When it comes to smoking meat, there’s no better way than using a BBQ smoker. The process is simple – you put your food in the smoker, cover it up with smoke, let it cook through, then uncover it to serve.

While you might not be able to start a fire inside of your home from scratch, you can use a pellet smoker to get a good result. You just need to learn how to operate one.

Here are some basic instructions and tips on how to use a pellet smokers for smoking meat.

How to Use Pellet Smokers

To begin, purchase a pellet grill or smoker (not all brands will work)

Once you have your smoker, connect it to electricity, turn it on, and make sure it has adequate ventilation.

Next, choose a recipe for your smoked meat or fish

Add your ingredients and place them on top of the racks in the smoker. Close the lid and adjust the vents so they don’t blow out the smoke.

As long as you monitor the temperature, you shouldn’t have too much trouble maintaining it at an even level.

After about 30 minutes, add more pellets to keep the temperature steady.

Continue cooking until done to your preference. Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest before serving.

If you want to learn more about the different types of smokers available and what features each model offers, check out this great article over at Chowhound.

If you aren’t sure where to begin when buying a pellet smoker, we recommend checking out the best pellet grills and smokers on the market right now.

How to Pick the Right Size Pellet Grill

There are many pellet smokers on the market today. However, since you’ll likely only ever use it once, size doesn’t really matter that much. If you do happen to buy a larger unit, it won’t take up a lot of space.

The most important thing to consider is price. Most models fall between $150 and $300.

However, if you plan on using it several times per year, you should opt for the larger units. This allows you to fit as many racks as possible in a single room, which makes cleanup easier.

How Much Wood Does a Pellet Griller Need?

Most modern pellet smokers take care of the wood burning part of the equation, but you’ll still need to supply fuel. A good rule of thumb is to use two pounds of wood to every pound of meat.

You might find yourself adding another few pounds of charcoal later down the line, depending on how the smoker performs during cooking.

What Type of Food Should I Smoke?

If you’re looking to make a quick meal, you can easily smoke salmon, chicken breasts, ribs, hamburgers, and other items like that.

If you’re planning on making large cuts of meat, you’ll want to invest in a larger pellet smoker. These will enable you to hold a ton of meat, such as whole turkeys, hams, and briskets.

Once you master the art of cooking with these machines, you can also experiment with different types of meats to see what works best with your favorite recipes.

How to Build a Pellet Smoker

Purchase a pre-built pellet grill or smoker

Connect power source and turn on machine

Place your smoker onto a heat diffuser tray

Cover the smoker with a sheet metal shield

Fill the smoker with charcoal

Close the lid

Set the temperature control to 425°F to 450°F

Wait for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the temperature frequently, adjusting as needed

Open the lid and add additional charcoal or wood as needed

Keep the temperature within ± 10°F of the target temperature

Repeat steps 8 to 11 until you reach the desired temperature

Turn off the power source and wait for the smoker to cool completely

Clean the metal pieces that came with your smoker

Remove the ash pan and clean the ash hole with a small brush

Dispose of ashes

Hopefully this brief guide has helped you understand how pellet smokers work and how to use them properly. If you have any questions or comments about pellet smokers, please share them below!