Imagine a hot summer day with your family and friends hanging out by the pool. This type of get-together is perfect for a good old-fashioned barbeque. One of the best summer investments is a smoker for beginners.
A smoker is similar to a grill in that it can cook your meat to perfection. It differs in that it is used to cook meat at low temperatures for more extended periods of time. It uses smoke to enhance the flavor of your BBQ. If you are in the market for a beginner smoker, then check out this buyer's guide so that you can impress your friends and family at your next party.
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How Smokers Work: Are They Different Than Grilling?
While many people may have grills at home, they may be less familiar with smokers. They generally require you to cook BBQ meat for longer periods. They are powered by many different types of fuel, which we will cover later in this guide. A grill is mostly powered by an open flame. Most smokers require a stable temperature of around 225 degrees. There also must be a sufficient amount of smoke to supplement the heat to cook food to tender perfection.
Beginners Smokers Compared
Image | Product | Temp Range | Cooking Area | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Weber Smokey Mountain 731001 | 100 - 350 Fahrenheit | 726 Sq. In. | ||
Classic Pit Barrel Cooker | 100 - 310 Fahrenheit | 18.5-inch grate | ||
Char-Broil The Big Easy 14101550 | 250 - 450 Fahrenheit | 180 Sq. In. | ||
Masterbuilt MB20071117 RA49220 | Up to 275 Fahrenheit | 708 Sq. In. | ||
KBQ C-60 BBQ Smoker Pit | 150 - 300 Fahrenheit | 960 Sq. In. | ||
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn 17202053 | 100 - 350 Fahrenheit | 1060 Sq. In. | ||
Traeger TFB42LZBC | 200 - 450 Fahrenheit | 418 Sq. In. |
Benefits of Using Smokers
While grilling can make for great meals, a smoker has even more benefits. Everyone loves their food to have flavor, and a smoker adds immense flavor to your meat. It gives it that tender, smoky flavor that reminds you of a proper barbeque.
Another advantage of using a smoker is that your meat can be preserved for longer periods of time. The smoking process allows the meat to be saved and dried out over time. It also decreases the chance of bacteria growth.
One significant benefit is that you can smoke almost anything on your beginner smoker. You can smoke vegetables, chicken, pork, and beef. It allows you to cook everything in the same area, which decreases dishes and waste.
Factors to Consider When Buying Your First Smoker
Smoking/Grilling Needs
It should be noted that all smokers come in different sizes. You should keep in mind how many people you will be cooking for in your household. There are many different ways to smoke meat. You should consider if you want to have a wood, propane, or electric beginner smoker.
Smoker and Fuel Type
There are many different types of smokers to consider when shopping. The classic wood-burning type uses only wood or sticks to create smoke for cooking. Charcoal smokers are more hands-off than wood burning. You light the coals and control the heat with a valve. Pellet smokers are temperature controlled by the user and feed small sawdust pellets into a flame to create smoke. An electric smoker uses wood chips, water, and heat to produce smoke rather than an open flame.
Performance, Smoking/Grilling Consistency, and Capacity
One fantastic thing about smokers is that they are made to cook your meat consistently throughout. When it comes to grilling, it can be challenging to get a consistent temperature throughout since you will need to turn the meat over. Another critical item to look at is the capacity of the smoker. Some are made to cook enough meat for a large party while others are more family size.
Temperature Adjustment
Depending on the type of smoker you buy, the temperature control mechanism will be different. Some smokers come with a valve that you will need to open and close to adjust the heat. Other smokers will come with a temperature adjustment knob that changes the heat based on the setting you choose.
Cooking Space/Storage
You should keep in mind what kind of cooking space you are looking for when it comes to your smoker. There are smoking grills that come with a standard single grate while others come with dual, stacked grates. Most smokers are rather large, so you should have a storage place in mind when shopping. You should determine if the smoker can be left outside or needs to be brought in from the elements.
Mobility/Portability, Ease of Use, Set up, and Cleaning
Smokers are generally pretty heavy. If you want to be able to move the smoker around, then you should buy one with wheels. You should read the instructions before purchasing to see if you will be able to set up the smoker yourself or if you should hire someone to assist. All smokers will need to be cleaned from time to time. Check and see the optimal cleaning methods for your smoker before purchasing. Most require a scrubbing of the metal grates after every cookout.
Extra Features and Accessories
All customers love a good bonus when they invest money into a new product. Some smokers on the market will come with additional features such as cooking tools, extra grates, or even recipe books for barbecuing. If you want an all-around package, make sure you check to see what will be included in your purchase.
Warranty Coverage and Budget
All of the products in this review will include warranty coverage. Some are better than others, but always register your product after purchase to activate the warranty. Another important factor for everyone is their budget. We will include beginner BBQ smokers for every budget, so you can find what you need.
7 Best Smokers for Beginners Reviewed
1. Weber Smokey Mountain 731001
Our Top Pick!
Dimensions | 24 x 23 x 48.5 inches |
Weight | 68 lbs |
Temperature Range | 100 - 350 Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 726 Sq. In. |
Material | Porcelain-enameled |
Warranty | Yes, 10 years |
If you are looking for a top-notch smoker made by one of the best brands in the business, then the Weber Smokey Mountain is the model for you. We have named this model the best smoker for beginners. It performs well for any occasion, and you'll be the talk of the neighborhood once you BBQ on this great machine.
The Weber Smokey Mountain comes with a 22-inch grilling surface area with one top rack for meats and an additional bottom rack for vegetables, potatoes, or beans. This beginner smoker will have your backyard filled with the smoky aroma of freshly cooked BBQ meat. It is made out of a porcelain-enameled lid, bowl, and center section. The porcelain holds heat like no other material. It can support wood or charcoal as fuel, so you have options for cooking. It boasts a temperature gauge on the lid, so you can always know how long to cook your meat.
Pros
Cons
2. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker
Best Charcoal Smoker for Beginners
Dimensions | 21 x 21 x 31.1 inches |
Weight | 57 lbs |
Temperature Range | 100 - 310 Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 18.5-inch grate |
Material | Porcelain-coated steel |
Warranty | Yes, 1 year |
Charcoal is the perfect way to smoke up your favorite meats for any party. It is easy to use and readily available at most stores. We recommend the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker for the best charcoal smoker for beginners. It is easy to use and simple in its design. It also has a classic look that is sure to impress all of your party guests.
This model includes 8 stainless steel hooks so that you can hang your meat to smoke it. This is a unique feature that we thought was an awesome addition. If you don't want to hang your meat, it also comes with a standard grate for cooking as well. It boasts a coal basket that is designed to hold as much charcoal as you will need. The porcelain coated steel drum is sure to retain heat for long periods. The addition of the easy access top lid will make cooking a breeze.
The best feature of this barrel cooker is that it provides for a vertical smoking experience. I thought this was a pretty great addition. It made it easy for me to check the temperature of the meat quickly. It also helped the meat retain moistureChristopher from Pit Barrel expressed,
“The PBC really brings amazing bbq to the common man.” I wholeheartedly agree with him that this smoker is easy to use and perfect for beginners.
Pros
Cons
3. Char-Broil The Big Easy 14101550
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than smoking your turkey and other delicacies in an all in one cooking machine. The Char-Broil Big Easy is the best propane smoker for beginners. It can do everything that you need in one beautiful package. This model is a smoker, grill, and roaster. You will be able to cook an entire meal at once.
The Big Easy model comes with a TRU infrared sensor to ensure that food is cooked thoroughly and evenly. It features a special roasting basket that can fit up to a 21 lb turkey. This model features a wood chip box to get that enhanced smokey flavor. It can be lit with a simple turn of a knob, so there is no need to stoke charcoal or wood. It boasts an easy read temperature thermometer to ensure that you get the right temperature every time.
One factor that really stood out to me on this model was the easy ON knob. It was so simple to turn the knob and be ready to start cooking in minutes. I didn't need to check on the heat of the wood or coals continually.
"I have cooked on it almost everyday since I bought it...love it.”
This customer’s review stands as a testament to this smoker’s versatility.
Pros
Cons
4. Masterbuilt MB20071117 RA49220
Best Electric Smoker for Beginners
Dimensions | 30 x 20 x 20 inches |
Weight | 45.9 lbs |
Temperature Range | Up to 275 Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 708 Sq. In. |
Material | Steel |
Warranty | Yes, 90 days |
One of the easiest ways to get started with smoking your favorite meats is by using an electric smoker. The Masterbuilt model is a gem in the category of best electric smokers for beginners. It is perfect for getting you started with everything that you need. You won't find a smoker that is more straightforward than this one. You simply plug it in, set the temperature controls, and this smoker does the rest. The Masterbuilt model will make you an overnight pitmaster!
This model features a side loading wood chip compartment so that you can easily experiment with different flavors without opening the smoker door. The Masterbuilt comes with four chrome-coated cooking racks. You can feed a couple or a party with so much space. It boasts an easy to use control panel that allows you to set the temperature and timer. You won’t have to worry about overcooking with this smoker.
I thought that this smoker was remarkably simple and easy to use. You can turn it on and have a fabulous smoked meal in a few hours. I enjoyed using the side loading wood chip box to change up the flavor of the meat. You can purchase different kinds of hardwood chips to get a different taste every time.
Pros
Cons
5. KBQ C-60 BBQ Smoker Pit
Best Wood Smoker for Beginners
Dimensions | 25.6 x 19.3 x 41.7 inches |
Weight | 92 lbs |
Temperature Range | 150 - 300 Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 960 Sq. In. |
Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | Yes, 2 years |
If you are in the market for a genuine wood-burning smoker, then this is the model for you. We named the KBQ BBQ Smoker Pit as the best wood smoker for beginners. It uses actual wood to create smoke, which will give your meat the most authentic smoked flavor possible. You will be the talk of the latest family barbeque with this award-winning smoker.
This KBQ model features some of the most innovative technology found on the market today. It features an Inverted Flame box that creates a thin blue flame automatically. The Smoke Selector control allows you to easily control the flow of smoke into the chamber so that you can achieve your perfect unique flavor. The AutoDraft control box allows you to control the temperature with ease. It comes with four shelves so that you can feed an entire party. It is portable, with two wheels preinstalled on the rear.
I loved that this wood smoker for beginners comes packed with patented features. You will get the best of the best if you buy this smoker. I thought that the Inverted Flame box was a brilliant addition, and it made smoking really simple.
Max Good from AmazingRibs.com exclaimed,
... very innovative, wood-burning smoker designed to help the greenest novice smoke meats like a wizened Texas pit boss."
Pros
Cons
6. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn 17202053
Best Offset Smoker for Beginners
Dimensions | 35.5 x 64.2 x 55.5 inches |
Weight | 196 lbs |
Temperature Range | 100 - 350 Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 1060 Sq. In. |
Material | Steel and porcelain-coated steel grates |
Warranty | Yes, 2 years |
This model is the only one that we have reviewed thus far that uses the reverse flow system for smoking. We named Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn as the best offset smoker for beginners. This model is made in more of the traditional smoker design that you see in pitmaster competitions. It features loads of space for you to cook as much food as you desire.
The Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn model features a massive 1,060 square inches of cooking space. It comes with a reverse flow smoking chamber. This is also known as an offset chamber. The wood burns in the chamber while a series of 4 baffles guide the smoke into the larger chamber to produce fantastic results. It boasts removable baffles as well as smokestacks for a customizable setup. The firebox chamber comes with a removable basket so that you can remove it for easy cleanup.
I really enjoyed using this model and had great results with my latest beef brisket creation. I liked that it had such a large surface area for cooking. I also like that offset smokers tend to keep the temperature low for the most tender meat.
“I bought this so I could throw big parties in my yard, perfect size, great price, and amount of food it handles is amazing.”
Pros
Cons
7. Traeger TFB42LZBC
Best Smoker Grill for Beginners
Dimensions | 42 x 22 x 49 inches |
Weight | 98 lbs |
Temperature Range | 200 - 450 Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 418 Sq. In. |
Material | Powder-coated steel |
Warranty | Yes, 3 years |
If you are looking for something that is a little bit smaller and easy to move around the backyard, then Traeger has you covered. It is easy to move and features a grilling and smoking function. This model is the best beginner smoker grill on the market. It comes in a luxurious looking package with its porcelain coated grates and interior.
The Traeger Lil’ Tex Smoker is perfect for grilling and smoking your favorite BBQ meats. It can comfortably accommodate a whole family meal with 418 square inches of cooking space. Many people believe that smoking with wood makes the meat taste significantly better. With the Traeger wood pellet grill, you will definitely notice a difference. The wood pellet design slowly feeds pellets into the auger and down into the firebox. This creates an even amount of smoke every time.
I absolutely loved that the Traeger grill was capable of being both a smoker and a grill. While I enjoy smoking meat for barbecues, it can be time-consuming. If I want to cook something more quickly for dinner, then I could easily switch over to the grilling function. I also enjoyed the easy to read digital temperature controller that maintained temp perfectly.
Pros
Cons
Types of Smokers: Which One Suits You Best?
Pellet Smokers
This type of grill involves the use of wood pellets that are fed into an exterior firebox. The pellets are then driven through an auger and emptied into the fire pit when needed. This creates a constant flow of pellets to maintain the temperature of your grill. They are often set it and forget it style smokers. One item to note is that they are not great for wet environments.

image source: images.pitboss-grills.com
Electric Smokers
This type is among the simplest to use. It uses the electrical outlets from your home, similar to a standard electric oven. The temperature can be easily set and left to its own devices for the most part. Electric smokers are ideal for someone who doesn’t want to worry about maintaining a wood or charcoal fire. They operate with an electricity source, water tray, and some wood chips for flavor.
Offset/Reverse Flow Smokers
This model is typically seen in many pitmaster competitions or smokehouses. It is arguably the most advanced type of smoker. You will need to add wood or charcoal to maintain the temperature. They consist of a firebox where wood can be placed. Once there is smoke from the burning wood, it will be funneled through to the main pit.

image source: smokedbbqsource.com
Charcoal Smokers
This type of smoker is popular and relatively cheap to buy fuel for. Charcoal or briquettes fuel these models. You place the charcoal in the firebox and get a fire going. Once you have the coals hot enough, the smoke will fill the chamber and provide heat for smoking your meat. Charcoal smokers are ideal for people who want simplicity and a cheap fuel source. This model is featured above in product number 2.
Vertical Smokers
This type contains the heat and smoke source directly below the food that you are cooking. Vertical smokers often include a rail and hooks to hang the meat that you plan to smoke. You can see an example of this in product number 2 in our reviews. Since the smoke source is directly below the food, it often cooks faster than other types of smokers.
Smoker/Grill Combos
These products are perfect for people who want the ability to slow smoke or sear their meat. Like product number 7 from our reviews, you can turn the heat up to cook high and fast or cook low and slow. These are ideal for people who want the best of both worlds.
How to Use a Smoker: Tips and Tricks
Now that you have chosen a brand new smoker, let's get you ready to throw your first BBQ party. There are a few things to keep in mind when using your smoker.
Before you begin, you should check the instruction manual for your new BBQ smoker and see if you should break it in. Sometimes this will simply consist of letting it run hot for a brief period before cooking food.
Easy Smoker Recipes for Beginners
Now that you know how to work your smoker like a pro, you can use that brain space for working on the perfect recipe, rub, and BBQ sauce. In this section, we will include some easy recipes for you to practice and get your technique down.
One of the ultimate smoked treats is pulled pork. You can put it on a sandwich or eat it straight up. This recipe should be included in everyone’s arsenal.
Smoker Cleaning and Maintenance
As much as cleaning can be a hassle, if you want to maintain your smoker, you'll have to clean it after use. The first step in cleaning will be the cooking grates. The build-up that you see on the grates is not seasoning, and it won’t make your food taste any better.
The best way to do this is by firing up your smoker and getting it as hot as possible. This will cook off all of that grease build-up on the bottom. Once you clean one side, flip the grates over and repeat the process. You should use a piece of aluminum foil or a scrub brush to scrape the grates clean.
Before you begin, you should check the instruction manual for your new BBQ smoker and see if you should break it in. Sometimes this will simply consist of letting it run hot for a brief period before cooking food.
People also Ask (FAQs)
How long do these smokers last?
What are the best brands for beginner smokers?
Which smoker is better - propane or electric?
Can smoked meat make you sick?
Where is the best place to buy these smokers?
Conclusion
In this informative buyer’s guide we have provided you with all of the tips and tricks necessary to become a pro pitmaster in your own backyard. We have reviewed the best products on the market so that you would be able to find a beginner smoker within your budget.
By now you are probably wondering what the absolute best choice for your new BBQ smoker is. In this roundup, I highly recommend the Weber Smokey Mountain 731001. It is the perfect size for beginners and easy to use. It provides you with the best options for using charcoal or wood for cooking up your latest batch of BBQ ribs.