Summer is barbecue season. Many people get their barbecue out of the cellar and look forward to barbecuing in the great outdoors. Some don’t have their own barbecue yet and are thinking about buying one. The question quickly arises as to which barbecue is suitable for the planned plans. Most people are familiar with charcoal barbecues, gas barbecues and electric barbecues, especially as the names also indicate the energy source for the heat required. The situation is somewhat different with smokers. Despite their increasing popularity, only barbecue enthusiasts usually know what they are (see also our article “Smokers” under barbecue types). Another type of smoker is the water smoker, which differs greatly from a normal barrel smoker in terms of many features and design. Watersmokers, also known as bullet smokers in other countries such as the USA because of their shape, work in a very similar way to the Ugly Drum Smoker. The real difference to smokers is the word water in watersmoker. In a water smoker, hot water vapour is produced in addition to the heat from charcoal or other fuels. This combination ensures that grilled food does not dry out so easily, which is noticeable in the flavour. Meat becomes tender and remains juicy. Watersmokers can also offer long grilling times and remain temperature-resistant. Watersmokers have been known in Germany since 1990.
Design and function of water smokers
The shape of a water smoker is very similar to an elongated kettle grill, which is why it is also known as a bullet smoker. The adjustable feet are attached to the bowl-shaped lower section, and larger models also have wheels for easier manoeuvrability. Adjustable ventilation openings or valves and the charcoal grate are also located in the lower section. The valves or flaps for the supply air or exhaust air play an important role in regulating the temperature of the water smoker. The coal grate, on which the fuel is placed, is located at the bottom of the base. This usually has a raised charcoal ring so that the fuel, for example charcoal, can be stacked. Without this ring, the temperature would mainly be generated on the sides of the charcoal grate. However, as it should be created under the water tray and the food, the charcoal ring is very useful. Depending on the model, a separate heat shield may be fitted under the water smoker to shield the heat from below. This protects the lawn, patio slabs or balcony floor from the heat. A heat shield can also be attached to the feet of the Watersmoker to provide additional stability for the feet. The stackers then follow in the Watersmoker and allow the grill grates to be attached (usually on two levels), as well as a water tray under the grill grates. The water bowl is located directly above the charcoal grate and its charcoal ring, which means that the water that is poured into the water bowl is heated quickly. It is important to have as many doors or flaps as possible so that the water tray and the food are accessible from the outside. This allows the food to be turned over during smoking, for example. The water tray with the water is practically the centrepiece of a water smoker. It not only supplies the water smoker with hot steam, but also catches dripping fat. This prevents it from dripping into the embers, which is known to produce harmful substances. As already mentioned, most water smokers have two grill grates on top of each other. As a result, a water smoker offers a relatively large grilling surface despite its compact dimensions. There are also models that have 3 or 4 grill grates, and some models can also be extended at a later date. The hemispherical lid above the upper grill grate forms the top. Here you will find exhaust air valves or flaps, a handle and often a thermometer. Due to the high position of the thermometer, only the temperature just below the lid is measured. If you want to know exactly which temperatures prevail at the different levels of the food, you will need additional thermometers or a thermometer with several sensors.
The way it works is easy to see from the structure. The fuel on the charcoal grill in the base of the Watersmoker generates the required heat after ignition. The heat rises, and by adding wood chips the desired smoke also rises, and heats the water in the water bowl and the food being grilled at the same time. In addition to the hot air, hot water vapour is also distributed in the water smoker from 100 °C. The Watersmoker utilises the chimney effect – hot air rises upwards and out through the valves/flaps at the top. This creates a vacuum, which is immediately filled with fresh air through the valves/flaps at the bottom.
Advantages of the Watersmoker
The Watersmoker can maintain a stable temperature for a very long time, which can also be easily regulated via the amount of fuel and the supply and exhaust air flaps. A charcoal filling can keep a Watersmoker at the right temperature for up to 15 hours. The temperature stability also requires less intervention, so that even overnight smoking is possible. As water smokers are built on several levels, they offer a large overall grilling surface with small external dimensions. This means that a water smoker can also be used on small terraces or balconies. The small dimensions and low weight also make it easier to transport when celebrating elsewhere. Especially in comparison with a barrel smoker, water smokers are downright handy. They are also significantly cheaper than barrel smokers. If the water tray is removed, a water smoker is also suitable for direct grilling. As an additional grill, a water smoker can also expand the possibilities of a barbecue and provide grilled food for larger numbers of people.
What to look out for when buying a water smoker
Watersmokers are available from many manufacturers, for example Weber, Rösle, barbecook, Napoleon, Style’n Cook, BBQ-Toro, Dalvik and many more. The desired size should be selected according to the budget, whereby quality should be the main focus. Good quality can be seen in the material and workmanship, for example. Welded water smokers are tighter than riveted ones and last longer. The thinner the material, the faster a Watersmoker loses temperature, especially in cooler outside temperatures. Any paintwork should be able to withstand the heat and not blister prematurely. Some models offer the option of removing the centre smoker ring completely if only one grilling surface is required. This makes transport even easier. Water smokers are often referred to as 3 in 1, as they can be used for grilling, smoking and braising. The sizes vary in diameter between 40 and 50 cm, although there are of course individual variations. The average height is 100 cm. The weight varies greatly, as the size and material thickness play a role here. Light models start at 6 kg, heavy models weigh around 30 kg. On average, they have an average weight of around 20 kg. When making a purchase decision, the intended use and number of people for the planned barbecues should be known. Watersmokers are available from as little as 38 euros, for example the TecTake 3in1 BBQ. The average price can quickly reach 500 euros, although professional models are also available for over 900 euros, for example the Napoleon AS300K Apollo 3 in 1 Smoker for just under 970 euros.
