Propane smokers are a perfect choice if you love the smokey flavour of barbecued dishes, but do not want to spend hours attending to typical barbecues. Propane as a fuel source also allows for more streamlined operation and more accurate temperature control than a charcoal smoker. Moreover, if the location you reside in doesn’t allow using charcoal or a wood fired smoker, these smokers would be the ideal option.
With that, we’d like to share with you our top picks and give you all the information you’ll need to make a decision.
So, we researched and tested the best propane smokers available in the market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, purchasing a propane smoker would make your outdoor cooking more efficient and fun. Therefore, let us start digging in and see the best propane smoker for our next BBQ party.
1. Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker
The Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker is a very user friendly propane smoker that is able to handle large cuts of meat and vegetables.
With a large interior, the spacious smoked meant you could smoke meats, vegetables, or whole birds, and the four removable stainless steel shelves meant you could smoke large cuts of meat.
Having the built-in thermometer and adjustable gas supply provided total temperature and smoke control and the seal tight twist lock door and handle were appreciated. It was easy to hold wood chips and water with the porcelain enameled steel tray and cleanup was a breeze.
Some users have complained of maintaining a consistent temperature but we did not encounter any problems during our testing. Assembly was straightforward and was not too time consuming, but the instructions could be a bit more detailed.
In conclusion, we would also advise anyone who is looking for an easy smoker that can operate with large cuts of meat and vegetables to opt for the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker. You’ll just have to buy a propane tank separately.
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2. DiamondKingSmoker - Grill Smoker Box
With a grill top smoker box such as that from DiamondKingSmoker, you’ll find yourself with a lightweight, portable smoker box that’s perfect for adding a touch of smoking flavor to your BBQ grill.
The DiamondKingSmoker has impressed us by not having to use propane, charcoal, or electricity to make any grill a smoker. The smoker box has enough wood chunks to hold all your smoking needs without constant hands-on, as well as it provides a perfect temperature for smoking. This smoker box is made of pure stainless steel for durability while being easy to use, and its ergonomically designed lid makes it easy to add more BBQ wood when needed.
However we did discover that the smoker box may not yield as much smoke as it is supposed to, and it’s generally more expensive than other smoker boxes available. Furthermore, the smoker box may not fit all grill sizes, so check your grill before you buy.
Overall if you’re in the market for an interesting and original way to enhance your BBQ grill grilling then the DiamondKingSmoker is an excellent option. Available in three sizes, it’s a fine gift for cooks of any level.
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3. Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker
If you’re in the market for a propane smoker that can compete with quality smoking in the backyard, the Pit Boss Red Hammertone 3 Series Gas Smoker is a winner.
We were pleased with the gas portion of the Pit Boss Red Hammertone 3 Series Smoker. The easy temperature adjustment of the dual valve/burner system along with the giant cooking area allows you to smoke multiple items at one time. One feature we liked was the external wood chip and ash removal system, which allowed us to add wood chips or empty the ash bin without disrupting the cooking process.
However, when we open the smoker we were disappointed that the door arrived scuffed and damaged and found that the smoker was quite heavy and not easy to move around. Moreover, a few users have had problems with smoker's temperature control which is really frustrating.
Overall, the Pit Boss Red Hammertone 3 Series Gas Smoker would prove to be a great propane smoker for the money, boasting a wide temperature range and plenty of cooking space.
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4. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24" Vertical Smoker
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The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker is worthy of a look if you are looking for a propane smoker.
The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker has two cooking grids and a Jerky Rack and has plenty of space for smoking different types of meats. The three adjustable damper valves that controlled the temperature and smoke levels were appreciated, as were the three fan speed dials. The door thermometer was easy to read and was accurate.
But, we did discover that the slam fires can't be completely closed, which could be an issue for some folks. But the propane tank is not included, which is an additional cost. We also found that the wood chip tray could be larger, as we had to refill it a few times during our smoking session.
We think if you are looking for an easy to use vertical smoker with consistent results, that being the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker is a great deal.
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5. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
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Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is a great choice if you need the perfect vape to use simultaneously as both a smoker, roaster, and grill.
The TRU-Infrared technology guarantees that the food is evenly cooked and juicy, and there is no flare-up, and we are not using oils, so we still get to enjoy tasting our food without extra fat. There is a 180 square inch cooking area that should be perfect for grilling, and the roasting basket will hold up to 25 lbs of meat.
Assembly instructions are almost nonexistent and you will likely need to spend some time figuring out how to put it together. While the smoker box helps add smoke flavor, the smoke tray is terrible and does not build smoke well and cannot be used for smoking alone. But, despite these small little items, we highly recommend The Big Easy to anyone searching for a propane smoker, roaster, and grill.
In conclusion if you are looking for a propane smoker that can also roast and grill Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is something you should consider. It’s simple to use, cooks food evenly, and juices perfectly for outdoor cooking.
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Buying Guide
There are many factors to consider when looking for the best propane smoker. So, we’ve compiled a list of key features to look for when making your decision.
Size
An important consideration is the size of the smoker. That means you will want to choose a smoker that will accommodate how much food you will want to smoke. If you're only planning to smoke for a small family, you may only need a smaller model. But if you regularly smoke or plan to host large gatherings, you will need a larger model.
Material
Other than that, the importance of the material of the smoker is also important. Choose a tobacco pipe made of hard materials able to sustain high temperatures. One of the popular choices is stainless steel because it is both durable and easy to clean.
Temperature Control
Controlling the temperature plays a vital role when smoking meat. A smoker with adjustable temperature control allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature as necessary. Digital controls are available on some models, making it a breeze to set and keep the temperature just right.
Portability
Portability is an important factor to keep in mind if you intend to take your smoker on the go. Obtain a model with wheels and handles to facilitate transport. A lighter weight will also make it easier to move round.
Additional Features
Then, ask yourself if there are any other features that are important to you. For one, built in thermometers in some models are helpful in measuring the internal temperature of the meat. Some of them have up to multiple racks so you can actually smoke multiple items at once.
If you take into consideration these key factors, it will be easy for you to choose the best propane smoker for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best propane smoker for the money?
There are a few really good propane smokers on the market that are worth the money. However, in our opinion, the Masterbuilt MPS 340G is the best propane smoker for the money.
What are the cons of using a propane smoker?
A propane smoker can prove to be a bit difficult in maintaining a consistent temperature. Also, propane smokers can be more expensive to run than other types of smokers since they require constant refills of propane tanks.
What is the best propane smoker for fish?
We recommend the Smoke Hollow 38202G if you are specifically looking for a propane smoker for smoking of fish. For fish I use this smoker because it has a special tray to hold wood chips that allow you to create delicious smoky flavor.
What are the advantages of using a propane smoker?
The main advantage of using a propane smoker is that it is very easy to use. In addition, propane smokers are very useful, as they can smoke a number of different meats and other foods. Propane smokers are also very easy to clean and maintain.
What should beginners look for in a propane smoker?
For the first timers looking to buy a propane smoker, here are the key points to look for. The first thing that we want you to keep in mind is that the smoker should be easy to use and keep. Also, you will want to find a smoker that is big enough to hold the amount of food that you plan on smoking.
What are the top-rated propane smokers according to Consumer Reports?
Weber Spirit II E-310, Char-Broil Performance 475, Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D and they are said to be the top rated propane smokers by Consumer Reports. All of these smokers all received excellent marks for the ease in which they are able to be used, temperature control, and overall performance.
