Smoker vs Dehydrator: How to Choose the Right Method for You?

Last Updated on October 2, 2023

For the home chef, two of the most common methods of food preparation are smoking and dehydrating. Both methods have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for a given situation often depends on the specific dish being prepared.

When it comes to smoked meats, for example, many chefs prefer the deep, rich flavor that smoking imparts. But, this flavor can be difficult to control, and smoking also requires careful monitoring to avoid drying out the meat.

Dehydration, on the other hand, is a very gentle process that preserves more of the meat’s natural flavor. It is also much easier to control the level of dehydration, making it less likely to produce tough or dry results. As a result, dehydration is often the preferred method for preparing leaner cuts of meat.

Smoker vs dehydrator, what’s the difference? Smoking offers a rich flavor to meats but demands careful monitoring. In contrast, dehydration gently preserves the meat’s natural taste, ideal for lean cuts. Whether you desire savory smoked dishes or convenient dehydrated snacks, choose wisely based on your culinary needs.

So, which one should you use for cooking up your meat? Is it with a smoker, or is it with a dehydrator?

Smokers: What are They, and How Do They Work?

Smokers are devices used to cook food by exposure to smoke from burning or smoldering wood, charcoal, or other materials. They typically have a chamber in which the food is placed and a separate firebox where the fuel is burned. The two are connected by a small opening, through which the smoke passes into the cooking chamber. 

Smokers use low, indirect heat to cook meat slowly over a period of hours. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, resulting in a delicious, juicy final product.

The meat is placed in a chamber where it is exposed to wood smoke. This smoke infuses the meat with flavor and also helps to preserve it. Smokers are often equipped with a water pan, which helps to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out. 

Smoking has been around for centuries, and many people believe it produces the most succulent and flavorful meats. Smoked foods have a unique flavor that is often described as earthy, rich, and savory.

There are two main types of smokers: charcoal and electric.

Charcoal smokers are less expensive to buy than electric smokers, but they require more work to operate; you have to manage the fire and add charcoal as needed.

Electric smokers are more expensive but easier to use – all you have to do is set it and forget it. Both types of smokers come in either vertical or horizontal designs.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want a combination of both worlds, learn how to build a dehydrator smoker for a unique culinary experience.

Dehydrators: What are They, and How do They Work?

A dehydrator is a machine that removes water from food, thereby preserving it for storage. Dehydration is a centuries-old preservation method that prevents the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. How does a dehydrator kill bacteria?

Water is removed through a process of heating and airflow; most dehydrators have a built-in fan that circulates warm air over the food. The amount of time it takes to dehydrate food will vary depending on the type of food and the desired level of dehydration.

For example, fruits and vegetables can be dehydrated until they are chewy or crisp, while meat must be dehydrated until it is dry throughout. They can be used to dry fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, fish, dairy products, grains, legumes, nuts…pretty much anything! The end product is compact and lightweight, with interesting snacks and ingredients for cooking.

Dehydrators are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to preserve food without chemicals or artificial ingredients. People appreciate the fact that dehydrated foods retain their nutritional value better than canned or frozen foods.

Dehydrated fruits can be used to make fruit leathers or used as toppings for yogurt or cereal. Dehydrated vegetables can be used in soups or stews or reconstituted and used as fresh vegetables.

Dehydrated meats can be used in jerky or as an ingredient in dry rubs or spice mixes, and dehydrated herbs can be used to make herb-infused oils or vinegar. For specific culinary delights like black garlic, choosing the best dehydrator for black garlic can make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Vertical and horizontal dehydrators are available, and they come in a range of sizes to accommodate different needs.

Speaking of dehydrators, there’s an ongoing debate between updraft vs downdraft solar dehydrators. Each has its own advantages depending on the situation.

Pros and Cons of Smoker vs Dehydrator

Smokers

Dehydrators

Smoker vs Dehydrator: What Do They Have in Common?

• Both smokers and dehydrators use the power of heat to preserve food. By subjecting food to high temperatures, they are able to kill bacteria and prevent spoilage.
• Both methods produce food that has a long shelf life. When properly stored, smoked and dehydrated foods can last for months or even years.
• There is no limit to what can be preserved using either method, including meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grains.
• Both of them can be used to create a variety of delicious snacks and meals. For example, both devices can be used to make jerky, fruit leathers, and dried herbs. Some dehydrators even come with special settings that allow them to be used for smoking foods.
• Both methods require some level of preparation before use. For example, food must be prepared for smoking by being cured or marinated. And dehydrators typically require that the food be cut into small pieces before being dried.
• Both create compact, portable foodstuff, making them convenient to transport and store.
• As soon as you get the hang of both methods, they are easy to use, versatile, and long-lasting.

So, Which One Should You Use?

In the smoker vs dehydrator debate, each has its own purpose, advantages, and disadvantages. Some things may be best for others but not for you. It really depends on what you need and want as to which one is the better choice for you.

• If you want deep, rich flavorful food: Smoke it.
• If you’re short on time: then dehydrate it.
• If you want to preserve nutrients: Dehydrate them.
• If you’re looking for a new cooking adventure: Smoke your favorites in a smoker.
• If you want maximum versatility: Dehydrate it.
• If you want juicy, tender meat that falls off the bone, then a smoker is the way to go.
• But a dehydrator is the best if you are looking for crispy, crunchy snacks or dried fruits and vegetables.
• If you want the convenience of being able to store your food for long periods of time: Dehydrate it.
• If you are looking for a compact and portable option: Dehydrate it.

So, the next time you’re looking to buy a smoker or dehydrator, keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Smoker or Dehydrator for Your Needs?

Now that you know the pros and cons of smoking and dehydrating, it’s time to choose the right machine for your needs. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a smoker or dehydrator:

Do You Want a Smoker That Takes up a Lot of Space or One That is Small Enough to Travel With? 

If you’re looking for a smoker that’s easy to transport, then a small, portable smoker is preferable. These smokers are typically less expensive than their larger counterparts, and they can be moved around easily, making them ideal for tailgating or camping trips.

However, they may not have as much cooking space or temperature control as a larger smoker. If you have the space and the budget for it, then a larger smoker might be a better option. These smokers typically offer more features and cooking space, making them ideal for large gatherings. They can be difficult to move, so if portability is important to you, then a smaller smoker might be the better choice.

Do You Mind Managing Fire, or Would You Rather Set it and Forget it?  

Some smokers require you to constantly monitor the fire, adding wood as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Smokers that burn wood for fuel might work well for you if you don’t mind the extra step.

But, if you would prefer a machine that is easier to use, then an electric smoker might be a better choice. These smokers are typically more expensive than their wood-burning counterparts, but they are much easier to use, and you don’t have to worry about managing a fire.

Contrary to this, a dehydrator’s temperature and time control feature does not require your constant attention like a smoker, making it a good choice for busy people. As well as this, dehydrators can be used for a wider variety of foods, not just meat. 

So if you’re looking for a more versatile machine, you might want to consider a dehydrator.

Do You Want a Smoker or Dehydrator That Is Easy to Clean? 

If ease of cleaning is important to you, then look for a machine with removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher. Some smokers and dehydrators also have self-cleaning features, which can make cleanup a breeze.

How Important is Flavor Compared With Convenience?  

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to see the appeal of convenience foods. They’re quick and easy to prepare, and they often require little cleanup. 

Many people find that the taste of these foods leaves something to be desired. Consider investing in a smoker if you are someone who values flavor over all else. 

Smoked foods have a rich, complex flavor that is often lacking in food that has been prepared using a dehydrator.

The dehydrator might be better if convenience is more important. They can not only be used to prepare quick and easy meals but they can also be used to preserve food for later. 

So if you’re someone who likes to be able to have a meal on hand at all times, then a dehydrator is a better choice.

Are You Interested in Drying Food as Well as Smoking it?  

Some smokers come with a built-in dehydrator, which means you can use it for both smoking and drying food. If you think you might be interested in drying food, then a smoker with this feature might be a good option for you. However, a dehydrator might be a better choice if you only plan on smoking food.

How Much Time and Effort Are You Willing to Devote?

Smoking meats can take several hours, and dehydrating fruits and vegetables can take all day. Cooking at the right temperature and for the right amount of time would be much more challenging on a smoker than on a dehydrator.

If you don’t have a lot of time to spare, then a dehydrator might be a better option. However, if you have the time to devote to smoking meats, then a smoker might be the better choice.

What is Your Budget?

The smoker is a lot more efficient and can hold a lot more food, so if you’re doing this in bulk, it’s probably more economical.

If you’re doing it for something like jerky, the dehydrator is going to be a lot less work, but it is quite expensive.

So it really depends on your needs.

Do You Have the Space for It?

The smoker is a pretty big machine, so if you’re short on storage space, the dehydrator might be a better option. A dehydrator can be placed on a countertop, while a smoker will need to be stored in a cool, dry place.

How Are the Customer Service and Warranty?

When you’re spending a lot of money on a smoking or dehydrating machine, it’s important to make sure that it comes with a good warranty. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong with the machine. 

It’s also important to choose a company that has good customer service, in case you need any help with using the machine.

With these factors in mind, you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect machine for your needs. And if you’re still not sure, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for their opinion.

After all, they know you best and will want to see you succeed in your culinary endeavors.

What are Some Tips for Using A Smoker or Dehydrator?

What to Do?

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Season your food before cooking.
• Cook at the appropriate temperature.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food.
• Keep an eye on the time.
• Experiment with different flavors.
• Be patient.

What Not to Do?

• The machine shouldn’t be overcrowded. This will prevent the food from cooking evenly and can also cause damage to the machine.
• Don’t use too much or too little smoke. Too much smoke can make the food taste bitter, while too little smoke will not give the food enough flavor. Taste can also be impacted by the type of wood you’re using.
• To start a fire, don’t use lighter fluid or any other flammable liquid. This can be dangerous and cause a fire.
• Don’t let the food sit in the smoker or dehydrator for too long. This can cause the food to dry out or become overcooked.
• Season your food before cooking. This will help to enhance the flavor of the food.
• Keep the temperature right when you cook. This will ensure that the food is cooked evenly and correctly.
• Keep an eye on the time. Check the food periodically to make sure that it is cooking evenly.
• Experiment with different flavors. Try adding different spices or herbs to your food to give it a unique flavor.
• Be patient. Smoking and dehydrating food can take time, so be patient and allow the food to be cooked thoroughly.

A Final Thought

A smoker and a dehydrator are two very different machines with entirely different functions. A smoker is used to cooking food by smoking it, while a dehydrator is used to dry food.

It can take several hours for food to smoke and all day to dehydrate fruits and vegetables. A smoker would be more difficult to control than a dehydrator in terms of temperature and timing.

It’s hard to say which is better.

So, when weighing smoker vs dehydrator, think about what you want to achieve with your food the next time you make a decision. And if you can’t decide, why not try both?

After all, variety is the spice of life.