As a barbecue enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the best smoker to add to my backyard cooking arsenal. With so many smokers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one that fits your budget and meets your cooking needs. That's why I've put together a list of the top 15 best smokers under $500 that you should consider in 2022.
When it comes to smoking meat, there are a few factors to consider before making a purchase. The type of smoker you choose can greatly impact the flavor of your food, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your cooking style. Here are a few factors to consider before buying a smoker:
Fuel Type
The type of fuel you choose for your smoker can greatly impact the flavor of your food. The most common types of fuel for smokers are wood, charcoal, and propane. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your cooking style.
Wood smokers are perfect for those who want a classic wood-fired flavor. They require more attention and maintenance than other types of smokers, but the flavor they produce is well worth it. Charcoal smokers are also great for producing a smoky flavor, but they require less maintenance than wood smokers. Propane smokers are the easiest to use, but they don't produce as much flavor as wood or charcoal smokers.
Construction
The construction of the smoker is an important factor to consider as it can impact the durability and efficiency of the smoker. Look for smokers made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or cast iron. These materials are durable and provide excellent heat retention, which is crucial when smoking meat.
Cooking Capacity
The cooking capacity of the smoker is also important to consider, especially if you plan on cooking for a large group of people. Make sure the smoker can accommodate the amount of food you plan on cooking. Smokers with larger cooking capacities are generally more expensive, so it's important to find a balance between cooking capacity and cost.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial when smoking meat, so look for a smoker that allows you to adjust the temperature and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. Smokers with digital control panels are the easiest to use and provide the most accurate temperature control.
Now that we've covered what to consider before buying a smoker, let's take a look at the top 15 best smokers under $500.
1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a top-rated smoker that is perfect for both beginners and experienced pitmasters. It is made from high-quality materials and has a large cooking capacity of 18 inches. The smoker is easy to use and provides excellent temperature control, making it a great option for smoking all types of meat.
2. Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is a great option for those who prefer electric smokers. It has a large cooking capacity of 725 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its digital control panel. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
3. Pit Boss Austin XL Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss Austin XL Pellet Grill is a versatile smoker that can also be used as a grill. It has a large cooking capacity of 1000 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its digital control panel. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
4. Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill
The Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill is a high-quality pellet smoker that is perfect for smoking all types of meat. It has a large cooking capacity of 575 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its digital control panel. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
5. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill is a versatile smoker that can also be used as a charcoal grill. It has a large cooking capacity of 447 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable dampers. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
6. Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker is a great option for those who want a smoker with advanced features. It has a large cooking capacity of 721 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its digital control panel. The smoker also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control the smoker from your smartphone.
7. Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is a high-quality smoker that is perfect for smoking all types of meat. It has a large cooking capacity of 1890 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable dampers. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
8. Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36" Propane Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36" Propane Smoker is a great option for those who prefer propane smokers. It has a large cooking capacity of 784 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable gas supply. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
9. Broil King 923617 Smoke Vertical Charcoal Smoker
The Broil King 923617 Smoke Vertical Charcoal Smoker is a high-quality smoker that is perfect for smoking all types of meat. It has a large cooking capacity of 770 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable dampers. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
10. Smoke Hollow 26142E Electric Smoker
The Smoke Hollow 26142E Electric Smoker is a great option for those who want a budget-friendly smoker. It has a large cooking capacity of 1.3 cubic feet and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable thermostat. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
11. Char-Griller E6520 Akorn Kamado Cart-Style Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The Char-Griller E6520 Akorn Kamado Cart-Style Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a versatile smoker that can also be used as a charcoal grill. It has a large cooking capacity of 447 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable dampers. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
12. Weber 14-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
The Weber 14-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a great option for those who want a compact smoker. It has a cooking capacity of 14 inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable dampers. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
13. Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Vertical Charcoal Smoker
The Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Vertical Charcoal Smoker is a high-quality smoker that is perfect for smoking all types of meat. It has a large cooking capacity of 783 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable dampers. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
14. Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a versatile smoker that can also be used as a charcoal grill. It has a large cooking capacity of 800 square inches and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable dampers. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
15. Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker
The Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker is a great option for those who want a compact and budget-friendly smoker. It has a cooking capacity of 25 pounds and provides excellent temperature control with its adjustable thermostat. The smoker is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smoking experience.
In conclusion, there are many great smokers on the market that are under $500. When choosing a smoker, consider the fuel type, construction, cooking capacity, and temperature control. Whether you prefer electric, charcoal, or propane smokers, there is a smoker on this list that will meet your cooking needs. Happy smoking!
