There is nothing quite like a well-cooked rack of ribs. Whether you are into sweet and sticky BBQ sauce or spicy and saucy, smoked ribs always make for a satisfying meal. But when it comes to picking one of the best smokers for ribs, there are a lot of factors to consider.
How many racks can fit inside? Does it have precise temperature control? Do you need a large-capacity model or something compact? Whatever your needs and preferences, there is sure to be a perfect rib smoker out there for you.
In this blog post, we’ll share our top seven picks for the best smokers for ribs. These smokers deliver great flavor and delicious results every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we’ve got you covered. So fire up the smoker and get ready to enjoy some amazing ribs!
7 Best Smokers For Ribs
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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TOP PICK
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Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
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improved ash catcher, it’s light enough to move it around, Porcelain-enameled lid won’t rust |
Check Price |
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RUNNER-UP
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Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy
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Drawer for ash, Wheels for accessible mobility |
Check Price |
 |
Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
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Durable steel construction , Easy dump ash pan, Removable warming |
Check Price |
|
BUDGET PICK
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Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker
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Large charcoal chamber, Adjustable dampers, Water bowl smoking |
Check Price |
 |
Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Grill
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Accurate thermometer, lid to prevent air leaks, Adjustable grill grate heights |
Check Price |
 |
EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Pit Drum Smoker
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One-touch elevation-based vent, Quick and easy assembly and storage., Liftoff the top for easy access |
Check Price |
 |
Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
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Easy-access firebox drawer, warming grate to keep sauces warm., Adjustable grates |
Check Price |
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill – Top Pick
Summary of Features
| Description | Featured in This Device |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Weight | 32.3 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches |
| Capacity | 13 burgers |
| Other features | Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers |
| Side shelf | No |
What Professionals Say About This Product
Professional barbecuers consider classic charcoal barbecues to be the grandfather of backyard barbecues. It can smoke by using half the quantity of charcoal you typically use and keeping a shallow temperature. Still, it can also “indirect grill at a higher heat, direct grilling, or rotisserie cooking” with the total amount of charcoal.
What Customers Say About This Product
It only took a few minutes to assemble the grill. This grill is sturdy and has a great appearance and feel. Temperature-wise, it quickly reaches 500F, and there’s ample space for a couple of hours of grilling time.
It doesn’t take up much room and can be easily pushed into a corner when not in use. Cleaning, for example, is simple.
For whom It Is Best
If you’re new to smoking and are afraid to devote the price and space to a highly specialized machine, the Weber Kettle Grill is recommended. It might provoke you to wear a good pair of loafers and light up a pipe while standing in front of one of them.
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Check out these 10 Best Weber Grills of 2024!
2. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D – Runner Up
Summary of Features
| Description | Featured in This Device |
| Material | Stainless, Steel |
| Weight | 124.3 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 24.9 x 58.8 inches |
| Capacity | 1382 square inches |
| Other features | Stainless temperature gauge, smoke zone |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Power source | Charcoal |
| Side shelf | No |
What Professionals Say About This Product
If you are looking for an affordable smoker, DynaGlo is a strong competitor. The “Smoke Zone” chamber of the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Charcoal Smoker has five chrome-plated grates. It also includes chrome-plated sausage hooks pre-installed in the top part. The door has a thermostat and a cool-touch handle with a spring lid grip.
What Customers Say About This Product
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset allows you to have 1,098 square inches of smoking space spread across five racks while cooking. The racks are detachable. As a result, if you want to prepare a turkey or any other massive piece of meat, you have this option to take.
For whom It Is Best
If you’re going to buy the Dyna-Glo Signature to smoke in cooler temperatures, it won’t work well even with an aftermarket gasket. The steel is not thick enough, and it will lose a lot of heat through the walls. Wrapping in a high-heat insulating blanket might be an option.
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Read Also: How to tell if ribs are done? [3 Easy Methods]
3. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
Summary of Features
| Description | Featured in This Device |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Weight | 97 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 45 x 31 x 47 inches |
| Capacity | 447 square inch |
| Other features | Triple-Walled Steel Insulated Design, Cast Iron Grates, Locking Lid, 8″ Locking Caster Wheels, |
| wheels | 2 |
| Side shelf | 2 |
What Professionals Say About This Product
Kamado grills have traditionally been a high-end, luxury item that only die-hard grill enthusiasts would invest in. To achieve true charcoal tastes in your meat, you’ll need a high temperature and simple-to-use controls. Fortunately, the Akorn grill has both of these features.
It features triple-walled insulation that traps heat and keeps the temperature stable.
What Customers Say About This Product
You may use this grill like a traditional grill, getting it hot and cooking food quickly, or you can use it to gradually cook your dinner. Patience is the primary ingredient for slow meals. . When you need to make changes, do so in modest increments and then wait patiently to see how they affect your temperature.
For whom It Is Best
The Akorn Kamado charcoal barbecue allows all grill enthusiasts to enjoy the diversity of cooking at a reasonable price. This grill has 314 square inches of primary cooking space, which is plenty for 5-6 stakes.
Click here to get more details
Read Also: How long to boil ribs before grilling?
4. Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker – Budget Pick
Summary of Features
| Description | Featured in This Device |
| Material | Stainless, Steel |
| Weight | 37 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 20.5 x 22.8 inches |
| Capacity | 510 square inches |
| Other features | Porcelain enamel water bowl, Top and bottom vents |
| Side shelf | No |
What Professionals Say About This Product
It is made of steel that is somewhat thick and is porcelain-enameled to protect it from the elements. On its uppermost part are its lid and handle. The lid has adjustable dampers and is equipped with a built-in thermometer, so you don’t have to use the ones for the oven.
What Customers Say About This Product
Cuisinart COS-118 18″ Vertical Smoker is a sensible investment that is meant to last a long time. Set up in this manner, the smoker should be able to attain and maintain a temperature of roughly 250°F in around 15 to 20 minutes.
For whom It Is Best
You can embrace it with complete confidence and trust since it is made specifically for professional cooks and chefs. If you are looking for superior quality when it comes to smoking, Cuisinart’s 18″ charcoal smoker is the best choice.
Click here to get more details
Read Also: How many ribs to serve per person?
5. Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Grill
Summary of Features
| Description | Featured in This Device |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Weight | 40 Kilograms |
| Dimensions | 49 x 29 x 50 inches |
| Capacity | 950 square inch |
| Other features | Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Adjustable Fire Grate, Bottom Storage Shelf, Warming Rack, |
| Side shelf | 2 |
What Professionals Say About This Product
The Char-Griller Outlaw is the perfect size for doing everything a premium barrel grill should. It’s even big enough to build a fire on one side and use smoking wood to make an almost competition-level BBQ.
What Customers Say About This Product
The flanged hood, with its minimized air leaks and smart dampers, helps to prevent flare-ups and provides improved heat regulation. This fixes a frequent issue with many barrel-style barbecues and smokers.
For whom It Is Best
If you’re looking for a BBQ with a Big Barrel style that also functions as a smoker, the Char-Griller Outlaw should be one of your top options. You can smoke a brisket, racks of ribs, or even an entire turkey with ample space.
Click here to get more details
Check these 7 Best Wood Pellets for Smoking in 2024
6. EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Pit Drum Smoker Charcoal Barbeque Grill
Summary of Features
| Description | Featured in This Device |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 45.3 pounds |
| Dimensions | 20.25 x 18.25 x 20.25 inches |
| Other features | adjustable cooking rack,6 stainless steel hooks, 3 utensils, an independent charcoal pit |
| Side shelf | No |
What Professionals Say About This Product
It’s a charcoal smoker grill that can be used in a variety of ways depending on how you set it up. It’s a drum smoker now that both parts are in place. You can also use the bottom half as a charcoal barbecue or a fire pit for toasting marshmallows and hanging out.
What Customers Say About This Product
The EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel is a fantastic method to test the waters for anybody on the fence about smoking. For roasting marshmallows and just hanging out, you can use the bottom half as a charcoal fire pit with just the top half as a grill.
For whom It Is Best
If you’re the kind that likes to get out of Dodge on the weekends, it’s almost essential.
It may not be the greatest smoker on the market, but it provides a genuine smoking experience with simple settings and does a lot more.
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Read Also: Pellet Smoker vs Electric Smoker: Which is Better?
7. Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
Summary of Features
| Description | Featured in This Device |
| Material | Stainless_steel |
| Weight | 25 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 21.5 x 45.5 inches |
| Capacity | 595 square inch |
| Other features | Porcelain wood chip and water pan, Warming rack |
| Side shelf | No |
| Fuel type | Liquefied Petroleum Gas |
What Professionals Say About This Product
This is a large smoker with about 595 square inches of cooking space. You can cook many different kinds of meat at the same time thanks to the three cooking grid shelves. You’ll have no worries about running out of smoked food when you have a barbecue party at home.
What Customers Say About This Product
This smoker is distinguished from other char broil smokers by the grate on top that may be used to warm marinades or sauces while the food is being prepared. You can’t go wrong smoking your meats with its easy temperature control device.
For whom It Is Best
The Char-Broil Vertical Gas Smoker is an excellent choice for those who want a smokey BBQ. It has easy-to-use features like adjustable dampers and detachable pans, as well as a slew of options that make it an ideal barbecue for any occasion.
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Read Also: How long do pellets last in a pellet grill?
What To Consider Before Buying a Perfect Smoking Machine For Ribs?
When it comes to ribs, there’s nothing like the smoky flavor they get from being smoked. If you’re keen on trying your hand at smoking ribs, you’ll need to invest in a quality smoker.
But with so many smokers on the market, which one should you buy? There are a few things to consider before making your purchase. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what you need to keep in mind when buying a smoker for smoking ribs.
So read on for tips and advice on how to choose the perfect smoker for your needs!
Type of Smoker
When it comes to smoking ribs, there are three main types of smokers to choose from vertical smokers, offset smokers, and reverse flow smokers.
Vertical smokers are the most common type of smoker, and they work by generating heat from a firebox that is located below the cooking chamber.
Offset smokers are similar to vertical smokers, but they have a firebox that is offset to one side. This allows the heat to circulate around the food, making for more evenly cooked ribs.
Reverse flow smokers are less common, but they are considered by many to be the best type of smoker for ribs. They work by having a baffle plate that directs the heat and smoke across the cooking chamber, resulting in evenly cooked ribs that are full of flavor.
So, when it comes to choosing a smoker for ribs, be sure to consider all three types before making your final decision.
Smoker’s Size
When it comes to smokers, size does matter. If you’re planning on smoking ribs on a regular basis, then you’ll need a smoker that’s large enough to accommodate the amount of meat you’ll be preparing.
Otherwise, you’ll be stuck smoking smaller cuts of meat, which can dry out quickly. One way to determine the size of the smoker you’ll need is to consider how much space you have available. If you have a large backyard, then you can probably get away with a larger smoker. However, if you’re limited on space, then you might want to consider a smaller model.
Another factor to consider is how many people you typically cook for. If you generally smoke ribs for a large crowd, then you’ll definitely need a larger smoker. On the other hand, if you typically only smoke ribs for yourself or a small group of people, then a smaller smoker will probably suffice.
Ultimately, the decision of what size smoker to buy depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
Fuel-Type
When choosing a smoker for your ribs, one key consideration is the type of fuel you plan to use. There are a few different options to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons. For example, charcoal smokers provide a rich flavor to your ribs, but they require more frequent refueling than other types of smokers.
On the other hand, electric smokers tend to be more convenient and easy to use, but they may not provide quite as much smoky flavor as charcoal or wood-burning models. Ultimately, the type of fuel you choose will depend on your personal preferences and priorities, so it’s important to carefully weigh all of your options before making any final decisions.
After all, when it comes to smoking delicious ribs for friends and family members, there’s no such thing as too much preparation!
Desired Features
There are many different features to consider when buying a smoker for ribs. One of the most important features to look out for is temperature control. Having precise temperature controls allows you to cook your ribs at the right temperature and time, yielding perfect results every time.
Additionally, you will want to make sure that the smoker has a good design that makes filling it up quick and easy, as well as controlling airflow for maximum efficiency.
Other key considerations include the construction quality of the smoker itself and any additional features such as wheels or trays that can help streamline your smoking process. By considering all of these factors, you can find the perfect smoker for ribs and enjoy a delicious, mouth-watering barbecue every time.
Budget
Price is always a key consideration when making any purchase, and this is especially true when it comes to buying a smoking machine for ribs. There is a wide range of options on the market, from high-end models that can cost hundreds of dollars to more affordable options that are available for less than $100.
The best way to find the right option for your needs is to set a budget and then compare the features and prices of the different models on the market.
In general, the more expensive models will offer more features and better performance, but it is important to find an option that falls within your budget.
With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect smoking machine for ribs at a price that suits your needs.
Temperature Control
When smoking ribs, it is important to cook them low and slow in order to achieve the desired results. The best smoking machines for ribs will have excellent temperature control features that allow you to cook at a consistently low temperature for an extended period of time.
This will ensure that the ribs are cooked evenly and thoroughly, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs.
Look for smoking machines that have digital temperature displays and controls, as well as the ability to hold a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. These features will help you to produce perfectly cooked ribs every time.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
When considering which smoking machine is right for you and your ribs, ease of use and maintenance should be high on your list of priorities. After all, you want a machine that will make your life easier, not more difficult!
Look for a machine that is easy to set up and use, with clear instructions that even a beginner can follow. And when it comes to maintenance, you’ll want to choose a machine that is easy to clean and care for.
The last thing you want is a smoking machine that is constantly breaking down or requiring expensive repairs. By taking the time to consider ease of use and maintenance, you can be sure to find the perfect smoking machine for your needs.
5 Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore While Smoking Ribs!
Think you have the art of smoking ribs mastered? Well, think again! There are a few tips and tricks you may be overlooking that can make all the difference in the final outcome of your ribs.
Check out these five tips to make sure your smoked ribs come out perfect every single time. Trust us – your taste buds will thank you!
1. Buy Your Meat From Butcher
When it comes to smoking ribs, there are a few key tips that you shouldn’t ignore if you want to end up with juicy, tender meat that falls off the bone.
First and foremost, it’s important that you buy your meat from a butcher rather than a grocery store. That’s because butchers typically have higher-quality meat that hasn’t been frozen and thawed multiple times.
Additionally, butchers can also provide you with guidance on which type of ribs will suit your cooking style best. So, next time you’re planning on smoking some ribs, be sure to head to your local butcher shop rather than the grocery store.
2. Get Rid of the Membrane
When smoking ribs, one of the most important things to remember is to get rid of the membrane. This tough layer of tissue runs along the back of the rack of ribs and prevents juices from seeping into the meat.
Removing the membrane allows for a more even distribution of flavor and prevents dry, overcooked meat. To remove it, simply insert a butter knife underneath one end and gently pull away from the ribs until it tears or slides off completely.
Once this step is complete, your ribs will be ready to be seasoned and smoked to perfection!
3. Don’t Forget The Power of Marination
One of the most important tips to consider when smoking ribs is that you should never forget about marination.
Marination works by infusing the meat with a wide range of flavors and textures, helping to give it a deeper, more complex taste. Not only does this make the final product more delicious, but it also makes it easier to enjoy eating your smoked ribs. Additionally, marination helps to break down meat fibers and tenderize as it soften over time, making your ribs even more juicy and tender than they otherwise would be.
So if you want truly amazing smoked ribs every time, remember not to neglect the power of marination!
Read Also: How long to marinate ribs with dry rub?
4. Maintain a Consistent Temperature of 250 Degrees
At 250 degrees, the meat in your ribs will cook consistently and prevent it from drying out. This temperature is also ideal for achieving a nice, juicy texture in the meat that isn’t too tough or tough.
If you want to get the best results when smoking ribs, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature of 250 degrees at all times. To do this, you can use an oven thermometer placed near the cooking rack or invest in a quality grill with a built-in temperature control system.
Regardless of which strategy you choose, maintaining a stable temperature will play a crucial role in helping you achieve great-tasting, tender ribs every time.
5. Rest The Meat Before Serving
There are many important steps to consider when smoking ribs successfully. One key tip that every aspiring rib smoker should keep in mind is to rest the meat before serving. This step is essential for ensuring that the ribs are perfectly tender and flavorful once they are done cooking.
Ideally, you should let your cooked ribs rest for at least 30-40 minutes before cutting into them and serving them up to your guests.
During this time, the juices will have an opportunity to redistribute throughout the meat and make it extra juicy and delicious. So if you really want to take your barbecuing skills to the next level, be sure not to skip this crucial step when smoking ribs!
FAQs
What is the best smoker for ribs?
When it comes to smoking ribs, many experts recommend using charcoal or wood-fired smokers. This is because these types of smokers can provide a deeper and richer smoke flavor than gas or electric smokers. Additionally, they are great for maintaining a low temperature and preventing flare-ups.
However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option that still produces delicious ribs, a high-quality pellet smoker can be a good choice as well.
How long do ribs have to smoke?
It depends on the temperature you are smoking at, but generally speaking, it takes about 5-6 hours to smoke ribs.
If you are smoking at a higher temperature, it will take less time, and if you are smoking at a lower temperature, it will take longer.
What is the best temperature to smoke ribs?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. However, most people agree that smoking ribs at a temperature between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit produces the best results.
Lower temperatures will result in more tender ribs, while higher temperatures will produce more flavorful ribs. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to experiment with different temperatures and find the one that works best for them.
Luckily, most smokers have built-in thermometers, so it is easy to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed. With a little practice and experimentation, you can master the art of smoking ribs at just the right temperature!
Final Words
So, if you are looking for one of the best smokers for ribs, then make sure to keep all of these things in mind. You want a smoker that is going to heat evenly and provide enough space so that you can cook your ribs properly.
Additionally, don’t forget about the tips we shared – they will help ensure that your ribs come out perfectly smoked every time!
In general, Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is the overall champion. But remember that each person’s preferences vary, so make sure to buy the one that feels perfect for you. And don’t forget – smoking ribs is an art form, so be patient and experiment until you get them just right! Thanks for reading.