Pellet vs. Charcoal Smoker

Summer is almost here and you must be preparing for a nice barbecue party. One of the most important essences of that party is smoked meat. If you are thinking to smoke some meats to enjoy that perfect savory aroma, then you have got different types of smokers available on the market. It can be really challenging to determine which one will be the ideal for your use. The two most popular types of smokers are – pellet smoker and charcoal smoker.

While both of these options can provide you with scrumptious and mouthwatering result, there are some differences between them. If you want to choose between these two, then you need to know differences. To know more about the pellet smoker vs. charcoal smoker, read on.

PELLET VS. CHARCOAL SMOKER – WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

While both are quite popular options when it comes to smokers, there are some key differences between them. Want to know more about these differences? Here are some:

* TYPES OF FUEL

One of the main differences between a pellet smoker and a charcoal smoker is the fuel. While pellet smokers use compressed sawdust pellets as the fuel, charcoal smokers use charcoal as the fuel.

* CONTROL AND OPERATIONS

Besides that, pellet smokers use the fuel via an auger. You can control the temperature of this smoker with the help of an electronic thermostat. Also, the pellets get automatically added to the firebox as per necessity. On the other hand, charcoal smokers require manual labor for operating it. You have to light up the charcoal as well as control the temperature and flow of air manually.

* FLAVORS PRODUCED

Pellet smokers can produce a clean flavor for your meat that is quite easy to replicate. But charcoal smokers can produce a very distinct smoky flavor. The flavor feels very authentic and it is highly desired by many professional chefs as well as barbecue enthusiasts.

* PRICES

When you are deciding on which smoker to buy, pellet or charcoal, price tag is one of the most important things to consider. The pellet smokers, generally, are more expensive than that of the charcoal smokers. The price difference is mainly due to the technologies. Pellet smokers are technologically more advanced than the traditional charcoal smokers.

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Now that you have got an idea about the differences between these two, it is important to look at their individual pros and cons. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of pellet smokers and charcoal smokers can help you to understand which one is better.

PROS AND CONS OF PELLET SMOKERS

Pros:

* Very convenient to use
* Easy to operate
* Precise control over temperature
* Provides versatility and consistency
* Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

* Dependency on electricity
* Limited smoky flavor

PROS AND CONS OF CHARCOAL SMOKERS

Pros:

* Provides a strong smoky flavor
* Comes at an affordable price
* Perfect for outdoor settings
* Versatile in nature
* Hands-on cooking experience

Cons:

* Tough to control temperature and smoke
* Can get messy at times

PELLET SMOKER VS. CHARCOAL SMOKER – WHICH ONE TO BUY?

When it comes to choosing the right one, you have to determine what your needs and requirements are. So, you need to assess some of the simplest factors. These are:

* EASE OF USE OR CONTROL

Do you want a smoker that is quite easy to use? If you are looking for an automatic smoker that can do all the jobs on its own once you set the temperature, then the pellet smoker is the right choice. But if you want to have a hands-on experience in cooking where you will control the smoke and temperature manually, then charcoal smoker is the best options to consider. Also, charcoal smokers are not that easy to control like that of the pellet smokers.

* COOKING RANGE

If you are looking for a smoker that can help you to smoke, grill, roast, and even bake the meats, then charcoal smoker is the best option. On the other hand, pellet smoker can help you in smoking and grilling but there are certain limitations to what you can and what you cannot do.

* OUTDOOR SETTING OR INDOOR

Another thing that you need to figure out is whether you want to set up your smoker outdoors or indoor. If you are planning for an indoor setup, then pellet smoker is the right option. Charcoal smoker can create a mess inside. On the other hand, charcoal smokers are the best for outdoor setup as it doesn’t depend on electricity to operate. But if you want to use pellet smokers outdoor, then you have to have a proper electrical outlet.

* AFFORDABILITY

Do you have a budget when you are shopping for the smoker? Well, if you have no such budget, then you can go for both the options. But if you have a budget constraint, then charcoal smokers are better than pellet smokers. The latter one comes with a hefty price tag because of the latest technologies and modern controls.

* SMOKY FLAVOR

When it comes to choosing the right smoker for your meat, the smoky flavor matters the most. Hence, this is an important factor to consider. If you are looking for a strong smoky flavor which is desired highly by most of the barbecue lovers, then charcoal smoker is the ideal choice. It can produce a very complex and authentic smoky flavor. On the other hand, pellet smokers can product a consistent smoky flavor which is not that distinct or strong.

TO CONCLUDE

From the above, it is quite evident that there are some differences between a pellet smoker and a charcoal smoker. While both can help you with smoking, grilling, roasting etc. there are some major fundamental differences that make people to choose between these two. When it comes to choosing, you have to consider your personal preferences as well as your cooking style. If you love to use the smoker at an outdoor setting and enjoy the strong smoky flavors, then charcoal smoker is the best option. On the other hand, if you want to keep things simple and easy with a more technology-oriented experience, then pellet smoker is the best.