Char-Broil Electric H2O Smoker

When it comes to Lazy-Q, this is about the most basic, easy to use and cheapest unit on the market. If you want good barbecue, but don't want invest a whole lot of time or money in the process then this is probably a good unit for you to look at. It is also a good unit if you are just starting out in barbecue and don't know how far you'll be going with it. The electric heat element in this unit produces the heat that cooks the food and provides smoke. All you have to do is adjust the dial to get the heat you want. This is a "water" smoker so there is a large water pan to even out the heat and produce steam.

Of the vertical water smokers on the market for around or under $100USD this one of the easiest to operate. Basically a big can (sometimes referred to as a trash can smoker) with a large electric heating element in the bottom. The 1650 watt (120 volt) heating element can produce enough heat to grill over so it can heat this smoker quickly and easily. The control lets you set the temperature but remember that this unit is not thermostatically controlled.

Above the heating element of this unit is a pan for wood chips to produce the smoker for true barbecue. Above this is a large porcelain coated water pan that serves to catch drippings, produce moisture for the smoking chamber, and to help keep the heat even and consistent. Above the water pan are the two chrome plated cooking grates to hold up to 50 pounds of food. The whole unit is topped off with the lid.

This is a good unit that is perfect for the person just starting out in barbecue or the person who wants good barbecue without spending a lot of money or doing a lot of work.

I consider the Old Smokey Electric Smoker as a similar but superior smoker. However the Char-Broil is generally easier to find.