The Best Propane Smoker

Propane Smokers Buying Guide

There are a wide variety of smokers on the market. Choosing one to fit your needs is simple when you know the basic features, types of fuel and most trusted brands.

Set a Budget
You should set a budget in accordance with how frequently you will be using a smoker and how many people you generally feed. Prices start at less than $100 and can exceed $10,000. Today, we will be looking at smokers for non-professional use. These average between $80-$700.

Why Propane?
While wood and charcoal are traditional fuels in smoking, units using these types of fuel are a bit more difficult to use and take longer to reach optimal cooking temperatures. These smokers also require more oversight since the fire can go out completely.

Electric models are similar to propane smokers, but electric appliances are not ideal for camping or cook-offs. Propane smokers also provide a more authentic, smoky flavor than electric smokers.

Look For Features That Fit Your Style
Modern, high-end smokers offer computer-controlled features that automate the smoking process. If you’re the type of cook who wants smoked meat without a lot of fuss, you’re going to want to spring for more features. The average low-range smoker is modeled after old-fashioned smokers that require a lot of supervision.
How Many Do You Need To Feed?
Most small smokers can smoke meat to feed about 20 people. If you only plan on smoking for the family, a small unit will be fine. If you handle large company parties or neighborhood events, you’re going to want a bigger unit. You’ll want a unit that can smoke about a pound of raw meat per person.

Smoke Or Grill? Or Both?
You will pay more for a unit that can both grill and smoke, but it’s a good option for those with limited deck space or those who simply don’t want to operate two appliances at once.

Choosing A Brand
While we have suggested several brands of smokers below, it’s important to consider whether the brand you choose has service and support. Many low-range smokers offer neither. It may be difficult to buy parts for repairs, so consider this before purchasing a low-cost or generic smoker.

Top-Rated Budget-Friendly Smokers

Masterbuilt 20050116 Portable Gas Smoker
If you’re searching for a quality smoker that you can easily transport for tailgating or camping, the Masterbuilt 20050116 is ideal. It has a 5,000 BTU stainless burner. We chose this portable model because it folds down easily for transporting and storage, the gauges are easy to read, and the wood chip tray and water pan are both removable, which is not always the case on smaller smokers.
This model has received many compliments by online consumers. Many loved it for tailgating. Others appreciated the fact this low-end model can quickly achieve and maintain ideal temperatures for smoking. Consumers also thought it was easy to clean, although several recommended placing cardboard or newspaper underneath the box to catch grease drippings.

Smoke Hollow 26142G 26-Inch Propane Gas Smoker
Here's another small, budget-friendly smoker. This one has a “Sure-Lock” door latch and a cool-touch handle. It boasts a 8,000 BTU stainless burner (3,000 more than the Masterbuilt).
Consumers like the ignition system, which is integrated. They also say the stainless steel grids are easy to clean and that the grids could be moved to accommodate different meats.

Although this model is small, it’s a bit less portable than the Masterbuilt because it doesn’t fold down; however, it’s great for a backyard or patio and can be transported without a lot of fuss.

Top-Rated Mid-Range Smokers

Char-Broil Vertical Gas Smoker
Mid-range models offer more cooking surface. This model has 595 square inches of cooking surface and three chrome grates. Unlike the two budget models, this smoker has two cooking drawers and a warming rack above the smoker chamber.

Consumers have rated this smoker 4 out of 5 stars and say the temperature is very precise. Char-Broil has posted videos on how to use the smoker, which some buyers found helpful. But what most consumers loved was the smell and smokey taste of the food prepared inside this smoker.

Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker
If you’re looking for even more cooking space, check out the Dyna-Glo model with 784 square inches and four steel wire racks. The 15,000 BTU cast iron burner, electronic button ignition and double-door design make this model a step up from the Char-Broil model.
Consumers also gave it 4 out of 5 stars and appreciated how much smoke the unit makes. Many chimed in to compliment the smoker’s ability to achieve and maintain proper heat level. Several customers said the Dyna-Glo’s customer service was top-notch when any issues arose.
Masterbuilt 20050211 Black Propane Smoker, 40-Inch
Prepare to be spoiled. This Masterbuilt smoker comes with 1,307 square inches of cooking space and four chrome smoking racks. In addition to the electronic button ignition, insulated doors and tight door latches, consumers appreciated the clear instructions for assembly. Several buyers tested the cooking temperature and say it’s accurate and maintains the heat well.

But more than anything, people loved the large cooking area, which some said were able to hold a full rack of ribs or a whole brisket. Most say it’s a great smoker for the price — the best in this class. We agree. We made this our Best All-Round Choice. But there's a chance you need more cooking space. If so, keep reading.

Top-Rated High-End Smokers

Smoke Hollow 44241G2 44-Inch Vertical Propane Gas Smoker
This Smoke Hollow cabinet smoker is the largest made by the manufacturer. It comes with three cooking grates, two jerky trays and a rib rack. Consumers say the unit maintains temperature well and say it’s a good value.
Some users complained about clean up, but with the huge amount of meat one can grill at a time, it’s almost unavoidable. Dozens raved about the fantastic flavor of the meat that was smoked and the fact they could cook so much at once.

Masterbuilt 20077615 Digital Electric Smoker with Window and Bonus Pack, 30"
This smoker has all the bells and whistles for a home cook. Although the cooking area is smaller (721 square inches), the smoker comes with a window that allows for easy monitoring. There’s even a remote temperature control option, interior lights and meat temperature monitor. The smoker comes with a recipe book and a cover.

Customers appreciated the addition of a window. There were dozens who raved about the ribs they produced with this model. Many were impressed by how accurately and easily the unit was able to maintain temperature.

Top Rated Propane Smokers

The Lowest Price We Could Find

The Propane Smoker With the Most Reviews

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This page about Propane Smoker was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-12-22 08:24:57 and has been viewed 2929 times.