The current generation of low-priced charcoal smokers is changing the way America barbecues. Only a few years ago, smoking meat was something left to the professionals. Everyone else relied on a simple grill for outdoor cooking. That was fine for those who wanted to grill a few chops, but it was not an optimal solution for those who craved the flavor of true, slow-cooked, smoky barbecue.
Now, a wide range of charcoal smokers is turning even novice barbecue enthusiasts into backyard pitmasters. These units, which vary in size from three-foot tall cylinders to large barrel models with offset fireboxes, provide great flavors at reasonable prices.
You might not believe it, but even the cheapest smoker can do a great job on the right cut of meat. While you cannot stuff a whole hog into a small unit, even those little cylinders can produce a great short end of ribs or a wonderful smoked chicken. The larger barrel models are not always commercial-grade, but they can generally handle larger needs without incident.
Barbecue purists might by standoffish about the idea of smoking with charcoal briquettes, but these charcoal smokers can make use of wood chips, pellets and even readily available chunks of popular barbecue woods to create restaurant-quality flavors and aromas.
With a little experimentation, even someone who has never smoked meat before can quickly become the source of consistently delicious barbecue meals. Smoking requires some attention and effort, but it is not rocket science.
The smokers are reasonably priced (starter models of many types are available for under one hundred dollars). Even the larger models are surprisingly inexpensive. Those who plan ahead can purchase smokers during the fall and winter "off-season" when they are often available at great sale prices.
The low price tags associated with these charcoal smokers are only the beginning in terms of cost savings, too. As any veteran outdoor gourmet will profess, slow cooking and smoking meat can transform even somewhat tough, cheap cuts into culinary delights. One can create memorable meals using bargain-priced cuts of meat, helping out with the family grocery bill.
Additionally, charcoal smokers do a good job of minimizing summer utility bills. When you are doing the cooking outside, you are not running your gas or electric stove indoors. That saves one major energy draw and reduces the load on your air-conditioner, as well.
Smoking meat is no longer reserved for the experts. You can walk into any major department store or big box retailer today and emerge with one of the many available cheap charcoal smokers. Within hours, you can be well on your way to being a backyard Arthur Bryant. If you are not smoking your own meat, consider making a small investment in the big flavor charcoal smokers create.
