The Best Backyard Smokers For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Backyard Smokers
Best Backyard Smokers

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker

This versatile smoker provides ample space to smoke various meats, vegetables, and more in its spacious 5.45-square-foot interior. Its vertical footprint fits perfectly on patios and barbecue kitchens, allowing you to enjoy deliciously smoked meals in your outdoor space. Read Review

2. Best For Price: Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

The Smokey Mountain CookerTM smoker features two cooking grates that allow you to smoke various items at once, as well as dampers that are simple to set and provide precise control over the temperature. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker

Featuring a charcoal & ash management system for easy and efficient smoking, this Vertical Charcoal Smoker has a stainless temperature gauge with a smoke zone to ensure the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker

This large smoker features an easy-to-read built-in thermometer with a detailed temperature scale, an adjustable air supply on the lid for greater temperature control, and a removable porcelain-enameled water pan and charcoal pan for regular use. Read Review

5. Best Performance: Royal Gourmet CD1824A Charcoal Grill

Featuring 393 square inches of porcelain cooking grates and 205 square inches of warming rack, this grill serves up to 8-10 people. The porcelain wire cooking grates retain heat evenly, so you can lock in the juices and make your meat more tender. Read Review

The smoking of food is an excellent method for imparting flavor and helps preserve food for extended periods. The smoking of meat and seafood can add anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to the amount of time it will keep in the refrigerator (and months in the freezer).

Your preference for ease of use will determine which types of outdoor smokers are ideal for your backyard. You can purchase a barrel smoker, which calls for the manual management of firewood, or you can go with a pellet grill, which allows you to monitor and manage the cooking process from your smartphone.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 18 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. As a result, We believe the best backyard smokers is the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker. Its vertical footprint fits perfectly on patios and barbecue kitchens, allowing you to enjoy deliciously smoked meals in your outdoor space. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker
Our Score:
9.7
Cuisinart

Unlock the full potential of your outdoor cooking with the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker. With a spacious 5.45-square-foot interior, you can smoke various types of meat and several trays of vegetables. When smoking whole birds or huge chunks of meat, each of the four racks is made of stainless steel and can be readily removed. The temperature inside can be easily monitored thanks to the thermometer that is conveniently located on the front door and is easy to see. The amount of heat may be controlled thanks to a changeable gas supply.

In addition, two doors provide optimal smoker access, and there is also a rear vent that can be opened or closed to manage the amount of heat and smoke that is released from the oven. The wood chips and the water are contained in a porcelain enamel steel pan, making it simple to clean up after usage. The only downside is that it necessitates adding wood chips on a regular basis but generally performs an excellent quality.

TOP Choice #2 Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
Our Score:
9.6
Weber

Get up and fire up the smoker since patient patients will be rewarded with luscious pulled pork and ribs that fall off the bone. The Smokey Mountain Cooker smoker features two cooking grates for smoking various foods simultaneously, a door that can be removed, and dampers that can be adjusted with ease, giving you complete control over the temperature as well as the feast. However, it is a bit hard to maintain the temperature control, but after a few uses, you can get used to it.

The porcelain-enameled lid, bowl, and center part all work together to keep the smoke at an even temperature. In addition to protecting against rust, cracking, and peeling, the finish is resistant to high temperatures. You can exert fine-grained control over the temperature by adjusting the dampers in the smoker. It is possible to lessen the passage of oxygen into the room by entirely shutting the dampers, making it easier to extinguish the coal fire.

TOP Choice #3 Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Our Score:
9.4
Dyna-Glo

With the help of this vertical smoker from Dyna-Glo, you'll be able to smoke all of your favorite foods utilizing the wood chips and charcoal fuel source of your choosing. This smoker typically has four height-adjustable grilling grates and a total of 784 square inches of cooking surface between them. This makes it possible for the smoker to accommodate a wide range of different types and sizes of food.

When it is necessary to gain access to food or fuel, the configuration of the double doors helps reduce the amount of heat lost. The charcoal chamber is made of porcelain enameled steel and is designed to keep the briquettes securely stacked for increased burn efficiency. The ash pan is made of detachable steel and is designed to accommodate enormous volumes of ash, allowing for hours of cooking without needing maintenance. Both of these qualities enhance the simplicity with which one can operate the device. The only drawback is that it may take a long time to warm up. In general, the design is uncomplicated, and the product offers excellent value considering its cost.

This smoker has a temperature control that is improved by adding a built-in thermometer with a temperature scale with a finer grain and an air supply that can be regulated using the lid. Thanks to the crossbar and the four hangers inside the top, the two cooking grids provide 453 square inches of cooking space, allowing you to smoke a variety of cuts and shapes of meat.

Because of the way, the two layers are built, they are easy to transport and clean. It's up to you whether you want to use it as a smoker or a grill for the barbecue, and you'll have more mobility thanks to the two access doors. All that is required to determine the current state of the items in the refrigerator is to open the top door. It will be easier to add charcoal or wood if you open the other door. Nonetheless, it would be best to have an LCD screen to monitor the temperature.

5 Royal Gourmet CD1824A Charcoal Grill
Our Score:
9.2
Royal Gourmet

The Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Charcoal Grill will allow you to take pleasure in the delicious odors. With a primary cooking surface that is 393 square inches and a secondary cooking space that is 205 square inches, you will have more than enough space to grill everything you want. The grilling grates of this charcoal grill are made of porcelain, and the lid is made of heavy-duty metal. The crank handle allows the charcoal pan to be adjusted to numerous locations. This will enable it to generate heat more effectively.

A temperature gauge in the appliance prevents you from overcooking the food. The big, detachable ash pan covers the entire bottom of the grill, making cleanup much more straightforward. Using the bottom and two fixed side shelves, you can organize your tools. Because it has enough room and features that make your grilling experience exceptional, it will make you proud of the delectable dishes you prepare for your family get-together. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to utilize it carefully, or else it will become broken.

6 Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Smoker
Our Score:
9.0
Traeger

There is a total of 780 square inches of grilling space, which is large enough to accommodate thirty-four burgers, six rib racks, or six chickens without difficulty. With the assistance of the built-in meat probe, cooking can be completed to a level of excellence. The WiFIRE technology creates a connection between the grill and the wifi network in your home, and the Traeger app enables you to manage the barbeque from any location. It would be ideal if it came with a Bluetooth option, and you won't be able to use the remote control function if you don't have wifi.

The upgraded Pro 780 equipped with the D2 drivetrain offers a quicker starting time, heats up more rapidly, and generates smoke of a higher quality. Because of its adaptability, the Pro 780 pellet grill may perform various cooking methods, including grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and even more. After usage, the porcelain grill grates may be cleaned in a snap without any difficulty.

The all-in-one barbeque grill will be the one-stop shop for hosting the most enjoyable get-togethers in your backyard because it combines an offset smoker grill, a barbecue, and a portable charcoal grill. In addition to mitigating the effects of the heat, the firebox imparts a delectable smoked flavor to the food, and the side vent may be opened to increase airflow. Although it is somewhat heavy, it is equipped with wheels, making it simple to transport.

The propane grill has two shelves, one in the front and one on the side. Additionally, there is a metal grating below the shelves, which provides the most significant space possible for essentials and accessories related to grilling. You won't get burned because the hardwood handles stay cool to the touch even while the pot is boiling. The fact that the outdoor griddle grill has a thermometer that is simple to read and attached to the main lid provides both convenience and safety.

More To Consider

9 Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Our Score:
8.7
Mueller Austria

What to Look For in a best backyard smokers?

Until now, numerous customers trust the information and advice we offer them, which means our offers to you are accurate and up to date all the time. This objective is being pursued with tremendous zeal and attention. 

It's necessary to keep in mind the following points for selecting best backyard smokers:

Fuel Type

Although chips are easy to find, they require frequent refilling the chip boxes during smoking. The versatility of pellets is great across all heat sources, but special orders may be required by the manufacturer to reduce the chance of spontaneous barbecues. Charcoal generates considerable ash. Wood produces an equally large amount of ash, but it requires more space storage and log splitting.

Material And Build Quality

A smoker must be capable of maintaining a constant temperature throughout the day. It must be constructed from high-quality materials to achieve this. Smokers are usually made from steel coated with thick powder coats that prevent rust.
Smokers should fit tightly together without visible seams. This will prevent heat from escaping. The lids and doors must be tightly fitted together without any gaps where heat could escape. Multiple flues are required for pellet and charcoal smokers. These flues allow you to adjust the heat by closing and opening them.

Construction

Although construction materials may vary in quality, the main thing you should look at when choosing a smoker is whether it can retain heat. The smoker's heat is emitted from thin construction, meaning that the smoke does not cook the food. The heat escape can cause temperature fluctuations that could lead to dry and tough foods. Worse, you may find your fuel running out.

Size And Cooking Space

There are many sizes and shapes of smokers. This affects not only the amount of cooking space but also how much land they take up on your deck or patio. Because they are tower-shaped, bullet and vertical smokers have the smallest footprints. This type of smoker will measure approximately 20 by 20 inches in width and depth, and provide 500 to 700 square inches of cooking space.
The pellet smokers can hold more meat because they are both shorter and wider. The entry-level pellet smoker is approximately 41 inches in length and 22 inches deep. It has a cooking area of 60 square inches.

Portability

Smokers of full size can weigh in at between 50 to 100 pounds, and they are large. Because they are bulky, full-size smokers cannot be moved and must remain on the patio or back deck. You can also find smaller, lighter smokers, which weigh in at less than 20 pounds. These are small enough to be carried along with you to tailgate events.

Heat Source

Do you prefer electric, natural gas or charcoal? Are there restrictions on the fuels you can use in your area? For even temperatures, electric is an excellent and consistent fuel choice. While gas provides the same heat and control as electric, it is not as convenient to have an outlet nearby. However, a propane tank or gas line has limitations in terms of ventilation and storage space. Wood and charcoal take some time to discover the right cooking temperature.

FAQs

What is the best type of wood to use for backyard smoking?

The type of wood you should use for backyard smoking depends on the type of food you are cooking. Generally, hardwoods such as oak, hickory, mesquite, and apple are best for smoking meats, while softer woods such as cherry and maple are better for fish and other delicate items.

What temperature should I use for smoking?

The temperature you should use for smoking depends on the type of food you are cooking. Generally, the temperature should be between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some recipes may call for a higher or lower temperature.

How long should I smoke food for?

The amount of time you should smoke food for depends on the type of food you are cooking. Generally, smoking times range from 2-4 hours for poultry and fish, to 6-8 hours for larger cuts of meat.

Do I need to soak my wood chips before using them?

Soaking your wood chips is not necessary, but it can help to create more smoke and a better flavor. If you choose to soak your wood chips, you should do so for at least 30 minutes before using them.

In general, we keep collecting and researching new information for best backyard smokers. Please pay more attention to checking our website regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to read the latest updates.

Along with product-related issues, we can also support you more. So please give us your feedback and response whenever you need it. It will be a significant motivation for us to improve everything


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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