For new smoker users, propane can be a good option for learning how to smoke meats at the correct temperatures. The problem is, many smoker units claim to be good but leave a lot to be desired.
If you are new to this, it may be difficult to choose the top propane smoker, especially if you don’t know what to look for. We’ve narrowed down the top ten propane smokers to get you started towards smoking perfection.
The Best Propane Smokers
- Best Overall Propane Smoker: Masterbuilt ThermoTemp XL
- Cheapest Propane Smoker: Cuisinart COS-244 Smoker
- Best Propane Smoker for Even Heating: Pit Boss 77435 Propane Smoker
- Best Heavy-Duty Propane Smoker: Dyna-Glo 36” Vertical Gas Smoker
- Easiest-to-Use Propane Smoker: Camp Chef Smoke Vault
10 Best Propane Smokers in 2024
1 - Masterbuilt ThermoTemp XL (Best Overall)
- Safety shut off valve
- Temperature sensor control
- Easy read tank fuel level gauge
- 15,750 BTU burner
- Less portable gas smoker
- Heavier than an electric smoker
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for those who need a versatile and high-capacity smoker.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for those with limited space.
Final Verdict
An excellent overall smoker with top-notch features. Highly recommended for serious users.
Masterbuilt has over 40 years of experience manufacturing everything from propane smokers to fryers and grills.
ThermoTemp XL is one of their high-end smokers and one of the best selling smokers on the market.
This model is meant for people who do serious smoking with the ability to cook up to 16 chickens, 10 racks of ribs, 20 fish fillets, or 169 jerky strips in one go.
We like the easy set and the fact that we can forget the gas control system and the safety shut off valve. This makes it more convenient to cook as you don’t need to constantly check temperatures. If you are looking for the top propane smoker, you won’t go wrong if you choose this model.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 28.7 x 53 inches
BTU Value: 15750
Cooking Area: 961 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Material: Stainless Steel
2 - Dyna-Glo 36” Vertical Gas Smoker (Best Heavy-Duty)
- Heavy-duty cast iron build
- Stainless steel cooking racks
- Double door system
- Heavy gauge large capacity water bowl
- No viewing window in door
- Not easily portable
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Perfect for users looking for a durable and heavy-duty option.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for users needing a compact smoker.
Final Verdict
A robust heavy-duty smoker, perfect for frequent use. Highly durable and efficient.
Dyna-Glo is a less known manufacturer of grills and liquid propane gas smoker models, but one we’ve come to like.
Their vertical LP gas smoker is well built using durable cast iron with a porcelain enameled steel wood chip box and stainless steel cooking grates.
The racks on this gas smoker are height adjustable, allowing you to make room for larger meats such as briskets or turkeys or smaller items such as burgers and chicken. If you are an average person smoking food for your family or small gatherings, and you want the top propane smoker for these occasions, this model can be a good option.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 27 x 19.2 x 46.46 inches
BTU Value: 15000
Cooking Area: 784 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas / Propane
Material: Cast Iron
3 - Cuisinart COS-244 Smoker (Cheapest)
- Works with 20 lb propane gas tank
- 2 door propane smoker
- Porcelain-enameled steel trays
- 40-inch hose and regulator
- Must purchase cover separately
- Have to request manufacturers warranty
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Great for budget-conscious buyers seeking efficiency.
Who is it not for?
- Not the best for high-end users.
Final Verdict
A cost-effective smoker with essential features. Best for budget-conscious users.
Cuisinart isn’t necessarily the first company you think of when it comes to propane smokers, but their COS-244 vertical 36” propane smoker is one of the top propane smokers on the market.
It’s a 36 inch 2 door liquid propane gas smoker, which we like due to less heat loss when changing out water and wood.
The cooking capacity on this smoker is also reasonable, with over 5 square feet of cooking space. The unit’s built-in temperature gauge makes it easy to monitor the internal cooking temperature and make adjustments as needed.
The only major downside with this unit is that it lacks any portability weighing in at 40 lbs.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 46 inches
BTU Value: 15000
Cooking Area: 784.8 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Material: Alloy Steel
4 - Camp Chef Smoke Vault (Easiest-to-Use)
- Easy to use cooking system
- 18,000 BTU per hour output
- Three adjustable damper valves
- Easy clean removable porcelain base tray
- Over 70 lbs total weight
- Not a two-door system
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suitable for beginners due to its ease of use.
Who is it not for?
- Not for experienced users needing advanced features.
Final Verdict
Very user-friendly and easy to operate. Ideal for beginners and casual users.
Camp Chef makes unique looking and highly durable gas smokers.
They consistently make lists for best gas smokers, with the Smoke Vault getting the Amazon’s Choice designation for best Camp Chef smoker.
The unit includes two cooking grids and one jerky rack large enough for meats such as briskets and ribs or small meats such as burgers and sausage.
Camp Chef Smoke Vault comes with a door thermometer that can read temperature ranges between 50 and 550 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 107 degrees Celsius).
It also comes with a heavy gauge steel wood chip tray and water pan for infusing smoke flavor.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 30.5 x 25 x 17 inches
BTU Value: 18000
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Gas
Material: Steel
5 - Char-Broil Vertical Propane Smoker
- Use with a standard propane tank
- Smoker comes with a warming unit
- 595 square inches of cooking surface
- Porcelain wood chip and water pan
- No front viewing window in doors
- Heavier than an electric smoker
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Fits those who want a reliable and straightforward smoker.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for those seeking advanced features.
Final Verdict
Reliable and straightforward with decent features. Good for general use.
Char-Broil is one of the top makers of gas smokers on the market.
We particularly like the Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker as it's easy to use and comes with a convenient warming rack on top of the smoker.
The Char-Broil smoker features three smoking racks with almost 600 square inches of cooking space. The unit also has an easy temperature control knob and push-button ignition handy startup.
The bottom comes with a double drawer for the wood chip tray and water tray, allowing you to tend to both without causing heat loss in the main cooking chamber.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 19.5 x 21.5 x 45.5 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 595 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Propane
Material: Steel
6 - Masterbuilt Dual Fuel Smoker
- Chrome-plated smoking racks
- Two-door smoking model
- Easy clean removable water bowl
- Built-in temperature gauge
- No front viewing window in door
- Not easily portable
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Excellent for those who prefer a dual fuel option.
Who is it not for?
- Not for users preferring single fuel options.
Final Verdict
Versatile dual-fuel smoker. Great for users who need flexibility in fuel choices.
This is another Masterbuilt propane gas smoker that ranks as one of the best gas units due to ease of use and features.
We like the two-door build, which makes it easy to change out the tray and the four chrome-plated smoking racks that provide ample cooking surface.
The built-in temperature control system and gauge make monitoring heat and smoke levels easy.
We also like that this has an air damper for better moisture, heat, and smoke level control Overall, this unit can be a good option for the average person looking for something consistent and reliable.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 20.47 x 20.86 x 43.5 inches
BTU Value: 15400
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Propane
Material: Porcelain, Stainless Steel
7 - Pit Boss 77435 Propane Smoker (Best for Even-Heating)
- Large food viewing window in door
- Durable build quality for smoker and propane tank
- Detailed buyers guide
- Food cooks evenly with dual burners
- Does not have side handles
- Weighs 50lbs (22.67 kilos)
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for even-heating needs in smoking.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for those with small smoking areas.
Final Verdict
Provides even heating for consistent results. Best for precise smoking.
The Pit Boss Vertical Gas Smoker is on the list for best propane smokers due to its great design and features.
We like that this has a front viewing window, which many grills don’t have.
It also has a dual burner system with a temperature range of between 100 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit (37.77 to 176 degrees Celsius).
The smoker box is equipped with three porcelain coated cooking grids totaling 800 square inches of total cooking surface.
The tray, drawer and grease pan also have external access, which allows you to more easily maintain the internal cooking temperature.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 21.5 x 23 x 47 inches
BTU Value: 12500
Cooking Area: 800 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Material: Stainless Steel
8 - Masterbuilt MB20050716
- Safety shut off valve
- Heat diffuser for even smoking
- Temperature sensor device controls burner
- Four chrome-coated smoking racks
- Not easily portable
- Less affordable than some grills using wood chips
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suitable for users who prefer a balanced smoker.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those needing advanced features.
Final Verdict
Balanced features make it suitable for various needs. Good overall choice.
The final Masterbuilt gas smoker on our list, there is a lot to like about this compared to electric smokers.
One of the things we like most is the large window for viewing food. This makes heat control easier as you can monitor your food without opening the door and losing temperatures.
This is also a two-door vertical smoker allowing you to swap out wood chips and water without losing heat. The smokers best if you want to do some serious smoking with features like a heat diffuser for even heat all around and a type 1 regulator with fuel gauge.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 17.32 x 18.31 x 26.18 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Material: Cast Iron
9 - Pit Boss 2-Series Gas Vertical Smoker
- Front-facing door widow
- Durable stainless steel burners
- External access to wood drawer
- 884 square inches of cooking space
- Almost 50 lbs (22.67 kilos) total weight
- No warming racks
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Great for those needing a robust vertical smoker.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for beginners.
Final Verdict
Robust and high-capacity. Ideal for heavy use and large quantities.
The final on our list of top propane gas smokers is the Pit Boss 2-Series Gas Vertical Smoker.
This is a slightly smaller version of the above listed Pit Boss smoker for people who don’t need as much smoking and cooking space to cook food.
This is another option that has a front window to make sure you're getting the best from your food. This also has two doors to make sure you're maintaining temperatures when cooking food.
This grills best for those that want a durable and easy to use gas smoker with plenty of cooking room for food.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 21.5 x 23 x 41 inches
BTU Value: 13500
Cooking Area: 884 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Material: Porcelain
Who Are Propane Smokers For
The best propane smokers are for people who want a solid smokey taste without worrying about the cleanup from charcoal.
These can also be good grills for newer smoker users who don’t know how to regulate temperatures with charcoal grills yet.
The best gas smokers will typically have an easy-to-read temperature knob which makes temp control a bit easier for newer users.
The grills best for this that we reviewed included all of the Masterbuilt lines such as the 44-inch.
Pros and Cons of a Propane Smoker
- Perhaps the best thing about gas smokers is how easy they are to use. Unlike charcoal, which requires you to start the coals and keep them going, with LP, you simply turn it on and ignite the burner. This makes these propane smokers much easier to use than charcoal.
- When compared to an electric smoker, they also provide a more rich smoke flavor. This typically provides the best balance between ease of use and performance. They are also usually cheaper to operate than charcoal.
- One of the main disadvantages of smoking with liquid gas is that you won’t get the same smoke flavor as with charcoal. This can be mitigated by using wood pieces or a pellet tube to add extra smoke. However, for a more traditional flavor, charcoal is considered better by many smoking enthusiasts.
- Another drawback of liquid gas is that you cannot cold smoke foods (1). With electric smokers and even charcoal smokers, you can get temps low enough for cold smoking. But, this isn’t possible with a gas smoker without an extra cold smoking device.
Propane Smokers Compared To Other Smoker Types
Propane vs Electric Smoker
When compared to the best electric types, LP smoker units provide a richer smoke flavor with the ability to add additional smoke through wood chips. Many BBQ enthusiasts will use either charcoal or propane smokers for this reason, while few recommend electric.
Check out the following article if you wish to learn more about electric vs propane smokers.
Propane vs Charcoal
LP smoker units are considered the best of both worlds when compared to charcoal. Because charcoal can be difficult to get started and maintain temperatures, it can be difficult for new users to smoke meats correctly.
You can control the temperature better with gas grills.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Staff (2)
However, with liquid gas, starting the smoker is as simple as turning a knob and pushing a button. This makes LP units the best option for new users who want a smoky flavor but don’t want to mess with starting charcoal briquettes.
How LP Smokers Work
Propane gas smokers work by using liquid propane gas as a fuel source to cook meat. This LP gas is connected to a burner through a hose regulated by a control knob. The best grills will have temperature readings for better control.
Be sure you know how to read a propane tank gauge so you don't run out of gas if you are using propane tanks.
An ignitor switch or button is located near this knob, and after turning on the gas, the switch is used to ignite the burner. The gas flows consistently through the burner, allowing the flame to burn at a constant temperature and cook food evenly.
The grills best suited for cooking have two-door setups. This allows for the changing and insertion of water trays and wood trays without opening the cooking chamber, causing major temperature fluctuations.
What to Look For In A Smoker
Dimensions and Weight
Ideally, the top propane smoker has larger dimensions yet less weight. This means that you will have a greater cooking area but also better portability. Unfortunately, many vertical gas smokers are quite large and can weigh over 50 lbs (22.67 kilograms). It’s best to select grills that weigh 45 lbs (20.41 kilograms) or less and provide at least 800 square inches of cooking space.
Two Door Build
This is one of the more important factors to look for in propane smokers. Gas grills best suited for smoking will have two or more doors The purpose of this is to allow the cooking chamber to seal shut so that you don’t have to open it to change wood chips and water. You also want cooking doors that have windows, which can also cut down on needing to open the doors to check the meat.
Build Quality
Smoker build quality can range greatly, and you must choose the best build quality to last longer. Brands like Smoke Hollow and Masterbuilt are known for using durable cast iron and stainless steel. These are ideal materials for their anti-rusting properties and sturdiness.
Cooking Area
As noted above, the top propane smoker should have a cooking area that has at least 800 square inches of cooking space (5161.22 square centimeters) for the average user. We’re defining the average user as cooking regularly for a family of three or four and occasionally for larger groups.
One other thing to consider with the cooking surface is whether or not grates are adjustable. Just because you have the cooking area for a large turkey, for example, doesn’t mean you have the height.
Number of Grates
When purchasing a new smoker, we generally like there to be three grates or more. Three to four is the general number, with some having a mix of two grates and a jerky rack or some similar combination. If you plan on cooking large numbers of small meats such as jerky, burgers, or sausage links, it’s better to have more grates.
Grate Coating and Material
When it comes to cooking grates, we find the best to be cast iron or stainless steel. These both do a good job of conducting heat and are both durable and easy to clean (3). The best coatings are either chrome or, even better, porcelain. These can help the grates retain heat longer and spread more evenly.
Number of Burners
Most gas smokers will have a single burner in the center. However, if you can find one in your latest price range, the best propane smokers have two burners. Using two burners can allow you to have two wood and water trays, which can provide more smoke and more consistent burning temperatures.
Temperature Range
There are two factors you have to look at when it comes to temp range. The first is the thermometer range so that you can get a precise reading, and the second is the potential range you can get your grill to. Ideally, the best propane smoker will have a range of between at least 50 and 550 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 65.55 degrees celsius) for both (4).
When smoking, keep temperatures inside the smoker at 225°F to 300°F to keep meat a safe temperature while it cooks.
- United States Centers For Disease Control (5)
Extra Features
The main extra features you need to think about when it comes to choosing the best propane smoker are shelf storage and a rack for warming. You will probably want to set items like plates and cooking tools somewhere, and extra shelving is the solution. For pulling off meat that is done before the rest, a rack for warming is the solution to keep your food from going cold.
It can also be helpful if you find a model that has included meat probes. These can be used to measure meat's internal temperature, which will ensure you are cooking everything to a safe temperature.
“Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature.”
- United States Department of Agriculture (6)
Ease of Assembly
The great thing about vertical smokers is that they don’t always require as much in the way of assembly as a barrel smoker. But, you will still need to do some putting together for your new grill. Ideally, you want to check reviews to see what others have said about ease of assembly. Some units, such as a few from Smoke Hollow, have a reputation for being difficult to work with.
Ease of Cleaning
LP smokers are typically considered more straightforward to clean than their charcoal counterparts from brands like Smoke Hollow. However, there are still some considerations that can make one smoker easier to clean than others.
You want a smoker that has a removable water and wood chips tray. This will make it easier to clean everything overall. Also, consider that having two burners, while better for cooking, will make cleaning more of a chore.
Warranty
Warranty lengths can vary greatly when it comes to each smoker brand. Companies such as Smoke Hollow, for example, offer only a 1-year warranty. Some brands offer even less. We’ve seen as little as 90 days from the point of purchase.
The best warranty we have seen was for two years, but that was with only one company. Ideally, you want to find at least a year or more when you purchase a smoker.
Related Articles:
Getting The Most Of Your Smoker
Whether you have a monster 44-inch smoker or a smaller gas smoker made for occasional cookouts, there are some tips that you can take into consideration for better cooking.
First, do not ever put charcoal inside of your LP smoker. The temperatures that charcoal burns at are different than liquid propane gas, which can damage the burner.
The ash can also cause damage and clog up the holes of your propane tank smoker.
Also, make sure you are regularly cleaning your smoker, preferably every three to five cooking sessions.
Many people complain of difficulties keeping internal temperatures high with gas smokers, but this usually boils down to poor maintenance.
Regularly check your smoker for leaks or other issues that could cause a loss in temperature. Also, make sure that you pay particular attention to details when you assemble your smoker. Minor overlooked details such as screws or seals that need to be tightened can lead to poor smoker performance.
Related Articles:
FAQs
Are propane smokers any good?
Generally, yes. Propane smokers are good if you are new at grilling and smoking meats. Gas smokers, and electric smokers, are often easier to operate and maintain temperatures than charcoal smokers. This can be helpful for less experienced users learning to safely smoke meats.
Can you use charcoal in a propane smoker?
No. You cannot and should not try and use charcoal in a propane-fueled smoker. The burner device in gas grills is made specifically to handle the temperatures that gas will burn at. Using charcoal can damage the components by clogging them with ash and requiring expensive repairs.
How often do you add wood chips to a propane smoker?
You should typically add wood chips every five to six hours for a propane smoker. There is no hard and fast rule to follow, but it’s best to look at the quality of smoke you are getting. Thinner smoke generally means that it is time to replace or add wood chips.
Is propane healthier than charcoal?
Yes. Many studies have found that propane is healthier than charcoal due to fewer carcinogenic substances produced during the smoking process. Aside from just the health issue, a gas smoker typically emits 3 to 5 x less CO2, which causes pollution (7).
How much propane does a smoker use?
The amount of propane that a gas smoker uses will vary depending on how often you cook and what food you are smoking. The general rule is that a gas smoker will use 1 to 2 lbs of smoker per session. This equates to about 8 to 10 cooking sessions on one propane tank.
How hot does a propane smoker get?
A propane smoker will generally have a temp range between 50 degrees and 450 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees and 232 degrees celsius). More experienced users may be able to get temperatures higher than this, depending on the technology.
And the #1 Propane Smoker is...
After thoroughly reviewing ten of the best gas grills, we’ve narrowed down the Masterbuilt ThermoTemp XL as our top pick for a propane smoker on the market.
One of the things that stands out to us is the large window in the doors that allows for easy viewing of your food, something the runner-up doesn’t have. It’s also got ample cooking space, making it a good choice for heavy-duty smoking.
The burner device technology is also better than other units with more precise settings for set-and-forget cooking abilities. Click here to check out the latest price and purchase the Masterbuilt ThermoTemp XL.
Masterbuilt ThermoTemp XL (Best Overall)
Our #1 Recommendation
Rated With Carnivore Style's Scoring System
- Safety shut off valve
- Temperature sensor control
- Easy read tank fuel level gauge
- 15,750 BTU burner
- Less portable gas smoker
- Heavier than an electric smoker
The Char Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas type is the greatest propane smoker available. For flawlessly smoked meats, its vertical construction and liquid propane fuel supply steady heat. I suggest it!