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How to use an offset smoker

Man standing next to an offset smoker

Overview

The offset smoker knows exactly why it was invented - to create the most amazing food to come out of a smoker. On an offset, the fire chamber is moved off to the side so the food chamber has a glorious space of its own to soak up the smoky flavours. The offset smoker is the smoker other smokers look up to.

Steps

1Add fuel to your smoker

Evenly layer unlit hardwood lumps, or your preferred fuel, inside the smoker's fire chamber.

Person loading wood into the fire chamber of a smoker

2Light your smoker fuel

Get a full chimney of lit briquettes and spread out on top of the unlit lumps. They will ignite and it should only take around 30 minutes to reach cooking temperature.

Person pouring hot charcoal briquettes into a smoker

3When is my smoker ready to use?

The smoker is ready to use when thin blue smoke starts coming out of the chimney. Too much white smoke gives a foul taste that overpowers food while blue smoke imparts a complementary flavour.

4Start cooking!

Once your smoker has reached the ideal cooking temperature for your chosen meat and your smoke has the proper consistency you're ready to cook!

5Find your perfect barbecue or smoker

Ready to get started barbecuing or smoking your favourite food? Check out some our recipes and ideas to get you started. Or, take a look at our great range of barbecues and smokers and you'll be cooking in no time!

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.