If you're thinking of making smoked jerky, the last thing you want is the shoe leather variety you get from a dehydrator. A smoker can provide you with juicy and smoky jerky made from home. We've tested dozens of smokers and narrowed them down to help you get the best smoker for beef jerky.
The Best Smokers for Jerky
- Best Overall Jerky Smoking Appliance: Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead
- Cheapest Jerky Smoker: Cuisinart 30-Inch Electric Smoker
- Best Pellet Smoker for Jerky: Z Grills-7000E Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Best Electric Smoker for Jerky: Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead
- Best Jerky Smoker for Beginners: Camp Chef Smoke Vault
- Largest Capacity Jerky Smoker: Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead
- Most Compact Jerky Smoker: Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
- Most Versatile Jerky Smoker: Z Grills-7000E Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Best Charcoal Jerky Smoking Unit: Weber Smokey Mountain
- Most Durable Smoker for Jerky: Camp Chef Smoke Vault
10 Best Smokers For Making Jerky in 2024
1 - Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead Vertical Pellet Smoker (Best Overall, Electric & Largest Capacity)
- Attractive finish and large front window
- Five racks that you can position in multiple locations
- Elevated frame for easy monitoring and food transfer
- Cooks from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- A large machine that requires substantial storage space.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Outdoor cooking enthusiasts, Large gatherings
Who is it not for?
- Indoor cooking only
Final Verdict
Great for large, versatile outdoor cooking. Reliable and durable with ample space.
The Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead Vertical Pellet Smoker is a great option for those who want to make their jerky. Five smoking racks provide a total of 1,659 square inches of cooking space.
The 40-pound hopper means you can cook for up to 24 hours, while the control panel makes it simple to ensure the temperature stays consistent. The porcelain-coated racks make cleaning easy, and the double-walled construction helps keep heat in.
We like that this pellet smoker has a huge front window that allows you to check on smoke generation without losing the heat. Also, the copper finish looks great and lasts well.
The biggest drawback of this smoker is that it's quite large, so you'll need a lot of space to store it. It comes with four locking casters, so the smoker is easy to move.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 28.8 x 53.1 x 27.9 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 1,659 square inches
Hopper Capacity: 40 pounds
Fuel Type: Corded electric
Material: Metal with copper finish
2 - Z Grills-7000E Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker (Best Pellet Smoker & Most Versatile)
- 8-in-1 capabilities make it a versatile machine
- The digital control board is user-friendly
- Maintains consistent temperature at any setpoint
- Wood pellets add delicious flavor to the meat
- No Wi-Fi control capability
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- BBQ lovers, Versatile cooking needs
Who is it not for?
- Small spaces
Final Verdict
Excellent for versatile BBQ needs with solid construction. Ideal for both smoking and grilling.
The Z Grills-7000E Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an excellent option for those who want a versatile smoker. With 8-in-1 capabilities, it can be a grill, smoker, oven, roaster, and more. The digital control board makes it simple and lets you set the machine for the desired cooking style without fuss.
The 7000E is a sizeable machine that can cook 29 burgers, 6 racks of ribs, or 5 whole chickens on its nearly 700 square inches of grill space. The large hopper will allow you to smoke for 33 hours straight or grill on high for 10.
We like how smoothly the pellet drive works to maintain a constant temperature at any setpoint between 180 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The wood pellets cook the meat and add a delicious smoky flavor.
The main downside to this machine is that there is no Wi-Fi control, so you'll need to be present to monitor the cooking process.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 48 x 22 x 51 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 697 square inches
Hopper Capacity: 20 pounds
Fuel Type: Wood pellets
Material: Heavy-duty steel
3 - Weber Smokey Mountain (Best Charcoal Smoker)
- Provides authentic smokey flavor
- Sturdy porcelain-coated steel materials
- Two nickel-plated cooking grates
- Built-in lid thermometer
- No viewing window
- Limited cooking area
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Slow cooking fans, Multi-item smoking
Who is it not for?
- Quick cooking needs
Final Verdict
Perfect for slow, precise smoking. High-quality build with excellent heat retention.
The Weber Smokey Mountain is a barrel charcoal smoker capable of giving you a rich traditional smokey flavor when making deer jerky or other homemade jerky recipes for family and friends.
This unit includes a water pan, thermometer, and individual vents on the lid and bowl to maintain temperatures in the cooking chamber.
The Smokey Mountain is made from porcelain-enameled steel, which is durable and good at retaining heat. It also comes equipped with two 18 ½ inch nickel-plated cooking grids.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 41 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Stainless Steel
4 - Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator (Most Compact)
- Over 15 square feet of cooking space
- Cook jerky made from different ingredients
- As good as jerky in a smoker
- Consistent temperature range for beef jerky
- Less smoke flavor
- Less versatile than traditional smokers
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Health-conscious individuals, Large families
Who is it not for?
- People needing quick drying
Final Verdict
Top choice for large scale dehydration with nutrient preservation. Durable and efficient.
The Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator is one of the best options for making beef jerky and other types the more traditional way.
This model comes with 9 cooking trays that allow you to turn large batches of beef slices into homemade jerky pieces.
The unit cooks between 105 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit (40.55 and 165 degrees Celsius) using the adjustable thermostat and built-in 26-hour timer.
The unit has 15 square feet of drying space and allows you to make jerky in various flavors, from brown sugar to onion powder to soy sauce.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 12.5 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 2160 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Plastic
5 - Bradley Digital 4-Rack Smoker
- Fully digital temperature control
- Traditional smoke flavor
- Four racks for jerky making
- Uses wood chip pucks
- Wood chips harder to obtain
- No viewing window
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Home chefs, Food-smoking fans
Who is it not for?
- Quick smoking needs
Final Verdict
Solid and easy to use for smoking enthusiasts. Good capacity with reliable performance.
Bradley digital electric smokers are a bit different than the others on our list.
Instead of using a traditional healing element like other electric smokers, these use wood chips and operate similarly to a pellet grill.
Finding replacement pucks boils down to a quick search, so there is no worry about running out.
You also get a nice smokey flavor for your beef jerky from the wood pucks. This digital electric smoker is made from polished stainless steel and has four stainless steel cooking grids providing ample cooking.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 14 x 17 x 31 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Corded Electric
Material: Polished Stainless Steel
6 - Camp Chef SmokePro DLX
- Digital controls good for beginner users
- 573 square inch smoking racks
- Features a large-capacity pellet hopper
- Easy to clean cooking chamber
- Grill cover sold separately
- Pellet grill can cost more
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Versatile outdoor cooking needs, BBQ enthusiasts
Who is it not for?
- Indoor cooking only
Final Verdict
Good for versatile outdoor cooking with robust features. Reliable and efficient for various needs.
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX is a pellet smoker with easy-to-use digital controls and a large-capacity pellet wood chip box.
Pellet smokers can be great for making jerky as they infuse beef jerky with a traditional flavor yet have a cleaner smoking process than charcoal.
The SmokePro DLX electric digital smoker has an auto pellet auger with a self-shutdown capable of holding 18 lbs (8.16 kg) of pellets. The total cooking rack surface area is 573 sq inches.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 45 x 21 x 51 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 573 square inches
Hopper Capacity: 18 pounds
Fuel Type: Wood Pellets
Material: Steel
7 - Camp Chef Smoke Vault (Best for Beginners & Heavy-Duty)
- Easy to read door thermometer
- Three adjustable damper valves
- Dedicated beef jerky smoking rack
- Includes recipes book
- Total weight of 65 lbs (29.48 kilos)
- No window for viewing
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners, Heavy-duty cooking needs
Who is it not for?
- Small kitchens
Final Verdict
Ideal for beginners and heavy-duty cooking needs. Durable and easy to use with consistent performance.
We’re big fans of Camp Chef’s smokers, and their Smoke Vault is no different.
It is one of the best smoker units for jerky smoking in terms of durability and construction quality.
It is a propane smoker that gives you a nice balance between flavor and ease of use.
Gas grills are often easier for beginner users who don’t know how to light and maintain temperatures with charcoal smokers.
The Smoke Vault propane smoker has a matchless ignition system, two adjustable smoking racks, and a heavy-duty jerky rack for making beef jerky.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 30.25 x 18.75 x 17 inches
BTU Value: 18000
Cooking Area: 573 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Propane
Material: Steel
8 - Bradley Smoker BS611
- Uses quality wood chip loading system
- Four beef jerky smoking racks
- Over 4-hours of smoking without refill
- Features easy-clean interior
- Now front window for viewing
- Special wood briquettes needed
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Casual smokers, Small gatherings
Who is it not for?
- Advanced smoking requirements
Final Verdict
Great for casual smoking with easy setup. Reliable for small gatherings and casual use.
As with the Bradley Digital 4-Rack Smoker, the BS611 uses puck-shaped compressed wood chips as fuel.
This electric smoker has four well-constructed racks that are best for beef jerky and other meat types.
The primary difference between the BS611 and the above Bradley Digital Electric Smoker is that this unit doesn’t have a digital remote control panel.
It’s still simple with a temperature setting knob and front door thermometer. However, you must check the temperature more often than in the above Bradley smoking unit.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 34 x 20 x 18 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Wood Chips
Material: Metal
9 - Cuisinart 30-Inch Electric Smoker (Cheapest Option)
- Easy to operate electric smoker
- Cooks beef jerky and other meat types
- Features easy buyer assembly
- Front-facing temperature monitor
- Cover sold separately
- No front window for viewing
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Home smokers, Casual users
Who is it not for?
- Advanced smoking requirements
Final Verdict
Affordable and easy to use for home smoking. Good entry-level smoker with solid performance.
The Cuisinart Electric Smoker is simple but built to be durable.
This electric smoker has the Amazon Editors Choice rating for “best Cuisinart smoker,” owing to its quality design and simplicity.
It is a good choice if you’re looking for the best electric smoker for smoking beef jerky and any other meat a buyer might want to add to the smoker.
We like this 30-inch electric smoker for features such as the easy-to-read temperature gauge and the more than 500 square inches of internal smoker space.
The wood chip tray and water tray were removed for easy cleaning, making this one of the easier-to-use, low-maintenance best electric jerky grills on the list.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 22 x 19 x 37.5 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 548 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Corded Electric
Material: Steel
10 - Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker
- 430 square inches of cooking space
- Traditional smoke flavoring
- Adjustable dampers for heat control
- Storage rack for cooking accessories
- Does not come with a grill cover
- No window for viewing
Char-Broil, like Weber, is a popular and well-established manufacturer of electric smokers, charcoal grill units, gas grill models, and many more different types of smokers.
The Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset is one of their high-quality classics and a great option to make smoked jerky with from your meat cuts.
This Char-Broil charcoal and wood smoker infuses your jerky with a traditional smoky flavor you can’t get from a propane smoker or electric smoker.
This smoker has a solid 290 square inches of cooking space with 140 square inches in the firebox—a good option for making smoked jerky in a smoker.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 46.25 x 44.75 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 430 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Steel
Why do you need a jerky smoker?
Regardless of the type of meat that you think is best for jerky, smokers can infuse the beef with some flavors you can’t get from a dehydrator. Smokers also help to keep the meat juicer by sealing in the taste. It creates more flavorful meat that can be easier to eat.
You have a few options for jerky making, including dehydrators or an oven. However, we’ve found that the best way to make jerky is to use a smoker to give you a more robust flavor.
“Unlike grills, where the heat is more direct, smokers cook the meat (or veggies) with smoke heat and add an unforgettable smoked flavor. Smokers allow for longer cook times when you want to achieve that mouth-watering 'fall off the bone' consistency.”
- Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (1)
Best Jerky Smoker Buying Guide
Cooking Surface
When it comes to a smoker, your cooking surface will likely be some grate or rack on which the meat sits. The best cooking grates will usually be made out of one of the following:
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron (2)
- Stainless steel
- Porcelain-enameled steel
These materials are some of the best for retaining heat, which is important when making jerky and other slow-cooked meat in a gas smoker or other type of smoker (3).
You also want to look at how large the spaces are on the racks and grates. Because smoking jerky is best when the beef is cut into smaller pieces, you don’t want a rack with large gaps that the meat can fall through. It’s best to use a jerky rack that has smaller grate holes.
Temperature Control Features
Temperature control will differ depending on the smoker you are using. If you are a new smoker user, we recommend you stick to an electric or gas smoker with digital control or an easy turn knob. These are best for inexperienced users who haven’t previously worked with charcoal and wood.
Wood and Water Trays
If you opt for a gas or electric smoker, having wood and water trays is essential to infuse your meat jerky with real smoker flavor. It’s best to look for removable trays, as these are much easier to clean once your meat is finished cooking.
Size
Regarding smokers, size primarily refers to the cooking area available for meat. You will likely be making large batches of jerky at one time, so it can be helpful if you search for a larger smoker capable of large sets at one time.
We typically like to see at least 500 square inches of cooking space or more. It’s best to find more than this as that will leave you ample room for other meat types, such as ribs or brisket. But 500 square inches will be plenty for some big batches of meat.
Durability
The last thing you want is to buy a smoker that only works two or three times before breaking down. There are a few factors you want to look for when buying the best smoker in terms of durability, including:
- Grate material (cast iron, steel) (4)
- Body material (steel)
- Protective features (grill cover)
The above best smokers we’ve listed all meet the above qualities. One thing to note is that you will often have to purchase a grill cover separately. However, this can significantly improve the longevity of your grill.
Ease of Use
The best smoker in terms of ease of use will often be the one that matches your experience level with jerky making. For newer users, sticking to a gas or electric smoker will often be a better choice.
“A gas grill is simply easier to deal with...It’s great for low and slow grilling,”
- Matt Hinckley, Head Chef at Hinckley’s Fancy Meats (5)
A charcoal and wood smoker can provide a more robust flavor. However, in terms of ease of use, these are often more difficult to get started and maintain temperatures, which are especially important for jerky, which needs consistent temperatures for long periods.
Keep in mind that you can also use pellet tube smoker kits if you want a more smoky flavor. Click here and learn which pellet tube smoker model we think is the best.
Ease of Cleaning
Depending on the type of jerky you are making, the meat can be quite messy with sauces and spices dripping everywhere. The best smokers will have easily removable drip pans and water trays and will be simple to wipe out. Try and avoid models that have a lot of small spaces or pieces that can’t be removed and cleaned.
Related articles:
- How to Season an Offset Smoker
- How to Season a Masterbuilt Propane Smoker
- How to Insulate a Smoker Firebox
How do you clean a jerky smoker?
There are three steps to clean a jerky smoker properly. You will need a grill brush for the grates and towels to wipe the inside.
Step 1: Remove the Grates, Trays, and Pans
You want to remove the grates and gently brush off any chunks that are stuck to them. You can use a wet towel to wipe off any fat or other residue on the grates. For the trays and drip pans, it’s best you wash these in a dishwasher or hand wash in a sink.
Step 2: Clean the Cooking Chamber
First, you should wipe out any large chunks of meat or lose fat that has built up at the bottom of the chamber. After this, use mildly warm and soapy water to wipe out the inside of the chamber. Do not use a metal brush, as this can damage your smoker.
Step 3: Clean the Outside
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the smoker. If your smoker has a window, use only approved glass cleaner in small quantities.
FAQs
Is jerky better in a smoker or dehydrator?
Jerky is better in a smoker than a dehydrator, as a smoker will help to lock in the juices so that the jerky remains tender. Jerky made in a dehydrator can often be tough, leathery, and difficult to eat.
How long do you need to smoke jerky?
The average smoke times for jerky will depend on how thick the meat strips are and what fuel you are using. However, average smoke times for the best jerky will usually be 4 to 5 hours.
Do you use water when smoking jerky?
Using water at the beginning of smoking jerky can help start the cooking process and achieve the best temperature. It’s best to use a water pan for the first hour or two of smoking, after which the tray can be removed.
What temperature do you smoke jerky at?
The best temperature to smoke jerky is around 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65.55 degrees Celsius). You don’t want temperatures to get too hot, as jerky must be smoked slowly. Ensure the temperature stays low so you don’t get a dry and leathery batch of meat.
How do you know when smoked jerky is done?
You will know that your jerky is done when it can bend and crack easily without breaking. Wait till about hour four or five and then periodically pull a piece of meat from the smoker. Let it cool, and check it by bending it a little.
How do you smoke jerky in a charcoal smoker?
It’s best to get the smoker going and the temperature correct before adding the meat to properly smoke jerky in a charcoal smoker. Because jerky needs to be cooked at low temperatures, you should add less charcoal than you would for ribs or other meats.
The Final Verdict
After cooking hundreds of slices of jerky on everything from gas grills to some of the best electric smokers around, our opinion is that the Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead Vertical Pellet Smoker is the best smoker for jerky making.
It was the best smoker we tested in terms of durability and temperature control. The control panel is designed to maintain a consistent temperature. You can cook for up to 24 hours, and it has an elevated frame for easy food transfer and monitoring.
If you’re looking for a jerky smoker, check out the Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead Vertical Pellet Smoker today.
Pit Boss 5-Series Copperhead Vertical Pellet Smoker (Best Overall, Electric & Largest Capacity)
Our #1 Recommendation
Rated With Carnivore Style's Scoring System
- Attractive finish and large front window
- Five racks that you can position in multiple locations
- Elevated frame for easy monitoring and food transfer
- Cooks from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- A large machine that requires substantial storage space.
