Best Smokers

Delicious foods and good friends are all that you need to have a good time. Getting friends is easy but making your food enjoyable takes a little effort. A vertical smoker is a tool that you can use to ensure that you are cooking foods exactly to your specifications. What are the best vertical smokers?

After reading dozens of vertical smoker reviews and looking at a variety of units, we have found that hit all of the marks. All of these smokers will allow you to create a meal that you can be proud of.

Top Vertical Smokers Reviews

1. Weber 14-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Vertical Charcoal Smoker

The Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker is the best vertical charcoal smoker. The cooking grates are plated steel, ensuring optimal durability. Due to the design of this smoker, you can also use it to grill items when you prefer to use this method of cooking over smoking.

On the lid is a thermometer, making it easy to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the smoker. The bowl, lid, and middle section of this unit are porcelain enameled. Because of this, they will not peel or rust. This also ensures that they retain heat well.

There are dampers that let you control the smoke level. With two racks, you can fit a lot of meat in this smoker at once. While you are smoking meats, you can add more charcoal due to the removable fuel door.

Multiple reviewers talked about how versatile this smoker is. You can use it to smoke a variety of meats and other proteins.

Other consumers mentioned the temperature consistency. Because of this, it is easy to know when you are done with cooking a specific cut of meat.

2. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

The Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker is a good choice for both experienced and novice food smokers. There are six cooking grates, giving you ample space to smoke large meals at once. All of the racks are adjustable, making it easy to fit in cuts of meat that are larger.

The flue on the smoke stack is adjustable. Because of this, you have full control over the temperature and precision of your cooking. You get a high level of burn efficiency since the briquettes are forced to be tightly stacked in the charcoal chamber.

You will always know the temperature since there is a gauge on the outside of the smoker. It also has a Smoke Zone indicator so that you know when the ideal smoking conditions are happening.

This is the best vertical offset smoker because it is easy to use. While there are plenty of features, you can learn how to take advantage of them in less than a day, according to many people.

Other consumers talked about the design of this smoker. It is very easy to get food into and out of the smoker. You can also monitor the cooking progress easily.

3. Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Vertical Electric Smoker

The Masterbuilt MES Electric Smoker has three smoking racks, allowing you to prepare a full meal at one time. There is a dial that allows you to control the temperature settings, allowing for variable temperature control. With this feature, you can get your foods to the precise temperature that you need for slow smoking.

The heating element allows for consistency in the temperature. There is a gauge on the outside of the unit that displays the smoker’s internal temperature. Use the adjustable air damper to have full control over the level of smoke that this smoker puts out.

Excess food drippings go into the grease tray, keeping this smoker clean and neat when you are using it. When it is time to remove ash, you can remove the wood chip tray so that it is easy to dump out. To ensure optimal flavor and moisture, take advantage of the removable water bowl.

Multiple people talked about smoking abilities. You can smoke potatoes, proteins, and vegetables in this smoker, getting them to the perfect temperature. Other people discussed the heating. It remains consistent even when you are smoking foods for a long period of time.

4. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Vertical Electric Smoker

The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker lets you control the time and temperature in a convenient panel. Since it is all in one place, it is easy to learn how to use this smoker. This also helps to prevent issues with accuracy when you are smoking foods.

There are four racks, offering you a lot of space to cook large and small cuts of meat. The racks have a chrome coating, allowing them to maintain heat so that the smoking temperature remains consistent.

You do not have to open the door to the smoker to load in the wood chips. This allows you to keep smoking even when the chips run low and you have to add more. The body of the smoker retains heat since it is fully insulated.

Several consumers said that this smoker is a good choice for meat cuts of all sizes. The unit allows you to smoke the items slowly so that they get infused with flavor, making it the best vertical electric smoker.

Other people said that the smoker is very durable. They say that you can use it frequently without having to worry about the components wearing down prematurely.

5. Pit Boss Grills 77550 5.5 Vertical Pellet Smoker

The Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker provides 1,830 square inches of cooking space across five cooking grids. These grids have a porcelain coating to ensure a consistent temperature. The temperature range is 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you flexibility when you are smoking different foods.

Since the hopper can hold up to 40 pounds, you can use this smoker for about 24 hours before you need to remove the ash and add more pellets. The igniter is 300 watts, ensuring the right temperature and easy starting.

Several people talked about the food quality. When you are done smoking, everything comes out moist and tender. Other people mentioned temperature control. It is easy to keep a precise temperature throughout the whole smoking process.

6. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill

The Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Charcoal Smoker offers 1,382 square inches of cooking space. This is across five grates, giving you plenty of space to cook for your family or a dinner party. You can fit potatoes, proteins, and vegetables all at the same time into this smoker.

The body is made from heavy-gauge steel. This ensures that it can hold up with regular use. The grates are chrome-plated for durability.

Due to the Smoke Zone feature, your foods get infused with flavor and moisture. The temperature gauge will tell you when you are in this zone. The spring lid grip is cool to the touch so that you can open it when you are cooking without burning yourself.

Multiple people talked about the durability of this smoker. The body is very strong, allowing you to use it often without having to worry about holes.

Other people discussed the temperature consistency. You can be confident that it is maintaining its temperature throughout the smoking process so that foods come out as you intend them to.

7. Dyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-D 36″ Wide Body LP Gas Vertical Smoker

The Dyna-Glo Wide Body Gas Smoker offers a large chamber so that you can smoke a variety of foods simultaneously, including larger cuts of meat. There are four cooking grates so that you can separate your food items in the way that you prefer. You can adjust these grates, allowing you to customize how you fit food into this smoker.

The burners are made from cast iron to ensure optimal durability. You can use this smoker often without needing to worry about the burners failing prematurely.

Since this smoker is so easy to use, it is a good choice for people who are familiar smokers and those who have not used these units before. The settings for this smoking let you cook items slow and low. Because of this, your foods will come out tender and will retain their moisture.

Several consumers mentioned the grates. They are very durable and provide ample space for large cuts of meat. Other reviewers mentioned the door seal. It keeps the smoke inside the chamber so that your foods come out exactly as you want them to.

8. Char-Broil Analog Vertical Electric Smoker

The Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker has three cooking grates, allowing you to cook different types of food at the same time. All of the grates have chrome plating to ensure durability and easy heat retention.

The high level of insulation will keep the temperature and smoke easily regulated inside the chamber. This smoker’s doors remain sealed shut until you open them due to the dual latches. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge that is mounted on the door to know the exact temperature your foods are smoking at.

Easily maintain your smoker. This is due to the grease cup, water tray, and wood chip tray all being easy to access at the front of the smoker.

A lot of reviewers talked about how durable this smoker is. The materials are thick and strong, helping to ensure that you can use this frequently without issue. Other people mentioned temperature control. This smoker holds in smoke and heat very well.

9. Masterbuilt 20051311 GS30D 2-Door Vertical Propane Smoker

The Masterbuilt MPS Propane Smoker has a temperature gauge built into it. Due to this feature, you will always know the temperature that you are using to smoke your foods.

When you are ready to use the smoker, you only need to push a button to get it started. Within seconds, the burner comes to life, letting you know that it is time to start your cooking session.

You have four racks on that you can place food on. This gives you a lot of space and lets you smoke meats of varying sizes. They are chrome-plated, ensuring that they will hold a consistent temperature.

Due to the disk bowl, you do not have to worry about grease getting onto the burner. This helps to prevent fire issues and uneven temperature.

A lot of people talked about temperature control. They said that it is easy to maintain a consistent temperature so that you are smoking foods exactly to your specifications.

Other people talked about the maintenance requirements. It is easy to keep this smoker in good condition so that it is always ready to smoke another meal.

10. Masterbuilt MB20250218 MWS 340B Vertical Pellet Smoker

The Masterbuilt MWS Pellet Smoker is the best vertical wood pellet smoker. You can fit a lot of foods into this smoker simultaneously since there are four smoking racks. These all have a chrome coating to ensure durability and a reliable and consistent temperature.

To check the temperature of the items that you are cooking, you can use the meat probe thermometers. These ensure that you smoke items to the exact temperature that you need every time.

This smoker has a digital control panel that is easy to use. It allows you to determine the smoke time and the temperature in one convenient place. Here you will also control turning the smoker off and on.

You can get up to eight pounds of pellets into the hopper at a time. This allows you to smoke foods for hours before you have to worry about reloading them.

A lot of people talked about the multiple racks. This allows you to smoke an entire meal at once to save you time on cooking. Other people discussed the pellet hopper. It is high capacity so you do not have to constantly add pellets to keep smoking foods.

11. Smoke Hollow PS4415 Vertical Propane Smoker

The Smoke Hollow Propane Smoker has two burners operating at 11,000 BTUs. This ensures a high level of heat and some consistency when you are smoking foods. The burners are made from stainless steel to ensure durability.

There are two chip trays with a high capacity. Because of this, you get hours of cooking time before you need to worry about refilling the trays.

There are two combination or jerky grids and two standard grids, allowing for flexibility to smoke a variety of items. These grids are durable, and you can use them frequently without having to worry about damage.

The drag control is adjustable so that you have more control over the cooking of your food. Easily monitor the smoking temperature so that you are always getting precision.

Multiple vertical smoker reviews for this unit talked about the see-through door. You can see what your foods look like to get a better idea about how far they are in the cooking process without needing to open the door.

Other people discussed the temperature gauge. Due to this feature, you will always know the internal temperature of the smoker by simply looking at this gauge.

12. Louisiana Grills Vertical Pellet Smoker

The Louisiana Grills Vertical Pellet Smoker is the best vertical pellet smoker. With a hopper capacity of 60 pounds, you can prepare an entire meal without needing to worry about refilling the hopper. There are six racks, giving you ample space to lay out a wide array of foods at once.

This vertical BBQ smoker features double-walled insulation. This ensures that the smoke stays inside when you are using this unit. Because of this feature, keeping the temperature precisely controlled is also easy.

You get a cover with this smoker. This accessory makes it easier to keep your smoker in good condition and protected from the elements when you are not using it.

Several people talked about the high capacity of this smoker. Due to its multiple racks, it is easy to prepare an entire meal simultaneously.

Other people mentioned temperature control. Even when it is windy or cold, this smoker keeps a consistent temperature so that your foods cook as you need them to.

Summary

Having the right vertical smoker can make a world of difference at your next dinner party. It allows you to create tender and flavorful foods that your guests will never forget. The key is to choose the best upright smoker for the job.

The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is among the best. It has a digital panel that makes it easy to control the different cooking elements of this unit. There are four racks, giving you a lot of space to prepare the foods that you want at the same time.

Since the loading system for the wood chips is on the side, it does not get in the way when you are loading in foods. Smoking is always consistent so that your foods turn out exactly as you want them.

When you are exploring vertical wood smokers for sale, you cannot go wrong with this option.

If you are one for smoked meats or other foods, buying a barrel smoker may be something to consider! There are nearly endless options on the market when it comes to smokers and it can be difficult to discern which model is the best drum smoker.

We have used our expertise and knowledge in the field to analyze features such as the number of smoke racks, temperature stability and capacity, and ventilation design, among other things. In doing so, we are able to provide you with a detailed guide to navigating the smoker market.

Top Drum Smokers Reviews

1. Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker

Taking us into the second half of the list is a smoker from the kitchenware brand Cuisinart. The Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker is very similar in design to the Weber barrel smoker in form, although the bottom ventilation is placed directly under the bottom of the smoker.

Consumers’ reviews of this model from Cuisinart span the entire range of satisfaction to dissatisfaction. Some find it an affordable alternative to high-quality smokers but others find it junky and say their foods taste of paint (definitely not good).

In conclusion, if you are looking to save some money and you are not the most impassioned of smokers, the Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker could certainly fit your needs.

2. Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14 Charcoal Smoker

The next smoker in review is from the trusted grill brand Weber. The Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14″ Charcoal Smoker is a vertical drum smoker, as most models on this list are. It sports a thermometer on the top of the barrel and proper, adjustable dampers on the bottom of the barrel.

As with the first model reviewed, consumers love this smoker. While consumers do note that the smoker is small (although that is kind of the point), they still find that it does a great smoking job.

In conclusion, the Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14″ Charcoal Smoker is a high-quality smoker and is perfect for anyone looking for a compact, smaller model.

3. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill

This next model in review is fairly unique to the list. The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is, as its terribly lengthy title suggests, a grill and smoker combination. The smoker itself has five racks for extensive smoking and the grill sits low to the grow.

As is seeming to the trend, consumers are much more satisfied than not with this smoker (and grill). Consumers most notably appreciate the quality of the multi-purpose aspect of the smoker at such an affordable price.

The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is ultimately a fantastic smoker thanks to the high-quality smoker itself and the added grill it sports.

4. Pit Barrel Cooker Co Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package

This first model in review is a drum smoker for sale, the Pit Barrel Cooker Co. 18.5″ Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package. The Classic Pit Barrel Cooker is essentially designed as a smaller version of a 50-gallon steel drum with a lid. Of course, there are ventilation holes around the rim of the drum and handles to lift the smoker.

Consumers are overwhelmingly satisfied with this drum barrel smoker. It is known for giving quality and repeatable results without a decline in quality over time.

In conclusion, the Pit Barrel Cooker Co. 18.5″ Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package is the best drum barrel smoker on the market for its size. The value of the package here is hard to beat.

5. Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 Bronco Charcoal Smoker

This next smoker in review is another vertical barrel model. The Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 Bronco Charcoal Smoker is a great, compact smoker that is also relatively portable thanks to its two-wheel, one-leg design. This smoker features a large charcoal basket despite its size, allowing for all-day smokes.

Consumers are very happy with the Bronco from Oklahoma Joe’s. While the thermometer may read higher than the actual temps, consumers note phenomenal smokes time after time.

So, if you are looking for a semi-portable smoker with a quality build and even an attractive aesthetic, the Oklahoma Joe’s 19202089 Bronco Charcoal Smoker is a very viable option to consider.

6. EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Pit Charcoal Barbeque 5 in 1

This seventh model in review is the most unique product on the entire list as it functions as both a barrel grill and a smoker. The EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Pit Charcoal Barbeque 5 in 1 is just as the name suggests, a five-tool device packed into one. In addition to grilling and smoking, the barrel can be used as a fire pit, a pizza oven, or a tabletop.

Consumers are blown away by this 5-in-1 unit. Consumers note the smoker being completely useful in every offered iteration, from pizza oven to fire pit.

In conclusion, the EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Pit Charcoal Barbeque 5 in 1 is a lot of bang for little buck. It is massively versatile and comes with grill tools too, to buff the value it boasts.

7. Best Choice Products 43″ 3-Piece Outdoor BBQ Charcoal Vertical Design Smoker

This next model in review is similar to the Weber and Cuisinart models, meaning that it is a vertical barrel smoker with bottom ventilation and a door for accessing the charcoal.

The Best Choice Products 43″ 3-Piece Outdoor BBQ Charcoal Vertical Design Smoker sports an additional temperature damper on its top though, to go a step further than the aforementioned models.

Consumers find that this smoker functions just fine, although many do not have to make some modifications to the unit due to leaky construction.

In conclusion, the Best Choice Products 43″ 3-Piece Outdoor BBQ Charcoal Vertical Design Smoker is an option to consider if you like this style vertical drum smoker but are looking to spend less than the higher priced models.

8. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS681VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Charcoal Smoker

The next vertical drum smoker in review is another Dyna-Glo model. The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS681VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Charcoal Smoker is similar to the previously reviewed Dyna-Glo model except that it does not sport an accompanying grill and has two fewer smoke racks.

Consumers have surprisingly mixed things to say about this smoker. While many do claim that it is a viable, reliable smoker, others claim that it is not sufficient for long-term smoking such as turkey or brisket smoking.

In conclusion, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS681VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Charcoal Smoker is a great smoker and a fantastic option for those who are interested in the other Dyna-Glo model reviewed but do not need the grill feature.

9. Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Bullet Smoker

The final model in review, the Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Bullet Smoker, is the most compact smoker on the list. This model is formed almost like a tabletop grill in that it has small, stubby legs and short stature. It does still qualify as a vertical barrel smoker as it sports a similar, although compacted, design to the Weber model previously discussed.

As has been the standard with many of these smokers, consumers are satisfied across the board with this smoker. One such consumer calls it a perfect option for the occasional smoker enthusiast.

In conclusion, the Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Bullet Smoker is an awesome little smoker for any non-frequent smoker looking for a good deal. Its compact size makes it ideal for storing away when not in use.

Factors to Consider

The following is a list of factors to consider when buying the best UDS smoker:

Total cooking space:

The first factor to consider when buying a drum barrel smoker is the total cooking space. Many of the models reviewed here have only one smoking rack; however, there are also models available with more than one rack and even the grill accompanied model.

Depending on how much you plan to smoke at one time, the total cooking space is likely going to be your main buying focus. Larger-diameter models also sport a larger cooking space in terms of square inches.

Charcoal management design:

The next factor to consider is the charcoal access point of the smoker. Most of the models on the listed sport a hinged door providing direct access to the charcoals for managing while smoking is occurring. Although, not all models do provide such easy access to charcoals during smoking.

Being aware of the charcoal management method for each unit is going to be an important aspect of your decision, particularly if you are an experienced smoker.

Included accessories:

The included accessories are never going to make or break your purchase decision, or they at least should not. However, extra accessories can definitely bolster the value of any smoker you are considering.

For instance, the smokers with hanging hooks provide extra value by giving you the option of hanging smoking foods. There are also models that come with grill tools, which are always useful.

Again, they should not make or break your decision, but they can help separate similar models from one another.

Consumer reports:

The final factor to consider when buying a barrel smoker is consumer reports. While anecdotal reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, consumer reports can help deliver great insight into the experienced pros and cons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best ugly drum smoker is the Pit Barrel Cooker Co. 18.5″ Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package. It falls on the pricier end of the spectrum but you are definitely getting what you pay for.

If you are looking for more affordable options, consider the Weber Smokey Mountain model or one of the models from the Dyna-Glo collection. However, there are plenty of options to choose from on the market if these models do not suit your taste.

Now that you have reviewed these models in detail, you can make a conscious buying decision to make sure you are getting the best smoker for your particular needs. Get your smoker now before the holiday season kicks off

Having any old offset smoker doesn’t quite cut it; you need a quality offset smoker, which is why in this post, we’re comparing Oklahoma Joe’s Highland vs Longhorn side-by-side.

Anyone serious about grilling knows that a reverse flow offset smoker is the way to go for smoking meat. The baffle plate piece within the cooking chamber gives far more control over the smoke that runs over your food, producing desirable quality results.

Oklahoma Joe’s is a trusted brand that provides people with top-of-the-line grilling products, and in this review, we’ll cover the Highland vs Longhorn smoker. Through this review, we’ll go through what makes each of these top-rated offset smokers unique in their own ways, and guide you to deciding on the best Oklahoma Joe smoker for you.

Oklahoma Joes Highland vs Longhorn Comparison:

Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker Review:

The Highland is the small offset smoker of the two but still provides you with everything from heat control to customizability, and durable construction. While similar to the Longhorn, you get a lower price tag that makes up for the reduced amount of space.

Luckily, the results you get with this smoker are just as excellent, making this the perfect reverse-flow smoker for those who don’t need too much.

Buyers are delighted about the thickness and durability of this smoker and agree that assembly requires minimal stress and hassle. Customers are happy that the temperature always seems to stay right where you need it and that the baffles work very well to provide the perfect smokey flavor.

Buyers do warn, however, that you might need to install additional sealants and latches to keep heat and smoke from leaking out of the product in certain areas.

While the Highland may not be as big or close as secure, it still ranks in the realm of high-end offset smokers. At an affordable price, the heat performance, modification-friendly features, and sturdy construction will put a smile on your face, and on the faces of everyone who gets a taste of your professionally smoked meat served proudly from the Highland smoker.

Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker Review:

This Oklahoma Joe’s barbeque smoker is a heavy-duty contraption that gives you more space to do what you need to do and excellent mechanics to do it. With multiple baffles and heat dampers, areas you can modify, and pleasing temperature control, the Longhorn smoker is an instrument of successful smoking.

Customers are pleased the most with how consistent the heat stays and the durability of the construction. Buyers like the way this smoker looks and attest to professional performance.

While some claim cleaning isn’t that easy and some note peeling paint, the smoker isn’t challenging to modify to heighten performance and works very well despite its flaws.

For a fantastic Oklahoma Joe BBQ, this smoker gives you the performance and functionality you want and need. With a sturdy build that you can customize and high-performance reverse flow, you’ve got everything you need to go smoke meat with excellent results every time.

Insights and Takeaways

Oklahoma Joe’s Highland vs Longhorn like anything, each of these smokers has its strengths and weaknesses, so the key to finding the best reverse flow offset smoker is knowing what you want. Both smokers have customizable areas and offer stable construction that puts the mind at ease, but there are a couple of key differences to note.

The Highland is best for someone who doesn’t need much space and prefers a more straightforward approach – plus, it’s a tad more affordable than the Longhorn. The Longhorn is best for crowd-pleasers and those who don’t mind a little extra cleaning.

The best offset smoker on the market is different for everyone, but Oklahoma Joe’s strives to deliver quality that competes with the rest. Whichever smoker seems to strike your fancy, you’re still getting a great product at the end of the day.

You love the taste of a juicy, smoked piece of meat. After spending a lot of money purchasing smoked meat from restaurants, you’re wondering if you can make this type of meat at home. The answer is an absolute yes. To get the best piece of smoked meat, you need the best charcoal smoker on the market.

If you Google charcoal smokers, you’re going to see that there are more charcoal smokers than you can imagine.

And for every smoker, there are a ton of charcoal smoker reviews. I know that you don’t have time to sit down and read them all, so what I’ve done is taken a mixture of personal experience and information from these reviews and compiled them into the definitive charcoal smoker guide.

I’m going to show you the most popular and the best charcoal smokers with the goal of empowering you to make a good buying decision.

Top Charcoal Smokers Reviews

1. Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker

This is the big brother of the 18.5-inch Smokey Mountain charcoal smoker. Its larger size allows you to cook more meat.

This device allows you to replicate the exact same award-winning cooking experience you had with the smaller model, only for a larger crowd.

This unit is made from heatproof and rustproof components. It is aesthetically pleasing thanks to its porcelain finish. It comes complete with the standard Weber handle, thermometer, and water pan.

This is the complete package. It allows you to enjoy the same smoky barbecue taste that the large competition smokers produce yet in a compact model.

The parts are of high quality and both heatproof and rustproof. It is aesthetically pleasing to look at and cooks a darn good piece of meat.

Charcoal smoker reviews are all but unanimous that this is one of the best charcoal smokers on the market. It is a relatively small unit when compared to the competition models.

But, boy, does it pack a powerful punch. The smoker is easy to get to temp and regulates its temp fairly easily. One bag of charcoal can last for about 18 hours.

It’s clear to see how such a little grill is able to actually win against composition-size grills. It’s well put together, it’s well-engineered, and you’re going to love how it works.

2. Char-Griller Charcoal Kamado Grill

The Char-Griller Kamado Grill is one of the best charcoal grill smoker combos. The Kamado style of this grill ensures the enhanced flavor and even heating of your foods. There are air dampers on the bottom and the top. This ensures greater temperature control.

This grill is lightweight, but the materials are thick and strong. It also uses less charcoal compared to ceramic grills. The dampers allow for dual airflow. The heat gauge lets you monitor the temperature of the grill throughout the cooking process.

The grill has insulation and triple-wall steel. This ensures that the temperature remains consistent throughout the smoking process.

This grill provides a good smoky flavor for everything that you cook in it. It is also easy to sear a variety of meats and other foods.

It only takes approximately 12 coals to get to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Heats fast so that you do not have to wait to start the cooking process. Small and thin cuts of meat can cook in a matter of minutes.

The grill surface is smaller than other grills, but overall, there is enough space to smoke a meal for a small family. It is also portable, so you can take it camping or for tailgating.

This smoker is among the best charcoal BBQ smoker choices. The strong grates and other materials ensure long-term durability. It is also easy to maintain the temperature due to dampers and insulation.

3. Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

The Dyna-Glo Vertical Charcoal Smoker is one of the best charcoal for offset smoker choices. The smoker’s body seals well so that the temperature remains consistent for several hours for thorough and even cooking.

The offset design ensures the best indirect heat flow. This ensures an easy infusion of smoke flavor during the slow cooking process. The multiple cooking grates allow you to slow-cook several items at the same time.

There is a smoke zone gauge on the door. This makes it simple to monitor the cooking without needing to open the smoker. The flue on the smokestack is adjustable so that you get the right level of smoke.

Even when you use this smoker outside in cold weather, it maintains its internal temperature. There is no need for extra cooking time in the cold.

The inside can get messy fast, but it is also easy to clean. Once the unit cools down, you can wipe it out with a wet cloth.

It has a viewing window so that you can monitor what you are cooking. Combined with the gauge on the door, it is easy to make sure that your meats and other foods are smoking to your specifications.

This unit is one of the best-rated charcoal smokers. It maintains its temperature well throughout the cooking process. It is easy to assemble and season, making it an ideal choice for people who are new to using a smoker.

4. Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker

One of the best-rated charcoal smoker grill choices is the Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker. The steel water bowl is porcelain-enameled for durability. This also helps to ensure moist and tender meat when you are cooking.

The smoker features steel housing. This ensures durability. You can keep the smoker outside, and it will not rust prematurely even in inclement weather.

You can use this smoker for a variety of foods from beef to a variety of cheeses. It uses charcoal, so it provides a smoky flavor. You can also choose to use chunks of wood if you prefer.

There are two vents on this unit. This allows you to have control over the heat level. Simply pick up the lid when you want to check on the foods that you are cooking.

Many customers have remarked that this unit is one of the best inexpensive charcoal smoker choices. This smoker performs well, and it cooks meats and chicken evenly.

It is easy to keep this smoker clean. Once it is cool, you can quickly remove all of the ask and wipe it down.

This smoker is portable, but it also has a lot of cooking space. You can make racks of ribs and other larger items without running out of room. The airflow control makes it simple to achieve and maintain the right temperature.

This smoker features a dual vent system for even smoking. It is compact, but it also accommodates medium to large cuts of meat without a problem.

5. Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker

This smoker is going to leave you with some of the juiciest cuts of meat you have ever eaten. After having one piece of smoked meat made by this device, you are going to want to have slow-smoked meat every night.

The porcelain enamel lid, water pans, and bowl make this unit attractive. The vent is no rust aluminum, and it beautifully complements the no-rust aluminum fuel door.

Two 18-inch diameter cooking grates give you all of the space you need to make a delicious meal for yourself, your family, and your friends. Don’t worry about burning your hands on this grill. The handle is glass-reinforced nylon that is heat resistant.

The smokers made by Weber changed the game. They proved that a small smoker can provide a flavor that was even better than the big guys. This is an entry-level-priced item that is going to give you professional flavor.

6. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker

There are a lot of generic smokers. However, the Akorn Kamado Kooker really shakes things up. It is designed to make your food taste as if it came out of a clay oven.

If you’ve never had food out of a clay oven, then you really do not know what you’re missing. The insulation provided by clay allows food to reach a temperature and flavor infusion not otherwise possible.

Although the unit is not made from clay, charcoal smoker reviews are unanimous in saying that this product acts exactly as clay would. What you are left with is a beautiful smoker that gives you a unique flavor not found anywhere else.

With more than 314 in.² of cooking space and a unique insulated design, this is among the best charcoal smoker grills you can buy. It is so well insulated that it uses less charcoal and has less airflow. The result is juicier meat.

The exterior is powder-coated steel. The interior is porcelain-coated steel. Thanks to rubber wheels, you can move this smoker wherever you need it to be.

This is a unique product. Its shape and design are a little different than what most people are accustomed to. It can take a little bit to get used to it, but when you do, you are left with a stellar product.

7. Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker

The first thing you’re going to going to notice is that this unit is very easy to assemble. This is a plus, especially if this is your first time using a smoker or if you are not that technically inclined. The smoker is the perfect size to feed your family or a small party of friends.

The unit comes equipped with 365 in.² of cooking surface separated by three adjustable chrome-plated cooking grates. You will have no problem adjusting the temperature thanks to dampers that control the heat and smoke.

The unit is easy to use, beautiful to look at, and leaves you with a juicy mouthwatering piece of meat. It is the best cheap charcoal smoker we have included in this guide.

We will not say that this is the best charcoal smoker grill on the market, but for the price, it offers a superb result. You have complete control over the smoke and the temperature thanks to the dampers that allow you to adjust these factors.

The handle is cool to the touch, so you can get a firm grip on the lid. There is a nice pull-out drawer that allows you to grab whatever ashes you need for easy cleanup.

This is a good choice if you’re a fan of smoked foods. It’s compact, so it’s going to fit on your deck or on your patio. This is definitely a good entry-level unit to determine if you like smoking.

8. Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

The Dyna-Glo outdoor smoker is perfect to be used all year round. This is a beast that will allow you to cook more than 150 pounds of food at one time. Versatile wire racks let you choose if you’re going to cook portions of meat or just throw the entire animal in there and cook it all at once.

The steel frame has a vertical design that serves the purpose of giving you the most flavor using the least amount of smoke. You don’t have to guess the temperature because it has a beautiful built-in temperature gauge.

This is an extremely versatile unit. It has six high adjustable cooking shelves. You can put food in different sizes. Each grate can hold 25 pounds of meat.

It is easy to keep clean thanks to a uniquely designed charcoal and ash management system. A built-in stainless steel thermometer indicates when your charcoal smoker is in the perfect smoke zone. This is a well-designed product that will get you going fast.

It is surprisingly large for the price. It’s very versatile. It’ll get you up and running and making delicious meat in a short time.

9. Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box

This is one of the best grill smoker combos available. It has a traditional charcoal grill with a side firebox. This allows you to have a good old Texas-style barbecue.

Both the grill barrel and the side firebox are made from heavy-duty powder-coated steel construction. The cooking grates are non-stick cast iron.

Removable charcoal drawers let you add as much charcoal as you need and get rid of the ash so that you can keep smoking longer. The temperature gauge, storage rack, and wheels make this a flexible unit that you’re going to be happy to transport wherever you go.

This is meant to be a professional-grade smoker. And it really does offer a lot of the bells and whistles you would want from a professional grill at a backyard enthusiast’s price.

It has 838 inches of cooking space and a 250 in.² firebox.

Designed to give you even heat and delicious meat. It has heavy-gauge steel construction and a double bottom that makes it sturdy and lasts a long time.

This is a nice unit if you want to have some friends over and enjoy a meal. You’re going to be frustrated sometimes because the heat is not going to be consistent throughout. But if you can learn the tricks of using this unit, you’ll be able to produce some decent meat.

10. Dyna-Glo Premium Charcoal Grill and Smoker

This is a serious grill for serious grillers who want to do something special. It’s a larger smoker and has a little bit higher price bracket than some of the smaller smokers we have reviewed.

However, if you are having an outdoor party with a bunch of friends, you are going to be happy that you purchased this.

This is a heavy-duty device that is made to last. Of course, if you are going to be investing in something like this, you want it to stand the test of time. This is not the most expensive model this company produces, but it is one of their premium brands.

When you look at this unit, it’s clear to see that the designers understood how important it was to have smoked meat cooked at the right temperature.

They paid special attention to the cooking surface with a grate that is made from cast iron and porcelain enamel. The unit is easy to clean and is designed for maximum heat transfer.

This unit is not the cheapest unit you’re going to find, nor is it the best. But what it does is merge the best of both worlds.

You’re going to have a high-quality unit that is going to last. Is going to give you a good piece of meat and allow you to feed many guests.

11. Char-Broil Offset Charcoal Smoker

With 1280 in.² of cooking space, this beast is perfect for that big backyard barbecue. There are multiple dampers that are going to allow you to perfectly control the temperature and the smoke that permeates your meat.

The temperature gauge will help you keep everything at a low and steady temperature. Easily clean away the ash with the ash cleanout door.

This is definitely a beginner smoker. There is an offset firebox that uses indirect cooking to give your meat a smoky flavor. It provides the low heat needed to infuse the smoke into the meat.

The cooking chamber has a 228 in.² porcelain cooking grate. This gives you a decent-sized cooking area.

This product is all that you need to get a good piece of meat. You can smoke it, you can grill it, you can fry it, you can boil it, you can use gas, and you can use charcoal.

This is one of those rare products that has multiple functions and is able to accomplish each one of the functions well.

This is far from a professional smoker. You’re going to have to fight with it to get it to work. But for the price, it does a decent job.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal Smokers vs. Other Types

Charcoal smokers give you the authentic taste you won’t find with other smokers. However, they are a little bit more problematic than the other options available.

Electric Smoker

With one of the best electric smokers, you just plug it in, add your wood chips, and let it go. With the charcoal smoker, you’re going to need to constantly tend the fire.

Electric smokers will infuse your meat with a smoke flavor, but the flavor they provide pales when compared to what you get from using charcoal. If you compare electric vs charcoal smokers, charcoal wins in the flavor department.

Gas  Smoker

Gas or propane smokers will provide a little bit more powerful flavor than their electric counterparts, but they come nowhere close to what you get from using charcoal.
Most gas smokers simply require you to set the temperature and walk away.

This sits in stark contrast to charcoal. With a gas smoker, you run the risk of running out of propane. This obviously does not happen with charcoal. You can get the best of both worlds by purchasing the best gas and charcoal grill combo.

Pellet Smokers

Pellet smokers simply require you to set the temperature, light the heating unit, and let the meat smoke. However, with a pellet smoker, you have the problem of the auger jamming, and even at its best, a pellet smoker is only going to infuse your meat with a light smoky flavor.

If the electricity goes out, your pellet smoker stops. Nothing stops charcoal.

You do not get the blue smoke associated with charcoal grilling that gives you that delicious smoky meat flavor most pitmasters are after with pellets. That only comes from charcoal.

Things To Consider

Price

If you are getting a new smoker, realize that a professional setup can run you upwards of $10,000.

However, you can purchase top-rated charcoal smokers for just a few hundred dollars, and these will still give you some delicious meat.

Quality

Charcoal smokers are finicky. Regardless of if you purchase the best vertical charcoal smoker, you still need to fight the fire to keep a consistent temperature.

If you purchase a low-quality smoker, that fight gets a lot harder because cheap models have poor heat regulation.

Versatility

Some people like to have a smoker that can also work as a grill. This is a good idea, especially if you have limited space.

Frequency of Use

How often are you going to use the unit? If you’re not going to use it frequently, you may want to purchase a smaller unit.

Other Charcoal Smoker Brands

Kingsford

Kingsford is a name that families have trusted for generations. They have been cooking and smoking over coals from coast to coast.

Not only are the majority of Kingsford Charcoal grill reviews positive, but they have garnered loyal fans.

What makes Kingsford so amazing is that they not only understand the smoker side or the grill side of it, but they also are adept at making unique fuels to satisfy the needs of their customers.

They created a product that keeps bringing people back time and time again. Check out the following models:

• Kingsford Charcoal Water Smoker
• Kingsford® Side Kick Fire Box/Table-Top Combo

Char-Broil

Since 1948, Char-Broil has been pioneering charcoal grills and smokers. Every single year since then, their focus has been on innovation.

Now they have reached the point where their product is the standard by which other grills are judged.

They pride themselves on their ability to make innovative grills and smokers easier to use, affordable, and able to produce a memorable product.

For them, pride comes from looking across backyards all around America and seeing people enjoying themselves using their products. Two of their memorable products include:

• Char-Broil Vertical Charcoal Smoker
• Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker, Deluxe

Brinkmann

Brinkmann has been serving the public for more than two decades. Their goal has always been to push the limits when it comes to creating innovative grills and smokers.

They have been rewarded for their hard work by a large following of faithful smokers.

Brinkmann has become the product that picky smokers use. They use this product because they know they’re going to get a consistent temperature, and great flavor, and it is going to be easy and intuitive to use.

See for yourself why so many people have fallen in love with the Brinkmann Smoke n Grill Charcoal Smoker.

Some of the Brinkmann charcoal smokers that you may want to look at include:

• Brinkmann 810-5301-C Smoke-N-Grill Charcoal Smoker and Grill
• Brinkmann 852-7080-E Charcoal Gourmet Grill and Smoker

How to Smoke a Steak

Who doesn’t love a good steak? Whether grilled or pan-seared, a memorable steak is surprisingly easy to cook for yourself at home. However, if you’re looking to mix it up in terms of flavor, you might want to try something new: smoking a steak.

Doing this takes only slightly more effort than grilling, but if you like authentic smoke flavor and have a smoker at your disposal, this will probably become your go-to method. In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step method to smoking a great steak.

Can You Smoke a Steak?

The short answer here is yes – and it’s a lot easier than you might think. But a good smoked steak starts with the right choice of meat.

Choosing the Meat

You can smoke pretty much any kind of steak, but some options take better smoking than others. You’ll need to take a couple of things into account – the grade of the steak and the cut itself.

USDA Beef comes in eight different grades:

You can also find beef graded as Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner, although these options are more commonly sold to fast-food restaurants and canning establishments.

Choosing the right grade of steak is a good start, but you’ll also need to choose what cut you want to smoke. If you have the time to keep the smoker running for a while or if you’re cooking for several people, you might want to smoke a brisket, chuck roast, or beef ribs.

On the other hand, if you just have an hour or so to smoke, New York Strip, Tenderloin, and Ribeye steaks are all excellent options.

Smoking a Steak: Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you have a stand-alone smoker or a grill with a smoker attachment, you can prepare a smoked steak right in your backyard.

Plenty of people don’t just smoke their steaks – they use the reverse sear method.

This method combines delicious smoke flavor with the taste you can only get from a seared steak.

Reverse Sear Method

Reverse-searing a steak just means that you roast or smoke steaks to raise the temperature before searing — the conventional method is to sear and then roast.

If you want to reverse-sear your steaks, you’ll need to keep them on the smoker until they reach your desired doneness level of minus 10 degrees. If you get your steaks to the right level of doneness on the smoker, you risk overheating them during the searing phase.

Smoking a steak is an art in itself, but so is searing. If you want the best flavor possible, use a cast-iron skillet with cooking oil designed to handle high-heat cooking. Coconut oil and avocado oil are great choices.

Once your oil is heated, you just need to sear the steaks in the pan for about two minutes per side (more if the steak is thicker than 1.5″).

Make sure you check the middle of each steak for the desired doneness before removing the steaks from the heat.

Once you’ve removed your steaks from the heat, don’t forget to let them rest for about 10 minutes. This gives juices time to redistribute.

If you cut into your steak right after cooking, the juices may just run out, leaving the steak itself dry.

Pro Tips

Now that we’ve been through some of the basics of smoking a steak, let’s look at some tips that can help you take your smoking game to the next level. For the best flavor, you’ll want to optimize every step of the smoking process.

Seasoning

In most smoking recipes you’ll find an online note that you don’t really need a lot of extra flavors if you’re smoking a steak.

This is true – even a simple rub of cracked black pepper and kosher salt, when combined with the smoke flavor, will give you a steak that’s plenty delicious. Salt tenderizes the meat, and when you choose to reverse-sear it, it helps create that crisp outer surface that all good steaks have.

Whether you season your steak right before smoking or let it sit is up to you, and you may want to try out both ways before choosing which you like best.

Dry-brining is an easy way to add some more flavor. To dry-brine, you simply rub salt liberally over the meat and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

You also can marinate your steak before smoking or use a dry rub. While it isn’t absolutely essential, marinating or dry-rubbing is a great choice if you like a little extra flavor on your steak.

Humidity

Some smokers come equipped with a water pan. If yours has one, it’s a good idea to use it when smoking steak for a few reasons. For one, water vapor (or steam) creates an evaporative cooling effect, which keeps the smoker from overheating.

The steam also keeps the temperature even in the smoker. Most importantly, the steam from the water will keep the humidity up, which makes it harder for the steaks to dry out.

Smoking Woods

If you’re doing your best to create the ideal smoked steak, the type of wood you use in the smoker is of paramount importance. As a general rule, hardwoods are the best for smoking, and you’ll want to avoid softer woods like pine or cedar. Softer woods tend to produce excessive smoke, and some people even believe they may lead to illness.

Different hardwoods have different flavor profiles, and you might find that one or the other suits you best:

Smoking a steak well is a skill that involves a bit of a learning curve, but it’s well worth the effort. Of course, if you want optimal flavor, you’ll need to make sure each step in the process is carefully planned.

By choosing a quality cut of meat, seasoning it carefully, selecting the right wood for the smoker, and even choosing the right oil if you choose to reverse-sear it. Take your time, be open to a little experimentation, and enjoy your smoked steak!

Making The Decision

Well, we have presented you with our review. Our goal, as always, was to give you the information you need to find the best charcoal smoker.

We looked at the pros and cons of certain units and even identified those that we thought were good all-around smokers. Now the ball is in your court. We recommend that you buy your smoker online.

It is going to be less expensive, you’ll be able to look at other charcoal smoker reviews, and you get it delivered to your door. So what are you waiting for? Go out, get yourself a smoker, and make yourself some meat!

You visited your friend’s house and saw his amazing pellet smoker. Now you want one. But you don’t want just any pellet smoker. You want the best pellet smoker that you can afford.

Now, you could spend a lot of time reading hundreds of pellet smoker reviews, or you could spend a few minutes going over this comprehensive guide that we have prepared.

The purpose of the guide is to give you an overall feel for what some of the top pellet smokers on the market are like with the end goal of putting you in a good position to make a conscientious decision when purchasing the best pellet smokers for your needs.

Top Pellet Smokers Reviews

1. Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and Smoker

The Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO is one of the top 5 best pellet smokers. It allows you to grill, bake, barbecue, smoke, roast, and braise meats and other foods.

Due to the cooking area of this grill, it can accommodate nine racks of ribs or six whole chickens at the same time. It has a digital elite controller to ensure consistent cooking.

You can choose to cook items quickly or use the low and slow setting to smoke your foods. There is an LED display that lets you see the temperature at any time. This smoker only uses 100 percent hardwood pellets. This ensures consistent smoking and a wood-fired flavor for your foods.

This grill manufacturer is one of the best pellet smoker brands. The materials are highly durable. You can use it in various temperatures and weather conditions without any negative effects on the cooking temperature.

This is a very large grill. You can cook for the whole family at the same time. This makes smoking or grilling fast and easy.

The temperature controls are easy to use. Since it has an LED display, you always know the exact temperature it is cooking at. This grill is very low maintenance. When you are done cooking, you just wipe it down and it is ready to use again.

This is one of the best pellet smokers for the money. You can cook a variety of foods with precise consistency in the temperature. It is also the ideal size for a small patio or a larger outdoor space.

2. REC TEC Grills RT-590 Bundle

Don’t be fooled by the word in the description of this smoker. It weighs about 100 pounds and has the capability of holding 30 pounds of pellets. Despite its size, it is still portable. The legs fold up, so you can take it with you.

This model can reach up to 500 plus degrees. It can very easily adjust the temperature in 5° increments. It is definitely a great product and can be used for backyard cooking, camping, tailgating, and much more.

This model Grill REC-TEC is definitely one of the best smokers and grills on the market. One of the greatest features of this smoker is the range of temperatures it can smoke and grill at. And the temperature is very easy to control. The food you cook will turn out fantastic every time. And you easily transport it anywhere.

If you want to deliver fantastic food to friends and family as well as look like a boss while grilling, this is the model for you. When looking at pellet smoker grills reviews, you will see time and again that people think this product is amazing, awesome, and outstanding. Just be ready for how heavy the product is. But it’s well worth the weight.

3. Green Mountain Grill Davy Crockett Grill/Smoker with Cover

The Green Mountain Grills Pellet Grill is the best small pellet smoker because you can use it at home when you are camping or even on a road trip. This is a highly versatile pellet grill and it is WiFi-enabled.

There is a mobile application that you can use with Android or iOS. It allows you to monitor and control your grill via the included WiFi. You can change the temperature and check to ensure that it is within your desired range.

The meat probe makes it easy to ensure the right temperature when you are cooking. It also has a thermal sensor for additional continuous monitoring as you cook.

The app that you can download makes this grill easy to use. You can adjust the temperature in five-degree increments so that it is easy to get the precise level of heat that you need.

This grill is small and portable, but there is plenty of space for cooking. You can put three racks of baby back ribs on the grill at the same time and they will cook evenly. It is easy to prepare a full meal for two people simultaneously to save time.

This is one of the best budget pellet smokers for regular smoker users and people who are new to this style of cooking. It is portable so that you can take it with you. The thermal sensor ensures that you are always cooking at the intended temperature.

4. Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss 700FB Pellet Grill is one of the best BBQ pellet smokers because its burn system features digital control. This ensures that you can choose a precise temperature. It is also easy to adjust the temperature as you use the grill.

All you need are wood pellets to fuel this grill. There is no need for propane or electricity to get the right amount of heat. The grids are cast iron to ensure durability and even heating. They have a porcelain coating for enhanced durability and easier cleaning.

The exhaust system and dome heat shield allow you to maintain consistent temperatures. This remains true when you are operating at the maximum temperature.

This grill is durable, and the materials are long-lasting. You can use it outside in a variety of weather conditions without any problems.

The smoke remains contained so that you are getting the heat level and flavor that you desire. You can add things, such as a bottle opener, to the grill quickly and easily. This grill is easy to keep clean. After you finish cooking and the rack cools, it is simply wiped clean with a wet cloth.

This grill has a very large surface area. The cast iron grids are coated in porcelain for easy cleaning and even cooking. You use 100 percent natural wood pellets for the savory flavor of everything that you cook.

5. Z GRILLS ZPG-550B Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

The Z Grills 8-in-1 BBQ Smoker allows you to grill, bake, braise, smoke, roast, and barbecue your food using a single grill. It generates heat using only hardwood pellets. This provides a savory smoky flavor to everything that you cook on this grill.

This grill includes a warming rack and the main rack so that you can easily separate the foods that you are cooking. This smoker features a smart digital controller.

This allows you to maintain a temperature within 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A simple dial is all it takes to control the temperature.

Looking at a variety of the best pellet smoker grill reviews makes it easier to see if this one is the best option for you. The materials that make up this grill are strong and durable.

This is a very large smoker that lets you cook whole racks of ribs and whole chicken. They cook evenly without cold or hot spots. It is easy to load the pellets. Since it holds 10 pounds, you do not have to refill the hopper often as you are smoking foods.

This smoker is a 7-in-1. You can use a variety of cooking methods so that your foods come out exactly as you want them. It also has a large hopper capacity and cooking space.

6. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

It’s not difficult to see why the Camp Chef is one of the best pellet smokers on the market today. It offers lots of different features that make smoking and grilling easy and fun.

I think anyone looking to up their grilling game cannot go wrong with the Camp Chef PG24DLX pellet smoker.

I’ve tried the set-it-and-forget-it temperature control starting at 160F, for re-heating or smoking pre-cooked meat, and up to 500F for fast, crispy, smoked chicken. My pork ribs, slathered with my secret sauce, came out tender, juicy, and smoked to the bone at around 350F.

Temperature tweaks are push-button simple. You get an authentic barbecue flavor, and the unit is versatile enough to be used to smoke, bake, grill, or sear.

You have a very large cooking area and the temperature ranges from 160° for smoking all the way up to 500°F for grilling. This is a dependable grill that comes with a one-year warranty and applies to the contiguous U.S. states only.

570 square inches of grill area was more than enough for a six-person meal. Clean-up is a breeze too. Pull the ash cleanout lever and it’s ready for your next cook.

Something you’re going to like about this unit right away is that in order to turn it on, all you need to do is hit a button. It is easy to change the temperature and maintain a consistent temperature.

This model is easy to set up and easy to clean. You don’t even have to take the grill apart to get it cleaned thanks to the special drop-down cleaning system.

This is a great smoker for beginners who are willing to take the time to understand how pellet smokers work. You can follow the instructions in the video provided on the manufacturer’s website to see how to put it together.

It is also great for people who have been pellet smoking for years. It has a huge cooking surface, which is perfect for entertaining large groups of friends.

This is an excellent family-size grill that is simple to use and maintain. Its stable digital temperature control and easy-to-clean features really made an impression on me.

For my money, the Camp Chef PG24DLX Deluxe – Featuring Smart Grill Technology is one of the best pellet smokers. It’s easy to use, it’s intuitive, and it produces a quality end product.

7. Traeger Grills TFB57PZBO Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker

Talk about the best pellet grill and smoker and “Traeger” is bound to come up. The Traeger Grills TFB57PZBO is a compact griller/smoker, but its performance lives up to the brand’s reputation.

I have used it to BBQ, roast, and smoke and it performed flawlessly with +/-15F temperature stability up to 450F. There was ample room on the grill, 572 square inches, for meat, veggies, and side dishes for a five-person cookout.

Ease-of-use starts with auto-start ignition and porcelain-covered grates for easy clean-up. At only 103 lbs., move it to the optimal spot on any deck or haul it to your favorite picnic site.

I did not find fancy cleaning aids on this grill, but the usual small whisk broom and vacuum cleaner are all you need for ash removal.

This lightweight, family griller/smoker makes my best pellet smoker list easily with the aesthetics and quality construction I’d expect from Traeger. I like how it handles, its stability, and how everything I cooked turned out perfectly.

8. Z Grills ZPG-7002B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of this modestly-priced pellet smoker/grill ZPG-7002B from Z Grills and the little extras. It’s a very easy-to-use roasting, grilling, braising, and baking machine with an impressive 700 square inches total rack area.

The auto-start ignition, automated pellet feed system, and digitally controlled temperature range of 180F to 475F are all any beginner needs to turn out down-to-the-bone, savory meat dishes.

Forget about complications from a rotisserie as its fan-forced convection ideally distributes the heat. Grilling salmon to perfection is tricky without precise temperature control, but the ZPG-7002B did a beautiful job on my fillets.

Although its aesthetics – it’s plain black – is not remarkable, and there is no meat temperature probe, based on price and performance this grill should make anyone’s best pellet grill and smoker list. The large rack area makes it ideal for everyday family meals or when you have company over.

9. Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill and Smoker

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 is a great model for those who want to start up the smoker, add some meat, and let the work be done for them. It is also extremely versatile, allowing you to grill, smoke, roast, and bake.

It is perfect for individual households, college students, and even tailgating. And it’s a great option for first-timers as well as those who have experience using pellet smokers. The entire system was designed in order to make smoking fun and easy. Cleanup is easy, getting everything going is easy, and the food turns out great every time.

The main cooking area is 575 in.², which means you can cook a lot at one time. Since it uses convection technology, the smoky hot air can circulate around the food in order to cook everything evenly.

One of the most outstanding features of this smoker is its digital thermostat controller. It is also small enough to be used for family gatherings but large enough to be used for tailgating parties. Another top-notch feature is that you can control and monitor this smart pellet grill through your smartphone and even Alexa.

With its 575 in.² of cooking space, you can cook a lot at one time. It is made from steel and has a porcelain-coated grilling grate.

This is the best pellet smoker for the money if you are a newbie but want to cook like a pro. It is super easy to use and allows you to set up the whole system and then walk away.

It has an electronic autostart ignition, which means you don’t even have to start a fire. Just plug it in, do a little prep work, add some pellets, and it will not be long before you have some delicious food to enjoy with your family or serve to your friends.

10. Char-Broil Big Easy TRU Infrared Smoker

One of the things that I noticed right away about the Char-Broil Big Easy TRU Infrared Smoker is its versatility. This device lets you smoke, grill, and roast. It’s also versatile because the internal smoker uses pellets or wood chips, and then in the outer and inner walls, there is a propane burner.

This model uses a unique cooking system called TRU-infrared. What this basically does is keep your food moist. It limits the flow of hot air and uses radiant heat to directly cook food.

The temperature can be changed, but the meat is going to be able to retain its moisture. The unique TRU-infrared technology cooks meat in an even way and helps to retain moisture. The great thing is there are no flare-ups.

There’s a roasting basket for ribs, poultry, and other meat. The roasting basket can hold up to 25 pounds. The cooking area was grilling can be done has 180 in.². You can adjust the temperature, which ranges from 9000 to 18,000 BTUs, in the smoker box in order to add flavor.

After looking at a lot of pellets smoker grill reviews, it is easy to see that this is a pretty decent model. It is just so functional.

So if you are looking to purchase something that is more than a pellet smoker, this is the product for you. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when assembling it and be sure to gauge the cooking time since this is a fast one.

11. Camp Chef Smoker Vault 24

The Camp Chef Smoker Vault 24″ is the best vertical pellet smoker because it uses smart smoke technology. The ash cleanout system ensures easy cleanup after using this smoker. It also has a grease management system to ensure even cooking.

Easily determine how many pellets are present thanks to the pellet hopper window. This smoker provides even smoke distribution and heat due to the continuous fan. This smoker has wheels, so it is easy to move around. It is 28 inches tall, making it easy to fit larger cuts of meat into the smoker.

This smoker is easy to use even with all of the features. It is large enough to cook multiple foods at a time but small enough to use in limited outdoor space.

It has a collapsible side shelf to hold food when you are cooking. When you are not using it, it goes down so that it is not taking up space. Since this smoker holds 18 pounds of pellets, you can smoke foods for a long time with constant refills. The ash is easy to dump out.

This grill can handle a variety of meats and other foods at the same time. The multiple racks, grates, and hooks let you customize your smoking experience.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pellet Smokers

When you look at pellet smoker reviews, you see that the people who like them really love them. And the people who don’t have legitimate complaints. The following is a list of the pros and cons of using pellet smokers.

Pellet Smokers

Pellet Smokers Compared to Other Types of Smokers

The top pellet smokers on the market are ingenious in their design, and they have won the loyalty of many smokers.

Still, some people prefer to use a traditional charcoal smoker, a propane smoker, or an electric smoker. Here are how these units stack up to one another.

The best pellet grill smoker has the benefit of being easy to light and easy to use. With a pellet smoker, you put the pellets in the hopper, light the heating unit, and you don’t have to worry about it.

Charcoal Smokers

Conversely, with a charcoal smoker, you struggle to light the charcoal, and then throughout the entire cooking time, you need to check the backup on the unit to make sure that it’s functioning properly.

A charcoal unit is going to provide a more powerful authentic smoke flavor when compared to a pellet smoker.

Gas Smokers

Electric pellet smoker reviews show that gas smokers and pellet smokers are comparable in that they both can be set to a particular temperature and left alone.

The one advantage that a pellet smoker has over a gas smoker is that with a pellet smoker, you can actually say that you are cooking with wood because the pellets are compressed wood.

Electric Smokers

An electric smoker and a pellet smoker, according to the reviews, both allow you to set the temperature and walk away. However, the flavor that you’re going to get from a pellet smoker is a lot stronger as compared to an electric one.

Pellet smokers allow you a little bit more versatility than an electric smoker, whereas electric smokers are better at maintaining and controlling the temperature inside the cook box.

Things To Consider

Price

The first thing to consider before purchasing a pellet smoker is your budget. This will allow you to buy the best pellet smoker for the money.

If you are a beginner, you do not need to get an expensive unit in order to produce results. However, if you have some experience and you want to take your smoking to the next level, you may look into a more expensive model with the goal of getting some of the features you want.

Size

How much food are you going to smoke? This is important because some of the top pellet smokers are relatively large.

And if you’re not looking at smoking a lot of meat, you might purchase a unit that’s too big. Conversely, if you buy a unit that’s too small, you are going to be frustrated because you’re going to make some delicious meat just not as much as you need.

Metal Thickness

You want your smoker to retain heat and maintain a constant temperature. If you purchase something that’s inexpensive, yet made with a thin metal, you’re going to regret it because you’re going to be constantly fighting with the temperature.

You could purchase the best smoker pellets, but if you don’t have a high-quality smoker, it is all for not.

A Quality Auger

At the end of the day, the functionality of your pellet smoker depends on how well the auger works. Do not go cheap on the auger. If you do, it’ll jam, it’ll break, and your unit will not work.

Other Pellet Smoker Brands

Yoder Smokers

Yoder is a company that believes that there’s nothing wrong with a little competition, especially when you are competing at something that matters, like smoking meat. Has made a name for itself by producing some of the best pellet grill smokers to be used in competitions.

Yoder understands that when it comes to smoking meat, competition could be competing against other pitmasters for a large prize or simply competing against your next-door neighbor to see who can make the best piece of meat.

When you read Yoder pellet smoker reviews, you can see that this dedication to excellence and desire to bring only the best smokers to market has won Yoder a considerable amount of praise.

Has created smokers that weigh between 255 pounds all the way over 1,200 pounds. The products they make are designed to last a lifetime.

Camp Chef Smokers

Camp Chef understands that great food will always bring people together.

For this reason, for the past two decades, they have worked hard to create smokers that show they understand that there is a better way to cook outdoors.

The products they produce go from the very simple to the most involved and versatile cooking systems on the market. They understand what it means to enjoy food in the great outdoors thanks in part to their headquarters being located in Cache Valley, Utah.

All you have to do is look at Camp Chef pellet grill and smoker reviews to know that they have been able to consistently produce a product their customers enjoy.

Green Mountain Grills

The people at Green Mountain have found something that they really love and put their hearts into it.

They realize that for them grilling with pellets is so much better than using charcoal or gas.

After working with pellets for a few years so, it became apparent to them that a good pellet smoker was going to need some improvements, so they made their own.

Now, their products as attested to by Green Mountain pellet smoker reviews, are some of the top 10 electric smokers that use pellets on the market.

Its goal is to produce the highest quality without charging its customers the highest price. Their commitment to offering their customers five-star customer care has won them a loyal following.

Best Smoker Pellets

You could buy yourself the top-rated electric smoker that uses pellets, read an in-depth pellet smoker review, buy the most expensive model out there, and still end up with disappointing results all because you had the wrong pellets. The following are a few tips on getting the best pellets for your smoker.

Choosing the right pellets comes down to understanding how the flavor from your pellet is going to work with your meat.

Apple pellets

Apple pellets are going to add the best flavor to poultry or pork. This is because apple pellets have a very fruity smoke and work well with mild meats. They even add a nice flavor to a smoke-roasted apple pie.

Cherry pellets

Cherry pellets have a powerful flavor. Use these if you are going to cook beef ribs. If you couple this with a nice rub, you won’t have to worry about barbecue sauce.

Hickory pellets

Hickory pellets are some of the most popular pellets used in barbecue. Has a strong yet pleasant flavor that really adds to the quality of your meat. If you feel that hickory is too overpowering, why not mix it with a little apple to give a sweeter taste?

Pellet Smoker Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or bacon fat)
• ¼ C butter, melted
• ¼ C oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 C buttermilk
• 1 C cornmeal
• ½ C white sugar
• 1 C unbleached white flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Preparation:

• Preheat the Pellet Grill to 375 F*
• Grease an 8” cast iron frying pan with bacon fat and set it inside the smoker while it pre-heats.
• Mix together the melted butter, oil, eggs, and buttermilk.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, white flour, salt, and baking soda.
• With a few swift strokes combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. The batter will be a bit lumpy.
• Pour batter into the hot cast iron pan and place it on the lower rack of the pre-heated smoker. Close the lid, and bake for 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread should come out clean when the bread is done.

Making The Decision

It is decision time. Our goal throughout this entire review was to give you an overall feel for the different pellet smokers available, allowing you to choose the top pellet smoker for your needs.

We’ve looked at electric pellet smoker reviews, we’ve examined the pros and cons of certain models and even thrown in a delicious cornbread recipe.

So what is the best pellet smoker?

Well, the best pellet smoker is the one that works for you, fits your budget, and gives you the taste you like. We want you to take some time and research the models that caught your eye. If you’re going to purchase a pellet smoker, it’s better to buy it online.

You get a better deal, you’re able to read other reviews to get a feel for what other people think about the product, and you get it delivered to your home.

Now it’s up to you. Get out there, buy yourself a smoker, grab a slab of meat, mix together some cornbread, and invite friends to enjoy a delicious smoked meal. You’ll be the most popular guy in town.

You have heard how flexible and easy-to-use gas smokers are. Likely you went online and you’ve noticed that there are many different models to choose from. But the question is, what is the best gas smoker? You may not have time to test different gas smokers or read gas smoker reviews.

Don’t worry. That’s what we are here for. This guide is designed to help you find the best gas smoker for your needs and for your budget. When you finish reading this guide, you will be confident in your ability to get a smoker that will meet your needs.

Top Gas Smokers Reviews

1. Cuisinart COS-244 Propane Smoker

The Cuisinart COS-244 Propane Smoker is one of the best propane gas smokers because It offers four shelves for plenty of cooking space. You can easily access the smoker due to this unit having two doors.

You can attach this smoker to any standard propane tank so that you can start using it fast. It has a 40-inch hose so hookup is easy.

You have full control over the smoke level and the temperature. You can adjust the gas supply so that you can be sure that you are giving your foods the right level of heat. There is a thermometer on the door so that you can quickly monitor the temperature.

The handle is easy to operate. Once you close the door properly, the inner chamber remains rightly sealed for optimal smoking.

Even when it is operating at the highest temperature, the outside of the smoker remains cool to the touch. This ensures safety when pets and children are around. The door seals tightly once you close it. The smoke remains inside and does not escape from around the door.

The thermometer on the door makes temperature monitoring a breeze. This unit appears to maintain its temperature well so that you do not experience any uneven cooking.

This is one of the best vertical gas smoker options. The four shelves provide plenty of cooking space. The wood and water tray are porcelain enameled for easy cleaning and durability.

2. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Small Gas Smoker

The Camp Chef Smoke Vault is the best small gas smoker because it has a wide temperature range. There is a thermometer on the door that is easy to read so that you always know the exact cooking temperature.

You can cook meats slow and low so that the flavor locks into the food. You can use it to bake pies or to slow-cook a whole chicken.

There are two cooking racks and you can adjust them to accommodate your food. The water pan and wood chip tray are easy to operate and maintain.

The base tray is made of porcelain. You can remove it for easy cleaning. On each side of the smoker, and on the top, there are adjustable damper valves. For maximum heat control, this smoker has a protected burner drum.

This smoker has a strong construction. You can leave it outside without it getting damaged by the elements. It heats up fast and holds the designated temperature well. This allows you to enjoy consistent cooking with a variety of meats and other foods.

Once you are done using the smoker, it is easy to clean. Some of the parts are removable. The other elements only need to be wiped down in between uses.

This smoker is ideal for beginners who are new to smoking. It takes up limited space and the features are simple to use. The materials are strong, so your smoker will not experience damage easily.

3. Dyna-Glo Vertical LP Gas Smoker

The Dyna-Glo Vertical Smoker is the best vertical gas smoker we are going to review today in its price range. Produces a quality end product, but it’s cheap enough that someone who is just looking to cook for their family will want to invest in it.

It leaves you with an end product that tastes good, is moist, smells great, and that you can be proud to offer to your guests. It does require some initial assembly, but that’s relatively simple.

This unit is perfect for giving your meats the bold smoky flavor you want. With 784 in.² of cooking surface, there is enough room to add just about any meat you want.

It has a one-push ignition that makes lighting the unit a snap of your fingers. The sliding dampers and multiple doors help you to quickly adjust the temperature if need be.

Thanks to its dual design, you can add water and wood chips without affecting the temperature of your food. The 15,000 BTU of the total heat output of the unit means that it is hot enough to cook any type of meat and to maintain its temperature even if it is used outdoors during the winter.

There are a ton of different recipes you can try with a smoker. If you are a vegan or don’t want to smoke meat – check out this roasted beets with goat cheese recipe.

This is not a professional-level smoker. However, it allows a beginner and even an experienced smoker the ability to produce quality food that has a unique and powerful flavor. It’s easy to use and produces a consistent product time after time.

4. Dyna-Glo DGW1904BDP-D 43-Inch Wide Body LP Gas Smoker

Providing 20,000 BTUs of cooking performance, this is the unit to beat. It is extremely reliable and is able to maintain its temperature even in very cold weather.

A unique feature of this unit is that it has heat seals that allow it to maintain its smoke and improve its cooking efficiency.

This is a very large unit. It has more than 1900 in.² of cooking space. Has six grates that can be adjusted to accommodate whatever type of food your heart desires. It even has a removable rib rack, adding more flexibility to your cooking.

Although this is not a competition-style cooker, it produces food that is on par with what restaurants and professionals make.

There are many examples of individuals who have used this item at competitions and have come out ahead of others with competition-style grills.

You don’t need expensive equipment to make a great barbecue, but what you need is what this unit has and that is something that will get smoke into the meat and hold the temperature where you want it.

This is an awesome unit. It is going to produce delicious food every time. It’s durable, keeps an even temperature, and is everything you want from a gas smoker.

5. Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker

This is one of the top-rated gas smokers for newbies. It has two things that new smokers are going to love: it is expensive, and it is easy to use. Right away, it’s noticeable how large of a cooking space this unit has. It’s more than enough to cook for your entire family as well as a number of invited guests.

The three smoking racks allow you to optimize the space you’re using inside the smoking chamber. There is also a warming rack, so you can keep your food warm without cooking it. Food comes out great on this unit.

The Char-Broil vertical propane smoker has a large chamber and versatile rack locations. Its unique double-drawer design is perfect for allowing you to cook your food at a steady temperature all at the same time adjusting things like water and wood chips.

For the price, this is a decent smoker. It keeps a decent seal and is not drastically affected by fluctuations in outside temperature. I really do not like the wood chip and water tray situation. It just makes things unnecessarily frustrating. But besides that, all in all, it’s a decent product.

6. Masterbuilt Propane Smoker with Thermostat Control

This is the perfect unit for someone who needs to get a lot of smoking done. Measuring 22.8 x 28.7 x 53 inches, it gives you enough to feed an entire crowd.

A unique feature of the smoker is its doors. It has a 44-inch cabinet door that makes it easy for you to put meat in and take it out. It also has a second door that allows you to adjust any internal pans without losing any smoke or heat.

Its dual burner design gives you complete control of the temperature inside the chamber. Its solid steel construction means that you never have to worry about the smoker warping or losing heat.

The Masterbuilt is a versatile gas smoker. It is designed to be flexible and functional. It works because the designers understand the needs of the end-user, so they made it with sufficient cabinet space and the ability to access different parts of the unit without interfering with the overall cooking.

At 100 pounds, this unit definitely is not portable. However, because of its thick steel construction, it can stand up to the fluctuations of outdoor temperatures. The double burner system is a plus, giving you ultimate control over the cabin temperature.

7. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill

Many believe that the Char-Broil Big Easy TRU Infrared Smoker deserves the title of best gas grill smoker combo. To be fair, it is designed to do just about anything.

One cool feature is that it has an internal smoker box where you put your wood chips or pellets. You don’t need air dampers. It’s flexible, allowing you to adjust the heat from 9000 BTUs all the way to 18,000 BTUs.

This device is a good successor to its predecessor the Big Easy. It adds more functionality and doesn’t require charcoal or oil.

Since it uses radiant heat, the food that is produced is moist and does not dry out. The smoker box can use pellets or woodchips. And you do not need an air damper or a water pan. It is versatile enough to cook a 25-pound turkey and has a cooking area of 180 in.².

This is a versatile unit allowing you to grill, smoke, and cook. While it does some things well, it’s not going to provide you with the most powerful smoke meat flavor.

Sometimes when you get a smoker, it’s better to get one that just focuses on the job. This unit just tries to do too much.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gas Smokers

Gas vs. World

Gas Smokers Compared to Other Types

With a gas smoker grill, the propane tank keeps the heat steady and constant. They are simple to use. All you need to do is set the temperature and basically walk away. If you want to grill and smoke at the same time, you may want to look for the best gas grill smoker combo available online.

Electric Smokers

Similar to gas smokers, an electric smoker is easy to maintain and requires almost no attention during the cooking process. They are great for beginners, but out of all types of smokers, they are the ones that are going to give your meat the least amount of smoky flavor.

Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers are the traditional way of smoking your food. They have a very high learning curve, but they add flavor that just cannot be beaten.

Starting the fire takes a long time, and maintaining the fire takes a long time. If you do not choose the right type of charcoal, things will not turn out well.

If you want the flavor of charcoal and the convenience of gas, you may want to look at a gas charcoal smoker combo.

Pellet smokers

Pellet smokers are nice in that they are designed to feed only enough pellets into the firebox to keep your meat at a set temperature. Additionally, you can boast that your meat is being smoked by wood because technically the pellets are compressed wood.

The downside with pellet smokers is that because they have a mechanical auger, they are prone to breaking. And you still need electricity for a pellet smoker to work.

We have created some other guides if you want more information on charcoal smokers, gas smokers, and pellet smokers.

Things To Consider

Size

A small propane smoker will make enough food for you and your family. A medium-sized smoker may make enough food for you and 20 – 30 other people. A large smoker can make enough food to cater to a party all day long.

Versatility

Some gas smokers can double as a grill. So if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, gas this is good for you.

Price

Remember, just because a smoker is more expensive does not mean that he is the best gas smoker. First, identify what your budget is. Then find the model that has the best reputation, the most features, and is right for your needs.

Name

For many pitmasters, smoking meat is tantamount to a religion. When they put their name on a product, or when they approve a certain product, it’s because they realize it is the best.

You can purchase a generic smoker, but they usually do not offer any future support, and there is no guarantee that the product you get is going to be any good.

Gas Smoker Brands

Masterbuilt

Masterbuilt has built its business on these pillars:

1. Faith and Family First, and then the Rest.
2. Do the Work and Make It Fun.
3. Leading Edge Quality and Innovation.
4. World-Class Customer Service Every Time.
5. Share the Goodness.

Each one of these founding ideas is reflected in the products they create. When you look at Masterbuilt propane smoker reviews, people comment on the high quality of the product and the commitment of the company to providing excellent customer service.

It is clear that product innovation is at the heart of what they do. They have developed an unmatched reputation with electric smokers, and they will continue to work to keep their products the best. As a team, they work together to create products that make life great.

Char-Broil

Starting in 1948, Char-Broil brought its first grill to the market. Every year since then they have introduced innovation after innovation with the goal of becoming the standard-bearer for modern grills and smokers.

Char-Broil gas smoker reviews online attest to the fact that they are making their dream become a reality.

The creative minds behind Char-Broil believe that they have on their shoulders what they refer to as the “heritage of innovation.” Their goal is to make grilling, smoking, and barbecuing more affordable and more memorable.

Every time you purchase a Char-Broil vertical gas smoker, you know that you are purchasing a product from a company that is performance-driven.

Whether you use your grill occasionally or you use your grill every single day, they want it to work the way it should from the get-go. They pride themselves on producing a product that allows you as their customers to: “Live It Up.”

If you’re a beginner at smoking you also need to have a good thermometer for monitoring the temperature of your meat. With wireless meat thermometers, smoking a brisket can become way easier than ever.

How to Season a New Smoker

Ready for your next cook-off with that sleek BBQ gear? Well, hold your horses because there’s one thing you need to do first- season it! The initial step to grilling some finger-licking barbeque is to learn how to season a new smoker. The task may seem daunting but worry not because we’ve got you covered.

Seasoning isn’t just about adding pepper and salt to meat but rather, cleaning the inside of your smoking equipment. You might hear other BBQ aficionados call it ‘curing’ or ‘pre-seasoning,’ and to some extent, they’re right. It’s laying the proper foundation for tremendous BBQ results. Let’s explore simple steps that you should follow to unlock your smoking beast truly.

What You Didn’t Know About Seasoning

Seasoning a brand-new smoker serves two primary purposes: extending the equipment’s life by preventing rust and cleaning off unwanted contaminants from the manufacturing process. But more importantly, it’s a great chance to know your BBQ baby inside-out to avoid ruining any expensive brisket.

The exact method will vary from one smoker to another, be it a pellet, ceramic, propane, offset, or electric smoker. However, there are a few necessary steps that apply to each one of them. So, grab some cooking oil, dish soap, and fire-making materials, and let’s get started!

Step-by-step Guide on How to Season a New Smoker

As we mentioned, seasoning is the first thing you’d want to do with your modern smoker. If your smoker is one of those that needs post-manufacturing assembly, you’ll have it easier because you’ll be dealing with one part at a time.

Step 1: Cleaning

Once you get your newly-purchased home, it might still have some leftover metal shavings, oils, solvents, or abrasive paint inside.

So, it’s a brilliant idea to clean grates, pans, racks, and the interior thoroughly with the use of soap and water. If you are doing it before assembling the individual parts, consult a professional grill cleaner.

Other experts suggest that you use a mild detergent to degrease the machine and plenty of water to remove grime and manufacturing oils. Utilize a soft cloth to prevent scratching the delicate finish. When through, allow the smoker to air dry.

Step 2: Spray/ Wipe down the interior with oil

Next up, you’d want to look for oil that has a high boiling point. Grapeseed or canola oil might do the trick!

This type of oil will help you attain a thin, hard, protective surface after heating. Use cooking can spray oil quickly, and it’s efficient too.

With a disassembled smoker, rigorously all of the interior, door, walls, and lid with a thin layer of coat. Then, coat grates and racks with a similar wipe. Most specialists advise against spraying the water pan, but if need be, coat it outside.

Finally, it’s time to let the oil soak appropriately for about 10 minutes before embarking on the heating process.

Step 3: Heating

For the heating procedure, you’d want to carefully heat the smoker to high temperatures and leave it there for 3-4 hours. We recommend that you follow a general thumb rule- bring up the temperature rating of your smoking device, according to its manual.

After the set time, bring it down to the average temperature to avoid warping the thin metal in most smokers. It’s not ready for meat yet, so don’t put anything inside except for the oil.

How Do You Season a New Offset Smoker?

When it comes to seasoning a new offset smoker, the steps are similar until Step 2. The guidelines below apply to offset smokers only:

Once you coat the entire smoker with high burn-point oil, fill a single chimney with charcoal, and then light them. The stack should be swamped with smoke within 10 minutes or so.

Let the chimney heat up continually. Accelerate the process by adding more firewood into the firebox. When the stack attains full ignition, pour the hot coals into the firebox.

Meanwhile, ensure that the intake and exhaust are wide open to allow for uninterrupted air inflow. It will aid the smoker to reach slightly higher temperatures than generally used for smoking.

Allow the smoker to heat a peak temperature rating of about 280-300 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 2 hours. Then allow the smoker to cool off completely before cooking.

How Do You Season a New Electric Smoker?

So, you have just unpacked your modern electric smoker and perhaps wondering what to grill first. However, seasoning a new electric smoker is as easy as a ‘dry run,’ and it’s something that you could do without breaking a sweat!

Back to Step 2, when you’re done with coating the interior of your smoker with oil. You must avoid applying oil to the heating element, chip tray, water tray, and grease tray. Particularly, do not fill the water bowl with water when seasoning a new Masterbuilt electric smoker.

Best Practices for Seasoning a Brand New Smoker

Now that you know the nitty-gritty of how to season a new smoker, you can go ahead and cook all those tasty and delectable barbeques. Regardless of what type of smoker you own, Daddy Cooking Tips has all the information you need to become a BBQ fanatic. Seasoning a new smoker takes time, but it’s butter-to-bread easy.

Again, you must understand what model of smoker yours is. Read the manual first to eliminate all the guesswork. Then read this guide to know everything about seasoning a smoker and why it’s not a complicated process after all.

Need to check out the best smokers of the year or the latest BBQ recipes in town? Not sure which wood type is suitable for meats? Rest easy. Our blogs and How guides will help you take your barbequing skills to the next level.

Making The Decision

It is been really fun reviewing some of these awesome gas smokers. Now, it’s up to you to decide which product is right for you.

If after looking at these products and certain ones catch your eye, we encourage you to do more research. The idea is to learn as much as you can about the smoker before you purchase it.

There are a lot of brick-and-mortar stores that sell smokers. However, my recommendation is for you to buy your smoker online. That way, you’re able to research it and also see what other people who have already used the smoker say about it.

When you read gas smoker reviews, you get a better feel for what it’s like for the average Joe to use the smoker, and that will make it easier for you to buy the best gas smoker for your needs. Find a smoker you like, grab a slab of meat, and get smoking.

People fear smoking meat. They love eating a delicious piece of smoked meat, but they just don’t think that they can achieve the same results themselves. When you look at smokers’ reviews, you see people are overwhelmed by the types of wood that are available, the rubs used on the meat, and how to keep everything at a low and constant temperature.

Smoking meat is easier than people think. For the best results, you need the best meat smoker.

I have compiled these comprehensive BBQ smoker reviews to provide you with enough information to make a conscientious decision on what’s the best smoker to buy.

I want you to purchase the best meat smoker on the market, the best smoker for the money, and not some low-quality mediocre brand.

In this detailed review, I’m going to talk about a lot of different smokers. But if you’re short on time and want the gist of it, here is a snapshot of the top-rated meat smokers in each category.

The Cuisinart COS-244 is the best natural gas smoker because there are four shelves measuring 14 by 14 inches. This provides sufficient space for cooking.

The smoker’s vent is on the back of the unit so that you are not sacrificing any tabletop space. The temperature is easy to adjust and control. You determine how much gas the smoker receives so that you get the right amount of heat for what you are cooking.

This smoker has enough space for large meat cuts or whole birds. However, its overall size is compact so that you can fit it into small outdoor spaces.

Top Meat Smokers Reviews:

Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker

This smoker was easy to put together. Customers say that it was also easy to modify when they wanted to make some quick changes unique to their needs.

It is easy to cook multiple food types at the same time. The smoke is sufficient to provide juicy meats and crisp vegetables. The foods also adopt a smoky flavor.

This smoker has all of the features needed for experienced and beginner smoker users. There is plenty of space to cook a variety of foods evenly at the same time.

Tips on Choosing Propane Smoker

To make sure that you are getting the best propane smoker for the money, the first consideration is the size.

Look at multiple propane smokers and compare those of the same size.

To ensure you pick the right size, you have to think about how often you will use it and how much you need to cook.

If you only do light cooking for a small family, a smaller one is ideal.

However, if you host cookouts regularly, the best vertical smoker will have a large surface space so that you can prepare multiple foods at one time.

It would help if you also considered cleaning. If the surface is smooth, you can wipe it down after use. If your smoker has racks, they should be easily removable. Make sure that you can also easily replace the propane tanks as necessary so that you do not run out of fuel.

Pellet Smoker:  Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

Is the best budget pellet smoker because it offers a temperature range of 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The BTUs per hour is 25,000.

The hopper can hold a large number of pellets so that you do not have to refill frequently when you are smoking. The internal meat temperature probe makes it simple to ensure that you can cook to exact temperatures.

This smoker also has an ash cleanout system for easy maintenance. The grease management system prevents grease from prematurely extinguishing a fire.

This smoker eliminates cold and hot zones so that your food cooks evenly. This smoker also allows for the true slow cooking of meats and vegetables.

The smoke remains contained in the smoker. You can easily control the temperature during the cooking process for consistency. This smoker is very efficient on pellets. If the power goes out, you can still cook thanks to the power outage bypass.

This pellet smoker has a large hopper and it is easy to use. The large smoking area and easy cleanup make it simple to use and maintain for this smoker often.

Tips on Choosing Pellet Smoker

Choosing the best pellet smoker for the money starts with looking at the construction. A heavier lid means that it can trap the smoke better and that it will last longer.

The lid should not feel flimsy. You should also look at the welding and joints. These should be strong and smooth. When you are looking for the best affordable pellet smoker, you have to consider the temperature range.

For example, if you want to sear meats, it needs to get to at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider the cooking you do to find the best maximum temperature.

To maintain a constant temperature, a pellet grill needs a constant supply of pellets. Make sure that the controller on the grill can feed the pellets into the system at a constant and even pace.

You can also pick one that has a meat probe built into it. This allows you to easily assess the temperature of your meats while you cook for optimal safety.

Electric Smoker: Masterbuilt 20070910 Digital Smoker

This is the best smoker for beginners who want a savory piece of meat. Masterbuilt has a reputation for producing the best smoker grill on the market. This model is roomy and has four smoking racks.

Beginners will like the fact that the smoker is thermostatically controlled for a perfect temperature every time. Digital control panels, a digital timer, and an automatic shut-off are some of the features that make this device intuitive to use.

With 100 percent insulation and an easy side-loading wood tray, this device will have you smoking in no time.

Tips on Choosing Electric Smoker

The best electric smokers from consumer reports let you see what real customers have to say about their smokers.

The information that you derive from these reports can also simplify the process of finding the best electric smoker for the money.

Consider the fuel type you will use. Most electric smokers use a little wood to create smoke when they are operating them.

Ideally, you want one that uses as little wood as possible.

Make sure that the smoker has a thermostat instead of a Rheostat. The thermostat provides a more accurate reading of the temperature so that you can ensure cooking consistency.

Look at the racks to see how much space is between each bar. The more space, the more foil you need to use to prevent the meat fat from extinguishing your smoke when you are cooking.

Charcoal Smoker: Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker

I’m going to be talking about a lot of smokers in the subsequent meat smoker reviews. However, this is for me the hands-down best BBQ smoker.

The Smokey Mountain cooker 18-inch charcoal smoker produces some of the juiciest cuts of meat you will ever try. This smoker is the epitome of low and slow. It has two nickel-plated 18 ½ inch wide cooking grates, giving you 481 in.² of cooking space.

The unit is made from porcelain enamel steel. Its unique features include a built-in thermometer, individual vents, and a heat-resistant nylon handle that makes smoking your meat to perfection a joy.

The smokers produced by Weber are the best meat smokers you can buy because of the company’s commitment to excellence. Couple this with the company’s excellent customer service, and you got a product that can’t be beaten.

Tips on Choosing Charcoal Smoker

Finding the best-rated charcoal smoker grill helps to ensure that you get enough surface area and the flavor that you are looking for.

This type of grill is ideal for times when you need high cooking temperatures. Compared to electric and gas grills, electric ones get hotter.

The best charcoal grill for beginners has plenty of space and at least one rack.

However, two racks can be better if you cook meat and vegetables at the same time. Make sure that you can remove the racks so that the grill is easier to keep clean. Look at the space where you put the charcoal. Can it accommodate the amount of charcoal you wish to use?

It is important to have enough space between the charcoal and the lowest rack when you are cooking to reduce the risk of burned spots on your food.

Other Good Smokers Worth Considering

1. Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker

The Char-Broil model is the most affordable smoker not because it’s the cheapest model out there, but instead because it’s the best cheap smoker that will leave you with savory-tasting meat.

With 504 in.² of space and insulated double-wall construction, this is a durable model that can smoke some big chunks of meat.

Because it is constructed with steel, it is sturdy and promises to provide your family with delicious meats and vegetables for years to come.

Types of Smokers: By Fuel Source

Electric Smokers Overview

Electric smokers are modern gadgets that allow you to cook following an age-old tradition. Smokers come in two styles:

• Vertical electric smokers are less expensive but can only be used during warm months.
• Electric cabinets have better core temperature control and a unique refrigerator-like shape.

Electric smokers allow you to control the temperature and smoke inside the chamber. Any BBQ smoker review will confirm this is key in how your meat will turn out.

They take some of the art out of smoking. You don’t need to check the fire or tend it. Just throw your meat on the rack, put the wood into the chip box, set the temperature, turn it on, and walk away.

A disadvantage of some of the best electric smokers is they don’t generate the same amount of smoke as wood smokers do. This is offset by the level of control you have over the temperature.

An electric smoker is the best backyard smoker. You can’t take it with you to the beach or to the park unless there is an electrical source.

Gas Smokers Overview

Cabinet-style gas smokers are shaped like a gym locker or a safe. On the bottom, there is a propane fuel gas burner. Most models do not work with natural gas. A tray sits above the burner for smoke chips, wood chunks, or sawdust.

On top of the unit, there are either chimneys or dampers that vent smoke. Gas smokers can be the best smoker for beginners. They are simple to use, yet provide delicious flavor and moist meat.

Gas smokers make great meat. They run off propane similar to a gas grill. Like an electric smoker, you set the temperature and walk away.

You can run out of fuel midway through your smoke. If you are not attentive to this fact, you could end up ruining a good piece of meat. Parts can break easily, but just about every hardware store has replacement parts.

A propane smoker can be used wherever you can take your propane tank. And in a crunch, they can be used as a flexible oven.

Wood Smokers Overview

Which is a great smoker type? A wood smoker. They have a steep learning curve, but the results are worth it. One of the biggest challenges of using a wood-burning smoker is building a fire that is too big.

Wood smokers have two compartments. There is the cooking chamber and the offset chamber. The offset chamber is where you will place the wood you will cook with. Some like to use charcoal to get the wood started, and from there, they will heat the rest of their food using the wood.

As the wood produces smoke, the smoke looks for a place to escape. Since the chimney is located over the cooking chamber, the smoke will pass over the food. As it escapes out of the chamber heating the food, it gives the meat a distinct wood flavor.

One of the biggest challenges you will find with a wood smoker is keeping the wood at a temperature that produces smoke but does not allow it to burst into flames. Wood smoker reviews will give you an idea of how well-insulated the smoker is and how well it holds onto heat.

Pellet Smokers Overview

Pellet smokers have revolutionized the way meat is smoked. They offer the rich flavor of wood smoke without the fuss.
These smokers work by using condensed pellets made from sawdust. The pellets are stored in a hopper that is set off from the cooking chamber.

An auger will deliver the pellets into the burn pot. There, they will be ignited to create heat and smoke. A fan will distribute the heat and smoke evenly throughout the cooking department.

A thermostat determines how fast the pellets are driven from the hopper to the burn pot and the amount of oxygen the fan blows over the pellets. This allows the smoker to maintain an even temperature.
The lower the temperature, the more smoke is generated.

Because the heat and smoke created by the smoker are controlled by the thermostat, you can set your meat, walk away, and come back to a perfectly cooked piece of meat.

One of the drawbacks to using one of the best pellet smokers is that they do not produce the blue smoke that professional smokers look for when flavoring their meat. Some argue that the smoke flavor you get from pellets is not as strong as what you get from wood or a charcoal smoker.

Charcoal Smokers Overview

Experienced smokers use charcoal or wood-fueled smokers. They provide a flavor you won’t get with an electric or gas smoker. They are a challenge to use and require constant monitoring.
Popular styles of some of the best charcoal smokers are the vertical water and the offset dry smoker.

The vertical water smoker has a charcoal heat source at the bottom and a water pan above the heat source. The water heats the meat and prevents it from drying out.

The dry offset smoker sits vertically. It has a firebox on one side and a cooking chamber on the other side. The charcoal or wood is burned in the firebox. The vent or chimney sucks the heat and smoke from the firebox, sending it across the meat in the chamber.

Simply reading a smoker grill review will confirm that the main disadvantage of these types of smokers is the amount of time it takes to start the fire and the amount of work it takes to keep the fire going steady for a long period of time.

Types of Smokers: By Construction

Kamado (Egg-shaped and Oval) smokers

Kamado smokers are a modern take on a centuries-old Chinese and Indian design. Their appearance mimics that of a burial urn or a giant egg. Most are made from ceramic, and they are great insulators that radiate heat very efficiently. They are among the best BBQ smokers in the world.

Their superb insulation allows them to radiate heat evenly and maintain an even temperature. They function well in cold climates and are perfect for outdoor winter cooking.

This product features more than 300 in.² of cooking space and a unique insulated design. It has a cast iron cooking surface, with a body made from 22 gauge steel.

It weighs 98 pounds, and its dimensions are 21.6 x 28.7 by 24.8 inches.

If you are looking for a Kamado grill we recommend you check out the Kamado Joe brand. We have compared their two most popular kamado smokers – Classic II and Classic III.

Vertical smokers

Vertical smokers commonly have a bullet shape, stubby legs, and stand right on the ground. The heat source is on the bottom.

On top of the heat source, wood pellets or wood chunks sit to create the smoke. Above this, there is a water pan to create steam. While it is called the water pan, vertical smoker reviews show that users use other fluids like juice, wine, or beer to add flavor. Above the water pan, there are racks where the meat sits. Covering everything is a dome-shaped lid.

With vertical smokers, as with all other products, you get what you pay for. An example of a vertical smoker is the Char-Broil Vertical Gas Smoker. This model boasts more than 590 ft.² of cooking surface divided into three chrome-plated cooking grates.

Since gas is used, it allows for consistent heat and better smoke. Its wood chip pan and water pan are both made of porcelain. Weighing in at 76 pounds, the smoker has dimensions of 45.5″ x 21.5″ x 19.5″.

Barrel smokers

These ingenious devices are made from steel drums and have racks or hooks where meat is held for smoking. They’re made from a retrofitted steel drum.
The style of a drum smoker has been around for decades, with most being handmade. No two handmade designs are exactly alike.

Over the past few years, these devices became available commercially. They have meat hooks, charcoal baskets, and cooking racks. They have an amazing ability to hold a steady temperature and are great for long cooking times.

A good commercially available barrel smoker, according to barbecue smoker’s reviews, is the Pit Barrel Cooker Package. Perfect for outdoor barbecue or tailgating, it is a fun, portable charcoal meat smoker.

It is designed to provide a unique vertical cooking experience that leaves you with perfectly cooked meat all the time. Barrel smoker reviews about this product made by professionals or amateurs attest to the quality of the product.

Offset smokers

When you look at offset smoker reviews, you will notice that this classic design is the most popular out there. Food sits in a horizontal chamber, and the charcoal and smoke wood is burning in a firebox attached to the side.

Inside you’ll see multiple shelves to handle racks of ribs, briskets, and other cuts of meat. To maintain their heat, a good offset smoker is made from thick steel. They are heavy, so when reading offset smoker grills reviews, look for those with large wheels or casters to make moving them easier.

A good example of an offset smoker is the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal Smoker Searing BBQ Grill Model PS9900. This grill smoker combo can use propane or charcoal. The firebox is used for smoking to inject an authentic barbecue flavor. This is the best smoker grill of its type.

Check out the list of the 9 best offset smokers if you think that this is the best type of smoker for you.

This is the top-rated smoker grill if you want to enjoy multiple styles of barbecue cooking. It weighs 218 pounds and has dimensions 54″ x 23″ x 82″.

It has porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids, an adjustable charcoal grate, and dampers that allow you to control the heat. It’s two lower shelves and condiment racks serve as extra storage for your cooking implements.

Kettle smokers

In a kettle smoker, the meat cooks directly over the heat source but at a distance. Its shape is reminiscent of a conventional charcoal grill. A water pan is used to separate the charcoal from the food. The water helps the meat to stay moist during the hours of smoking. It also helps the meat maintain its low constant temperature.

During the smoking process, chips of wood are added directly to the coals. Some people add tea leaves or other smoke sources to tweak the flavor. An example of a kettle smoker is the Nordic Ware 365 Indoor/Outdoor Kettle Smoker.

This indoor-outdoor kettle smoker is designed to be used 365 days a year. It has a high dome cover and a base pan. The water pan, smoking rack, and thermometer work hand-in-hand to create a unique smoking flavor. It is designed to work on gas or electric burners or on outdoor grills.

Handheld smokers

Handheld smokers are not smokers in the traditional sense. Smoking meat can take up to 13 hours. A handheld device is more of a smoke infuser or a smoke flavoring device. It allows the cook to add a smoky flavor to their meat without grilling outdoors.

A handheld smoker has a bowl-like hash pipe where you can put sawdust, hay, spices, and herbs. Light these on fire, and a little motor that is powered by AA batteries pulls air through the bowl and pushes smoke out of a flexible hole.
The NIA Hand-held Cold Smoking Gun is a great example of a handheld smoker. It works indoors or outdoors and can function with a variety of wood-smoking chips, teas, and spices.

Competition & Commercial Smokers

As the name implies, these are the best BBQ smokers for competitive and restaurant use. They are large-capacity commercial smokers that range from a big box for use at a restaurant to a mobile unit that can be custom-designed to reflect a person’s needs and taste.

They use a range of fuels from gas to wood to charcoal. These large smokers are built using heavy-grade steel, which allows them to maintain even heat throughout.

Check-list for Choosing the Meat Smoker

As you’ve seen in this review, there are a lot of smokers and smoker styles available. So how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are a few factors to consider:

Price

You can buy a smoker for 50 bucks, or you can get one for more than 10 grand. It all depends on how much you want to smoke and how much you’re willing to invest.

If you are just testing the waters to see if smoking is right for you, then I recommend getting something that small, maybe a vertical water smoker. They’re not expensive, but they will give you a good enough feel for smoking to see if you want to invest more in the future. If you are looking for less expensive or cheap products, check out those best budget smokers.

Usage

A lot of the models I’ve talked about offer you the best of both worlds. They allow you to smoke and grill meat. If you are looking for a multi-usage or multipurpose smoker, make sure it’s well-designed. Some units offer the world, but when you really look at them, they don’t live up to the expectations in one department or the other.

Indoor/ Outdoor

While most smokers we reviewed are designed for use outdoors, indoor smokers allow you to get a fork-tender brisket or sausage from the comfort of your kitchen. Some models allow you to work indoors with gas or outdoors with charcoal. Most are suitable for water smoking or dry smoking.

Temperature Control

This feature is critical if you ever want to serve your meat on time. Don’t get a smoker that does not have a thermostat. Even if you must budget for an add-on thermostat, do it. It is more than worth it.

Thermometer

Many of the best BBQ smokers come with a built-in thermometer. The downside is they are not always reliable. You may want to budget for a high-quality thermometer that you can put at grate level to give you a better reading. Since maintaining a constant temperature is so important, take the time to learn how to calibrate your meat thermometer.

Temperature Range

Look for a device that you can set as low as 160° for smoking but also gives you the option to crank it up, depending on the meat you are preparing.

Build & Construction Quality

The thick metal is going to absorb heat and distribute it evenly around the cooking chamber. The doors and dampers should close tightly to prevent leaks. If your heat and smoke escape, it is going to be difficult to stabilize the temperature. Look at the seals, welds, and thickness of the metal before you purchase a smoker.

Heat Distribution & Control

You may find that the temperature in your smoker varies depending on what area you are checking in. Look for a model that has thick metal. Thick metal absorbs heat and distributes it evenly throughout the chamber. Dampers play a vital role in heat distribution.

Dampers

You want to choose a model that has dampeners that you can easily reach and control. Check the seals and make sure they are tight to prevent smoke and heat leakages.

Size & Capacity

A small BBQ smoker is going to give you enough food to feed a large family. A commercial or competition smoker will allow you to make enough food to cater a barbecue.

So ask yourself, how much do you want to smoke before you buy? If it’s just for you and your family, get something small. However, if you’re thinking about smoking meat for a lot of people, then you want to look at a commercial-size model.

Tools, Accessories, and Other Features

Certain accessories are standard. These would include drip pans, water pans, and movable shelves. Look for models that include storage space, work surfaces, and tool hooks.

Safety

The greatest smoker you can buy is a heavy cooking tool that reaches hundreds of degrees Fahrenheit. You want them to be a child and pet-safe.
What is the best electric smoker? A safe one. If you’re using an electric smoker, keep it safe from the elements. Don’t let it get wet.

Handles should be cool to the touch. The wheels should lock in place to prevent them from moving accidentally. Look for a device that has coiled stainless steel handles. They are durable, and they disperse heat easily, so they stay cool.

Ease of Cleaning

You want your smoker to be as convenient to use and clean as possible. Before you buy it, make sure that it’s easy to access all the parts, check on your meat, and clean the interior. Is it difficult to remove or replace the shelves? Can the wheels be used on any surface? Having a smoker that is convenient and easy to use will make smoking meat so much more fun.

Remember, cleaning the outside of your smoker is an option. Cleaning the inside is not. It can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and old grease can destroy the flavor of your food. Stainless steel is easy to clean, and chrome-plated grates are harder to clean and will eventually rust.

Warranty and Support

When looking at the warranty, check to see if tech support, maintenance, and replacement parts are included. Look at online BBQ smokers’ reviews and research the company. Take the time to read the warranty or guarantee policy and make sure you understand it.

At the end of the day, if it looks cheap and if the parts look like they’re going to fall apart in a few weeks, don’t buy it. Be picky about what you purchase. Your palate will thank you later.

Must-Have BBQ Accessories

A pit master is only as good as his or her tools. The following are a handful of must-have tools for any successful barbecue.

• Long Handled Spatula
  

You want your spatula to have an offset handle, so you can sneak that spatula under your food easily. The best materials are silicone and metal. The longer the handle, the better in order to keep your hands away from the heat. Spatulas are going to work best if you’re dealing with fish or other delicate foods.

• Chimney Starter for Charcoal

This is the easiest way to light charcoal or a piece of hardwood. You can use lighter fluid or a crumpled-up newspaper to start the fire. Let it burn until it’s white-hot before adding it to your smoker.

• Meat Thermometer

You want your food to be delicious, but you want it to be healthy. In this regard, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Jab that thermometer into the thickest part of the food to make sure that it is done but not overcooked. Having a good wireless meat thermometer is a must! It’s much more comfortable to monitor the temperature of the meat while watching TV than staying near the smoker in your backyard.

• Grill Brush

Keeping the grill rack clean is your first line of defense. After every smoke, take the time to clean off the grates with a grill brush. Clean them vigorously so that they are smooth and free from food. Brass bristles work better than steel bristles because steel can damage the enamel finish of your grates.

• Long-Handled Tongs

Use stainless steel tongs to grip your meat. They offer you power and sturdiness, and they allow you to move the meat around without using a knife or fork, which pierces the meat and causes some of the flavor and juices to be lost.

• Grilling Gloves

Most experts agree that the best gloves for grilling are swayed or split leather welding gloves. These offer superior protection against contact with hot meat or accidental contact with the smoker.

• Meat Injector

If you haven’t enough time to season a turkey or other meals, you can use the best meat injectors to save time and make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

• Bear Paws

You can pull pork and transfer large cuts of meat with the best of them using heat-resistant bear paws.

• Burger Press

Juicy Lucy anyone? A stuffed burger press allows you to create mouthwatering stuffed burgers with ease.

• Meat Knife

There are many different knives for different purposes, such as boning knives, chef knives, or fillet knives for salmon.

What Type of Smoker is Best: Electric vs Gas Smoker

Smoking meat and vegetables is an excellent way of adding flavor to old favorites. And you can do it right on your smoker of choice. Typically, three standard smoking methods are widely applicable across the globe, Charcoal, electric, and Gas.

If you don’t have enough time to fiddle through charcoals, you are definitely left to decide between an electric or a gas smoker. Now the million-dollar question – electric or gas smoker, which is better?

In this article, we will unfold essential facts, pros, and cons of electric and gas smokers as well as compare and contrast their functional features. Armed with the necessary information, you will be in a better position to decide which of these smokers is best for your needs.

Gas Smoker Overview

Out of many smokers, gas, and electricity share a lot in common. First, they are both easy to use and available at affordable prices. Roughly, you can find a favorable model even below $200.

As the name suggests, gas smokers usually use natural or propane gas to fuel their fires.

As a result, you can have more control over heat, as you can crank up the gas and achieve the heat temperature you want.

Gas smokers are also easily portable, making them a versatile option. However, while using a gas smoker, you need to take great caution as these smokers fluctuate temperature relatively fast.

Gas smokers are designed with a gas burner at the bottom and a shelf above it, which adds food chips that enhance food aroma and taste.

Many people who have prior experience with charcoal and gas smokers will equally complement both to have a similar impact on how they cook and the results they deliver. Gas smoker benefits are overwhelming. They are often found in commercial barbecue restaurants.

Gas Smoker: Advantages and Disadvantages

Electric Smoker Overview

An electric smoker utilizes electric currents to smoke and cook your food. They are easy to use compared to a gas smoker.

An electric smoker contains a vent, which is crucial in regulating the amount of temperature. However, the bulk of heat regulation is controlled by the heating elements.

Considering the essence of this fact, it is, therefore, crucial to allow some time for the element to heat before you start cooking.

Generally, an electric smoker works with the same principle as ovens; cook slow and low.

With the added advantage of being able to add wood chips, an electric smoker benefits you in many ways, including adding a coveted smoke taste to your food. Below are some of the pros and cons of electric smoking:

Electric Smoker: Advantages and Disadvantages

General Features of Electric Smoker vs. Gas Smoker

Several factors impact the purchase of specific smokers. Below, we are going to compare some of these factors and how the electric and gas model stacks up. Remember, every point is important, and any given may be a deciding factor for buying.

Easy to use

They are both easy to use. However, with an electric smoker, it is convenient and much easier to operate. All you need with an electric smoker is just to plug in the socket to the power outlet, then set the temperature you want using adjusters, and within 20 minutes, you are ready to start smoking.

Flavor

The taste of food smoked through a gas smoker is equally similar to that of food smoked from traditional charcoal.

The flavor of electric smoke food tastes incredibly good. However, the final taste depends more on the skills of the person smoking.

The controller

Gas smokers are designed with a simple controller switch that opens and closes the flow of gas. It has a burner controller knob that requires to be appropriately adjusted so as to achieve the required temperature.

With electric smokers, each model is equipped with a digital temperature controller, which often contains additional useful features such as timers or plugins.

Cold smoking

Without proper adjustments, it is difficult to achieve low temperatures with the gas smoker. However, with an electric smoker, the temperature ranges, and the precise controller enhances cold smoking.

And if the electric smoker doesn’t give the expected results, you can as well purchase a specialized cold smoking kit.

Warranty

Most gas smokers have a relatively large warranty ranging from a few months to several years. Unfortunately, electric smokers, in most cases, have a shorter warranty duration that usually lasts for one year.

Maintenance needs

Gas smokers are easy to clean and maintain compared to electric smokers.

Temperature range

Controlling the temperature when using a gas smoker can be challenging, although a gas smoker can easily result in higher temperatures above 300 degrees.

Electric smokers offer more flexible temperature ranges. Most electric units provide a temperature range of 100 to 300 degrees which is ideal for cooking meat and cold smoking.

Safety

Baring the fact that gas smoker uses some sort of highly flammable gases, always means there is a risk if you fail to pay attention to safety precautions. We have electric equipment almost around us, which signifies that electric smokers are safer throughout and can be left for several years unattended.

Mobility

Gas smoker receives a thumb for their versatility. You can use this type of smoker anywhere as long as you have a steady supply of gas.

An electric smoker can as well be mobile provided you have a generator, or you can use a power cord to deliver electrical current to the smoking bay.

Whether

There is a contradiction of whether it is safe to use gas smokers in any type of weather, but you need to take into account that some weather conditions may cause difficulties in maintaining a constant temperature.

Electric smokers are restricted from being used in rainy weather. Everyone is aware that electricity and water are mortal enemies.

Gas Smoker and Electric Smoker Comparison

When it comes to selecting between gas and electric smokers, many people are guided by their values.

If you desire to have delicate dehydrated proteins or smoked foods, then an electric smoker is the best choice for you. But if your wish is to have tastes that are similar to those produced by the traditional charcoal smoker, then gas smokers should be the right choice for you.

However, if yet you are unsure what you need, below are some critical factors that you might consider, which can help you in finalizing your decision.

Cost:

Price for the Smoker

Comparing the prices of propane vs. electric smoke, the latter is always cheaper; however, it is vital to consider the quality aspect of the equipment.

There are cheaper electric smokers in the market, but if you need the advanced ones with the latest tech, then you will require to dig deeper into your pocket than you would do when buying a standard propane unit.

The winner is Electric Smoker

Energy Bills

While it might be categorically difficult to state which unit is less expensive to run as gas and electricity charges are different in various parts of the world, an electric smoker is likely to be more economical.

The winner is Electric Smoker

Ease of Use:

Both gas and electric smokers do not require much learning to know how to use them. However, some people do not know how to use an electric smoker. Besides, others barely know how to use a gas smoker.

Fortunately, while purchasing either of these smokers, there is a manufacturer manual that you get, which contains step by step using procedures.

By considering both smokers, electric smokers are well recognized, for they are easy to use. A gas smoker needs close attention as the temperatures can fluctuate quickly.

The winner is Electric Smoker

Taste of Food:

A gas smoker is well known for producing delicious foods. Also, electric smoker equally produces tasty meals. However, the perception of food taste may rely on several aspects, such as personal decisions, smoking skills, and the type of food smoked.

Verdict: Tie

Bad Weather Consideration:

If you are using an electric smoker to cook your food, the weather is a crucial factor to consider. The presence of water in an electric smoker may initiate electrical charges, and therefore, you should look for a cover to protect you from the downpour.

A gas smoker is less affected by weather, but some weather conditions such as wind or rain may affect the temperature of the smoker.

The winner is Gas Smoker

Reliability:

A gas smoker may not be reliable, more so the lower quality. However, if damage and repair are required, gas smokers are a bit easy to fix. Electric smokers are well-designed and easy to use, making them more reliable.

Verdict: Tie

Top Propane and Electric Smoker Brands

Now, with the much-discussed, you are in a better position of choosing between a gas or electric smoker. But before you proceed to the next phase, here are some of the top brands you would like to consider while making your purchase.

For an electric smoker, check out for:

• Char-Broil
• Masterbuilt

These are reputable brands, which are prominent for producing quality smoke.

If you have opted for a propane smoker

• Cuisinart Vertical
• Camp Chef
• Smoke Hollow

They are an excellent choice that will barely disappoint.

And if you are on a tight budget, you might check the Camp Chef, which is an excellent gas smoker and often given out on offers.

Having discussed more than enough facts about gas and electric smokers, you are now in a better position to search, question, and conclude every type of smoker.

Those who would wish to have a quick smoker with similar results as a charcoal smoker should look for a gas smoker, but be ready to make regular temperature adjustments and babysit the smoker.

On the other hand, those who would like to smoke more delicate meat and fish with more convenience, then they should check the goodness with an electric smoker model.

Making The Decision

Throughout this guide, I have presented you with various models of smokers, as well as a few tips for their use.

Smoking meat gives it a flavor and a texture that cannot be found in any other cooking style.

The best pitmaster is only as good as the tools they use. I want you to get the best smoker for your money. That’s why I have only reviewed high-quality models that will leave you with a good end product you will enjoy.

It’s better for you to buy the best cheap smoker available on the market than to waste your money on an expensive smoker and end up with a poor outcome.

Now, the choice is up to you. There are a lot of brick-and-mortar stores where you can purchase a cheap smoker, but you won’t find the same deals that you find purchasing the best smoker online on places like Amazon.com.

Take your time, do your research, and then make the purchase. When you, your family, and your friends are enjoying the delicious smoked meat you produced, you are going to be so happy that you did.

Delicious food, laughter, relaxation, and making memories are what summer is made of. The best offset smokers cover the most significant element of this because they ensure that you have incredible food for yourself and all of your summer party guests.

We spent countless hours scouring the internet to create the most comprehensive offset smoker reviews. By the time you finish each review, it will be clear which offset smoker meets all of your needs so that you can start enjoying amazing meals and parties.

Take advantage of our extensive experience and expertise in smokers. We not only provide you with detailed reviews but also pertinent information about how to choose the best smoker.

Explore the types of foods that you can cook, the types of offset smokers, what to look for, and the pros and cons so that you make the best choice.

We have a list of the best offset smokers. Consider your preferences and compare these to the features and other information about these smokers to pick the one that will serve you best.

Top Offset Smokers Reviews

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker

The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker is the best offset reverse flow, smoker. It has a large cooking surface so that you can smoke large quantities of meat at the same time. Use the four grates to place different types of meat separately when you are smoking them.

The shell of the smoker is heavy-gauge steel. This ensures that it can hold up to regular use. The grates have a porcelain coating to help control the heat and protect them against damage during long smoking sessions.

This smoker makes it easy to control the smoke and heat levels. Use the thermometer on the lid of this smoker to make sure that you are always within the proper temperature range.

Some of the reviews say that this smoker exceeded customer expectations. They were able to assemble it fast and cook a large amount of meat simultaneously.

It smokes for hours without needing refueling. Once you light it, just let it go and there is no worrying about excessive smoke or heat loss.

With four grates and a large cooking area, you can create entire meals for the whole cookout at the same time. The smokestack and baffles are versatile, letting you choose how to best use them. This is the best offset smoker for the money.

2. Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal and Gas Smoker Combo

The Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal and Gas Smoker Combo features an electronic ignition, three gas burners, and a gas side burner. The offset firebox is made from durable materials and it is large, allowing you to cook large amounts of food at one time.

Use the storage shelf to hold food and cooking utensils when you are working with your smoker. The smoking chamber has several dampers so that you have optimal control over the level of heat and smoke that you are using.

You do not have to lift the lid to access the firebox to prevent an interruption in cooking. Stoke the fire and allow for the free-flowing of smoke and heat due to the firebox access door.

Multiple reviews state that this smoker ensures even smoking and heating. You do not have to worry about smoke escaping, allowing it to bathe your meats in intense flavor.

This smoker is easy to assemble to use, according to several reviewers. Within hours of receiving the smoker, you can have it together and ready for cooking. Cleaning up is also easy after each smoking session.

This is a very good offset smoker. It has a large cooking surface area and multiple grates so that you can cook a variety of meats separately but during a single session.

3. Dyna-Glo Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Smoker

The Dyna-Glo Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Smoker is among the best offset smokers under $500. It has a durable shell and the different components utilize strong materials. You can use this smoker over the long term without having to worry about it failing prematurely.

This smoker has multiple cooking grates and a large cooking surface area. You can make enough meat for an entire party at once. It is also possible to smoke enough meat for a week’s worth of meals in a single session.

The cooking grates are chrome plated. This ensures even cooking. This material is also very easy to clean and maintain. The lid grip remains cool when you are cooking for added safety.

Many customers talk about construction. They say that the hardware is long-lasting. With repeated use, the nuts, bolts, and welding do not deteriorate.

Multiple reviewers talk about how even this smoker cooks. You can put multiple meats on at the same time and they will not have cold or hot spots. The temperature remains consistent the entire time.

This smoker allows for easy temperature control due to its Smoke Zone feature on the temperature gauge. The oversized wheels let you move around your outdoor space with ease.

4. Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

The Dyna-Glo D Charcoal Offset Smoker is the best vertical offset smoker option because it is versatile and easy to use. This smoker minimizes heat loss due to its dual-door design. You do not have to open the main door to add more wood chips so that heat is unable to escape.

The burner is heavy-duty cast iron. This ensures optimal durability and that the ignition will be reliable and fast. It uses an electronic pulse ignition system.

Due to the large size of the cooking surface, you can prepare up to 100 pounds of meat in one smoking session. There is also plenty of space for vegetables and other foods that you want to smoke with your meats.

Multiple reviewers say that this smoker does not leak during use. They state that you get evenly cooked foods with minimal effort.

Several people say that the firebox is easy to maintain. They talk about the door and how it makes it easy to maintain this smoker.

Many people also made positive comments about the damper. They say that it allows you to have greater control over smoking.

This is one of the best cheap offset smokers. It is ideal for beginners since it is easy to use and assemble. You can be confident that all of the meat that you smoke will be even and have a deep flavor.

5. Char-Griller Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box

The Char-Griller Smokin’ Pro Charcoal Grill uses heavy-gauge steel with a powder coating and cast iron as its primary materials. This ensures that it is durable and able to withstand a lot of use.

There are two wheels that allow you to move the smoker around. Due to their size, you can even push this smoker through the grass without any issues.

The charcoal drawers are removable. This feature makes it simple to dump old charcoal, clean out the drawers and refill them with fresh charcoal before your next smoking session.

The grates are cast iron to ensure even heating. You also do not have to worry about any meat sticking to the grates no matter how long you are cooking.

Several offset smoker reviews talk about how this smoker cooks everything evenly. Even if you input a large chunk of meat, you do not have to worry about cold spots in the middle.

A few reviewers appreciate that you can make modifications to this smoker if you prefer. This allows you to customize it exactly to your needs.

This is the best offset smoker for beginners. It is easy to assemble, and the usage instructions are simple and to the point. Once you receive this smoker, you can start using it within hours.

6. Royal Gourmet Offset Smoker and Charcoal Grill

The Royal Gourmet Offset Smoker and Charcoal Grill are easy to put together. The large cooking surface allows you to make large meals in a short amount of time.

The warming rack measures 179 square feet, allowing you to keep many items warm and ready for people to serve themselves.

It is easy to add more charcoal to this grill. Just use the side door so that you do not lose smoke and heat when it is time to add more fuel to the smoker.

The lid is heavy and keeps the smoke inside the smoker. It also features a professional thermometer so that you can easily smoke items at the ideal temperature. Adjust the damper to make sure that you have the proper airflow for the meats that you are cooking.

Reviewers say that this smoker provides a strong flavor that is just like a steakhouse. You can use various charcoal types so that you have control over the flavor.

Other reviewers talked about how accurate the temperature is. You can easily monitor it and you do not have to worry about any hot or cold spots inside the smoker.

This heavy-duty offset smoker is easy to assemble and use. It has a relatively large cooking space, making it an ideal choice for a party. This smoker also has several features that make smoking easy.

7. Char-Broil Offset Smoker

The Chair-Broil Offset Smoker is one of the best offset smokers for cooking for your family and friends. It features a three-piece smoking chamber so that you can maintain a consistent temperature and eliminate air loss easily.

The cooking grates ensure even cooking. They are also easy to clean once you are done cooking. The lid has a temperature gauge on it so that you always know what temperature you using to smoke meats.

The firebox features a clean-out door. Just open it and dump the ask. You can hose down the outer shell of the smoker for easy maintenance.

Many reviews talk about how easy it was to assemble this smoker. On average, it takes people two hours or less to get it put together and ready for use.

Reviewers frequently discuss the cooking capacity. Since it has three chambers, you can prepare multiple foods at the same time. There is enough space to use this smoker to prepare a meal for a backyard barbecue.

This is one of the best affordable offset smoker choices. It is easy to clean and use. You can learn how to operate it within an hour so that you do not have to wait to start using it.

8. Dyna-Glo Signature Series Barrel Charcoal Grill

The Dyna-Glo Signature Series Barrel Charcoal Grill offers a total of 730 square inches of cooking space. This is split between the primary and the offset cooking areas.

The analog temperature gauge makes it easy to ensure that you are cooking at a consistent temperature.

This smoker is portable and easy to move around. The steel wheels are oversized so that you can move them around different terrain types, including grass and mud.

The steel construction ensures that you can clean this smoker easily. It will also resist high smoking temperatures so that you do not have to worry about issues like warping.

Exploring a variety of offset smoker reviews provides more insight into the experiences people have when using this exact smoker.

Several reviews say that this smoker cooks meats evenly, even when you are smoking them for several hours. They also say that once the meat finishes cooking, it has a classic smokehouse flavor.

Many reviewers talk about how you can cook different meats at the same time. The temperature gauge makes it easy to know when you are in the smoke zone or the grill zone.

Several people say that this smoker is easy to maintain. The grates wipe down easily so that you can maintain them with limited time. The other components of the smoker can be hosed off, allowing you to prevent buildup within minutes.

This offset smoker is high in quality. It will last through numerous smoking sessions without experiencing premature damage from sitting outside. It has a relatively large cooking capacity, allowing you to prepare meals for your family, or for small parties.

Tips on Choosing

As you explore the best backyard offset smokers, there is a lot of information to consider. These tips will make narrowing down your choices for the best offset smoker under $1,000 quick and easy.

Types of Offset Smokers

There are two primary offset smoker types to know about. The traditional offset smoker is the most common type. It is important to monitor the temperature since uneven cooking can occur if you do not rotate the food throughout the cooking process.

The second type is the reverse flow offset smoker. With this type, you usually do not need to rotate the meat to ensure even cooking. This is because of its steel baffle plate that stops direct heat from getting to the meat.

What You Can Make Using an Offset Smoker

An offset smoker is an ideal device for a wide variety of meals. They allow you to prepare various slow and low types of meat. Examples include:

• Ribs
• Large pieces of meat
• Brisket
• Pork butt

The Features to Consider

There are five features that you must consider to make sure that you pick the best offset smoker. These include:

• Materials: Look at smokers that use a heavy-gauge metal. This will retain heat efficiently for an even heating environment. This material is also durable so that your smoker will last even with frequent use.
• Temperature gauges: When you smoke meats, you want to maintain a steady temperature. This feature ensures that you can easily monitor the temperature you are using to smoke meats.
• Cover: Having a cover will protect your smoker when you are not using it. This prevents rusting so that your smoker will last.
• Dampers and seals: When a smoker’s dampers and seals are high in quality, this ensures an efficient smoking environment. They will allow for improved smoke retention, greater temperature control, and better fuel efficiency.
• Sturdiness: You want a smoker that has strong wheels and legs. Ensure that the latches and hinges are durable so that they last with regular use.

Factors to Consider

In addition to the information above, there are some other factors to consider. Keeping this information in mind will make it easier to pick the offset smoker that will create the best meals.

Other Important Features to Consider

There are six additional features that you should explore. The information on these will help you to narrow down your choices. These features include:

Firebox size

Consider your preferred fuel source and how long you need to use your smoker to pick an optimal firebox size.

Footprint

Take measurements of the area where you will place your smoker to ensure that it fits safely.

Portability

If you need to move your smoker around, you should be able to do this easily.

Cooking chamber size

If you entertain a lot, you will need a relatively large cooking chamber compared to people who primarily use their offset smoker to cook for their family.

Cleaning

Look for smokers that are easy to clean. Features like removable racks and materials that wipe down quickly are ideal.

Accessories

Things like rib hooks, extra racks, and a weather guard can improve your smoking experience.

Advantages of Offset Smokers

Using an offset smoker comes with multiple advantages:

• You can cook multiple foods at the same time
• They are cost effective
• Offset smokers usually last a long time with minimal maintenance
• You do not have to open the cooking chamber to add more wood chips or other fuel
• You can also use an offset smoker as a grill

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying an Offset Smoker

There are four questions you need to answer to make sure that you pick the best offset smoker. These include:

• What foods will you cook on your smoker?
• Which offset smoker features are the most important to you?
• What is your budget for buying an offset smoker?
• Where will you place your offset smoker?

Summary

Providing your family and friends with delicious meals helps you to ensure that they are taken care of. There are many ways to do this, and an offset smoker is one of the best options because it is versatile.

With the information here, you have the knowledge that you need to pick the best offset smoker for your needs. It is important to fully evaluate all of the research, offset smoker reviews, and other information that we provide so that once you make your final choice, you can be confident that it meets all of your needs.

All you have to do now is start the shopping process. Make note of the specifications and features that are the most important to you.

Compare this information to the offset smokers that you are considering. This will ensure that you pick the best one for your home.

Smokers can give you the most tender and flavorful meat. Nothing really compares to a good smoked Boston butt or pork shoulder. T

hey make awesome ribs too. Many people shy away from getting their own smoker because of the price. But you don’t have to spend almost $1,000 to get a great smoker.

We’ve looked at all of the affordable smokers on the market today, and now we present to you the best smokers under 300.

There’s something for everyone here, so check out our picks and decide which one will be yours.

Examine all of the features to find the one that fills all of your needs. Then look at the pros and cons to see where they shine and where they fall short. Finally, look at what we and others think about each smoker. Making the choice will be easy.

Top Smokers under $300 Reviews

1. Masterbuilt MB20070210 MES 35B Electric Smoker

This is one of the best electric smokers under 300 for people who need a lot of cooking space. The three removable racks let you configure the smoker for a couple of big turkeys or a couple of dozen filets.

Although this is generally a dependable smoker, it does have an electric element. That makes things a bit easier because you don’t have to mess with propane, but the element will eventually need to be replaced.

The grease tray is right in front for easy emptying, and the bowl where you put your water and wood chips is easy to get to as well. This is probably one of the easiest-to-use models out there today.

People who smoke a lot of meat at once are the size of this cool smoker. Some people like to cook a few meals at a time so they can have that nice smokey flavor waiting for them in their fridge.

2. Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow Digital Electric Smoker

This is the brother of the other Masterbuilt smoker we like. It’s just as easy to use, especially with those digital controls, but it’s a little smaller. If you know how to make the most of the available room, you can just about fit as much inside.

The big difference is the price. You can save a good chunk of money if you don’t mind losing a little cooking area.

Everyone likes the size, just as with the other Masterbuilt smoker above. But people really love the price here. That’s why it’s our pick for the best budget smoker.

3. Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker

This one is a hit in electric smoker reviews. It is easy to use and it has enough room to smoke enough meat for a picnic or barbeque.

You can configure the three racks, removing any as necessary, to cook anything from a big turkey to a few dozen burgers or sausages. The removable drip tray and wood box make getting everything set up and going pretty quick and easy.

All in all, everyone was pleased with their purchase. However, people have complained that the temp gauge is not accurate in colder outside temperatures. This is a common problem with temperature gauges. The outside environment does affect them.

4. Masterbuilt SH19260319 WG600B Pellet Grill

Once the digital thermometer tells you that you’ve reached your cooking temperature, you just set the dial to match that temp. And it’ll hold that temp for a long time, thanks to its superior insulation and the fact that you can load it with over 11 pounds of wood pellets.

Keep looking if you don’t plan on smoking or grilling a lot of food at once. This thing is so big that it can be hard to hold the temperature precisely unless there’s a lot of meat in it.

It’s a great smoker and grill, but we wish it was capable of holding an extra rack or two. That would really help when cooking many smaller cuts of meat.

People who’ve bragged about this smoker online have unwittingly named it the best pellet smoker under $500. Those who wanted a really big one love it. But customers who bought theirs online without paying much attention to the size often wish they’d gotten a smaller one.

At the end of the day, there aren’t many complaints from people who use this one often. It’s a great cooker.

5. Pit Boss Vertical LP Gas Smoker

This is one of the best propane smokers under $350. It’s a perfect size for all but commercial cooking.

The firebox burner offers 10,000 BTUs to cook the meat evenly. There’s a separate 3,500-BTU burner to get the wood going. That feature makes it easy enough for a novice to use. And you can keep an eye on the food, thanks to the glass window.

Really, the only drawback is the wood tray. It holds only enough wood for a 90-minute burn, tops. You’ll have to keep replenishing the wood tray to smoke large butts and shoulders.

The biggest complaint is about the wood tray not being big enough. Another complaint comes from people who’ve had to contact customer service for any reason. Apparently, the staff is slow to answer questions and they are not very knowledgeable about the product.

But people like the way this smoker works, and they are happy with the results they get on their plate. There is very little buyer’s remorse for this product.

6. Dyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-D Wide Body LP Gas Smoker

This one gets really hot for baking, but you can set it down as low as 150 for slow cooking and smoking.

And it’s really easy to use. You set the dial for the temp you need and make sure the water bowl and wood trays are full. That’s it. When your meat is up to the right internal temperature, it’s done.

It’s a solid and dependable smoker that will last for years. And the removable rack along with extra hooks and a rib holder assures you’ll want to use it often.

The sausage hooks and rib racks are a big hit. Those extras, along with the four grates, help people to make the most of the 50” height.

Everyone loves the heat. They like that they can not only smoke but bake and grill with it. It makes for a great value. According to most. this is the best vertical smoker for the money.

7. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker

We think this is the best charcoal smoker under $300 because of its simplicity and durability. It is rather small, so keep that in mind. It’s just the right size for grilling or smoking enough meat for a family meal or a small picnic.

People who have no experience with charcoal smokers find this one to be hard to use. It does take some practice to get the right amount of charcoal and to control the damper.

Those who stick with it and learn the finer points of charcoal smoking say that this is one of the easiest ones to use. Everyone seems happy with the quality, and those who were needing a smaller smoker are most pleased.

8. Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker

Because the firebox is off to the side, it’s easy to replenish the wood chips. That also means that this unit doubles as a regular charcoal grill. You get the best of both worlds.

The steel construction and pro-quality build, combined with the versatility and ease of use, make this the best offset smoker under $300. It is so well-designed that a beginner can use it just as easily as a charcoal grill.

There’s only a small learning curve, so you can be smoking like a pro almost right away. That built-in thermometer on the lid really makes it easy for everyone.

Just take a look at reviews written by people who’ve had one of these for a while. They sometimes use it as a grill, and they sometimes use it as a smoker. This double duty makes for a great value, and people respond to that.

9. Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D Digital Electric Smoker

Now here’s a quality smoker that’s good for anyone who wants professional results.

Its insulation will retain even heat even when used outside in freezing temperatures. That great insulation can save you some money too. Once you get it up to the desired temperature according to the digital thermometer, you can turn the temp control way down to maintain the temperature.

It’s built to last. The firebox’s steel is thick and the hinges are designed to go on forever. There is a one-year warranty, just in case, but you are unlikely to ever need it.

Those with experience smoking talk about how well-insulated this one is. They say that once it’s up to temp, they can turn it down low to complete the cooking process. Overall, people are pleased.

Factors To Consider

Food injectors for BBQ are not created equal, so you want to know what to look for when it comes to buying a good one. Knowing how to choose the best stainless steel meat thermometer will make the process go easier. There are several factors to consider.

Fuel type

First, decide on the fuel type. If you get an electric one, you’ll never have to run out and buy charcoal or propane.

But they use a lot of electricity. That can add up to a big electric bill.

Propane provides more even heat than electricity. It’s best for bigger chunks of meat. Wood pellets and charcoal will give you the most authentic smoke flavor, but it takes some practice to keep the temperature at the right level.

Size

Size is also an important factor. You don’t want to get a smoker that’s too small. But if it’s too big, it will burn too much fuel and may be hard to regulate.

That’s we list the smoker’s sizes here mostly by the number of common meats that they’ll hold. It’s best to get a smoker that’s just a little bit bigger than you figure you need. That way you still have a little extra room if you need it.

Temperature range

Check out the temperature range. Meat smoker reviews online are full of gripes by people who wish they could bake in their smoker. They see that other people can, and they wonder why they can’t.

Well, they should have made sure that the smoker can get hot enough to bake before they bought it. A temperature of 250 degrees is good enough to smoke. If you want to grill or bake, get one that can get up to 350 or 400 degrees.

Quality grates

Make sure it comes with quality grates. You want either chrome-plated steel or porcelain-coated steel. Both of these materials are durable and easy to clean. Anything else, other than cast iron, can be a problem. Cast iron grates are good, but they have to be seasoned pretty often so the meat doesn’t stick to them.

Warranty

Even an inexpensive smoker grill should come with a warranty. Almost all smoker warranties from all manufacturers are one year long. If you can find a longer one, that’s great, but don’t settle for a smoker that comes with no warranty. That’s just unacceptable these days.

Conclusion

So, are you confident that you’re going to get the best backyard smoker for the money now? You’ve got all the info you need to make a great choice. If you want plug-and-play convenience, maybe you should go for Masterbuilt MES 35B. It’s a good size and easy to use.

For an electric smoker that can also handle high-temp baking, the Char-Broil Analog Smoker may be your best bet. It’ll hold temps of 400 degrees. You can cook just about anything in it.

Country Smokers makes the best portable smoker. You can take it camping, tailgating, or use it right in your yard.

If you enjoy grilling as much as you do smoking, the Char-Broil Offset Smoker is right up your alley. Load it up with charcoal and grill as usual, or toss some hardwood in the wood box for that awesome smokey flavor you love.

Take what you’ve learned and then make your choice. You’ll be making your neighborhood smell like summer in no time.

Grill and smoker combo units are phenomenal tools for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Good pellet grills allow you to cook incredibly flavorful foods thanks to their barrel body shape and the best wood pellet grill will have you enjoying your grilling and smoking sessions for years to come.

By comparing many models on the market, we’ve narrowed down our focus to two high-end pellet smoker grills that we’ll compare below. So, without further ado, let’s check out and compare the Camp Chef SmokePro and the Traeger Pro Series 22.

Camp Chef vs Traeger Comparison:

1. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill Review:

Let’s get started with the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX pellet grill in black. This unit comes with an attached sear box on the right side of the unit and runs on propane. Of course, the propane tank is not included. The aforementioned sear box is a one-burner mini grill of sorts.

On this side, the sear box also doubles as a second work shelf when it’s closed and not in use. The side shelf dimensions (non-sear box shelf) are roughly 16 by 12 inches.

The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX has what’s called a pellet purge, which is Camp Chef’s patented ash clean-out and grease management system. This cleaning system makes the unit the easiest pellet grill to clean. This compact pellet grill is capable of pumping 25,000 BTU per hour and is also capable of reaching up to 500º F.

The unit is also noted as the best pellet grill for the money and is even listed as the Industry’s Best “Bang for Your Buck” Pellet Grill and Smoker in 2022. The SmokePro DLX is two-wheeled and can be moved around by slightly tipping the unit on these wheels.

In addition to its mobility, the grill offers a quite large, 570 square inch cooking area and has an auto-ignite feature. It also comes with a meat temperature probe and is equipped with an EZ hopper release.

The Camp Chef unit’s 507-square-inch grilling area can be separated into two parts. First, we have the main area (rack), which accounts for 429 square inches.

It’s not completely obvious whether or not this 429 square inch includes the sear box or not, which could mean that the main area is slightly smaller than stated. Then there is the secondary rack (or warming rack), which accounts for an additional 141 square inches

The unit also sports a digital electric pellet smoker which makes the use of the smoker simple and more controlled. It turns on with the flip of an on/off switch and it has a dial that allows you to specify the temperature or smoke level you wish to maintain. Additionally, the included probe connects directly to the electric unit.

As for the unit’s hopper, it holds roughly 18 pounds of pellets. The pellets are loaded into the smoker from the hopper via an automatic auger that works for peak efficiency.

The overall height of the SmokePro unit reaches 47 inches and the first cooking grate occurs at about 32 inches height, meaning there are about 15 inches between the cooking grate and the top of the unit, with plenty of space for smoking.

The Camp Chef SmokePro weighs about 140 pounds too, so it’s sturdy yet not too heavy to maneuver.

Ultimately, the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet grill is able to stand out thanks to its sear box. Even with the additional hardware and value that is the sear box, the price range for this model is right on par with the competition.

The Camp Chef SmokePro also boasts a built-in “Shutdown mode,” which doesn’t seem to be the case with the Traeger model. However, being a grill/smoker, the SmokePro DLX also shares some similarities and features with the Traeger that aren’t all that different, such as the total cooking area (570 compared to 572 square inches).

So, with these things in mind, let’s move on to the next model in review and comparison, the Traeger Grills model.

2. Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker Review:

The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker resembles the Camp Chef model in its design but it’s certainly unique in some ways. First, it’s important to note that Traeger created the original wood pellet grill.

Now, like the Camp Chef model, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 has a two-wheeled design, but the wheels are on the left set of legs instead of the right set as is the case with the Camp Chef model.

Another similarity to the Camp Chef model is the side table on the left of the grill/smoker that doubles as the hopper for the pellets. The hopper loader also sports a digital control system just as the SmokePro model does.

The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 claims to have six-in-one versatility, allowing you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, or BBQ your meats and other foods. Additionally, the unit itself is highly sturdy, being constructed of steel and having a powder coat finish for longevity.

The grill grates for this Traeger Grills model are porcelain and exceptionally easy to clean. With its easy-to-clean design and durability/longevity, it’s no surprise that this grill/smoker is the highest-rated pellet grill on the market.

Not only is the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 a highly rated unit but it’s also noted by many as the most reliable pellet grill available. Similar to the Camp Chef model, the pellets are loaded into the grill/smoker by an automatic auger that pulls the pellets from the hopper to the firepot.

There’s an induction fan below the auger, directly below the hopper, that works to stoke the fire as new wood pellets are loaded. The unit also maintains its temperature automatically after being set.

The Digital Pro Controller sports Advanced Grilling Logic, which is what allows the unit to maintain a plus/minus 15ºF temperature. In other words, the Traeger Pro 22 temperature range resides 15ºF above or below your set temperature.

The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 model’s hopper is capable of holding 18 pounds of pellets at once, the exact same amount as the Camp Chef model. Another striking similarity is the total cooking area of the two grills/smokers. As we saw, the Camp Chef model sports about 570 square inches of cooking area.

The Traeger Grills model has a leg up in this regard, but only by two inches at 572 square inches. The Traeger Grills model only weighs 103 pounds, however, which is roughly 37 pounds lighter than its Camp Chef counterpart, which isn’t insignificant.

The unit is also larger than the Camp Chef model, being about two inches taller. The full dimensions for the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 are the following: 49″ x 41″ x 27″. As this Traeger Pro Series, 22 review shows us, there are many similarities to the Camp Chef model and it also has its own unique, and stand-out features.

As a takeaway, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 model functions in a nearly identical fashion to the Camp Chef model. The unit doesn’t come with a sear box, which isn’t the reason you buy a grill/smoker but it’s also an awesome feature that the competition utilizes.

The Traeger Grills model does have an aesthetic advantage over the Camp Chef SmokePro model with its powder-coated finish and its bronze lid.

Of course, aesthetics take a heavy back seat to the grilling and smoking functions of the unit. Its six-in-one versatility does help its case and ultimately, Traeger is a well-trusted brand in the industry.

So unless you’re hellbent on getting the model with the sear box, this Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 is a gem of a smoker.

Takeaways

So which model is really the better grill/smoker? Well, as with most things, it depends on your needs and how you expect to use the unit. Of course, if you would like the grill/smoker to have a burner, the Camp Chef SmokePro model is for you.

However, that one burner will run on propane, and if you’re not looking for a model that requires propane gas as fuel, then the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 is more suited to your wants. Both units sport very similar hopper and pellet feeder mechanisms, so there isn’t much room for distinction here.

Being that the two models have nearly identical cooking areas as well, the only real difference between the two is the porcelain grates on the Traeger Grills model and the sear box on the Camp Chef model. For what it’s worth, the Camp Chef model slightly edges the Traeger Grills model according to consumer reports.

So, the better grill/smoker of the two here is entirely dependent upon your needs while grilling and smoking. So make the decision and get your new grill/smoker today!