How Much Smoke Should Come Out Of A Smoker: A Lesson In The Perfect Barbecue

Having a barbecue smoker is one of the best investments for the summer. The weather is pleasant, and you can indulge in some of the most delicious barbecues with your friends and family. However, it is not always as simple as that because you need to ensure that all your barbecue equipment works properly. 

For example, your smoker should let out enough smoke for the food to cook properly. If there is too much smoke or too little smoke, then this could be a cause for concern. So, if you are trying to perfect your barbecue, you are in the right place. 

Here is your answer to “How much smoke should come out of a smoker?”

How Much Smoke Should Come Out Of A Smoker? (Answered)

The ideal smoke the smoker should produce is a thread streak of blue smoke. If the smoker is producing lots of gray smoke, then you might need to make some adjustments to the damper. On the other hand, if the smoke is too less, even that could be an issue for the food. 

Keep in mind that when you begin using the smoker, the first thing that will come out is some gray smoke. Such smoke is perfectly fine, and after that happens, blue smoke will start coming out, which is needed for the process. The general rule of thumb is that you should not put the food inside the smoker unless you see the blue smoke coming out. 

Reasons Your Smoker Might Be Producing Too Much Smoke 

The most common issue that most people face with the smoker is that it starts producing too much smoke. If this is the case with your smoker, then there might be a few reasons for this. Some of these include the following:

1. The Airflow Management Is Poor 

Every smoker has vents to ensure that the flow of air is ideal for managing the temperature inside the smoker. When there is too much air or oxygen inside the smoker, then the fire will start burning rapidly. Because of this, you will experience lots of smoke coming out of the smoker. 

This is why it is crucial to check the vents of the smoker before you begin smoking the food. For example, you can utilize a thermometer to gauge the temperature inside the smoker. A great tip is to adjust the damper when you are cooking the food by opening the top and closing the top. 

Such a tip will guarantee that the flow of oxygen is much better inside the smoker. So, follow these guidelines to ensure perfect management of airflow inside the smoker. 

2. You Have Been Using Too Much Fuel 

Beginner outdoor cooking enthusiasts might struggle with knowing how much fuel to add to the smoker. The most common reason that the smoker is producing too much smoke is the fact that people use too much fuel.

A general rule of thumb that every beginner should understand is that wood is responsible for creating the smoke, and coal is responsible for producing heat. 

If you add excess wood to the smoker, then the heat coming from the coal will reduce. However, because of this, the wood will stop the flow of oxygen, and when it starts igniting, it will produce a lot of smoke. So, if you have added wood to your smoker and there is a lot of smoke, then open the lid and remove some of the wood to use later. 

When you do this, the coal will also begin burning properly, which means that you will get better smoke. So, make sure that you use the right amount of wood in the first place for the best results. 

3. The Smoker Is Not Clean 

It is crucial that you maintain your smoker by cleaning it after each use and keeping it in great condition. A dirty smoker or one with creosote buildup will lead to producing excess smoke. Because of this, even the meat you are smoking will have a bitter taste that you will not enjoy. 

We recommend that you clean your smoker every two times you cook food so that the airflow is fine and it doesn’t affect the food. Besides that, you should also empty the ash box after each cook. It will ensure a consistent supply of oxygen for the fire so that the smoker is working at its best. 

4. You Don’t Utilize The Charcoal Chimney 

Finally, another reason that your smoker might produce too much smoke is that you are not utilizing the charcoal chimney for the ignition of your coals. We recommend that you use the chimney to get the coals hot before you add them to the smoker. They will be at the right temperature when you add the fuel, which means a better quality of smoke. 

That is because the smoker will have a consistent temperature when the coal bed is hot enough. The idea behind utilizing the chimney is to ensure a clean burn. So you will not encounter excess smoke or smoke that is unclean. 

Top Tips To Get The Perfect Smoke In The Smoker 

Now that you know some tips to avoid excess smoke, there are also tips you can apply to get the perfect smoke in your smoker. Here are some of the top ones you can implement in your next barbecue session: 

Opt For The Right Fuel 

Most people don’t understand the importance of using the right wood, which is why you should not miss this tip. Here are some tips that will help you select the right wood for your smoker:

• Avoid woods with resin, such as cedar and pine 
• Don’t use wood that has been chemically treated or treated in any other way
• Choose a wood depending on the flavor you want. For example, hickory wood can offer a robust flavor profile 
• Use wood specifically created for smoking food

All of these tips will help you select the right type of wood that will take the smoking experience to another level. So, don't forget to conduct some research before you opt for the right type of fuel. 

Use The Right Technique To Build A Fire 

Building a fire in the smoker is a basic skill you should have if you are planning to use it for a long time. Here are all the steps you need to follow to build a fire that will provide you with the perfect amount of smoke:

• Use the charcoal chimney to get your coals to become hot
• When there is enough heat, add the wood to the smoker. You can start with two or three chunks to get it stated
• White or gray smoke will come out, and that is normal 
• Check the wood. If it has become a part of the coal bed, then you can add another piece

Keep in mind that smoking the food correctly is not just about building the fire. You will also have to monitor the fire and ensure that there is not too much or too little of it. Once you do, it will enable you to have the perfect food. 

Maintain Your Smoker With Cleanliness

When you invest in a smoker, you have to take out the time to clean and maintain it. If you don't, creosote will start building up in the smoker, which will affect your food. This is why you have to clean it after every two times you use the smoker. 

Such cleanliness will ensure that the smoker lasts a long time to come. On the other hand, if you don't clean it often, then your smoker will not last long, which means you will have to invest in a new one again. So, save your money by keeping the one you already have clean. 

Final Thoughts 

By now, you are familiar with the amount of smoke that should come out of a smoker and all the guidelines you can follow to make the smoking experience a fantastic one. Smoking food is a skill that you must master. This is why if you are a beginner, you should not lose faith in your skills. 

Instead, you can keep smoking meat, and every time you will learn something new. Before you know it, you will become proficient at smoking the food without any issues.