When it comes down to smoking the food, offset smokers and Weber Smokey Mountain smokers are two common choices. Both of them are great options and have a reliable performance. Smokers have a promising smoke profile, but there are various differences in their features, so let’s check out the details about the smokers, so you can choose the most suitable unit!
Weber Smokey Mountain vs Offset Smoker
Offset Smoker
The offset smokers are considered an absolute classic when it comes down to smoking. These smokers are also known as horizontal smokers, pipe smokers, stick smokers, and barrel smokers. The offset smokers have a straightforward design as there is a smoking chamber connected directly to the small firebox. The heat and smoke from the wood or charcoal fire pass through the cooking chamber, which promises a slow cooking experience.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that an offset smoker is the holy grail of BBQ. For a larger meat cut, the offset smoker will take anything from eight hours to twelve hours to cook the meat. However, you need to be extremely particular about the temperature and keep stroking the fire. The best thing about an offset smoker is that the smoky flavor will be top-notch, and the cooking capacity is sufficient enough to cook for an entire party at once.
The offset smoker can be used with charcoal wood or pure wood, depending on which flavor profile you need to create. For the most part, the offset smokers can be used for grilling over a firebox and is suitable for smoking as well. In addition, some people set it up as a charcoal grill if you use the primary cooking chamber. The smoker is designed with a separate firebox, which means you can add the fuel without losing the smoke.
If you are concerned about longevity, the offset smoker is extremely durable as long as you are taking care of it properly. In addition, offset smokers are available in a variety of quality and prices. Keep in mind that it needs constant maintenance and taking care of to maintain the target temperature and is a promising choice for experienced smokers. It can be challenging to maintain the temperature in cool and wet weather conditions. Also, make sure you take care of the smoker because painted steel material can rust and flake.
Weber Smokey Mountain
Commonly known as WSM, this is a promising and only smoker designed by Weber. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this smoker is designed as a kettle grill and integrated the middle part of the pipe and water to create a vertical smoker. This is one of the most convenient, efficient, and affordable smokers out there. It works with charcoal (the wood chunks are burnt) smoke and adds flavor to the food. It tends to cook food faster as compared to an offset smoke, and you don’t need to keep an eye.
For the most part, the smoker is designed with a small capacity but keep in mind that it doesn’t develop a complex smoke profile. The vertical design of the smoker promises faster and more efficient performance. In addition, it has extremely efficient fuel usage, making it an affordable choice. What’s best about this smoker is that it consumes minimum space on the ground. Overall, the smoker has a durable and top-notch build.
If you are a beginner at barbecuing and grilling, this smoker will suffice as it’s suitable for beginners. The smoker is designed with a separate fuel door, which means you can add fuel to the smoker without disturbing the smoke during the cooking process. There are three sizes of smokers available to meet the cooking and smoking needs of the users. The smoker is designed with double cooking grates, promising sufficient cooking space to the users.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Weber Smokey Mountain smoker promises real value for money and has a longer warranty time. While it’s advertised for grilling, the grilling performance won’t be great, so it’s best to use for BBQ only. In addition, it doesn’t produce a strong smoky flavor.
The Bottom Line
Both Weber Smokey Mountain smokers and offset smokers are great, but it depends on how much you need to cook. The offset smokers are suitable for bigger families, while WSM is suitable for smaller families, but it’s also available in three sizes!