Low and slow. Worth the wait.

Low and slow.
Worth the wait.

Learn how each smoker type works, compare the flavour and effort, then choose the right one for the way you cook.

SHOP SMOKERS

Find your kind of smoke

There’s no single right way to smoke. Pellet, offset, charcoal, kamado, vertical and electric smokers each offer a different balance of flavour, control and convenience. This page breaks down how each type works, what it does best and how hands-on you’ll need to be—so you can choose the smoker that suits the way you want to cook.

Pellet

Pellet

Offset

Offset

Charcoal

Charcoal

Kamado

Kamado

Vertical

Vertical

Electric

Electric

Which smoker is right for you?

Which smoker is right for you?
Type Best for Ease Flavour Shop
Pellet Convenience Easiest Mild–medium Shop  → Pellet
Offset Traditional smoking Advanced Strong Shop  → Offset
Charcoal Hands-on versatility Moderate Strong Shop  → Charcoal
Kamado Smoking and grilling Moderate Strong Shop  → Kamado
Vertical Capacity in less space Easy–moderate Varies Shop  → Vertical
Electric Simple smoking Easy Mild Shop  → Electric
Pellet smokers

Pellet smokers

Set the temperature. Let it handle the fire.

Automatic pellet feeding and digital temperature control maintain steady heat throughout long, low-and-slow cooks, reducing the need for constant adjustments while delivering consistent results.

Best for:

  • Convenience
  • Low effort
  • Mild–medium flavour
SHOP PELLET SMOKERS
Offset smokers

Offset smokers

Set the temperature. Let it handle the fire.

Automatic pellet feeding and digital temperature control maintain steady heat throughout long, low-and-slow cooks, reducing the need for constant adjustments while delivering consistent results.

Best for:

  • Convenience
  • Low effort
  • Mild–medium flavour
SHOP OFFSET SMOKERS
Charcoal smokers

Charcoal smokers

Set the temperature. Let it handle the fire.

Automatic pellet feeding and digital temperature control maintain steady heat throughout long, low-and-slow cooks, reducing the need for constant adjustments while delivering consistent results.

Best for:

  • Convenience
  • Low effort
  • Mild–medium flavour
SHOP CHARCOAL SMOKERS
Kamado smokers

Kamado smokers

Set the temperature. Let it handle the fire.

Automatic pellet feeding and digital temperature control maintain steady heat throughout long, low-and-slow cooks, reducing the need for constant adjustments while delivering consistent results.

Best for:

  • Convenience
  • Low effort
  • Mild–medium flavour
SHOP KAMADO SMOKERS
Vertical smokers

Vertical smokers

Set the temperature. Let it handle the fire.

Automatic pellet feeding and digital temperature control maintain steady heat throughout long, low-and-slow cooks, reducing the need for constant adjustments while delivering consistent results.

Best for:

  • Convenience
  • Low effort
  • Mild–medium flavour
SHOP VERTICAL SMOKERS
Electric smokers

Electric smokers

Set the temperature. Let it handle the fire.

Automatic pellet feeding and digital temperature control maintain steady heat throughout long, low-and-slow cooks, reducing the need for constant adjustments while delivering consistent results.

Best for:

  • Convenience
  • Low effort
  • Mild–medium flavour
SHOP ELECTRIC SMOKERS

Our most popular smokers

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Everything you need to get smoking

Shop all accessories  →
Pellets, charcoal & wood

Pellets, charcoal & wood

Thermometers

Thermometers

Rubs & sauces

Rubs & sauces

Tools & cookware

Tools & cookware

Learn the craft

All guides  →

Smoker questions, answered

What type of smoker is best for beginners?

Pellet and electric smokers are generally the easiest for beginners because they regulate heat with minimal manual adjustment. Pellet smokers offer wood-smoke flavour and convenient temperature control, while electric models are straightforward to operate. Charcoal, kamado and offset smokers offer more hands-on fire management and a steeper learning curve.

What’s the difference between pellet, charcoal and offset smokers?

Pellet smokers burn compressed wood pellets and use an automated feed system to help maintain a set temperature. Charcoal smokers use burning charcoal for heat and can produce rich smoky flavour with added wood chunks. Offset smokers use a separate firebox, usually burning wood or charcoal, and require more active fire and airflow management.

How long does it take to smoke a brisket?

A whole beef brisket often takes around 10 to 16 hours at low smoking temperatures, but the actual time varies with its size, thickness, smoker temperature and cooking conditions. Allow additional time for resting after cooking. Use a reliable meat thermometer and judge doneness by internal temperature and tenderness rather than the clock alone.

Which wood should I use for smoking?

Different hardwoods produce different smoke flavours. Fruitwoods such as apple and cherry are generally milder, while hickory and ironbark can give a stronger flavour; the best choice depends on what you are cooking. Use clean, untreated wood or food-grade pellets suited to your smoker, and avoid painted, treated or resinous timber.

Can I use my smoker through winter?

Yes, most smokers can be used in colder weather, although wind and low temperatures can increase fuel use and extend cooking times. Keep the smoker outdoors in a well-ventilated location, protected from strong winds without blocking airflow or compromising required clearances. Never run a charcoal, wood or gas smoker inside a garage, shed or enclosed space.

Do I need to season a new smoker?

Some smokers need an initial burn-in or seasoning process to remove manufacturing residues and prepare internal surfaces before cooking. The procedure differs between pellet, charcoal, offset and electric models. Follow the manufacturer’s manual for your particular smoker, including any recommended cleaning, burn-in temperature and duration.