The 9 Best Propane Smokers Reviews 2022

Preparation and cleaning are the only things you should be concerned with when you have a smoker. The thing is, preparation has always been time consuming! Luckily, that’s now a thing of the past. Thanks to propane smokers!

The thing is, there are a lot of propane smokers available in the market. Plus, there are a lot of reviews all over the internet which is not helping your case.

Today, we’re putting an end to that. We’ve picked the Top 9 best propane smoker reviews and we’re going over their pros and cons so you can finally decide which one is right for you.

Top Propane Smokers

1. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill – Most Efficient Propane Smoker

The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is more than just another propane smoker. As its name suggests, this unit is a 3-in-1 smoker. You can use it for grilling and roasting as much as you would smoke with it.

With such a compact size, you will be surprised that it offers 180 sq. in. of working space in the main chamber. Plus, a whopping 1,200 sq. in. of cooking space for the smoking and grilling basket. Even better, the cooking basket comes in 4 tiers so you can cook different kinds of meat all at once!

What makes this smoker unique is the fact that it has Infrared Heat Technology. This means that you don’t need to worry about pre-heating the unit anymore. It doesn’t even require charcoal nor oil too! If you’re concerned about how your meals would turn out; you will be surprised that Infrared heat makes one of the juiciest and flavorful meats! It doesn’t dry them up either.

This is a great option for people who are into outdoor cooking. However, the main issue we’ve found on this smoker is that most users have reported that The Big Easy SRG has shown difficulties in maintaining temperature. This means that you’ll have to pay attention and keep an eye on what you’re cooking when using this unit.

Another thing is that the basket has short vertical clearance. While it has 4 tiers, fitting larger meat chunks can be hassling for some. Most users have gotten a larger basket to make up for that. However, not everyone is willing to go through that hassle. 

Pros	Cons
+ Infrared Heating Technology + Multi-purpose + Rotary Ignition + Solid Construction + Variable temperature control + Meat thermometer + Grease collection tray	– Difficult to assemble – Hard time maintaining temperature – Short vertical clearance for basket

2. Masterbuilt MPS 340/G XL Propane Smoker – Most Convenient Propane Smoker

Apart from food quality, safety and convenience are two of the major concerns when getting cooking equipment. Apparently, Masterbuilt seems to have nailed those expectations with their MPS 340/G XL propane smoker.

This smoker has an undeniable abundance in space. It has 4 racks that totals to about 965.3 sq. in. of cooking space. To give you an idea on how large that is, it can comfortably fit 6 whole turkeys, 8 pork butts, 8 racks of ribs, or 16 whole chickens. When you have the MPS 340/G XL, you’re sure to cook enough food for everyone.

That’s not the only factor that makes this propane smoker great. It actually has some unique features that are nice to have and makes smoking a lot more convenient. First is the Patented Thermotemp. This is great because you don’t need to do the guesswork of figuring out which level in the dial will produce the temperature you want.

Instead, all you have to do is just set the desired temperature then let the unit regulate propane for you! Another thing is that it has a safety valve system which makes this a lot safer compared to others because it turns off your propane when it becomes empty. Not to mention, this unit also has a propane fuel gauge so you know exactly when your tank is due for refill.

This smoker has great and strong features. However, the only issue we found is that it doesn’t have a built-in thermometer. This means you have to trust that the internal temperature is the same with the one you set which is, in our opinion, quite risky.

Pros	Cons
+ Patented Thermo Temp + Safety valve system + Additional propane fuel gauge + Large cooking space + Full viewing panel + Sliding air damper	– No built-in thermometer

3. Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker – Best Deal Propane Smoker

The next on our list is the Masterbuilt MPS 230S propane smoker. It is one of the most affordable smokers considering its build quality. Most users have reported that it took at least 2 years of continuous usage before this smoker showed some signs of wear.

Apart from its longevity, the MPS 230S also offers you a decent space for cooking. It has 4 racks that totals up to 734 sq. in. Now that’s enough for you to smoke 2 whole turkeys, 8 whole chickens, 4 pork butts, and 4 racks of ribs. That’s according to the manufacturer. Let’s talk about actual user experience shortly.

What makes the MPS 230S unique is its patented porcelain coated flame disk bowl. It has dual purpose: first is to protect the burner from the grease and drippings and second is to hold the wood! It makes this smoker easier to clean among the others which is also a great feature.

Although this has a built-in temperature and a meat probe, most users have reported difficulties in controlling the internal temperature. While that may be a major disadvantage, those who had similar experiences said that they just needed some getting used to. When you get this smoker, it’s good to keep in mind that your first few uses will not turn out perfectly.

Lastly, as mentioned earlier, Masterbuilt claims that this smoker has a 734 sq. in. of working space. However, most users claim that it’s not true. Others have claimed that the maximum area is around 640 sq. in. at most which is still good.

Pros	Cons
+ Push-button ignition + Built-in temperature gauge + Includes meat probe + Patented porcelain coated flame disk bowl	– Difficulties with temperature control – Manufacturer overstates capacity

4. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18″ – Most Powerful Propane Smoker

Veteran smokers have experienced being limited by the temperature their smoker can produce. That’s limiting and a usual dealbreaker. That’s none of your concern when it comes to Camp Chef’s Smoke Vault 18”. Finally, a smoker that can deliver.

Apart from its heating prowess, this smoker doesn’t disappoint when it comes to cooking space too! It has 2 smoking racks with 1 rack dedicated for making jerky. Those total to about 630 sq. in. which is surprising considering that the main chamber is only 18” high.

A notable feature of this smoker is its matchless snap-ignition system. With most smokers, they need to be preheated prior to actual use. Well, you don’t have to worry about that when you have the SMV18. Once you ignite it, you’re ready to start smoking! Now that might have something to do with its powerful cooking temperature.

Another thing that makes it great is the fact that it gives you full control over the internal temperature. It has 3 adjustable damper valves – two on each side and one on top. This gives you the freedom to cook your meals exactly the way you want them.

The only major issue we found on this smoker is its inaccurate display of temperature. It has a temperature range of 50-550 degrees. However, no matter how high the internal temperature is, it can only manage to display up to 400 degrees. Now that can be confusing for most and many might even end up burning their food on their first few tries.

Pros	Cons
+ Built-in temperature gauge + Multiple damper valves + Removable porcelain base tray + Heavy-duty steel construction + Matchless snap-ignition + Convertible fuel	– Inaccurate display of temperature – Not enough insulation

5. Masterbuilt GS30D 2-Door Propane Smoker – Most Durable Propane Smoker

When you think of getting  a smoker, you spend a lot of time looking for the best one because you want something that could last you for years. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you purchase the GS30D 2-Door propane smoker.

Apparently, Masterbuilt is one of the most popular choices for smokers because they build units using industry-standard materials. This specific smoker is built using durable steel construction which allows it to withstand high temperature.

What makes this smoker great is its doors that remain tightly sealed when closed. Apart from a well-maintained internal temperature, it prevents smoke from seeping out. This makes your meals flavorful. Not to mention, among the other smokers, the GS30D produces a taste similar to that of a wood or charcoal smoker. 

The issue we found with this smoker is that its water dries up a lot quicker than other smokers. When you get this, remember to check the water level every so often to avoid drying your meat. Most users already prepare a second tray to work around this. However, that may be an inconvenience for most of us.

Pros	Cons
+ Built-in temperature gauge + Push button ignition + Porcelain-coated wood chip tray and water pan + Durable steel construction + Adjustable air damper + Sealed locking door	– Water dries quickly – Not enough ventilation

6. Masterbuilt 44241GW 2-Door Propane Smoker – Most Versatile Propane Smoker

There will be times when you’d like to serve food other than chicken, turkey, ribs, etc. Good news, you can also use a smoker to make jerky, sausages, or basically anything you can hang. Now that’s a good variant to add on the usual cookout menu!

That’s actually what this smoker has to offer. With such a compact size, you will be surprised that it has 7 different cooking grids so you can cook other food apart from the usual. It has 4 standard smoking grates, 2 jerky grids, and 1 rib rack. Plus, it has sausage hangers too!

What makes this smoker great is this: apart from having 2 doors, it has 2 burners and 2 wood chip pans too! This may mean we can expect it to perform double compared to others. Even better, each burner has 12,000 BTU per hour of power that you can individually control!

While this is proving to be a great choice for a smoker, it does have its limitation too which is the vertical clearance between the racks. If you plan to use all 7 at the same time, you need to cut meat into smaller chunks so you can fit them comfortably. Otherwise, if you don’t have to finish a big batch all at once, you can remove the other racks you don’t need. Another thing is that if you compare it with the other smokers in this list, it doesn’t have so much space. 

Pros	Cons
+ Auto-ignite system + Full viewing panel + Built-in temperature gauge + Dual burners + Multiple cooking grids + Dual porcelain-coated wood chip pans	– Short vertical clearance

7.  Masterbuilt Compact Outdoor Portable Propane Smoker – Most Portable Propane Smoker

Next on our list is this smoker and as its name suggests, it’s built to be taken outdoors for when you’re camping or even tailgating. Masterbuilt Compact Outdoor Portable Propane Smoker can follow you whenever, wherever!

The dimensions of this propane smoker is 20.8” x 17.5” x 16” which makes it easy to transport. Plus, it only weighs 28 lbs making it a lot easier to carry around compared to other portable propane smokers!

With its compact size, it still has 2 smoking racks that offer a total of 280 sq. in. of working space. That’s enough to fit 1 whole turkey, 4 whole chickens, 2 pork butts, or even 2 racks for ribs. This grill won’t let you feel like you’re missing out. That quantity is good enough to feed a small family.

While this smoker has a built-in temperature gauge and an analog propane controller, most users have reported that it’s quite difficult to get your desired temperature. This might be because it’s not digital and the controller has vague labels on the dial. However, with continuous use, you’re sure to be able to get the hang of it too.

Pros	Cons
+ Built-in temperature gauge + Analog propane controller + Push-start ignition + Portable + Folding legs	– Temperature needs monitoring – Difficult to control temperature

8. Smoke Hollow 3500 4-in-1 Combination Smoker – Most Multi-Functional Propane Smoker

If you’re yet to find an equipment for your backyard cooking, the Smoke Hollow 3500 might just be your best bet. This smoker comes with a charcoal griller, gas griller, side-burner, and firebox too. In fact, it has most of your cookout needs!

This unit boasts a total of 860 sq. in. which is decent for its size. For its gas griller, it has 3 burners that have 8,300 BTU per hour of power each. You can also control them individually to meet your desired temperature. Overall, this unit has 34,200 BTU per hour.

What makes the Smoke Hollow 3500 great is the fact that it has the essentials you’d look for with each of its functions. Apart from the 3-burner gas grill, its charcoal grill has an adjustable level of charcoal tray so you can achieve your desired temperature even when you’re using charcoal. It also comes with a warming rack and a shelf underneath!

There’s hardly anything to say negatively about this smoker. However, the only concern we have is its assembling time. Most users who have this grill have reported that it takes at least 2 people to assemble this smoker and it takes at least an hour and a half. This is only a one time thing though and it’s a great trade-off considering that you have a 4-in1 smoker like this.

Pros	Cons
+ Built-in temperature gauge + Triple burners + Multiple cooking chambers + Large working area + With warming rack + Air damper control + Adjustable charcoal tray + With shelf	– Difficult to assemble

9. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Charcoal/Gas Smoker & Grill – Most Spacious Propane Smoker

Last and definitely not the least, we have the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo. Oklahoma Joe is one of the most trusted brands in the barbecue industry.

This unit lives up to that standard as users have reported that the Longhorn Combo is high-quality, durable, and long-lasting.

Similar to the previous propane smoker we’ve reviewed, this unit is also multi-functional. The only difference is that the Longhorn offers a whopping 1,060 sq. in. of working area with three individually controlled burners that can reach up to 36,000 BTU per hour of power.

It has temperature gauges that you can  use to monitor internal temperature. Plus, there are multiple adjustable dampers great for regulating both smoke and heat. Plus, you don’t have to worry about rust as it features porcelain-coated cast-iron that is ideal for long runs of cooking, grilling, and smoking. Not to mention that this material guarantees quick and hassle-free cleanups.

There are a few issues we’ve found with this smoker. First is that most users have reported that there are small gaps in the body where smoke and heat can seep through. This makes it difficult for them to maintain high temperatures. Another issue, and related to the first, it also burns a lot more fuel compared to other similar smokers.

Pros	Cons
+ Built-in temperature gauge + Triple burners + Multiple cooking chambers + Large working area + Air damper control + With shelf + Electronic Igniter	– Difficult to maintain internal temperature – Burns fuel fast

FAQs section

How much fuel does propane smokers consume?

This is dependent on the type of smoker you have. Generally speaking, the higher the BTU of your smoker, the more fuel it consumes. However, the usual rate is 18-20 hours for a standard propane tank which is around 20 lbs. That’s roughly 14-16 ounces per hour or two.

How much should you clean a propane smoker?

A rule of thumb is to only do thorough cleaning thrice a year before the winter. For minor cleaning, just remove the ashes, grease splashes, and food build-up around the interior. However, when it comes to cleaning the grates, make sure to not scrub it too much as this will ruin the coating.

How do you season a propane smoker?

You only need to season your propane smoker once and that’s after purchasing it. Do a thorough cleaning of the whole smoker then rub the interior with oil. Don’t overdo this because you might have oil dripping into the flames. Next is to turn on the smoker without water. After reaching 200 degrees, fill the smoker with wood. Leave it for up to 3 hours and that’s it!

Wrap Up

It’s always great to have a smoker around during cookouts – especially when it’s a large party! Not only does it serve meals in larger quantities but it’s also one of those cooking equipment that you can set-and-forget. Spend less time in front of the grill and more time having fun!

If it were to make a recommendation, the propane smoker that stands out from this list is clearly the Smoke Hollow 3500 4-in-1 Combination Smoker. Especially if you just need a unit you can use in your backyard. It has great features plus its only downside is a one-time thing.