The Best Smoker for Every Type of Barbecue

Few things encapsulate summer fun better than enjoying the day with loved ones at a relaxing barbecue. And a great way to maximize that fun is to cook some of the very best barbecued meat and veggies you’ve ever tasted. But in order to do that, you’ll need a great smoker.

In case you’re not familiar, barbecue smokers cook food for long periods of time at low temperatures from within a controlled, smoke-filled environment. This cooking method enhances the flavors of the food, helping to take your BBQ to the next, next level.

Even better, smokers come in all different sizes and prices, with a wide variety of features to choose from, so it’s easy to find just the right one for your next barbecue. Check out our picks of the very best smokers for every type of household.

Best Overall Smoker

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, $349

With over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and the ability to cook a whole turkey and ham at the same time, this smoker is any dedicated barbecuer’s best friend. It's made of porcelain-enameled steel, so it's definitely built to last, and it features two nickel-plated cooking grates, a built-in thermometer, and a heat-resistant nylon handle for easy handling. 

Best Budget-Friendly Smoker

Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker, $186.16

At under $200, this smoker is a great option for budget-conscious families. But despite its lower price point, it has all the features you need for an amazing barbecue, including a built-in temperature gauge, three smoking racks, and a 1,500-watt heating component that provides even, consistent smoke.

Best Basic Combination Grill and Smoker

Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, $369

Not only can this smoker serve up fall-off-the-bone meat every time, but it can also grill, braise, sear, bake, and roast your favorite meats and veggies as well. In other words, it’s the perfect companion for all your summer parties. At this price point, you get 452 square inches of cooking space, which is great for smaller gatherings, but you can also size up if you have lots of big parties on your summer agenda.

Best Smart Smoker

Traeger Grills Pro Series Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, $999.99

Speaking of combination grills and smokers, this option from Traeger can also smoke, grill, bake, roast, and braise your food, and you can control it all right from your phone. The smoker comes with an app that lets you change temperatures, set timers, and check on your food no matter where in the world you are. You can even control it with your voice thanks to its Alexa compatibility.

Best Portable Smoker

ASMOKE Electric Portable Grill and Smoker, $249.99

Whether you’re planning lots of camping trips this summer or you love to tailgate come football season, this smoker will ensure your excursions are as tasty as can be. Its small size means you can easily pack it in the car, while its combination grill and smoking capabilities can do everything from sear salmon to braise ribs and barbecue beef.

Best Smoker for Large Parties

Dyna-Glo Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Smoker & Grill, $359.95

Offset smokers look similar to traditional grills only they have an offset firebox on their side. This design means they typically have more cooking space than other types of smokers, and it’s definitely true in this case. In fact, this smoker has a whopping 1,382 square inches of cooking space, including multiple racks and built-in sausage hooks, making it easy to cook up the big BBQ feast of your dreams this summer.

Shop Top-Rated Smokers on Amazon

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