There are many different schools of thought when it comes to smoking foods. Some say that charcoal and wood are the best combinations for flavor. Other people like the convenience of an electrical smoker, making it easier to regulate temperature.
But if you are on the fence between electric and charcoal smokers, there may be a happy medium for you. Propane smokers offer the simplicity of an electric smoker without having to worry about having one plugged in all the time.
Propane smokers often make it easier to regulate temperature and smoke levels when compared to charcoal smokers as well. Getting a propane smoker may be the best choice if you want a combination of classic smokey flavor and convenience.
Still, choosing the right type of smoker can be difficult no matter what fuel source you prefer. There are various considerations you need to take into account such as how much food you typically smoke at a time and how often you really plan to use your smoker.
And aside from all that, there is a dizzying array of features and accessories to sort through before you decide. It can be pretty overwhelming if you’ve never bought a smoker before – or even if you have.
But I’ve got you covered. I’ve researched some of the best propane smokers available this year. Read on to find out which ones deserve your attention.
Which Propane Smoker is Best Overall?
For all you eager smokers out there that just want to know which propane smoker is the best right away, my pick is the Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36″ Propane Smoker. While I will get into the specs and details of this gas smoker in a bit, for now, I’ll just say that it was very efficient with smoke.
Overall, it seems to be the one that was built the best. There are virtually no seams to speak of through which smoke can seep out which gives you total control over your temperature and smoke density.
Top 6 Propane Smokers Comparison Table
| Picture | Product | Capacity (sq in) | Weight (lbs) | Features | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Cuisinart COS-244 Propane Smoker | 785 | 40 | Smoking efficiency of a classic vertical smoker | 4.5 |
  | Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker | 961 | 92 | Patented thermostat controlled to maintain desired temperature | 4.3 |
  | Char-Broil 12701705-DI Propane Gas Smoker | 595 | 25 | Separate access to the water and wood chips | 4.2 |
  | Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Gas Smoker | 784 | 54 | Puts out 15,000 BTU’s of heat | 4.3 |
  | Masterbuilt MB20050716 Propane Smoker | 719 | 75 | Built-in fuel gauge that tells you exactly how much propane is left in the tank | 4.1 |
  | Pit Boss 77435 Gas Smoker | 800 | 52 | Clear viewing window so you can keep an eye on your food while they smoke | 4.4 |
Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical 36″ Propane Smoker
First of all, you get plenty of space for smoking with this model – over 785 square inches spread out over 4 stainless steel racks to be more specific. The door has a twist-tight latch which adds to the smoke efficiency of this vertical gas smoker.
The wood chip and water tray are both porcelain-enameled which means they won’t crack under extreme heat and they are easy to clean. There is a 40-inch regulator hose so you have flexibility regarding where to place the propane tank.
Oh, and by the way, the Cuisinart Propane Smoker is rated to work with 20-pound propane tanks. Check out my guide to learn about how long propane tanks last.
Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker
The stainless steel burner of the Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker achieves a really deep smoke flavor no matter what type of wood chips you use. If you prefer a rich smokey flavor in your meats, this model would win you.
There are over 961 square inches of cooking spaces in the smoking chamber to feed your entire family and then some with this gas smoker. The air damper helps you control temperature and smoke saturation very well and the wood chip and water trays can be easily removed for cleaning.
With a patented thermostat, you can maintain the desired temperature without constantly monitoring your meats.
Char-Broil 12701705-DI Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
The Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker has 3 smoking racks and an easy to refill water pan. It has a double drawer so you can add more water and wood chips without losing heat by opening the cooking chamber.
The smoker provides 595 square inches of smoking space and a total of 16,500 BTUs. Of course, the whole thing is propane-powered, and there are two easy control knobs for propane regulation and ignition.
The smoking chamber is made of heavy-duty steel construction and comes with adjustable grates so you can cook a wide variety of foods.
Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker
The cast-iron design of the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker gives you the look, feel, and durability of a traditional smoker, but the propane fuel source gives you the ease of one-button ignition. This thing is a monster!
With over 700 square inches of smoking space and 15,000 BTUs to work with, you can cook as much food as you want.
The wood chip tray door and smoking chamber doors are separate too so you don’t have to let out a bunch of smoke if you want to add more chips or make adjustments. The tray also comes with a convenient cover for precise smoke regulation.
The chimney flue on top is a nice aesthetic touch while also serving the function of smoke density regulation.
Masterbuilt MB20050716 Mps 330g Propane Smoker
This is one of the most interesting-looking propane smokers I have come across and it has one very simple yet game-changing feature that most smokers don’t: caster wheels!
And trust me, you’ll be glad they are there because, at 75 pounds, this is the heaviest smoker on my list.
The Masterbuilt MB20050716 Mps 330g Propane Smoker runs off a type 1 regulator, includes a fuel level gauge, features a clear viewing window on the door, and the smoking chamber and burner/wood chip tray door are separate.
A safety shutoff feature even cuts the fuel flow if the flame goes out.
PIT BOSS 77435 Vertical Lp Gas Smoker
The PIT BOSS 77435 Vertical Lp Gas Smoker is great for anyone who prefers slow and low smoking because you can accurately control the temperature between 100 and 350 degrees. It can put out 12,000 BTUs for smoking even dense meats.
The door gasket is a nice touch too. It seals up the door tightly to prevent smoke from seeping out while it’s closed. There are 2 air dampers mounted to the front smoking chamber door and an easy-to-read temperature gauge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Propane Smokers
How Long Will A Propane Tank Last On A Smoker?
That will certainly depend on how much propane you are feeding the smoker, which will further depend on how hot or how much smoke you want. But in general, for optimal smoking, you can expect your propane tank to last an average of 18-20 hours with your smoker.
Are Propane Smokers Any Good?
Propane smokers offer distinct advantages over pellet smokers, charcoal smokers, and electric smokers. They don’t draw electricity from your house, they are easier to start than charcoal smokers and it is easier to regulate fuel flow than pellet smokers.
What Are The Best Propane Smokers?
Certainly, this is a matter of opinion but Char-Broil, Cuisinart, and Masterbuilt are brands that frequently top the lists of expert smoker reviewers. Just be sure to remember what kind of smoking you prefer and how many people you typically feed at a time.
Conclusion
When it comes to shopping for propane smokers, it pays to keep in mind your specific needs. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrilling features and powerful models. But to give yourself the best shot at avoiding buyer’s remorse, stay focused.
For instance, it can be tempting to choose a model when you read that you have 800+ square inches of space to cook a full rack of lamb, a whole brisket, tri-tip, and a whole turkey at once. But are you ever really going to go all out like that?
My favorite smokers are the ones that provide practical functions and are easy to work with. And those criteria are reflected in the models I have on my list. I tried to present a list of products that would be beneficial to newbies and seasoned pitmasters. If you’re still unsure, get the Cuisinart COS-244 Propane Smoker.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of the propane smokers on my list. But be sure to keep your needs and preferences firmly in mind while you shop and check out these awesome smokers!
