11 Best Portable Smokers in 2023 (Reviews And Guide)

This guide will help you find the best portable smoker that will fit your personal needs and help you get great results every time.

Reviews Of Best Portable Smokers 2023

There is such a variety of portable smokers today it’s hard to get a good grasp on what type of smoker to buy. To help you make your decision, we’ve done some research on the best portable smoker brands available at the moment. Here we’ll look at the top 5 out of hundreds of portable smokers.

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Weber Smokey Mountain 14″ Cooker is one of the best portable smokers on the market. It’s easy to use and has a great price, making it one of the best options for getting your family involved in grilling season.

The Weber is a charcoal grill that can cook anything you want. The porcelain-enameled steel body conducts heat quickly and evenly, so your food will be ready in no time. It has a capacity of 286 sq. inch which means you can cook a lot of food at once!

The grates are made from plated steel and are angled for easy cooking and cleaning. They’re also removable for easy access to the burners underneath them. This grill comes with a smoker box that lets you smoke meat for hours without additional accessories or fuel—and it won’t leave deposits on your meat as other smokers do!

It also comes with a drip pan to catch drips and keep your wood chips off the ground during smoking sessions, as well as an ash catcher, so they don’t end up in your food (or on your clothes).

This unit is durable enough to last through years while keeping your food safe from grease or oil spills. Plus, it’s easy to transport thanks to its lightweight design and small size you won’t have any trouble fitting this barbecue in your car, truck’s trunk, or back seat!

All in all, this is an excellent product that provides great value at its price point. If you’re looking for something simple yet effective, check out this model!

What we like:

• Has a porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grate that is sturdy and will not rust
• The lid fits tightly on the cooker, but it’s easy to open and close
• This durable stainless steel skillet is designed to last a lifetime, whether you’re cooking at home or on the go
• The Weber Smokey Mountain Grills make it easy to cook food and taste great, too!
• It lives up to its reputation

What we don’t like:

• Be aware that the lid can be unstable and difficult to open and close

Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for a portable smoker that will work on any surface and is easy to use, this Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a great choice! It has many features that make it easy to use and clean, including porcelain-coated steel grates and an ash catcher. This portable grill is great for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor gatherings.

This product is made of stainless steel and comes with a porcelain-coated steel grate, which makes it easy to clean up after cooking. The grill also has a pellet hopper that holds 8 lbs of pellets. This means you can get a lot of food cooked on one fire without refilling the hopper too often.

The grill has an adjustable temperature range from 160°F to 400°F, which means you can cook everything from burgers to steaks without worrying about burning them. As this smoker is made of 304SS stainless steel and has three shelves inside that hold wood pellets so they don’t get too hot when placed on top.

Overall, we think this grill is worth the money because it’s not too expensive compared to similar models. It still performs well enough for most people who want something portable yet valuable at home or for other use.

What we like:

• You can use it in the backyard, on a camping trip, or on your boat.
• It has an integrated thermometer that tells you how hot your food is cooking up to help you make sure you don’t overcook the meat or burn off fat.
• It has a long handle that makes it easy to move around from place to place without getting hurt from burns from hot surfaces like metal grills and barbecues.
• This pellet smoker does a great job of keeping the temperature in your food within a reasonable range.

What we don’t like:

• The legs on this grill are poor quality, but it is an otherwise great purchase.

Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for the best small smoker to bring out the best in your food, this is the one for you! The Traeger Grills Ranger small portable smoker is perfect for camping because of its portability, lightweight design, and ease of use.

With this unit, you can cook delicious meals in a fantastic amount of time with minimal effort. This model comes with all the standard features, such as a locking lid and an air filtration system.

The Traeger vertical pellet smoker is versatile because it has multiple cooking functions, including direct heat grilling and indirect smoke grilling options. The upper cooking grate can be used as a cooking surface to prepare your food directly on top of it without having to use additional pieces like platters or saucepans first.

This model also comes with a pellet hopper to prepare your food. At the same time, they are being cooked instead of waiting around until they are done, as most other smokers do.

Suppose you’re looking for something to help you cook delicious meals on your schedule. In that case, this is a portable offset smoker worth looking into!

What we like:

• The Traeger Grills is an excellent choice for those who are looking to do some serious smoking
• It has a wood pellet smoker, so you can get that authentic wood-smoked flavor without having to use charcoal or wood chips
• The Mighty Beast is a great little smoker that does a lot of things well
• The grill is small and lightweight—simply put it on top of your car and drive
• Excellent performance, friendly service

What we don’t like:

• The power outlet is a necessary part of this system

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We love the Big Chief Electric Smoker’s sleek design and easy-to-use controls. It’s lightweight enough to easily store it in your garage or out at the cabin, but it still comes with all the features you need to get the job done!

The best thing about this smoker is that it has a cooking capacity of about 50 pounds of meat. You don’t have to worry about running out of fuel before getting ready for some ribs or brisket.

This big smoker is perfect for prominent families or groups of friends who want to get together and cook up some delicious meals in the great outdoors. It also takes up very little space on your countertop, so it’s easy to store when not in use.

It is the perfect choice for any backyard barbecue. This smoker features four different cooking elements so that you can get the perfect temperature in no time. It’s easy to operate, too—plug it in and set it up!

This smoker is made from stainless steel and weighs about 18 pounds, so it’s easy to move around if necessary. There are three different temperatures available: low heat (275°F), medium heat (350°F), or high heat (450°F).

The Big Chief Electric Smoker comes with a 450-watt heating element that provides plenty of power to cook your food without worrying about overloading or damaging your unit.

You can use charcoal or wood chips for cooking your meat; be sure to use enough wood chips for each type of meat you plan on smoking (and don’t forget about ventilation!).

This electric smoker has an overall length of about 12″ long and 18″ wide, with an overall height of about 27″. It weighs about 18 pounds. The stainless steel cooking chamber is 12″ x 18″.

What we don’t like:

• Easy to use, with a digital display and easy-to-read controls.
• Smokehouse products are a brand many smokers trust, and the Big Chief Electric Smoker is no exception.
• This smoker can be used indoors or outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to smoke your food.
• Front-loading door makes it easy to transport.
• We have been smoking for over 25 years and will continue to do so because it makes us happy.

What we like:

• You need to keep an eye on your temperature setting because it can get too hot if you set it too high.
• A little bit of poor quality

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Imagine you are a newbie to smoking meat and need something easy to use and portable. You found this device online, and it arrived in the mail on time. It was relatively easy to assemble, though the directions were vague.

The smoker itself is pretty simple. It’s not as powerful as some other smokers on the market, but it does the job!

The Masterbuilt MB20070210 Digital Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks is an excellent option for those who want to smoke their meat at home. It has a 1,500-watt heating element that can be adjusted to your desired temperature and features three chrome-coated smoking racks. The product weighs 49 pounds and measures 20 x 21 x 40 inches when fully assembled.

The smoker also comes with an analog dial that allows you to control the temperature of your smoker. This feature makes it easy to set the correct temperature for any type of meat you are cooking. The smoker can be used in either off mode or cooking mode. The former shuts off automatically after 20 minutes of not being used. The latter activates when power is applied via an ignition switch on top of the unit.

You will also get three chrome-coated smoking racks that are removable for easy ash removal and cleaning. These racks are built strong enough to accommodate significant cuts of meat without bending or breaking under pressure from heavy loads. They feature thick steel construction, which ensures durability against rusting over time and corrosion from moisture outside the unit itself.

What we don’t like:

• You can smoke meats, vegetables, and even fruit!
• It has 3 smoking racks to hold different foods at different temperatures.
• Features a digital display that shows you how many more hours to go before your food is ready.
• Offers an alarm, so you don’t forget to turn it off.
• It’s easy to clean and maintain, which is excellent if you don’t want to deal with a big smoker every day
• Smoking racks are adjustable in height and width to accommodate a variety of meats.
• Great smoker for beginner cooks, it works great.

What we like:

• This paint is not strong enough to withstand the elements.

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Charcoal Grill and Smoker is an excellent choice for a portable smoker, especially if you’re looking to get your grilling on the go.

It’s got all the functionality of a traditional charcoal grill. Still, you don’t have to worry about it being heavy or uncomfortable—it can be packed away in a bag that’s small enough to fit under your seat on an airplane!

The cooker’s cooking area is 153 sq. in. This means you can cook for 4 people quickly, or even more if you want to reheat leftovers or make extra burgers! The unit itself weighs only 37 lbs. Women can carry it quickly, and children can use it without getting burned by the flames.

It’s made from powder-coated steel, porcelain-coated steel, and cast iron for durability. Still, it maintains its lightweight design, so you don’t feel like carrying around a brick when you’re ready to start cooking some ribs!

The Char-Griller is a small, compact grill that’s perfect for traveling with. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, so you can take it wherever your adventures take you. It also has excellent thermal insulation, so it doesn’t heat up as fast as other grills.

It has an affordable price tag—you won’t break the bank by purchasing this product! The fuel efficiency makes this grill perfect for people who want to save money on gas or charcoal, which means less environmental damage from your next camping trip!

The assembly process for this product is super easy simply open up the box, place the pieces together, and then put it together with screws inside the box itself!

One of the best features of this particular brand is their warranty period: 1 year from the date of purchase! If anything goes wrong in this period, you can change it without breaking your budget.

What we like:

• The design is good with a couple of minor flaws.
• It’s small and lightweight so it can be taken anywhere.
• It’s easy to use, even for newbies.
• It’s affordable and gets the job done.
• This model is great at keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• This is a beautiful way to get into Kamado cooking!

What we don’t like:

• The handles on the side of this smoker are flimsy and could use a little more support.

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill is a charcoal grill that’s perfect for the casual griller. It comes with a lid thermometer and tool hooks, which are great features if you’re doing a lot of burgers or steaks. It also has a total cooking area of 363 sq inches, so it can handle a lot of meat and veggies.

The power and performance of this charcoal grill make it a must-have for any BBQ enthusiast. The robust performance means you’ll be able to cook multiple burgers without flipping them every few minutes. The large cooking area means you’ll be able to cook more than one item at once for your entire party.

It’s also straightforward to assemble following the 3D interactive assembly instructions.

We can consider it the best smoker grill combo because it gives us a lot of performance and other premium brands at a high price without breaking your budget. 

What we like:

• Easy to use and clean
• Has a sear burner for searing meat
• Has a built-in thermometer
• The smoke tube is easily adjustable for height and length

What we don’t like:

• A little bit of poor quality of the product.

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Camp Chef Pursuit 20 Portable Pellet Grill Smoker is an excellent option for anyone who loves to grill. You can use it for all kinds of things, from smoking salmon to making jerky or even using it as a smoker for your backyard barbecue.

The Camp Smoker has a total cooking surface area of 501 sq. In., which means you can cook more food than most other portable smokers on the market and has a hopper that holds 10 pounds of pellets. This is enough to get even significant cuts of meat slowly cooked and smoked over several hours.

This best travel smoker is made from stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion while out in the field. It weighs 82 pounds when folded up, so it’s easy to carry around wherever you go. 

The only downside is that it doesn’t have any bells and whistles—it doesn’t have wheels, so you’ll need to find somewhere stable enough to set up your smoker before lighting it up.

What we like:

• The grill’s two grates let you expand your cooking options by cooking more at once.
• It has a cover to keep your food from getting messy while cooking.
• ​It has a locking lid and rolls up when it’s folded.
• Perfect for the Travel Trailer owner looking for an easy-to-use, portable and lightweight campground.

What we don’t like:

• You might have trouble reaching the top rack of a full-size refrigerator, for instance.
• Sometimes we found issues with the temperature sensor

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Cuisinart CPG-256 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an excellent option for those looking to add some wood-fired flavor to their life without committing to a full-sized grill. It’s compact, durable, and easy to use and wood pellets power it.

It has everything you need: a heat control knob, a digital controller, and a built-in thermometer. The unit is made of steel and features a firebox that’s large enough for up to 2-3 hours of cooking before needing refilling.

The device has an 8-in-1 cooking capability that allows you to use the grill as either a smoker or a grill with additional add-ons such as hooks, grates, and baskets that can be used on top of the wood pellet unit itself.

While it’s not explicitly designed as a smoker for meats like bacon or steaks, its abilities work well for those who want to cook outdoors without having to worry about exposing their food to the elements for too long.

Suppose you’ve wanted a portable smoker for camping that’s easy to use but powerful enough to handle big jobs like burgers or steaks. In that case, this could be just what you need!

What we like:

• Has a convenient wood chip tray inside the smoker box, so you don’t have to fill it with wood chips when you’re done smoking.
• It’s portable so you can take it anywhere with you.
• Uses pellets made from compressed wood, which makes them easier to handle than other types of charcoal briquettes.
• An excellent entry-level smoker or a good backup smoker for when you are camping.

What we don’t like:

• There is no customer service, so you can’t get help if you have a problem.

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When it comes to buying a mini portable smoker, you have a lot of options. You can go for a charcoal grill or one made of wood pellets. You can even go for those powered by electricity or gas. 

But if you want something robust and durable, then Z Grill’s ZPG-200A Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is what you need. It is built with high-quality materials and has an 8-in-1 versatility. This means you can use it as a smoker, grill, and smoker too!

The grill has a large cooking surface which measures around 250 sq ft. The digital control system helps you set temperatures quickly and easily without hassle. It also features an easy clean-up feature so that everything looks good once again when you put away your food after cooking it on this machine. With its compact design, this product would also be ideal for camping trips or picnics!

This product comes with a 3-year warranty which covers all parts except the lid, which is not covered under the warranty because it is considered an accessory part.

What we like:

• It has a high-temperature thermostat and a thermometer to monitor meat temperatures.
• It has an ash catch tray, which helps reduce ash buildup on the grill and improve airflow through the unit.
• Designed to last, this product is covered by a three-year warranty.
• This smoker is fantastic for the price!
• It’s as good as other brands, but a little less expensive.

What we don’t like:

• The instructions are pretty tricky to follow
• There’s a problem with the control panel at some time

Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Green Mountain Grill GMG 2020 Davy Crockett Smoker is an excellent choice for the avid smoker. It has many features that make it easy to use and clean, but it still maintains the simplicity that makes it so easy to use.

It is made from stainless steel and offers a 219-square-inch cooking area. It comes with a 9-pound hopper capacity, which means you can cook for an entire family on one load of pellets! Depending on your preference, you can also choose between wood pellets or briquettes.

This smoker has an adjustable temperature range of 150°F – 550°F and heats up in just 20 minutes. The heat is controlled with a digital controller, allowing you to adjust how long each section of meat cooks.

A feature that some users may overlook is its ability to connect to other devices through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you access to all kinds of information about your food while you’re smoking or grilling it!

This smoker is also highly durable it comes with a 2-year warranty so you know it will last through many seasonal cookouts without breaking down on you.

If you’re looking for a small smoker for camping that’s easy to use, easy to clean, and can hold temperature better than other smokers, this is the one for you. The Davy Crockett GM Grill performs well except for the 12-volt plugs. It’s a good smoker, struggles at higher temps but holds temperature better than others we’ve tried. We like its simplicity and love that it comes with a free recipe book!

What we like:

• The smoker box comes apart for easy cleaning.
• Comes with a free waterproof cover to protect your investment and stainless steel construction that will help minimize the chance of rust developing over time.
• It folds up for easy transport and has a handle on each side of the unit to make carrying it more accessible.
• The smoker box is durable steel and can be used for extended cooking time if necessary.
• You can control the cooker from your phone, and it comes with a meat probe, so you’ll never overcook your meat.

What we don’t like:

• The small cooking capacity means that you might need to add more fuel mid-cooking.
• It’s challenging to ensure that the temperature stays steady.

What To Look For When Shopping For A Portable Smoker?

There are many different types of smokers on the market, and knowing what to look for in one can be challenging. We’ve put together this list of features to help you make an informed decision when shopping for a portable smoker.

Pick Your Fuel

The most critical choice you’ll make when buying a portable smoker grill is what type of fuel to use. 

There are three main types of fuel used for smoking meat:

Propane gas. This is the fuel of choice in most and the best propane smoker, but it is also available in liquid form and can be added to wood chips or charcoal briquettes as needed. Propane can be found in both camping and propane-powered grills.

Charcoal briquettes. These are made from compressed wood pellets that burn hotter and faster than regular briquettes. They’re sold by the bag or pound, depending on how much you want to smoke at once. You can use them alone or add them to your smoker’s fuel supply with a chimney starter or sandwich method (see below).

Wood chips or chunks. These are convenient because they’re easy to store but do not produce as much heat as charcoal briquettes or regular briquettes. Wood chips can be bought at many hardware stores, home improvement centers, and even some supermarkets — look for brands like Kingsford or Hickory Stackable® Charcoal Chips.

Choose Your Smoker Type

The second step in choosing your smoker is deciding what kind of smoker you want. It is essential to consider the type of meat you will be cooking and the space where you will be using the smoker. Some smokers are designed for specific types of meat, like pork. In contrast, others can be used for various types of meat, including beef, poultry, and fish.

It is also essential to consider how easy it will be to set up and use the smoker before purchasing one. While some smokers come with basic instructions that are easy enough for anyone to understand, others require more complicated setup procedures.

Consider Ease of Setup & Use

Another important consideration when shopping for a portable smoker is the ease of setup and use. Some models are more complicated than others, and some require more effort on your part.

Smoking Capacity

The number of people you can smoke simultaneously will determine how large the smoker is and how much food you can cook. Consider how many people you want to feed, and then look for a smoker with adequate capacity for your needs.

Picking the Right Size

If you have a large family or want to smoke multiple types of meat at once, you’ll need more than just a single size. We highly recommend using a larger model if you want to smoke more than 1-3 people at once. It’s also important to look at how many racks it has and how many different levels they can be set on (also known as “tiered racks”).

You’ll want to ensure that there are enough levels so that everyone gets their own space to place their food without overlapping or touching each other.

Weight

If you plan on traveling with your smoker, weight will be an essential factor in your decision-making process. For example, if you’re planning on taking your smoker camping or RVing, then weight won’t be as much of an issue because most smokers weigh around 50 pounds or less.

But suppose you’re going into backcountry areas, or you need a travel-size smoker where there might be streams or rivers to cross. In that case, weight could become a problem because some smokers are over 100 pounds!

Heat and Temperature Control

Another thing you should look for in a portable smoker is heat and temperature control. This is a vital part of any smoker, as it allows you to control the direct heat of your food. If you have ever tried to smoke something on a grill, you know it can be tough to control the temperature with just one burner.

On the flip side, if you have ever used a gas grill with an indirect heat source, you know it is much easier to control the temperature. Suppose you are smoking meats or fish on your portable smoker. In that case, this feature is essential for ensuring that your food does not get overcooked.

Material

Several materials are used to make smokers, including stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, and porcelain enameled steel. Stainless steel models are generally more durable than porcelain-enameled ones because they can withstand high temperatures without cracking or chipping.

In contrast, porcelain enameled models may be more susceptible to damage from high heat exposure. Aluminum models are lighter than traditional heavy-duty steel models, making them easier to carry around during backyard events where portability is critical.

Additional Features

The portable smoker you choose should have all the features you need, including:
A grill grate is large enough to accommodate several pieces of meat or a small amount of fish.
A warming rack or tray for keeping food warm.
A water pan with a cover to collect dripping grease from cooking meat.
A drip pan for collecting dripping grease from other foods.

The Verdict: 

With all of the different types of smoking devices out there, it can be hard to know the best smoking device for you. This is why we wanted to write this blog. We are happy to help you find the best portable smoker for your needs and help you make the right decision. 

We hope you enjoyed our 11 Best Portable Smokers list in 2023! Please feel free to leave your feedback and comments below on which one of these portable smokers is best for you!