For barbecue enthusiasts, selecting the ideal smoker is more than a matter of taste. Learning to smoke your meats opens up a new gastronomic world of fork-tender brisket and delicately flavored fish. Smoking meats allows you to play with the taste profiles of various proteins and see how heat and different types of wood chips or pellets may modify a dish. However, deciding among the many possibilities might be overwhelming. Where do you even start?
We tested 21 top-tier gas and electric smokers and chose our favorites to simplify things. We evaluated each smoker’s features, benefits, and distinguishing traits to identify the finest choices to help you embark on your adventure into the world of delicious smoked meats. This is what we discovered.
Our Top Picks
BEST OVERALL: Camp Chef 24-Inch Vertical Gas Smoker at Amazon
BEST ELECTRIC SMOKER: Dyna-Glo 30-Inch Digital Bluetooth Electric Smoker at Amazon
BEST GAS SMOKER: Pit Boss PBV3G1 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker at Amazon
BEST VALUE: Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker at Amazon
BEST SPLURGE: Bradley Smoker P10 4-Rack Electric Smoker at Amazon
Best Overall
Camp Chef 24-Inch Vertical Gas Smoker
The Camp Chef’s temperature control technology allows for exact adjustments for various proteins, which we like.
What to know: This smoker was challenging to carry and build due to its size and weight (as well as the lack of wheels).
The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24-inch Vertical Gas Smoker features a large capacity, enough to smoke racks of ribs or a whole turkey. The Camp Chef, powered by propane, is distinguished for its ability to adjust the heat temperature dial accurately. A door thermometer makes monitoring the smoker’s interior temperature simple, and three damper valves (one on top and one on each side) let you fine-tune the airflow within the smoker for more temperature control. This model also has a big water pan, which keeps the meat wet and draws smoke, resulting in outstanding taste.
We decided that “vault” was an appropriate word for this smoker. The walls are well-insulated, and everything from the tight seal on the door to the craftsmanship of the hinges feels long-lasting and intelligently crafted. The temperature dial is quite sensitive, so we mostly used the dampers to modify the Smoke Vault’s temperature. Once we hit the perfect spot, our smoker required minimal hands-on labor to add water or wood chips. The drip pan is simple to remove and wide enough to capture the majority of oil, making cleaning this smoker surprisingly straightforward.
We tested its capabilities by cooking chicken, ribs, and salmon, as we had done with the previous models. The ribs, in particular, stood out, with a quarter-inch smoke ring indicating a clean, agreeable taste and toothsome texture. The smoke vault performed similarly well with the other proteins we tested, defeating 20 competitors to become our top choice for the most significant overall smoker in any category.
- Heat Source: Gas
- Cooking Area: 903 sq. in
- Temperature Range: 160-350°F
- Number of Shelves/Racks: 2, plus jerky/seafood smoking rack
Best Electric Smoker
Dyna-Glo 30-Inch Digital Bluetooth Electric Smoker
What we like: The Dyna-Glo combines Bluetooth technology with an intended, straightforward design.
What to know: The narrow wheels on the base made it difficult to transport the smoker.
One advantage of electric smokers over gas smokers is that they only require an extension chord, as opposed to a limited propane supply. The Dyna-Glo goes further using Bluetooth technology, allowing you to monitor your smartphone’s smoking process. This technological innovation provides convenience and versatility, allowing you to adjust temperature settings, check cooking progress, and get notifications throughout.
The Dyna-Glo’s spacious 30-inch cooking chamber provides over 730 square inches of cooking space, four cooking grates, and plenty of room for ribs, wings, and more. We found it quite simple to put together, requiring only a Phillips screwdriver, and the device includes wheels on the base and a handle connected to the rear to make it simpler to transport. This is important since the smoker’s chord is short; most people will need an extension cord to keep the Dyna-Glo safe from their homes.
The insulated, double-walled construction effectively kept heat, and the unit immediately recovered to temperature when we opened the door to add wood chips or water. The Dyna-Glo also has a meat probe for accurate inside temperature monitoring, which nearly guarantees smoked perfection. Indeed, our salmon cooked out brilliantly, with a well-balanced, smokey taste that did not overwhelm the delicate fish. The probe and Bluetooth connectivity make this a fantastic smoker for pit masters and beginners alike, and the pricing makes it affordable to beginning BBQ fans.
- Heat Source: Electric
- Cooking Area: 732 sq. in
- Temperature Range: 180-275°F
- Number of Shelves/Racks: 4
Best Gas Smoker
Pit Boss PBV3G1 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker
Our favorite feature is the exterior access to the wood chip tray and grease drawers, which prevents disturbing the smoker’s temperature by opening the door.
What to know: We discovered that temperature regulation required effort and careful monitoring, which novices may not appreciate.
For those who like a more participatory smoking experience, the Pit Boss 3-Series is a beautiful option. Unlike most of the smokers we tried, this one features a glass front door that allows you to see the cooking process, which is controlled by a single temperature dial. The Pit Boss includes two burners: one to heat the wood chips and the other to regulate the cabinet temperature. The inside is vast, with approximately 700 square inches of cooking space spread across four porcelain-coated racks for improved heat retention.
The Pit Boss is more hands-on than some other models we evaluated. Still, we discovered this does not dissuade individuals who want a more participatory experience than more set-it-and-forget-it versions. Finding and maintaining the correct temperature required experimenting with the dual-burner system and air vents. Once we did, however, the temperature remained constant. This was made feasible by the tight seal on the door and the externally accessible wood chip tray, which could be easily replaced without disturbing the heat flow. Our wings were beautifully juicy, with a lovely snap to the skin and a subtle smokey taste. We were also able to cook some fantastic racks of ribs—two could easily fit in the Pit Boss without being overcrowded.
If you prefer customizing your smoking temps and wood chip ratios, the Pit Boss is a fantastic choice. Beginners and enthusiasts who want a less involved approach may look into one of our other alternatives.
- Heat Source: Gas
- Cooking Area: 880 sq. in
- Temperature Range: 100-320°F
- Number of Shelves/Racks: 4
Best Value
Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
This electric device is easy to clean, has a large capacity, and is simple to use, making it an excellent value for the price.
What to know: We wish the water tray were more accessible, especially while the unit is hot and in use; water may easily splash around.
The Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker may be essential in design, but it has a surprisingly large capacity and produces high-quality smoke. An analog dial regulates the temperature, and there are three pull-out trays: one for drippings, one for water, and one for wood chips. This device does not have wheels. However, it does have handles on both sides for transportation. While wheels would have made the procedure more accessible, the Char-Broil weighs just over 50 pounds, making it less frightening.
This smoker is well-insulated, and throughout our tests, we discovered that the wood chip tray only needed to be replenished seldom, while the water tray did not require any refilling. The inside includes three cooking racks, and we were shocked at how many wings we could fit without overcrowding this little smoker. Our proteins had a subtle, smokey taste, making the Char-Broil ideal for delicate meats such as chicken or fish. We also liked the easy cleaning: the drip tray captured most of the oil, and the replaceable sections were simple to scrub off. Overall, Char-Broil is an excellent choice for individuals who value the quality and affordability of an electric smoker.
Char-Broil also has a gas version if you want a similar price but want to cook with propane (see Amazon). This type has comparable features (and downsides, such as a cumbersome water tray) but does not require an electrical outlet.
- Heat Source: Electric
- Cooking Area: 544 sq. in
- Temperature Range: Up to 400 °F
- Number of Shelves/Racks: 3
Best Splurge
Bradley Smoker P10 4-Rack Electric Smoker
What we like: Bradley’s digital temperature control and stability made us feel like BBQ gurus (despite our limited expertise).
What to know: The smoke is made with wood bisquettes rather than chips, and we discovered that they left an aftertaste on proteins that required a lengthier smoking.
The Bradley Professional P10 4-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker is at home in a commercial kitchen. With its robust stainless steel body and digital display, this smoker runs on bisquettes (compressed small pucks of wood) rather than wood chips. You feed these into a cylinder accessible through a door on the machine’s side. Each bisquette may last up to 20 minutes, giving you up to 9 hours of primarily automatic smoking time.
We enjoyed Bradley’s temperature control and smoke circulation. This machine contains two temperature probes to measure temperature variations, and the digital control panel makes it easy to track your progress. The Bradley is simple to install and clean; however, transporting the unit may be difficult because it has four stubby legs and is comparable in size and form to a dorm fridge. We like how simple this equipment made smoking meats, allowing us to watch our proteins without opening the door and letting heat and smoke escape. The amount of automation and slick design make this a worthwhile investment for genuine smoking enthusiasts.
Our studies showed that proteins that required a longer smoke, such as ribs, occasionally developed a more bitter-smoked flavor. Like salmon, less time-consuming proteins had an unmistakable, light taste. This is partly due to the bisquettes; therefore, you may need to vary your smoke time and intensity before finding that sweet spot.
- Heat Source: Electric
- Cooking Area: 806 sq. in
- Temperature Range: 86-320°F
- Number of Shelves/Racks: 4
The Bottom Line: The Best Smoker
The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24-inch Vertical Gas Smoker (see on Amazon) wins the title of best overall smoker because of its large 24-inch vertical cooking chamber, precise temperature control, and robust construction. Its ease of use earned it our choice for consistent, delectable outcomes, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned barbecue fan.
Our top pick in the electric smoker category is the Dyna-Glo 30-inch Digital Bluetooth Electric Smoker (available on Amazon). This smoker smoothly combines Bluetooth technology for remote control and monitoring, and it has a vast 30-inch cooking chamber, making it ideal for users of all skill levels.
Choosing a Smoker
There are several factors to consider when choosing the ideal smoker for your at-home barbeque needs. Keeping the following in mind can help you make the right decision:
How Much Assembly Is Required?
Smooth assembly is essential when choosing an at-home meat smoker. It directly influences the user experience, reducing time and irritation while allowing for a speedier start to enjoying the smoker. Most of the smokers we studied were easy to install by one person, although bigger units may require assistance.
Features and Functionality
Design matters. It impacts functionality and usability by enabling easy access to the cooking chamber and controls, resulting in a more simplified experience. An intelligently constructed smoker promotes equal heat distribution, preventing uneven results, and has adjustable racks and temperature indicators for more versatility. Consider how simple it is to reach objects such as the water pan or chip tray during cooking for convenience and to ensure an equal cooking temperature. Small factors, such as a more extended chord or the existence of wheels, can drastically affect your experience.
Is There a Learning Curve?
Intuitive controls, straightforward directions, and a simple setup let you focus on the art of smoking rather than complicated procedures. Features like accessible chambers, easy temperature controls, and little maintenance may help you save time and effort. You may also specify how involved you wish to be in the process. If altering your temps and smoke levels is half the pleasure, you might prefer a more hands-on smoking experience. However, a more automated approach may be better if you’re a newbie (or simply busy).
Consistency and Control
The finest smokers maintain constant and accurate temperature control. Reliable heat management guarantees uniform cooking, eliminating under- or overcooking and producing juicy, delicious meat.
Is it Easy to Clean?
Aside from being convenient, frequent cleaning is critical to maintaining performance and lifespan. Grease buildup can disrupt heat dispersion, hurting both outcomes and flavor. A user-friendly design and readily detachable drip trays and frying racks make this procedure less tiresome.
Our Smoker Tests
We chose our top smokers based on quantitative data (size, number of racks, temperature range, weight, materials) and qualitative feedback from our professional and home chef testing team. We scored the convenience of installing the propane tank (if applicable) and the ease with which the smoker’s temperature could be controlled and monitored once completed. Smokers in this collection were evaluated on the effects of short and long smokes on foods such as salmon (a more delicate protein that requires a shorter smoke), chicken wings, and ribs. We also checked the smokers’ interior temperatures for accuracy. Finally, we examined if the smoker was simple to clean and whether elements like the drip pan could be reached with little effort.
We Also Considered
Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker ($280 on Amazon): While this device worked as promised, its outcomes were sluggish and variable. For the price, it produces a pleasant smoke.
Bradley Smoker 4-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker ($429 from Amazon): This device can hold 20 wings on one rack without touching while compacting to fit almost anywhere. However, the design and many pieces make it difficult to clean.
Pit Boss Grills 3-Series Digital Vertical Electric Smoker ($349 from Amazon): The machine is easy to maneuver and can accommodate a whole rack of ribs. However, the control panel was somewhat perplexing. If you love carefully reading the handbook, this product should do just fine.
Cuisinart Vertical Electric Smoker ($200 on Amazon): This item has a short cable and a picky metal wood chip pan, and we had difficulty creating smoke. This isn’t a terrible option if you’re searching for an outdoor oven!
Dyna-Glo 30-Inch Analog Electric Smoker ($288 on Amazon): We found the door lock fragile and the temperature challenging to manage. Given the price, we anticipated more.
Common Questions
Are gas smokers better than electric smokers?
The choice between gas and electric smokers is based on personal preferences, convenience, and desired cooking experience. Gas smokers heat up rapidly, providing a typical barbecue flavor with simple temperature control, mobility, and no requirement for an electrical outlet. On the other hand, electric smokers are easy to operate, with digital controls for exact temperature adjustments and consistent low and slow cooking results.
How are smokers different from standard grills?
Smokers and grills differ in many ways, including:
Cooking Method: Smokers are your low and slow maestros, employing indirect heat and smoke to produce meats that fall off the bone, whereas grills crank up the heat using gas, charcoal, or electricity. They all focus on speedy cooking, whether beef, vegetables, or fruit.
Temperature: Smokers employ lower temperatures between 180°F and 275°F to break down animal tissues and provide a smokey flavor. Grills, however, raise the temperature to a blazing 350°F to 700°F, ideal for searing and caramelizing like a pro.
Flavor Profile: Smokers employ wood chips, which come in smokey flavors. Grills are excellent at producing charred and seared tones, enhancing proteins’ inherent tastes.
Versatility: Regarding smokers, slow and steady wins the race, making them ideal for barbecue classics like brisket and ribs. High-heat moves? Not their strong suit. Grills are versatile if you know how to use them. They’ve got it all: direct grilling, indirect grilling, and even smoking with the correct equipment.
Finally, the choice between a smoker and a grill comes down to your cooking style, flavor preferences, and desired culinary ambiance. Your backyard, your rules.
How do you clean a gas smoker vs. an electric smoker?
Cleaning procedures for gas and electric smokers are not remarkably different; your techniques will most likely vary by manufacturer rather than kind. To begin, allow your smoker to cool completely to avoid unpleasant burns. Remove the cooking grates and drip pans and thoroughly clean them with warm, soapy water. Wipe off the internal surfaces with a moist cloth, using a vinegar-water solution for persistent residue. Brush or vacuum the heating element gently, remove grease, and clean the wood chip and water trays as needed. Clean the outside with a moist cloth or stainless steel cleanser. Always refer to the user manual for precise instructions.
Of course, before beginning any of these processes, consult your user handbook for the manufacturer’s instructions. Cleaning your smoker regularly will help it endure for many years while still providing a clean, pleasant smoke.
Our Trusted Expertise
Katie Tuttle, a commerce editor who has contributed to magazines including Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, wrote this piece. She wrote and edited this post based on information gained from experiments involving over 20 smokers of various makes and models.
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