9 Best Propane Smokers You Should Buy in 2023

For those of you who are considering smoking food, it’s likely that you have no idea how or where to begin your search for the best smokehouse for your needs.

When it comes to purchasing a smoker, the most critical decision you’ll have to make is how it will be fueled. While we’ve narrowed our search to the best propane smokers, for the time being, there are plenty of other options available.

Only a charcoal smoker can produce the distinct flavor of barbecue that has become synonymous with this cooking method.

It is widely accepted that electric smokers are among the most convenient, yet many purists believe that they cannot be compared to the sensation of cooking with charcoal.

So, if you’re looking for a low-cost, easy-to-use smoker for your patio or deck, consider a propane smoker. Many pitmasters prefer to cook with gas over electric, which is not the case with electric.

Propane smokers are a great option if you want to cook quickly and easily without spending a lot of money.

The cabinet-style smokers that are the most popular for propane-fueled cooking are referred to as vertical smokers because of this.

Top Propane Smokers

You can now choose the best propane smoker with just a few clicks of your mouse The execution of these units is easy, and they’re quite similar.

You don’t have to worry about smart controls or other bells and whistles, and there isn’t much to distinguish between them. It’s important to keep these things in mind while you’re out looking for a new trailer:

• Dimensions:

First and foremost, think about the smoker’s overall dimensions as well as its weight. Make sure there’s adequate room for it in your home. In addition to determining where to put the smoker, the breadth of the appliance is an important consideration.

Consider a smoker with a 40-inch diameter if you don’t want to cut rack of ribs in 50 percent while cooking. In addition, the total cooking space is essential. This is measured in square inches, and we make sure to provide this data for each model in our reviews so that you can easily compare them side by side.

• Ease of maintenance:

Make certain that the shelves, as well as the greased pan, are easily removed and washable. The use of chrome-plated racks helps to reduce the amount of food that sticks to them. Cooking racks and pans that are dishwasher-safe are included with some of the top propane smokers.

• Consistency:

As one of the most frequent forms, vertical smokers have the advantage of being both lighter and less stable than other types of smokers. If you choose a vertical smoker, make certain that the legs are spread and properly built to overcome the instability difficulties.

• Assemblable shelving:

If you want to create a certain smoking atmosphere, make sure the shelves are adjustable and can be removed.

• Doors on both sides:

To avoid compromising the heating environment, ensure that you may access the pan without having to open its door.

Please read on and we’ll point you in the direction of the best smokers for your budget. There are a plethora of other appealing options available.

We’ll also go over some pointers for making the most of your brand-new gas smoker after you’re done.

The 9 Best Propane Smokers

In order to make smoking as convenient as possible, you should definitely consider purchasing the best propane smoker.

These are among the most economical types of smokers available, create excellent taste results, can accommodate a large amount of food at a time, and take up little room on your deck due to their vertical configuration.

1. Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker

Masterbuilt’s 40-inch propane smoker will be our first pick, and it’s a lot more substantial. As you can tell by the quality of the product offered by this brand, they have a strong presence in this vertical.

First and foremost, make very sure you have enough room for this monster to roam freely. This smoker, which measures 40 inches in diameter and weighs 92 pounds, is best suited to areas with more square footage.

Cooking space of about 1000 square inches is the price you pay for this large platform. For context, this means you can fit six turkeys, sixteen chickens, eight pork buttocks, or eight whole racks of ribs in there. Because of the Masterbuilt’s 40-inch width, you will be able to accommodate a whole rack within when it is unfolded if that is your preference.

There are four chrome-plated cooking racks. All the greatest propane smokers have this feature that makes cleaning much easier. After every use, you should take the racks from the smoker & clean them with warm soapy water, just like you would with any other type of smoking device.

You can effortlessly change the heat to match what you’re planning to smoke inside thanks to ergonomic temperature control. When compared to charcoal-burning grills, this is likely the most significant advantage of propane grills.

Using the safety shut-off, you may be assured that the burner will be turned off in the case that the flame is extinguished.

This burner has a BTU rating of 15,750, so you’ll have enough power to smoke a variety of foods consistently and efficiently.

For as long as you’re willing to make a small concession in terms of the distinctive flavor that only charcoal can provide, this gas smoker will provide a user-friendly smoking experience even if you’re a complete novice to the art of grilling.

2. Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker

The Cuisinart COS-444 is our recommendation for the ideal propane smoker. When compared to other vertical smokers, how does this one stack up?

That it offers over 800 sq. inches of complete rack surface while also having a Tardis-like physical aspect is probably the most compelling selling feature. This smoker, on the other hand, is only 36 inches across and has a vertical arrangement, so it has a small footprint.

Every one of the four stainless steel shelves is detachable, allowing you to thoroughly clean them between uses. They may be thrown in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. The ability to accommodate large pieces of flesh or whole birds is an additional advantage of the detachable nature of the trays.

When compared to more difficult charcoal smokers, you’ll discover that controlling the temperature on this type is really effortless. In order to reduce the volume of temperature this smoker produces, you’ll need to modify the gas supply. You’ll be smoking food right out of the box, whether you’re a seasoned griller or a complete novice.

The built-in thermometer makes it easy to keep track of the temperature. This is affixed towards the front doorway so that it is constantly visible.

The water tray & wood chip tray are made of porcelain enamel, and they provide you with everything that you need to smoke your beloved meats and fishes while also making cleanup a breeze.

Despite some harsh criticism in user evaluations, the vast majority of comments are supportive of the door handle twist lock.

Despite the fact that you’ll need to create room for something like a 20-pound propane tank, you’ll get such an inches hose and regulator included.

If you are searching for one of the top propane smokers that won’t take over your patio or deck, the Cuisinart COS-444 is indeed the ideal compromise between space-saving design and remarkable performance and functionality.

3. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker

Char-Big Broil’s Easy is a smoker, roaster, and grill all rolled into one, but is it a good purchase or a waste of money?

Fortunately, you’re investing in one of the most effective and convenient smokers available, allowing you to put your trust in the Char-Broil name and reputation.

The TRU-Infrared functionality is the main attraction, as it ensures reliable results every time with considerably fewer flareups. But don’t worry: your food will remain juicy and tender, allowing you to achieve those signature smoking results with less effort and fuss.

This model comes with a cover, allowing you to put your Char-Broil outside all year long without having to worry about rust or corrosion forming on the grill.

Capacity is superb, as is the overall performance. A total of 25 pounds of flesh, fish, and vegetables can be stored inside the refrigerator. There is also 180 sq. inches of space available for roasting meals. Bring The Big Easy into your home and you won’t have to make any sacrifices, even if you have a large extended family or routinely host a large number of people.

With the removable racks, you’ll be able to arrange all of your meals without running into any difficulty maintaining this smoker clean.

We can’t say enough good things about The Big Easy if you’re looking for propane cooking with the added benefit of TRU-Infrared.

4. Camp Chef Smoke Vault Vertical Smoker

It is also one of the most effective propane smokers available. Camp Chef’s iconic Smoking Chamber is one of the most desirable and most efficient propane smokers available. So, how does it come out in the end?

The large interior capacity is perhaps the model’s biggest selling factor. The Smoke Vault is one of the largest smokers in its class, with over 900 sq. inches of cooking space though you can get inventive smoking low and slow.

To assist you to control the temperature within this machine, there are three different dampers. One is positioned on the head of the smoker, while the other two are on either side. An electronic smoker is the only way to go if you’re searching for ultimate convenience. However, if you’re willing to get your hands dirty, this device is a lot easier to use than most of the competition.

A built-in thermometer allows you to keep track of the temperature within the smoker, which ranges from 50 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matches or lighters are necessary with this modern propane smoker’s seamless ignition mechanism. It’s a great feature for large gatherings.

The smoker’s overall construction is sturdy, and the contrast between the black and silver finish gives it a sleek, elegant appearance.

5. Cuisinart Vertical Propane Smoker

Cuisinart is primarily renowned for its kitchenware and appliances, but how does its excursion into the world of smokers turn out?

Although this model has received mixed reviews, it is still worth a spot on your shortlist.

To begin with, you may discover that thermochemical conversion on this device is a little difficult. While this will not be a problem for more skilled grill masters, those who are just starting out should look at each of the smokers we have reviewed instead.

In terms of available space, you may rest assured that you won’t feel slighted. You get a spacious interior with enough room for 25 pounds of meat, fish, and vegetables, along with 180 sq inches of space utilization for roasting your family’s favorites.

Place your food on the four stainless steel racks and arrange it as desired. To make cleaning easier, they’re all removable.

You can manage the heat by adjusting the propane fuel supply, and the back vent allows you to regulate the number of emissions that are circulated inside the house.

Porcelain enamel coats the tray that holds the wood and water, enhancing both its functionality and its durability.

This smoker comes with all of the necessary propane hoses and regulators. You’ll need a typical 20-pound gas cylinder, enough wood pellets, and the meal you would like to smoke slowly and low to get started.

6. Dyna-Glo Vertical Propane Smoker

Despite the fact that Dyna-grills Glo’s and smokers are limited in number, they are well-liked around the world due to their excellent combination of value and performance. In other words, how does one unit compare to the rest?

There are several models to pick from, including the following

• Extra-Large
• Large
• Standard

Model STANDARD, with a 36-inch diameter, is depicted. If you have a small patio or deck, this smoker’s vertical layout makes it a good choice.

You’ll also have to decide if you want to use propane gas or natural gas.

The perfect smoker should be in place now that you’ve taken care of those possibilities, so how does it do?

Despite the small footprint, you’ll have 784 sq. inches of cooking space, which is the most in the class. This is ideal for large families or anyone who routinely holds huge cookouts with a lot of people.

The wire racks can be moved around and are adjustable. Spread your favorite dishes across the four racks, then relax and enjoy the ease of set-and-forget cooking. After a few hours, you’ll be able to indulge in mouthwatering dishes without having to spend hours working over a hot fire.

This model does come with a cover, but it is not included in the package. It’s worth investigating a little deeper to make sure your money is safe.

With the twin openings, you can easily reach the wood pellet pan and liquid pan without having to enter the main entrance and lose the warmth that is contained within.

With the help of sliding air dampers, you have complete control over the temperature in your home. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up delicious meals in no time at all.

7. Char-Broil Vertical Propane Smoker

Even if you’re just thinking about starting to smoke, the high prices of some of the most highly recommended smokers may deter you from doing so.

At this pricing point, you must examine the benefits and drawbacks of any smoker. Despite its modest dimensions of 2’x2’x4′, the Char-Broil gas smoker provides a lot of cooking space.

There’s plenty of area for racks of ribs with 595 sq. inches of cooking surface; just keep an eye on how wide your slices of meat go and consider picking up extra rib racks to increase your capacity even more.

Because of its weight, the entire construction is of high quality for its price, albeit it does not compare favorably with some of the other smokers reviewed here.

The thermometer is a little poorer than usual for designed thermometers, so make absolutely sure you get a good thermometer set up.

The water tray with the place for firewood in the middle (hey, wet soggy mess!) isn’t one of our favorites.

Fortunately, you can rectify this with a few simple changes or by adding your own tiny pan to the bottom.

Because this smoker frequently goes on sale, chances are you’ll be able to find an excellent deal on one.

8. Smoke Hollow PS40B Propane Smoker

The Smoke Hollow 44 ′′ Vertical Propane Smoker is an excellent option for people who don’t like to travel and solely intend to just use their gas smoker in their residences or outdoor kitchens.

The strength and size of this propane smoker are well-known. It’s a 44″ vertical smoker with a cooking space of seven cubic feet, and it’s available in black.

With five removable racks, the Smoke Hollow 44 ” Vertical Gas Smoker is different from some other propane smokers mentioned in the article.

Cooking large amounts of flash and other types of meals can be done effortlessly with this size of pot.

Up to 20 chickens can be smoked at one time, and 8 racks of ribs, 4 turkeys, or 16 pork butts can be smoked simultaneously.

There is also a lot of power in this 44-inch vertical gas smoker.

Two normal grids, one grid and rib rack combination, and 2 jerky-style grids are included in this propane smoker. These qualities will make it simpler for us to prepare our meats in a variety of ways.

It’s reasonable to suppose that now the Smoke Hollow 44 ” Vertical Gas Smoker will consume a substantial amount of propane, given its size and power.

For this reason, a vertical gas smoker like the Smoke Hollow 44” Vertical Propane Smoker is great for cooking big quantities of meat at a time.

That would be a waste of money to buy propane gas and use it just once in a while for smoky pork chops! Construction-wise, it is a substantial and well-built piece of equipment.

An industry legend, Pit Boss produces grills and smokers that are adored by both novices and experienced pit-crew members. 

A two-burner system with a respectable 12,500 BTU rating is included in this item. This lets you cook the food inside this item from 100 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, providing you with plenty of flexibility to make all your beloved smoked dishes.

You could not have any preferences because you’re new to smoking food. If that’s the case, this vertical gas smoker is the correct solution for you. You won’t have to deal with such a big learning curve as you would when smoking with charcoal, but the flavor will be superior to that of an electric smoker.

You don’t have to mess with the heating environment you’ve created because you have remote access to the liquid pan and wood chip pan.

Again, without opening the door, you can maintain a close eye on what’s going on. The thermometer and large viewing window make it easy to keep an eye on the food, and you won’t have to constantly check the temperature.

Porcelain has been used to coat the cooking grids, which helps to keep food from sticking. After each use, make sure to take them off and give them a good scrub in hot soapy water.

As an added bonus, despite the relatively small footprint, you get a generous cooking surface space of 884 square inches, which is rather generous. If you’re already going to spend more time at home than normal this summer, why just not bring the party to you by throwing a big cookout? With the help of the Pit Boss, that should be a lot easier than it was previously.

The majority of the user ratings for this smoker were positive, but we also came across a substantial amount of concerns concerning the poor level of customer support provided by this brand, which we investigated further. If you find yourself in need of assistance from customer service, be prepared to wait.

What To Consider When Purchasing A Propane Smoker

Propane smokers are rather simple to find. Unlike gas or pellet grills, which can have a plethora of amenities (as well as marketing language), most pellet smokers have a similar shape.

Here are a few crucial qualities to keep an eye out for, as well as some potential issues.

 

It is preferable to have two doors

Access to the wood chips should be possible without having to open the main cooking chamber’s door first.

The majority of the smokers featured in this guide have a two-door design. Occasionally, a smoker with only one door and chip trays that are loaded independently, such as the Smoke Hollow 44, will come up for sale.

Beware the smoker’s width

You must be cautious if you solely consider the overall amount of grill space. Propane smokers boast large sq. inches of surface area, but their actual width is relatively narrow, unable to accommodate a complete brisket or rack of ribs.

Poorly constructed and leaking doors

A majority of these smokers are constructed of inexpensive, thin metal. The cooking chamber door, in particular, is prone to water leakage during operation.

In the preceding smoker evaluations, we mentioned that some smokers had leaking issues. However, you can easily make an inexpensive modification and install a high-temperature gasket seal if this becomes a problem in the long run.

A small amount of leaking is OK and will not have an impact on the quality of your food. Fortunately, the cost of running a propane tank is already very low.

You can Also Read: 11 Best Smoker For Beginners in 2023

FAQ’s

1) What exactly is a vertical propane-fueled smoker?

The most common form of all is the vertical propane gas smoker. At first glance, these big steel cabinets resemble a freezer or a gym locker. Solo or double doors stand vertically on these smokers. Inside, you’ll find chrome-coated aluminum racks and hooks for smoking your preferred meats, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Because of their vertical design, these smokers and grills take up significantly fewer areas on the patio or deck than a horizontal smoker or grill. The box’s design also ensures that rising smoke kisses all of the components inside. Each of these smokers has a similar appearance. The bottom of the stove has a gas burner. Below this is an open pan of wood chips. Temperature stabilization is assisted by using the water pan over the stove, which also provides necessary moisture. The racks are located on the upper level. With the help of the onboard vents and dampers, you can control the movement of air and smoke.

2) What are some of the advantages of using a propane smoker?

Propane smokers have a number of advantages over other types of smokers. To begin with, propane smokers are typically less expensive to operate and maintain than a pellet, charcoal, or electric smokers of comparable size. Propane smokers are often small and easy to transport. Because you’ll be using propane gas, you won’t need to stock up on briquettes or logs. As a result, you will not see the same buildup of ash that you would experience with a charcoal or pellet smoker. The electrical ignition found on most of the top models makes starting these smokers quick and straightforward. The ease of usage is another major advantage of a propane smoker. You can get started nearly immediately, and you won’t need to make any temperature adjustments once you’re up and running.

3) Are there any disadvantages to utilizing a propane smoker?

The taste is the main downside of propane smokers. Even the greatest models can’t match the flavor of a real wood or charcoal smoker. Even yet, for the average consumer, the difference isn’t significant. Vertical smokers’ minimal weight can be both a plus and a disadvantage. During shipment, they are more susceptible to dents and dings, so inspect your package carefully. When the door seal on a propane smoker is weak, the fumes will escape while it is difficult to manage the temperature. A whole rack of ribs will not fit in a grill that is less than 40″ in diameter.

Wrapping it up

In the event that you arrived here at Best Smoker Guide with no prior knowledge of whether gas smokers were any great, you should now have a far better understanding of whether this technique of smoking is appropriate for your needs.

Remember that there is no right or incorrect answer in this situation. If you believe that charcoal is the only acceptable fuel for grilling or smoking, don’t rule out a propane gas or electric smoker. You’re almost certainly going to be disappointed.

A propane smoker is a perfect option if you are looking for the best propane smoker that is easy to use and convenient to use.

Everyone who is sold on the notion of using gas to cook hopes that today’s tutorial has taught them everything they need to know about selecting the best propane smoker in the simplest possible manner.

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