If you have a penchant for the smoky flavor of barbecued dishes, but aren’t interested in spending hours tending to a typical smoker, propane smokers serve as a great alternative. Using propane as a fuel source not only streamlines operation, but it also offers more accurate temperature control compared to a charcoal smoker. Furthermore, if you live in an area where fire restrictions exclude the usage of charcoal or wood-fired smokers, these smokers can prove to be the perfect solution.
When looking for the best propane smoker, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you’ll want to think about the size of the smoker. If you plan on cooking for a large group, you’ll want a smoker with a larger cooking surface. On the other hand, if you only plan on cooking for your family, a smaller smoker may be sufficient. Another important factor to consider is the quality of the smoker’s construction. Look for a smoker made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come.
We spent hours researching and testing several propane smokers to find the best one on the market. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, we’ve got you covered.
Best Propane Smokers
We’ve researched and tested various propane smokers to bring you the best options available in the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster, a propane smoker can make your outdoor cooking experience more convenient and enjoyable. In this roundup, we’ll showcase the top propane smokers based on their features, performance, and customer reviews. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect propane smoker for your next BBQ party.
1. Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
If you’re looking for a propane smoker with consistent heat for a better smoking experience, the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker is a great choice.
Pros
- The smoker has a large smoking chamber with 595 square inches of cooking surface and 3 chrome-plated cooking grates, providing plenty of space to smoke any food of your choice.
- With 7,566 cubic inches of cooking space, you can smoke a lot of food at once, making it perfect for large gatherings or parties.
- The warming rack on top of the smoker chamber is a convenient feature that allows you to warm sauces or marinades in preparation for your food.
Cons
- The single bowl design of the smoker requires constant refills of water and wood, making it a bit of a hassle to use.
- The door thermometer is not very accurate, so you may need to purchase a separate thermometer to monitor the temperature of the cooking chamber.
- The water and wood door can be difficult to slide open when the smoker is hot, which can be a bit of a safety concern.
We recently used the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker to smoke a brisket, and we were impressed with how well it turned out. The smoker was easy to assemble and use, and the propane burner provided consistent heat throughout the smoking process. The large smoking chamber allowed us to smoke the brisket and some vegetables at the same time, which was convenient. However, we did find that we had to refill the water and wood frequently, which was a bit of a hassle. The door thermometer was also not very accurate, so we had to purchase a separate thermometer to monitor the temperature of the cooking chamber.
Overall, if you’re looking for a propane smoker with consistent heat and plenty of space to smoke a variety of foods, the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker is a great option. Just be prepared to refill the water and wood frequently and to purchase a separate thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker
Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use propane smoker that can handle large cuts of meat and vegetables, the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker is a great option.
Pros
- The spacious interior provides ample room for smoking a variety of meats and vegetables.
- The four removable stainless steel shelves make it easy to smoke large cuts of meat or whole birds.
- The built-in thermometer and adjustable gas supply give you total temperature and smoke control.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty maintaining a consistent temperature.
- The instructions could be more detailed.
- The propane tank is not included.
We recently tried out the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker and were impressed with its performance. The spacious interior provided plenty of room for smoking a variety of meats and vegetables, and the four removable stainless steel shelves made it easy to smoke large cuts of meat or whole birds.
The built-in thermometer and adjustable gas supply gave us total temperature and smoke control, and we appreciated the seal-tight twist-lock door and handle. The porcelain enameled steel tray made it easy to hold wood chips and water, and cleanup was a breeze.
While some users have reported difficulty maintaining a consistent temperature, we didn’t experience any issues during our testing. The instructions could be more detailed, but assembly was straightforward and didn’t take long.
Overall, we would recommend the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker to anyone looking for an easy-to-use smoker that can handle large cuts of meat and vegetables. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase a propane tank separately.
3. Hisencn Cooking Grate for Masterbuilt Smoker 30 Inch
Hisencn Cooking Grate for Masterbuilt Smoker 30 Inch
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to replace old grates and refresh your Masterbuilt propane smoker, the Hisencn Cooking Grate is a great option.
Pros
- Made of high-quality chrome-plated steel wire for long-lasting use
- Heavier gauge material than the original brand
- Designed to distribute heat evenly for a delicious meal and drain off fat in food for both nutrition and taste
Cons
- Some reviewers reported that the chrome came off after the first use
- Skepticism about how easy it will be to clean due to the nature of use
- Not suitable for other smoker brands
We recently tried out the Hisencn Cooking Grate for our Masterbuilt propane smoker and were impressed by the quality of the chrome-plated steel wire. The heavier gauge material also made the cooking racks feel more durable than the original brand. We appreciated that the racks were designed to distribute heat evenly and drain off fat in food for both nutrition and taste.
However, some reviewers reported that the chrome came off after the first use, which is a concern for long-term use. While the racks are easy to install, we were skeptical about how easy they will be to clean due to the nature of use. Additionally, these racks are not suitable for other smoker brands.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to replace old grates and refresh your Masterbuilt propane smoker, the Hisencn Cooking Grate is a great option to consider.
3. DiamondKingSmoker – Grill Smoker Box
DiamondKingSmoker – Grill Smoker Box
If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable smoker box to enhance your BBQ grill cooking experience, DiamondKingSmoker is the perfect accessory for your grill top.
Pros
- Turn any grill into a smoker
- Holds more and bigger wood chunks
- Durable and easy to use
Cons
- May not produce as much smoke as expected
- Expensive compared to other smoker boxes
- May not fit in all grill sizes
We were impressed with the DiamondKingSmoker’s ability to turn any grill into a smoker without the need for propane, charcoal, or electricity. The smoker box provides the perfect temperature for smoking and holds much more wood chunks than regular outdoor smokers, so you can focus on other tasks instead of adding them often. Made of pure stainless steel, this smoker box is durable and easy to use, and its ergonomically designed lid provides easy access when adding more BBQ wood.
However, we did find that the smoker box may not produce as much smoke as expected, and it is more expensive compared to other smoker boxes on the market. Additionally, the smoker box may not fit in all grill sizes, so be sure to measure your grill before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and innovative smoker box to enhance your BBQ grill cooking experience, DiamondKingSmoker is a great choice. It’s available in three sizes and makes a great gift for cooks of any level.
4. Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker
Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker
If you’re looking for a reliable propane smoker that offers great performance, then the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 784-square inch cooking space is perfect for smoking all kinds of food, and the 4 adjustable steel wire racks allow you to customize the smoker to fit your needs.
- The 15,000 BTU cast iron burner with an electronic push button ignition and large control dial make it easy to get the smoker started and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- The double-door design helps to minimize temperature loss when accessing the food or adding water and wood chips, and the sliding air dampers on top and sides offer greater heating and smoking control.
Cons
- The door does not seal tightly, which can result in smoke and heat loss during the cooking process.
- The smoker requires assembly, which can be time-consuming and challenging for some users.
- The porcelain enameled steel water bowl and wood chip box may rust over time, which can affect the smoker’s performance.
Overall, the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use propane smoker. With its large cooking space, adjustable racks, and powerful burner, it’s perfect for smoking all kinds of food. However, the door seal and rust issues may be a concern for some users.
5. Qfire 911060014 – Control Knob Compatible with Masterbuilt 20051311 gs30d 2-Door Propane Gas Smoker
Qfire 911060014 – Control Knob Compatible with Masterbuilt
If you’re looking for a replacement control knob for your Masterbuilt propane smoker, the Qfire 911060014 is a decent choice.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Compatible with several Masterbuilt models
- Affordable price
Cons
- Only comes in a pack of two
- May not fit other brands/models
- Limited customer reviews
We found the installation process to be very simple and straightforward. The knobs are compatible with several Masterbuilt models, including the 20051311 gs30d 2-Door Propane Gas Smoker. Additionally, the price is very affordable, making this a good option for those on a budget.
However, it’s worth noting that the knobs only come in a pack of two, so if you need more than that, you’ll have to purchase multiple packs. Additionally, while the product description states that it’s compatible with several Masterbuilt propane smokers, it may not fit other brands or models. Finally, there are only a limited number of customer reviews available, so it’s difficult to gauge the overall satisfaction of buyers.
Overall, if you’re in need of a replacement control knob for your Masterbuilt propane smoker, the Qfire 911060014 is a solid choice. However, if you have a different brand or model of smoker, you may want to look for a more universal replacement option.
6. Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker
Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker
If you’re looking for a propane smoker that offers competition-quality smoking in your backyard, the Pit Boss Red Hammertone 3 Series Gas Smoker is a solid choice.
Pros
- The dual valve/burner system allows for a wide temperature range of 100°F – 320°F, making it easy to cook a variety of meats.
- The 720 square inch cooking area provides ample space to smoke multiple items at once.
- The external wood chip and ash removal system makes it easy to add and remove wood chips without disrupting the cooking process.
Cons
- The door may arrive scuffed or damaged, which can be disappointing.
- The smoker is relatively heavy at 63 pounds, making it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the smoker’s temperature control, which can be frustrating.
We found that the Pit Boss Red Hammertone 3 Series Gas Smoker performed well overall. The dual valve/burner system made it easy to adjust the temperature to our liking, and the large cooking area allowed us to smoke multiple items at once. We appreciated the external wood chip and ash removal system, which made it easy to add and remove wood chips without disrupting the cooking process. However, we were disappointed to find that the door arrived scuffed and damaged, and we found the smoker to be relatively heavy and difficult to move around. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the smoker’s temperature control, which can be frustrating. Overall, we would recommend the Pit Boss Red Hammertone 3 Series Gas Smoker to those looking for a propane smoker with a wide temperature range and ample cooking space.
7. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker
Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker
If you’re looking for a propane smoker, the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker is worth considering.
Pros
- Includes two cooking grids and one Jerky Rack
- Three adjustable damper valves; one on top and one on each side
- Easy to read door thermometer from 50 to 550 degrees
Cons
- The smoke vents cannot be closed completely
- The propane tank is not included
- The wood chip tray could be larger
We recently used the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker to smoke a brisket and were pleased with the results. The smoker comes with two cooking grids and one Jerky Rack, providing ample space to smoke a variety of meats. We appreciated the three adjustable damper valves, which allowed us to control the temperature and smoke levels. The door thermometer was easy to read and accurate.
However, we did find that the smoke vents cannot be closed completely, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the propane tank is not included, which adds to the overall cost. Finally, we found that the wood chip tray could be larger, as we had to refill it multiple times during our smoking session.
Overall, we would recommend the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker for its ease of use and consistent results.
8. LFSEMINI Pellet Smoker Tube Set
LFSEMINI Pellet Smoker Tube Set
If you’re looking for an easy way to add smoky flavor to your food, the LFSEMINI Pellet Smoker Tube Set is a great option.
Pros
- Works with all types of grills and smokers
- Up to 5 hours of smoking time
- Made with durable, heat-resistant stainless steel
Cons
- Lighting the pellets with a butane torch can be difficult
- May not produce as much smoke as a traditional smoker
- May be difficult to refill when hot
We recently tried out the LFSEMINI Pellet Smoker Tube Set and were impressed with its performance. The hexagonal design kept the tube from rolling around on the grill, and we were able to add a range of different wood pellets to create different flavors. We also appreciated the included silicone brush and cleaning brush for easy maintenance.
However, we did find that lighting the pellets with the butane torch took some practice, and we didn’t get quite as much smoke as we would have liked. Additionally, it was difficult to refill the tube when it was hot, so we had to wait for it to cool down before adding more pellets.
Overall, we would recommend the LFSEMINI Pellet Smoker Tube Set for anyone looking for an easy and affordable way to add smoky flavor to their food.
9. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
If you’re looking for a versatile propane smoker, roaster, and grill, then Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Big Easy Smoker Roaster & Grill lets you smoke, roast and grill – all in one
- TRU-Infrared technology cooks food evenly and juicy with no flare-ups
- Holds up to 25 lbs for roasting and has 180 square inches of cooking area for grilling
Cons
- Assembly instructions are vague and may require trial and error
- The smoker box adds smoke flavor but cannot be used for smoking alone
- Smoke tray is poorly designed and ill-fitting
We’ve used The Big Easy for smoking ribs, roasting chicken, and grilling steaks, and it has never disappointed us. The TRU-Infrared technology ensures that the food is cooked evenly and juicy with no flare-ups, and we can cook without oils, so we get to enjoy the delicious taste of our food without the extra fat. The roasting basket can hold up to 25 lbs of meat, and the 180 square inches of cooking area is perfect for grilling.
The assembly instructions are vague, and it may take some trial and error to put it together. The smoker box adds smoke flavor, but it cannot be used for smoking alone, and the smoke tray is poorly designed and ill-fitting. Despite these minor issues, we highly recommend The Big Easy for anyone looking for a versatile propane smoker, roaster, and grill.
In summary, if you’re looking for a propane smoker that can also roast and grill, then Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to use, cooks food evenly and juicy, and is perfect for outdoor cooking.
10. Carpathen Smoke Tube
Carpathen Smoke Tube
If you want to add a real wood flavor to your grilled food, the Carpathen Smoke Tube is a great addition to your grill or smoker.
Pros
- The smoking process is easy and accessible to anyone.
- It offers real wood flavor without needing an expensive cold smoke tube.
- It can turn any regular cooker into a cold smoker tube without any modification.
Cons
- The leftover ash makes a bit of a mess because you can’t keep it in the tube.
- It works best when it’s full and can be hard to get lit through the side.
- It can be challenging to lay it sideways for short smokes.
We tried the Carpathen Smoke Tube and were impressed with the results. It was easy to use, and we got 5 hours of thin blue smoke that infused any selected flavor into Pork, Ribs, Cured Meat, Hot Dogs, Sausages, Chicken, Cheese, and more.
Whether you have a Traeger or Weber Grill, a Masterbuilt, Yoder, or Big Green Egg Smoker, the Carpathen Smoke Tube for pellet grill will turn any regular cooker into a cold smoker tube without any modification. It’s especially good for gas or electric grill owners who know how hard it is to get a deep smoke flavor comparing to their friend’s charcoal smoker. And thanks to its reduced size, it’s portable enough to take and use anywhere other smoke tubes for pellets can’t.
The Carpathen Smoke Tube comes in a great gift box and is a fantastic pellet tube for smoking attachment to any grill. Everything from apple, cherry, mesquite, hickory to oak pellets can be used. If you have any concerns, you can send an email, and they will reach out in 24 HOURS. If you will not be absolutely thrilled, send the pellet smoke tube back for a NEW one or full refund! No questions asked! That’s why each smoking tube for pellets is backed up by their phenomenal customer service.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best propane smoker, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of key features to look for when making your decision.
Size
The size of the smoker is an important consideration. You’ll want to choose a smoker that can accommodate the amount of food you plan to smoke. If you’re only planning to smoke for a small family, a smaller model may suffice. However, if you plan to host large gatherings or smoke for a crowd, a larger model will be necessary.
Material
The material of the smoker is also important. Look for a smoker made of durable materials that can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it is both durable and easy to clean.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is critical when smoking meat. Look for a smoker with an adjustable temperature control, so you can easily monitor and adjust the temperature as needed. Some models even come with digital controls, making it easy to set and maintain the desired temperature.
Portability
If you plan to take your smoker on the go, portability is an essential factor to consider. Look for a model with wheels and handles for easy transport. Additionally, a lighter weight model will be easier to move around.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. For example, some models come with built-in thermometers, which can be helpful in monitoring the internal temperature of the meat. Others come with multiple racks, allowing you to smoke multiple items at once.
By considering these key factors, you can choose the best propane smoker for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best propane smoker for the money?
There are several great propane smokers available on the market that offer great value for the money. In our opinion, the best propane smoker for the money is the Masterbuilt MPS 340G.
What are the cons of using a propane smoker?
One of the main cons of using a propane smoker is that it can be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature. Additionally, propane smokers can be more expensive to operate than other types of smokers, as you need to constantly refill the propane tanks.
What is the best propane smoker for fish?
If you’re looking for a propane smoker that is specifically designed for smoking fish, we recommend the Smoke Hollow 38202G. This smoker features a specialized tray for holding wood chips, which allows you to create a delicious smoky flavor that is perfect for fish.
What are the advantages of using a propane smoker?
One of the main advantages of using a propane smoker is that it is very easy to use. Propane smokers are also very versatile, as they can be used to smoke a wide variety of meats and other foods. Additionally, propane smokers are typically very easy to clean and maintain.
What should beginners look for in a propane smoker?
If you’re a beginner looking to purchase a propane smoker, there are a few key things to look for. First, you’ll want to make sure that the smoker is easy to use and maintain. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a smoker that is large enough to accommodate the amount of food you plan to smoke.
What are the top-rated propane smokers according to Consumer Reports?
According to Consumer Reports, the top-rated propane smokers are the Weber Spirit II E-310, the Char-Broil Performance 475, and the Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D. These smokers all received high marks for their ease of use, temperature control, and overall performance.