We could see this being particularly appealing for recipe-followers. Target meat temperature mode runs the machine at a set temperature until the built-in meat temperature probe reaches the desired temperature. The unit has two main modes of operation: You can either target a meat temperature or set a specific amount of time. The ability to run the smoker for a set amount of time (plus the relative reliability of the temperature control) meant we could actually “set it and forget it,” unlike with most pellet-fed smokers. The Char-Broil maxes out at 275 degrees, and it struggles to keep temperatures that high, so this unit only works on the road if you’re happy just smoking low and slow or if you have a separate grill option. Most pellet grills can crank up to 450 degrees, which is more than you need for searing up hot dogs, fish, and burgers. This smoker’s main limitation as a travel option is the same one that we faced at home: the lack of a high-heat option.
Additionally, its shape (rectangular with rounded corners) fits into cars and trucks with less fuss than awkwardly shaped barrel pellet smokers, with their legs on the bottom and attachments hanging off their sides.
It’s much more mobile than many other so-called “portable” smokers.Īt just over 50 pounds, the Char-Broil Deluxe is equipped with a handle and built-in wheels that made it easy for us to maneuver. While it isn’t advertised as a travel/tailgate smoker, the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker could easily be taken tailgating or camping. The Spruce / Justin Park Portability: A Lightweight Option