Also called propane smokers, gas smokers are usually worth the money since they are easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to transport. They are often compared to electric smokers since both types have better controlling mechanisms. Propane, on the other hand, has a push-button ignition and a built-in temperature gauge. Plus, it does not have to be plugged in to operate, unlike electric.
Gas smokers are easier to use than charcoal or pellet powered smokers too. You do not have to look after the temperature and making sure that the heat stays on the dot. Some people may be discouraged that a propane smoker does not provide the same smoky flavor. However, gas smokers accommodate for water and wood chips. That way, the amount of smoke stays up, and more flavor can circulate freely.
It can be quite difficult to find the right propane smoker for your backyard or patio. We totally understand this, and for that, we have provided our top eight suggestions for the best propane smokers on the market.
Table of Contents
#1 Smoker Masterbuilt MB20051316
Our top recommendation is this Masterbuilt, one of the best gas smokers you can find. It is made of stainless steel–a great material for heat retention. When smoking meats, retaining the heat is priority one and having a stainless steel exterior helps trap the higher temperatures. This smoker also has a temperature sensor that automatically shuts off the burner if a flame is extinguished.
The Masterbuilt MB20051316 comes with four chrome-plated smoking racks and 40 square inches of cooking area. As a vertical propane smoker, it also has qualities that you may not find with other propane smokers. When a smoker is vertical in shape, it has a greater emphasis on low and slow cooking. It does not rely on direct heat, instead using smoke as its main source temperature. This not only influences the texture but also helps provide a smoky flavor.
#2 Cuisinart COS 244
Many people often feel wary about buying propane smokers since they may not provide the same authentic flavor that a charcoal or wood-powered smoker may have. However, this Cuisinart should put those worries to bed, as there are components to add unique flavor to your foods. With a porcelain-enameled water pan and wood chip tray, you can perfectly add wood chips and other flavorings to your smoker.
Extra tip–the water bowl is not only for water. You can also add apple juice, bourbon, or other savory liquids for even better taste.
Made from alloy steel, this vertical smoker has 45 square feet of cooking space, making it the best propane-fueled smoker for those who like to cook a lot at a time. Additionally, it has a porcelain coated wood chip plate, porcelain-coated water pan, and porcelain smoking racks. Many expert grillers and smokers recommend porcelain for retaining heat.
#3 Dyna Glo DGY784BDP
This Dyna Glo stands out on this list as one of the cheaper options. It also emerges for its cast-iron material and double door feature. You can access your foods from the top or bottom. The main goal of the two-door design is to retain as much heat as possible when accessing your meats. Cast-iron is also a great material for increasing those higher temperatures.
There are 784 square inches of cooking capacity and four steel racks–all of which are completely adjustable. This makes it easy for fitting larger pieces of meat or for simply organizing the space as efficiently as possible.
Another stand-out feature is the one-year warranty that comes with this Dyna Glo. When people first buy a smoker, they tend to be as cautious as possible because they do not want to ruin it early. With the protective warranty, you can test out and use this smoker without having to tread too lightly.
#4 Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″
If you want a uniquely-designed propane smoker, Camp Chef has your back. The Smoke Vault is a vertical gas smoker made of steel with a unique vault-like design. It is optimal for heat retention since it is made from steel, and you can cook between 160 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smoking your food does not mean it needs to be difficult to clean up. This propane gas smoker understands that since it contains a steel wood chip tray for easy cleaning.
This Camp Chef provides good temperature control with its two doors, multiple sliding air dampers, and perfectly positioned temperature gauge.
#5 Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
This LP gas smoker has up to 595 square inches of cooking space, making it the perfect propane smoker for those days you want to cook up a lot of food. There are three cooking racks as well as a warming rack on top of the smoking chamber.
The smoker features chrome-coated smoking racks, which are simple to clean. There are also cool-touch handles that stay safe for you to move the shelves around–even while smoking your food. The porcelain-coated water and wood pan creates more heat and smoke. The porcelain also ensures there is a higher humidity–a great feature for creating more smoke, and as you know: more smoke means more flavor.
#6 Smoke Hollow PS40B Propane Smoker
Using propane as its natural gas heating element, this Smoke Hollow device provides an excellent cooking chamber for superior cooking. Temperature control has never been easier with the built-in ignition button and adjustable damper.
This smoker comes with lots of space for cooking. You can easily fit up to eight racks of ribs, 20 chickens, our four turkeys into this smoker. Additionally, the heightened legs offer ease of use while the propane tank rests on the side.
Overall, this is one of the best propane smokers for beginners and for those who like to cook a lot all at once.
#7 Masterbuilt MB20050716
This vertical LP gas smoker is as heavy-duty and high-tech as it gets. The cast iron creates a strong surface that retains smoke and heat fantastically. It also comes with a heat diffuser to keep the interior at the perfect temperature. The temperature sensor also has control over the burner to preserve the right heat level.
There are four porcelain-coated racks for cooking all your favorite meats. Plus, the safety valve controls the burner and shuts it off if the flame gets extinguished. This is really helpful for safety and efficiency reasons, as you do not have to make sure that the flame is ignited constantly.
As a result of Masterbuilt being a well-known brand, you can also purchase add-on accessories to make the propane smoker even better.
#8 Pit Boss 77435 Vertical LP Smoker
With a cooking capacity of 884 square inches, this smoker has all the features needed to perfectly cook meats and smoke foods. Of course, there is a wood chip and water pan for increasing the humidity and the flavors of your meats. Plus, you get external access to both. With this, you can add water and wood chips without opening the main door, helping you retain the heat.
With the transparent glass door in the very front, you can check on your food without disturbing the temperature. There is a total of three cooking grids and a dial for easy control of the temperature. You can select the temperature from a range between 100 degrees and 350 degrees.
One of the main features of this Pit Boss is its color–it comes in a bright red color, perfect for standing out in your backyard cooking space. It can be a unique cooking staple or an extra quirk to an already useful and quality propane cooking device.
Conclusion
There are many smokers out on the market and not just propane powered. Some of them have beneficial features that create an authentic taste, and some of them go a little too far above and beyond. Buying a good one can be difficult if you do not know where to start. You must consider the features, the materials, and more.
If you are a beginner, we recommend the Smoker Masterbuilt MB20051316. If you like the more hands-on approach, the Char-Broil has you covered. However, if you like tech-friendly smokers, then the Masterbuilt MB20050716 is your way to go.
With our 8 suggestions, you can find the right one for you or begin the process of selecting high-quality smokers.
