Top 5 Best Smokers for Beginners (2024)

Choosing the right smoker for your needs is crucial whether you’re a beginner or an experienced BBQ enthusiast. With hundreds of different types of smokers and dozens of accessories, it may be challenging to select the best smoker for your needs. I ranked and reviewed the 5 best smokers for beginners, along with my top 3 choices, so you can pick the best one.

Product Name	Size	Power Source	Weight	Material
#1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker	24 x 23 x 48.5 inches	Charcoal, Wood	68 Pounds	Aluminum	See Price
#2. Traeger Pro Series	24 x 41 x 49 inches	Electric, Wood Pellet	103 Pounds	Alloy Steel	See Price
#3. Masterbuilt 40-Inch Electric Smoker	19.9 x 25.6 x 41.3 inches	Electric	58.32 Pounds	Chrome, Steel	See Price

Grilling has been a beloved American pastime for a very long time. Whether you’re having a family gathering, backyard barbecue, or camping trip, smoking meat is a fantastic method to add flavor and suppleness to cuisine.

Types of Smokers

Before we dive into the best smokers for beginners, let’s take a closer look at the different types of smokers available.

1. Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers are a classic option that has been around for decades. They use charcoal as a fuel source to smoke and cook food. They are relatively inexpensive, portable, and easy to use, making them a great choice for beginners.

However, they do require a bit more effort to control the temperature, so they may not be ideal for those who prefer convenience.

2. Electric Smokers

Electric smokers are a newer option that has become increasingly popular in recent years. They are powered by electricity and are equipped with temperature controls, making them a convenient option for those who don’t want to fuss with charcoal.

Electric smokers are also great for beginners because they are easy to use and don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, they are more expensive and may not produce the same smoky flavor as a charcoal smoker.

3. Propane Smokers

Propane smokers are similar to electric smokers in terms of convenience and ease of use. They are powered by propane gas and are equipped with temperature controls, making them a great option for those who want to smoke their food with ease.

Propane smokers are also portable and can be used for camping or tailgating. However, they can be expensive and may not produce the same smoky flavor as a charcoal smoker.

What Are The Best Smokers for Beginners?

The best smokers for beginners offer easy operation, versatile options, great smoking, and the right capacity. They are a perfect way to enhance your barbecue experience, with a smoker, you can smoke different types of meats and vegetables.

If you choose the right smoker for your needs it has a certain advantage over more expensive smokers as it tends to be easy to use, affordable, and simple to maintain.

Here are my top picks for the best smokers for beginners this year:

1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker

Best Smoker Overall

Try Weber

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is an easy-to-use, traditional charcoal smoker. This 22-inch smoker has two cooking grates, allowing for adequate space to smoke a wide variety of dishes.

This smoker’s temperature control is user-friendly, with an integrated thermometer in the lid for accurate temperature readings. The porcelain-enamel water pan adds moisture to the cooking process, resulting in meat that is soft and juicy.

Moreover, the Smokey Mountain Cooker’s compact form makes it simple to store when not in use. The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a versatile and dependable solution for beginners seeking a traditional smoking experience.

Key Features and Specifications:

Measures 24 X 23 X 48.5 Inches
Weighs 68 Pounds
Charcoal Power Source
Outer Material Aluminum and Inner Material Stainless Steel
Two Cooking Grates
Damper Adjustable Temperature Control

What I Like/Dislike About Weber Smoker:

Like:

It’s ideal for smoking various types of meat.
Using this smoker is enjoyable and the results are delicious.
Assembly is straightforward, and the size is suitable for everyday home cooking.

Dislike:

It’s not so easy to move

Try Weber

2. Traeger Pro Series 22

Best Electric Wood Smoker

Try Traeger Pro

The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an excellent electric wood smoker at an affordable price.

This is a multifunctional, user-friendly electric wood pellet grill with a variety of capabilities that will let you enjoy cooking with wood. You will have complete temperature control; the grill will automatically keep the temperature between +/- 15 degrees and will shut down if the temperature hits 450 degrees.

The grill has a temperature range of 180 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and can hold up to 4 chickens, 5 racks of ribs, or 24 burgers at once. This barbecue is ideal for anyone who enjoys barbecuing with wood.

Key Features and Specifications:

Measures 24 x 41 x 49 inches
Weighs 103 Pounds
Electric and Wood Power Sources
Digital Temperature Control
572 Square Inch Cooking Surface
Stainless Steel Interior and Alloy Steel Outer Material

What I Like/Dislike About Traeger Grills Pro:

Like:

It’s ideal for a casual gathering with friends in the backyard.
This smoker is ideal for slow cooking at low temperatures.
User-friendly and easy to clean.

Dislike:

This smoker has outstanding features, however, the quality control could use some enhancement.

Try Traeger Pro

3. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

Best Pellet Smoker Grill

Try Camp Chef

For beginners, the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is a versatile and high-end solution. This pellet grill has a digital control board that allows you to simply set and monitor the temperature.

The unique ash cleanout system on the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX makes cleanup a pleasure. You’ll have plenty of space to smoke a variety of dishes thanks to the big cooking surface, and the built-in grease management system helps to avoid flare-ups and keep consistent heat.

This pellet grill is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a high-end smoking experience and are willing to spend in a quality smoker.

Key Features and Specifications:

Measures 56 X 24.5 X 49 Inches
Weighs 127 Pounds
Pellet Power Source
Bronze Color
Auto-Start Electronic Ignition
Led Display for Temperature Readout
570 Square Inch Cooking Surface
Stainless Steel Inner Material

What I Like/Dislike About Camp Chef SmokePro:

Like:

The temperature probe works efficiently during smoking and grilling.
Maintains the desired temperature and emits smoke if the smoke output setting is increased.
It has an optimal balance of features and cost.

Dislike:

Requires a deep cleaning every few months

Try Camp Chef

4. Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

Best Digital Electric Smoker

Try Masterbuilt

The Masterbuilt 40-Inch Electric Smoker is a convenient and easy-to-use option for beginners. This electric smoker has four chrome-coated smoking racks, providing plenty of space to smoke a variety of foods.

The temperature control is accurate and easy to use, and the built-in timer and automatic shut-off feature ensure that your food is cooked to perfection every time. The Masterbuilt also features a side wood chip loading system, allowing you to add wood chips without having to open the door and lose heat.

This electric smoker is a great option for those who are looking for a convenient and low-maintenance smoking experience.

Key Features and Specifications:

Measures 19.9 X 25.6 X 41.3 Inches
Weighs 58.32 Pounds
970 Square Inches Cooking Surface
Electric Power Source
Removable Grease Drip Tray
Stainless Steel Interior
Electric Timer with Adjustable Thermostat

What I Like/Dislike About Masterbuilt:

Like:

Easy to assemble.
Efficiently Cooks a Large Amount of Food.
Easy-to-use digital electric controls

Dislike:

The temperature reading is not accurate.

Try Masterbuilt

5. Pit Barrel Drum Smoker

Best Budget Smoker

Try Pit Barrel

The Pit Barrel Drum Smoker is a great outdoor cooker that can handle all your smoking needs. With a variety of accessories, you can customize your Pit Barrel to meet your needs.

The Pit Barrel is a great smoker that is durable and versatile. The grill is made up of stainless steel which is easy to clean. The grill comes with a charcoal basket that is made of heavy-duty mesh material that keeps the charcoal in place and allows it to be easily emptied. The grill has eight stainless steel hooks that are used to hold your food during cooking.

It comes with a steel stand and a wooden stand. It is easy to clean with a simple hand brush. However, it may need a little bit of elbow grease to remove the residue. It can be used to grill, smoke, bake, fry, and roast. It is made for use with charcoal, but you can also use wood.

Overall, the Pit Barrel Drum Smoker is a great grill that can handle almost all your smoking needs. It is made to be durable, easy to clean, and affordable.

Key Features and Specifications:

Measures 21 x 21 x 31.1 inches
Weighs 57 Pounds
Charcoal Power Source
Stainless Material

What I Like/Dislike About Pit Barrel:

Like:

Shorter cooking time
Easy clean-up.
Great build quality with a substantial porcelain enamel finish.
Few moving parts for higher durability and lower maintenance.

Dislike:

Hard to control the temperature

Try Pit Barrel

Consideration When Buying The Best Smokers for Beginners

When choosing a smoker, there are several important features to consider.

Size

The size of your smoker will depend on how much food you want to smoke at once. If you’re smoking for a large group, you’ll need a larger smoker.

On the other hand, if you’re only smoking for one or two people, a smaller smoker may be sufficient.

Fuel Source

As we discussed, there are three main types of smokers: charcoal, electric, and propane. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the fuel source that best meets your needs.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is a crucial factor when it comes to smoking meat. You want to be able to control the temperature of your smoker so that you can produce consistent results.

Electric and propane smokers are generally easier to control than charcoal smokers, but charcoal smokers do offer a unique smoky flavor that is difficult to replicate with other fuel sources.

Price

Price is always a consideration when making a purchase. Charcoal smokers are generally the most affordable option, while electric and propane smokers can be more expensive.

It’s important to choose a smoker that fits within your budget but also meets your needs in terms of size, fuel source, and temperature control.

Wrap Up.

In conclusion, the best smoker for a beginner will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for a classic charcoal smoker, a convenient electric smoker, or a high-end pellet grill, there is a smoker out there that will meet your needs.

If you are looking for the best smoker overall, I recommend you get started with Weber Smoker.
If you need a smoker with electric and wood options, check out Traeger Pro.
For a smoker that gives you the best pellet Grill experience, check out Camp Chef SmokePro.

I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the best smoker for beginners.

Further Reading on BBQSlop.com: If inclement weather or low temperatures prompt you to consider indoor grilling, then I recommend checking out my guide on grilling in the garage. And if you love chicken thighs, read my guide on how healthy are chicken smoked thighs.

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