It seems that everyone enjoys smoked meat, but it can be hard to justify the price and the space a smoker takes up. This is probably why you’ve put off owning a smoker, but that doesn’t have to deter you. There are many small smokers on the market, and we’ve compiled a list to help you choose between the best smokers out there.
There are plenty of options, and each one is designed to provide the tastiest food. You can choose the fuel source you prefer, such as gas, charcoal, or electricity. Find out more about them all so that you can decide which is the top pick for your family, needs, and spacing.
Table of Contents
Pit Barrel Cooker
Those who want to smoke like the pros are sure to appreciate the 18-inch charcoal smoker from Pit Barrel. The heating element is in the bottom, which means the meat at the top is going to smoke at a lower temperature. It takes a bit longer for it to get done, but the results are amazing.
You’re going to like that it’s easy to clean this bad boy. Though it looks like a challenge, it features removable hooks and grates. In fact, smoking your food on a hook means that you can have more items in the cooking chamber. The smoke flavor is evenly distributed, making this an easy product to use.
We also like that the heat flows through the entire smoker from the coal basket that sits in the bottom. Cooking is simple, but you may not be able to grill with it. However, the temperature stays regulated regardless of the cuts of meat you prepare. Since you’re cooking with coal, everything has that delicious smoke flavor. If you want the best, make sure to check out this smoker.
Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Grill
When you want the best charcoal smoker, the Char-Griller brand might be ideal. It is similar to the Big Green Egg, but the cost is much lower. In fact, everyone seems to appreciate this charcoal grill because it distributes heat evenly and makes it easy to smoke your food.
You’re going to appreciate the 314 square inches of cooking space, but there’s also a warming rack. This means you can prepare plenty of food. We like the insulated design because it means the heat stays inside the smoker, and you require less charcoal. This ensures that the food is juicy and cooked to perfection.
Smoking is simple with this charcoal smoker because it has a cast-iron cooking surface. That means the food doesn’t stick when you try to remove it. Plus, the exterior features a powder-coated finish so that it can stay outside all the time.
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, 14-inch
Everyone appreciates the Weber brand, and the best option for smaller spaces could be the Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker. With the temperature control with the gauge on the front, you can set it and forget about it.
Most charcoal smokers don’t focus on spacing. They are incredibly large and waste the area on which you can cook. However, this one is quite tiny and still gives up a cooking space of 286 square inches.
You’re going to appreciate the water pan because it’s quite large. That way, it maintains enough heat for smoking all day long. Whether you’re having a family meal or a big event, this smoker is going to give you everything you need.
We like that the cooking grates are made of plated steel. This means they aren’t going to rust, but they’re non-stick.
Char-Broil 20602107 Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Smoker
The problem with most smokers is that they don’t offer a wide temperature range. The goal is to cook food at a low temperature, but this is where electric smokers can be beneficial. You can cook slow and low when you want to, but when you just need some food grilled, you can do that too.
We think the best electric smoker is from Char-Broil. It comes in a variety of colors, and it also includes the TRU-Infrared cooking technology that you want. This provides more even heat and gives juicy food.
With this grill and smoker, you have an integrated control knob, making it easier to adjust the temperature. Plus, there’s a temp gauge right on top so that you can see what it’s like inside the chamber.
When smoking, you’re sure to appreciate that this smoker can run on electricity or gas. Plus, there’s a removable warming rack inside to keep your food warm. It can also be used for indirect cooking needs.
To top it all off, you have a small shelf under the grill to store utensils and other items.
Green Mountain Davy Crockett Electric Smoker
When it comes to smoking meats, electric smokers don’t get enough credit. This one from Green Mountain is easy to use, and the good news is that it runs primarily on wood chips. You may not realize it, but this is also a pellet smoker.
We like that it’s made of stainless steel, so you know the components aren’t going to rust. Plus, it uses Sense-Mate, which is a thermal sensor inside to monitor the temperature constantly. This means you reach the desired temperature fast and then maintain it throughout the process.
The offset box is where you place the wood pellets, and they slowly burn to give the smoky flavor you want from a pellet grill. We are excited about the meat probe. Most small smokers don’t offer this feature. Since it does, you can quickly check to see how done the food is without opening the lid and losing all the heat.
It also comes with adapters, so you can utilize it with electricity, gas, or the wood pellet and chips option. Plus, it only weighs 68 pounds and can fold to fit in your trunk!
Char-Broil Grill2Go Portable TRU-Infrared Propane Gas Grill
Everyone thinks that grills can’t be a smoker, but this isn’t the case with the Char-Broil brand. It’s designed to cook low and slow, and it’s small enough to fit on a table. Cooking is easier with gas smokers because the food tastes as it should. When you utilize charcoal, the items can taste like sulfur or chemicals. You don’t get that when you choose a smoker that runs on gas.
We appreciate the temperature control features of this smoker. There’s a temp gauge on top, so you know what the temp is like inside. This means you don’t have to open the lid and lose all that glorious smoky flavor.
You’re going to appreciate the TRU-Infrared system made famous by the brand. If that weren’t enough, the firebox and lid are made of cast-aluminum. There are latches to keep the lid closed during cooking or transport, too.
Smoke Hollow PS40B Propane Smoker
You’re going to appreciate Smoke Hollow, as it’s a gas smoker. This product features heavy-duty, chrome-plated grates inside. That means you don’t have to deal with food sticking. Plus, there are four racks, so you can cook just about anything.
We appreciate that it’s made with stainless steel, so it isn’t going to rust. It features a black color and stands upright, so it looks good on any patio and can fit into tight spaces.
If that weren’t enough, there’s a push-button ignition, which lights the burner fast.
Nordic Ware Indoor/Outdoor Kettle Smoker
Most people want to smoke all the time, but what happens when it rains or snows? If you have the pellet smoker from Nordic Ware, there’s no problem. It runs on wood chips to give it the flavor you want. Plus, you can use it on your gas stove in the house, as well.
Pellet smokers have to be used outside, and this one transitions well. Plus, the wood chip system in the bottom ensures that you can make whatever you want, regardless of where you are at the time.
Conclusion
Regardless of the type of smoker you want, it’s essential that it can cook multiple racks of ribs or another type of meat. You are going to enjoy that they heat up quickly, but they also provide an even heat. Typically, smokers don’t go to high heat because they use a low temp to make it easy to cook the meat slowly.
You’ve read about eight different smokers, and now it’s time to learn which one is the right choice. They are all very different because some cook with electricity and some require gas. Therefore, we can’t tell you which one is the best smoker for you. However, they’re all compact enough to fit on a table or in a corner. Smoking meat has never been easier.
Those who want something smaller that can still make it easy to smoke are sure to appreciate the Weber brand. At only 14 inches tall, it’s easy to clean and use, and the smoky flavor you get while cooking is divine. Happy smoking!
