:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SaraTane_spruceeats-a436740792c14a72b770556e0d8ed478.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2021-03-05at1.40.34PM-17f11a8d992d404da9a3e060171298de-820701c8e4574e02994dd19c0e9413db.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-gas-smokers-4160510-a67a921bf3bc4eccbff811c486f360e3.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
There is nothing more satisfying than whipping up homemade smoked foods, from meats to fish to veggies. If you’re going to be smoking foods at home, there’s no denying that propane (gas) smokers are extremely user-friendly and make convenient delicious food. Grab some wood chips and propane and those are all the accessories you need to put your gas smoker to good use. Whether you’re looking to outfit an outdoor cooking space or looking for a smoker that you can take with you on your outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Rather than trying to rig your charcoal or gas grill into a makeshift smoker, it might be in your best interest to invest in a dedicated smoker. This way, you don’t need to worry about regulating the temperature as closely. While you can certainly opt for an electric smoker, we love gas smokers because you don’t need to worry about having an electrical outlet, and gas smokers can reach much higher temperatures. Regardless, you’re still on your way to smoking fish, ribs, chickens, brisket, and more.
Here, the best gas smokers to buy for your backyard.
Best Overall
Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36-inch Propane Smoker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cuisinart-cos-244-vertical-36-inch-propane-smoker-bc3f9da040844d319af9e6a17e3546c2.jpg)
Amazon
Uses space efficiently
Long propane hose
Thermometer on the door
Only one door
Great for novices and seasoned cooks alike, we think this smoker is a solid option for anyone looking to up their outdoor cooking game. It’s equipped with four 14-inch square removable stainless steel shelves, which offer a total of 5.5 square feet of oven space, meaning you’ve got plenty of room to cook up large cuts of meat, like ribs, ham, and more. Despite its large cooking area, the smoker itself is not so huge that it will crowd your outdoor cooking space, thanks to its slender, vertical design. It also boasts a vent that is located on the back side of the smoker. Cooks like to use the top of the smoker as a handy prep table to hold tools, sauces, or plates, which is a great way to maximize space.
The smoker also has a long, 40-inch hose and regulator, which gives you more than enough length to place the propane tank tucked away in a cabinet or out of vision, and the combination porcelain-enameled water and wood tray makes smoking even more convenient. A convenient and accurate thermometer on the front door makes it quite simple to monitor and check the internal temperature. You have full control over how much heat is produced, and there is a rear vent, which can be opened and closed to control smoke and heat.
Price at time of publish: $230
Dimensions: 19.3 x 18.1 x 38.6 inches | Weight: 69.5 pounds | Cooking Area: 785 square inches | Racks: 4 | Power: 12,000 BTUs
"Gas smokers offer an advantage over non-gas smokers because they allow for a constant flame to control the temperature of the equipment. Cooking with just wood or charcoal is very difficult when trying to control time and temperature." — Stan Riley, owner of Barrel & Boar Gastropubs
Best for Entertaining
Masterbuilt MB20051316 40-Inch ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/masterbuilt-mb20051316-40-inch-thermotemp-xl-propane-smoker-9dbc18f052e54407953276c59c9ccc25.jpg)
Amazon
Can smoke 6 large turkeys simultaneously
Easy to operate
Convenient fuel gauge
Pricey
If you’re looking for a smoker that can support a whole lot of food at once, this Masterbuilt model has a large capacity. Designed with four chrome-plated smoking racks and plenty of interior space for large cuts of meat or several trays of food, this grill is great for brisket, chickens, fish, ribs, or veggies. In fact, you could smoke six large turkeys at once—now that’s how to go big for Thanksgiving.
Using this smoker is extremely intuitive, as there is a temperature control sensor that works to ensure the correct temperature is consistently maintained, with no need to check in constantly and make any manual adjustments. There’s also a handy fuel level gauge that makes it easy to know how much propane is left in the tank, which is helpful to know when it’s time to switch out a fresh tank. A convenient safety valve will shut off the burner if the flame goes out, so there’s no need to worry about propane buildup.
Price at time of publish: $380 for 40-inch
Dimensions: 22.8 x 28.7 x 53 inches | Weight: 92 pounds | Cooking Area: 961 square inches | Racks: 4 | Power: 15,750 BTUs
Best Value
Masterbuilt MB20051311 Vertical Propane Portable Smoker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/masterbuilt-mb20051311-vertical-propane-portable-smoker-c42b9965830343e9887ae1df7df158fc.jpg)
Amazon
Can smoke wet or dry
1-year warranty
1-button ignition
Maximum temperature is only 275 degrees Fahrenheit
Just because you have a limited budget, doesn't mean you can’t find a great smoker that will meet all of your needs. The Masterbuilt Vertical Propane Portable Smoker can cook up to 80 pounds of food. With four chrome-coated racks, there’s enough space to fit two turkeys, four racks of ribs, eight chickens, or four pork shoulders. The temperature gauge on the door helps to assure everything is cooked precisely.
This model is also portable, if a little heavy, so you can take it to a friend's party, or easily put it away for storage. Just keep in mind that it doesn't have wheels. Fortunately, it’s lightweight enough to be picked up by two people or disassembled and stored away during colder months.
Price at time of publish: $259
Dimensions: 20.47 x 20.86 x 43.5 inches| Weight: 56.19 pounds | Cooking Area: 734.7 square inches | Racks: 4 | Power: 15,400 BTUs
Best Double-Door
Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36-Inch Vertical LP Gas Smoker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dyna-glo-dgy784bdp-36-inch-vertical-lp-gas-smoker-c59206fc9a854ec28c4b4dba963aa877.jpg)
Amazon
Large cooking space
Exterior won’t deteriorate over time
Two doors
Extremely heavy
Having a smoker with two doors can be a serious game-changer. If you need to adjust the wood chips or water setup, you can access them easily without disturbing the internal temperature of the other chamber, thus causing an inevitable loss of heat. This heavy-duty cast iron burner smoker can easily distribute the cooking heat, which ensures that food smokes evenly. The smoker also offers air dampers on the top and sides that work to make it easy to adjust the temperature and smoke as the food is cooking.
This smoker also has a total of 784 square inches of cooking space among the four adjustable chrome-plated racks. With so much space, the grill can support up to 100 pounds of food at once. There’s plenty of cooking power, with 15,000 BTUs per burner. Additionally, the wood chip box is designed with convenient side handles that make it seamless to remove, refill, and clean. The large temperature control dial makes it easy to use, while the stylish gauge is just as attractive as it is functional. As far as durability, the black stainless steel exterior is covered in a powder-coated surface and high-heat paint that won’t scratch, fade, or rust after years of heavy usage.
Price at time of publish: $219 for standard
Dimensions: 27 x 19.2 x 46.5 inches | Weight: 54 pounds | Cooking Area: 784 square inches | Racks: 4 | Power: 15,000 BTUs
Best for Ribs
Dyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-D Electronic Ignition Gas Vertical Smoker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dyna-glo-dgw1235bdp-d-electronic-ignition-gas-vertical-smoker-0eac8b1ee3594d7eb6bfa61a02c60ac7.jpg)
Amazon
Large capacity
Includes rib rack and sausage hooks
Electronic ignition
Hard to maintain consistent temperature on windy days
Want to smoke large quantities of food at once? Then you should definitely consider the Dyna-Glo Gas Vertical Smoker, which offers a whopping 1,235 square inches of cooking space across four chrome plated racks. It even comes with a rib rack that can hold several racks of ribs at a time, as well as sausage hooks for more versatility.
This smoker is powered by a 20-pound propane tank (sold separately), and its dual cast-iron burner offer up to 20,000 BTU per hour. An electronic ignition makes it quick and easy to start, and the temperature gauge on the front even has a "smoke zone" to let you know that the interior is at the perfect temperature.
Price at time of publish: $350 for large
Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 50 inches | Weight: 74 pounds | Cooking Area: 1,235 square inches | Racks: 4 | Power: 20,000 BTUs
Best Smoker-Grill Combo
Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Dual Fuel Grill with Smoker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/texas-trio-971bdb5bedd749d18c55635aecd7418a.jpg)
Homedepot
Powerful on both gas and charcoal sides
Two external temperature gauges
Powerful side burner
The smoker could be larger
Cover sold separately
The Texas Trio 3-Burner Dual Fuel Grill with Smoker does it all. The grill works with both gas and charcoal, so you can cook meat, fish, and poultry any way you want. The attached side fire box smokes everything just as well as a standalone smoker would. Adjustable air vents make it easy to control the temperature. With a total cooking area of 1,389 square inches, the grill is large enough to hold up to 55 burgers. So, feel free to invite all your friends and family over for a meal.
Conveniently designed, the side shelf is also the 12,000-BTU side burner, which can also double as a warming plate. Or, use the flat top of the smoker side so plates, condiments, and other accouterments can easily be accessed. Underneath you'll find a large storage shelf to store an extra propane tank or bag of charcoal.
Price at time of publish: $549
Dimensions: 32 x 75.6 x 49.1 inches | Weight: 202 pounds | Cooking Area: 1389 square inches | Racks: N/A | Power: 40,800 BTUs
Best Portable
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster, and Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/char-broil-the-big-easy-tru-infrared-smoker-roaster-and-grill-e255c8d5f98243d8aabdcc6bd864234d.jpg)
Amazon
Great for beginners
Steel legs create stability
Versatile
Propane tank isn’t included
Small cooking surface
Looking for a great smoker you can take camping or easily store? Look no further than Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill. Conveniently designed, this portable appliance smokes, roasts and grills. It also has steel legs to keep the smoker off the ground and increases stability. This appliance is also easy to use— just connect to a standard liquid propane tank, turn two knobs and start smoking.
The appliance holds up to 25 pounds of food and includes a roasting basket made for cooking turkey, roasts, ribs and other cuts of meat. The infrared cooking surface assures everything cooks evenly and deliciously. And, of course, at 50 pounds, it's easy enough for two people to move.
But, if you’re concerned a portable smoker won’t give you enough flavor, Stan Riley, owner of Barrel & Boar Gastropubs in Columbus, Ohio, says there’s no need to worry. "Smaller portable smokers are fantastic," he says. "The only advice I give is to not soak the wood and use the biggest pieces of wood possible. I don’t feel like soaked wood chips offer a great flavor."
Price at time of publish: $270
Dimensions: 23.1 x 23.4 x 36.2 inches | Weight: 50 pounds | Cooking Area: 180 square inches | Racks: 4 Power: 18,000 BTUs
Best Compact
Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/char-broil-vertical-liquid-propane-gas-smoker-f14fe7905922416c9c340a7a7ee15019.jpg)
Amazon
Built-in thermometer
Budget-friendly
Adjustable grates
No wheels could make storage difficult
Whether you have a small backyard or prefer to use your smoker on a patio or deck, the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker is an excellent choice. The compact design will fit just about anywhere. Still, with 595 square inches of cooking space, there’s adequate room to smoke all of your favorite foods.
While this smoker might be small in size, it doesn't scrimp on features. There are three adjustable chrome-plated grates, and a double drawer to help you attend to the water and wood without losing heat. This smoker also has temperature control, which is essential according to Riley. “Precise temperature control is important because we need to maintain a low temperature to cook low and slow," he says. "If we don’t have at least a basic idea of what temperature we are cooking at it will be hard to predict when the product will be finished cooking."
Made with heavy-duty steel that resists rusts, you can store your smoker outside safely.
Price at time of publish: $270
Dimensions: 21.5 x 21.5 x 45.5 inches | Weight: 66.1 pounds | Cooking Area: 595 square inches | Racks: 3 | Power: 16,500 BTUs
The Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36-inch Propane Smoker is an unbeatable choice for both experienced smokers and newbies, thanks to its spacious interior and affordable price. If you want to be able to smoke huge amounts of food at once, consider the Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker, which can hold up to six turkeys at once!
What to Look for in a Gas Smoker
Size and Space
Not all gas smokers are the same size and shape so understanding how much food you’ll intend to cook at once as well as how much outdoor space you have should be something that you factor into your choice. In addition, there are portable versions available on the market if you’re looking to take this smoker on your next RV or car camping adventure.
Most gas smokers are situated vertically, so even if you’re short on outdoor patio space, gas smokers are great because they are not as wide as some of their electric counterparts. Some smokers are available with “wide drawers,” which means they’re not as vertically narrow and allow you to smoke more food at once in wider aluminum trays. The wider your smoker, the larger pieces of meat you’ll be able to smoke whole.
Doors
Along with size, you should also consider how many doors are on the smoker. Some smokers have two drawers, which allow you to access the chips without opening the door to the food and disturbing the internal temperature. Not only are the number of doors important, but it’s also worthwhile to factor in the build of the doors and if they are prone to leaking. There is nothing more frustrating than a gas smoker that has doors that tend to crack open while cooking. Any leaks will affect the temperature of the smoker and the food that you’re cooking.
Price
You can pay anywhere from $150 to $700 for a propane smoker. The size, features, and quality all play into the prices. If you’re new to smoking and are just looking for a fun side project, you’re likely fine to start off with a basic gas smoker. However, if you’re a seasoned smoker and want a durable machine to last you a long time and smoke a ton of things, then it’s probably in your best interest to invest in something a little larger and higher quality. Keep in mind that in addition to your smoker, you’ll need to pay for propane tanks and wood chips.
FAQs
Can you use a gas grill as a smoker?
While you can use a gas grill as a makeshift smoker, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. Gas grills are not intended to be used as a smoker, so even though you might be able to rig your gas grill to create a lower temperature environment where you can smoke meats and fish for long periods of time, it’s not the same as using a smoker. For one thing, you lose the smoky flavor of wood chips or pellets that you use for a traditional smoker when you use a gas grill.
Additionally, gas grills might have gaps between the lid and the grates that dedicated smokers don’t have, so it will be hard to regulate the temperature. If your gas grill has a flavorizer bar, you can always add wood chips or pellets there for that signature smoky flavor, but if you plan to frequently smoke lots of meats and fish, your best bet is to invest in a smoker.
What are the major differences between a gas and electric smoker?
While they are both smokers, there are some differences between gas and electric. For starters, electric smokers do not have the versatility that gas affords you. Gas smokers are much better at reaching higher temperatures, plus they’re much easier to transport if you want to bring yours on an outdoor adventure. You do need to monitor the temperatures on gas smokers more closely than electric, which can regulate themselves.
Electric smokers take a little bit longer to heat up (gas smokers can come to temperature much quicker) but it’s super easy to control their temperatures. They are the epitome of a “set it and forget it” type of appliance. Plus, they can be converted into a cold smoker easily. It’s also worth noting that you need access to an outlet to use an electric smoker.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, material, or price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Sara Tane has written nearly a dozen buying guides for The Spruce Eats, understanding what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their culinary adventures. After researching gas grills, charcoal grills, budget grills, and portable grills, she can help you find the best outdoor cooking setup for your home.
This article was updated by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. She's written close to a dozen pieces on all styles of grills and done firsthand testing of smokers and grills featured in her articles.
It was also updated by Amanda Lauren, a seasoned writer and foodie. She loves smoked meats and veggies, especially when someone else does the cooking.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-8-top-smokers-under-400-336212-dad8cab236384407a271b06f329ad446.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-v2-EATS-6-best-electric-smokers-4159127-recirc-8975bfd153bf4e088feffc53456a93a9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-product-monument-grills-4-burner-propane-rkilgore-79-7558db448ece4cfca03d13165b95e689.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-portable-charcoal-grills-test-weber-go-anywhere-rkilgore-13-0dc077216b8c48c692c5cebf0fb1042e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-gas-grills-test-dyna-glo-premier-2-burner-propane-rkilgore-175-68d14972637842fcbf2924eb964084b8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/top-gas-grills-between-1000-and-2000-334936-95de02c98afd47ee8cd8fb53e8f2dd70.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-portable-charcoal-grills-test-dyna-glo-signature-series-tabletop-rkilgore-201-747e4ad6b66e491fb6de19c3a84275ee.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-high-end-gas-grills-4159406-cbdbb6b815db48f08fbf32a16df8152a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-charcoal-grills-test-weber-original-kettle-premium-22in-rkilgore-08-1-8cafdf47c56d48259ce6874d72e0a5c2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-primary-portable-gas-grill-rkilgore-04-f295dc8869fd4205a1f5929968819f44.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-primary-gas-grills-rkilgore-01-9d2b05404eef455cb7e54e7aba27fcca.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-charcoal-grills-test-char-broil-kettleman-tru-infrared-22-5in-rkilgore-97-e7f662dbe5004e4980f904b34f16cc3f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-portable-charcoal-grills-test-everdure-cube-rkilgore-59-6f2fe3ccbc9a4ef6bf6942f363accab3.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-primary-charcoal-grills-rkilgore-1065-fa90abb05c3c469482f317dbb421ad87.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-charcoal-grills-test-char-broil-performance-580-rkilgore-247-9854ef6c8be342f3a1854311e232b06c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Offset-Smokers-SPE-tout-d2055905ba99437abacf5646c8feabda.jpg)