Best Smoker for Beginners Of 2023
After spending hours researching we recommend:
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black
What We Liked
- Assembly is easy
- Continuously delivers succulent results
- Very effective smoker
- Has a five-year warranty for most parts, and two years for excluded parts
- Vents can be used easily
- Vents grant more control over smoke output and heat
- The small size of the smoker cannot be noticed easily
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18" Charcoal Smoker
What We Liked
- It is easy to operate
- It can serve a family of four
- The water pan is corrosion and rust-resistant
- It is well vented and efficient
- It can be used for both small and more prominent families
- It features a latching base
Masterbuilt MB20050716 Mps 330g Propane Smoker, 30" Thermotemp
What We Liked
- Blue LED display
- The control panel is accurate and easy to use
- Large cooking space
- Design on the drip pan is easier to clean and monitor
- Durable wood chip loading system
Best Smoker for Beginners Of 2023
Barbecuing might be a somewhat difficult task for anyone who is not used to the art of smoking. If you are in that same position where the grill or smoker is different to you, you might end up making unnecessary mistakes which would not lead to the best of food results.
As a result of this factor, we decided to share some tips on the best smokers for beginners on the market which are designed to serve as a help to every new smoker to have a smooth use of it, to avoid any havoc or even wrong results.
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Buying Guide for Best Smoker for Beginners
What to look for in a beginner smoker?
Although your price point, type of fuel and even the dedicated smoker plus the combo are the main factors to consider when going for the best first smoker, some other things are expected to be considered
What type of foods do you plan on cooking?
Most enthusiasts prefer to focus on smoking ribs, pork butts, brisket and even the occasional turkey or chicken.
You need to ensure that the smoker you decide to go for is large enough to handle the type of food you plan on cooking.
Gas smokers are often designed to narrow to fit full racks of ribs or packer briskets.
How many people do you cater to?
Some of the smokers we mentioned in this article like the Weber Smokey Mountain have a range of sizes, so you need to mull over your typical usage, and then allow space for a bit of extra room if you decide to have family and friends over. It is more likely that you would regret not going for the much larger size. The only disadvantage of larger smokers is slightly higher when compared to fuel costs because they mostly take up a little bit more space.
Do you want a portable smoker?
In case you would like to take your new smoker camping or tailgating to the next level, you would want a smoker that can travel well. A smoker who has been designed specifically for this purpose with an easy setup would be a factor that you need to consider before you make an important decision. Some pellet smoker brands offer excellent and fantastic value portable options, just like the Davy Crockett who is exclusively from Green Mountain Grills.
Price
One major thing you need to consider before deciding to purchase a pellet smoker for a beginner is the budget you have. This would further allow you to buy the best pellet smoker that is available for the money. In case you are probably a beginner, you do not have to go to an expensive unit to enjoy productive results. However, if you probably have a bit of experience and you are trying to take your smoking to the next stage, you might have to look into a more expensive unit to enjoy some of the features that you want.
Top 14 Best Smoker for Beginners
1.
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black comes in three distinct and unusual sizes, and each user has a different preference based on how many people they plan to entertain when cooking.
What We Liked
- Assembly is easy
- Continuously delivers succulent results
- Very effective smoker
- Has a five-year warranty for most parts, and two years for excluded parts
- Vents can be used easily
- Vents grant more control over smoke output and heat
- The small size of the smoker cannot be noticed easily
What We Didn't Like
- No In-built method of storing the hood on the smoker when using meats
- The in-built thermometer may not be as precise as another sophisticated thermometer
- Although the door is rust-proof, it can be improved on
Detailed description
For just a single user, one pork butt needed no more than the 14-inch grill. For another user, the 14-inch rack was too small since they usually cooked spatchcock full pork belly or turkey. Once they got the size that was right for them, the actual grilling or cooking was more than okay for everyone.
The grill is said to be easy to clean and use. Some users have tried using it to win BBQ competitions since it heats up efficiently and quickly lights a fire. This product has three different sizes, i.e., the 14-inch grill designed for small family gatherings, plus the 18-inch grill for more significant groups and meat, and the 22-inch grill that can also be used for commercial purposes. There is a size for almost every little meeting.
It has two steel grates that give room for cooking a lot of food at a time. It has a built-in thermometer that can help you keep track of the temperature inside and also change it need be. It features a porcelain coating to help prevent any form of rust. Adding fuel is quite easy.
2.
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18" Charcoal Smoker
This is one of the highly-rated charcoal smoker grill choices that you can get, as the Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker stands tall by far.
What We Liked
- It is easy to operate
- It can serve a family of four
- The water pan is corrosion and rust-resistant
- It is well vented and efficient
- It can be used for both small and more prominent families
- It features a latching base
What We Didn't Like
- It does not feature an ash management system
- It cannot be used in a commercial charcoal smoker
Detailed description
The steel water bowl is porcelain-enamelled to aid durability. This also helps to ensure tender and moist meat whenever you are cooking. The smoker has a steel housing, as it ensures that you enjoy the durability. You should be able to keep the smoker outside, and it would not rust prematurely even in unfavourable weather. You could make use of this smoker for different foods ranging from beef to a variety of different cheeses.
It makes use of charcoal, so it offers just a smoky flavour. You can also opt for chunks of woods if you’d like to. Two vents are available in this unit. This thus gives you the room to control over the heat level effectively. Just lift the lid when you want to check the food that is cooking.
3.
Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker
You will be quite happy to know that this product operates on a multifunctional level, as it can be used for both cold and hot smoking.
What We Liked
- Multifunctional
- Adjustable air supply
- In-built thermometer
- Latch-locking system and two-layer design
- Porcelain-enamelled water pan
- Charcoal pan with heat-resistant bakelite handles
What We Didn't Like
- It doesn’t have hooks
- Heat tends to escape from the gaps of both access doors
Detailed description
You can cook in diverse ways with this smoker, as you can grill, smoke, steam, and even bake, just name it. You could also roast, braise, whichever way you want it. It has a large cooking room with two grids that makes everything effortless. Also, it has an in-built thermometer for precise monitoring and adjustable air supply on the lid that aids easy temperature control. It comes as stable as you can get.
It features a porcelain-enamelled charcoal pan and water pan with bakelite handles that are resistant to heat. Also, you get to enjoy extra sturdy legs with it, this way nothing can ever go wrong. If you are an individual that likes to hang meat and smoke, then you need to go for some tools. Although it does not have hooks, it would also require that you are a bit more careful with it because it comes with two access doors, and both of them come with gaps. So the heat can escape from time to time.
4.
Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
You don’t exactly need a soothsayer to tell you that the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is one of the best insulated electric smoker choices available on the market today.
What We Liked
- The door seal is secure, so the smoke stays intact
- It can maintain a consistent temp
- You can add more smoke chips without losing heat or warmth
What We Didn't Like
- The heating element can cycle better
Detailed description
This smoker features a digital control panel. This gives you the room to turn the unit on and off, and also monitor the time while keeping an eye on the temperature. There are four chrome-coated racks, which are quite straightforward and easy to clean. This also ensures that there is more exceptional durability so that they can last. You can then load the wood chips without having to open the door leading to the smoker. This keeps the smoke inside during the duration of the cooking.
The smoker body comes insulated fully. This makes it easier to maintain a temperature whenever you are cooking consistently. You get to enjoy even more consistent smoking due to the integrated temperature control. You have to ensure that you cut the full racks of ribs in half to ensure that they stay fit in the smoker. However, the ribs would cook more evenly and fall off the bone the moment they are done.
This smoker is slightly smaller when compared to some other models. This makes it perfect when you have limited outdoor space. You could easily fit this onto your porch or patio.
5.
Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow Digital Electric Smoker, Black
The Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker is indeed one of the best and most portable and durable outdoor electric smoker options.
What We Liked
- The unit heats up fast
- Controlling the temperature is very easy and simple
- Spacious inside and sufficient insulation
What We Didn't Like
- The heater element does not function properly
Detailed description
This unit comes with a digital control panel. This gives you the room to turn the unit on and off quickly. This element also allows you to monitor the cooking temperature and time efficiently.
The body of the smoker comes fully insulated. This serves to ensure that the heat can enjoy consistency. It also helps to keep the smoke inside the chamber so that you can experience the full cooking flavour and power of the wood chips. You can thus take total control of how much smoke you use for cooking your food. You can easily accomplish this by trying to adjust the air damper.
In case you would like to add more moisture to your meats, then you would find that the removable water bowl is much easier to fill. This unit is easy to maintain and clean. The drip pan slides out in a way that you can quickly pour out the grease while still using it. Reading different electric smoker’s consumer reports would let you know and see what the real customers think and have to say about this product.
People who don’t use smokers often have commented that this particular one was simpler to assemble and even use. The temperature can be set and maintained easily, thus helping to ensure you enjoy consistency in your cooking. Once the meats are done, they become so tender that they taste so juicy and flavoured.
6.
LANDMANN MCO 32954 Landmann Smoky Mountain 26" Electric Smoker-Black
If you need something that looks amazing while also being designed by a famous brand, the LANDMANN Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker will be one of the ideal additions to your home.
What We Liked
- Chrome-plated cooking racks
- Has a limited 1-year warranty
- Non-insulated cooking chamber
- Has a reasonable price
What We Didn't Like
- Must be put in a fixed location
Detailed description
It is practically the same thing as the Masterbuild, although it has a smaller window that enables you to look at the food while you are grilling. It features a large cooking surface and is also in the same class with what you would see in most restaurants.
The smoker comes with a cooking chamber that is not insulated, plus a removable temperature controller, and a double-walled door, while the 3-in-1 combination tray has also been included in the package. In total, it can offer you about 8 hours of cooking on just one set of wood chips without needing any form of replacement.
The unit can get as high as 250 degrees Fahrenheit once you peak at the highest level of temperature. All of this can then be controlled from outside, and it is not required for you to start it. The thermometer is exact and accurate, thus giving you the room to cook the meals that the recipe dictates. The addition of the ash catcher to this model makes it easier to clean up the moment you finish with it.
Without any form of wheels, you would have to find a suitable location that will give you the room to set it up, or you need some help to move it around. Overall, you can get fantastic value, and the 1-year limited warranty that comes with it paves some way for peace of mind.
7.
Masterbuilt Mps 330g Propane Smoker, 30" Thermotemp
The Masterbuilt MB20050716 Mps 330g Propane Smoker, 30″ Thermotemp has been specially designed to help you prepare the best food.
What We Liked
- Blue LED display
- The control panel is accurate and easy to use
- Large cooking space
- Design on the drip pan is easier to clean and monitor
- Durable wood chip loading system
What We Didn't Like
- Does not come with wheels
- Does not have a remote control meat probe
Detailed description
It is quite easy to use, and it takes good advantage of the specialized technology, plus the blue LED display it features. Insulation is not a significant issue, all because of the inner liner that prevents heat and smoke from escaping and the ingenious door locking design. The side wood chip loader makes the process of loading your wood chips an easy one, and it has an intuitive design which makes the task of cleaning up an easy one.
This is possibly the best propane smoker you can get for the money. It delivers a classic flavour while making use of a couple of modern technologies. The blue LED display is a significant advantage, especially if you are smoking in the sunlight. The 700 inches of cooking space is level with what you would typically expect from the famous and efficient electronic smokers for sale at the exact size. The unique locking door mechanism, it features plus the inner liner, helps to keep a regular consistency heat all through.
8.
Smoke Hollow 2-Door Propane Smoker
The Smoke Hollow 2-Door Propane Smoker is one of the best smokers for beginners available on the market today.
What We Liked
- It has a sturdy construction
- Features an exceptional and fantastic insulation
- It is quite simple and straightforward to use
What We Didn't Like
- It tends to leak a little grease
- It also leaks smoke
- You have to keep an eye on it
Detailed description
Fluctuating temperatures does not in any way alter or affect the way the Smoke Hollow propane smoker works. This is a powerfully constructed model which has been built from using solid welded steel. It has also been wholly insulated, thus giving you the much-needed room to make some of the most delicious, flavorful, and inviting smoked meat, poultry, and fish you can imagine.
Although this is not precisely a professional-level BBQ smoker, a lot of electric smoker reviews tend to hail this as a quality model overwhelmingly. It has a powerful 1500 W heating element that makes room for enough smoke to bring about an intense flavour to your meat the way you like it.
There are three temperature settings and an external temperature gauge that helps to keep your smoker at a regular and consistent temperature. In case you are just trying out the art of smoking and are seeking to find something that is going to offer you good taste, relatively easy to use, and still produce a consistent product, then you’re going to have to follow the Smoke Hollow 3016SE. It comes pre-equipped with three different cooking grids which can easily handle five pounds of meat. This is a fantastic device for both small barbecues and even a large family.
9.
Z Grills ZPG-7002B 2019 New Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
BTU: 25,000
Cooking space: 694 sq. inch
Size: 48 inch.
The Z Grills ZPG-7002B 2019 New Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is one that continues to amaze various users basically because of the useful features it boasts of.
What We Liked
- It is easy and straightforward to assemble
- It is highly versatile
- Does not need any form of babysitting
- It is very portable
What We Didn't Like
- It is a bit expensive
- Easily prone to temp fluctuations
Detailed description
You would be amazed to note that the performance of this modestly-priced pellet smoker from Z Grills brand has some little extras that would undoubtedly leave you in awe. It is effortless to use, as it can roast, grill, braise and bake with this grilling machine as it boasts a superb 700 square inches total of rack area.
There is an auto-start ignition, plus automated pellet feed system and digitally controlled temperature range of about 180F to 475F is all any beginner needs to turn to and the savoury meat dishes.
Forget about the complications from a rotisserie as its fan-forced convection ensures you can distribute the heat evenly. Grilling salmon to perfection is a bit difficult without using accurate temperature control, but the ZPG-7002B has done a beautiful job on fillets.
10.
Green Mountain Grills Davy Crocket
Whenever you think of pellet grills generally, the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crocket is portable, although this is not the first feature that comes to mind.
What We Liked
- It has some portable features
- It offers an accurate and precise temperature control
- Ability to use Wi-Fi and app
- There are smart alerts available
What We Didn't Like
- Steep for one person to move around
- The Wi-Fi connection can be unreliable at times
Detailed description
Meanwhile, you would be able to maintain this smoker more easily because oil and grease do not accumulate inside the body of the grill. It drains out from the side into a grease bucket to further aid easy cleaning. It is made using durable steel with porcelain grates so that your food would never stick no matter what you’re preparing. All in all, it has impressive features that make this a right grill which you can conveniently consider when going for your next weekend outdoor event.
11.
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill and Smoker
Cooking space: 572 sq. inch
The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 is a pellet grill and smoker featuring about 572 square inch capacity which can offer you that delicious wood-fired flavour and spice in any food you cook.
What We Liked
- It is a versatile grill
- Food tastes well because it is wood-fired
- Versatile cooker with 6-in-1 capabilities
- Has precision control to aid easy cooking
- It is easy to clean with porcelain grates
What We Didn't Like
- It is somewhat expensive
Detailed description
Meanwhile, you would be able to maintain this smoker more easily because oil and grease do not accumulate inside the body of the grill. It drains out from the side into a grease bucket to further aid easy cleaning. It is made using durable steel with porcelain grates so that your food would never stick no matter what you’re preparing. All in all, it has impressive features that make this a right grill which you can conveniently consider when going for your next weekend outdoor event.
12.
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill 8-in-1 BBQ Smoker- 2nd
BTU: 25,000
Cooking space: 694 sq inch
Size: 48 inch
The Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill 8-in-1 BBQ Smoker is one that gives you the room to grill, bake, smoke, roast, braise, and even barbecue your food while still using a single restaurant.
What We Liked
- The task of assembling this smoker is an easy one
- Food cooks at a somewhat consistent temperature
- Whole chickens can be placed into the smoker
What We Didn't Like
- The thermostat is not so accurate
Detailed description
It generates heat while making use of hardwood pellets. This offers users a savoury, smoky flavour, as this can be well observed on everything that you cook on this grill. This grill features the main rack and the warming rack so that you can separate the foods that you are cooking quickly. This smoker also has a smart digital controller. This allows you to maintain a temperature of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A simple dial is all you need to control the temperature.
13.
Traeger Grills TFB38TOD Renegade Pro Pellet Grill and Smoke
The Renegade Pro is the next Traeger smoker in this review. It is a griller/smoker that uses wood-pellets for that flavorful wood-fired smell and taste.
What We Liked
- Gives you that wood-fired smell and taste
- The versatile cooker can be used in different ways
- Easy to clean with the aid of a grease bucket
- Made from sturdy steel with porcelain grates
- Easy to clean and durable
What We Didn't Like
- It is expensive
Detailed description
The Renegade Pro is made from using durable steel with a powder coat finishing and porcelain grates that aid easy cleaning. It comes with all-terrain wheels which can be used both on the grass and even in the soil. It is quite easy to use alongside its digital controller; you just have to set the grill and simply come back for the cooked food. You’ll also find that this grill is very easy to maintain and use. The drip basket, which is easy to clean serves to remove oil and grease from the smoker to further aid easy maintenance.
14.
Camp Chef SmokePro Slide Smoker with Fold Down Front Shelf Wood Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef SmokePro Slide Smoker with Fold-down Front Shelf Wood Pellet Grill is a popular choice on the market today, and it is not so difficult to know precisely why.
What We Liked
- It is convenient
- Snap-ignition
What We Didn't Like
- Produces uneven smoke
Detailed description
The control panel can be fully adjusted with a heat -control dial, plus three damper valves and finally a door thermometer which would help you in controlling the time and temperature throughout the cooking process. The thermostat can also be skimmed. It supports 160 degrees F to 400 degrees F temperature. The design is also measured with 18″ W x 16″ D x 30″ H.and 65 lbs weight.
It features a heating element that operates around 50 to 550-degree temperature and can support 250 watts of power. This construction is designed using stainless steel that provides the finishing to the product.
The front door latch is made using stainless steel that is not a good conductor of heat. It can be opened easily even from the front. The drip pan cleaning process is the safe dishwasher which is at the bottom of the smoker; it is assembled ready to go with smoking.
Conclusion
The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is the best pick in this review. This smoker features a digital control panel. This gives you the room to turn the unit on and off, and also monitor the time while keeping an eye on the temperature.
There are four chrome-coated racks, which are quite straightforward and easy to clean. This also ensures that there is more exceptional durability so that they can last. You can then load the wood chips without having to open the door leading to the smoker. This keeps the smoke inside during the duration of the cooking.
The smoker body comes insulated fully. This makes it easier to maintain a temperature whenever you are cooking consistently. You get to enjoy even more consistent smoking due to the integrated temperature control.
You have to ensure that you cut the full racks of ribs in half to ensure that they stay fit in the smoker. However, the ribs would cook more evenly and fall off the bone the moment they are done. This smoker is slightly smaller when compared to some other models. This makes it perfect when you have limited outdoor space. You could easily fit this onto your porch or patio.