Smoking is a method of cooking, preserving, and adding flavor to the meat. The practice of smoking meat dates back to the Paleolithic era where primitive methods were used to add flavor to the meat. Good thing we’re living in an era where modern equipment, such as smokers, makes smoking meat easier. With a smoker, you can have a smoked bacon sandwich for lunch or pulled pork sliders for dinner with some of the best meat smokers.
Best Meat Smokers: Top 6 Picks
Did we pique your interest already? Well, we scoured the market for some of the best meat smokers you may want to get for your home. Check them out:
- Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
- Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker
- Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker
- Traeger Grills Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Camp Chef Smoke Pro 36
To help you decide which smoker is best for you, check out the features of each one:
#1: Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
- Digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time
- Electric Smoker dimensions – 20.47" W x 19.88" L x 33.26" H | Max temperature setting – 275ᵒ F...
- Patented side wood chip loading system allows you to add wood chips without opening door
- Thermostat-temperature control for even, consistent smoking
- Fully-insulated body retains heat
If you are looking for a smoker suitable for beginners and experts, then the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is your best option. Designed for both novices and pros, this 30-inch digital electric smoker allows you to smoke meat without having to use propane or charcoal. All you need to do is to plug it and let the smoker do its job.
Plus, you can take advantage of the wood chip loading system which makes is super easy to infuse your meat with all kinds of flavour including hickory or maple. This makes it one of the best wood smokers available today.
Features
- Digital control panel
- Four smoking racks
- Unique wood chip loading system
- Thermostat-controlled temperature
- Insulated smoker for heat retention
Customer Reviews for the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
—>Check out More Reviews on Amazon.com<—
“This is a fantastic smoker from Masterbuilt. It heats up fast and keeps the temperature consistent. The smoker allowed me to make restaurant-quality chicken and baby Back ribs. I also have a turkey deep fryer from the same company and am equally impressed with it. Masterbuilt certainly knows how to do Southern cooking right.”
“I was impressed by the quality and heat insulation of this smoker. It also allowed me to make fantastic smoked meat even on my first try. Aside from smoked spare ribs, I also made smoked vegetables, pulled pork, and a whole chicken. I use a BBQ brush to clean it and find that it works very well.”
“This is a fantastic product that offers fantastic value. It can hold a good variety of food items. I’m extremely happy with it and it’s one of the best wood smokers available today I think. I personally love to use my sous vide machine to cook certain cuts of meat first before getting my smoke on.”
The Takeaway on the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
It does not matter if you are a novice or a pro, you can easily smoke meat and vegetables with the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker. It’s one of the best smokers on the market today for good reason! It’s super easy to use, extremely durable and most importantly, produces some delicious smoked meats.
Shop Now for this Wood Smoker
Do you want to pick up one of the best options for meat smokers? You can easily find it on Amazon so head over there now to check it out. Oh, and don’t forget to see if this product is eligible for fast, free shipping with a Prime membership:
Masterbuilt Food Smoker Review
Do you want to find out more about one of the top rated meat smokers? Then you’ll want to check out this video on YouTube:
#2: Cuisinart Vertical Propane Meat Smoker
- 5. 45 SQUARE FEET OF INTERIOR: The spacious 5. 45 square foot interior means there is plenty of room...
- Product Dimensions: 19.3" L x 18.1" W x 38.6" H | Weight: 69.5 lb
- FOUR 14 X 14-INCH REMOVABLE STAINLESS STEEL SHELVES: Four stainless steel racks can be easily...
- BUILT-IN THERMOMETER: Features easy-to-read thermometer on the front door for accessible monitoring...
- TOTAL TEMPERATURE AND SMOKE CONTROL: An adjustable gas supply gives control over the amount of heat....
Looking for a smoker from a company with decades of experience in the industry? In this case, you can check out the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker. This 36-inch vertical smoker features a spacious interior to allow you to smoke meat and vegetables at the same time. You also have total control of its temperature through its adjustable gas supply. Since it comes from a brand trusted by a lot of chefs, you can be assured of the durability and quality of this smoker.
Cuisinart is one of the best brands in the business when it comes to cooking. They have a reputation for making some top-quality products that are built to last. And, their meat smoker is certainly no exception to this. We think that you’ll likely be as happy with this product as we are.
Key Features of the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker
- Large 5.45-square-foot interior
- Removable stainless steel racks for easy cleanup
- Total temperature and smoke control
- Convenient and versatile
- Vertical design makes it ideal for patios
User Reviews for Meat Smokers
“This is a well-designed meat smoker from a company offering excellent customer service. Its propane fuel makes smoking convenient and easy. The two doors also make it easy to check the flame as well as add wood chips for smoking.”
“I’m very happy with this smoker. While there are a lot of stories about damaged products upon delivery, this was not the case for this purchase. The smoker itself is easy to assemble and durable. Although it’s not quite a professional smoker, it has many of the same features that you’d expect in a pro option.”
“This is a great product that is easy to assemble. I am very happy with this smoker, which is the first gas-powered smoker I bought. It is very durable and has enough room for four slabs of rib. It’s maybe the best BBQ smoker that I’ve used used, and I’ve tried almost all of them!”
Summary for the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker
If you trust the choice of many chefs when it comes to smokers, then the Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker should be the one for you. It’s one of the best smokers for home use due to how easy it is to use.
Get One of the Best Meat Smokers Today
Do you want to get this small smoker to use in your backyard? Then click the button below to find out all the details you need to know about it on Amazon:
Compare Backyard Smokers
Check out this handy comparison chart we’ve put together for some of our top picks:
#3: Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Material Type: Steel
- The Weber Smokey Mountain charcoal smoker helps you achieve an authentic smokehouse flavor at home
- It can accommodate a whole turkey and an entire ham at the same time. Item weight- 39.1 pounds
- Made of porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker comes with 2 nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking...
- Includes a water pan, thermometer, individual vents on bowl and lid, and heat-resistant nylon handle
Is a classic barbecue an appealing idea for you? Well, you can have one in the comfort of your backyard if you have the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. This 18-inch cooker features two cooking grates that allow you to smoke two large items simultaneously. Its lid, center section, and bowl are porcelain-enameled making them rust and peel-proof. You can also monitor internal temperature though its built-in thermometer.
Important Features
- Peel and rust-proof porcelain-enameled center, lid, and bowl
- Plated steel cooking grates
- Built-in thermometer
- Rust-resistant metal legs
- Removable fuel door for easy charcoal and wood refill
What do People Think About these Meat Smokers?
—>See Some More Reviews on Amazon.com<—
“This is an easy-to-use and reliable smoker from one of the best smoker brands. Controlling the temperature is also easy with its water bowl. This is another high-quality product from a company I trust.”
“It is an amazing grilling device. After you set up the grill and set the right temperature, you do not need to make any other adjustments while smoking meat. It also comes with extremely accurate temperature probes and it’s one of the best large smokers that’s still designed for home use.”
“This is the best family smoker I have ever seen. It is a versatile device that I can use as a smoker or grill. Your family and friends will love you when you prepare dishes using this smoker. I like to use a cooking torch to put the finishing touches on the meat too.”
The Takeaway on the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
Planning to have friends over for some smoked salmon or smoked bacon? Then, you should get the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is something you should have at home. It’s an easy to use food smokers and also has some great customer reviews.
Where Can I Buy this Food Smoker?
If you want to get one of the best meat smokers, then this one is certainly a nice option. It’s a small, easy to handle option that’s perfect for most people. You can often find the lowest prices for these kinds of products on Amazon so head over there now to learn more:
How to use the Weber Mountain Meat Smoker
Do you want to find out how to use this cooking smoker like a pro? Then you’ll certainly want to pick up some tips and tricks from this video:
#4: Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker
- Vertical design lends itself to naturally rising heat, achieving greater efficiency and improved...
- Six height-adjustable cooking grates accommodate various sizes of food. 784 square Inch of total...
- Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly for...
- Charcoal & ash management system with the charcoal chamber, grate, and sliding, removable steel ash...
- Smoke stack features an adjustable flue for additional flavor and temperature control.
If you prefer using charcoal for your smoker, the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker is your best option. Made of heavy-duty steel, the smoker has a maximum smoking capacity of 100 lbs. Its dual-door design also allows you to add wood chips without losing heat. Its vertical design makes it ideal for smoking food on its six height-adjustable cooking grates.
Key Features of this Top Rated Smoker
- Offset design for optimal indirect heat flow
- Reliable electric pulse ignition system
- Dual-door design to minimize heat loss
- Durable steel body with a powder coat finish for additional durability
- 100-lbs food smoking capacity
Online Reviews for the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker
—>Check out More Meat Smoker Reviews on Amazon<—
“This is a top-level smoker available at a reasonable price. My first rack of smoked ribs was the best I’ve ever had. Making a few simple modifications will also improve the performance of this smoker.“
“I am impressed with this smoker and I’m an experienced meat smoker. It maintained the temperature even when the weather was freezing. I will definitely recommend this smoker to my family and friends and it’s probably the best backyard smoker in my opinion.”
“This is a great smoker that is worth its price on Amazon. It allowed me to make tender and moist meat even though I’m just a beginner. This smoker is definitely worth the money and I’ll recommend this to anyone who is a novice in smoking meat.”
Summary for the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker
Looking for a reasonably-priced charcoal smoker you can use for your backyard? Well, you should have Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker as one of your options. It’s one of our top-rated cooking smokers and we think you’ll find it as easy to use as we do.
Shop Now
Do you want to pick yourself up a top-rated cooking smoker? Then we certainly recommend this top option. Head over to Amazon to find out more about this BBQ smoker, and don’t forget to check for deals that may include free shipping:
#5: Traeger Grills Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Your purchase includes One Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker. Cover not included
- Grill dimensions – 27” D x 41” W x 49” H | Weight – 103 lbs. | Cooking Capacity – 572...
- Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original...
- The series touts precise temperature control, the Digital Pro Controller has Advanced Grilling Logic...
- Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Pro Series 22 pellet grill...
Are you keen on avoiding the use of charcoal or gas for smoking and grilling? In this case, you can consider getting the Traeger Grills Pellet Grill and Smoker. This grill and smoker uses wood pellets to give your food a wood-fired flavor. Aside from grilling and smoking, you can also use it for baking, roasting, braising, and barbecuing.
Features of the Best Home Smoker
- Uses all-natural wood pellets for a wood-fired flavor
- Versatile cooking methods
- Easy to use and provides reliable results
- Durable and strong steel construction
- Spacious cooking section
Customer Reviews for this Smoker for Meat
—>Find out What People are Saying about this Product on Amazon<—
“This is the grill you should buy if you need one. A heavy-duty steel sheet is right above its firebox for even distribution of heat. The porcelain grill cooking surface is also easy to clean.”
“It is one awesome smoker that is both easy to use and clean. This smoker is also durable and strong. It is also built to last and I couldn’t be happier when out in my backyard using this thing. Awesome.”
“This is the best outdoor smoker I have owned so far. Since I cook for my family, I know what I’m talking about. It can maintain the temperature and you can cook anything in it.”
Should you Consider Buying the Traeger Grills Pellet Grill and Smoker?
Does the idea of wood-fired flavor in food pique your interest? Then you should definitely consider getting the Traeger Grills Pellet Grill and Smoker for your home. It’s one of our top smokers for home use because of how easy it is to use, combined with the very reasonable price.
Where Can I Find One?
Do you want to get yourself a top smoker? Then this one should certainly be an option you consider. Head over to Amazon.com to find out even more details to decide if it’s the right option for you:
#6: Camp Chef SmokePro 36
Here at Kitchen Gadget Reviews, we love to recommend products from Camp Chef. They have a reputation for being built to last and certainly have all the features that you’re probably looking for and even some that you didn’t even know you needed!
What about this item? The Camp Chef Smoke Pro is certainly no exception. It’s a top-quality product that you’ll be using in years from now. And most importantly, it’s hard to smoke something in there that doesn’t turn out delicious! Read on to find out why we like this thing so much.
Important Features
- Switch easily between low and slow smoking
- Also includes direct flame, wood-fired grill for the ultimate versatility (can reach 650 degrees F)
- Includes 2 meat probes
- Warming rack
- Pellet hopper and clean out
- Cord and grease management systems
- Auto-start ignition
- Dual LED temperature read-outs
- Range from 150-600 degrees F for smoking to grilling
User Reviews
“I picked up this Camp Chef Grill/Smoker combo a few months ago and have my best pizza in years on it. Also the best pork roast, dutch oven potatoes, chicken thighs, ribs, etc. Everything is the most delicious I’ve ever tasted! It’s not just me, my friends and family say the same thing. Plus, I love how easy it to use—it’s not even a little bit of a hassle to heat up and then clean afterwards.”
“It was so easy to assemble with only a bit of help from my wife. I couldn’t wait to use and did some whole chickens on it. Amazing. I’ve started doing everything on this thing now and keep getting more and more impressed by it!”
Get it Today
If you’re looking to pick up a backyard smoker, you certainly couldn’t go wrong with Camp Chef. They are some of the best in the business and we think you’ll be as happy with yours as we are with ours.
Head over to the company website to find out all the details you need to know about this top-rated smoker:
Want to Level up your Smoking Game?
Okay, let’s be real here for a second. If you’re the kind of person who is ALL about outdoor cooking and smoking, then you’re certainly going to want the BBQ Box in your life. Seriously, the second we signed up for our subscription it was a bit of a game-changer.
They will deliver premium, hand-curated BBQ sauces, rubs, snacks, wood chip samples and recipes straight to your door each month. Sounds awesome, right? It is and it’s the perfect way to try new flavours and ideas to level up your BBQ and outdoor deep frying, smoking and grilling game. These guys certainly know what they’re doing and we think you’ll be as impressed with their choices as we are.
Do you want to find out more about BBQ Box and find out how you can get signed up for a subscription? Head over to the company website to find out more about them and get a discount on your first box:
—>Get 15% Off & Free Shipping for the First Box with BBQBox with code FIRSTBOX15<—
Top 6 Factors to Consider When Buying a Smoker
Smoking food gives it a distinctive flavor you cannot get from other cooking methods. Moreover, this cooking method can enhance the aroma and appearance of food. Since there are numerous smokers available in the market, it will be challenging to find one suitable for your needs.
But fret not, since we came up with a list of factors you can consider before you buy a smoker for your home. Check out these factors to consider when finding the best smokers for the money:
#1: Type of Meat Smokers
There are several types of smokers depending on how they generate the heat they use. The more common types are electric, gas, charcoal, and pellets. You should consider which one you prefer using when you smoke food. Some things you should consider is that gas and electric smokers require wood chips since they do not produce smoke while it may be necessary for you to monitor charcoal smokers so its internal temperature is maintained.
#2: Capacity
The capacity of a smoker depends on how you want to use it. If you’re limiting its use to smoking food for your family, a small smoker with a smaller capacity will be enough. But if you are planning to use it for big parties, you may want to consider getting a large-capacity smoker. Finally, there are professional smokers which have a much higher capacity that are suitable for something like a food truck or restaurant.
#3: Features of Food Smokers
Smokers have different features that you may want to consider. For instance, electric smokers have modern features that make it easy to use and will not require constant monitoring. On the other hand, some smokers feature easy-to-clean cooking grills. Due to this, you should check the features offered by the smoker you are eyeing.
#4: Versatility of Meat Smokers
Many smokers are limited to simple grilling and smoking food. In contrast, some smokers allow you to use these two cooking methods along with braising, roasting, and baking, among others. Getting a smoker that allows you to cook in many different ways is ideal if space in your home is limited.
#5: Price of Meat Smokers
The price of smokers can range from less than $200 up to nearly $700. While you may want to get the best smoker available in the market, you should also consider the price of the smoker you are keen on getting. Cheaper models may not offer all the features you are looking for in a smoker, but they may have everything you need to suitably smoked food. So, check the features offered by the smoker and weigh it out with its price.
#6: Customer Reviews for Cooking Smokers
As with anything, it’s always prudent to find out what people are saying about the item before dropping some hard earned cash, right? In this case, you’ll certainly want to check the 3-4 star reviews on Amazon to find out the product’s true strengths and weaknesses.
Have your Say about the Best Smoker
What’s your top pick for a meat smoker? It is one of the options from this list or do you have your eye on another one? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other backyard meat smoking enthusiasts a chance to find this useful resource.
Last update on 2021-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API