| A barbecue smoker is the tool that professional | | | | the heat source. The meat is in a chamber, subjected |
| barbecue chefs and barbecue competition teams use | | | | to low heat and is surrounded by woodsmoke. This |
| to impart just the right level of smoke into their | | | | woodsmoke is what imparts the flavor found in good |
| barbecue meat. A barbecue smoker is different than | | | | barbecue. |
| a barbecue grill. A grill is the cooking tool that a | | | | Wood smoke is what is used to add the great |
| backyard chef uses to grill hamburgers, hot dogs or | | | | smokey flavor characteristic of good barbecue. |
| chickens. Real barbecue is very different, and what | | | | Wood, in the form of whole logs, wood chunks, |
| makes it so different is how the meat is cooked. | | | | wood chips or wooden pellets can be used t create |
| A barbecue grill cooks using direct heat. What is | | | | the smoke. different types of wood can be used to |
| meant by direct heat is that a fire is built in the pan | | | | create the smoke, usually what is readily available to |
| of the grill, and the meat is cooked directly over the | | | | the barbecue chef. In the southeast the wood of |
| fire or coals. A small amount of smoke flavor may be | | | | choice is probably hickory. In the Texas area, |
| added during this cooking method due to smoke | | | | mesquite is the wood that is used. Some parts of |
| created by the occasional flare-up. | | | | the country rely on fruit woods, such as apples or |
| A barbecue smoker is an entirely different animal. A | | | | cherry wood. It is the burning of these woods that |
| barbecue smoker cooks the meat using indirect heat. | | | | gives smoked barbecue it's delicious taste. |
| This means that the target meat is not directly over | | | | |