Propane smokers are outdoor cooking appliances that use propane gas as a fuel source to generate heat and smoke. They come in various sizes and designs, ranging from small portable models to large cabinet-style units. Propane smokers are ideal for cooking meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables, and they can be used for both hot and cold smoking.
When looking to purchase a propane smoker, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the size of the smoker, which should be determined by the amount of food you plan to smoke. The second is the type of smoker, which can be either vertical or horizontal. Vertical smokers are more compact and easier to use, while horizontal smokers offer more cooking space and better heat distribution.
We spent hours researching and testing various propane smokers to identify the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and provide detailed reviews of each product.
Best Propane Smokers
We’ve researched and tested various propane smokers to bring you the best options available on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, a propane smoker can make your smoking experience more convenient and efficient. With a propane smoker, you won’t have to worry about constantly monitoring the temperature or adding wood chips. Instead, you can set it and forget it, and focus on other tasks or enjoy your time with family and friends. In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best propane smokers, based on their features, performance, and customer reviews.
Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker
If you’re looking for a propane smoker that’s easy to use and offers a spacious interior, the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker is a great option.
Pros
- The spacious 5.45 square foot interior provides plenty of room for smoking a variety of meats and vegetables.
- The four removable stainless steel shelves make it easy to smoke whole birds or large cuts of meat.
- The built-in thermometer and adjustable gas supply allow for precise temperature and smoke control.
Cons
- It can be difficult to get a high temperature, which may be a problem for some recipes.
- The seal-tight twist-lock door can be challenging to open and close.
- The porcelain enamel steel tray may rust over time.
We recently used the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker to smoke a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. The spacious interior made it easy to fit everything we wanted to smoke, and the four removable stainless steel shelves were a great feature for smoking whole birds and large cuts of meat.
The built-in thermometer and adjustable gas supply allowed us to easily control the temperature and smoke, resulting in perfectly smoked meats every time. However, we did notice that it could be difficult to get a high temperature, which may be a problem for some recipes.
The seal-tight twist-lock door was a bit challenging to open and close, but it did keep the smoke and heat inside the smoker. We also noticed that the porcelain enamel steel tray may rust over time, so it’s important to clean it thoroughly after each use.
Overall, we highly recommend the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker for those looking for a spacious and easy-to-use smoker.
Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
If you’re looking for a propane smoker that’s easy to use and delivers delicious results, the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker is a great choice.
Pros
- The 595 square inch cooking surface with 3 chrome-plated cooking grates provides ample space to smoke a variety of meats and vegetables.
- The warming rack on top of the smoker chamber is a convenient feature for keeping sauces and marinades warm while you cook.
- The gas feature allows for consistent heat, which results in a better smoking experience.
Cons
- The door thermometer is not very accurate, so you’ll need to use a separate thermometer to monitor the temperature of the cooking chamber.
- The single bowl design for holding both wood chips and water can be messy and requires frequent refills.
- The tray can be difficult to slide open when it’s hot, which can be a safety hazard.
We’ve used the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker to smoke a variety of meats, including pork shoulder, beef brisket, and chicken. We’ve found that the propane burner heats the wood chips and water quickly and efficiently, and the temperature control allows for consistent heat throughout the cooking process. The large smoking chamber and multiple rack locations make it easy to smoke large quantities of food, and the warming rack on top of the smoker chamber is a convenient feature for keeping sauces and marinades warm.
One downside to this smoker is the door thermometer, which is not very accurate. We’ve found that using a separate thermometer is necessary to monitor the temperature of the cooking chamber. Additionally, the single bowl design for holding both wood chips and water can be messy and requires frequent refills. Finally, the tray can be difficult to slide open when it’s hot, which can be a safety hazard.
Overall, we would recommend the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use propane smoker. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced smokers alike.
Qfire 911060014 – Control Knob Compatible with Masterbuilt 20051311 gs30d 2-Door Propane Gas Smoker
If you’re looking for a replacement control knob for your Masterbuilt propane smoker, the Qfire 911060014 is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Compatible with many Masterbuilt models
- Affordable price
Cons
- Only includes two knobs
- Some users reported issues with durability
- Limited compatibility with other brands
We recently used the Qfire 911060014 to replace a broken knob on our Masterbuilt propane smoker and found it to be a simple and effective solution. The installation process was straightforward and we were able to get our smoker up and running again in no time.
One of the biggest advantages of the Qfire 911060014 is its compatibility with a wide range of Masterbuilt models, including the popular 20051311 gs30d 2-Door Propane Gas Smoker. We appreciated the convenience of being able to use a single replacement knob for multiple smokers.
At around $10 for a pack of two, the Qfire 911060014 is also an affordable option for those on a budget. However, some users have reported issues with durability, so it may not be the best choice for heavy use or harsh outdoor conditions.
One potential downside of the Qfire 911060014 is that it only includes two knobs, which may not be enough for larger smokers. Additionally, it may not be compatible with other brands of propane smokers, so be sure to check your model before purchasing.
Overall, we would recommend the Qfire 911060014 as a solid replacement knob for Masterbuilt propane smokers. Its easy installation, compatibility with multiple models, and affordable price make it a great choice for those in need of a quick fix.
Hisencn Cooking Grate for Masterbuilt Smoker 30 Inch
If you’re looking to replace your old grates and refresh your smoker, the Hisencn Cooking Grate for Masterbuilt Smoker 30 Inch is an excellent option.
Pros
- Made of high-quality chrome plated steel wire for long-lasting use.
- Heavier gauge material than the original brand, more cost-effective.
- Easy to install and clean.
Cons
- Some reviewers reported that the chrome came off after the first use.
- May not fit all Masterbuilt smokers, so double-check the size and model of your original parts before purchasing.
- No rack included, so you’ll need to figure out how to separate them when stacking.
We recently had the chance to use the Hisencn Cooking Grate for Masterbuilt Smoker 30 Inch, and we were impressed with its quality and durability. The chrome plated steel wire is an excellent choice for this type of product, as it improves heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. We found that the cooking rack’s surface slowly cooks to distribute heat evenly for a delicious meal, and it’s also designed in a way that it drains off fat in food to deliver both nutrition and taste.
Installation was a breeze, and we appreciated how easy it was to clean. We used a brush to remove any debris, and it was good as new. However, some reviewers reported that the chrome came off after the first use, so we recommend being careful when cleaning it.
Overall, we highly recommend the Hisencn Cooking Grate for Masterbuilt Smoker 30 Inch. It’s an excellent option for those looking to replace their old grates and refresh their smoker. Just make sure to double-check the size and model of your original parts before purchasing.
Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker
If you are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use propane smoker, the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker is a great choice.
Pros
- The 15,000 BTU cast iron burner with electronic ignition makes it easy to start and maintain a consistent temperature.
- The four adjustable cooking grates provide a total of 784 square inches of cooking space, perfect for smoking a variety of foods.
- The porcelain enameled steel wood chip box and water bowl are heavy gauge and require little maintenance.
Cons
- The double door design can cause a reduction in cooking temperature when accessing food or adding water and wood chips.
- The temperature gauge may not be completely accurate, so it is important to use a separate thermometer to monitor the cooking temperature.
- The smoker may require some modifications to improve its performance, such as sealing off leaks and adding a gasket to the door.
We found that the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker was easy to assemble and use. The electronic ignition made it simple to start, and the cast iron burner maintained a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. The four adjustable cooking grates provided ample space to smoke a variety of foods, and the porcelain enameled steel wood chip box and water bowl required little maintenance.
However, we did notice that the double door design caused a reduction in cooking temperature when accessing food or adding water and wood chips. The temperature gauge may also not be completely accurate, so it is important to use a separate thermometer to monitor the cooking temperature. Additionally, the smoker may require some modifications to improve its performance, such as sealing off leaks and adding a gasket to the door.
Overall, we would recommend the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker for its ease of use and reliable performance.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best propane smoker, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the smoker are important considerations. You’ll want to make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the amount of food you plan to smoke. Consider the number of racks and the amount of cooking space provided. A larger smoker may be more expensive, but it will also allow you to cook more food at once.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial when it comes to smoking meat. Look for a smoker that allows you to easily adjust the temperature and maintain a consistent heat throughout the cooking process. Some smokers come with digital controls, while others have manual dials. Choose the option that works best for you.
Material and Durability
The material and build quality of the smoker are important factors to consider. Look for a smoker made from high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and won’t rust or corrode easily. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and resistance to rust.
Additional Features
There are several additional features that can enhance your smoking experience. Look for a smoker with a built-in thermometer, a removable drip tray for easy cleaning, and adjustable racks to accommodate different types of food. Some smokers also come with a built-in meat probe that allows you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat.
Overall, choosing the best propane smoker comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Consider your budget, the amount of food you plan to cook, and the features that are important to you. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find a smoker that meets your needs and delivers delicious, perfectly smoked meat every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best propane smoker for the money?
When it comes to the best propane smoker for the money, it really depends on your budget and needs. However, some popular options include the Masterbuilt MPS 340G, Camp Chef Smoke Vault, and Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP.
Are propane smokers worth it?
Propane smokers are worth it for those who want to enjoy the convenience and ease of use that propane provides. They offer a consistent heat source and temperature control, making smoking meat a breeze. Plus, they are often more affordable than other types of smokers.
What are the best wood chips for smoking with propane?
The best wood chips for smoking with propane are those that complement the flavor of the meat you are smoking. Some popular options include hickory, apple, mesquite, and cherry wood chips.
What is the best smoker to buy for home use?
The best smoker to buy for home use really depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, some popular options include propane smokers, electric smokers, and charcoal smokers. It’s important to consider factors such as budget, size, and ease of use when making your decision.
What are the advantages of a professional propane smoker?
A professional propane smoker offers several advantages, including a larger cooking capacity, more durable construction, and advanced features such as digital temperature control and built-in thermometers. They are ideal for those who frequently smoke meat or for catering businesses.
How do I choose the right size propane smoker for my needs?
When choosing the right size propane smoker for your needs, consider how much meat you will be smoking at once and how often you will be using the smoker. A larger smoker may be necessary if you plan on smoking large cuts of meat or smoking frequently. However, a smaller smoker may be more practical for occasional use or for those with limited space.
