In this article, you will learn about the difference between a regular offset smoker and a reverse flow offset smoker. Also, you will be able to get knowledge about the working of a reverse flow offset smoker as well as the other qualities it offers after reading this article. By the end, you will surely make a conclusion that which works best for you either a regular offset smoker or a reverse flow offset smoker, and what is a reverse flow offset smoker? So keep reading!
Introduction to a Reverse Flow Offset Smoker:
This is also a type of barbeque smoker but it works a bit differently. As the name suggests, it makes the air to travel in a reverse direction that is further into the smoker which is very helpful in achieving a more uniform temperature inside this smoker as compared to a regular offset smoker.
What is the methodology of the working of a Reverse Flow Offset Smoker?
As we know that the air travels inside the smoker so the question arises that how is it possible? The answer to this question is that there is a sealed drip pan present at one side of the firebox. When the heat comes out of the firebox it directly goes into that drip pan and it opens in the farthest area of the smoker. So, in this way heat reaches to the farthest point possible inside the offset smoker. Ultimately, it reaches below the cooking chamber and it is retained there as long as the firebox is burning and so, it provides a uniform temperature range while cooking the food.
Comparison between a reverse flow smoker and a traditional offset smoker:
As we all know that consistency is the key to everything and it is also true in the case of cooking. If you want your meat, bacon or whatever you are cooking to be turned out delish and perfectly cooked, you have to make sure that the heat provided to it while cooking was constant in terms of temperature range.
The main difference between a reverse flow smoker and a traditional offset smoker is the heat consistency. The reverse flow offset smokers provides a constant amount of heat to the cooking chamber throughout cooking while the traditional offset smoker is not capable of providing constant heat. So, the conclusion is that the reverse flow offset smoker is better than the traditional offset smoker as it provides a smooth and constant flow of heat for cooking.
Hot Spot of a reverse flow smoker:
Every offset smoker has two to three different hot spots either it is a traditional one or a reverse flow offset smoker but the thing is that they are not mentioned in any guide, you have to find them by yourself. These hot spots are specialized in cooking the big sized meat like pork. They provide enough heat that they are cooked properly from the inside as well as the outside without burning.
Stack of a Reverse Flow Offset Smoker:
As we know that the stack of a traditional offset smoker is located at the end of the smoking chamber that is opposite side of the firebox but in case of reverse flow offset smoker, you will find the stack at the same end of the firebox. The importance of a stack is too much. It should be properly placed as it will dictate the heat flow to move in a certain direction. Without it, you will not be able to cook any type of food properly.
Handmade Reverse Flow Offset Smokers:
Most people opt for a handmade smoker if they want a reverse flow one because it has a thicker steel construction and the grates are also made up of stainless steel. The smokers which are readily available to you at the market will cost you around $500 dollars but these handmade reverse flow offset smokers may cost you several thousand dollars. So, the question arises that why do people prefer handmade ones even though they are way too expensive?
The answer to this question is that the manufacturing material of the offset smokers that are available in the market is almost same in terms of quality as well as quantity. But if you want a reverse flow offset smoker to work efficiently by retaining all the required amount of heat then you have to make the layering extra thick which can only be achieved by handmade manufacturing.
Example of a Handmade Reverse Flow Offset Smoker:
Meadow Creek is a company that manufactures handmade reverse flow offset smokers. Their steel is two to three times thicker than that of a regular offset smoker. The most amount of thickness can be seen in the area of firebox. These smokers are very huge in size and this is the only way to trap all that heat for proper cooking. It allows you to cook in harsh and windy environments too.
Advantages of a Reverse Flow Offset Smoker:
Following is a list of things that makes the reverse flow offset smoker superior than the traditional offset smoker. Have a look!
- It maintains an even cooking temperature throughout the cooking process.
- We can say there is not a single cold spot in the reverse flow offset smoker.
- It has two to three different hot spots.
- The smoke distribution of the reverse flow offset smoker is consistent.
- Unlike regular offset smoker there will be no spikes of temperature by the addition of more fuel to the fire.
- The food cooked on the firebox of a regular offset smoker often gets burned but there is a rare chance of burning of food using the firebox of a reverse flow offset smoker.
- If the door of the chamber is opened, the heat will be lost but it will be maintained to the required level in no time.
Manufacturing brands of the reverse flow offset smokers:
If you do not want to spend your thousands of dollars for the manufacturing of a handmade reverse flow offset smoker then you can simply go for these options that are mentioned below as they are readily available in the market as well as online. Although a lot of brands manufacture reverse flow offset smokers but in my opinion, the top picks are as follows:
- Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker.
- Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker.
- Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Offset Smoker.
- Char-Griller E1224 Smoking Pro 830.
Other brands of Reverse Flow Offset Smokers:
- Meadow Creek Reverse Flow Offset Smoker.
- Backwoods Chubby Reverse Flow Offset Smoker.
- Z Grills Reverse Flow Offset Smoker.
- Traeger Reverse Flow Offset Smoker.
FAQs:
- Can a reverse flow offset smoker be used for grilling the meat?
Surely, some of the brands have manufactured the reverse flow offset smokers that can be used for smoking as well as grilling.
- Are handmade reverse flow offset smoker better?
Yes, they are much better than the readymade reverse flow offset smokers available in the market because of their thickened steel walls.
- What is the main function of a reverse flow offset smoker?
The main function of a reverse flow offset smoker is to provide consistent and even flow of heat for better cooking.
Conclusion:
The traditional offset smoker is better in many ways than a reverse flow offset smoker but if you are in dire need to cook food on a consistent heat than you should opt for a reverse flow offset smoker. Hope you have found answer to the question what is a reverse flow offset smoker. If you can afford easily then you should definitely invest in a handmade reverse flow offset smoker not the one which are available in the market because there construction will not let the reverse flow offset smokerto work efficiently.
Apart from this if you are interested to know about Best lump charcoal for offset smoker then visited our Blog category.
