There are a few basic BBQ smokers designs:
(always check rules at any competition for styles allowed in a particular contest)
Offset Smokers.
- Indirect style clue: exhaust pipe same side as firebox (for example see: Lang Smokers)
- Direct style clue: exhaust pipe opposite side of firebox (for example see: CharBroil offset smokers).
- Direct off-set smokers may require tuning plates for even heating.
- Water pans may be used in main chamber for moisture, but are not required.
- Allows for larger cooking space which can accomidate whole hog style cooking.
- Fuels: Wood, wood pellets, charcoal or split logs.
Upright Drum Smokers — AKA Ugly Drum Smoker (UDS)
- Upright steele drum modified for indirect hot smoking.
- Uses a basket to hold charcoal at bottom of drum with ash/drip pan below.
- May include water pan, but not required.
- Multiple racks for cooking rest above fire or water pan and also top of smoker.
- Covered by vented lid to contain smoke in drum during cooking.
- Temperatures are controlled by limiting air intake at bottom of drum.
- Fuels: Primarily charcoal or wood with gas options for convenience.
Vertical Water Smoker — Sometimes referred to as Bullet Smokers due to shape of some models.
- Uses water bowl to hold temperature down, add humidity and capture drippings.
- Very temperature stable and require little adjustment once target temperature is reached.
- Advantages can be low cost and availability at local retailers.
- Multiple racks for cooking that rest above fire or water pan and on top of smoker.
- Temperatures are controlled by limiting air intake at bottom or by gas control where used.
- Fuels: Charcoal, wood, wood pellets, and gas (also can be dual fuel).
Propane smoker.
- Similar in design and construction to vertical water smoker above, but only uses gas for fuel.
- Very temperature stable and require little adjustment once target temperature is reached.
- Fuels: Gas only, with option for wood chips to add smoke.
Electric smoker.
- Similar in design and construction to vertical water and propane smokers above, but only uses electricity for heat.
- Advantages can be specific programmed time and temperature cooking.
- Disadvantage is that smoker will not function without electrical power.
- Fuels: Electrical elements.
Gravity fed smoker.
- Similar in design and construction to vertical water and propane smokers above.
- Advantages for charcoal include adjascent chute for loading charcoal that burns from the bottom and feeds itself.
- Advantages for pellets include programming and temperature control.
- Fuels: Charcoal or wood pellets.
Insulated smokers.
- Smoker models that utilize insulation to keep heat better contained and are better sealed.
- Advantages include less effect of outside temperature during cooking.
- Disadvantages can include higher price for a unit over that of a comparible non-insulated unit
- Fuels: Any.
Many smoker manufacturers also offer trailer mounted variations to allow for easier travel and convenience.
Please check your vehicle towing capacity along with the loaded trailer weight before attempting travel.