Best Propane Gas Smokers Reviewed

How Propane Gas Smokers Work

Propane smokers are among the easiest smokers to use. They are fed a constant supply of fuel to maintain an even temperature without babysitting or maintenance. When you are ready to cook, you ignite the burners by opening the valve to release the propane from the tank, set the temperature and add your wood chips for flavoring, if the smoker allows it.

Once the smoker has reached temperature, you add your meat and set a timer. That’s it. You don’t have to fiddle with adding coals at regular intervals, stoking a flame, adjusting baffles, or anything else. It is simple, economical, and highly portable.

Propane Gas Smokers Compared

Pros & Cons of Buying A Propane Gas Smoker

Pros

Cons

Buying A Top Quality Propane Gas Smoker

When you set out to buy a propane gas smoker, there are certain things you need to consider and account for. Below is a brief overview of those aspects.

Smoking/Grilling Needs & Capacity

While it is easy to think that bigger is better, this isn’t always the case. If you have a smaller family, you may not need the size of larger smokers. It will also go a long way to understand how often you will use the smoker. If it is a daily or weekly event, there may be a need for a larger unit.

However, if it will only be a once in a while thing for small gatherings or a backyard barbecue, you might be able to save some money and go with a smaller or less expensive propane smoker.

Durability/Design

Another item to look at it what the smoker is made of and how it is put together. Solid-weld and heavy-duty steel will last a lot longer than thin steel that is bolted together. You will, of course, pay for the more durable units, but they will last a lot longer.

You also want to look at access to the food chamber. Top loaders open like a traditional grill and are easy to access. Front-loaders open like a cabinet. While a front loader may have more room for hanging meats or multiple racks for various meat types, you may find it difficult to load and unload, especially when it is hot.

Performance, Smoking/Grilling Consistency

The overall performance of the smoker will obviously be a significant factor. This is where ordering from online sites like Amazon and propane smoker reviews like this one come into play. You will get a better idea online of how the smoker you have your eye on will actually perform.

Honest reviews from other consumers will tell you things a salesman in a shop won’t. It is essential to understand the smoker you are purchasing, including any shortcomings or downfalls to owning that particular model.

Temperature Adjustment

Because smokers can do a variety of cooking types, you will want a model that has simple adjustments for the temperature as well as a broad range of temperature settings. Sometimes, for instance, you may want to smoke a pork butt using the slow and low method. Other times, you may want to do a faster, higher temp grilling.

If your particular model isn’t capable of the wide temperature swings, you may want to find a different smoker.

Cooking Space, Storage & Footprint

Thinking of your new propane smoker as an outdoor kitchen will help you decide which model to go after. The more space you have, the easier things will be. This includes the square inch measurements of the grates and racks inside to place your food on. It also consists of the hooks, shelves, and racks on the outside used to prepare your meat or hang your grilling tools.

The overall footprint of the smoker should be considered as well. Some can be very large and take up quite a bit of space. If you have a smaller deck or patio, you may want to opt for a vertical smoker instead of a horizontal style smoker.

Mobility/Portability, Ease of Use, Assembly & Cleaning

You will want to look at how the smoker is put together. You will have to do most of the assembly yourself (or pay the extra fees for professional installation). However, for the most part, assembly isn't complicated. Though you should double-check when and where to use gaskets or high-temp sealant.

The ability to maintain your smoker and keep it clean will fall on you not only to prolong the life and functionality of the smoker but to keep the warranty valid as well. Some smokers have features that make cleaning and maintenance easier.

Finally, you will also want to think about mobility. Because propane smokers are among the most portable, you can set them up in your back yard and then take them with you camping on the weekends. However, these units aren’t always lightweight. If you get a unit without wheels, for example, it may not transport easily.

Features

There are many features that vendors and manufacturers include in their builds. Some are exclusive, while others are industry-wide. Each additional element will add to the total cost, though, so you should decide which features you need and which ones you can live without.

Some features to consider are:

Warranty Coverage & Price

Lastly, you will want to make sure the smoker falls within your allotted budget. Overspending can lead to buyer's remorse or other financial troubles. Staying within your budget will make the entire experience much more valuable.

You will also want to protect your investment. A solid warranty that covers most, if not all, of the smoker's parts, construction and paint will go a long way towards making you feel more at ease with your purchase. Also, if you order through Amazon, returns, replacements, and customer service are much easier to deal with and make claims through.

1. Masterbuilt 20050614

If propane smoking wasn’t simple enough, the Masterbuilt 20050614 makes it even easier. The vertical smoker has two doors for accessing your food and the water trays. Using a Type 1 regulator and hose, your propane tank becomes a grilling workhorse.

Two burners with a total capacity of 16,500 BTUs maintain the temperature and smoke your meats to perfection. Simply load the water tray and wood chip tray, close the bottom door and push the button to ignite the burners. Once you set the temperature, you are ready to load in 10 minutes.

Since the entire unit weighs only 89 pounds, you can take it anywhere. It is ideal for smaller patios and for weekend camping trips where you want to slow cook your meals and enjoy the best flavors.

There is a common issue with the thermometer reading different ranges and not being accurate. This is common for the brand, and it is recommended you replace it with a 3rd party thermometer. Some reports come in about variations in cooking temperatures as well. Still, it is expected to spike when adding new wood chips or water, and the temperature will regulate after a few minutes.

2. Char-Broil The Big Easy 14101550

The Big Easy, from Char-Broil, is a 3-in-1 grill, smoker, and roaster designed for the beginner and fun for the expert. You can attach your propane tank to this 50-pound machine and still be able to carry it anywhere. Perfect for a backyard meal, a tailgating party, or any time you want to grill or smoke.

For the grill, there is a 180 square inch grilling rack that will hold your burgers, hot dogs, or steaks. When you want to roast that turkey, drop it in the 1200 square inch basket and set the temp. For your smoker needs, you have an easy-access hatch for the water tray and 2 movable half shelves to accommodate almost any cut of meat you desire.

The thermometer is built-in and is quite accurate. You won’t have flare-ups when grilling, and thanks to the infrared grilling tray, you won’t lose food through the grates. If you have never used a smoker before, this is the ideal starter set. You can even add wood chips for infusing various flavors into the meats as they are smoked.

3. Weber 61004001

If you want to slow cook a brisket for tomorrow but want to grill a steak for tonight, the Webber 340-series combo is perfect for you. There are a total of 5 burners (three main, two side) and a total of 43,000 BTUs to cook any meal at any time.

For you late night and early morning smokers, there is even an LED light on the handle to illuminate the entire cooking surface, and Bluetooth integration for monitoring your temperatures throughout the cooking process.

The stainless steel design has storage for your tanks, utensils, trays, and apron. You can prep food on the side table, and with simple ignition dials, you never have to worry about the fire starting. 

You can even ramp up the burner temps for a super-fast preheating or to get a final sear before removing the meats. The Weber combination grill and smoker comes with an industry-leading 10-year warranty that covers all parts. Truly an investment that will pay you back with every bite.

4. Oklahoma Joe’s 15202029

Oklahoma Joe’s is a name synonymous with smokers. If you can’t decide between a charcoal grill, propane, and offset smoker, you don’t have to anymore. This 3-in-1 is the best gas charcoal smoker grill combo available. With a total of 4 burners (three main burners and one side burner), you have enough room to do anything you desire.

From grilling a steak over coals, or smoking a pork butt with an offset smoker, this grill can do it all. On top of that, you get the added convenience of propane, three temperature gauges, and full burner controls to even heat or optimally heat any area of the grill you need.

For its size and footprint, you may expect a tedious and difficult cleanup and maintenance routine. Oklahoma Joe’s grills are simple to maintain and take minutes to clean (after a proper cool-down cycle, of course).

Because of the overall dimensions and weight, this model isn’t ideal for travel. However, it will do wonders in your back yard, patio, deck, or drive and won’t disappoint in flavor. While you may not take it to the tailgating party before the big game, it will liven up your Sunday afternoons with enough food to feed the small army gathered at your home.

The only real downside is that the multiple fuel options mean you need to keep coals, wood chips, woodblocks, and propane on hand. For the experienced grill master, though, this shouldn’t be a problem.

5. Camp Chef Smoke Vault SMV24S

One of the issues with a vertical propane smoker is the ability to maintain a low temperature. The best small propane gas smoker, Camp Chef’s Smoke Vault 24-inch, answers that problem. With 18,000 total BTUs, you can turn the heat down to well below 180 degrees, and it will maintain temp.

The Smoke Vault looks like an old-time safe (and where it gets its name from), and it will keep your food, heat, and smoke secure inside. The front-loading door seals completely and prevents smoke loss.

You have plenty of space inside as well. You can smoke racks of ribs without cutting them or folding them, and if you want to stand up using rib racks, the Smoke Vault accommodates that as well. You even get a jerky smoking rack included with your purchase so you can dry and smoke your own jerky at home.

With the propane gas, cooking and smoking is easy and requires little monitoring. If you prefer to use natural gas, there is a conversion kit available as well. Ideal for smaller patios, rooftops, tailgates, and campsites, you can’t go wrong with the Camp Chef Smoke Vault.

6. Dyna-Glo DGW1904BDP-D

If you want the best vertical propane smoker, look no further. The Dyna-Glo Wide-Body is the perfect vertical smoker. It can accommodate a lot of meat with a total cooking surface area of 1235 square inches. You no longer have to put your ribs in at an angle or slice your brisket before cooking.

With 20,000 total BTUs, the temperature range is capable of slow roasting, or high-heat searing for that perfect start and smoke ring, or finishing touch and glaze. The bundle also comes with a custom-fit cover to protect your smoker when not in use.

The UV resistant, waterproof cover is usually half the price of this combo, acting on this deal will save you a lot of cash and frustration. To further ease your mind, the smoker comes with a 1-year warranty for the entire unit (90 days for water and chip trays).

The vertical smoker has a small footprint and colossal interior, making it ideal for smaller patios, decks, or homes with limited yard space. However, the construction is steel instead of cast iron. You will notice some warping after use, especially in the thinner wood box. It is also advised that you use high-temp, food-grade sealant around the door to help minimize smoke and heat loss.

You may also find that the thermometer is not up to par. It is highly recommended you purchase a 3rd party smoker thermostat and install it during the initial assembly.

7. Masterbuilt 20051311 GS30D 2-Door

Our top pick, the Masterbuilt 20050614, has a little brother. The 30-inch model is in almost every way identical to our number 1 choice, the 44-inch, except in size and savings. The best-rated propane gas smoker under $300 is a capable model that will have you cooking more often.

With 717 total square inches of cooking area, you won’t even notice the difference in the more expensive model. You still get the airflow regulation with the adjustable baffles, quick-start, push-button ignition, and a vertical smoker with two doors for easy access while loading, unloading, and adding water or wood chips.

The door has an inner liner and a lock, which helps seal in the smoke, heat, and flavors. You don’t have to open the main door to add water or wood chips, either. The smaller door will give you access to the trays without losing heat or smoke.

If you want a budget-friendly smoker that does its job well, the Masterbuilt 30-inch vertical smoker is for you. However, if you find yourself outgrowing the smaller unit, the 44-inch (our top pick) is an ideal upgrade when the time is right.

Bonus Product 8. Broil King 923617

As promised, we offer you a bonus review of the best natural gas smoker alternative. This vertical smoker from Broil King offers you 770 square inches of cooking space on four movable racks.

The cast aluminum build keeps the weight under 80 pounds to aid in transport and functionality, but it can lose heat rather quickly. To help combat this, the steel doors are reinforced with liners to help retain heat and smoke.

If you have a natural gas line and want a smoker that is both affordable and easy to use, this is it. You won’t need conversion kits or extra pieces. Simply connect your gas line, check for leaks, and away you go.

The easy-to-use push-button ignition makes lighting the smoker quick and easy, and you can use a match start if needed. With 15,000 BTUs, you can dial in the perfect temperature for a slow and low smoke or a high-heat char.

For natural gas without the conversion, the Broil King is the best choice out there. Every meal that comes out of the smoker will be a reminder that you made the right choice.

Propane Gas vs Electric Smokers

An electric smoker is an ideal candidate for someone who has never used a smoker before. They are almost “fool-proof” because they are easy to use, cheap to purchase, and cooking is easier than on a stovetop.

However, you are limited in what you can cook and for how long. You also must have a power outlet nearby to supply the electricity, which can increase your monthly energy bill. Electric smokers are also the least capable of infusing smoke flavors into your meats.

Propane, on the other hand, is a step or two up from an electric smoker. They are just as easy to use and maintain, but they are also more portable and cheaper to operate. You will get a bit more smoke flavoring with a propane gas smoker, but nothing compared to a wood or charcoal smoker.

Between the two models, propane is a much better alternative than electric on all levels except, maybe, for the overall price.

How to Use Propane Gas Smokers Effectively

Using a propane smoker is a simple process. Once the initial run is over, you can add food and cook with a “set it and forget it” mentality. The first thing you must do, as with all smokers, is called seasoning the grill. This is basically a dry run that removes any excess oils and residue from the manufacturing process. Once seasoned, you are ready to cook.

First, you will attach your propane tank to the nozzle on the bottom of the unit. If you are into using natural gas, you can do so on most propane smokers. However, you will need first to purchase a conversion kit, as the hoses, lines, and attachments aren’t natural gas ready.

You will fill a small tray with water (though you can use beer, too) and then open the valve on your gas line. Using the electronic ignition, you will push a button until the burner catches. On manual systems, you will light the burner with a match or lighter.

Next, you will want to add sawdust, wood chips, or shavings to the small smoke tray. This is where the smoke will come from. Using the temperature dial, set the smoker to the temperature you want to cook at. Slow and low cooking, for example, will us a temperature between 200 and 225 degrees.

After about 10 minutes, the smoker will be at temp, and you can add your food. Set a timer or note the time you started, close the lid (or doors), and you are done. From time to time, you will need to refill the water and wood trays, though this isn’t near as often as you need to maintain a charcoal smoker.

Tips When Using Gas Smokers

All smokers, including gas smokers, need to have an initial burn-in, also known as seasoning. This is when you run the smoker without food in it to remove any oils or build-up from the manufacturer. Each owner’s manual will outline the burn-in procedure for that particular model.

Always wear protective gear when using a grill or smoker; this will include an apron to protect against splatters and oven gloves to protect against burns.

Gas smokers rely on a water tray to maintain moisture throughout the cooking process. This water will burn off and need to be replaced regularly. The same goes for the wood chips (if applicable), so even the gas smokers aren’t entirely maintenance-free.

You should also make a habit of cleaning the smokers thoroughly after every use. Preventing build-up, grease, and gunk that can cause the units to heat improperly or even start an internal fire is essential. The maintenance project shouldn’t take you more than half an hour if done correctly and frequently.

People also Ask (FAQs)

What are the best meats to smoke or grill in a gas-fueled smoker?

How long will a propane tank last on a smoker? Do propane smokers use a lot of gas?

Does propane ever go bad?

How can I tell how much propane is left in my tank?

Is it cheaper to refill propane or exchange?

Are propane tank gauges accurate?

Can you leave a propane smoker unattended?

Conclusion

When it comes to meat smoking simplicity, propane is king. With a low learning curve, even the greenest smoke master will have perfect meats in no time and every time. Depending on your needs, space available, and the amount of barbecuing to be done, you can opt for several choices.

Vertical, combination, and offset smokers are all easy to use, and some can be converted to natural gas with a conversion kit. If you are having trouble deciding, our top pick, the Masterbuilt vertical smoker, is an ideal choice. If combine, ease of use, functionality, large cooking area, and portability all in one package. You can’t go wrong.