What is the difference between the various types of fuel?
Of the four types of fuel you can choose for your smoker: wood, charcoal, electric, and gas, they can really be divided into two categories--
Wood and Charcoal--This is the type of fuel someone who considers themselves to be a serious barbeque chef would use. Going this route may be the more authentic way to smoke your meat, but is a high maintenance way to go, as you have to spend a lot of time watching and tending to the fire and checking the temperature. You need to spend a lot of time with your smoker in order to know how to best utilize it.
Electric or Gas--For someone just getting started in the world of smoking, or even for experienced smokers who enjoy the flavor of smoked food, but don't enjoy the high maintenance that comes from using a wood or charcoal smoker, using electric or gas might be the way to go. These smokers, in addition to the gas or electricity, require chips, pellets, or saw dust for the smoking. The heat source comes from the gas or electricity and helps to keep the heat constant and the temperature steady.