The 8 Best Smokers Under $400 of 2023 | by The Spruce Eats

Despite the advancements in kitchen technology, the distinct flavor of food cooked in a smoker is hard to replicate—nothing quite beats slow-cooked, smoke-kissed pork ribs or melt-in-your-mouth barbecue brisket. The "low and slow" cooking technique breaks down collagen and melts fat, resulting in a piece of meat that is tender and juicy with excellent texture. Meats (and even vegetables) cooked in this fashion take on the unique aromas of charred hardwood and become incredibly flavorful.

If you're searching for a home smoker that will help you perfect your technique and get you one step closer to becoming a pitmaster, look no further for the best smokers under $400.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Weber 18-Inch Smokey Mountain Cooker at Amazon

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Best Electric:

Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker at Amazon

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Best Versatile:

Camp Chef 24-Inch Smoke Vault at Amazon

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Best Gas:

Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker at Amazon

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Best Charcoal:

Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package at Amazon

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Best for Smoke Flavor:

Smokehouse Electric Smoker at Home Depot

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Best Large Capacity:

Dyna-Glo Vertical Wide Body Offset Charcoal Smoker at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Country Smokers 18-Inch Wood Pellet Grill at Wayfair

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look for
FAQs
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

4.8

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Water Smoker with Rust Proof

Walmart

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What We Like

Space-saving design
Easy setup for smoking
Large water bowl regulates internal temperature

What We Don't Like

Assembly instructions slightly unclear
Water level difficult to see when using

Weber's Smokey Mountain 18-Inch Smoker Is Good for Novices

It would seem almost insane to change a smoker as popular as Weber's Smokey Mountain (WSM) Smoker, but Weber has listened to the fans and made only slight (requested) changes to this unit, which earned a top spot on our list after testing. The addition of a lid-mounted thermometer and a bottom-mounted heat shield doesn't affect how this unit works but gives you a better smoker. In the past, you either had to drill a hole and put in your own thermometer or set one inside and lift the lid to check the temperature. Now you can see the cooking temperature easily. The heat shield will protect whatever surface you put your smoker on. Altogether, a better WSM.

In addition to the vents, this smoker has a "very sneaky trick up its sleeve" (in a good way), as we discovered during testing: a large water pan that sits directly above the coals helps keep the temperature stable by absorbing heat and releasing it slowly. Not only that, but it also helps prevent flare-ups by creating a moist cooking environment and serves as a tray for catching fats and juices. A bonus? You can use the water bowl to add flavor to whatever you're cooking (such as adding apple cider vinegar to it).

While this smoker is usually priced slightly above $400, you may be able to find it on sale. Or, for an even more affordable option, opt for the 14-inch model.

Weber Smokey Mountain 18-Inch Smoker — The Spruce Eats

Price at time of publish: $455

Fuel: Charcoal | Cooking area: 481 square inches | Racks: 2 | Weight: 39 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 41 inches

Testing Takeaway

"While this is definitely designed to be a smoker, I found it interesting that it’s so easy to convert it to a standard grill."

4.2

Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker

Amazon

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What We Like

Simple interface
Compact enough for small spaces
Lightweight and portable
Affordable price

What We Don't Like

No high-heat option
Uses up smoking fuel quickly

Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker Review

Char-Broil is, of course, one of the leading names in outdoor cooking. This model, part of a large line of electric refrigerator-style smokers, has digital controls and an insulated construction that promises to make it easy to use and efficient—and generally, it is. This little smoker has good capacity and a great line of features, and if yours works well, it can be a pretty good investment. The biggest caveat with all electric smokers of this type is that smoke production can be limited, so if you are looking for a heavy smoke flavor, look somewhere else.

During testing, we liked how the digital interface of this smoker is intuitive to use and that we could pique our curiosity about how the food is progressing with the glass on the door. While a big drawback of this electric smoker is its lack of high-heat options, we found that it has its steady temperature control going for it that's more reliable and stable than pellet smokers.

Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker 725 Inch — The Spruce Eats / Justin Park

Price at time of publish: $400

Fuel: Electric | Watts: 750 | Cooking area: 725 square inches | Racks: 4 | Dimensions: 16-1/2 x 32-1/2 x 18 inches

Testing Takeaway

"The digital interface is so simply and intuitively designed, I was able to use it without a single glance at the user’s guide."

Amazon

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What We Like

Easy to set up and use
Temp range of 160 to 400 degrees
Parts are sturdy and well-built
Heats up quickly

What We Don't Like

Door isn't very airtight
Temperature dial isn't always reliable

One of the problems with gas smokers is that the heat output can be limited by a factory that thinks they know best. While smoking is done in a specific temperature range, it should be up to the user if they want to "flash" smoke or do a low-temperature smoke. This Camp Chef smoker has a temperature range from 160 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is much more versatile than many gas smokers on the market. However, like most box-style gas smokers, the body isn't insulated, and although the door fits well, you may still get some smoke leakage. People say this smoker heats up quickly and is easy enough to set up and use, but they warn that it takes a bit of practice to get the temperature stable with the temperature regulator knob.

Price at time of publish: $439

Fuel: Gas | BTU: 18,000 | Racks: 2 + Jerky rack | Weight: 75 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 44 inches

4.6

Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36-inch Propane Smoker

Amazon

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What We Like

Easy to assemble
Sturdy construction
Temperature stays relatively stable
Meat comes out juicy and smokey

What We Don't Like

No drip tray
Water/wood chip combo pan works inconsistently

This midsized smoker from Cuisinart features 784 square inches of oven space, giving you plenty of room for smoking ribs, chicken, and much more. Its compact footprint means it won't take up too much room on your patio, and a convenient 40-inch hose gives you enough length to keep your propane tank out of the way. This smoker also has four 14-inch stainless racks that are ideal to use with large cuts of meat, whole fish, or your favorite vegetables and can be removed to be washed by hand. Two doors provide access to the inside of the smoker, and a vent on the back lets you easily adjust your temperature.

Several users say they had an easy time assembling this smoker because of its clear instructions, and they're pleased with its sturdy build and that it keeps a relatively stable cooking temperature. A few do advise to use the water and wood chip combination pan solely as a wood chip pan, and using the extra pan as a water pan and placing it on the lowest shelf of the smoking chamber for the best results.

Price at time of publish: $235

Fuel: Gas | Cooking area: 784 square inches | Racks: 4 | Weight: 69-1/2 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 18 x 38-1/2 inches

Amazon

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What We Like

Large capacity
Set it and forget it
Cooks in a relatively short period of time
Heats evenly

What We Don't Like

Ash pan is sold separately

The Pit Barrel Cooker is a simple, easy-to-use charcoal unit that can cook up to eight racks of ribs at once. Designed to operate consistently at around 300 degrees, this smoker needs very little attention and can be relied upon to turn out some great food in a relatively short period of time. While there are those that might argue that it isn't a real smoker, others say it does create smokey flavors and great food.

If you need more helping finding the right product, our guide to buying a smoker can help. There are many things to consider before making a purchase, such as price, features, and fuel type.

Price at time of publish: $400 for Classic

Fuel: Charcoal | Cooking area: 324 square inches | Racks: 1 | Weight: 56 pounds | Dimensions: 36 x 25 x 25 inches

Amazon

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What We Like

Great for smoking fish and cheese
Easy to use and clean
Affordable
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Does not include a stand

For smoking large cuts of great barbecue, buy a different smoker. For nearly 55 years, the Big Chief and its little brother, the Little Chief, have been designed for smoking all those things that don't traditionally fall into the strict category of barbecue. For smoking fish, jerky, sausage, and cheese, this is the perfect smoker, say many satisfied users. The lower cooking temperatures that can't be adjusted and decent smoke production is great for preserving foods and adding smoke flavor to things you might not cook, or might finish off someplace else.

Price at time of publish: $199

Fuel: Electric | Watts: 450 | Racks: 5 | Dimensions: 24-1/2 x 18 x 12 inches

Dyna-Glo Vertical Wide Body Offset Charcoal Smoker

Amazon

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What We Like

Easy to assemble
Total of 1,890 square inches of cooking space
Sturdy build
Holds temperature well

What We Don't Like

Could use door seal

This vertical smoker has an offset smoke box that helps keep excess heat away from the food to avoid overcooking the items at the bottom, while also sending tasty smoke to the entire cooking box.

The six adjustable cooking grates allow you to adjust the height of the cooking space for foods of different thicknesses, so you can have thin fillets on one rack, large chickens on another, and a wheel of cheese or a bowl of salt on another rack, with less wasted space between the foods. There is a total of 1,890 square inches of cooking space, so you can smoke up to 150 pounds of food in one session.

The exterior of this smoker is powder-coated steel, and the wood chip box is porcelain-enameled steel, so this smoker will still look good after many years of use. The sturdy handles make it easy to move the smoker to the perfect spot for cooking, and the integrated thermometer lets you monitor the temperature without opening a door. For sure you’ll appreciate the grease system that collects both food drippings and condensation from the inside of the cooking chamber, so cleanup is fast and easy.

Price at time of publish: $349 for Wide Smoker

Fuel: Charcoal | Cooking area: 1,890 square inches | Racks: 6 | Weight: 83 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 43 x 50 inches

Country Smokers Traveler Portable Wood Pellet Grill

Camping World

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What We Like

Large cooking area with removable upper rack
Sleek appearance
Delicious smoky flavor from wood pellets

What We Don't Like

Is a bit heavy for a portable smoker

For those tailgate parties and campsite meals, you'll need a compact grill that can maintain its power wherever you take it. Enter: the Country Smokers Pellet Grill. It's capable of grilling and smoking all the food you desire. The 256 square inch cooking surface is surprisingly spacious, plus there's a removable upper rack for extra grilled veggies or corn on the cob.

Users enjoy how precise the digital dial is, noting how easy it is to adjust and set. For its fair price, we find this portable grill a worthwhile pick that will last you through many summer gatherings and outdoor dinners.

Price at time of publish: $250

Final Verdict

Our top pick for a home smoker is the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker—it's a perennial favorite due to its versatility and performance—but if you prefer an electric model the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is a hands-off option for smoking, and it gets the job done well.

How We Selected

After extensive research on a variety of smokers, we selected these top-rated winners. We looked into different types of smokers, including gas, charcoal, and pellet models. Our selections take into consideration factors such as heat retention, versatility, capacity, and the quality of the foods' flavors. Plus, a few of these smokers have been vetted at home by our expert testers. They spent weeks assessing their smokers' features and performance.

What to Look for in a Smoker Under $400

Fuel Type

Sure, you’ll use wood to create the smoke in any of these smokers, but you have choices as to how that wood gets its heat. Electric smokers are convenient, while charcoal is more traditional. Charcoal is commonly used and beloved for good reason—it's a high-heat option and does not require too much attention. It comes in briquette or lump form and is able to add a nice smokiness to foods.

Gas grills offer yet another option. This is a more convenient fuel type since its operation is consistent and requires less effort than adding in charcoal or wood. Since it’s wood that provides the flavor, the fuel choice is more about personal preference.

Pellets are another fuel type that could work well for you. They are made out of compressed wood fiber and sawdust and are great for imparting that smoky flavor.

Portability

While you likely won’t be moving your smoker very far, you may decide to keep it in storage when it’s not in use, or you might want the option to move it to a better spot in the yard when the wind suddenly shifts. Think about whether you’ll be able to move the smoker by yourself or will need a helping hand.

Ability to Cold Smoke

Most smokers have no problem with hot smoking but cold smoking is a little trickier. Do you want to cold smoke salmon or bacon, or are you more interested in smoking and cooking slabs of ribs or large hunks of brisket for dinner? If cold smoking isn’t something you plan on exploring, then you needn’t look for smokers with that option.

FAQs

How do you use a smoker?

Unlike grilling, smokers are used to cook things low and slow, imparting smoky flavors and tenderizing cuts of meat. “Whether it’s a stick burner, pellet, propane, charcoal, or electric, all smokers are designed to cook food through smoldering low heat,” says Mike Lang, grilled food writer of Another Pint Please. Choose your meat and hardwood, soak the wood for an hour, and smoke at a low temperature (around 200 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least six to eight hours.

Can you make beef jerky in a smoker?

You most definitely can. “Beef jerky is made by dehydrating lean cuts of meat, making it ideally suited for the slow cooking of a smoker,” Lang says.

What foods can you smoke?

When it comes to smoking, most people immediately think of barbecue: beef brisket, pork and spare ribs, beef short ribs, or pork shoulders. “Cooked at low temperatures for hours, these fat-laden cuts turn into tender smoke-infused delights,” Lang says. You don’t have to stop at barbecue, though. Fish, sausage, and cheese also yield delicious results when smoked.

How do you clean a smoker?

A wire grill brush, wet/dry vacuum, and a lot of elbow grease. “Smokers and their long cooking times make them susceptible to buildup from combustion,” Lang says. Because of this, he gives his smoker a deep clean after every four to five uses, taking things apart, removing excess debris, and giving everything a general clean. A small wet/dry vacuum is a favorite shortcut for getting leftover ash out of the smoker. “It saves a lot of time and keeps things clean for the next cook,” Lang says.

Are there any must-have smoker accessories?

Even if your smoker already has a built-in thermometer, a wireless digital thermometer is great for keeping track of the ambient temperature of the smoker as well as the internal temperature of your food. “Leveraging technology means you can still go about your day while staying in instant contact with your cook,” Lang says. You also need patience––a lot of it. “Unlike a grill, smoking is measured in hours and not minutes,” Lang says.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Derrick Riches is a barbecue and grilling expert, product tester, and writer. He's also co-author of two books on grilling: "The Rotisserie Grilling Cookbook" and "Kebabs: 75 Recipes for Grilling." Riches has been writing articles and recipes about all things meat for 20 years.

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