Is it? To be clear I'm american and Ive been around smokers a lot, so yeah maybe but also I feel like I can approach this with some personally lived life experience? They do put out some smoke but if you've ever had a bonfire- is that also an american thing??? I know smores are an american thing (youre missing out.) anyways it's less smoke than a bonfire.

Part of what a smoker does is keep the smoke contained so the meat has time to absorb the smoke flavor.

It does however let some smoke out since it needs airflow, it makes the whole area smell amazing and lasts hours and hours.