Whether you’re a seasoned smoking enthusiast or just starting your smoking journey, finding the perfect smoker is essential. Two popular options from Borniak—the Smoker 70 and the Smoker 150—offer fantastic features to elevate your BBQ game. But how do you decide which one is right for you? We’ve broken down the key differences so you can choose the model that suits your needs best. Borniak smoker bbq.
What Sets the Borniak Smoker 70 and 150 Apart?
Both models share the incredible ease of use, top-notch performance, and flavorful results that make Borniak Smokers a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts. However, their differences in size, capacity, and intended usage make each model ideal for different situations. Here’s a closer look.
1. Size and Capacity
The most noticeable difference between the Smoker 70 and 150 is their size.
- Borniak Smoker 70
With a more compact design, the Smoker 70 is perfect for hobbyists and small households. It offers:- Capacity: 70 liters
- Can handle up to 10kg of meat or fish in one go.
- Equipped with 6 stainless steel racks, which makes it easy to smoke multiple items simultaneously in a smaller quantity.
This makes it ideal if you’re just getting started or if you’re only planning to smoke for your family or small gatherings.
- Borniak Smoker 150
The larger Smoker 150 is built for smoking enthusiasts who love hosting or want to experiment with multiple recipes at once. It offers:- Capacity: 150 liters
- Can handle up to 20kg of meat or fish, doubling the capacity of the Smoker 70.
- Features 7 racks, giving you even more space to prepare food for a crowd.
If you’re planning to host BBQ parties, smoke large quantities, or run a small business, the 150 is the way to go.
2. Portability
Size impacts portability. The Smoker 70 is smaller and lighter, making it easier to move around. For those with limited outdoor space or who might want to take their smoker to different locations (like a friend’s house or a campsite), the Smoker 70’s compactness is a big plus.
The Smoker 150, while still manageable, is bulkier. It’s designed more as a permanent addition to your backyard or BBQ station. If you’ve got the space, the extra capacity will feel worth it.
3. Wood Chip Consumption
Both models feature Borniak’s highly efficient smoke generator, which uses wood chips to produce a steady, uniform flow of smoke. However, because of their size difference, the 150 requires slightly more wood chips to fill its larger chamber.
For smaller smoking sessions or less frequent use, the Smoker 70 conserves wood chips, making it the more cost-effective option. On the other hand, the 150’s ability to smoke a larger quantity of food at once justifies the slightly higher consumption for avid BBQ fans.
4. Versatility
Both smokers allow you to experiment with a wide range of meats, fish, and even vegetables, but their capacities dictate how you use them:
- The Smoker 70 is excellent for trying out smaller batches, like smoking a few trout fillets, chicken wings, or sausages. It’s also great for experimenting with new recipes or techniques without committing to a large quantity.
- The Smoker 150 is perfect for larger cuts of meat, like pork shoulders, whole briskets, or multiple racks of ribs. It offers the flexibility to smoke an assortment of foods all at once, whether for a big gathering or meal prep.
5. User Skill Level
Both models are beginner-friendly thanks to Borniak’s straightforward design, but the Smoker 70 is especially approachable. Its smaller size and reduced output make it a great first smoker for those just starting out.
However, if you’re already experienced with smoking or know you’ll smoke larger quantities regularly, the Smoker 150 will suit your ambitious BBQ goals without needing an upgrade later down the line.
How to Choose the Right Model
When deciding between the Borniak Smoker 70 and 150, consider these key factors:
1. How Much Food Do You Plan to Smoke?
If you typically cook for small groups or want to prepare manageable portions, the Smoker 70 will handle your needs effortlessly. However, if you’re hosting events, love batch cooking, or have a large family, the extra space in the 150 is worth the investment.
2. How Often Will You Use It?
For occasional use, the Smoker 70’s smaller size and simpler operation make it a practical choice. For frequent use or larger-scale smoking sessions, the 150 offers the capacity and efficiency needed to meet consistent demand.
3. Do You Have Space for It?
The Smoker 70 fits neatly into small gardens, patios, or sheds. Its compact footprint ensures you won’t struggle to find room for it. The 150, while not massive, does require more dedicated space and is better suited to larger outdoor setups.
4. What’s Your Budget?
The Smoker 70 comes at a lower price point, making it an excellent entry-level smoker. If you’re confident about your smoking needs and want the bigger capacity upfront, investing in the Smoker 150 will save you from upgrading later.
Final Thoughts
Both the Borniak Smoker 70 and 150 are exceptional tools for smoking enthusiasts. Choosing between them depends on your individual needs, space, and frequency of use. If you’re new to smoking or only need to cater to small gatherings, the Smoker 70 is compact, efficient, and budget-friendly. For larger smoking sessions or advanced BBQ adventures, the Smoker 150 delivers in spades with its increased capacity and versatility.
At Smokehouse.Guru, we’ve worked with both models and can confidently say that whichever you choose, you’re in for a fantastic, lip-smacking experience. The Borniak Smoker stands out not just for its ease of use, but for the professional-quality smoked food it produces—time after time. Happy smoking!