A Review of All the Best Propane Smokers in The Market

People all around the world love juicy barbecue and would go to any extent to get the best-tasted barbecue. There is every kind of items available to provide you with the best barbecue. You can buy offset smoker or charcoal smoker. Once you have started barbecuing with a charcoal smoker or any smoker but in the middle of everything you realize that you should go for a little more convenient way. If you have a little more amount to spend then you should get the best of them all which is the Propane smoker or gas smoker. The best propane smokers are the most convenient ones and you don’t have to go through much trouble to get your favorite barbecue. If you have not heard of these smokers before you don’t have to worry because this article will tell you everything you need to know about a propane smoker. Before moving any further you need to know what a propane smoker is.

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What are Propane Smokers?

Propane smokers are the feasible and easy-to-use smokers which use propane or gas as the fueling options. These are widely used for barbecuing nowadays. If you are having a few friends over to your place then you don’t have to worry about the old school methods of barbecuing because propane smokers are here for you. These are best in every situation but are particularly great for beginners.

Design

A propane smoker looks mostly like a small cabinet or a gym locker. You will generally see a gas burner which is connected to a propane tank. The burner can also be connected to a gas pipeline but this facility is available in a few designs and not all. You will see a tray or a pan for dust accumulation, smoking chips or wood chunks on top of the burner. There is also water pan available in between the smoking chambers to keep it moist for long smoking sessions. There is a chimney on the top of the smoker and there could be one or more chimneys or adjustable dampers.

Best Propane Smoker Comparison Table

Product	Pros	Cons	Rating	Buy from Amazon
​ Masterbuilt 20050614 44-Inch Propane Smoker	Easy to read temperature gauge Push button ignition	Bit expensive	​ 4.3	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B0187Y0DIY” key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]
44-Inch Vertical Propane Smoke Hollow 44241G2 Gas Smoker	Durable design Water pan is porcelain coated Double doors make it easier to look for food or flame Huge cooking area	Needs extra caution while cleaning. Heavier to move.	​ 4.6	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B006FU06M6″ key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]
Vertical 36-inches Cuisinart COS-244 Black Propane Smoker	Wood chips have no direct contact with the flame Doors are sealed tightly. Removable racks allow you to cook large amount of food.	Temperature control or regulation is not good. Not recommended to cook for larger crowds.	​ 4.5	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B01GFLYWVK” key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]
Masterbuilt 20050116	It is strong built. It can maintain both lower and higher temperature. Assembly is rather easy.	The temperature setting needs constant check. Heat is higher just above the smoke box so you have to put the tin foil on the food	​ 4.8	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B01FJVSWM2″ key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]
​ Camp Chef Smoker (SMV18S) 18-Inch Smoke Vault Large	The time and temperature control system is amazing. Heat output is powerful. The smoker has a strong built.	Thermometer is not designed that well. Body is not insulated.	​ 4.7	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B07D2H5P86″ key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]
​ Char-Broil Vertical Gas Smoker	Smaller and easier to move. Reaches desired temperaTure within a few minutes.	Water tray design is not convenient. You can’t take it out in a windy weather.	​ 4.0	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B004J66WWG” key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]
2-Door Smoke Hollow 38202g 38 Inches Gas Smoker	Burners used are great for consistent heating. Effective and convenient.External push-button ignition system. Built-in temperature gauge helps in checking the temperature.	Sometimes it goes out when it is windy.	4.7	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B00ENJRHZK” key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]
Dyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-D 36 inches LP Gas Smoker	Durable because of the steel body. Ignition system is great. “Smoke zone” on the temperature gauge for infusing smoke flavor. Adjustable the cooking grates Cast iron burners are easy to light up	Not easier to move and clean.	4.4	[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B010759H9W” key=”tall-light” locale=”US” tag=”smartkitchenguide-20″]

How does a Propane Smoker work?

It is highly recommended to read the instructions from the manufacturer but you can follow these simple steps because most of the best gas smokers work on the same principles.

• 1First of all season it with oil before starting it for the first use.
• 2You have to fill the water pan between the smoking chambers. You can fill it with water, cider or even beer. You can also line it with foil first so you can get it cleaned up for easily.
• 3Now the connection of smoker with the propane tank is to be done. After connecting open the valve. Now light the burner according to the instructions given.
• 4Once you have lightened the burner up and the flame is steady then set the temperature according to requirement. Generally, 225 to 250 degrees is considered optimal temperature for perfect barbecuing. (Note: It is not necessary that every smoker offers the same setting on the thermostat as some models mention low, medium and high as the temperature adjustment. You can check the manual provided with the smoker for temperature information).
• 5You need to preheat the smoker for 10-15 minutes (recommended) and you can also preheat until the temperature is steady. Adjust chimney’s dampers or the vents according to your requirement.
• 6Now add the wood chips, chunks or sawdust to the pan or tray above the burner. You have to keep preheating the smoker until you see smoke blowing out of the chimney or the vents.
• 7Now you have to add the food which is to be smoked into the smoker. You can arrange the meat on a tray or even hang it with hooks that come with the smoker.
• 8You need to check the water in water pan or the wood chunks till the food is barbecued. Flame also needed to be checked because once the flame is out it can cause serious danger.
• 9Check the food and if it is completely smoked or smoked according to your requirement. Remove the food from the smoker.
• 10Now turn off the flame and remove the smoker from the gas tank. You can clean the smoker once it has cooled down.

Note: It is recommended to shut off the gas supply if the burner does not light up at once. Before trying again, check if the gas is clear from the smoker.

Why should you choose a propane smoker?

There are a number of benefits to a propane smoker and it is relatively convenient than other smokers. There are a few things which make propane smokers better than others. However, there is not a thing which does not have a few drawbacks. The most important advantages and shortcomings of propane smokers are given below.

Pros

• These smokers are portable and best for picnics and campsites. All you have to do is take this smoker and a gas tank and you are good to go for camping. You can take it to as low as 20 pounds weight. Now your camping and fishing trips are going to be more fun than ever.
• These are comparatively cheaper and you can have it in $250 to $500. The more money you invest, the better and durable product you will get.
• You don’t have to deal with the dust and fuel residue on the food because propane burns clean and doesn’t leave any residue.
• checkPush button ignition is perfect which is offered by many models.
• checkThese smokers occupy smaller spaces than offset barrel smokers, which means even if you don’t have much outdoor space you can buy these smokers.
• checkTemperature is easier to maintain.

Cons

Propane smokers have following drawbacks.

• Some of the models are made of thin-gauge metals which is dangerous because smoke leaks from the metal and smoker do not perform well especially in cold weather. It is recommended to look at the specifications of a smoker thoroughly before buying it on Amazon.
• Some of the customers have complained that these smokers are not wide enough and that’s why you can’t put a large chunk of meat and you have to cut it.
• These are a bit pricey for a few people.
• exclamation-triangleYou will have to change the propane tank if it runs out in the middle of cooking.

How to choose the best propane smoker?

It is hard for some people to find the best smoker among so many choices especially when you are a beginner. You can take help from the few tips given below. You can easily find the smoker according to your needs once you have followed all the tips given here. Take a look.

Buying Guide

Look for these qualities while buying a propane smoker.

Material

As it has mentioned earlier, always try to find the one which is made of better material. You don’t want a thin-gauge and flimsy propane smoker. You have to find the material used in the construction and quality of construction.

Portability

Try to find a smoker which is easy to take from one place to other. It is recommended to find the one which has sturdy and splayed legs and has wheels attached to it. Sturdy legs also help the smoker to stay stable even if the weather is windy.

Affordability

You can have the best smoker you want but it is going to cost you a fortune. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a thing you are going to use occasionally. It is recommended to look at your budget before buying a propane smoker. You need to find a propane smoker which is cost effective as well as work well for you.

Temperature Maintenance

This is an important factor and affects directly your food. You have to get the propane smoker which has better temperature maintenance. Normal propane smokers have temperature variation from 100 to 500 which is amazing to smoke everything from salmon to a prime rib.

Space-Saving Design

Cabinet style with two separate doors is one of the best designs for these smokers and it is preferred by everyone around. Separate doors for lower area and cooking chamber help you check the temperature as well as the food. The design also does not let the smoke escape. A front-loading design is convenient than the top-loading one.

Capacity

It is necessary to get the biggest and the best smoker you can afford while staying in budget. It is important how much food you can cook in your smoker. However, a smaller design is recommended if you have to travel with the smoker or portability is required.

Other Factors to Consider

There are other things which should be taken into consideration while buying a propane smoker.

• Adjustable height shelving is important to smoke larger chunks or meat.
• You also need to consider the assembly requirements according to your needs.
• Consideration of warranty is also an important factor.
• arrow-circle-rightReplacements of parts must be confirmed before buying a propane smoker.

Best Propane Smokers

If you are still confused about buying the best propane smoker even after reading tons of instructions you need not worry. We have got your back, we have devised a list of best propane smokers available in the market so you can look at the features, pros, and cons of these smokers. Now read all about these smokers and choose the best one according to yourself.

1. Masterbuilt 20050614 44-Inch Propane Smoker – Best vertical propane smoker

Our Rating 4.3/5.0

Master built is known to provide the best to its customers and this propane smoker is no exception. It is one extra large smoker which is amazing for large gathering. Now if you have a group of people coming over, you don’t have to panic because Masterbuilt’s propane smoker will help you make a large amount of smoked meat at once.

Features:

• Extra-large in capacity with 2,000 square inches of cooking space.
• It has four chrome smoking racks.
• Thermostat and viewing window is also present.
• arrow-rightIt uses type 1 regulator and hose.
• arrow-rightPush-button ignition which is extremely convenient.
• arrow-rightIt uses two 8,250 BTU stainless steel burners.
• arrow-rightWater pan and wood chip tray are both porcelain coated.

Pros:

• It is a particularly large smoker and you can smoke up to 16 full chickens, 4 full turkeys, 112 sausages, 56 burgers, 12 racks of ribs or 16 pork butts.
• Easy to read temperature gauge makes it easier for you to look at the temperature while cooking.
• Push button ignition saves time for your and makes it easier to start the smoking procedure.
• Wheels are attached so you can take it to your back yard and then back to basement.
• checkRear handles makes it easier to move around which is great for portability.

Cons:

• It is a bit expensive for some people.

2. 44-Inch Vertical Propane Smoke Hollow 44241G2 Gas Smoker – Best large propane smoker

Our Rating 4.5/5.0

Smoke hollow has the best cooking and kitchen products for you. You can have smokers of any type from smoke hollow and you will never complain about it because those are that good.

Features:

• It is the largest propane smoker offered by Smoke hollow.
• It is a 44-inches cabinet style propane smoker.
• Double door system makes it convenient among all.
• arrow-rightDual burner system is one of the best things this smoker has to offer. The dual gas control system makes it extremely easier for the user to control the heat.
• arrow-rightFive cooking grids make it even spacious and ideal for cooking.
• arrow-rightIt has two 12,000 BTU stainless steel tubular burners.
• arrow-rightThe smoker has powder chrome plated steel cooking grates.
• arrow-rightIt has porcelain coated water pan.
• arrow-rightIt has excellent temperature management system.
• arrow-rightEasier to assemble.

Pros:

• It has durable design because of powder coated steel sheet which also makes it stronger and sturdy so it can stand against extreme weather and wind.
• You will find a sausage hanger, a rib rack and a few jerky grids.
• Water pan is porcelain coated which makes it durable and also gives better performance.
• Double doors make it easier to look for food or flame without having to let the smoke out.
• checkAssembly is fairly straightforward.
• checkHuge cooking area even width wise.

Cons:

• It needs extra caution while cleaning because of the tubular system.
• exclamation-triangleIt is great for large amount of food but a smaller amount of food takes more time and energy while cooking.
• exclamation-triangle Heavier to move.

3. Vertical 36-inches Cuisinart COS-244 Black Propane Smoker – Best Mid Size propane smoker

Our Rating 4.5/5.0

If you don’t have to cook for large crowds and you have mostly relatively smaller gathering at your place then you can go for a mid size propane smoker. Cuisinart is offering you the best mid size propane smoker. You will have everything you desire for in this propane smoker.

Features:

• It is a strong built smoker.
• It has four stainless steel shelves with 14” x 14” specifications.
• It has a vent on the back of smoker which provides additional support on top of smoker.
• arrow-rightIt has a temperature regulator as well as a 40” hose.
• arrow-rightDouble door help you check the food without letting the heat out.
• arrow-rightPorcelain coated water pan is also available.

Pros:

• The wood chips have no direct contact with the flame which makes it easier and longer to burn and also prevent any flare-ups.
• Doors are sealed tightly so the smoke is not out from the smoker and you get the best of smoked food.
• Temperature also remains steady.
• Removable racks allow you to manage large amount of food as well as you can hang the food which needed to be smoked.
• checkCool touch handles are also included so you don’t get your hands burnt.
• checkIt is equally good for both beginners and professional.

Cons:

• Lack of perfect temperature control or regulation.
• exclamation-triangleNot recommended for people who want to cook for larger crowds.

4. Masterbuilt 20050116 – Best Portable Propane Gas Smoker

Our Rating 4.8/5.0

We have another Masterbuilt’s masterpiece in our list. It is also a great smoker especially for those who like to keep moving the smoker and want to have barbecue parties in their backyard. This smoker has some amazing features.

Features:

• It uses 1 pound propane cylinder and also comes with adapter for a 20 pound tank which is sold separately.
• It has 5,000 BTU stainless steel burners.
• The temperature gauge on the door is very easy to read, so you are well aware of your food’s temperature on which it is cooked.
• arrow-rightIt comes with removable waterpan and wooden chip tray so you can fill these up outside the unit and then place them in.
• arrow-rightLegs can easily be folded so you can get convenient travel.
• arrow-rightThis is the best option for going on camping.

Pros:

• It has strong built.
• It can not only achieve the higher temperature but also it can maintain lower temperature and achieve as low as 10 degrees for over 4 hours.
• It is easier to move hence ideal for travelling.
• It has a lot of space to put large amount of food.
• checkAssembly is rather easy.

Cons:

• The temperature setting needs constant check.
• exclamation-triangleThe heat is higher just above the smoke box so you have to put the tin foil on the food.
• exclamation-triangleIt is not a double door design so you have to open the door of cooked food to check the flame.

5. Camp Chef Smoker (SMV18S) 18-Inch Smoke Vault Large – Best Small Propane Smoker

Our Rating 4.7/5.0

It is an 18 x 24 inches propane smoker which is pretty small. This smoker is for the people who want to get a smoker for a lot smaller gathering. Camp chef has provided you the option to only gather your closed friend and family members to get the smoked food.

Features:

• It uses propane for power. 
• It is lightweight so you can carry it around in the house.
• It has a thermostatic regulator which makes it extremely easy to use.
• arrow-rightYou have a number of options to choose from when it comes to use wood chunks.
• arrow-rightThe easy to read temperature regulator ranges from 50 degrees to 550 degrees.
• arrow-rightIt uses 18000 BTUs heat that make smoking the meat easier for people.
• arrow-rightThe smoke vault is used for making variety of food from a whole turkey to ribs and fried fish.

Pros:

• The time and temperature control system is amazing and temperature ranges from 160 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The heat output used in this smoker is powerful.
• The technology used in the smoker is commendable.
• The smoker has a strong built as it has painted steel body which also makes it durable than many others.

Cons:

• Thermometer is not designed that well and can yield not so good results.
• exclamation-triangleThe rack space is limited inside the unit.
• exclamation-triangleThe body is not insulated and smoke leakage is a serious problem.

6. Char-Broil Vertical Gas Smoker – Best Light Weight Propane Smoker

Our Rating 4.0/5.0

If you are a lover of barbecue food then Char-Broil’s liquid propane gas smoker is for you. It is one of the most convenient ones available for barbecue lovers. Look at the features of this smoker and pros cons for yourself.

Features:

• It has adjustable dampers for heat control as well as a removable water pan.
• A lid mounted gauge is used to check the temperature while the food is cooking.
• You will have four cooking racks so you can adjust the space according to your requirement.
• arrow-rightIt uses rotary ignition which is easier to use.
• arrow-rightIt is amazing for beginners.
• arrow-rightIt is the best smoker in the cheaper ones.

Pros:

• It is highly cost-effective and you will not able to find such a better smoker in this price range.
• It has 595 square inches of cooking surface and you can put even a large amount of food in the four adjustable racks.
• Its dimensions are 2” x 2” x 4”, which is smaller and convenient.
• It is smaller and easier to move so you can take it while traveling.
• checkIt reaches to your desired temperature within a few minutes.

Cons:

• The thermometer used in this smoker is not good according to many customers. You will have to have your own thermometer for better cooking.
• exclamation-triangleWater tray design is not convenient.
• exclamation-triangleYou can’t take it out in a windy weather.

7.  2-Door Smoke Hollow 38202g 38 Inches Gas Smoker – Best Temperature Control Propane Smoker

Our Rating 4.7/5.0

If you are worried about the limited capacity of your smoker then Smoke Hollow’s this smoker is the one for you. It allows you to cook food without limitations as you can have a large stack of food in no time using this smoker.

Features:

• It uses two door design which is convenient amongst all.
• It has four chrome-plated cooking grates which are also adjustable according to your requirements and needs.
• The best part is that you can also find a sausage rack inside the cooking chamber.
• arrow-rightIt is a 38 inches smoker which is a pretty large space for smoking.
• arrow-rightIt reaches the desire temperature in a few minutes.
• arrow-rightIt has cast brass gas burner which is amazing as you don’t have to wait for it to warm up.
• arrow-rightIt has a solid built as it is made of welded steel.
• arrow-rightIt uses 20,000 BTU propane burners.

Pros:

• It is not bulky.
• The burners used are great for consistent heating.
• The external push-button ignition system is highly effective and convenient.
• Built-in temperature gauge helps check the temperature.
• checkThe double doors help maintain the temperature inside unit and the upper and lower vent is great for temperature control.
• checkPorcelain-coated water and wood chip pans are for higher durability.
• checkIt is equally well for beginners and professionals.

Cons:

• exclamation-triangleDoor gaskets are not present.
• exclamation-triangleAssembling is little complicated.
• exclamation-triangleDuring wind flame will blow out. 

8.  Dyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-D 36 inches LP Gas Smoker – Other Good Option

Our Rating 4.4/5.0

Our final pick is a smoker by Dyna-Glo is also a great option for people who love to have barbecuing at home. Take a look at its features, pros and cons.

Features:

• It uses 20,000 BTU cast iron burners which maintain constant temperatures even if the weather is cold or windy.
• The double door design also makes it convenient to check the temperature.
• The heavy duty steel body is durable and strong so you can use it for years and years to come.
• arrow-rightIt has a great grease and condensation management system which is amazing for cleaning and maintenance.
• arrow-rightIt has height adjustable cooking grates.
• arrow-rightThe electronic pulse ignition system is extremely reliable.
• arrow-rightBuilt-in sausage hook and rib rack.
• arrow-rightIt has 1,235 square inches of total cooking space.

Pros:

• It is easier to use.
• It is durable because of the steel body.
• Double door retains the heat while you check the heat and food.
• Ignition system is great and advanced.
• checkIt will give you flavor of professional food even if you are beginner.
• checkLarge food capacity.
• checkIt has cast iron burners which are easy to light up and saves time.
• checkYou can adjust the cooking grates according to the requirement of your food.
• checkHeavy gauge is used in manufacturing of wood chip box and water bowl which makes them durable.
• checkYou will see a “smoke zone” on the temperature gauge which help you find the optimal temperature for infusing smoke flavor.

Cons:

• exclamation-triangleIt is not easier to move this smoker from one place to another.
• exclamation-triangleIt is a bit expensive for a few people.
• exclamation-triangleIt is sometimes not easier to clean the insides of the unit. 

Conclusion

These are the best propane smokers available in the market now-a-days. We have explained tiny details of all these smokers so you can make an informed decision. You have to choose the smoker which fits your need. Make it quicker, find the best one for yourself, gather your friends round and have the most amazing barbecue party at your home and enjoy yourself while doing it.