Pros
Easy to assemble
Maintains temperature well
Great for beginners
Affordable
Compact and portable
Multiple access doors
Large water pan for moist meat
Dual functionality as grill and smoker
Cons
Some units arrive damaged or with missing parts
Instructions can be unclear
Thin and flimsy materials
Main Product Advantages
9 Performance
Most users are highly satisfied with the smoking capabilities, noting that it produces flavorful and tender meat consistently over long hours.
8 Temperature Control
The smoker maintains stable temperature levels effectively for long periods, which is crucial for smoking. However, the built-in thermometer has mixed reviews about its accuracy.
8 Ease of Use
Most users find this smoker easy to use, even for beginners. Maintaining the temperature and adding fuel are user-friendly processes.
8 Value for Money
Several reviewers mentioned that the smoker offers great value for its price. Despite some quality issues, the overall performance makes it a cost-effective choice for beginners.
7 Assembly
Several reviewers found the assembly process straightforward but noted that some parts were confusing or required additional tools. It generally took between 30 minutes to two hours to assemble.
6 Build Quality
While some components are sturdy, like the legs, other parts are criticized for being flimsy or prone to rust. Several users also reported receiving units with dents or scratches.
5 Portability
The smoker is relatively portable, suitable for beach or lake trips. However, it's not recommended for frequent transport due to potential assembly issues and material brittleness.
5 Temperature Gauge
The built-in temperature gauge is generally unreliable, often fogging up or showing inaccurate readings. External thermometers are recommended.
Quality Protection
The Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker comes with a built-in thermometer featuring a detailed temperature scale and an adjustable air supply on the lid, allowing for greater temperature control. The porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans ensure stable use, and the heat-resistant Bakelite handles make transporting, basting, and cooking a breeze.
Cooking Space
This smoker provides a substantial 453 square inches of cooking space spread across two cooking grids. The interior design includes a crossbar and four hangers within the lid, allowing you to smoke different sizes and shapes of meat easily.
Multi-Functional
The Realcook smoker offers versatile cooking methods including smoking, grilling, steaming, baking, braising, and roasting, making it highly flexible. Smoking, whether cold or hot, can help preserve your food longer and impart a unique flavor.
Latch Locking System
This smoker is designed for easy assembly and use, boasting a two-layer design that makes it simple to transport or clean. The latch locking system adds an extra layer of stability, whether you use it as a BBQ grill or a smoker.
2 Access Doors
Featuring two access doors, this smoker offers more flexibility than those with just one access door. The upper door allows you to check the status of your food, while the lower door makes it easier to add charcoal or wood as needed.
Conclusion
The Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker stands out with its high-quality protection features, ample cooking space, and multi-functional capabilities. The latch locking system and dual access doors only add to its convenience, making it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
