Best Smokers for Turkey
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Cooking Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends is always fun, but smoking a whole turkey takes hours.
There are many smokers available for turkey smoking. Some are cheap, and others are expensive. Some are simple, while others are complex. And some are made from stainless steel, while others are made from aluminum.
If you’re looking for the best smoker for turkey, read on. I’ll tell you everything you need to know to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Best Smokers for Turkey
- Masterbuilt MB20070210 (Best Electric)
- Char-Broil The Big Easy (Best TRU-Infrared)
- Pit Boss PBV3P1 (Best Pellet)
- Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker (Best Charcoal)
- Kamado Joe Classic Joe II (Best Ceramic)
Masterbuilt MB20070210
If you’re looking for a versatile electric smoker, look no further than the Masterbuilt MB20070210. This smoker offers variable temperature control, making it easy to maintain the ideal temperature for any meat.
This smoker also features a front access grease tray, allowing you to quickly remove the grease after cooking.
In addition, the water pan in the bottom helps keep the meat moist, preventing it from drying out during the cooking process.
As far as accessories go, this smoker comes with three chrome-plated smoking racks, allowing you to simultaneously smoke different types of food.
This model is a well-designed smoker that does everything you expect from a perfect entry-level product.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Char-Broil The Big Easy
Want to give your family some smoked turkey for Thanksgiving? Well, Char-Broil has you covered. The Big Easy Propane Smoker lets you smoke, roast, and grill all in one.
This smoker works well for turkeys, ribs, pork loins, chicken breasts, and even whole chickens. It has a 1200-square-inch smoking and roasting basket that accommodates large cuts of meat and will fit up to a 21-pound turkey.
Thanks to the TRU-Infrared Technology in the device, you can be confident your food will be delicious every time. It ensures that your food gets cooked evenly and juicy with no flare-up.
The side-mounted smoker box provides plenty of space for adding wood chips to impart a nice smoke flavor to your food.
In addition to providing a convenient way to smoke, roast, and barbecue, the Char-Broil The Big Easy also provides you with the convenience of temperature control from 9,000 to 18,000 BTUs.
This model is easy to move around because it has two handles on the side. It makes it great for tailgating and camping trips.
Whether you’re smoking, roasting, or grilling, you’ll always get perfectly cooked food every time.
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pit Boss PBV3P1
If you’re tired of spending all day in the kitchen, you might consider getting yourself a Pit Boss PBV3P1.
It’s a pellet smoker that allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside enjoying the fresh air.
This smoker has four porcelain-coated cooking grates, which allow you to cook multiple slices of meat at once. These grates also give you plenty of surface area to cook everything from brisket and ribs to turkeys.
In addition to the large cooking surfaces, this smoker also has a 40 lbs hopper, making it ideal for hosting large gatherings.
Plus, you can set the temperature anywhere between 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on what type of food you’re cooking.
When you’re ready to start cooking, put some pellets in the hopper, press the button, and wait until the timer goes off. Then you can sit back and relax while your food cooks. Once the cooking is done, the smoker turns itself off, so you don’t have to do anything.
When you combine all of these features, you get a smoker that lets you cook more food in less time. So invite some friends for a barbecue, and don’t forget to bring your Pit Boss PBV3P1.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is your best option if you’re searching for a smoker that can accommodate an entire turkey and a whole ham at once.
This smoker is designed to give you the most authentic flavors possible.
Its porcelain enameled steel construction provides superior heat retention and helps prevent rusting, cracking, or peeling while withstanding high temperatures.
This charcoal smoker has two cooking grates that allow you to cook multiple items simultaneously and fit up to four rib racks. So, you can fit it all in here if you’re making smoked chicken breasts, ribs, brisket, or even a whole turkey.
It has a built-in lid thermometer so you can monitor the cooker’s internal temperature. Plus, the included water pan ensures that the meat stays moist during the smoking process.
So whether you’re planning a family gathering or hosting a few friends, you’ll be ready to go with the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kamado Joe Classic Joe II
If you want to cook different types of food at different temperatures all at once, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II is a perfect choice.
This ceramic charcoal smoker has two tiers, allowing you to set the lower tier at 225 degrees Fahrenheit and the upper tier at 750 degrees Fahrenheit. So whether you’re making smoked salmon, ribs, brisket, or even pizza, you can easily control the temperature and consistency of your food.
Another benefit of using this smoker is its patented dual-adjustment top ventilation system. You don’t have to worry about opening the lid and letting the smoke escape. Instead, you can adjust the vents to let the smoke flow freely.
It helps ensure that the temperature remains steady and consistent throughout the cooking process, which is especially important when cooking large cuts of meat.
In addition to the adjustable top vent, this smoker has an advanced multi-piece firebox that keeps the heat and smoke contained.
Another benefit is that multiple pieces prevent breakage. So even though this smoker is built to withstand extreme conditions, you still get the peace of mind knowing that it’s protected from damage.
With all these features of the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II, you can cook various types of meat and vegetables simultaneously, saving you a lot of time and effort.
Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buying Guide for Turkey Smokers
Smoking turkeys is a fun tradition that brings families together during the holidays.
There are many factors to consider when buying a turkey smoker. This guide will show you how to choose the best turkey smoker for your needs and budget.
Materials and Construction
Quality materials and heavy-gauge construction are important considerations when shopping for a smoker for turkeys. It will keep your smoker from malfunctioning after only a few uses.
Many smokers on a budget are built of substandard materials and break after only a few usages. You will better spend your time and money on an excellent smoking device instead of fixing or replacing it.
Buying a steel-built smoker is in your best interests. The smoking grates are recommended to be made of stainless steel or porcelain-plated steel to last an extended period. Because they will be in direct contact with heat, fire, and smoke, these components require a non-toxic coating to keep your food safe.
Size
The size of the smoker is essential. Choose a large or small smoker that gives you many cooking options based on what you want to cook. It’s best to choose smokers with enough inside space if you’re going to smoke large, whole turkeys.
Maintenance
It is essential to know that some smokers are designed to be simple and easy to use.
Cleaning the smoker is essential if you intend to use it regularly.
Look for a design that allows easy cleaning. Look for a removable drip pan so you can wash it separately from the rest of the unit.
Also, consider a design that allows you to remove parts for thorough cleaning.
Warranty
Warranties are important because they protect consumers against faulty goods. They’re typically offered by manufacturers when a product malfunctions during regular use.
If you’re buying a turkey smoker, you should know that brand warranties vary widely. Some offer limited warranties only; others provide full coverage for any problems that may occur.
Ask the manufacturer directly to determine whether a particular brand offers warranty protection. Contact customer service or visit the company’s website if you don’t receive an answer.
Budget
You might opt for an entry-level or premium model, depending on your budget. Premium models usually offer features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity and digital readouts. These features are excellent, but they aren’t necessary for every cook.
We’ve compiled a selection of affordable smokers, grills, and more pricey models. Check through the reviews before deciding so that you may find the best fit for your demands and budget.
FAQs
Is Turkey Good on the Smoker?
Turkey is great for smoking because it has a lot of flavors and doesn’t dry out like a chicken. To make your turkey juicy and tender, smoke it slowly and low.
Smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving doesn’t take much longer than cooking a traditional turkey. However, be careful not to overcook; otherwise, it will become dry and tough.
What Size Smoker Do I Need to Smoke Turkeys?
The smoker you need will depend on the size of the turkey you want to smoke.
Smoking full-size turkeys in the 18″ and 22″ smokers is a breeze. You can smoke a turkey breast on the 14″ smoker, but a full-size turkey will probably not fit.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking a whole turkey or just a few pieces of chicken, grilling is the easiest way to cook a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
And when you use a quality smoker from Char-Broil or Weber, you won’t have to worry about overcooking your meat.
Just throw it on the grill, turn it on, and let it do its thing. When you’re done, pull off the lid and enjoy the aroma of perfectly cooked turkey.