With summer around the corner, many are eager to enhance their grilling skills. If you're venturing into the grilling world or searching for a new grill, the choice often comes down to two contenders: smokers or gas grills.
Smokers shine when it comes to larger meat cuts, while gas grills handle a wider range of cooking tasks. For newcomers, distinguishing between the two can be a challenge.
Having tested various grills, I've gathered insights on the benefits and drawbacks of both types. Conversations with grilling experts also shed light on which option may be superior.
Smokers vs Gas Grills
Understanding the Differences
The main distinction lies in their cooking methods. Smokers specialize in smoking meats and other ingredients, using low and slow cooking techniques to infuse rich, smoky flavors.
Conversely, gas grills focus on grilling and cook food over an open flame without smoke. They are typically more affordable and compact. To illustrate, here's a quick look at our top picks for each type.
Best Smoker
Traeger Ironwood 650
Cooking Area: 649 sq-in
Dimensions: 27" x 46" x 47"
Fuel Type: Wood pellets
This exceptional smoker elevates meat dishes effortlessly. Its user-friendly design and WiFi capabilities make it a favorite, even for beginners. However, it comes with a higher price tag for its size.
Best Gas Grill
Weber Spirit II E-310
Cooking Area: 660 sq-in
Dimensions: 29" x 59" x 47"
Fuel Type: Gas
This gas grill remains my top choice, delivering excellent food quality at a reasonable price. While it may lack the flavor depth of the Traeger, it suits nearly everyone.
Pros of Smokers
Smokers produce unbeatable flavor, giving your food a depth that gas grills simply can't match. As Evan Carter, co-owner of a BBQ restaurant, notes, smoking is ideal for larger cuts of meat, allowing for slow cooking infused with unique wood flavors.
With a smoker, you can slowly roast sizable cuts like ribs, brisket, or tenderloin, achieving perfection. Beyond meat, experimenting with fish or even smoking cream cheese can yield delightful results.
Smokers generally have larger cooking capacities, letting you prepare more food at once. You can smoke ribs on one side and a chicken on the other while also warming side dishes. Many modern pellet smokers are equipped with digital thermometers and WiFi features, which are less common in gas grills.
According to barbecue writer Nicole Johnson, smokers shine in summer, serving as outdoor, wood-fired ovens that prevent heating up your home. They can be used for unconventional dishes like lasagna, pizza, or simply keeping food warm.
Evan manages the business and marketing side of his BBQ restaurant, focusing on delivering delicious food.
Ninja Woodfire
I'm still impressed with this compact electric smoker. It outperforms many larger, pricier smokers.
Traeger Ironwood 650
Our top-rated smoker, it consistently delivers superb results across a variety of meats, and the accompanying app ensures even beginners can achieve great grilling.
Weber SmokeFire EPX6
This large smoker is ideal for feeding a crowd.
Cons of Smokers
However, smoking can be time-consuming, often taking several hours. While smokers are great for large gatherings, they lack the efficiency of gas grills. With gas, you can ignite the grill and start cooking in minutes.
Nicole Johnson highlights that smokers require electricity, limiting where you can set them up. If there's a power outage, smoking becomes impossible.
Smokers are also less adaptable than gas grills. While some can sear, many cannot match the high temperatures needed for burgers or steaks. Gas grills offer additional features like side burners, which are rare in smokers.
If you're budget-conscious, gas grills are usually more affordable. Most smokers have a higher starting price, and premium models, like a top-tier option, can exceed $3,000.
Another downside is smoke, which may disturb neighbors or create lingering odors on your clothes. Some people love the scent of smoke, while others find it off-putting. If your neighbors dislike it, using a smoker might not be feasible.
Nicole is a food blogger focused on outdoor cooking, sharing family-friendly recipes made easy.
Pros of Gas Grills
Gas grills are incredibly convenient. They heat up in around 10 minutes, making last-minute meals easy. If a craving strikes, you can grill a cheeseburger without much planning, unlike with a smoker.
This simplicity makes gas grills more beginner-friendly. You don't need to understand temperature control or wood types to create good food. Even novices can achieve tasty results.
Gas grills are generally cheaper than smokers, allowing more budget-friendly options.
While they don't smoke, gas grills can be quite versatile. Many include features like rotisserie options, side burners, and warming racks for side dishes.
Weber's Spirit II E-310 is my all-time favorite gas grill. It's exceptionally user-friendly and produces delightful food. It's suitable for both novices and experienced grillers.
Charbroil Gas2Coal
This grill can switch between gas and charcoal, offering the ease of gas with the flavor of charcoal.
Weber Genesis SPX-435
This large four-burner grill can handle up to 40 burgers at once.
Cons of Gas Grills
The main downside of gas grills is their flavor. They don't impart the smokiness that smokers provide, leaving food tasting less rich. Even top gas grills can't replicate the depth of a smoker.
Gas grills are often smaller than smokers, which may limit cooking for large gatherings.
While more convenient initially, gas grills come with the hassle of refilling and storing propane tanks. In contrast, electric smokers require just wood pellets, which are easily available online.
Consider a Charcoal Grill
If you want an appliance that can sear and smoke, a charcoal grill is a great choice. It may require some learning, but excels at searing while also allowing for smoking with the addition of wood chips.
Charcoal grills are typically less expensive than both smokers and gas grills. I often recommend the Weber Kettle 22, but Kamado grills like the Kamado Joe II offer excellent results, though at a higher price point.
Choose a Smoker If:
- You crave rich, smoked flavors
- You often cook for large gatherings
Choose Gas If:
- You prefer simplicity
- You want extra features
- You dislike smoke
Grilling FAQs
Can I Smoke with Charcoal?
Yes, you can smoke using a charcoal grill by adding wood chunks on top of a low, slow fire.
For further grilling tips, explore our detailed guide on grill spending advice.
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