We then spoke with several experts including chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen and veteran author and Barbecue University TV host Steven Raichlen to find out what makes a good smoker. 

Smoking method: While smoking over hardwood is probably the most fun experience, we all agreed, not everyone wants to spend the better part of a day hunched over a fire. And while pellet grills might not offer the same flavor charcoal and wood-burning grills do, they come mighty close and are almost entirely hands-off.

Ease of use: Inextricably linked to the smoking method is the ease of use. The learning curve on wood-burning grills is stratospheric. Pellet grills offer a great balance between smokiness and user-friendliness, but some don't hold a steady temperature all that well, which presents another set of problems.

Material quality: Most smokers have to live outside, and while a cover is a worthy investment, a grill is still going to have to withstand the elements. Flimsier metals and cheap wheels were immediately disqualified. Thicker steel and industrial-grade casters were positive points, especially on competitively priced smokers.

Performance: Because heat retention and maintenance of a consistent temperature is so paramount to smoking, we chose grills that excelled in those areas with little oversight. In the case of charcoal or wood-burning, you are entirely on your own.

Warranty: We considered warranty to a degree, and looked for at least two years, but in the case of some picks we made concessions. In the end, the grill is only so good as the quality of the materials and build, and it's hard to call in a warranty on something like a grill or smoker because "normal wear and tear" involves starting fires and spilling grease. Plus, it's going to live outdoors. We find that investing in a grill that's built to last is ultimately the better consideration.

The easiest smoker to use is an electric smoker, followed by a propane or pellet smoker. Each of these smokers maintains temperature automatically, so as long as you have your fuel in place (wood chips, propane, or pellets, respectively), you don't have to do much of anything at all.

You can put just about anything you'd eat on a smoker. Meat is what most of us associate with smokers, but vegetables, fruits, and all types of seafood can be extraordinary on the grill. Figuring out the endless options and recipes is part of the fun of taking up smoking as a hobby.

BBQ smokers work any number of ways based on cold or hot smoking. Both methods use wood, wood pellets, wood chips, propane, or charcoal, creating smoke to cure and flavor. Temperature and smoke level can all vary greatly, but cold smoking occurs below 86 degrees, and hot anywhere above 86 degrees.

When you want to smoke food, oftentimes a recipe will call for a marinade or brine. You can do this any number of ways, and arguments will abound until the end of time over how to make the perfect brine, but here's a basic recipe for preparing and smoking with a brine, start to finish:

Note: You'll want to start this process between about four and 24 hours ahead of starting your smoker.

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