Making jerky at home is fun. But, a good smoker is key. You need consistent temps and good airflow. Otherwise, you’ll end up with leather, not jerky. I’ve tested many smokers over the years. Some were great. Some were… not so much. This guide covers the best smokers for jerky. I’ll share my top picks to help you get started.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker: Great for beginners, easy to use, consistent temperatures.
- Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill: Versatile, pellet-fueled, precise temperature control.
- Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch: Charcoal smoker, excellent flavor, requires more attention.
- Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker: Automatic wood feeding, consistent smoke, easy to maintain.
- Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill: Affordable pellet grill, large cooking area, good value for money.
Top 5 Best Smokers for Jerky
1. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is perfect for jerky newbies. It’s super easy to use. Set the temp, set the time, and you’re good to go. The digital controls are simple. Plus, cleaning is a breeze. This smoker gives you consistent results every time. I love that I can just set it and forget it.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to use digital controls.
- ✅ Consistent temperature.
- ✅ Simple to clean.
Cons:
- ❌ Not the best smoke flavor compared to charcoal.
- ❌ Can struggle in very cold weather.
- ❌ Build quality could be better.
Verdict: Perfect for beginners wanting simple, consistent jerky.
2. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX is a versatile pellet grill. It’s great for jerky and so much more. Pellet grills are known for precise temperature control. This one is no exception. You can easily maintain low temps for perfect jerky. Plus, you get a nice smoky flavor from the wood pellets. I’ve cooked everything from ribs to pizza on mine. It’s a true workhorse.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent temperature control.
- ✅ Versatile for other types of cooking.
- ✅ Good smoky flavor.
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than electric smokers.
- ❌ Requires electricity to operate.
- ❌ Can use a lot of pellets on long cooks.
Verdict: A great all-around smoker for those who want versatility.
3. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch
The Weber Smokey Mountain is a classic charcoal smoker. It gives you that authentic smoky flavor that many people crave. It takes more practice than electric or pellet smokers. But, the results are worth it. Maintaining low temperatures is key for jerky. This smoker can do it. I still remember the first time I nailed a brisket on this thing. The flavor was unreal.
Pros:
- ✅ Superior smoky flavor.
- ✅ Durable and long-lasting.
- ✅ Relatively inexpensive compared to pellet grills.
Cons:
- ❌ Steeper learning curve.
- ❌ Requires more attention to maintain temperature.
- ❌ Not as convenient as electric or pellet smokers.
Verdict: Best for experienced smokers who value flavor above all else.
4. Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker
The Bradley Smoker is unique because of its automatic wood feeding system. This means consistent smoke without constant monitoring. It’s great for jerky. Just load up the wood bisquettes. The smoker does the rest. Temperature control is also good. This makes it easy to get consistent results. It’s a great option for hands-off smoking.
Pros:
- ✅ Automatic wood feeding system.
- ✅ Consistent smoke.
- ✅ Easy to maintain.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires special wood bisquettes.
- ❌ Can be expensive to run.
- ❌ Smoke flavor is milder than charcoal.
Verdict: Ideal for those who want consistent smoke with minimal effort.
5. Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 700FB is an affordable pellet grill. It offers a large cooking area. It’s a great value for the money. It’s not as fancy as some other pellet grills. But, it gets the job done. Temperature control is decent. The large capacity lets you make a lot of jerky at once. If you’re on a budget, this is a solid choice.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable price.
- ✅ Large cooking area.
- ✅ Easy to use.
Cons:
- ❌ Temperature control not as precise as more expensive models.
- ❌ Build quality could be better.
- ❌ Can have hot spots.
Verdict: A budget-friendly option for making large batches of jerky.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right smoker for jerky can feel overwhelming. Here are some things to consider:
- Type of Smoker: Electric, pellet, or charcoal? Electric is easiest. Pellet offers versatility. Charcoal gives the best flavor.
- Temperature Control: Jerky needs low, consistent temperatures. Look for a smoker that can maintain 160-175°F.
- Capacity: How much jerky do you want to make at once? Consider the cooking area.
- Ease of Use: Are you a beginner? Electric smokers are the most user-friendly.
- Budget: Smokers range in price. Set a budget before you start shopping.
- Airflow: Proper airflow is critical for drying out the meat. Make sure the smoker has adjustable vents.
- Material: Look for smokers made from durable materials like stainless steel or heavy-gauge steel. These will last longer.
Think about what matters most to you. Do you value convenience or flavor? How much time do you want to spend monitoring the smoker?
FAQs
Q: What temperature is best for making jerky?
A: Aim for 160-175°F. This temperature dries the meat without cooking it too quickly.
Q: How long does it take to make jerky in a smoker?
A: It depends on the thickness of the meat and the smoker. Usually, it takes 4-8 hours.
Q: What kind of wood should I use for smoking jerky?
A: Hickory, mesquite, and fruit woods like apple or cherry are all good choices. Experiment to find your favorite flavor.
Q: Do I need to pre-treat the meat before smoking it?
A: Yes, marinating the meat is important for flavor and preservation. Use a jerky marinade recipe.
Q: How do I store jerky after it’s smoked?
A: Let it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in a cool, dry place. You can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life.
Conclusion
Finding the best smoker for jerky depends on your needs and preferences. Electric smokers are great for beginners. Pellet grills offer versatility. Charcoal smokers provide the best flavor. Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend monitoring the smoker, and what type of flavor you prefer. With the right smoker, you’ll be making delicious homemade jerky in no time.
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