Best Smoker Grills in 2022 – Choose Without Hassle

You’ve finally decided it’s time to buy a smoker, but you quickly see how many options there are. It makes your head spin, but this guide is here to help you choose the best smoker grill. You’re going to learn about the various types available. Plus, you can have a great smoker grill without the hassles. Check out these top grills in multiple varieties.

Short on Time? Consider These Top 5

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9.5
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Best Charcoal

There are three sizes (14, 18, 22 inches). The 18-inch model is our favorite as the best beginner smoker because it holds a more stable temperature, whereas the 22-inch model runs hotter.
9.5
Z Grills ZPG-7002E Pellet Grill and Smoker

Z Grills ZPG-7002E Pellet Grill and Smoker Best Pellet Grill

Most beginner smokers prefer a pellet grill. While the Traeger brand is ideal, it's quite expensive and is the primary reason it isn't here. 
9.5
Smoke Hollow Propane Smoker

Smoke Hollow Propane Smoker Best Propane

There are two standard ones, a combo grid/rib rack, and a jerky style one. You also have two trays for wood chips, allowing you to reload as needed without having to open the chamber to let the smoke and heat out.
9
Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker

Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker Best Electric

Electric smokers can also use wood chips to help add flavor. Plus, it has a spacious cooking surface of 725 square inches. This means you can grill food for a large family.
9
Char-Griller Akorn Kamado

Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Best Kamado

The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado is suitable for those on a budget. It uses an egg-shaped design and isn't made of high-end materials. That makes it affordable while still being high-quality.
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Buyer’s Guide

It’s important to find the best product to help with your smoking needs. However, some smokers are also grills, which means it can do two different things at once. We’re going to find out more about smokers and the types available. That way, you make sure you get the best option for the right price.

Types of Smokers

There are many types of smokers on the market, and they’re all designed for smoking, though some also work as grills. Let’s talk about each option so that you get the best smoker for your needs:

Propane Gas Smokers

Typically, gas smokers utilize propane to produce heat. Most homeowners don’t have a natural gas hookup at home, so they use propane tanks. They’re easy to purchase and transport.

Most gas smokers offer a cabinet-style build, so the vents and burner are at the bottom with the dampers and chimney on top. Gas travels through the bottle and manifold to the cooking section and gets ignited while flowing out of the burners.

This type of smoker is easy to use with temperatures that are easy to control. Therefore, you can start the grill much faster than when using charcoal and go from cold to beginning to cook in about 15 minutes. However, propane uses more chemicals, so you get that flavor.

Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers come in various sizes and shapes. They don’t often utilize wood for flavor because of the smokiness of the charcoal. However, they can be hard to clean and require a lot of babysitting.

You use charcoal to heat up the smoker, and it does produce chemicals, including nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These add flavor to your food. Wood can be used to add more smoke and flavor. They’re not the same as a pellet grill because charcoal is the main source of heat.

You get enough heat by regulating the air intake by the coals. When more air gets into the firebox of the charcoal smoker, the coal burns hotter. Typically, the food is suspended above the coals to draw the smoke and heat around the food. A charcoal grill can be harder to use, especially if you’ve never had one before. Still, these smokers produce tons of flavor and often have a decent price.

Offset Smokers

The offset charcoal smoker is an excellent addition to your patio. They feature an offset compartment, which is the firebox. These grills then have a main cooking chamber. You can use them as a grill or smoker, though. Consider putting the coal into the main part to make it into a grill. When you want a smoker, set the fuel source in the second compartment.

They’re often very large, so you can cook a lot at once. However, you should check price options on your favorite brands because they can get expensive. Since they’re grills and smokers, you pay more.

Pellet Smokers

Typically a pellet grill is a combination smoker and oven. They produce extra smoky flavors, but they work similarly to an electric smoker. One benefit of using pellet grills is that they can be used as smokers, grills, and ovens, so you get a three-in-one cooking solution.

Pellet grills utilize sawdust, which is compressed to look like chicken feed. The pellets sit in the hopper, which is on one side of the pellet smoker. There’s a firebox inside with a heated metal rod, causing the pellets to combust. This creates heat and smoke within the cooking chamber.

Pellet grills usually have built-in thermometers to help you keep a stable temperature. Just change the airflow and add more pellets into the pellet smokers to have consistent heat.

Generally, pellet smokers utilize flavor enhancements, such as wood smoke and pellets/chips. This allows you to set everything up and then leave the pellet smoker unattended. There isn’t much to clean up inside pellet smokers because the wood burns to nothing. Just empty out the firebox each time.

You should be aware that pellet smokers aren’t cheap. Even an entry-level pellet smoker has a high price. Still, if you want one product that grills, smokes, and works like an oven, this is the ideal choice. Just check for price options to get the best choice for your needs.

Electric Smokers

Electric smokers offer a great smoking solution because you can fire it up and forget about it. You’re not burning coal or wood, don’t require a propane cylinder, and they’re fairly easy to use. Just check to make sure that there’s an outlet where you want to plug it in. Never utilize an extension cord because it could reduce the amount of power you get.

These smokers utilize heating elements instead of combustible fuels to generate heat. Since no combustion is involved, you must get the smoke flavor from wood. Such smokers are built vertically so that the heating element is at the bottom. Water and wood pans go between the food racks. You can cook at low temperatures, which means you don’t need to check the food as often. However, these smokers don’t work like grills, so you aren’t going to get an all-in-one solution. If you already own one or more grills, you may not mind.

Kamado Grills

While some people think that Kamado grills are old-school, we believe that they’re still going strong. The egg shape of these grills works for styling but also helps the grill retain moisture and heat. Heat is created at the bottom and rises. You typically have to check it often to ensure that it’s cooking food evenly.

As far as grills go, you can leave the top off and make it a traditional grill. However, Kamado grills can be a smoker if you leave the cover on during the cooking process. Check to ensure that the grill has enough moisture and wood inside to get the right flavor and have moist, juicy meat when you’re finished.

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How to Choose a Grill and Smoker

When choosing a grill or smoker, you need to know what factors to consider. We’re going to explain them all so that you’re better equipped to decide.

Price

When you want something that grills and acts as a smoker, you can expect to pay more. For example, offset smokers can run $500. Leave the lid open and put the fuel source in the main compartment if you prefer grills over a smoker.

Typically, it’s going to be hard to get a pellet grill without a lot of money to invest. They just cost more than other brands. We did include a few that were top quality without being excessively expensive. That way, you can try out these grills and see if they work for you. Many people enjoy them, and you can have one of the top grills available while you save up enough for a luxury brand.

Those who are on a strict budget may prefer the charcoal, electric, and propane grills and smoker combinations. These grills work well and don’t cost a lot, making them suitable for almost every family.

Fuel Type

While the budget does dictate your choices, you can still choose the fuel source you like best in grills. We’ve covered a decent range of options above, giving you various grill and smoker choices to meet your needs. Usually, we prefer to recommend charcoal grills if you want to barbecue. A propane smoker works well if you want the same qualities as pellet smokers and grills without the hassles and price tag. However, if your main goal is to have a grill and smoker combination, you want a Kamado or an offset one.

Construction

Usually, it’s best to get a steel grill because it’s lightweight, holds heat, and is sturdy. In a sense, it insulates the space where you cook the meat and ensures that it’s done thoroughly.

If you can afford it, cast-iron and ceramic materials are best for a grill. They conduct more heat and keep it inside to cook faster and more evenly. Still, it’s hard to drop that much money on a grill, so don’t feel bad if you choose a steel construction, especially for your first grill/smoker.

Performance

You need a grill that does it all. It’s got to have decent airflow, but you’ve got to be able to control it. Therefore, make sure there are plenty of dampers and a built-in thermometer. These are your go-to tools when making the grill warm enough to cook the food you want to eat.

It’s also important to focus on how efficient it is to clean out the grease and ash trays of the grill. Make sure you can remove them without a fuss where you don’t get a lot of mess to clean up. Temp control is essential, whether you’re using an electric or pellet grill. Plus, you need to see where the hopper is on the pellet smoker to ensure that you can add more wood as necessary.

Portability

For most people, they want to keep their grill in a specific spot at all times. However, you may want to move it to the shed once it has cooled to prevent theft and damage from inclement weather. Consider a grill with wheels or one that is light enough pick up. Never drag the grill over the ground because it could damage the legs and make them wobbly with time.

If the grill is compact enough, you may be able to leave it on the patio and chain it to the posts so that no one can take it. Consider buying a durable cover for the grill to protect it from bad weather.

Cooking Area

Are you often cooking for a big family? Most people use a grill for large parties and BBQs. You don’t want to stand there cooking the entire time. Make sure the grill you select has a large cooking area so that you can fix all the food at once. If you typically need the grill to feed your family, it could be smaller.

Reliability

We have to admit that when you spend more on a grill, it usually lasts longer and is more reliable. This isn’t always the case, and most of the products we reviewed are durable and reliable while being low-cost. You can get expensive grill/smoker combos that fall apart when you first cook with them, too. Just make sure that the grill you select has tight seals, good welding, a snug fit, and doesn’t have squeaky joints. You’re going to ‘feel’ that you got the right one for your needs.

Clean-up

Cleaning a grill can be a significant task and take a long time. It’s essential that you clean it after every usage. That way, you only have to wipe it down each time after it cools off. Sometimes, it’s going to have burnt-on food. They might require a little scrub action to clean up, but it’s not going to take hours.

Pay attention to the corners and crannies because dust and fat can get in there, but they’re often hard to reach. Consider a simple design to have fewer issues with clean-up. Choose dishwasher-safe racks that are easy to remove and put back in, as well. Just pop them in with the rest of your dishes and have them ready to go the next time you grill.

Modern Features

Smokers no longer look like the primitive wood contraptions and brick ovens that you may have seen in the past. They now have remote controls, temperature gauges, timers, various compartments, and storage options. Don’t sell yourself short on the features because you want the product to help you cook and make it easier and more fun to do.

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Comparison Table

Smoker GrillsColorDimensionsWeightMaterialPower SourceReview
The Weber Smokey MountainBlack21x19x41 inches39 poundsSteel materialsCharcoalCheck Price
Pit Barrel CookerBlack21x21x31 inches57 poundsSteel materialsCharcoalCheck Price
Z Grills ZPG-7002E Pellet Grill and Smokerstainless/ silver48x22x51 inches84 poundsMetal and SteelPelletCheck Price
Camp Chef SmokePro Pellet Grill and Smoker ComboBlack45x21x51 inches127 poundsSteelPelletCheck Price
Masterbuilt Digital Electric SmokerBlack19x20x33 inches45.9 poundsSteelElectricCheck Price
Cuisinart COS-330 Electric SmokerBlack22x19x37.5 inches51.5 poundsSteelElectricCheck Price
Char-Griller Akorn KamadoBlack26.6×24.8×21.6 inches90 poundsMetalCharcoalCheck Price
Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Charcoal Grill and Smoker ComboRed26.4×26.4×36 inches250 poundsSteel and CeramicWoods and CharcoalCheck Price
Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset SmokerBlack20×34,47 inches57 poundsSteelCharcoalCheck Price
Char-Broil Offset SmokerBlack48×17.5×44 inches102 poundsSteelCharcoalCheck Price
Smoke Hollow PS4415 Propane Gas SmokerBlack24x33x60 inches93 poundsSteel and PorcelainPropaneCheck Price
Camp Chef Smoke Vault Gas/Propane SmokerBlack and Silver30.5x25x17 inches74.6 poundsSteelGasCheck Price
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The Best Charcoal Smokers

We like charcoal smokers because they’re easy to use, produce great quality foods, and they each have a decent price. It does take a bit more effort to operate a charcoal smoker than other types, but you are going to get rewarded with some delicious food. Check out the top two picks we’ve chosen in this section.

1. The Weber Smokey Mountain – Best Charcoal – Our Top Pick

You can’t do better than the Weber brand as your first smoker. We think it’s one of the best smokers available because it has an excellent build quality. It’s going to last forever with the right care.

There are three sizes (14, 18, 22 inches). The 18-inch model is our favorite as the best beginner smoker because it holds a more stable temperature, whereas the 22-inch model runs hotter.

We like the bullet design because it offers a smaller footprint and takes up less space. You can tuck it in a corner of the patio and use it when you need it. Though it looks slim, there are two different cooking racks to double the cooking area, giving you 481 square inches. This helps you feed up to 12 people at once.

It’s easy and fun to learn how to use a charcoal smoker, and this one is the top pick for us for a reason. It holds a steady temperature, and you don’t have to watch it constantly. In fact, you could put a brisket on at midnight, get up early the next day, and the temperature is still the same. This helps you cook the food low and slow, with a set it and forget mentality. Check it out now to experience the best.

9.5Expert Score
Takeaway

Those who want the most value for the money are sure to appreciate this smoker. Though it's hard to light the charcoal, it's easy to control the temperatures inside!

Pros
  • Water smoker design (easy to control temperature)
  • Highly versatile
  • Used by professionals
  • Various ways to modify and enhance the experience
  • Low price for what you get
Cons
  • Flimsy stainless steel door
  • Temperature control issues
  • Difficult to light charcoal

2. Pit Barrel Cooker – Runner Up to the Best Charcoal Smokers

For charcoal smokers, there isn’t much competition, especially in a low price range. Though the Weber brand is ideal, there is one more that we have to discuss. Typically, budget smokers require significant modifications to help you achieve high-quality insulating properties and make it easier to use. With the Pit Barrel Cooker, this isn’t a problem.

It’s a variation of the drum smoker, which often looks unsightly and slightly redneck. However, this smoker uses a unique system with hooks to hang everything effectively. There’s also a chrome-plated grate if you prefer not to use the hooks.

With the meat-hanging method, you have more capacity. For example, you can easily fit up to eight racks of ribs. You also ensure that the meat heats evenly because there aren’t any hot conduction points as it doesn’t sit on the grate.

While the Weber brand gives you a bit more flexibility for temperature control, you can still hit those low temperatures when you run the Pit Barrel Cooker on hot. Plus, we like that it’s easy to start, you can use the hooks or grates, and it works well for beginners. The 260 square-inch cooking grate gives you plenty of room when you don’t use the hooks. Check it out to see if it’s right for you!

9.5Expert Score
Takeaway

If you want to maximize space for smoking, the unique hook design is the best invention ever. However, we don't like that there's no ash catcher.

Pros
  • Unique hook design
  • Top-notch build quality
  • Stable temperature control features
Cons
  • No ash catcher
  • Simple design
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The Best Wood Pellet Grill Smoker Options

wood pellet grill is usually the most expensive type of smoker. Pellet smokers offer the promise of setting it up and forgetting about it during the cooking process. Plus, they don’t have drawbacks like electric smokers or gas smokers.

Therefore, pellet smokers are excellent for beginners. There aren’t many models for a low price that are high-quality, but we have found a few. You can check out our top choices for the best pellet smokers to see which one you like most.

3. Z Grills ZPG-7002E Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker – Best Wood Pellet Grill Smoker Combo

Most beginner smokers prefer a pellet grill. While the Traeger brand is ideal, it’s quite expensive and is the primary reason it isn’t here. As far as pellet grills go, the Z Grills brand is a great alternative for those who want something high-quality without the expense. The company started out manufacturing grills for other businesses but decided to launch its own brand.

With the Z-Grills ZPG-7002E, you have a 700-square-inch product that offers plenty of cooking space. The surface is split between an elevated smoking rack and a primary one. On the top shelf, you can keep food warm. Typically, pellet grills don’t offer this feature. There is also extra storage space under the pellet smoker.

We like that the entire pellet smoker is solid, though it does ship in two different boxes. You have to put it together, but it’s easy to use and assemble. For those who don’t need a searing station and want an oven or smoker, this is superb. You can be smoking meats easily and can use various wood chip bits or wood pellets. Plus, this pellet smoker is made of stainless steel, so it’s durable and strong, just like you want it to be. Check it out now to see price information!

9.5Expert Score
Takeaway

Though you may find it hard to get the right amount of pellets, we like the stylish design of this smoker. Plus, it features a stable temperature throughout the cooking process.

Pros
  • Excellent price – value for money
  • Temperature stability
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • No optional extras available
  • Hard to remove unused wood pellets

4. Camp Chef SmokePro Pellet Grill and Smoker Combo – Best Budget Pellet Smoker

Many times, people prefer a smoker and grill combo. The Camp Chef SmokePro meets both needs because you can use it as a grill and smoker. Camp Chef is an excellent brand and has a large 570-square-inch cooking space. This could be the best pellet smoker on the market right now.

There are two racks available, and two LED temperature control readouts to help you see the food and cooking temperature. If you want to cook low and slow, this is the brand to pick.

There’s an electronic auto-start ignition, which makes it easy to use and start each time. You also get a large pellet hopper and an ash cleanout system. This could be the best pellet smoker on the market right now.

We like that the temperature selection system maintains its heat, making grilling so much easier. Plus, you don’t have to deal with charcoal or gas. You can check price easily to decide if this is the right option or search through many pellet grills out there. Just set it and forget about it.

9Expert Score
Takeaway

If you're someone who likes to use different wood chip options, this is the grill for you. We like that it has the meat probes, so you don't have to buy extra accessories.

Pros
  • Includes meat probes
  • Easy-to-use menu dial
  • Uses various wood chips
Cons
  • Doesn’t handle wind well
  • Heavy to move
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The Best Electric Smoker Options

When you choose an electric smoker, you do give up some of the flavor to have more convenience and temperature control while you smoke.

Electric smokers can be used in areas where gas and charcoal aren’t allowed. Plus, they do well for cold smoking or making jerky. These are excellent quality for the price, and you get something that doesn’t require gas or charcoal to work.

5. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker

If you want a 30-inch smoker, the Masterbuilt brand might be ideal. Those who aren’t used to smoking meat yet prefer it because it helps you achieve your goals.

It features a built-in thermometer so you can choose the right temperature without having to maintain the gas or charcoal. Just plug the grill and smoker into your electrical outlet, and you are ready to grill.

We like that this smoker has many configurations. Choose the 30-inch or 40-inch model and pick one with/without a window. It is quite easy to assemble and should take you about 15 minutes to complete.

Though a front window seems like a good idea, it is going to get dirty and require frequent cleaning. The best smoker is easy to clean, and a window might make this task harder. Plus, the window is pointless if you can’t see your food while it’s grilling it.

Electric smokers can also use wood chips to help add flavor. Plus, it has a spacious cooking surface of 725 square inches. This means you can grill food for a large family. Is this the best smoker and grill? It could be! We don’t think it’s perfect, but if you need the best electric smoker, check price options and know you’re getting a good deal. You’re going to be surprised at what this electric grill and smoker can do for the price you pay.

9Expert Score
Takeaway

Electricity is the way to go, and this smoker makes it easy to use. However, the narrow design is a bit off-putting.

Pros
  • Large cooking surface
  • Choose between many accessories
  • Simple temperature controls
Cons
  • Narrow in design – might not cook two racks of ribs
  • Some flavor is lost during grilling process

6. Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker – Best Budget

An electric grill and smoker is a great tool to have. Electric smokers, like the Cuisinart COS-330, offers 548 square inches of cooking space within. That means you can smoke various vegetables and meats all at once. With a vertical design, it’s suitable for small areas, such as patios.

There are three shelves inside, and they’re all made of stainless steel and removable. If you’re grilling a large cut of meat, you can move them around or take them out. This gives you a larger cooking surface for all of your needs. Plus, the racks are dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean.

You also get a built-in thermometer, which helps you control the temperature better. As far as electric smokers go, this one is a great option. Since the thermometer is right on the door, you don’t have to open it and lose grilling heat.

Since you don’t have to have charcoal or gas, it’s possible to control the temp better. Plus, it’s easier to use, though you do lose some flavor. Even with that, you can use wood chips to help change the taste and smoke low and slow. Check price options now to see if this type of smoker is best for your needs.

8.5Expert Score
Takeaway

If you want something that's inexpensive and don't mind it leaking smoke, choose this brand. We like how you can assemble it fast, but it does have a few issues.

Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to clean
  • Low price
Cons
  • Leaks smoke
  • Issues with temperature regulation
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Best Kamado Smoker Options

If you want a grill and smoker, you may want to check out the Kamado smoker or grill. These cookers require charcoal, but they’re more versatile than a traditional charcoal grill. As far as charcoal smokers go, you want something that offers the ability to utilize both methods of cooking or grilling. Grills are great, but a smoker adds a different level to your grilling repertoire.

Typically, expensive models use ceramic materials, but most of the budget-friendly ones are made of steel. Though the price shouldn’t be the only consideration, it is important to factor this when deciding. Check out the options below to see which one is the best grill and smoker for you.

7. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado – Best for Value

While this might not be the most popular brand, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado is suitable for those on a budget. It uses an egg-shaped design and isn’t made of high-end materials. That makes it affordable while still being high-quality.

You get the same heat retention and insulation because it features a triple wall design. This means you can hold the temperature for over 10 hours. The temperature range is between 200 and 750 degrees Fahrenheit. There are dampers at the top and bottom to control the temperature settings.

The cooking surface is 314 square inches, but there’s also a removable warming rack that boosts your cooking surface up to 447 square inches! Make sure you check price options on this grill to see if it’s the best choice for you. Remember, smokers can do a lot and help you enjoy grilling even more.

8.5Expert Score
Takeaway

If you want a combination smoker/grill, you've got to love the Kamado style. This one has a few problems, but it's a great budget-friendly choice.

Pros
  • Versatile – smoker and grill combo
  • Uses charcoal
  • Durable and strong (22-gauge steel and powder coatings)
Cons
  • Unstable cart
  • Low-quality thermometer

8. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo – Best Splurge

If you prefer a charcoal smoker, the top choices are either the Big Green Egg or the Kamado Joe brands. You’ve got to check price options first, as these are quite expensive. Still, it works great as a charcoal smoker and doubles as a grill when you want it. The Kamado Joe brand uses cast-iron for the cart and wheels, with a ceramic grill. It’s quite heavy, but you do get a spacious cooking surface.

Since it’s more than a charcoal grill, you can do a lot with it. We like that it has two tiers so that you can be grilling different foods at various temperature settings all at once.

The top vent helps you maintain a consistent airflow, even if you’ve got to open or close the charcoal smoker. Plus, the vent is mold- and rain-resistant and offers temperature settings from 225 to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.

You’re sure to like the patented air-lift hinge because it reduces the weight of the dome by about 96 percent. Actually, you can lift the lid with your finger. The ash catcher is also removable for this charcoal smoker and grill. Don’t be surprised when you check price options; it’s not the cheapest product on the market.

8Expert Score
Takeaway

If you've got the cash, you can have everything you've ever wanted. This product is quite heavy, but it can do so much and is highly efficient.

Pros
  • Versatile (baking, smoking, grilling)
  • Charcoal for more flavor
  • Efficiency – holds moisture and heat
Cons
  • Extremely heavy
  • No space to store accessories
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Best Offset Smokers

When most people focus on smokers, they initially think of the offset smoker. It has two chambers, often separated by sliding doors or vents. The main section of the offset smoker is where you place and cook the meat. As the food gets done, you move it to the second chamber to stay warm. You may also cook vegetables in the offset smoker by putting it in the secondary compartment.

You can also make a grill out of the offset smoker, creating a combo option. Many times, we think the best smokers are those that allow you to do both. Offset smokers enable you to grill. Just don’t put anything in the second chamber, such as charcoal or soaked wood. Typically, the price is low for this type of smoker and grill. It just depends on the model and brand.

9. Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker

The Dyna-Glo brand could be the best of the offset smokers. It uses a vertical design so that heat rises, and you have better smoke flavor and more efficiency. Plus, direct heat stays away from the food to help with slower grilling.

We like that there are six grilling grates available to offer 1,176 square inches, a spacious cooking area. Each grate holds up to 25 pounds of food.

The Dyna-Glo brand uses porcelain-enameled steel chambers. It uses charcoal to give the smoky flavor, but wood chips can also be used. The separate charcoal chamber helps you cook without actually grilling the food. You can always check it before and during the cooking process.

There’s also a thermometer built-in, which helps you attain the best smoke zone. One thing we like best here is that it’s easy to clean and use. Smoking just got better with this offset smoker. Check price options right now!

7.5Expert Score
Takeaway

Those who prefer the best efficiency with regard to the burn are sure to appreciate this smoker. However, it may have a few issues that have to be worked out to use it properly.

Pros
  • Smoke various meats
  • Uses wood and charcoal
  • Better burn efficiency
Cons
  • Bottom handle hard to grab
  • Can require tweaks to get it to work right

10. Char-Broil Offset Smoker

The Char-Broil brand of offset smoker is the one that most people see first. It uses charcoal as its heat source, but you don’t put it right under the meat you’re cooking. That’s not smoking; it’s grilling. Typically, with an offset grill, you put the hot coals and wood flavor in the secondary compartment. The meat goes on the large portion. Close both chambers, and you’re smoking meat. You may have to check it periodically to ensure that it’s working right.

This is a three-in-one product because you can grill, barbecue, and smoke your food. You get 670 square inches for the main chamber with 355 square inches for the firebox area. The handles are chrome-plated, so they are cool to the touch. Still, you should check to make sure it’s safe for you to hold without oven mitts.

We like that the price is comparable to other products on the market. Plus, it is large and offers various dampers to help you control how much smoke and heat are in the smoker/grill. There’s also a storage rack to help you keep your charcoal and utensils close.

7.5Expert Score
Takeaway

Everyone wants the bells and whistles, and this smoker has it all. Though you may need to invest in a new thermometer, it's a great value for the price.

Pros
  • Comparable price
  • Easy to assemble
  • Clean-up is easy
Cons
  • Thin grates
  • Wrong placement of thermometer
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Best Propane Smokers

A propane smoker is excellent for beginners because they often have a low price and are quite easy to operate. We like them when compared to electric smokers because you don’t need to have a power source. That makes the propane smokers portable. You also get a better temperature range. They can be slightly better than charcoal smokers, too.

While the charcoal grill gives you the typical flavor you’re used to, it’s hard to regulate temperatures. Propane is a little easier to control and ensures that you taste the meat and not the fuel source. You can also use wood pellets and bits to change the flavor of your food.

11. Smoke Hollow PS4415 Propane Gas Smoker

Most propane gas smokers are narrow, which is frustrating if you’re trying to cook brisket or ribs. However, you shouldn’t run out of room with the Smoke Hollow Propane Gas Smoker because it has dual burners and sits 44 inches tall.

Its main cooking chamber has five racks, all of which are removable. There are two standard ones, a combo grid/rib rack, and a jerky style one. You also have two trays for wood chips, allowing you to reload as needed without having to open the chamber to let the smoke and heat out.

There are also two stainless steel burners, both of which put out 11,000 BTU. It holds a stable temperature and comes at a great price. If you need a low temp, you can just run one burner on this propane gas smoker. We think it could be the best propane gas smoker on the market because it only takes 30 minutes to put together.

Plus, the steel quality is excellent, though we feel that some of the components could be cheap, like the burner knobs and lock. Check to make sure that everything is there before assembling. Then, check everything before you begin using it each time.

7Expert Score
Takeaway

For the price, you can't beat the size. Plus, gas just cooks better. However, we did find quality issues that may put you off buying it.

Pros
  • Great sizing for the price
  • Dual trays for wooden chunks
  • Gas smoking for excellent quality
Cons
  • Uses cheap materials for some areas
  • Leaky front door lets out smoke

12. Camp Chef Smoke Vault Gas/Propane Smoker

When it comes to choosing the right grill, you may want a smoker. Camp Chef is a great brand for many reasons, and it comes at a great price. You get a steel construction, and it uses propane gas for smoking meats efficiently. You get a jerky rack with two smoking grids, making it a top option.

There are three damper valves, all of which are adjustable. There’s one on each side and the top. You can easily check temperatures with the door thermometer. It ranges from 50 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, suitable for smoking almost anything.

The snap ignition is matchless, making this propane smoker grill more convenient to use and safer. With its vertical design, you can keep it on your patio or deck without having to move around the furniture. Plus, the legs are a little wider than the base to ensure that it stays upright.

7Expert Score
Takeaway

If you're cooking for a crowd, you need the three smoking racks, and the price isn't bad, either. However, it doesn't come with all the accessories you might require.

Pros
  • Three smoking racks
  • Easy to assemble
  • Excellent for a beginner
  • Decent price
Cons
  • Tons of smoke exits the grill/smoker
  • Might require additional accessories
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FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Grilling and Smoking?

Smoking focuses on cooking things at low temperatures and doing it slowly. You want the temp to be anywhere from 225 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’re going to cook for a long time (about three to 15 hours). Usually, smoking requires wood chunks, pellets, or chips to provide the smoky flavors.

With grilling, you cook at higher temperatures (typically 350 degrees Fahrenheit), and you cook the food longer. You can still use wood smoke, but this depends on what you are cooking and how you want it to taste. Typically, you’re not required to close the lid, but you can.

How Does the Smoking Process Work?

The old-fashioned barbecue was cooked low and slow. It’s very easy to understand the concept, but it’s hard to do and master. You require a fuel source, such as electricity, wood, gas, or charcoal.

Flavor can be added from seasonings, rubs, and BBQ sauce. You can also add wood chunks or chips to your heat source. This creates smoke, which flows over the meat as it cooks and gets seared into the flesh.

You’ve got to control the oxygen levels within the smoker to ensure that you’ve got a steady and low temperature. That way, the food cooks evenly, and you don’t get hot or cold spots. Depending on your fuel source, it can be quite difficult to regulate temperatures, which is why people think it’s too hard to smoke their meats.

What Are Some Good Tips for a Novice Smoker?

Smoking is primarily about jumping in, experimenting, and learning when you make mistakes. The right tools are essential for having a good experience.

We think it’s best to purchase a cheap cut of meat for your first few times smoking. A pork butt is often forgiving, and it helps you practice without ruining an expensive piece. You’re going to learn a lot about your smoker just by using it.

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Conclusion

You’ve learned a lot about smokers and smoker/grill combinations. We’ve given you two choices for each of the common types. If one of them seems to jump to you from the page, it’s probably the one you need most.

Don’t overthink all the details. It’s hard to choose the perfect smoker, and we’re not sure it exists anyway. Each one has a few drawbacks, but you’ve got to pick the one that works well for your situation. Do you want to buy more things all the time to use it? Charcoal and propane versions might not be ideal if you want a plug-and-play product.

You’re sure to be rewarded with delicious-tasting meat and vegetables when you go with your gut, learn what you can, and utilize the information to pick the best smokers. Happy smoking!

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