You don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new smoker if you’re a newbie grill master. However, you are cautious about purchasing the best budget smoker that will break down in a week. So do not be afraid, as we come here with cheaper but good quality smokers.
John Robert – an employee from a smoker manufacturer company, says the most crucial thing for a newbie is to pick the right type of budget smoker. So don’t panic if you’re not sure whether to go with a charcoal, gas, electric, or pellet smoker. We’ll go over options & help you pick the best one for you. So, we’ve written an article on the best budget smokers.
Walmart Price
| Best Budget Smoker | Ratings | Amazon Price | Walmart Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Chef 24″ Smoke | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Royal Gourmet Black Electric | ⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Char-Broil American Gourmet | ⭐⭐ | ||
| Traeger Grills 20 Portable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Char-Broil 16″ Bullet Charcoal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Traeger Grills Ranger Smoker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Weber 18-inch Mountain Cooker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Z Grills PID Controller | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Silver | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Check Price10 Product Reviews for Best Budget Smoker
Continue pursuing a stunning list of the top smoker.
1. Camp Chef 24″ Smoke Vault Vertical Smoker
Specifications
- Brand Camp Chef
- Color Black
- Weight 75 Pounds
- Material Stainless steel
- Dimensions 24 x 16 x 30 in
Feature Description
Smoke your favorite foods in the 24 x 16 x 30 in Camp Chef Smoke Vault Vertical Smoker. This heavy-gauge steel wood chip smoker is designed with a simple, durable design. The 24″ smoker features two cooking grids, one Jerky Rack, and three adjustable damper valves.
In addition, this 75 Pounds Best Budget Smokers has a temperature that varies from 50 to 550 degrees. An easy-to-read door thermometer keeps track of your temperature inside the smoker. Furthermore, it has an adjustable rack that helps position food correctly.
Convenient snap-ignition makes this smoker easy for anyone to start. Moreover, the heavy-gauge steel wood chip box allows you to add more chips during smoking if needed. Cooking tips and recipes are included in the package. Whether you are grilling or smoking, this high-quality product by Camp Chef will provide many years of enjoyment!
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
The Camp Chef Vertical Firebox Smoker is the perfect smoker for any backyard enthusiast. The 24″ vertical design allows you, your friends and your family to easily stack multiple smokers on top of one another without losing valuable space in your backyard or garage.
2. Royal Gourmet SE2801 black Electric Smoker
Specifications
- Brand Royal Gourmet
- Model SE2801
- Corded Electric Power Source
- Color Black
- Material Stainless Steel
- Weight 48.5 Pounds
- Fuel Type Electric
- 1500-watt power
- Cooking surface 457. 86 sq. In
Feature Description
The Royal Gourmet SE2801 Smoker has the same features as leading smokers but with an increased capacity for more cooking areas within a smaller footprint. With 1500-watt power, you have total control over the heat level inside your smoker, which allows for a comfortable temperature. The simple and durable design with 3 chrome-coated smoking racks.
These include 3 chrome-coated smoking racks with built-in meat thermometer holes, a removable digital controller, and a firebox door thermometer that can be read anywhere on the grill, giving you great convenience when checking temperatures.
The 457. 86 sq. The cooking surface of a smoker is perfect for all types of meats, including chickens, turkey and significant cuts like brisket and pork. The 48.5 Pounds Corded Electric Royal Gourmet has a simple and durable design to easily monitor the temperature with a door thermometer.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
The Royal Gourmet SE2801 Vertical Smoker is the ultimate barbecue smoker for you. With an easy-to-read door thermometer and two adjustable racks, your food can be cooked quickly.
3. Char-Broil American 12201570-A1 Gourmet Offset Smoker
Specifications
- Brand Char-Broil
- Model 12201570
- Charcoal Power Source
- Color Black
- Material Steel
- Weight 38 Pounds
- 290 square inch main chamber space
- 140 sq. in. firebox chamber space
Feature Description
Char-Broil American 12201570-A1 offset smoker is the perfect companion for your next smoke out or tailgating party. One side includes adjustable cooking grids that combine Offset Smoker, BBQ & Charcoal Grill.
38 Pounds Char-Broil 12201570-A1 smoker has 290 square inch main chamber space and 140 sq. in. firebox chamber space. Moreover, the smoker’s Height of the steel fire grate is adjustable with a Built-in damper that is flexible as well. You can do an easy clean-out by ash removal with the door.
As a result, the offset firebox on this stick burner smoker, grill, and barbecue is excellent for imparting flavour to your meal. Two water/chip pans, two 9-inch wheels, and a smoker grate are included in the 12201570-A1 strong smoker (charcoal).
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
We suggest this best budget smoker since it can be used for slow smoking, grilling, and a charcoal BBQ flavour on hot summer days. It can use as a standard offset smoker to provide prominent hickory-smoked flavours.
4. Traeger Grills 20 Portable Grill and Smoker
Specifications
- Brand Traeger
- Model Tailgater 20
- Electric and Woodburning power
- Color Black
- Weight 62 Pounds
- Material Stainless_steel
- Fuel Type Wood Pellet
- Capacity 300 sq inches
Feature Description
The Traeger Grills 20 eliminates the hassle of tending to your meat by allowing you to cook more minor cuts of meat just as quickly and conveniently as bigger ones. It’s large enough to hold a large amount of food but can still be used on the campsite or at home when you’re short on time.
With a simple 37 x 18 x 36 inches design and easy-to-read temperature gauge, you must fill up the water pan. Moreover, light it up with the push-button ignition, and it will begin cooking for you. The black steel housing with a powder coat finish retains heat from charcoal and wood chips. It develops even temperature throughout the smoking chambers.
The adjustable heat control allows for easy temperature, so this unit makes it simple whether you want to smoke your meat low and slow or sear it quickly! Three adjustable racks allow you to cook a variety of foods in one session.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
Start cooking with your new Traeger pellet grill right away. The 6-in-1 versatility of the innovative design is ideal for all of your favourite smoked flavours indoors!
5. Char-Broil 16″ Bullet Charcoal Smoker
Specifications
- Brand Char-Broil
- Model 16″ Bullet Smoker
- Charcoal
- Power Source
- Color Black
- Material Steel
- Weight 16.5 Pounds
Feature Description
The Char-Broil 16 measures 21.2 x 23 x 37.6 inches Two porcelain-coated cooking grates are included with the Bullet Charcoal Smoker. This allows you to maintain stable temps while imparting smokiness. With its fully adjustable steel fire grate, you can control the temperature and smoke level.
It has a simple clean-out door that allows you to remove ashes without emptying the main chamber, which has a cooking area of 370 square feet. It has a door that makes it accessible to the firebox & main smoking chamber, making it ideal for cooking even large meals.
Charcoal burns hotter and faster than gas because of its increased carbon concentration. It weighs 16.5 pounds and is large enough to hold a lot of meat in the main chamber. To maintain consistent heat and smoke, you’ll need to have more wood charcoal briquettes than you would with a fuel tank.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
We suggest this bullet smoker since it produces excellent results like its Char-Broil 16 counterpart. As a result, you can cook over charcoal or use an offset grill (with wood chips).
6. Traeger Grills Ranger Smoker and Wood Pellet Grill
Specifications
- Model Ranger Grill
- Brand Traeger
- Wood Pellet Power Source
- Color Black
- Weight 60 Pounds
- Cooking area 184 square inches
- Max temperature 450ᵒ
- Voltage 120V
Feature Description
The Ranger Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker from Traeger Grills is a heavy-duty grill that gives you great tasting food. It is made from durable 18 gauge steel, 184 square inches of the cooking area. It has a black powder-coated finish for exceptional durability. This grill can handle up to 180 pounds of meat at once, perfect for large parties or family meals.
With chrome-plated cooking grates, this grill provides ample space for smoking and searing meats at the same time. The 60 Pounds porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and include 8 individual burners that distribute heat evenly throughout the unit to maintain even temperatures.
Each burner has temperature control knob, which allows you to choose how hot you want your fire. The 20 x 21 x 13 inches Ranger is a sturdy grill with porcelain-coated grill grates. It has a heating element of 180 to 450°F, and its exterior is constructed from iron.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
The Traeger Ranger is the ultimate grill for people who love to entertain and crave flavor. The Ranger delivers a great wood-fired taste and experience, no matter where you are or how far away you might be from home.
7. Weber 18-inch Mountain Cooker and Charcoal Smoker
Specifications
- Brand Weber
- Power Source Charcoal
- Color Black
- Material Steel
- Weight 39.1 Pounds
- Comes with 2 nickel-plated
- 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates
Feature Description
The Weber 18-inch Mountain Charcoal Smoker is the ultimate grill for your backyard. This uniquely designed grill has a heat-resistant nylon handle and an ample cooking space that can provide enough area to prepare a wide variety of foods.
This 39.1 Pounds unit features 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates, covering the heating elements, making them rust-resistant and easy to clean. It also has an automatic wood pellet feeder, thermometer, water pan, vents and lid. You can control its temperature easily with its built-in thermostat system.
The 21 x 19 x 41 inches Weber comes with 4 cooking modes: grill, smoke, bake and roast. The fully adjustable temperature range is perfect for dialling your favorite meat, from low and slow to high heat searing grilling.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
The Weber 18-inch smoker is the ultimate grill for people who love to entertain and crave flavor. The WEBER delivers a great wood-fired taste and experience, no matter where you are or how far away you might be from home.
8. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
Specifications
- Brand Char-Broil
- Model Deepa
- PropanePower Source
- Color Black
- Weight 22.68 Pounds
- Holds up to 25 lbs for roasting
180 square inches of cooking area
Feature Description
Char-Broil’s 22.68 Pounds TRU-Infrared Smoker is an all-in-one smoker for large parties. The Infrared smoker allows you to control a traditional smoker with ease. With a Thermopile Heat Distribution System that evenly distributes heat throughout the smoker and a patented drill, you can cook the most delicious meats possible.
The 23.1 x 23.4 x 36.2 inches Char-Broil Smoker combines authentic BBQ flavour with the convenience of a smoker. The cooking surface holds Holds up to 25 lbs of meat and easily feeds.
Clean up is easy with the removable ashtray that makes for easy access during cleanup. The smoker has 180 square inches of cooking area to handle a big amount of meat. Furthermore, that includes an internal water pan which helps keep moisture in food during cooking.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
We would recommend this smoker because of its unique smoking style. It comes with TRU-Infrared technology and has a smoker box for additional flavor for food.
9. Z Grills ZPG-7002F2 PID Controller Smoker and Grill
Specifications
- Brand Z GRILLS
- Model 2021 Upgrade
- Wood Pellet Power Source
- PID Controller
- Cooking Area, 700 sq in Silver
- Material Stainless Steel
- Weight 84 Pounds
Feature Description
Z Grills ZPG-7002F2 PID Controller Smoker and Grill is a smoker and grill. It has an 8 in 1 cooking area that allows you to cook various foods such as steak, hamburger patties, ribs, pork chops, chicken wings and many more. The porcelain-coated metal inside makes it easy to clean after each use.
The large LCD control panel has 8 options, including 4 preprogrammed modes: Smoke, Slow Cook, High Heat with Auto-Shut Off feature, grill, and 4 programmable modes. The 48 x 26 x 51 inches Z Grills 2021 is an excellent master body that can be used for cold and hot smoking.
The PID controller enables you to set an accurate temperature. At the same time, the intelligent fan makes it possible to adjust airflow. This product also provides an automatic switch-off, useful timer, dual-function chrome-plated cooking racks, and waterproof drip trays, reducing running costs.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
The Z Grills 2021 is one of the best outdoor BBQ grill smoker combo packages. It comes with a commercial-grade stainless steel body that helps increase its durability. The three-burner option gives you the freedom to cook at whatever temperature you prefer and provides an extra cooking section.
10. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Silver Charcoal Smoker & Grill Combo
Specifications
- Brand PK Grills
- Charcoal Power Source
- Color Silver
- Material Aluminum, Steel
- Weight 45 Pounds
- Material Stainless steel
- Fuel Type Charcoal
- 300 Sq in of cooking surface
Feature Description
The PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Silver Smoker and Grill is ideal for looking for a high-quality grill that offers cooking flexibility. The 300 sq in the cooking area provides enough space to cook a meal for up to eight people at one time.
With this smoker plus grill, you can quickly cook everything from hot dogs to filet mignon. The burners allow you to set your desired heat output. At the same time, the included warming rack is perfect for keeping cooked food warm before serving. This grill weighs 45 Pounds with dimensions of 16 x 35 x 35.5 inches in size. The item comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labour.
The PK Grills Smoker/Grill has electronic ignition and a 12-volt battery system for easy fire and cleaning. In addition, there are four wood chip smoking trays included with this grill to allow you to add flavour to your food while it’s being cooked.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
The smoker grill provides a temperature range of 180–380 °F, and its BBQ Grill system allows you to grill, smoke, pan-fry, bake, rotisserie cook and barbecue to perfection! The stainless steel lid comes with a large window so you can monitor your food while it cooks without having to open it.
Buying guide for the Best Budget Smokers
Maintenance is simple
Various sorts of smokers will be easier or harder to maintain. Electric and gas smokers are two of the most maintenance-friendly options.
These usually emit less smoke and leave less residue than coal. Any additional pieces, such as water trays or wood trays, will also affect the simplicity of maintenance. To avoid the accumulation of smoke and fat, these, along with grates, must be cleaned regularly.
Capacity for cooking
A few of the smokers we propose in this post, like the Weber Smokey Mountain, come in various sizes. So think about how you’ll use it most often, and then add a little more room if you have guests.
You’re considerably more likely to regret not ordering the bigger size. The only disadvantage of more giant smokers is that they cost somewhat more fuel and take up a bit more room.
Temperature regulation
Depending upon the type of smoker you use, you’ll have to adjust the temperature differently. With a wood smoker, you’ll usually need to change the damper let more or less oxygen.
This will necessitate more thermometer monitoring and higher competence. An electric smoker will typically have a temperature control knob. These are usually suitable for first-time users who may not have the necessary familiarity with a wood smoker.
Capacity
Based on how much food you expect to smoke in a single session, this is something to consider. Most smokers can pay enough for a three- or four-person family grilling burgers or steaks on weekends.
The general area on the cooking grates and rack that really can accommodate meat is referred to as the cooking area. We prefer at least 500 square feet.
Price
What should you spend on your smoker? It all comes down to what kind of buyer you are. Most individuals would rather pay a bit extra money on something that would last a long time.
Personally, we believe that everything in the $200-300 area will offer you the best combination of long-term reliability and effectiveness. Many people, however, do not think that the price range is reasonable.
Portability
To guarantee that you receive the most excellent cheap smoker grill, pick one that meets your specific needs.
Smaller units aren’t ideal for feeding the entire neighbourhood, but they are suitable for gathering for a tailgate. Similarly, purchasers who need to cook a significant amount of food will benefit from someone with a broader cooking surface.
Material
The material used in the best budget smoker significantly impacts its overall effectiveness. As we’ve mentioned before, stainless steel is among my favourite materials for a cooker. Steel is an excellent option for reliability and efficacy because it holds heat effectively.
Select wisely because the type of material you use can have a significant impact on the cook’s efficacy as well as the price of a product.
Cleaning is simple
And, of course, you’ll want something that’ll be simple to clean. Regrettably, saying it is often simpler than doing it.
Like any other outdoor cooking appliance, washing your ordinary smoker may be time-consuming and complicated. The sort of materials utilized in the design will eventually determine the outcome. Stainless steel smokers are a little easier to clean than other smokers.
Frequently Asked Questions
a. What does a competent smoker set you back?
It is not uncommon for folks to invest over $1000 on a smoker in the past. You must anticipate investing additional money the larger you go. However, it is also true that you can acquire a good smoker for a lot less money.
b. What are some decent starter smokers?
Pellet smokers, often known as grills, are great for beginners since they allow us to cook dishes with a richer smoky taste while still having the convenience of an electric smoker. What exactly is this? Purchasing a wood pellet grill, which can be used as both a grill and an oven, is also a wise investment.
c. How long can a low-cost smoker last?
Budget smokers can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how often they are used and how well they are maintained. Expect your smoker to last a few years less than typical if you are using it every day, don’t take care of it.
d. Is it worth it to buy a cheap smoker?
Yes. Suppose you buy a model from a respected manufacturer and put in the effort to maintain it. In that case, a budget smoker is well worth the money. This entails appropriately seasoning it and protecting the grill during inclement weather. Taking care of even a low-cost smoker will extend its lifespan.
Final words
In short, I hope that this review assisted you well in selecting the Best Budget Smokers for your needs.
Our top picks: Suitable for use with hardened steel wood pellets or LPG gas cylinders, the Z Grills 7001F1 PID Controller Smoker and Grill gives you the choice of how much effort you want to put into creating a delicious meal. It is made of steel and has a large LCD control panel that allows you to control the temperature and time.
Char-Broil American 12201570-A1 has a removable grid plate that makes it easy to remove your food once cooked. Moreover, smoker can transfer it directly onto serving plates or into serving bowls where everyone can get access to the delicious food you’ve prepared them. The item comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
We’d appreciate it if you shared this guide with others if it has relieved some of your stress about purchasing your first smoker. Happy smoker shopping!