BBQ Smoker Types
Offset Smokers
Traditional BBQ smokers with a horizontal cooking chamber and a separate firebox on the side. Heat and smoke flow from the firebox across food to the chimney. Offer large cooking capacity (multiple racks) for serious BBQ enthusiasts. Require skill to maintain temperature but provide authentic smoking experience. Fuelled by charcoal and smoking wood. Perfect for traditional low-and-slow BBQ.
Vertical Smokers
Space-saving tower design with stacked cooking racks. Heat and smoke rise naturally from the bottom firebox through the chamber. Smaller footprint than offset smokers, ideal for small gardens and patios. Easier to use with more consistent temperatures. Available in charcoal, electric, and propane models. Good cooking capacity despite compact size. Perfect for beginners and those with limited space.
Pellet Smokers
Automated smokers using compressed wood pellets for fuel. Digital controls maintain precise temperatures automatically. Auger feeds pellets into firebox as needed. Set temperature and forget - no constant monitoring required. Produce excellent smoke flavour with convenience of gas BBQs. Require electricity for auger and controls. Perfect for those who want smoking results without constant attention.
How to Use a BBQ Smoker
Preparing Your Smoker
Fill firebox with charcoal or fuel. Light and wait until coals are covered with white ash. Add smoking wood chunks or chips to create smoke. Fill water pan if equipped. Allow smoker to reach target temperature (110-150°C) before adding food. This can take 30-60 minutes.
Smoking Process
Season meat with rub and place on cooking grates. Close lid and maintain temperature using vents. Add fuel and wood as needed throughout cooking. Avoid opening lid frequently - each opening releases heat and smoke. Monitor internal meat temperature with probe thermometer. Smoking takes hours, so patience is essential. The low-and-slow process creates tender, flavourful results.
Temperature Control
Control temperature using air vents. More air = hotter, less air = cooler. Bottom vents control oxygen to fire, top vents control airflow and smoke. Make small adjustments and wait 10-15 minutes to see effects. Add fuel regularly to maintain heat. Use quality thermometers to monitor both smoker and meat temperatures accurately.
Best Meats for Smoking
Pork Shoulder: 12-16 hours at 110-120°C. Perfect for pulled pork. Internal temp 95°C.
Beef Brisket: 12-18 hours at 110-120°C. The ultimate smoking challenge. Internal temp 95°C.
Pork Ribs: 5-6 hours at 120-135°C. Baby back or spare ribs. Internal temp 90°C.
Whole Chicken: 3-4 hours at 135-150°C. Crispy skin, juicy meat. Internal temp 75°C.
Salmon: 2-3 hours at 110-120°C. Delicate smoke flavour. Internal temp 63°C.
Smoking Wood Guide
Choose from our range of smoking wood chips and chunks for authentic BBQ flavour:
Oak: Versatile, medium smoke. Works with all meats.
Hickory: Strong, bacon-like flavour. Perfect for pork and beef.
Apple: Mild, sweet, fruity. Excellent for pork and poultry.
Cherry: Mild, sweet, fruity. Great for pork and chicken.
Mesquite: Intense, earthy. Use sparingly, suits beef.
Pecan: Rich, nutty. Versatile for all meats.
Shop BBQ Products
- BBQ Smoking Wood Chips - Wood chips & chunks for smoking
- BBQ Charcoal & Gas - Fuel supplies
- Charcoal BBQs - All charcoal BBQ models
- BBQ Accessories - Tools & equipment
- BBQ Rubs & Sauces - Seasonings for smoking
Buy BBQ Smokers Online with UK Delivery
Shop our range of BBQ smokers online with UK delivery. Browse offset smokers, vertical smokers, pellet smokers, and electric smokers with detailed specifications, cooking capacity, fuel type, and temperature range information. Compare models to find the perfect smoker for your outdoor cooking style and space. All BBQ smokers designed for low-and-slow cooking and authentic BBQ flavour.
For local customers in Berkshire, Bracknell, Ascot, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Reading, we offer showroom collection and local delivery. Visit our Berkshire showroom at Oaktree Garden Centre to see our range of BBQ smokers on display. Our specialists can explain differences between offset, vertical, and pellet smokers, demonstrate temperature controls, and help you choose the right smoker for your needs. We also stock smoking wood chips and charcoal for all your smoking needs.
All BBQ smokers are designed for authentic low-and-slow cooking. Shop online for convenient nationwide delivery, or visit our Berkshire showroom for expert advice and hands-on demonstrations.