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Regardless if you’re buying a smoker for the first time, or upgrading your current model, every smart shopper should always do their homework before pulling the trigger on a new purchase. Luckily, we’ve done our homework so you don’t have to this time. Knowledge is power, and it’s a surefire way to set yourself up for success.
In this review, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the best propane smokers and outlining them in depth. With this, we’re going to cover their main features and some of their top pros and cons shared by recent buyers. Trust us when we say you won’t want to skip over any parts of this write-up.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Propane Smokers
- OUR TOP PICK: Char-Broil Vertical 600 Smoker
- RUNNER-UP: Masterbuilt 20050716 Thermotemp Smoker
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Camp Chef Smoke Vault
Comparison of the Best Propane Smokers
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Things to Consider When Buying a New Propane Smoker
When buying a new smoker, there are a few things to consider beforehand. Below are a few of the main things shoppers should always keep in mind when reviewing models.
Price
Of course, one of the main considerations when shopping is price and your budget limitations. Unless you’re part of the small percentage of shoppers where money isn’t a factor, price consideration is pretty common for most. With this, it’s best to think about the features within each model and the value of the particular smoker.
Size
The next thing you should always keep in mind is the size of the smoker. Ask yourself some straightforward questions such as, “where will I store the smoker?”, “how much am I intending to smoke per session?”, “will these answers change over time?”.
Fuel Type
If you’ve made it this far in the article, it’s probably safe to assume that you’ve considered fuel. But, overlooking the type of fuel for your smoker is critical. With this, how will the type of fuel play into where and how you smoke?
Luckily, propane smokers are very user-friendly, reliable, and easy to transport. Depending on the model, owning a propane smoker means you can take it a variety of places with ease.
Cleaning
When it’s all said and done, typically the last step of the process is cleaning. If you’ve overlooked this aspect and cleaning your smoker is a painful chore, then this means you’re now stuck with an awful last step.
Be sure to check if the racks are removable and what recent customers had to say about their experience of cleaning the particular model you have your sights on.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Propane Smokers
Here's the top 3 best propane smokers:
Review of the Best Propane Smokers
Now we’re going to transition into the review section of this article and direct our attention to the smokers that made out list for the best propane smokers.
Within this section, we’re going to discuss the main features of each, then dive into the pros and cons associated with each model. We have a lot of great smokers in store, so let’s get started!
Best Overall:
Char-Broil Vertical 600 Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
People loved this gas smoker since it gave a delicious smoked flavor to their meals and had a large cooking capacity. The product seemed inexpensive to them for all the amazing features that it had to offer. Due to these reasons, the product was a hit among all and was a user favorite!
Why it Stands Out to Us
This propane smoker has a fine design with a double door system for cooking along with a water/wooden chips compartments. This brings convenience while adding fuel while preventing heat or smoke from escaping to retain a good flavor in your food. It has a large cooking chamber with multiple adjustable racks to offer you more options while cooking. Apart from smoking meat, it is also a great option for smoking sausages and warming marinades while preparing food. It has two different temperature controls for burners as well as the cooking chamber to make it more convenient for you.
Next on our list of the best propane smokers is the Char-Broil Vertical 600 Liquid Propane Gas Smoker, a fantastic model made by an excellent company. Char-Broil has been around for a number of years and continuously strives to deliver top-of-the-line smokers to customers in need.
This vertical smoker offers multiple racks so users have the option to smoke a variety of different sized meats. One of the great features incorporated in this model is its double drawer design. This feature allows users to add water or wood chips to their smoker without losing heat.
With this, the smoker also has a built-in thermometer for those who don’t have an upgraded, aftermarket thermometer. There are few other top features that you should know about before we move onto the pros and cons shared by recent buyers, let’s see what they are!
- Wood chip and water pan is made of porcelain
- Chamber features top warming rack
- 595 square inches among the 3-racks
- Racks are chrome-plated
- Total combined cooking space of 7,566 cubic inches
Who Will Use This Most
This propane smoker is best suited for people who want an easy-to-cook and quick method of hosting a big gathering. It can be used by people who like outdoor cooking activities due to its easy assembly. It can also be used for indoor culinary purposes by people having different levels of cooking skills.
Bottom Line
This propane gas smoker is a bang for the buck because of the stream of amazing features that come with it. With its dual door system, it allows you to properly steam your food without having a fear of heat loss. It can smoke all kinds of meat, including salmon and sausages in large portions. All in all, it is a great option if you are looking for an inexpensive propane smoker with great features.
The Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker is an absolute tank, ready to hold massive amounts of meat and prepare them with ease. One of the best parts about this model according to recent buyers is its efficiency and ease of use. When it comes down to it, this model is a steal of a deal.
One of the downsides we spotted though was that when fully set-up, the smoker may be challenging for some to move or transport since it doesn't have wheels.
But nevertheless, this can easily be fixed with a quick trip to the hardware store. Rest assured that if you’re moving forward with this model, you won’t be disappointed.
Runner-up:
Masterbuilt 20050716 Thermotemp Propane Smoker
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users liked how simple it was to assemble the product in merely half an hour. Plus, they did not have to worry about controlling the temperature as the thermostat did its job well. Its cooking capacity did not meet the needs of a few buyers, but they were quite happy with the flavor it infused into the food.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the best features of this smoker is its thermostat that automatically controls the flow of gas towards the burner and regulates the temperature automatically for you. It gives a more accurate temperature without having the need to keep a check on it. With its dual door system, it allows you to add up more fuel while smoking the food without any heat loss. Additionally, it has safety valves that are shut off when the flame turns off.
The final smoker to land on our list of the best propane smokers is the Masterbuilt 20050716 ThermoTemp Propane Smoker. First off, the massive benefit of this model is the built-in thermostat feature that automatically controls temperature; no need to adjust controls.
With this, there is also an indicator to inform users of how much propane is left in their tank, thus allowing them to properly plan out smoking sessions and avoid any future headaches.
Many buyers have also reported their love for the dual-door design that helps to add wood chips, without the worry of losing heat in the process. This 30-in ThermoTemp model also comes in a 40-in ThermoTemp model and a 30-in standard model, which is great for beginners who are still learning the tricks of the trade.
Unlike the other smokers on our list, this particular model comes with wheels and has a built-in glass door so you can keep an eye on the process. This nearly perfect model is loaded with features, let’s see what else recent buyers had to say about their experience.
- Built-in safety valve shuts off burner if need be
- Propane tank level gauge indicates remaining fuel level
- Door design traps heat while adding more wood chips
- Internal temperature sensor helps maintain temperature of smoker
- ThermoTemp design is intended for a ‘set-and-forget’ smoking style
Who Will Use This Most
The product is a haven for people who are not so experienced at setting the right temperatures to smoke the meat while retaining a delicious taste evenly. It also benefits professionals since it sets themselves free from the hassle of regulating temperature from time to time.
Bottom Line
This propane smoker has exciting features that attract a lot of buyers. Its double door system prevents the heat from coming out of the cooking compartment. The best part is its thermostat that keeps you from constantly checking the temperature. The stainless steel burner has a heat diffuser to smoke meat evenly. Conclusively, this product offers you the convenience of cooking and fine quality of food for a reasonable price.
When it comes down to it, the Masterbuilt 20050716 ThermoTemp Propane Smoker is definitely a top of the line model. There’s no doubt that this is loaded with features and users don’t have enough good things to say about it.
The built-in ThermoTemp design is innovative and helps control the temperature of the smoker, so you can focus on other aspects of your meal. The ‘set-and-forget’ design is a huge plus for all users while the glass dual-door provides critical functionality and versatility.
Best for the Money:
Camp Chef Smoker 18-Inch Smoke Vault Large with Stainless Door and Adjustable Shelves (SMV18S)
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers reported that this product was very easy to assemble, handle, and clean. They were also happy with its good temperature range. Some reported leakage of heat from the cooking compartment, but overall, buyers were satisfied with their purchase. In fact, they love the smoky flavor that it provides, thereby ensuring a delicious meal.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This smoker slowly smokes your meat at a low temperature to infuse a delish taste in it. It has two adjustable racks for smoking, and it includes a jerking rack as well. It has a good temperature range from 50 to 400 degrees that is easy to read and regulate. It also comes with recipes, tips, and creative ideas to help you produce nicer meals than the basic ones. Moreover, it has a huge cooking capacity to help you cook bigger portions to cook a variety of meats, including ribs, turkey, etc.
Another amazing smoker that made our list is the Camp Chef Smoker 18-Inch Smoke Vault - a model that's built to last. The beautiful stainless steel door nearly speaks for itself as users can open the vault, stash away their meats, and wait for the delicious results.
Inside the smoker are two adjustable racks that allow users to switch up their cooking style and adapt to whatever's on the menu. The design of the matchless snap-ignition ensures that just about anyone can light this smoker with ease and get it going in no time.
Made for all experience levels, folks don’t have to worry about being a master chef just to reem the benefits of gourmet dining. For those who are just starting out and may be learning the ropes, Camp Chef includes a booklet on some ‘cooking tips, ideas, and recipes’ as they like to say. We won’t give away all the goodies right out the gate, let’s see what else this propane smoker has to offer shoppers.
- 3 dampers for heat and smoke control: one on each side and one of top
- Easy to use snap-ignition; no more matches required
- Cooking tips and tricks booklet included
- Built-in door thermometer that ranges from 50-550 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cooking racks are adjustable - perfect for varied sizes and easy cleaning
Who Will Use This Most
With its easy setup, recipes, and tips booklet, it helps all kinds of customers in cooking the perfect meal. With its ease of use, it can be used by beginners, students, home cooks, and professional chefs. It is designed to be used for both indoor and outdoor culinary purposes, so it covers a wide customer base.
Bottom Line
This gas smoker produces delicious food having a nice smoky flavor. It has easy-to-adjust temperature control dials, thermometer, and three valves to regulate heat as needed. The cooking capacity is big enough to accommodate all types of meats from ribs to a turkey. You also get free recipes, ideas, and tips to have a better experience of indoor or outdoor cooking. All these features certainly justify its price.
The bottom line with the Camp Chef Smoker 18-Inch Smoke Vault is that this propane smoker will ensure every smoking session is genuine and one to remember. Buyers who report back about this model absolutely love it and say that for the price, this is a top of the line smoker; it’s easy to use and easy to clean.
People of all experience levels can start smoking in minutes. As with the other models mentioned, a notable disadvantage to this smoker is that it doesn’t have wheels and the thermometer is sometimes inaccurate. But overall, the Smoke Vault is built to last and ready to prepare some excellent meals.
4. Masterbuilt 20050211 Black Propane Smoker, 40-Inch
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were quite pleased with the results. It smoked their food nicely and flavored it well. It did a great job in regulating the temperature, and its assembly was super easy for them. Its thermostat did not work well for a few customers, but the majority of buyers highly recommended the product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product is manufactured with fine quality of stainless steel that makes the cleaning process easy and is also durable. It has a large cooking space of 1300 square inches, which allows you to cook larger food portions as well. It also helps you to keep a check on temperature with its built-in temperature gauge. It is finely designed to keep the smoke and flavor inside without any escape of heat.
The first model on our list is the 40-inch Masterbuilt 20050211 Black Propane Smoker and this smoker has been a crowd favorite for some time.
The Masterbuilt smoker offers users an insane 1300 square inches of cooking space within the four racks. The built-in stainless steel burner has 15,400 BTU’s, designed to effortlessly smoke all meats and vegetables to perfection.
This easy to use model is perfect for beginners since it comes with push-button start up and a ready to use temperature gauge. Users will be thrilled when they enjoy the authentic and tasteful flavors delivered from this vertical smoker. Other main features include:
- 4 chrome-plated smoking racks
- Adjustable air damper for full control over temperature and smoke output
- Easy to use water bowl for added flavor and moisture
- Comes with temperature gauge
- One-push ignition
Who Will Use This Most
It is best suited for beginners as well as cooking professionals who are fond of outdoor cooking adventures. Since the cooking capacity of this propane smoker is big enough, it is a good option for people who would like to serve food to a relatively big group of friends with a quick and easy cooking process.
Bottom Line
This 40-inch propane smoker comes with exciting features, including a thermostat that helps regulate temperature and promises good cooking capacity. The high-quality stainless steel used in it helps customers with easy cleaning and makes it work fine for a long period. The doors are also designed in a way that keeps everything sealed tight inside and prevents the escape of any heat to give your food a nice smoky flavor.
When it comes down to the 40-inch Masterbuilt 20050211, this propane smoker is an outstanding value for the size and production output. Overall, people have excellent things to say about their experience while using this smoker and it's a great model for all experience levels.
5. Smoke Hollow 38202G 38-Inch 2-Door Propane Gas Smoker
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers reported that the smoker was large enough to keep a big portion of food inside it. They found the assembly quite easy with clear instructions to follow. It regulated temperature quite well and was quite sturdy to handle. Some customers were not satisfied with their customer service, but overall, most of them were happy with their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product has four chrome-plated grids to give you more choices in adjustment levels for cooking your meal. It also comes with a sausage hanger that produces delicious smoked sausages. It has a great design with a two-door system that allows you to add water and wood chips without letting any heat or smoke escape. It has a good range of temperatures that you can control and regulate easily.
Known my many in the smoking community for its commendable name, Smoke Hollow continuously manufactures high quality, well-built smokers. The second model on our list is the Smoke Hollow 38202G 38-Inch 2-Door Propane Smoker and let’s just begin by saying, this thing is an absolute beast. This smoker comes with four chrome-plated racks that each adjust for a variety of cooking styles.
Users have more control over temperate and smoke output through the two door system which allows them to easily add water and wood chips. Additionally, this model comes complete with a gas control system to adjust temperature ranges.
Before saying too much more about this Smoke Hollow propane smoker, let’s take a look at some additional features, then dive into a few main pros and cons.
- Built-in external thermometer
- One-push ignition
- 20,000 BTU LP gas output
- 3.4 cubic feet of cooking space
- Racks are chrome-plates
Who Will Use This Most
People who rely on convenience and good results of a propane smoker to host a large group of guests can benefit the most from this product. With an easy assembly process and detailed instructions, it suits both home cooks and professional chefs.
Bottom Line
Built with high quality, solid steel, the product is guaranteed to last for four good years with high efficiency. Its sturdy design makes it available for heavy use. You can set and regulate the heat of this stove at your desired temperature. It comes with five grids for standard cooking, jerky grilling, and smoking ribs and sausages. To prevent the escape of heat, it has different compartments for cooking and adding water/wood chips. You can get this versatility of features at a great price. What else could you ask for?
The bottom line with the Smoke Hollow 38202G 38-Inch 2-Door Propane Smoker is that this is an excellent model and an amazing value for the price. Nearly all buyers have reported that their favorite feature of this smoker is its size and ability to hold massive amounts of meat. With this, users have a ton of control over heat and smoke output. Hands down an excellent model.
How to Use a Propane Smoker
Once you decide which brand of propane smoker you are going to choose based on your preferences, you need to know the proper way of using it. Although all of the above-mentioned products may have some differences, they have more or less the same method to use.
- First of all, you need to fill the water tray or pan of your propane smoker with anything that makes cleaning easier for you. Although almost all of the products reviewed above are built with stainless steel, you still need to wrap it up with foil or add beer, cider, or water in it.
- Then, you need to connect your propane gas tank with the smoker, open the valve of the tank, and turn on the burner.
- Set your desired temperature from the range given on the controller if it requires a manual setting. Smokers that come with a thermostat have low, medium, and high calibration. You should consult the user’s manual or guide to check which one is required to cook your food.
- Preheat the smoker for ten to fifteen minutes until the heat is evenly distributed in it.
- Now add wood chips, sawdust, or any other desired fuel to the tray. Keep on preheating the burner until you see smoke puffing out of its dampers.
- Put your meat, vegetable, or sausages in the cooking pan or tray or use hangers if they are provided in the smoker.
- Keep on checking the fuel (i.e., wood chips, wooden chunks, or sawdust) and water and add more if there is a need.
- Once your food is smoked just the way you want, you can turn the flame off, disconnect the burner, and then clean the smoker at the end.
Conclusion
In the end, all of these smokers come with their individual, unique style and offer buyers a plethora of features. When it comes to buying a new smoker, it’s best to evaluate your needs and focus on functionality, your experience level, and your budget.
We hope this review of the best propane smokers has contributed toward your next purchase and gets you that much closer to enjoying those prized, deliciously smoked meats.
If there was something specific that stood out to you within this article, be sure to drop a comment below and let us know! We love hearing from our readers and can’t wait to hear about which smoker you chose. Happy smoking!
People Also Ask
To clear any further confusion about propane gas smokers, we have answered the following questions that people usually ask:
How Much Propane Does a Propane Smoker Use?
It depends on how much cooking you do with the smoker. According to the estimate, it needs one tank of 20 pounds for five batches of medium cooks at ten hours for every single one.
How Many Hours Does a 20 Pound Propane Tank Last?
Generally, a normal 20 pound can work for eighteen to twenty hours before you need to fill it up again.
How Often Do You Add Wood Chips to a Propane Smoker?
There is no hard and fast rule for this, but it is recommended to add more wood chips every five to six hours.
Do You Soak Wood Chips For Propane Smoker?
If you want your meat to be tender and well smoked, you need to soak wood chips for half an hour before using them in the smoker.
How Can I Tell How Much Propane Is Left in My Tank?
Pour hot water on the propane tank and check which part is warm and which one is colder. The warm part must be empty, and the cold one is full of propane. So you can easily measure how much gas is left.
What is Better Propane or Electric Smoker?
If you want a delicious smoky flavor in your meat, then a propane smoker is a better option. Also, gas grills in propane smokers are more convenient to use than charcoal or palette in an electric smoker.