Best built-in smokers for outdoor kitchens

Napoleon Prestige PRO 500

While choices may vary according to specific needs, I recommend the Napoleon Grill. It is widely regarded as the best as it is a heavy-duty smoker and versatile for different cooking types.

With four main stainless burners, this grill provides a wide cooking area.  The dimensions are 66.50″ W x 25.50″ D x 51.75″ H (lid closed), and it has a cooking area of 17.75 x 28 inches.

The top lid is an easy lift roll-up lid, and there are storage compartments with easy roll locking caster doors. The other impressive feature is its Infrared rear rotisserie burner. 

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How to choose the best type of built-in smoker?

You would need to consider three factors before buying a built-in smoker for your outdoor kitchen- the kitchen’s size, kitchen style, and the amount of meat to be cooked. If you have a large household, you should buy one that allows you to cook more in a single batch. The kitchen’s size and style also matter as the built-in cooker should not look like an extra piece of equipment but blend in with the outdoor kitchen.

Different type of products 

You should know what type of in-built smoker suits your needs. If you are looking for one that is more compact, easy to move around, and portable, the Kamado Joe Stand-Alone Big Joe is an ideal choice. On the contrary, if you regularly need to cook for many people and need a fixed and stationary in-built smoker, the all-season and heavy-duty BrickWood Box Smoker Grill perfectly fits the bill.

Precautions while setting up an in-built smoker for an outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen with a built-in smoker can look great, but it comes with its own sets of challenges.  Here some aspects you need to consider before building an outdoor kitchen with an in-built smoker. 

Use an insulated grill jacket:  You must cover the grill and the combustible material around the grill or cooker with an insulation jacket. It serves two purposes of preventing a fire outbreak and protecting the smoker from corrosion or natural elements. 

Proper vent panels: It is essential to place the vent are at least 4 to 6 feet away from the smoker or grill to prevent build-up and a potential fire hazard. 

As gas is light, place the vent panels as high as possible. Propane, however, sinks, and a lower vent panel would also suffice. 

Right placement of grill and sink: If you want to incorporate enclosed storage cabinets in your outdoor kitchen, do not place them under the grill or sink as the plumbing can come right in the way. Instead, place them a couple of meters away for quick reach or access. 

Place smoker and cooling appliances away from each other:  Cooling appliances like refrigerators and grills or smokers should be placed at least 1 foot away to prevent malfunctioning. 

What are the advantages?

A built-in smoker in your outdoor kitchen makes cooking more exciting and less drab and tedious affair.  It enhances the overall festivity when throwing a party or celebrating a birthday or an occasion.

The other advantage of an in-built is that it saves on utility bills using non-renewable fuel and electricity. 

Setting-up an in-built smoker in an outdoor kitchen also gives you more space to work while ensuring easier cleaning. 

What are the disadvantages?

As it is placed outdoor, it needs extra attention. It must be appropriately insulated to prevent any fire hazards; it must be installed at a safe distance from other grills or smokers and cooling devices and out of the reach of children playing outdoors.