Smokehouse Academy

How Does an Offset Smoker Work?

An offset smoker cooks food with indirect heat and clean wood smoke. In this guide you will learn how the firebox, airflow and chimney work together – the foundation of truly good BBQ.

Summary

Learn how an offset smoker works and why the relationship between fire, air and smoke is the key to truly good BBQ. This guide explains the basics in a simple and practical way.

After this guide you will be able to

  • Airflow controls the temperature in an offset smoker.
  • Clean blue smoke gives food the best flavor.
  • Make small adjustments to the vents.

Academy video

🎥 Watch the video

FAQ

Common questions about this guide.

How often should I add wood?

It depends on the size of the wood and the intensity of the fire, but add small splits as needed instead of adding a lot of wood at once.

Should the chimney be fully open?

Yes, the chimney should normally be fully open so the smoke can leave the cooking chamber and the fire gets stable airflow.