Best Charcoal Smoker For The Money

Pit Boss K22 Ceramic Charcoal Grill

Pit Boss is a name to be reckoned with in the smoker world for its outstanding quality. The PBK22 comes with a kamado design and premium ceramic. Among the top features, we like about this grill are the shock-absorbing plunger and swivel casters that perform impressively. 

Moreover, the PBK22 has a cooking area of 573sq.inch, so you can quickly cook enough for a small party. Besides, the grill is portable too. A combination of dual side bamboo shelves and an ash tool kit also makes this grill very practical to use.  

Lastly, the PBK22 comes with a price tag that is not for everyone. However, this charcoal grill is worth checking out if you are looking to invest in one.

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How to make a better choice

Are you planning to get your first charcoal smoker? Here’s how to choose the best one. 

Type 

The five types of charcoal grills and their best uses are:

1. Kamado – A vertical smoker, the kamado has an egg-shaped design. These are ideal smokers if you want versatility while cooking. Its unconventional appearance also makes a great conversation starter. 
2. Vertical Cabinet – Like a small fridge, you might want to check them out if you love smoking your meat often. 
3. Water or Bullet – This one closely resembles a bullet and is an excellent choice if you are on a budget. 
4. Horizontal offset – These look very similar to an old oven and are great for those with some cooking experience. 
5. Kettle Grill – A ubiquitous sight for outdoor cooking lovers, the kettle grill is an excellent choice if you plan to hone your grilling skills. 

Build quality vs. efficiency

When it comes to charcoal grills, the build quality and efficiency go hand in hand. Kamados are among the most efficient. However, charcoal grills that have sealing components such as gaskets are also very efficient. 

Budget vs. Price

Price does not translate to an outstanding performance when it comes to the grill. The best charcoal smoker for the money is one that works great without costing a fortune. 

What are the advantages/benefits?

Unrivaled taste

The meat smoked from a charcoal grill is something that other cookers cannot replicate. According to a Forbes report, up to 53% of grill owners in America prefer the charcoal category.

Affordability 

Charcoal grills are also among the most affordable ones making them very accessible. 

Convenience 

Most charcoal grills have a folding feature, which means you can take them wherever you go. 

What’s the best way to use a charcoal grill.

As simple as it sounds, there are some top ways to use a charcoal grill so you get the most out of it. Take a look at the tips below.

The art of venting

Charcoal smokers do not come with dials and knobs for temperature adjustment. So learning to vent the smoker correctly is a necessity. 

Oiling the grate 

Consider oiling the cooking grate before you start cooking. It makes cleaning easy and also produces the best grill marks on the meat. In this regard, you might want to preheat the smoker as well. 

Know your wood

Apple, cherry, mesquite, and hickory are the classic choices for grilling and barbequing on a charcoal smoker. But feel free to experiment with different flavors as well.