A propane smoker is known as being one of the best effective devices for smoking. In addition to this, these propane smokers are also incredibly affordable smokers that hold the ability to produce results that are great tasting. Not to mention, propane smokers can also fit a lot of food in at once and don’t need a lot of space on your counter.
All of these features make a propane smoker an extremely desirable tool for many people. However, there are tons of these smokers available on the market. Each one is equipped with different elements. This can make choosing the right one for you incredibly challenging.
However, we have selected some of the best propane smokers on the market to make this decision easier. In addition to this, we have also included an effective buying guide to provide you with some insight into how the different elements offer varied functionalities.
This is done to ensure you purchase a propane smoker with the functionality that meets your needs. Moreover, there are also tips for getting the best out of your smoker. Thus, improving your experience and gaining your money’s worth.
A vertical smoker is designed as a steel box that’s equipped with a door. The design of a vertical gas smoker is very similar to a large gym locker or a refrigerator that’s manufactured without insulation.
The smoker stands vertically and can either have one or two access doors, along with wire racks that are incorporated to hold up all of the smoking goodies.
Vertical gas smokers are known to take up much less storage and deck space when compared to horizontal smokers and grills. Moreover, the vertical ‘box’ design ensures that all the meat gets equal attention from the smoke, as the smoke moves up from the burner pan built below.
Vertical gas smokers all feature the same basic design structure. The gas burner is always placed at the bottom, which is then followed by the wood pan that’s above the burner. The water pan is built to be on top of both the wood pan and gas burner.
This water pan acts as a heat sink, which stabilizes the temperature within the entire smoker and adds moisture. There are two or more racks present above this water pan that is included to hold the meat. Most of the propane gas models are equipped with dampers or vents to make adjustments to the flow of the smoke and air.
back to menu ↑A propane gas smoker is an incredibly easy tool. All you need to do is add wood chips (if applicable) to the wood pan, select your desired cooking temperature and timer, throw your meat in the smoker, and let it cook away.
In the world of propane gas smokers, there are a variety of different features available. Thus, these smokers are perfect for various people. A propane smoker would be a brilliant purchase for you if:
Many people wish to have a less involved grilling experience by still want to get the authentic BBQ taste that we all live for. In addition, some of the best gas smokers are equipped to perform with little maintenance effectively. Thus, all you need to do when it comes time to start cooking your meat is to set your desired temperature, set the timer, and place your meat in the compartment. The smoker does the rest, which is perfect for those who don’t want to oversee the entire cooking process.
Propane gas smokers are known for being incredibly easy to use. You hold the capability of easily controlling the temperature. Moreover, you don’t need to be an expert when it comes to fore management. This because this fire feature is different for gas smokers than charcoal smokers. The entire design of a gas smoker makes the tool incredibly easy to use. That’s why these gas smokers aren’t allowed to be used in competitions because these devices are too easy.
The majority of gas smokers are going to cost between $150 to $300 to acquire. This price point is considerably cheaper than offset, wood pellet, or manado smokers.
back to menu ↑There are many advantages to using a propane gas smoker. However, some of the primary benefits of using a gas smoker are:
Nothing is perfect, not even the best propane smoking device. For this reason, there are some downfalls to using one. These are:
There are a variety of different smokers available on the market. These are:
A propane smoker is equipped with a propane gas tank. This tank helps to keep the heat from the smoker constant and steady. These smokers are incredibly easy to use. All that’s required of you is to set the temperature to your desired setting. You may want to browse through the internet for the best gas and grill combos if you wish to grill and smoke your meat simultaneously.
Electric smokers are quite similar to gas smokers. Electric smokers require almost no attention during the cooking process and are easy to maintain. An electric smoker is a great tool for beginners. However, when compared to the other types of smokers, these electric smokers are going to provide your meat with the least amount of smoky flavor.
Charcoal smokers provide you with the traditional way of smoking your meat. These smokers have an incredibly high learning curve, but the flavor given to the meat is exceptional and can’t be beaten.
The fire-starting process takes quite a while, and. Maintaining this fire also consumed a bit of time. In addition to this, choosing the wrong type of charcoal can lead to a disaster.
There are other options for receiving this smoky flavor. You can receive this charcoal flavor with the convenience of gas by using a gas charcoal smoker combo.
Pellet smokers offer an exceptional feature of only feeding enough pellets into the firebox to maintain the set temperature the meat is exposed to. In addition, you’re also provided with the ability to boast that your meat is being smoked by wood. This is because the pellets are technically compressed wood.
However, the downside of using pellet smokers is that these smokers’ design is known to break down quite frequently. Moreover, you still need electricity for a pellet smoker to work.
back to menu ↑The design layout of a vertical smoker is very different from an offset or horizontal smoker. However, the principle involved in the mechanisms is the same. The difference is that you are required to stack items on wire racks instead of arranging these around a fire pit.
These are the basic steps to firing up your propane gas smoker and getting it smoking:
Propane Smokers | Price | Cooking Area | Dimensions | Review |
Masterbuilt MPS 340/G ThermotEMP xl Propane Smoker | $$ | 961 sq inches | 28x23x52 inches | Check Price |
Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Double Door Vertical Propane Smoker | $ | 784 sq inches | 27X19.20X46.46 inches | Check Price |
Landmann Smoky Mountain Vertical Gas Smoker | $$ | 1576 sq inches | 18X21X43.25 inches | Check Price |
Smoke Hollow 44241G2 44-Inch Vertical Propane Gas Smoker | $$$ | 700 sq inches | 24.5X33.60 inches | Check Price |
Cuisinart Cos 244 Vertical 36-Inch Smokers | $ | 784 sq inches | 20X20X46 inches | Check Price |
Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Gas Smoker | $ | 595 sq inches | 19.5X21.5X45.5 inches | Check Price |
Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18-Inch Propane Smoker | $$ | 630 sq inches | 30.25X18.75X17 inches | Check Price |
There are a variety of different features that make up a smoker. The result is that these propane smokers have different functionalities that can fit different individuals and be considered as the best propane smoker. These differing models make it difficult to choose one particular propane gas smoker, especially since there are so many models available.
However, we have combated this by searching far and wide for the best propane smokers so that you don’t have to. We have done this to make the process of choosing the best smoker for you easier. Here is what we found:
This is the newest propane smoker from Masterbuilt. It’s been redesigned to offer additional features. One of the best features is the thermostatic temperature control. This temperature control regulates the flow of the gas, which allows it to burn and gives you a more accurate and constant temperature when smoking your meat.
We loved the MPS340/G ThermoTemp XL because it provides you with four chrome coated stainless steel racks. These racks equate to 792 square inches of cooking capacity. These inches of cooking space are perfect if you’re planning on smoking racks of ribs.
You also hold the ability to cook anywhere between 180 and 350 degrees. Thus, temperature control is perfect for cooking low and slow. Not to mention, the smoker can also get hot enough when cooking chicken to crisp the chicken skin. Not to mention, the smoker 2-door access, cooking grates, and gas grill features are incredibly convenient.
The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP is a vertical liquid propane gas smoker with two door access. It’s specifically designed for high-performance outdoor smoking and cooking. The body is made with heavy-duty steel and is also equipped with a powder finish that’s incredibly durable to help with handling the heat from the smoker.
The design of this Dyna-Glo vertical liquid propane gas smoker is unique due to the incorporation of a condensation and grease management system. This management system makes the Dyna-Glo smoker cooking area a lot easier to clean and maintain.
This is one of the best gas smokers for beginners and experienced smokers alike. You’re equipped with 784 square inches of cooking space thanks to four adjustable wire racks that are made from heavy-duty stainless steel. The overall design of this smoker is very similar to the Smoke Hollow 38202G. This is mainly due to the smoke hollow 38202G smoker 2-door access functionality and heat capability.
This Landmann USA 3895GWLA Smoky Mountain 2 door propane smoker comes with a cast brass burner that features a rotary ignition. The main door is equipped with magnets rather than a latch, and the door access structure isn’t designed with insulation.
This Landmann USA 3895GWLA Smoky Mountain smoker features two separate drawers. One drawer is for a steel wood chip box, while the other is for the porcelain-coated water pan. These drawers provide you with the ability to replenish the water and wood without opening the smokebox and disrupting the meat that’s smoking.
This 3895GWLA Smoky Mountain vertical smoker is designed with four adjustable height settings, smoking racks with chrome coating, and a meat hanging hook. Not to mention, the cooking space of the smoker accommodates large and small pieces of food.
This best gas 40-inch Smoke Hollow smoker is known for being the best propane device with exceptional features. The smokers’ best features include its five cooking grid for an increased cooking space within the cooking chamber, a water pan, and two wood chip box, along with a smoke chimney.
The Smoke Hollow cooking chamber is designed with two 12,000 BTU tubular burners that are made with stainless steel. All of this stainless steel and other metal components are constructed with a powder-coated system.
The temperature gauge on this makes it one of the best propane smokers available. The temperature gauge is known to be incredibly accurate and reads within 10 degrees. However, this system incorporated in the liquid propane gas smoker takes some getting used to.
back to menu ↑Among these models that can be classified as the best propane smoker are some very good propane smokers that we felt should be mentioned. These are:
Cuisinart Cos 244 Vertical 36-Inch Smokers‘ best features include the ability to maintain functionality along with temperature control settings being incorporated easily. This makes it easy to provide constant heat and smoke source. The cooking surface is also very accommodating for larger pieces of meat while still being able to evenly cook small meat pieces.
Char-Broil (the big easy machine smoker) provides the best and most effective heat and smoke production thanks to the inclusion of the Char-Broil vertical liquid propane cooking area design. Char-broil (the big easy cooking machine) features three adjustable chrome-plated cooking rakes and a large cooking surface and cooking space. The wood chip tray of the Char-Broil vertical smoker makes it easy to replenish the wood needed without disturbing the Char-Broil vertical big easy smoke production.
This Camp Chef smoker provides meat with a slow and low cook. The Camp Chef smoker is equipped with a push-button ignition and is easy to clean. The cast iron component included in the design makes this Camp Chef incredibly durable. The Camp Chef push-button ignition helps control the internal temperatures and chrome-plated cooking surface throughout the cooking process. Not to mention, the Camp Chef cooking space and heat consistency on this model is one of the best.
back to menu ↑There are many elements that make up a propane smoker. The inclusion of different features provides these smokers with varied functionalities. For this reason, it’s important to understand the different factors to help you decide on which of these components need to be included in your ideal propane smoker’s design. Here are some important elements to take into consideration:
One of the main considerations that revolve around purchasing any device, including a propane smoker, is the price of acquiring this tool and the budget limitation that you face.
Not many shoppers are able to purchase without money being a factor. Thus, price consideration plays an incredibly vital role for most when deciding on a smoker. When considering this, it’s a great idea to compare each model’s features with the value of the specific smoker.
Size is also incredibly important as not many working areas provide all the space in the world. Some straightforward questions you should ask include:
Fuel is an essential element in any smoker. However, propane smokers are incredibly user-friendly, easy to transport, and reliable. Depending on the model, a smoker usually provides you with the ability to take it anywhere with you effortlessly. The fuel used for this smoker allows you to use it anywhere as well.
The last step of the smoking process is cleaning. Many owners of a smoker understand that cleaning a smoker is anything but enjoyable. Thus, finding a model that accommodates this and makes the cleaning process easier is always a bonus.
You can find if a smoker model is easily cleanable by checking to see if the racks are removable. In addition to this, it’s also highly recommended to look through the reviews other customers have said, as this usually provides you with good insights.
Vertical propane smokers are usually lighter and are known for being less sturdy than any other type of smoker. However, this isn’t always the case. Nonetheless, a good feature to look out for are splayed legs. This is because the incorporation of these legs adds to the stability of the structure.
Propane smokers are built with either a one-door design access and a 2 door propane smoker. Two doors are usually known for being better than one. This is mostly because you hold the ability to access the water and wood pans with the one door open, while you can leave the upper chamber closed when using a two-door smoker. Thus, the heat and smoke are still left inside the smoker.
The majority of vertical smokers generally cook hotter than smokers that are charcoal fired. There are usually specifications on the internet by the manufacturer that list how high or low you are able to cook with that specific model. This information is incredibly valuable, especially if you plan on cold smoking fish in your smoker, as heat plays an important role in effectively smoking food.
Accessing the smoker from the front is seen to be a lot easier and better than accessing it from the top. Thus, if you wish to receive the ease of use with a smoker, you should opt for a front-loading smoker.
Adjustable shelves are extremely useful if you plan on using the smoker for a variety of different meats. Adjustable shelves make it possible to cook an entire turkey and then set up smoking some ribs.
When looking for a smoker, you are going to want one that provides you with consistency. A function you may want your smoker to perform is a ‘set it and forget it’ feature.
Your smoker should evenly cook your meat every time you use it. A great way to get a ‘feel’ for a smoker without testing it out is to read some customer reviews on that particular model.
A well-constructed smoker should be a top priority. Purchasing a smoker that’s got a high-quality build helps to cut back on grease and smoke leakage.
An important feature that the smoker should have is a high-quality cabinet that can capture and maintain heat, humidity, and smoke. Why is this? Well, these are the three primary ingredients that are essential for achieving a great BBQ.
We have already mentioned the fuel type feature within a smoker burner. However, another consideration would be the size of the burner. The size of the burner should be proportionate to the gas smoker’s cabinet, as this promotes even heating. In addition to this, you also want to make sure that the burner isn’t left too exposed to any outside forces.
A smoker is usually shipped with a variety of detached parts. This reduces the size of the package and the costs involved in shipping these smokers.
However, the majority of smokers don’t require much assembly. In addition to this, most manufacturers include a manual in the shipped package or provide the information within the manual online.
Moreover, looking through online reviews is going to have you anticipate the complexity and extent of the assembly, along with the tools required to undergo this assembly process.
You should look through the terms and length for the primary unit and the various components included in the main unit. These components include the burner, which may have a different warranty coverage.
Also, propane smokers are designed and certified for propane gas being included in the device’s functionality. For this reason, it’s extremely ideal to confirm with the manufacturer or seller if you wish to convert the smoker to natural gas.
Some propane smokers are designed to work as a smoker, as well as a grill. You should look for propane smokers that hold the ability to work like a grill, too, if you want to gain a multi-use device for your kitchen.
After purchasing and assembling your new smoker, it’s time to start breaking it in. You shouldn’t cook in it just yet. A new smoker is just like any other new iron skillet. You need to season these tools while in a new state to ensure you get the best use from these.
Some manufacturers don’t include the process of breaking in a smoker in the manual included in the package. However, don’t fear because the process is pretty simple. All you need to do is wipe down all of the smoker’s internal parts with good-quality cooking oil. Let this burn on high heat for approximately 20 minutes or until the smoke being produced from the smoke stops.
The purpose of this ensures that any paint fumes or grease burn off and won’t affect the taste or the safety of the food placed in the smoker. You should let the smoker cool off and wipe it clean of any residue that may be left with a towel. After completing this, you’re good to go and can start smoking up a storm.
Vertical gas smokers best make use of propane gas as a fuel source. Thus, you don’t need to stockpile an endless amount of bags filled with logs or briquettes.
The design of these smokers provides you with the ability to attach the gas tank directly to the burner with a hose simultaneously as a gas grill. The burner is placed at the bottom of the cooker and is included to heat a pan above. This pan contains wood for smoke production. You hold the ability to ‘set and forget’ your smoker once you’ve got the temperature dialed in.
One unfortunate feature is that propane gas and natural gas aren’t interchangeable. A safety tip for attaching the gas supply would be to take a brush and scrub with a 50/50 mixture of water and dish soap around the smoker’s joints and the hose. You should tighten the hose if you see bubbles forming. If these bubbles fail to stop forming, look to see if the O-ring is missing.
Here are some effective tips to help keep your smoker in great condition:
We have provided answers for other commonly asked questions about propane gas smokers to clear any residual confusion.
It all depends on how much cooking you do with your smoker. However, according to an estimate done by most manufacturers, you need about one tank consisting of 20 pounds. This amount is if you wish to undergo medium cooking five batches of ten hours for a single batch.
Generally speaking, you’re looking at around 18 to 20 hours of smoking time before you need to fill it up again.
There isn’t any concrete rule for how much wood chips you should put in your smoker. However, it’s recommended to add more wood chips every five or six hours.
It’s suggested that you ask for your wood chips for approximately half an hour before putting these in the smoker. This allows the smoker to well-smoke and well-cook the meat. Soaked wood chips also help to tenderize the meat.
You can tell how much propane gas is left in your gas tank by pouring hot water on the propane gas. After doing this, check to see what part of the tank warm and what part of the tank is cool. The warm feature is of the tank is empty, and the cool part still has propane gas. Pouring this water helps you measure how much propane gas is left in the gas bottle from the hot and cool elements.
A smoker is the better option if you’re looking to cook meat with a delicious smoky flavor. In addition to this, gas grills incorporated with propane smokers are very convenient to use compared to palette or charcoal additions in an electric smoker.
back to menu ↑When looking at purchasing a gas smoking device, it’s important to consider what you wish to gain from using the device. This provides you with the ability to choose the features that are going to best suit your wishes. These smoking devices include a variety of different features in the design. These differing features provide a variety of functionalities. Thus, it’s important to understand the functionality you wish to receive. For this reason, the best smoking device is going to be different for everyone. What is the best model for you isn’t going to be the best device for another. Therefore, you need to keep your required features in mind when choosing a smoking device.
Materbuilt MPS 340/G ThernoTemp XL Smoker is the best option for those who are looking for one of the best high-quality smoker with exceptional features. The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Double Door Vertical Smoker is the perfect option for those who aren’t looking to break the bank in order to acquire a great-quality smoker.
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