Best Propane Gas Smokers For The Money in March 2024 | Smoke Gears
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7 Best Propane Gas Smokers For The Money in 2021

Do you want to smoke your food without having to spend hours making and feeding a fire? A propane smoker is the ultimate cooking equipment that allows you to give that smoky, delicious taste to your meat without much effort.

Propane smokers are neat, and using them is as easy as it gets. They are an excellent option for anyone wanting to get into smoking, professionals and amateurs alike.

Smokers can be powered by several things, including electricity, propane, and charcoal. Compared to the others, gas smokers work much faster.

The best propane gas smoker is the one that cuts out your work for you. In this article, you are going to get all the information you need to get yourself a nice smoker that will fulfill all your wishes.

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Product

Name

Surface (sq in)

Size

Dimensions (in)

Weight (lbs)

Price

1

Masterbuilt 20051311

717

30"

21.1 x 21.4 x 43.5

58.43

2

Cuisinart COS-244Cuisinart COS-244

785

36"

20 x 20 x 46

40

3

Dyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-DDyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-D

1,235

36"

20.35 x 31.28 x 49.71

74

4

Smoke Hollow PS4415Smoke Hollow PS4415

394

44"

24.47 x 33.29 x 60.83

93

5

Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24-inch

301

24"

30.5 x 25 x 17

74.6

6

Char-Broil VerticalChar-Broil Vertical

595

21"

19.5 x 21.5 x 45.5

25

7

Masterbuilt MB20050118 MPS 330GMasterbuilt MB20050118 MPS 330G

168

30"

23.03 x 23.42 x 43.11

68

Top 7 Best Propane Smoker Reviews

Gas fueled smokers are one of the most reasonably priced products of its kind. They give you that smoky flavored food at the comfort of your own home.

Every penny spent on a smoker can be worth it if you know which one to buy. That’s why we have come up with this list to help you find the best propane gas smokers. Take a look!

This Masterbuilt propane smoker is great for open-air barbeques. It gives that juicy, smoky flavor to your grilled food with minimum effort from your part. This smoker has 4 chrome smoking racks with a cooking area that goes up to 717 square inches. And it comes with an electronic button ignition and has a dual door design.

It contains a stainless steel burner, along with what is known as a type 1 regulator and a hose. The water pan and the wood chip tray have been coated with porcelain. They are demountable, so you will have no trouble cleaning them. It has a spiral wire handle for you to check on the smoking process.

Masterbuilt 20051311

You will not have to take any additional safety precautions. The door-lock feature can come in super handy for keeping the smoke inside. You can even control how much of that smokiness you want in your cooking with the help of the air dampener.

Moreover, this vertical gas smoker also has a built-in temperature measurement system. It lets you know the exact temperature inside the smoker and when it would be best to put water or other ingredients in it.

The 30-inch capacity offers enough room for smoking the dish, be it chicken, or turkey. However, if you want to cook something more significant, or some ribs, you will need to cut them into smaller sizes.

Also, this product was not made for commercial use. For day to day use, however, this smoker is an excellent choice. It's the best propane smoker for the money.

Pros:

  • Has a stainless steel body
  • Removable racks
  • Contains a door-lock feature
  • Great for outdoor cooking

Cons:

  • Not enough space to smoke something big

Cuisinart brings you top-quality propane-fueled smoker so you can add that extra touch of explosive flavors to your cooking. Held together by its robust, compact design, this smoker is very spacious with a capacity of about 5.45 square feet.

This appliance holds four spacious stainless steel racks that can be quickly taken out. You can use some of these trays for your vegetables, along with the meat. These trays are dishwasher safe, so cleaning becomes super easy. You can keep an eye on the temperature inside the smoker with the help of the thermometer on the front door.

Cuisinart COS-244Cuisinart COS-244

Not only that, you can even control the amount of heat your meat needs using the adjustable fuel supply. There is an air shaft at the back of the smoker that you can open and close to manage how much smoke you want to let out. A bonus point of this equipment is its 40-inch propane hose and regulator secured to a propane tank. 

That means you will not need to buy any extra hose or regulator. The doors of this device are closely fitted with a rotating handle. Also, the tray for holding wood and water is made of enamel steel.

Being one of the top propane smokers, this product is the one to go for. It does not matter if you are cooking for your family or a considerable number of guests; this smoker is the perfect solution.

Moreover, this smoker is quite easy to put together and is supported by the sides to help you lift and move them around. Also, since it is very firmly built, it holds itself together even if you move it here and there. A wonderful choice!

Pros:

  • Excellent build
  • Readable measurement gauge
  • Easy to assemble the body

Cons:

  • Reports about the water pan being too shallow

As a long-lasting item, this vertical gas smoker has a wide cooking space of 1235 square inches. The product is constructed with steel and weighs about 74 pounds. Coated with porcelain enamel, it can withstand heat for several hours of smoking. This large gas smoker is easy to operate and ideal for cooking in the open.

It comes with an electronic push-button igniter that makes for fast and easy ignition. This device presents you with two cast iron burners that give you 20000 BTUs. Also, you get four attachable steel grates that can be adjusted to your preferred height. So, you can cook vegetables, ribs, or even an entire turkey.

Dyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-DDyna-Glo DGW1235BDP-D

A minor drawback of this appliance could be the fact that it cannot start without electricity. However, it beats waiting for hours tending to a fire. It has a double door formation that can be used to control the temperature while reducing the loss of smoke. 

There is a wood chip tray fitted inside the smoker and a water pan that can contain a huge amount of water. Along with these, this item also has a measurement window that allows you to read the temperature. Also, it provides you with a smoke detector that shows the perfect level of smoking flavor you need for cooking.

This product makes cooking flexible and straightforward. It is made of materials with superb quality and so will resist rusting for a long time. Without a doubt, this is one of the top-rated propane smokers, and it is worth every penny.

Pros:

  • Resists rusting
  • A vast area for cooking
  • Has a big smoker box

Cons:

  • Slow to heat up

Smoke Hollow brings you a fresh and enhanced pro series smoker. Using this smoking device, you can make the most flavorsome smoked briskets and steaks. It is one of the best propane smokers you can get for the size and money.

The product has two preinstalled stainless steel burners that can be operated separately, providing 11000 BTUs. You can control the temperature to get the right level of heat for improved flavors in your cooking. Like most of its competitors, this device also has a built-in thermometer to read the temperature.

Smoke Hollow PS4415Smoke Hollow PS4415

This smoker is on the heavier side, weighing around 93 pounds. There are two considerably large wood pans where you put the chips in externally. However, since they can turn very hot while in use, be careful when you are taking the tray out to load more chips. 

It also has a large ceramic-coated water tray, useful for keeping the interior of the smoker moist. The inside of the smoker is very spacious. You get five adjustable shelves, each serving their purpose. These include two jerky grids, one rib rack, and two standard cooking grates. You can take turns using these.

Moreover, it has a chimney at the top that can be adjusted to control the smoke. The window is made of glass, which makes it easy to see the progress.

With this product, you can cook food for a large number of people. It is perfect for significant events, especially outdoor. For the money, this one is a highly recommended smoker.

Pros:

  • Substantial size, large capacity for food
  • Great smoker for its price
  • Big porcelain-coated water tray
  • Comes with five adjustable cooking shelves

Cons:

  • Gets greasy quickly, requires thorough cleaning 

This compact-sized smoke vault is perfect for a small kitchen. It has a simple, robust design. This 24-inch vault also has a very sturdy build, so you won’t need to worry about it disassembling.

It brings you two cooking grids and one jerky smoking rack, all of which are movable. However, it has enough space for two additional tracks, as well. It also includes a water pan and a wood chip tray made of steel, to produce moisture and smoked flavors.

Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24-inch

The metal door has a fixed thermometer gauge for your convenience that can read from 50o to 550o. Unlike most propane smokers, this one has three dampers that you can alter for utmost heat control. You will find two of the dampers on the sides and the other at the top. 

Moreover, it has a simple push-button ignition and a regulator to modify the amount of heat you want. The burner has an extensive temperature range. One of the unique traits of the smoke vault is that it comes with a natural gas conversion kit. So, if you want, you can connect this device to a natural gas line, as well.

In terms of cost, it may not be the ideal choice if you are looking to save money. Still, this smoker fulfills all your cooking needs with its features.

Furthermore, this device is perfect for those starting with smoking. It provides you with many instructions, tips, and recipes that you can take advantage of to make some mouth-watering food.

Pros:

  • Strong build
  • Comes with three dampers
  • Heavy steel tray for wood
  • Provides techniques and tested recipes

Cons:

  • Smoke may escape through the door

As one of the most affordable smokers on the market, this liquid propane gas smoker will get all your work done. With this, you can stay in your budget while smoking the most delicious food. It is a pretty big smoker, and it works great for families with a lot of members.

You get three chrome-coated cooking trays that have handles for an easy and safe hold. They can be removed to fit some larger meat as well. There is enough space for two additional racks if you ever need it. On top, inside the chamber, there is a built-in rack for warming up the marinades and sauces for your seasoned food.

Char-Broil VerticalChar-Broil Vertical

There are a water and wood chip tray that comes with it. The way the pan is designed makes it quite easy to clean. Also, the smoker has a double door formation, where one is for cooking and others for burning the wood. This allows you to check on the water and chips, without interrupting the cooking process. 

At the top, there is a vent to allow the fumes to escape. The item weighs about 25 pounds, so it can be somewhat convenient to carry, especially with the handles by its sides. It has a wired twisting handle that does not heat up at all.

Moreover, you will find a rotator igniter on this smoker, along with a regulator on the burner for temperature management. This regulator will last you a long time, saving you the money and time for a replacement. It has a pretty decent construction. You can consider this product if you are looking for a budget-friendly smoker.

Pros:

  • Easy to move, lightweight
  • Very cost-effective
  • Adjustable ventilation system
  • Easy cleanup

Cons:

  • May be difficult to control the temperature

Masterbuilt brings a uniquely designed propane smoker that will make all your culinary wishes come true. This device comes with a lot of amazing features that will make your life a whole lot easier.

It has a dual-door construction, and, like all best smokers, it can be easily moved around due to its smooth running wheels. The heavy-duty wood chip and water pans are made of stainless steel and can be easily accessed through the bottom door.

Masterbuilt MB20050118 MPS 330GMasterbuilt MB20050118 MPS 330G

Also, the appliance includes a temperature sensor that controls the burner so you do not have to modify it manually. So, you can just set the temperature you prefer, and go about your way without having to check up on it frequently. Inside, the heat from the burner spreads evenly throughout the chamber.

The ThermoTemp is not only good for maintaining your desired temperature; it has some other plus points as well. It has a type-1 regulator fuel indicator and hose. This comes in super handy because the gauge lets you know just how much propane is left in the tank. The fuel tank has a retention bracket that keeps it stable.

You can feed a lot of people with its four chrome-coated racks. So, you get enough space to cook a delicious feast! There is a safety feature for your protection. If the flame goes out, the safety valve of this smoker turns the burner off.

With its sturdy construction and easy cleanup, this device smokes with absolute perfection. This product has everything you need in a smoker. It makes smoking a very smooth experience with all its innovative features.

Pros:

  • Thermostat for temperature control
  • Uniform distribution of heat in the chamber
  • Fuel level indicator
  • Safety valve

Cons:

  • Smoke may leak through the doors

How to Choose the Best One

Now, we will move on to what you need to know when buying yourself a propane smoker. We know that propane smokers save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to cooking. Still, they come in a lot of different sizes, with different shapes. There are quite several things you need to consider.

Let us swiftly go over the characteristics you will need to look for so that you can get the ideal smoker.

• Quality

It is essential to know whether the smoker you have your eye on is solidly built or not and what its design is like. Take some time to find what the products on the market are like and how they are built.

Go for smokers where the material resists corrosion. Stainless steel, porcelain, and chrome coated materials are prime examples. Not just with rusting, these types of materials even resist damage and so, are quite durable.

A bonus point for stainless steel is that it also gives a smooth look to the design. Smokers that have a sturdy build will also make sure that it doesn’t fall apart.

• Wide Temperature Range

For you and your food to get the optimum cooking experience, there has to be enough room to alter the temperature as you see fit. Look for a smoker with a temperature gauge varying from 50F to 500F. A regulator allows you to alter the heat by varying the flow of propane. 

• Temperature Gauge

One of the fundamental things a smoker should include is a thermometer. You will need to be able to monitor how high or low the temperature is inside the smoker, and whether or not it is at the right level.

In case a smoker does not come with its thermometer, but all of its other qualities stand out, you can always buy one yourself and secure it to the smoking device. Managing temperatures is one of the vital factors in making sure your cooking comes out perfect.

• Capacity

Are you grilling food for a large party or just for your family members? These are the things to evaluate when purchasing a smoker. You do not want to invite a ton of people over with a serving for only a few.

Still, propane smokers of larger sizes are the best option regardless of who you are cooking for. They are built to be long-lasting, and you never really know when you might need to cook for a lot of people.

Big smokers have a ton of space inside, probably having about 4 to five racks. Most of the time, these racks are removable so you can adjust them according to what you are grilling.

• Size

Now that you know how much of an interior space you need let’s move on to the overall size. If you want a smoker for your small kitchen in your apartment, its size matters. You do not want to buy a giant smoker only to find out there is nowhere to place it.

For outdoor cooking, however, big smokers pose no problems. A large propane smoker in the open air is perfect for significant events.

• Multiple Racks

While having a spacious cooking area is essential, you need shelves to load your food onto the smoker for grilling. Having more 3 or 4 racks allow you to load as much food as you need. Many smokers come with 4, even five racks, each with their own purpose.

There are some standard cooking grids, rib, and jerky racks, even separate racks for vegetables and marinades.

• Durability

Say you have made your purchase. You do not want your appliance to come undone just after a month or two. Durability is required because you want your smoker to last a long time. See if the smoker can withstand high temperatures without malfunctioning.

• Front Door Construction

Products that enable you to load your food, water, and wood chips through the front door make things a lot easier. Fortunately for you, most smokers these days are constructed that way.

This makes it not only convenient to put your food in the smoker, but also to clean up afterward. You can put in the wood chips, water, and seasoned food in one after the other instead of just having to stack them altogether from the top.

• Double Door

If you thought front doors were good, wait till you find out about the benefits of a dual-door system.

Double doors have two chambers, one at the top and the other at the bottom. At the bottom part, you have space for the wood chip and water pan. The top section is where you smoke your chicken, turkey, and ribs, along with vegetables too.

This allows you the opportunity to access the two areas separately. You can add more wood and water to their respective trays, without having to open the cooking chamber, letting some heat out. This also works the other way around; you can directly tend to your food anytime, giving you more control.

• Is It Available?

Not all smokers have a huge amount of supply on the market. Some of them have quite a limited number of products available. Make sure to always go after a product that can be easily found on the market. Not just the smoker itself, but also its parts, you never know when you might need one.

best propane smoker reviews

• Easy Cleanup

At the end of the day, when all your cooking is done, you will not want to give more effort and time to clean the smoker. Go for the smoking equipment that requires little effort to clean. Removable racks are the best because you can easily take them out to thoroughly sterilize them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the best propane smokers:

Q1. Should the wood chips be wet or dry?

It does not make that much of a difference, whether the wood chips are wet or dry. However, dry wood chips burn much faster, producing more powerful smoke. Chips that have been soaked previously burn slower and do not release such intense smoke.

Q2. What is the purpose of adding water?

Water dampens the interior of the smoker. This ensures that your food stays soft and moist.

Q3. How frequently should the meat be checked up on?

Monitoring isn't really necessary unless you need to make some adjustments to your food. Your smoker will likely have a thermometer and a regulator, in case you need to alter heat. So, you will not need to open the smoker, thus reducing heat loss.

Q4. When should sauces and marinades be added?

It is better to add the sauces and marinades about half an hour or so before the meat has been completely cooked.

Q5. Should the meat be wrapped in foil paper?

This one is up to you. If you want a nice, crispy, and smoked meat, then wrapping is the way to go. However, if you prefer moist meat with its juicy tenderness, there is no need to wrap it up.

Q6. How to control the heat on a propane smoker?

Almost all propane smokers you come across will have a ventilation system. These vents allow you to reduce heat loss by closing them. Or, if it gets too heated, you can open the vents to let the gas escape.

Conclusion: So, which propane-fueled smoker is the lucky winner? With all the guidance and info stated, picking the smoker that you think is the best should be a breeze. Carefully go through the features of the smokers to see what suits you and take your pick.

You have probably decided which one you want, haven’t you? Dive into this world of smoking meat with the best propane smoker; you will not regret it. Start cooking and good luck!

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Theresa Lori
 

Hi, I'm Theresa. My passion for grilling delicacy gradually built during the time I was living with my parents. My family members especially my mother was a great fan of grilled dishes to and from the love of food. I started preparing smoked food with my mom. This bonding helped me to know more and more about to smoke, grill what always I share on SmokeGears.com. So, in two words you can call me a BBQ lover.

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