If you own a restaurant and want to add a smoky flavor to your dishes, then a commercial wood smoker is a must-have. These smokers use wood chips to infuse meats, vegetables, and even fruits with a rich, smoky flavor that customers love. Commercial wood smokers come in different sizes and types, each with its own unique features and benefits.
When choosing a commercial wood smoker, there are a few things you should consider. First, you need to think about the size of the smoker and how much food you need to smoke at once. Second, you should consider the type of wood chips you want to use and how easy it is to change them. Finally, you should look for a smoker that is easy to clean and maintain.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten commercial wood smokers to identify the ones that are best for restaurants. In this article, we will share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Best Commercial Wood Smokers for Restaurants
If you’re looking for a way to add a smoky flavor to your restaurant’s menu, a commercial wood smoker is a must-have. These smokers use wood chips or logs to infuse meat, fish, and vegetables with a delicious smoky flavor that can’t be replicated with any other cooking method. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best commercial wood smokers for restaurants, so you can find the perfect one for your establishment. From large-capacity smokers for high-volume kitchens to smaller units for intimate dining experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable smoker that can handle large amounts of food, the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is a great option.
Pros
- Six height-adjustable cooking grates accommodate various sizes of food, giving 1890 square inches of total cooking space with 25-pounds capacity per grate.
- Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly for improved burn efficiency.
- Vertical design lends itself to naturally rising heat, achieving greater efficiency and improved smoke flavor. Offset design keeps direct heat away from the food, allowing for slow cooking.
Cons
- Assembly can be time-consuming and may require some technical knowledge.
- Some users have reported issues with maintaining consistent temperatures.
- The smoker is quite heavy, and may be difficult to move around.
The Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is a great option for anyone looking to take their grilling to the next level. With six height-adjustable cooking grates and a total cooking space of 1890 square inches, this smoker can handle large amounts of food. The porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly for improved burn efficiency, while the vertical design lends itself to naturally rising heat and improved smoke flavor. The offset functionality of the smoker keeps direct heat away from food to give an even distribution of heat and smoke.
One of the standout features of this smoker is the pre-installed hi-temp rope seal, which helps to retain heat and smoke for improved cooking efficiency. The primary door also features a pre-installed seal that retains heat and minimizes heat and smoke loss, providing improved smoke efficiency. The smoker also offers cooking versatility with pre-installed sausage hooks and removable chrome-plated rib racks to give you a variety of cooking options.
While assembly can be time-consuming and may require some technical knowledge, the end result is a high-quality smoker that can handle all your grilling needs. Some users have reported issues with maintaining consistent temperatures, but this can often be resolved with some experimentation and adjustment. The smoker is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around, but this is a small price to pay for the durability and quality of the product.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable smoker that can handle large amounts of food, the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is a great option.
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
If you’re in the market for a versatile commercial wood smoker and grill, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is an excellent choice.
Pros
- With five chrome-plated cooking grates and a total cooking space of 1382 square inches, you’ll have plenty of room to cook for a crowd.
- The heavy-gauge steel body construction ensures durability and longevity.
- The stainless temperature gauge with “Smoke Zone” indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor, making it easy to achieve the perfect taste.
Cons
- The assembly can take up to three hours, so be prepared to set aside some time to put it together.
- The unit is steel, so there are some gaps that heat tape can seal.
- It can be challenging to regulate the heat, so this smoker is best suited for low and slow cooking.
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is a great investment for any restaurant looking to add a smoker and grill to their outdoor cooking setup. With its high-quality construction and ample cooking space, you’ll be able to cook up delicious meals for your customers with ease.
The smoker and offset cooking grates allow for maximum heat transfer and searing, and the professional-grade, stainless steel temperature gauge features “Grill Zone” and “Smoke Zone” indicators for maintaining an ideal cooking temperature. The cool-touch spring lid grip provides safer access to food, and the oversized steel wheels make it easy to move before and after use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable commercial wood smoker and grill, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is an excellent choice.
Weber 14.5-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use commercial wood smoker for your restaurant, the Weber 14.5-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- Two cooking grates for smoking multiple items at once
- Dampers that adjust easily for heat control
- Easy assembly with instructions available in the User Guide attachment
Cons
- Limited cooking space with a main grilling area of only 143 square inches
- Charcoal fuel can be messy and difficult to clean
- May require frequent monitoring to maintain consistent temperature
This smoker is perfect for small restaurants or catering events. The two cooking grates allow you to smoke multiple items at once, saving you time and effort. The dampers are easy to adjust, so you can always be in control of the heat and ensure that your food is cooked to perfection.
Assembly is a breeze with the instructions available in the User Guide attachment. You’ll have your smoker up and running in no time. The Weber 14.5-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker also comes with a cover to help protect it from the elements when not in use.
One downside to this smoker is its limited cooking space. With a main grilling area of only 143 square inches, you may need to smoke items in batches or choose smaller cuts of meat. Additionally, charcoal fuel can be messy and difficult to clean up after use.
Overall, the Weber 14.5-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a reliable and easy-to-use commercial wood smoker that is perfect for small restaurants or catering events. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable option, this smoker is definitely worth considering.
Sophia & William Heavy-Duty Charcoal Smoker Grills
If you’re looking for a large smoker grill that can handle a big event, the Sophia & William Heavy-Duty Charcoal Smoker Grill might be for you.
Pros
- The one-piece smoker chamber helps to control temperature and smoke better than two-piece smokers with gaps.
- The large cooking area of 941 square inches is perfect for big events or parties.
- The heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and stability.
Cons
- Assembly can take a while due to the large number of parts.
- The thermometer can be hard to read due to moisture buildup.
- The grill leaks smoke and heat if not properly sealed.
This smoker grill is perfect for those who want to cook for large events or parties. The one-piece smoker chamber helps to control temperature and smoke, while the large cooking area of 941 square inches ensures that everyone will be well-fed. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and stability, making it perfect for outdoor use. However, assembly can take a while due to the large number of parts, and the thermometer can be hard to read due to moisture buildup. Additionally, the grill may leak smoke and heat if not properly sealed. Overall, the Sophia & William Heavy-Duty Charcoal Smoker Grill is a great choice for those who need a large smoker grill for outdoor events.
MFSTUDIO Heavy Duty Outdoor Smoker
If you’re looking for a reliable commercial wood smoker for your restaurant, the MFSTUDIO Heavy Duty Outdoor Smoker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The integrated grill chamber and heavy lid design help prevent heat and smoke loss during cooking.
- The combination of a charcoal grill and smoker allows for good circulation of heat and smoke.
- The safe enamel grilling rack is high-temperature resistant and easy to clean.
Cons
- Assembly can be time-consuming and may require two people.
- The manual can be difficult to follow.
- Some customers have reported missing parts upon delivery.
This smoker is perfect for those who want to smoke meat for their restaurant customers. The integrated grill chamber and heavy lid design help prevent heat and smoke loss during cooking, ensuring that your meat is cooked to perfection every time. The combination of a charcoal grill and smoker also allows for good circulation of heat and smoke, giving your meat a delicious smoky flavor.
One of the best things about this smoker is the safe enamel grilling rack. It’s high-temperature resistant and easy to clean, making it perfect for use in a busy restaurant kitchen. However, assembly can be time-consuming and may require two people. Additionally, the manual can be difficult to follow, which may make assembly even more challenging.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the MFSTUDIO Heavy Duty Outdoor Smoker is a great investment for any restaurant owner looking to add smoked meat to their menu. With its reliable design and high-quality construction, this smoker is sure to provide years of delicious smoked meat for your customers to enjoy.
Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker 16″
If you are looking for a commercial wood smoker for your restaurant, the Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker 16″ could be a good option for you. It offers a decent cooking space, innovative air control system, and convenient dual-carry handles at an affordable price.
Pros
- The innovative air control system simplifies setting and maintaining cook temperatures.
- The removable ash pan system makes clean-up simple.
- The convenient dual-carry handles make it easy to position the smoker perfectly.
Cons
- Some users reported that the temperature gauge is not accurate.
- The smoker might require frequent refilling of charcoal.
- The cooking space might not be enough for larger restaurants.
This smoker is made of durable porcelain-coated steel lid, body, and fire bowl that stand up to rust while still being easy to clean. It comes with two porcelain-coated cooking grates, water pan, and ash pan. The lid-mounted temperature gauge allows you to monitor and control the cooking temperature.
The Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker 16″ is a good option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly commercial wood smoker. However, some users reported that the temperature gauge is not accurate, and the smoker might require frequent refilling of charcoal. Additionally, the cooking space might not be enough for larger restaurants.
Buying Guide
When choosing a commercial wood smoker for your restaurant, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Capacity
The first thing to consider is how much food you need to smoke at once. Make sure the smoker you choose has enough capacity to handle your busiest days without overcrowding the unit. Consider the size of the cooking chamber, as well as the number of racks and their size.
Material
The material of the smoker is also important. Look for a smoker made of durable materials that can withstand high temperatures and frequent use. Stainless steel is a common choice for commercial smokers due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.
Fuel Type
Commercial wood smokers can use a variety of fuels, including wood, charcoal, and gas. Consider which fuel type is most convenient for your restaurant and which will give you the best flavor for your smoked meats.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial for achieving consistent results when smoking meat. Look for a smoker with precise temperature controls and a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Choose a smoker that is easy to use and clean. Look for features such as removable racks and drip pans, as well as easy access to the cooking chamber for cleaning.
Warranty and Customer Support
Finally, consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. Look for a smoker with a solid warranty and responsive customer support to ensure that any issues can be quickly resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a commercial wood smoker for a restaurant?
When choosing a commercial wood smoker for your restaurant, there are several features to consider. Look for a smoker with a large cooking surface, an easy-to-use temperature control system, and a durable construction that can withstand heavy use. Additionally, consider the type of wood that the smoker uses, as this can greatly impact the flavor of your food.
What are the benefits of using a commercial wood smoker in a restaurant?
Using a commercial wood smoker in your restaurant can provide a unique and delicious flavor to your dishes. It can also help to tenderize meats and other proteins, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product. Additionally, using a wood smoker can be a great way to differentiate your restaurant from others in the area.
Which brands of commercial wood smokers are most reliable for restaurant use?
Some of the most reliable brands of commercial wood smokers for restaurant use include Traeger, Southern Pride, and Cookshack. These brands are known for their durable construction, easy-to-use temperature controls, and consistent results.
How do I properly maintain a commercial wood smoker for optimal performance?
To maintain optimal performance of your commercial wood smoker, it is important to clean it regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance. This may include regularly emptying the ash pan, cleaning the grates, and inspecting the smoker for any signs of wear or damage.
What size commercial wood smoker is best for a restaurant?
The size of the commercial wood smoker that is best for your restaurant will depend on your specific needs and the volume of food that you plan to smoke. Consider the size of your restaurant and the number of customers that you typically serve when choosing a smoker.
How much should I expect to spend on a high-quality commercial wood smoker for a restaurant?
The cost of a high-quality commercial wood smoker can vary greatly depending on the size, features, and brand. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more for a top-of-the-line commercial wood smoker. However, investing in a high-quality smoker can pay off in the long run by providing consistent, delicious results for your customers.
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