Key Tips for Enjoying Your Smoker
Once you purchase a smoker, you need to know about proper setup, safety, maintenance and storage. Here are the high-level points to remember to make the most of your investment:
- Read and follow the instructions that come with your smoker.
- Set up a smoker on a level, non-combustible surface.
- Maintain clearances around a smoker as specified by your manual or local codes.
- You can use some types of smokers in the winter and some non-electric smokers in light rain.
- Keep your smoker clean and cover it or store it in a garage or shed to reduce the risk of rust and damage.
- Always follow the precautions in your smoker’s manual and read the entire article below for safety tips for smoker use and storage.
Smoker Placement and Setup
Proper placement and setup protect your smoker as well as your home and family. Here are some common questions about smoker placement and installation.
Where Should I Put My Smoker?
Set a smoker up outdoors, on a flat, non-combustible surface, such as a concrete patio:
- Don’t set up a smoker near dry grass, leaves and vinyl or wood siding.
- Smokers produce carbon monoxide during use, so make sure the setup area isn’t enclosed.
- Never use a smoker indoors, in a garage, on a covered deck or patio, etc., or under an overhang without proper ventilation.
- Make sure the smoker has the correct clearances.
- Follow any rules your municipality has for smoker placement.
- Consider wind direction to keep smoke from entering the home through windows, doors, etc.
- If you live in an apartment, check with the management for rules about using a smoker.
Electric units need to be positioned so you can plug them into a properly grounded, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outdoor outlet. If you need an extension cord, check the manual for the cord type and gauge and make sure the cord is rated for outdoor use.
Can I Put a Smoker on a Wooden Deck?
Smokers typically aren’t suitable for use on a wood deck or other combustible surface. Check your manual for instructions specific to your type of smoker. Manufacturers usually specify cooking on a hard, non-combustible surface such as concrete.
How Far Should a Smoker Be From the House?
The distance a smoker should be from the house varies by the smoker, the construction of the house and local codes:
- Required clearances from combustible structures range from 3 feet on some smokers to 10 feet or more on others.
- A smoker manual lists specific clearances, and your municipality might indicate a specific distance.
- If the manual and municipality clearances are different, use the greatest distance.
How Much Clearance Does a Smoker Need?
In general, clearances around a smoker are the same as clearances from a house:
- Front, side and top clearances range from 3 feet to 10 feet or more, depending on the smoker and local codes; use whichever is most strict.
- Proper clearance allows air circulation and venting and helps reduce the risk of fire.
Smoker Seasonal Use and Weather
Weather affects when and how you use a smoker and can even affect the lifespan of the smoker.
Can I Leave My Smoker Outside Year-Round?
You can typically leave a smoker outside year-round, if you protect it with a cover and remember these factors:
- If your area receives lots of rain, snow or ice, there’s more risk of moisture damage and rust.
- Moisture is a particular concern for an electric smoker or one with electronics.
- Keeping the smoker clean and empty when not in use reduces the opportunity for moisture to collect.
- If you don’t plan to use the smoker and you have the space, storing it in a garage or shed is best.
Can I Use a Smoker in Winter?
Yes, you can typically use a smoker in winter, but there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Your smoker will take longer to reach the cooking temperature, and you’ll use more fuel to maintain it.
- It might take more effort to keep the cooking temperature steady.
- Opening the smoker only when necessary reduces heat loss.
- You might need to adjust vents more regularly to reduce cold drafts while still maintaining airflow.
Check your manual or the manufacturer’s website for cold-weather smoking tips.
Can I Use a Smoker in Rain?
Don’t use a corded smoker or one with electronics in the rain or during an electrical storm. You might be able to use other types of smokers in light rain but check your manual first and remember some general tips:
- Rain can lower the smoker temperature and make it harder to maintain, so you’ll need to monitor it closely.
- Avoid opening the smoker any more than necessary.
- Don’t use a smoker during high winds.
- Don’t stay outside during an electrical storm.
Smoker Safety
We have general tips for smoker safety, but this isn’t a complete guide to safety. Read your smoker manual and always defer to the manufacturer’s use and safety instructions, as well as any local codes that apply.
What Are Some Common Home Smoker Safety Tips?
If you use it properly, a smoker can be a safe way to cook at home. In addition to setting up a smoker on a non-combustible surface with the correct clearances:
- Wear heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts when using the smoker.
- Use only the fuel the manufacturer specifies.
- Don’t leave the smoker unattended for long periods when cooking.
- Keep a first aid kit and an ABC fire extinguisher nearby.
- Don’t put water on a grease fire.
- Check your smoker for damage regularly and have any damage repaired before using the smoker.
Can I Use a Smoker Near Kids or Pets?
No, a smoker is extremely hot when in use. Keep kids and pets away from the cooker until it has completely cooled.
Can I Use a Smoker During a Fire Ban?
Check with your local fire department for specific restrictions during a fire ban. Depending on the type of ban, you might be able to use some types of smokers. In some cases, the use of any smoker might be prohibited.
Once you know how to set up a smoker and have gotten familiar with smoker safety, read our guide to using a smoker.
Smoker Maintenance
Taking care of your smoker protects your investment and helps you enjoy it for years to come. Check your manual for care instructions for your smoker but use the answers to these questions to plan.
How Long Does a Smoker Last?
Your manual should have maintenance steps, such as instructions for removing fuel, ash and debris and cleaning the interior and exterior after each use. The amount of time a smoker lasts varies by how the grill was made, how often you use it and how well you maintain it:
- As a general estimate, with regular use and proper maintenance, a typical smoker can last from 5 to 10 years.
- Some parts, such as electronic controls, might need repair or replacement before the smoker.
- Smokers made with thicker metal tend to last longer than those with thin-gauge metal.
How Do I Prevent Rust on My Smoker?
Prevent rust by reducing the chance for moisture to collect and by avoiding damage:
- With a charcoal smoker, stack briquettes away from the smoker walls to maintain the protective interior finish.
- Clean ash, grease and other debris from the smoker after every use, once it’s cool.
- Dry the smoker completely after cleaning.
- Keep the smoker covered when it’s not in use or store it in a garage or shed.
- Your manual might have other tips, such as applying a light coat of vegetable oil to the interior or touching up the exterior finish with high-temperature spray paint.
Make sure any coals are fully extinguished, and the smoker is cool before starting any maintenance. Unplug an electric smoker before cleaning or maintenance. You might need to disconnect a gas smoker from the gas supply, depending on the instructions.
Smoker Storage
Storing your smoker the right way helps ensure it’s ready for the next barbecue. Use the answers to these questions to protect your smoker during the off-season.
How Do I Winterize and Store My Smoker?
Get a smoker ready for winter by cleaning and protecting it:
- Remove any ash, charcoal, wood or wood pellets after the smoker is cool.
- Thoroughly clean and dry the interior and exterior.
- Handle any recommended preventive maintenance or touch ups.
- Cover the smoker.
- If the smoker is electric, unplug it.
- If you’re keeping the smoker outside, keep the cover clear of snow, ice, leaves, etc.
- If you’re storing the smoker in a garage or shed, make sure it’s out of the reach of children.
Should I Unplug My Smoker When Not in Use?
Yes. Unplug a corded smoker when it’s not in use, when you’re cleaning the device and before storing the unit.
Ready to Plan a Barbecue?
Knowing how to use and store a smoker the right way helps you stay safe and maximizes the lifespan of your smoker. Don’t have a smoker yet? Shop on Lowes.com by type, brand, price range and more. We’ve also got smoker and grill covers to help protect your smoker from the elements and tools and utensils to make a cookout easier. Stop by your local Lowe’s and see the smokers we have in stock. A Red Vest associate can help you pick out a smoker and make sure you have everything you need to get cooking.