Three Tips to Help You Smoke Meat Like a Pro

BY Jeffrey June 6, 2022

If there’s one thing we love about the warmer months of the year, it’s pulling out our grills and smokers and taking every chance we get to have a BBQ. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about kicking back in the shade with a cool drink, potato salad, and a slab of perfectly smoked ribs.

Achieving that perfectly smoked slab of ribs is an art, though, and one that asks for bit more dedication than simple grilling. Luckily we’ve got a handful of tips to help you get started. With a little work, you’ll be smoking meat like a pro in no time!

The Smoker

Smoking meat isn’t as straightforward as grilling. While you can throw a burger on a hot grill and have it ready in a few minutes, smoking requires a more patient approach. Properly smoking can take from a few days up to a few weeks, so it’s crucial you find a smoker that best fits your style. 

If you’re new to the hobby and just looking to have a fun spin on the traditional BBQ, consider an electric smoker. It may not have the “authenticity” of a pellet smoker, but electric smokers are easier to use, cheaper up front, and more cost effective in the long run. The best part about electric smokers is that you can’t really tell the difference. If you’re just a casual user, this type of smoker is a great choice.

However, if you do decide on a pellet smoker, be sure to read up on how to use one. This type of smoker requires a bit more of an hands-on approach to smoking your meat. You’ll need to monitor temperatures, refill pellets as needed, and generally keep a closer eye on the process. The payoff of all your hard work will be an immensely satisfying meal you can brag about to your friends and family.

The Pellets

Should you decide to go the pellet route, you’ll need to find the right kind. Pellet smokers use hardwood pellets that come in a number of different flavors. For the best flavor you’ll want to use 100% natural pellets made from consumer-safe hardwood. You’ll avoid any unnecessary filler (such as bark, leaves, etc) and you’ll enjoy a longer, cleaner burn. Again, it’s important to use food-grade pellets designed specifically for smoking. Don’t confuse these with heating pellets, which are used in heaters for your home.

So what types of pellets should you use? Some of our favorites include Hickory (great with any type of meat), Mesquite (infuses a healthy dose of traditional smoky flavor), or Apple (gives your chicken and unbeatable flavor). The best part of smoking meat is experimenting with new flavors and combos to perfect your own spin on creating the perfect dish.

The Meat

The type of meat you smoke isn’t as important as understanding how to smoke it. You know what you love, and whether that be steak, jerky, ribs, or chicken wings, each type of meat requires a different amount of time and care during the smoking process.

Be sure your cuts are as even as possible to help cook the meat better. Use dry pellets and keep the smoker closed as much as much as you can or you may risk an uneven smoking experience. And finally, always read up on how long you should cook each type of meat and how often (if at all) you need to adjust your cuts while cooking.

Jump into BBQ Season with Progressive Leasing

Progressive Leasing offers simple, flexible purchase options from thousands of retailer partners across the country. Find a store near you and discover your perfect smoker by visiting our website at progleasing.com.