How to Smoke Meats and Fish in Meat Smokers

by Peter Weston
May 29th 2011

Do you love smoked meat and smoked fish but do not know how to get that lovely flavor? If so, you are not alone. Many people are unsure of how to get that smoky flavor that they love. And like many, you are probably wondering if you might get that effect on the charcoal BBQ grill that you currently have, instead of spending money on an expensive smoker.

Both gas and charcoal grills are quite capable of smoking meats, making it not really necessary to purchase meat smokers for this task, although you may choose to do so. You do need to keep in mind the size, shape and style of the burners on your gas grill will have a direct impact on its ability to maintain the consistent 225 degree temperature necessary for smoking food.

If you do choose to buy a meat smoker, they're available in many different sizes, styles and price ranges. Depending on what your needs are it may be possible for you to make use of a small gas grill, but if you do a great deal of smoking it may be necessary for you to purchase a large trailer mounted pit smoker. You can decide if the purchase is going to be worth the reward!

Another choice is smoker that you have is a vertical water smoker. In these styles, you will find a water pan it goes in between the heat source and you. This keeps the temperature of the smoker right around 212°, which properly smokes the meat. With these types you are able to choose between electric, charcoal, or propane.

Another cool thing about water smokers? Some can even double as grills – talk about getting the most bang for your buck!

Fish can be smoked either using hot smoking or cold smoking. Any smoker can be used for hot smoking, but if you are interested in cold smoking for fish you will need to purchase a cold smoker. While hot smoking is accomplished at temperatures which vary from 212-225 degrees Fahrenheit, cold smoking requires a temperature of no more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Salmon for example is cured in a solution of salt and sugar before it is smoked with the smoking process, taking anywhere up to three weeks. The amount of time it is smoked is personal preference and based on the kind of flavor you would you like to achieve.

You are able to find a smoker that will fit any budget. They can be found at garage sales for pennies on the dollar, or you can buy a top of the line brand new one from a store for thousands of dollars. Obviously, you get what you pay for, but like anything, it is possible to find deals if you spend the time to look. First decide what your needs are, and then do some research. If you are brand new to the smoking world, you can also find many great cookbooks or even recipes online to help get you started on your adventure!

About the Author: Two Trees Products brings high quality barbecue products to the grilling marketplace. Our products include 100% Mesquite Lump Charcoal, all natural self starting 100% Mesquite Lump Charcoal, Regular Charcoal Briquets, grilling sprays and Wood Chunks in Mesquite & Hickory.

About The Author

Peter Weston is an avid BBQ fan, and a writer for Best of the West charcoal smoking chunks.

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<p>Do you love smoked meat and smoked fish but do not know how to get that lovely flavor? If so, you are not alone. Many people are unsure of how to get that smoky flavor that they love. And like many, you are probably wondering if you might get that effect on the <a href="http://www.twotreesproducts.com/shop/bullgrill/" target="_blank">charcoal BBQ grill</a> that you currently have, instead of spending money on an expensive smoker.<br /> <br /> Both gas and charcoal grills are quite capable of smoking meats, making it not really necessary to purchase meat smokers for this task, although you may choose to do so. You do need to keep in mind the size, shape and style of the burners on your gas grill will have a direct impact on its ability to maintain the consistent 225 degree temperature necessary for smoking food.<br /> <br /> If you do choose to buy a meat smoker, they&#39;re available in many different sizes, styles and price ranges. Depending on what your needs are it may be possible for you to make use of a small gas grill, but if you do a great deal of smoking it may be necessary for you to purchase a large trailer mounted pit smoker. You can decide if the purchase is going to be worth the reward!<br /> <br /> Another choice is smoker that you have is a vertical water smoker. In these styles, you will find a water pan it goes in between the heat source and you. This keeps the temperature of the smoker right around 212&deg;, which properly smokes the meat. With these types you are able to choose between electric, charcoal, or propane.<br /> <br /> Another cool thing about water smokers? Some can even double as grills &ndash; talk about getting the most bang for your buck!<br /> <br /> Fish can be smoked either using hot smoking or cold smoking. Any smoker can be used for hot smoking, but if you are interested in cold smoking for fish you will need to purchase a cold smoker. While hot smoking is accomplished at temperatures which vary from 212-225 degrees Fahrenheit, cold smoking requires a temperature of no more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.<br /> <br /> Salmon for example is cured in a solution of salt and sugar before it is smoked with the smoking process, taking anywhere up to three weeks. The amount of time it is smoked is personal preference and based on the kind of flavor you would you like to achieve.<br /> <br /> You are able to find a smoker that will fit any budget. They can be found at garage sales for pennies on the dollar, or you can buy a top of the line brand new one from a store for thousands of dollars. Obviously, you get what you pay for, but like anything, it is possible to find deals if you spend the time to look. First decide what your needs are, and then do some research. If you are brand new to the smoking world, you can also find many great cookbooks or even recipes online to help get you started on your adventure!<br /> <br /> About the Author: Two Trees Products brings high quality barbecue products to the grilling marketplace. Our products include 100% Mesquite Lump Charcoal, all natural self starting 100% Mesquite Lump Charcoal, Regular Charcoal Briquets, <a href="http://www.twotreesproducts.com/" target="_blank">grilling sprays</a> and Wood Chunks in Mesquite &amp; Hickory.</p><p><strong>About the Author</strong></p><p>(CityNext.Content #45)</p><p>Article Source: <a href="http://citynext.com/">http://citynext.com/</a> - <a href="http://citynext.com/food-and-beverage/cooking-tips-articles/how-smoke-meats-and-fish-meat-smokers">How to Smoke Meats and Fish in Meat Smokers</a></p>