Low and slow smoking is a cooking method that has gained a lot of popularity over the years, and for good reason. This technique involves cooking meat at low temperatures over an extended period, resulting in tender, juicy meat with rich, smoky flavors. However, choosing the right equipment to achieve perfect results can be a daunting task. There are numerous Weber BBQs in the market, each with different features and capabilities. In this article, we have put four Weber BBQs to the test to determine the best one for low and slow smoking.

We pitted the Weber Master-Touch Premium against the Weber Smokey Mountain 57cm, Weber Summit Kamado, and Weber SmokeFire Stealth EPX4. These four BBQs were chosen based on their popularity and reputation among BBQ enthusiasts. We tested them in a controlled environment monitoring the BBQs temperature, temperature control, temperature stability...

The Winner of the Effortless Smoking Award

We are awarding this to the Weber SmokeFire Stealth - yep, it seems that Weber's tech has made this a hands down winner.  The Weber SmokeFire Stealth features a high-performance grilling engine, which uses a combination of a powerful fan and a variable speed auger to maintain precise temperature control throughout the cooking process. The fan provides oxygen to the fire, while the auger feeds the fire with pellets at a rate that's determined by the grill's control system. This allows the grill to maintain consistent heat levels, even during long low and slow cooks.  

We plugged the SmokeFire in, ensured there were no left over pellets from a previous cook still in the hopper that may have gained moisture, then replenished the hopper with new pellets.  Set the temperature to 225 Fahrenheit/ 107.222 Celsius and literally left it to do it's thing.  Within 10 minutes the SmokeFire was purring at temperature.  It was that easy!

 

 

The Weber Smokey Mountain 57cm came in second in this test. While it took a bit longer to reach the desired temperature, it remained steady for an extended period. This is due to its unique design, which features a water pan that helps regulate the temperature and keep the meat moist. The Smokey Mountain also has a large cooking capacity, making it an ideal choice for larger gatherings or overnight cooks.

The Weber Summit Kamado performed similar to the Smokey Mountain but better than the MasterTouch Premium. The Kamado has excellent insulation, which allows it to retain heat for an extended period. It also has a large cooking area, making it a great choice for larger cuts of meat. However, it takes longer to heat up, making it less suitable for impromptu cooks.

Finally, the Weber Master-Touch Premium was the least impressive in our test. While it has a large cooking area, it has less capacity to hold fuel, which means it requires more frequent refueling. It also takes longer to reach the desired temperature and can be challenging to maintain the temperature over an extended period.

In conclusion, the Weber SmokeFire Stealth EPX4 is the best Weber BBQ for low and slow smoking. Its innovative design and efficient temperature control system make it the most consistent and reliable option for overnight cooks. However, the Weber Smokey Mountain 57cm is an excellent choice for those on a budget, while the Weber Summit Kamado is perfect for those who need a large cooking area. The Weber Master-Touch Premium is a good choice for those who want a versatile BBQ but are not primarily focused on low and slow smoking.

When it comes to choosing a BBQ, it's essential to consider your needs and preferences. Are you looking for a versatile option, or are you primarily interested in low and slow smoking? Do you need a large cooking area, or is portability more critical? By answering these questions, you can choose the Weber BBQ that best suits your needs and enjoy delicious, smoky meat every time.