ropane smokers have gained popularity among barbecue enthusiasts for their convenience and ability to produce delicious smoked meats. These versatile appliances combine the low and slow cooking method of traditional smokers with the ease of use that propane fuel provides. The best propane smokers of 2024 offer improved features, temperature control, and capacity to meet the needs of both novice and experienced pitmasters.
As more people discover the joys of smoking meat at home, manufacturers have responded by developing a wide range of propane smokers to suit various preferences and budgets. From compact models ideal for small patios to large-capacity units capable of feeding a crowd, there are options available for every backyard chef. The top propane smokers of 2024 incorporate user-friendly designs, durable construction, and efficient fuel consumption to enhance the outdoor cooking experience.
1) Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch is a top choice for smoking enthusiasts in 2024. This charcoal smoker features a distinctive bullet shape that maximizes heat retention and circulation.
It offers two stacked cooking grates, providing ample space for smoking various meats and vegetables simultaneously. The built-in water pan helps maintain consistent temperature and adds moisture to the smoking process.
The porcelain-enameled construction ensures durability and heat retention. Its 18-inch size strikes a balance between cooking capacity and portability, making it suitable for both backyard use and tailgating events.
Temperature control is achieved through adjustable vents on the lid and base. This allows users to fine-tune the heat and smoke levels for optimal results.
While not a propane smoker, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker remains popular due to its reliability and the rich, smoky flavor it imparts to food. Its user-friendly design makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced smokers.
2) Masterbuilt MB20050716 MPS 330G
The Masterbuilt MB20050716 MPS 330G is a standout propane smoker for 2024. This model features a built-in meat probe thermometer, allowing for precise temperature monitoring of the food being smoked.
The MPS 330G boasts a TempoTemp feature that enables users to set and maintain desired temperatures easily. This automated temperature control system helps ensure consistent results across various smoking sessions.
With four chrome-coated smoking racks, this Masterbuilt smoker offers ample space for multiple cuts of meat or other foods. The unit’s 40-inch height provides sufficient vertical room for larger items like whole turkeys or rib racks.
The smoker includes an air damper for fine-tuning smoke and heat levels. This feature gives users greater control over the smoking process, allowing for customization based on personal preferences or specific recipe requirements.
RF remote controls add convenience, letting users adjust settings from a distance. This feature is particularly useful for long smoking sessions, reducing the need for constant monitoring at the smoker itself.
3) Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″
The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ stands out as a versatile and efficient propane smoker. Its compact design maximizes fuel efficiency and heat retention without sacrificing cooking space.
This smoker offers over 800 square inches of cooking area, providing ample room for various meats and foods. The heavy-gauge steel construction ensures durability and excellent heat distribution.
The Smoke Vault features a wood chip tray and water pan, allowing users to infuse their meats with delicious smoky flavors. It accommodates a variety of wood types, including mesquite, hickory, and cherry.
Temperature control is straightforward with the Smoke Vault’s adjustable damper valves and door thermometer. This allows for precise heat management during long smoking sessions.
Clean-up is relatively easy thanks to the smoker’s removable porcelain base tray and wood chip tray. The unit’s sturdy design also contributes to its overall ease of use and maintenance.
The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ proves to be a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced smokers. Its performance across various smoking tasks makes it a strong contender in the propane smoker market for 2024.
4) Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical
The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical Propane Gas Smoker offers an efficient and versatile smoking experience. It features a powerful 15,000 BTU burner, providing ample heat for various smoking needs.
This smoker boasts a generous 784 square inches of cooking space, accommodating a wide range of foods. The vertical design maximizes space efficiency, making it suitable for both small patios and larger outdoor cooking areas.
Four steel wire racks come standard with this model, allowing users to smoke multiple items simultaneously. The dual-door design helps maintain consistent temperatures by minimizing heat loss when accessing the lower chamber.
The Dyna-Glo smoker’s black powder coat finish adds durability and style to the unit. Its construction focuses on performance and ease of use, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced smokers.
Temperature control is straightforward with this propane smoker, enabling users to achieve desired results consistently. The vertical configuration promotes even heat distribution throughout the smoking chamber.
5) Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36″
The Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36″ propane smoker offers excellent value for budget-conscious barbecue enthusiasts. This 36-inch smoker provides ample cooking space with four removable stainless steel racks.
Its dual-door design helps minimize heat loss when adding wood chips or water. The smoker features a 15,000 BTU burner for consistent heat and a built-in thermometer for temperature monitoring.
The COS-244 includes separate trays for wood chips and water, allowing for easy flavor customization and moisture control. Its porcelain enamel water pan helps maintain a humid smoking environment.
This propane smoker is versatile enough to handle various meats, from brisket to fish. It’s also suitable for making jerky. The unit’s portability makes it ideal for tailgating, camping, or backyard use.
While not the most feature-rich option, the Cuisinart COS-244 delivers reliable performance at an accessible price point. Its straightforward design and operation make it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced smokers seeking a dependable propane unit.
6) Pit Boss PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker
The Pit Boss PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker offers a robust smoking experience for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. This propane-powered unit features a spacious 684 square inches of cooking area, providing ample room for various meats and foods.
The smoker boasts a dual valve burner system, with a 2,500 BTU burner dedicated to wood chips and a 10,000 BTU burner for cabinet temperature. This design allows for precise temperature control ranging from 100 to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
A large glass viewing window enables users to monitor their food without opening the door. The exterior access smoke tray and front access grease tray simplify maintenance and cleaning.
The PBV3G1 includes a push-button piezo ignition for easy startup. Its high-temperature door seal helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures throughout the smoking process.
With its red hammertone finish, this Pit Boss smoker adds a stylish touch to any outdoor cooking area. The vertical design maximizes space efficiency, making it suitable for various patio sizes.
7) Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared
The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared is a versatile cooking appliance that combines smoking, roasting, and grilling capabilities. This 3-in-1 unit offers outdoor cooking enthusiasts multiple options for preparing meals.
Powered by propane, The Big Easy utilizes TRU-Infrared technology to distribute heat evenly. This feature helps prevent hot and cold spots, ensuring consistent cooking results.
The smoker roaster grill has a compact design, measuring 23.1 inches deep, 23.4 inches wide, and 36.2 inches high. Its relatively light weight of 22.68 pounds makes it portable and easy to move.
Constructed with alloy steel, The Big Easy is built to withstand outdoor use. The black exterior gives it a sleek appearance that fits well in various outdoor settings.
For the 2024 holiday season, Char-Broil offers an extended return policy. Purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2024, can be returned until January 31, 2025, providing added peace of mind for buyers.
The Big Easy’s versatility makes it suitable for various cooking methods. Users can smoke meats for traditional barbecue flavors, roast whole chickens or turkeys, or use it as a standard grill for burgers and steaks.
8) Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker
The Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker offers versatility and precision for smoking enthusiasts. This 2-in-1 unit functions as both a smoker and a grill, providing flexibility for various cooking styles.
Built with durable materials, the Bronco features a unique airflow control system and sealed lid. These elements allow users to maintain precise control over heat and smoke throughout the cooking process.
The smoker comes equipped with removable grates and additional meat hangers, enabling customization of the cooking setup. Its oversized charcoal basket holds ample fuel for extended smoking sessions.
For temperature management, the Bronco includes adjustable intake and exhaust pipes. These components help users achieve and maintain ideal smoking temperatures between 250-325 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Bronco Pro model offers additional benefits like increased cooking space and a convenient side table for meal preparation. It also includes wheels, enhancing portability compared to some other drum smokers.
While not a propane smoker, the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker provides an alternative for those interested in charcoal-based smoking. It balances ease of use with the ability to produce authentic smoky flavors.
9) Z Grills 700D Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker
The Z Grills 700D Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that offers 8-in-1 functionality. It can smoke, grill, sear, roast, braise, bake, barbecue, and char-grill.
This model features a sturdy construction with a high-temperature powder-coated steel lid. The 700D provides ample cooking space, making it suitable for families and small gatherings.
One of the key advantages of the Z Grills 700D is its use of wood pellets as fuel. This allows for cleaner burning and helps maintain consistent temperatures during cooking sessions.
The grill’s advanced technology enables precise temperature control, which is crucial for smoking and other low-and-slow cooking methods. Users can expect to achieve wood-smoked flavors in their dishes.
Ease of use is another highlight of the Z Grills 700D. Its design focuses on user-friendly operation, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced grillers.
While primarily known for smoking, this unit performs well across various cooking styles. Its versatility allows users to experiment with different recipes and techniques.
10) Bradley Smoker BTDS76P Digital Smoker
The Bradley Smoker BTDS76P Digital Smoker offers advanced features for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. This electric smoker provides precise temperature control and smoke generation.
The unit comes with four adjustable racks, allowing users to smoke various foods simultaneously. Its digital control panel enables easy adjustment of cooking time, temperature, and smoke levels.
Bradley’s signature wood bisquettes feed automatically into the smoker, producing consistent smoke for up to 9 hours. This system eliminates the need for constant monitoring and refilling.
The BTDS76P model is suitable for both hot and cold smoking techniques. Its versatility makes it ideal for smoking meats, fish, cheeses, and vegetables.
The smoker’s insulated design helps maintain steady temperatures, even in varying outdoor conditions. This feature contributes to more consistent cooking results.
With its sleek stainless steel exterior, the Bradley BTDS76P is both durable and visually appealing. It fits well in outdoor kitchen setups or on patios.
The smoker’s digital capabilities and user-friendly design make it accessible for beginners while offering enough control to satisfy experienced smokers.
Understanding Propane Smokers
Propane smokers offer an efficient and convenient way to smoke meats and other foods. These units use propane gas as fuel to generate heat and smoke, providing precise temperature control and consistent results.
How Propane Smokers Work
Propane smokers consist of a vertical cabinet with multiple racks for food placement. A propane burner at the bottom heats a pan filled with wood chips or pellets, producing smoke. The heat and smoke rise through the cabinet, cooking and flavoring the food.
Temperature control is achieved through adjusting the gas flow. Many models feature built-in thermometers for accurate monitoring. Water pans help maintain moisture levels and stabilize temperatures.
Smoke is generated by placing wood chips in a dedicated tray or box above the burner. Different wood types impart unique flavors to the food.
Advantages of Using Propane Smokers
Propane smokers offer several benefits compared to other smoker types:
- Quick start-up: They heat up rapidly, saving time.
- Precise temperature control: Easy adjustment of gas flow allows for accurate cooking temperatures.
- Consistent heat: Propane provides steady fuel supply, maintaining even temperatures.
- Portability: Many models are lightweight and can be used for camping or tailgating.
- Low maintenance: Propane smokers require minimal cleaning and upkeep.
These smokers are ideal for beginners due to their ease of use. They also work well in various weather conditions, as wind and outdoor temperatures have less impact on their performance compared to charcoal smokers.
Cooking Techniques with Propane Smokers
Mastering propane smoker techniques enhances flavor and ensures perfectly cooked meats. Temperature control and smoke management are key skills for achieving delicious results.
Temperature Control Tips
Maintaining consistent temperatures is crucial for successful smoking. Start by preheating the smoker to the desired temperature before adding food. Use the built-in thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, but consider a separate digital thermometer for more accuracy.
Adjust the gas flow to fine-tune the heat. Open vents for higher temperatures and close them slightly to reduce heat. For longer cooks, check the propane tank level regularly to avoid running out mid-smoke.
Place a water pan above the burner to help stabilize temperatures and add moisture. This prevents food from drying out during long smoking sessions.
Enhancing Smoke Flavor
Select wood chips that complement your meat choice. Soak chips in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning too quickly. Add fresh chips every 45-60 minutes to maintain consistent smoke production.
Use a smoker box or wrap chips in foil with holes punched in it to control smoke release. Place this directly on the burner or heat deflector plate.
Experiment with different wood varieties. Hickory pairs well with beef, while fruitwoods like apple or cherry suit poultry and pork. Start with a small amount of wood and increase gradually to avoid overpowering the meat’s natural flavors.
Avoid opening the smoker door frequently, as this releases heat and smoke. When necessary, work quickly to minimize heat loss.