Buying guide for best smokers
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There are few things more delicious than a perfectly cooked brisket that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth. If you're as obsessed with barbecue as I am, you know that an at-home smoker is a worthy investment to give you that crispy, caramelized crust and juicy meat anytime you want. (Anyone else getting hungry here?)
But with tons of options on the market, ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, it's a tough choice. They're all designed to do similar things, just at varying levels. To find out what's right for you, consider your space, how often you'll use your smoker and how much manual work you want to put in.
The sweet spot is a smoker that's easy to use and creates a rich, flavorful bark without requiring you to sit outside for 12 hours to get it right. That's where the Traeger Grills Woodridge Pro excelled. It's able to achieve a perfect brisket with minimal work and lets you control the temperature from your phone, so it's as easy as can be.
Editors' picks
Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Grill
Editors' Favorite
Cooking Area: 970 sq in | Dimensions: 27" D x 67" W x 47" H | Weight: 174 lb | Fuel Type: Wood pellet | Outer Material: Alloy steel
The Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Grill has 970 square inches of cooking space, making it perfect for large gatherings with family and friends. You can fit up to seven chickens, nine racks of ribs or seven pork butts.
It offers options for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising and BBQ, as well as a Super Smoke Mode to enhance the smoky taste. WiFIRE technology allows you to use the Traeger app to monitor temperatures, adjust settings and receive notifications. The sensor keeps track of your fuel for you, and cleanup is easy thanks to the EZ-Clean Grease and Ash Keg, which collects drippings and ash in a single container.
It has a durable alloy steel exterior, making it a reliable choice for any outdoor cookout. Additionally, it comes with a 10-year warranty and is compatible with P.A.L. Rail and ModiFIRE accessories.
Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
Cooking Area: 710 sq in | Dimensions: 19.8" D x 20.9" W x 33.3" H | Weight: 45.9 lb | Fuel Type: Electric | Outer Material: Alloy steel
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker is a good option for those who want to plug it in and get delicious smoky foods right away. Because it’s electrical, there’s no need for charcoal or gas. However, it features a side wood chip loader that lets you add more chips without opening the door and losing smoke.
The four racks provide 710 square inches of space, which is plenty for up to six chickens, two turkeys, four pork butts or four racks of ribs. Cleanup is simple, thanks to the convenient sliding drip trays, and the alloy steel exterior makes it super durable. The digital control panel makes operation easy: simply set your desired cooking time and temperature, and it gets to work.
This smoker’s compact yet durable design and ample cooking space make it a customer favorite. It’s excellent for beginners who don’t want to deal with charcoal or gas, and it consistently delivers a rich, smoky flavor.
Cuisinart Electric Smoker
Best Value
Cooking Area: 548 sq in | Dimensions: 20" D x 22" W x 40" H | Weight: 58.5 lb | Fuel Type: Electric | Outer Material: Stainless steel
The Cuisinart 30-Inch Electric Smoker infuses your favorite grilling foods with a smoky flavor and is one of the easiest smokers to use, making it an excellent beginner-friendly choice. Just set the temperature, add wood chips, and it takes care of the rest from there.
It features three chrome racks that provide ample space for smoking ribs, brisket, chicken or fish simultaneously. The adjustable racks and precise temperature control, ranging from 100 to 400 degrees, make it easy to cook everything to your liking. Plus, the built-in thermometer lets you check the heat without opening the door, so you don’t lose any smoke.
The removable water and wood trays slide out for easy cleaning, and the vertical design makes it suitable for any patio. Crafted from stainless steel, it has a durable build that’ll provide many seasons of high-quality smoking.
Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
Best Charcoal Smoker
Cooking Area: 481 sq in | Dimensions: 19" D x 21" W x 41" H | Weight: 39.1 lb | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Outer Material: Alloy steel
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is one of the best options for those who love smoking meat without needing to monitor the smoker. This charcoal smoker features two cooking grates, providing ample space for cooking a whole turkey and ham simultaneously.
The porcelain-enameled steel body effectively retains heat while resisting rust and cracking, and the included water pan helps regulate internal temperature, preventing meat from drying out. The adjustable dampers allow for easy and convenient airflow control, and the built-in thermometer provides a constant readout of the internal cooking temperature.
It’s stable and durable, but also very lightweight compared to more robust smokers, making it easy to move around. A terrific choice for those who love charcoal-smoked foods, it's also compact enough for most patios and backyards.
Traeger Tailgater Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Best Portable Smoker
Cooking Area: 300 sq in | Dimensions: 18" D x 37" W x 36" H | Weight: 620 lb | Fuel Type: Wood pellet | Outer Material: Alloy steel
Whether you’re cooking for friends in a backyard or on a camping trip with the family, the Traeger Tailgater 20 Wood Pellet Grill delivers smoky-rich flavor every time. It offers 300 square inches of cooking space, which is enough to accommodate a dozen burgers, three racks of ribs or two whole chickens.
The Digital Arc Controller maintains a steady temperature, requiring less monitoring. You can smoke at a low temperature of 180 degrees or increase it to 450 degrees, depending on your preferred cooking style. The 8-pound hopper provides hours of cooking time, and the porcelain-coated grates make cleanup afterward super easy.
Although it’s not a full-sized grill, it retains many of the same features, including six-in-one functionality, which includes six cooking functions: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ. For road trips and summertime cookouts in the backyard, the Traeger Tailgater 20 Wood Pellet Grill is a no-brainer.
Traeger Woodbridge Elite
Best for its Large Capacity
Cooking Area: 572 sq in | Dimensions: 27" D x 41" W x 49" H | Weight: 125.4 lb | Fuel Type: Wood pellet | Outer Material: Alloy steel
The Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker features a 572-square-inch cooking area across two porcelain-coated racks, which is large enough to grill 24 burgers, five racks of ribs or four whole chickens at once.
With six-in-one cooking capability, you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and barbecue your favorite meats with ease. The Digital Pro Controller maintains temperatures between 180 and 450 degrees with a tight 15-degree swing, delivering consistent heat whether you're slow cooking or searing hot. The 18-pound pellet hopper supports extended cooking times, and the included meat probe lets you monitor internal temperatures without lifting the lid.
Built with powder-coated steel and large all-terrain wheels, this smoker is built to last and offers easy mobility. Plus, it's compatible with a range of Traeger accessories, including grill covers, drip tray liners and outdoor grill tools.
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker
Best Offset Smoker
Cooking Area: 1,060 sq in | Dimensions: 35.5" D x 64.3" W x 55.5" H | Weight: 226 lb | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Outer Material: Stainless steel
The robust Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker is crafted from heavy-gauge steel, providing superior durability and delivering a satisfying smoking experience for any grill enthusiast. Its reverse-flow system has four removable baffles that allow smoke and heat to travel evenly, delivering consistent cooking results every time.
With 1,060 total square inches of cooking space, it provides enough room to cook multiple pieces of meat simultaneously. The large charcoal basket helps maintain consistent burn times, and the firebox’s access door and clean-out ash drawer make cleanup easy. The porcelain-coated cooking grates and dampers allow you to control heat and airflow with precision, cooking your food exactly as you like every time.
This smoker is highly efficient and a customer favorite, thanks to its ability to cook foods evenly with a rich, smoky flavor. It also features a handful of added conveniences, including a temperature gauge, wagon-style wheels and a bottom shelf for storing tools.
East Oak Digital Electric Smoker
Best Vertical Electric Smoker
Cooking Area: 725 sq in | Dimensions: 17.56" D x 18.97" W x 32.44" H | Weight: 52.3 lb | Fuel Type: Wood Chips | Outer Material: Powder-coated steel
The East Oak 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker is built for long, hands-off cooking. The digital controls, built-in meat probe and keep-warm mode make it easy to set a target and let it run, and the 725-square-inch cooking area is super useful when you’re preparing food for a group.
The side chip loader is a nice touch, too, since you can add chips without opening the main door. On top of that, the powder-coated steel body with removable racks and pans keeps cleanup easy.
Some users report uneven temp holding and slower smoke startup, and there’s no remote control option if that matters to you. At 52 pounds, it’s also not something you’ll want to move around often, but as a large-capacity electric smoker that prioritizes convenience and solid results, it makes sense if you can live without ultra-precise control or remote monitoring.
Kamado Joe Classic II
Best Komado-Style
Cooking Area: 250 sq in | Dimensions: 18" D x 18.11" W x 36" H | Weight: 232 lb | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Outer Material: Ceramic
The Kamado Joe Classic II is an excellent Kamado-style charcoal grill featuring a thick ceramic exterior for a unique appearance and a durable build. It contains heat well, making it a top choice for those who want rich, smoky meats grilled to perfection.
It boasts a two-tier cooking system, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures without waiting for either one to finish. The vent is easily adjustable, making heat control simple and allowing you to slow cook as low as 225 degrees or sear as high as 700 degrees. The air-lift hinge lets you open the lid effortlessly, and the cart has locking wheels and foldable side shelves for additional prep space.
It’s a high-end Kamado-style smoker that delivers authentic charcoal flavor with ease. Additionally, it’s one of the most durable smokers, making it an excellent option for those seeking a product that’ll last for years with proper care and maintenance.
Best smoker alternatives
People seem consistently impressed by how much smoked flavor this little stainless-steel box can add to a gas grill without the need for an electric smoker. The extra-thick stamped stainless steel of the Grillaholics Smoker Box feels sturdy, and the hinged lid makes it easy to top off your chips. It starts producing noticeable smoke in about 15 minutes, which is great when you want smoke fast for burgers, chicken, or fish.
Some users report wood chips occasionally catching flame when the box sits directly over the hottest part of the burner, so you should be ready to move it or use grill gloves when handling the lid. Past that, there isn't much to complain about. This is a solid pick if you're looking for an easy way to get smoked flavor.
LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube
The Lizzq Premium Pellet Smoker Tube is a slightly different way to infuse food with flavor. It's a 304 stainless steel hexagon tube — designed so it won't roll. You fill it up with your favorite wood pellets (cherry, hickory, mesquite, apple, pecan, etc.), set the pellets on fire and let them burn for about nine minutes.
The item fits on nearly any grill and, when full, can smoke for up to five hours. If you’re looking for a super affordable way to infuse your grilled food with a smoky flavor, this makes it easy to accomplish that task.
How we analyzed
It takes time and patience to find the best smokers on the market. We don't just look at a list of features and trust that they work the way the manufacturer intended. We also want to make sure the features we’re paying for are things we’d actually use in a real-world situation. That's why we consult experts, try the products ourselves and consider what other users have said.
We research to understand the different models and technologies that make things work to learn if one is superior or at least better for a particular user. When all the research has been completed, our writer compiles and presents the data in a way that helps consumers make confident purchasing decisions.
Two primary types of smokers
These appliances can be separated into two categories: horizontal offset smokers and vertical smokers.
Horizontal offset smokers
Horizontal offset smokers are easy to identify. They have two chambers. First, there is a large horizontal grill where cooking takes place. Often, this looks like a barrel on its side with a smokestack coming out the side.
On the end opposite the smokestack, you will find a smaller firebox. This is where the heat is. Firebox-generated heat and smoke are pulled across the food, slowly cooking and flavoring it.
While this type of smoker is typically preferred by the experienced grillmaster, it requires greater skill and attention while cooking because it is much more difficult to maintain a uniform temperature. If you love working like the pros and don't mind putting a little more effort into the process, a horizontal offset smoker might be best for you.
Vertical smokers
In a vertical smoker, the heat source sits directly beneath the food. This makes it much easier to control the temperature while cooking.
Above the heat source, you will usually find a smoker box or wood shelf, a water pan and several layers of grill racks for food. In these models, the heat and smoke rise from below. Heat and smoke cook and flavor the food before traveling out the exhaust damper at the top.
This type of smoker is best for beginners, as it is easier to achieve consistent success. If you are relatively new to low-and-slow cooking or prefer ease of use, a vertical smoker is probably a better option for you.
Other smoker shapes
Drum smokers
The most basic style of smoker, the drum smoker, is easy to use. These appliances are portable and lightweight, but they struggle to cook large cuts or quantities of meat.
Box smokers
As the name implies, this type of smoker is shaped like a box. Food loads through the front door. Box smokers can smoke an impressive amount of meat in one go. However, cheaper box smokers rarely produce the best results because they lack the insulation necessary to hold heat.
Kamado grills
Recognizable by their egg-shaped design, these smokers double as grills. They require some modifications to work effectively as smokers, such as adding deflector plates, but they successfully pull double-duty. The high price makes them most practical for those who grill and smoke frequently.
Types of fuel
Besides deciding which type of smoker you prefer, you'll need to consider your fuel. Your choices are charcoal, wood pellets, electricity and gas.
Charcoal
Charcoal is the best fuel for natural flavor. It will give your food that intoxicatingly delicious char-grilled taste. On the downside, charcoal is the most difficult fuel to work with because of the arduous cleanup. It also requires tending, as it can be tough to maintain a steady temperature. Charcoal is for the connoisseur who isn't afraid of a little extra work.
Wood pellets
Wood pellets are compressed wood. They are fed into the firebox automatically, so this type of cooking is more set-and-forget (as long as you don't run out of pellets). Cleanup is minimal because the pellets almost completely burn away. And, they add a natural wood flavor to your food.
On the downside, models that take wood pellets tend to be more expensive than others. And many (but not all) require access to electricity, which could be a problem depending on where you want to place the smoker. Wood pellets are for people who want convenience and have a larger budget.
Electricity
An electric smoker is the easiest to use. Like an oven, you just turn it on and let it do its thing. Obviously, you will need access to a power source.
While cleanup is minimal, electricity doesn't infuse your food with any sort of flavor. To get the taste you crave, you need to smolder wood chips and heat a pan of water to create a vapor that gives your food the taste you desire. Electric smokers tend to be entry-level options.
Gas
A gas smoker is like an electric smoker, but instead of electricity, it uses natural gas or propane to create heat. Most often, the smoker connects to a portable tank, but some models hook directly into a gas line (if that is an option in your home).
A gas smoker allows for greater precision when it comes to setting temperatures, and it provides much better responsiveness — you can raise or lower the temperature without effort. It is a set-and-forget appliance, but it does not give your food any flavoring. Like electric models, you will need to heat wood chips and water to infuse your food with that outdoor grill flavor.
Gas is for the person who wants an effortless experience that gives them precision control but is willing to sacrifice a little flavor.
What to look for when buying a smoker
Material
The material used to make a smoker can make a big difference in how well it works and how long it lasts. As a rule, look for a model that is almost completely made from 304 stainless steel. This type of stainless steel offers strength, durability, easy maintenance and resistance to corrosion. It can endure intermittent heat up to roughly 1,600 degrees.
Sometimes, manufacturers mix other grades of stainless steel, such as 430, with materials to make their products. Notably, this can create an inferior smoker.
Temperature range
A smoker has a narrow window of operating temperatures. To get the best results, it only needs to reach about 250 degrees. However, some pitmasters prefer to cook at a temperature closer to 350 degrees. For this reason, even the budget models on our list, the East Oak Digital Electric Smoker and the Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker, can reach 275 degrees.
Other models can get even hotter. If you want to sear a steak, for example, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 can reach 500 degrees, while the Pit Boss Lexington can sear directly over a flame at temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees.
Damper control
There are two dampers on charcoal and wood smokers. The intake damper, located closest to the firebox, feeds the flame with oxygen while the exhaust damper, located at the opposite end of the cooking chamber, lets the heated air (and moisture) escape. You control the temperature inside the smoker by controlling the airflow through both of these openings.
In general, the more air that flows through a smoker, the hotter it will be. If you limit airflow through the dampers, it will bring the temperature down. The better the damper control, the more precision you will have when cooking.
Temperature control
As noted in the previous section, if you choose a charcoal or wood smoker, the dampers control the temperature. In every other situation, there will be a dial or buttons, like you have on an oven. This gives the convenience of set-and-forget — you can set the temperature and feel fairly confident the smoker will cook as intended.
Insulation
Maintaining a consistent temperature is essential to getting the best results when cooking in nearly any situation. If the recipe calls for cooking at 225 degrees for four hours, but poor insulation and leaky joints and seals drop the temperature to less than 200 degrees, you might not get your meat to a safe internal temperature.
You want a model that is well-built and has no leaks. If your smoker isn't the best in this area, or you are cooking outside in the winter, consider an insulation blanket for your grill, as this will help maintain consistent temperatures, even in frigid weather.
Size
A smoker’s cooking surface area determines how much meat you can smoke at once. If you plan to smoke for a crowd, an offset or box smoker is usually the best choice.
Vertical smokers and Kamado grills have additional racks to increase the cooking area, but they can be hard to access.
The size that’s best for you also depends on what type of meat you want to cook. A turkey or long rack of ribs requires a larger smoker, for example.
Other factors to consider
- Mobility: Look for a smoker with wheels so you can easily move it around the yard.
- Adjustable shelves: These make it easier to adjust for different sizes and cuts of meat.
- Cleanup: Grease collects fast, and a smoker’s parts cannot be tossed in the dishwasher. Consider whether you’re ready for a large smoker, which requires more maintenance. Stainless steel grates are the easiest to clean. Chrome-plated grates wear out over time and may rust.
How much should you pay for a smoker?
Inexpensive
For $100 or less, you’ll find small smokers of various designs. In this price range, smaller models perform better since they aren’t trying to do the work of large smokers with lower-quality construction. However, insulation and temperature control aren’t as good in this price range.
Mid-range
Between $150 and $300 are smokers that are ideal for those who want to smoke meat periodically. Again, you’ll find smokers of various designs, but the key is to look for one with good seals and temperature control.
Expensive
In the $300 to $500 range, the smokers get larger, and the metal gets thicker, which means the insulation improves. If you’re looking to cook for a crowd, start looking at this price point.
High end
At $500 and above, you’ve entered the price range for serious chefs who smoke meat regularly. Smokers of all designs can be found in this price range. These high-end smokers have better insulation, thicker metal and tighter seals to keep heat and smoke trapped tight.
FAQ
Q. I want to start smoking, but I’m not ready to make a big financial commitment. What kind of smoker should I start with?
A. A simple drum smoker is a good place to start. They are small, easy to use and affordably priced. Another option is a basic horizontal smoker with digital controls. They are easy to use and don’t take up a lot of space, and you don’t have to sit around feeding it charcoal or wood chips while the smoker works.
Q. What’s the best way to start charcoal for my smoker?
A. Be careful not to use charcoal with additives in your smoker. These additives can leave a strange taste in your food. You’ll have the same problem if you use lighter fluid. The best way to start a smoker is to use a charcoal chimney and something flammable, like newspaper. Chimneys also allow you to light more charcoal at once.
Q. Do I need to clean my smoker?
A. Yes and no. A good smoker needs a layer of seasoning that can only be achieved with an initial coating and use. You don’t want to remove this protective layer. But you will get splatters of fat on your smoker. Running the empty smoker at a high temperature will burn off the residue you don’t want while maintaining the seasoning. You can clean out any noticeable deposits but don’t scrub with a brush. Do remove any racks and the drip pan or water pan for cleaning after each use.
Our expertise
Allen Foster has been researching, testing and evaluating products for BestReviews since 2018. He has also sold outdoor equipment at one of the largest home-improvement chains in the country. Consequently, he has in-depth knowledge of products ranging from chainsaws to lawn mowers to outdoor grills. As part of his training, Allen was required to attend seminars and workshops on a wide variety of outdoor products, so he could help the customer find what they needed.
Jordan Hutchinson has been at BestReviews since 2021, and he now manages people and products for the testing lab. While he specializes in testing, Jordan also writes about trending tech topics. He has extensive knowledge of computers, TVs, speakers and other handheld electronics as well as products for the home and kitchen that make life better.
