Best Gas Smoker For The Money

Avatar photo

By

James

Updated on

The best gas smoker for the money is one that has good cooking space and is versatile. Unlike popular misconception, gas smokers don’t need a thousand-dollar price tag to cook the best meat.

These propane-powered smokers produce some of the best-tasting meat and food.

Today, we have picked some of the best gas smokers that are bang for your buck.

Let’s begin

Our Top Picks


Below is a summary of the top picks from our SummerBaron.com team. To help you understand where each pick ranked, we have included “badges” next to each pick’s key findings. “Best Overall” is a combination of price and value. “Best Budget” is great for summer lovers who want a top-quality product but are on a tighter budget. “High End” is for people who just want the best, and price is no object.

Image

Product

How did we pick these products?

More Information

Our Top Pick

Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker

Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments

Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby

More Information

Best Budget and Value

Camp Chef Smoke Vault

Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments

Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby

More Information

Best High-End

Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Smoker

Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments

Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby

Reviews of Each Pick


Are you just starting your smoking food journey?  Don’t worry my young novice, i’ve got you covered. This is the list of the top electric smokers for people starting out.

Our Top Pick

Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker

Pros

Cons

Our top choice of the best gas smoker for the money is the 3-series from Pit Boss. This vertical gas smoker is more significant with a cooking area of 720sq.inch.

Moreover, the 77435 model in the 3-series is sturdy and reliable. You can also switch between 100 and 320oF temperature according to your food. In addition, the generous front window on the grill means you can look inside at the four racks without opening. Furthermore, the rear wheels help in mobility.

Overall, the 77435 vertical gas smoker might be a perfect match for you if you love cooking your meat with consistency and great taste.


How to choose the best gas smoker

Size

Larger size gas smokers come with varying cooking zones meaning more versatility. However, for most home cooks, a 32-inch gas smoker is a perfect pick.

Cooking grids

The best gas smokers cone with stainless cooking grids. This will ensure the durability of the grids. In addition, thick cooking grids are also an essential feature for heat retention and durability. Short-spaced grids also ensure the best grill marks and caramelization on the meat.

Gas grill burners

Often considered the heart of the grill, the burners need to be top quality. Ideally, you want the burners to be made of thick materials. Furthermore, keep in mind that a high BTU rating alone does not determine the quality of the burner.

Construction

The best gas smoker for the money comes with double line construction that is fully welded.

What are the advantages/benefits of a gas smoker?

Versatile cooking

Vertical gas smokers allow you to cook a wide range of food. This can range from grilling corn, smoking meat, cooking pizza, or a hamburger.

Ease of use

Another fantastic advantage of vertical gas smokers is the ease of use. Automatic settings and programs make it among the most accessible cookers to use, even for first-timers. In addition, the initial setup is also effortless.

Excellent flavor

The flavor of smoked meat or fish is something most of us love on our palates. The perfect mix of sweetness and citrusy flavors cannot be replicated through other forms of cooking.

Affordability

Despite their fancy appearance, vertical gas smokers are very easy on the wallet. Even if you plan to get your hands on a top-class smoker, you can do so without spending a fortune.

What’s the best way to use a gas smoker?

To get the most out of gas smokers, we share the top tips in this section:

Chips over chunks

For vertical gas smokers, wood chips are probably the best option. Chips heat up faster but keep the temperature steady and prevent smokers from overheating. You can, of course, turn off the gas supply when the smoker gets to the right temperature.

Use complementary wood chips

Complementary flavors between the wood chips and the meat or fish are a great way to bring out the best tastes. Alder is an excellent choice for fishes, while pecan is great for steak and cherry works with birds and poultry.

Clean the smoker after each use

This is important so that your recent catch or the new batch of meat doesn’t retain the charred smell.

Precautions for using a gas smoker

Read the manual

  • Safety while using a gas smoker is paramount. So read the smoker’s user manual before you use it.
  • Check that the gas flame hasn’t gone out to prevent toxic gas buildup.

Ventilation

Use the vertical gas smoker in a well-ventilated area. Keep the tank’s valve shut when not in use.

Best Budget and Value

Camp Chef Smoke Vault

Pros

Compact and sturdy design

Wide temperature range

Easy to clean

Cons

Bit pricey

This 18in gas smoker has a sturdy construction. In addition, the temperature ranges from 50 to 550oF and allows versatile cooking. Moreover, the snap ignition prevents overheating.

Despite its relatively small dimensions, this smoker has three smoking racks. Therefore, it might be an ideal cooker for you if you like smoking your meat and eating it.

Best High-End

Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Smoker

Pros

Great quality and construction

It comes with a propane regulator and hose

Very affordable

Cons

The temperature gauge is not up to standard

The COS-244 is undeniably the best gas smoker for the money contender in our books. At 36 inches, you can cook perfectly for a party. Furthermore, the COS-244 is predominantly steel and comes with a 20lb propane tank.

Moreover, it has top features, including a seal-tight handle, temperature control, and a built-in thermometer.

Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Vertical Gas Smoker

Pros

Heavy-duty construction

Generous water bowl and chip box

Adjustable grilling grates

Cons

Temperature control is not accurate 

The DGY784BDP from Dyna-Glo is another spacious gas smoker at 36inches. With 784.sq inch of cooking space and 15,000 BTU, you will love cooking with this smoker.

Moreover, the multiple cooking options on this smoker are effortless to use. In addition, the double door design and the black powder coat make this smoker a total standout.

Masterbuilt 20070910

Pros

Solid construction with cast iron

Versatile options for cooking

It comes with a safety valve

Cons

Heating the smoker takes time

The last one of the best gas smokers for the money list is the MB20050716 from Masterbuilt. The heat diffuser in this smoker is a top feature and a personal favorite. It distributes the heat evenly.

In addition, the four cooking racks are enough to cook a good quantity at one go. Therefore, if you love cooking outside, the portable feature might be right up your alley.

About The Author


Avatar photo

Reviewed by

James

James is a writer who is a self-confessed kitchenware and coffee nerd and a strong advocate of Sundays, good butter, and warm sourdough.