6 Best Smoker Under 500

1. Masterbuilt 20070210

Masterbuilt 20070210 Analog Electric SmokerAs an avid barbecue enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Masterbuilt 20070210 Analog Electric Smoker, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. This smoker, although an older version, packs a punch with its outstanding performance and user-friendly design.

One of the standout features of the Masterbuilt 20070210 is its ample cooking space. With three smoking racks, totaling 548 square inches, I found plenty of room to smoke a variety of meats, from racks of ribs to whole chickens. The racks are sturdy and adjustable, allowing for customization based on the size and quantity of food being smoked.

The analog temperature control adds a touch of simplicity to the smoking process. With a temperature range of 100°F to 400°F, I was able to achieve the perfect balance of low and slow smoking or higher heat for faster cooking. The built-in temperature gauge on the door provided accurate readings, ensuring I could maintain consistent heat throughout the smoking session.

What impressed me most about the Masterbuilt 20070210 is its ability to retain heat and provide excellent insulation. The smoker is well-built, with a durable exterior that keeps the heat inside, resulting in consistent and even smoking. The door seal is tight, minimizing any heat loss and ensuring optimal smoke circulation. Cleanup was a breeze with this smoker. The drip tray located at the bottom collects any excess grease or drippings, making it easy to dispose of and keep the smoker clean. The cooking grates are also removable, allowing for convenient washing and maintenance.

2. Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer in the world of smoking! The first thing that caught my attention was the sturdy build and sleek design of this smoker. The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is built to last, with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.

The black exterior gives it a classic and timeless look that fits perfectly in any backyard or patio setup. This smoker offers a generous cooking area of 481 square inches, spread across two cooking grates. This means you can smoke a substantial amount of food at once, accommodating large cuts of meat, multiple racks of ribs, or even a whole turkey.

The cooking grates are made of durable plated steel, providing even heat distribution and creating those coveted grill marks. One of the standout features of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is its exceptional temperature control. The adjustable dampers on the bowl and lid allow precise control of airflow, enabling you to maintain the ideal smoking temperature for hours on end.

Whether you’re aiming for low and slow or higher heat, this smoker delivers consistent results every time. The built-in thermometer on the lid provides accurate temperature readings, allowing you to monitor the cooking process without the need for additional gadgets. It’s a convenient feature that ensures you have full control over your smoking sessions.

Cleanup is a breeze with the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker. The porcelain-enameled water pan and charcoal chamber are easy to access and clean. Additionally, the ash catcher at the bottom collects any ashes, making it simple to dispose of them once your smoking session is complete.

3. PIT BOSS 71700FB Pellet Grill

PIT BOSS 71700FB is built like a tank. Its sturdy construction and sleek black design make it a standout addition to any backyard or patio. The grill has a generous cooking area of 700 square inches, providing ample space to cook for a large group of family and friends.

Whether you’re grilling burgers, smoking ribs, or even baking a pizza, this grill has you covered. One of the standout features of this pellet grill is its versatility. The PID controller allows for precise temperature control, ranging from 180°F to 500°F. This wide temperature range enables you to tackle a variety of cooking techniques, from low and slow smoking to high-temperature searing.

The grill uses wood pellets as fuel, which adds a unique and delicious smoky flavor to your dishes. The hopper capacity of 21 pounds ensures that you can enjoy extended cooking sessions without the need for constant refills. The grill’s auger system automatically feeds the pellets into the fire pot, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

The PIT BOSS 71700FB also features a built-in temperature probe, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without having to open the grill. This feature is incredibly convenient and helps ensure that your meats are cooked to perfection every time. Cleanup is a breeze with this pellet grill. The porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates are easy to clean, and the grease management system effectively collects and drains any excess grease, making maintenance hassle-free.

4. Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker

Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker. As a BBQ enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of using this smoker for quite some time, and it has become an integral part of my backyard cooking arsenal. First and foremost, the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker is built to last.

Made from heavy-gauge steel, it exudes durability and sturdiness. The black porcelain-coated wire finish adds a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. With dimensions of 57 x 33.5 x 53 inches and weighing 180 pounds, this smoker commands attention and provides a substantial cooking area. Speaking of the cooking area, the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker boasts an impressive 900 square inches of space.

This generous area allows you to smoke large cuts of meat, such as briskets and whole racks of ribs, with ease. You can even fit multiple items on the grates without feeling cramped. One of the standout features of this smoker is the reverse flow technology. The design of the smoker incorporates a series of baffles that guide the smoke and heat throughout the cooking chamber, ensuring even heat distribution and consistent results.

This technology eliminates hot spots and allows for a more balanced cooking experience. The smoker also features multiple dampers, allowing for precise control over the airflow and temperature. This level of control enables you to adjust the smoke intensity and maintain the desired temperature for extended periods.

Whether you’re aiming for a low and slow smoke or a higher heat sear, this smoker can accommodate your needs. Cleanup is relatively easy with the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker. The porcelain-coated wire grates are easy to clean, and the ash drawer facilitates the removal of ash and debris, keeping your smoker in top shape.

5. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker As someone who enjoys the smoky flavors of slow-cooked meats, this smoker has been a game-changer for my outdoor cooking adventures. The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D is a vertical offset charcoal smoker that combines functionality with a sleek design.

Made from durable steel and finished in a classic black color, this smoker not only performs well but also adds a touch of style to any backyard setup. With dimensions of 20.2 x 34.5 x 47 inches and weighing 57 pounds, it strikes a good balance between size and portability. One of the standout features of this smoker is its ample cooking area.

With 784 square inches of space, you can fit a significant amount of food on its six adjustable cooking grates. From racks of ribs to whole chickens, there’s plenty of room to smoke multiple items at once, making it ideal for larger gatherings or when you want to prepare a variety of dishes simultaneously. The vertical offset design of this smoker allows for efficient heat and smoke distribution.

The firebox is located on the side, ensuring that the heat and smoke travel vertically through the cooking chamber, infusing your food with that authentic smoky flavor. The offset design also helps to maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. Temperature control is made easy with the adjustable smoke stack and side dampers. These features allow you to regulate the airflow and fine-tune the temperature to suit your cooking needs.

Whether you’re aiming for a low and slow smoke or a higher heat sear, this smoker gives you the flexibility to achieve your desired results. Cleanup is a breeze with the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D. The removable ash pan collects the ash and debris, making it easy to dispose of and keeping your smoker clean. Additionally, the smoker comes with a premium smoker cover to protect it from the elements when not in use.

6. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2019 Upgrade Model Wood Pellet Grill

Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2019 Upgrade Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is an avid grill enthusiast, This versatile and reliable grill has truly impressed me with its performance and features. The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is a wood pellet grill and smoker that combines convenience and flavor in one compact unit. Its bronze color and stainless steel construction give it a sleek and modern look that complements any outdoor cooking space.

With dimensions of 45 x 28 x 49 inches and weighing 84 pounds, it strikes a good balance between size and portability. One of the standout features of this grill is its ample cooking area. With 450 square inches of space, you can easily grill and smoke a variety of meats and vegetables for small to medium-sized gatherings.

The grill grates are made from sturdy stainless steel, ensuring even heat distribution and excellent sear marks on your food. What sets this grill apart is its wood pellet system. The 15-pound hopper allows for extended cooking times without the need for constant refilling. The grill automatically feeds the pellets into the fire pot, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

This feature is especially useful for long, slow-smoking sessions or when you want to infuse your food with the distinct flavors of different wood pellets. Temperature control is a breeze with the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A. The digital control board allows you to set the desired temperature anywhere between 180°F and 450°F, giving you the flexibility to grill, smoke, or bake with precision.

The grill also features an automated electric feed system, which ensures that the pellets are fed into the fire pot at the right rate, maintaining the set temperature. Cleanup is hassle-free with the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A. The grill grates are easy to remove and clean, and the waste oil collector helps to keep your cooking area tidy. Additionally, this grill comes with a 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind and assurance of its quality and durability.