There are many smokers in the market at different price points. So what makes one smoker better than the other? The design is not the only factor that would determine which smoker is better. There are several factors that come into play when choosing a quality smoker. A good number of smokers do offer various features that make them stand out and above the rest. Here you will find reviews of top 8 best smokers under $300 to get you started on your new adventure with smoking meat products.
What Is a Smoker?
A smoker is a device that burns tobacco. Cigarettes are the most common form of tobacco smoked, but cigars, pipes and hookahs are also forms of smoking. Smoking is a common practice among many people in the world, particularly in developing countries. It is estimated that one billion people smoke worldwide.
Smoking was considered an acceptable practice until the 20th century when it was linked to lung cancer and other illnesses. Since then, efforts have been made to reduce smoking rates through public health campaigns and legislation. However, many people still smoke despite its harmful effects on health due to addiction and cultural acceptance.
Top 8 Best Smoker Under $300 Reviews
1. Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker Under $300
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker Under $300 has a large cooking area that’s ideal for smoking a variety of foods. This smoker comes with a porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber and a stainless steel thermometer, as well as six height-adjustable cooking racks.
The offset firebox allows you to add more charcoal without having to remove food from the smoker. The smoke stack features an adjustable flue, providing more control over the amount of smoke entering the cooking chamber.
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker comes with a cover for keeping it clean when not in use. It also includes a removable ash pan and water pan for easy cleanup after each use.
What we liked:
- Much larger cooking area than other vertical offset smokers.
- Interior temperature gauge.
- Precision temperature control.
- Two large vents for better smoke circulation and less smoke.
- Standard porcelain enameled steel charcoal chamber.
2. Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker Under $300
The Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker Under $300 is a great addition to your home. This smoker is a large capacity unit and will hold up to 70 pounds of meat. The wood chip tray slides out easily so you can add more wood chips when needed.
The temperature gauge on the front of this smoker makes it easy to monitor and control the heat inside the smoker. The adjustable damper lets you control how much smoke flows into the cooking chamber.
Three chrome-coated smoking racks provide ample space for cooking your meat while four wheels make it easy to move this smoker around your backyard or kitchen.
What we liked:
- Easy to operate and clean.
- Great for smoking large quantities of meat.
- Wide temperature range for slow cooking.
- The included meat probe is a great bonus feature.
3. Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker Under $300
The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker Under $300 is a smoker that offers you the ability to smoke, grill and roast foods. The unit features four adjustable steel wire racks, a large control dial, an electronic push button ignition, porcelain enameled steel wood chip box and sides for the choice of cooking.
The electronic push button ignition allows you to get started quickly without having to use lighter fluid. The large control dial offers you precise temperature control for your cooking needs.
The porcelain enameled steel wood chip box allows you to add a smoky flavor to your food with ease. Additionally, the double-door design on this smoker makes it easy for you to access your food without having to open the top door on your smoker every time. The side venting system also helps keep smoke from entering the room where you are cooking or smoking your food so that it doesn’t fill up with smoke while cooking or smoking.
What we liked:
- The smoker offers precise temperature control.
- The smoker offers a wide variety of cooking options that allows you to smoke, grill and roast foods.
- The side venting system prevents smoke from entering the room.
- There is a double door design allowing you to easily access your food.
4. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker Under $300
The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36″ Vertical LP Gas Smoker Under $300 is a great choice if you want to smoke meats with ease. The smoker has a digital control panel that allows you to set the temperature with ease. The controls are also easy to read and use. The unit comes with an electric starter that allows you to start the fire quickly and easily.
The smoker is made from stainless steel, so it will last for years without rusting or corroding. The outer shell is fully insulated, so it will retain heat even after being turned off for long periods of time.
The patented side wood chip loading system is great for adding more flavor to your meat, while still allowing you to add more fuel if needed. This means that you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel while cooking your food.
What we liked:
- The smoker is fully insulated so heat will not escape.
- Easy to read control panel with digital display.
- Adjustable temperature creates the perfect smoking environment.
- Can be used outside or in your home.
5. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker Under $300
The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker Under $300 is a smoker and grill in one. The TRU-Infrared technology makes for an even cooking surface, which prevents flare-ups and makes grilling easier than ever. The 180 square inch cooking surface is large enough to fit up to 25 lbs of meat, and the convenient carrying handles make this smoker easy to transport from your backyard to your next family barbecue.
The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker comes with a porcelain enameled steel interior that makes clean up simple. It also has two stainless steel burners that heat up quickly and evenly, so your food cooks quickly without any flare ups or other issues that can arise when using traditional charcoal or gas grills.
Another great feature of this smoker is that it comes with its own temperature gauge right on the front of the unit so you can keep track of how hot your food gets while it cooks. This means no more guessing about whether you should add more wood chips or not!
What we liked:
- Even cooking surface prevents flare-ups.
- Temperature gauge for easy serving.
- Fits up to 25 lbs of meat
- Dual stainless steel burners for even heating
- Handles on side for easy transport.
6. Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker Under $300
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker Under $300 is the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen. It features a temperature range of 100˚F to 275˚F, so you can smoke any type of meat and cheese you want. The smoker comes with four chrome-coated smoking racks, so you can cook up to 711 square inches at one time and store it all inside the unit.
The digital panel controls allow you to monitor your cooking process from anywhere in the room and adjust temperatures as needed. The Masterbuilt 30-inch digital electric smoker also has a corded electric power source that makes it easy to use anywhere.
What we liked:
- Includes a removable chip tray for easy cleanup.
- Digital temperature controls for easy monitoring of the smoking process.
- Handy LCD readout for easier temperature adjustment.
- Built in wheels makes it easy to move around the patio or deck.
- All components are dishwasher safe, making clean up a breeze.
7. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker Under $300
The Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker Under $300 is a versatile smoker that can be used to smoke just about anything. It has a double-wall construction firebox that helps to keep the smoker cooler while in use and also provides even cooking temperatures. The cool-touch spring door handle and chip box are also convenient features that make this smoker easy to use.
This electric smoker comes with three chrome-coated smoking racks, which are fully adjustable for different sized items. The digital controller is removable, which makes cleaning easier, and the double-wall construction firebox provides even temperature distribution throughout the entire cooking chamber.
It has a removable stainless steel water pan that helps keep foods moist and adds flavor during cooking. This smoker also comes with a lidded chip box that allows you to add more wood chips as needed for added flavor without opening the main door of the smoker, making it easy to use.
What we liked:
- The removable digital controller makes it easy to clean.
- This smoker has a convenient cool-touch spring door handle.
- It has three chrome-coated smoking racks.
- It comes with a double-wall construction firebox.
8. Char-Broil 18202077 Analog Electric Smoker Under $300
A professional-grade design and construction make this dual-purpose smoker and grill a worthy investment. The Char-Broil 18202077 Analog Electric Smoker Under $300 is a fully electric smoker that’s capable of cooking up to 367 square inches of meat at one time, while still being able to use the same space to grill up vegetables or other side dishes.
The double-wall insulated construction makes sure that your food stays hot even when there’s a break in the action, while the large door mounted temperature gauge makes it easy to keep tabs on what’s going on inside.
The dual exhaust ports on either side of the unit help keep the smoke inside where it belongs, and make sure that it doesn’t escape through cracks or gaps in the lid.
What we liked:
- Heavy duty construction and rack.
- Large capacity smoker, but still very portable.
- Super intuitive temperature control and digital display.
What To Look For Smoker
Smokers come in different sizes and styles, and they are not all created equal. Before you buy a smoker, make sure that you take into account the following factors:
1. Size
The size of your smoker will depend on how much food you need to cook at once. If you are planning on doing large scale smoking for a barbecue party, then a bigger smoker is probably best for your needs. However, if you just want to smoke some food for yourself and your family then a smaller one will suffice.
2. Material
Most smokers are made out of steel, but there are also some that are made out of aluminum or other materials. You should check the durability of the material before purchasing your smoker so that it lasts longer and is more durable.
3. Ease of use
The easier it is to use and maintain a smoker, the better it will be for you overall. If you’re buying a charcoal or wood fired smoker then this may not apply as much as if you’re buying an electric or gas powered model. However, even with these kinds of smokers there are still some things that can make them harder than others so always look out for ease of use when deciding which one is right for you!
4. Price
Price is always an important factor when looking at anything really! When buying something like an outdoor grill or smoker you want to ensure that the one you choose is not too expensive and is also good value for money. If there are cheaper options out there but they don’t measure up to the other ones then you’re better off spending a little more money on something that has great quality and features.
FAQs
1. What are special about Smoker?
Smokers are designed to cook meat slowly, in a smoke-free environment. This method of cooking creates a tender and juicy result that is hard to achieve with other methods. The food is cooked over low heat for a long period of time.
Smokers come in both electric and charcoal options. Electric smokers use electricity to power the heating element while charcoal smokers require charcoal or wood chips to provide the heat.
2. Do you really need a smoker?
It depends on what you want to do with it. If you’re just starting out as a home cook who wants to try something new then definitely get one. You’ll soon discover that smoking is an addictive form of cooking that will improve your skills as an all-round chef.
3. Does a smoker need ventilation?
A smoker can be used indoors without causing any health problems. But it is important to ensure proper ventilation while using the smoker. The type of wood chips used, the amount of smoke produced, and the size of the smoker will determine how much air you need to circulate in your kitchen or living room. You should be able to smell food as it cooks, but not so much that it makes you cough or feel like you are choking on smoke.
4. What is the difference between Electric Smoker vs Charcoal Smoker?
Electric smokers are more convenient because you do not have to spend time fueling them. Instead, you plug them in and let them do their job. They also come with built-in thermometers so that you can monitor the temperature at all times. However, electric smokers are not as versatile as charcoal smokers because they only have one cooking mode.
Charcoal smokers are more versatile because they allow you to use different fuels such as wood chips or charcoal briquettes. You can also add smoke flavor by using wood chunks or sawdust. Charcoal smokers are more complex than electric ones and require time to learn how to master them.
5. Can I use my smoker for other things besides smoking meat?
Yes! You can use your smoker for cooking different types of foods such as vegetables, fish, and even desserts! You just need to adjust the temperature accordingly depending on what type of food you are smoking. We recommend that you follow the instructions included with your smoker to ensure that you don’t overheat your meat. If you do overheat your meat, it can lead to burnt and soggy meat.
Conclusion
Are you one of those smokers who would love to have their own smoker for themselves but has a low budget that makes it impossible for you to get the best one? If so, here is where I can help you by presenting some of the most recommended smokers available on the market today. They are available in various budget ranges and will surely be able to meet your needs.