However, you will not get any chemical aftertaste, and you will be cooking knowing that your fuel is all natural. Coal vs Charcoal:

Best cooker hood 2023: Our pick of the best kitchen extractor

We refer to this as a grill, as that is what it is designed to be. But it can also be effectively used as a smoker too, using the indirect method. This gives you a more even result when cooking. You could save some money and get the conventional design where the chimney is on the far side.

This model weighs 73kg. That’s not an issue if you’re planning on keeping it in the same spot all year round, but if you want something portable, it may not be for you. It requires two or more people to lift it – something to keep in mind. Our verdict You almost always want to keep the top exhaust damper or flue fully or partially open. This will help keep your fire burning clean. Shutting off oxygen can cause a ‘dirty fire’ which can lead to a build of creosote, a nasty bitter tasting by-product. Accessories: Charcoal smokers, being ‘old school’ by nature, tend not to come with as many bells and whistles as some other types of smokers.

charcoal cooker is the GHI’s highest-rated This egg-shaped charcoal cooker is the GHI’s highest-rated

Out of BERTHA glowing belly came some extremely good stuff. We had rare slices of dear haunch, gently grilled roundels of octopus, and young leeks roasted in ash.” If you come across a brand of smoker that you have never heard of before, it is worth taking some time to do research into what kind of customer support (if any) they provide, and learn a bit about where the product is made, and what level of workmanship you can expect. The Weber Kettle won’t quite reach the levels of quality you can get to with a dedicated smoker like the Smokey Mountain. But it will get you damn close. Think about how many you cook for on average and buy a unit that has that capacity. Most manufacturers will give you a size in square inches, but will also translate the size into a “number of burger patties” figure, which is a much more tangible way to picture how much space you need. Do you need a dedicated smoker or combo grill? But remember, year in year out, charcoal will be more costly than gas or electricity. How the main types of charcoal smokers workBecause ceramics are so insulated they radiate heat evenly and can hold a steady temperature over a long period of time. The extra insulation means less charcoal use and better performance in extremely cold or windy conditions. Charcoal grills allow for great control over the cooking process so you can make drool-worthy recipes the way you want every time. Use as many coals as you'd like to achieve the perfect temperature, and place them wherever you want in the grill to create different cooking zones. Cook directly over the coals for a charred exterior, or move the food to a less hot spot for more gentle cooking and a smoky taste. Keep an eye on the coals, however, because they may need to be replenished before your cooking is done. And don't forget to put them out completely before storing your grill away. For one, as meat is smoked over long periods at low temperatures, the collagen breaks down making it super tender. Charcoal filters, carbon filters, grease filters, vented extraction, recirculating extraction. It’s easy to see why some clients get a little confused around cooker hoods and what they need for their particular setup. Usually fitted to the underside of a wall unit, these cooker hoods are more visible and obvious than the integrated type but are a little more subtle than the designer or chimney hoods. The visor hoods come with a small glass or plastic visor that extends the hood’s size. Although these cooker hoods are becoming less popular, they are still great for kitchens with limited space because they can fit under a cupboard – saving your valuable storage space.