10 Best Smoker for Beginners in 2022 with Proper Buying Guide

Author by: Leon L. Smith
Updated: November 15, 2022

Suppose you have never thrown a BBQ party before and thinking of arranging one for the first time. What shall be the rhetorical part that you will think of grabbing in the first place for that? I don’t know about you, I would’ve thought of getting the best smoker for beginners.

The reason is quite clear. If I want to throw an event and want to be involved clearly with every process, including the food, I love to do it myself. There are more like me who might’ve been thinking of getting a Masterbuilt 20070411 30-Inch Top Controller Electric Smoker or something more relevant.

So, I came up with the idea of reviewing some of the best smokers grill along with a buyer guide to the things more convenient for you. By the way, I know you might have some questions in your mind too. This is why I have a kept a FAQ part for you as well.

Let’s get started with the search of the top smoker for beginners with the finest quality and better performance for your next big party then?

10 Best Smoker for Beginners | Buyer Reviews for 2022

Want to get your hands on the top smoker for beginners? We’ve done our research and picked the top ones available in the market.

Image	Products	Details	Price
Our Top Pick	Our Top Pick	Masterbuilt 20077515 30-Inch	Material: Stainless Steel Fuel Type: Electric Weight: 49.86 lbs	Check on Amazon
Reasonable Price	Reasonable Price	Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker	Material: Steel Fuel Type: Charcoal Weight: 68 lbs	Check on Amazon
For Very Beginner	For Very Beginner	Pit Boss 71220 Kamado	Material: Ceramic & Cast Iron Fuel Type: Charcoal Weight: 168.6 lbs	Check on Amazon
Lightweight	Lightweight	Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch	Material: Steel Fuel Type: Electric Weight: 45.9 lbs	Check on Amazon
Quality Features	Quality Features	Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36″	Material: Ceramic & Cast Iron Fuel Type: Electric Weight: 56 lbs	Check on Amazon
Gas Smoker for Newbie	Gas Smoker for Newbie	Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″	Material: Steel Fuel Type: Gas Weight: 75 lbs	Check on Amazon
Affordable Price	Affordable Price	18-1/2 in. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker	Material: Steel Fuel Type: Coal Weight: 57 lbs	Check on Amazon
Smoker for the Money	Smoker for the Money	REC TEC Grills \| RT-700	Material: Steel Fuel Type: Pallet Weight: 200 lbs	Check on Amazon
Top Reviewed	Top Reviewed	Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18″	Material: Steel Fuel Type: Gas Weight: 63.5 lbs	Check on Amazon
Low Cost Fuel	Low Cost Fuel	Green Mountain Davy Crockett	Material: Steel Fuel Type: Pallet Weight: 57.31 lbs	Check on Amazon

1Masterbuilt 20077515 30-Inch Top Controller Electric Smoker
Best Beginner Smoker Review

Features

This Masterbuilt 20077515 Electric Smoker is probably something better than any beginner can ask for as their first smoker. Doesn’t matter if you are thinking about taking it outdoor or keeping it in, it can get things done anywhere.

Once you check this one out, the first thing you will be amazed about is its build quality with a cooking space of 730 Sq. inches. The 4 chrome-coated smoking racks of it allow you to smoke food up to 100 lbs, that you can easily felicitate all your friends and family with!

As the addition of an extra feather to its convenience, for adjusting/controlling the temperature & time all you need to do is pressing the buttons on its remote and there it is! Done! Moreover, you won’t have to worry about its internal light, meat temperature either. Just shut it down or turn it without even getting any closer to it!

This smoker will smoke your worries about the thermostat temperature too, as you can set it between 100° F to 275° F just the way you want. With its full viewing window, you can check out the food turning into another delicious dish.

You love your meal as perfectly cooked, right? The adjustable door latch is going to keep the heat in for the period of time till it’s done perfectly. If you like things in an easier way, then you’re going to love its wood chip loader, because all you need to do is pull, put, push, twist and repeat!

Things we liked

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2Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
Best Entry Level Smoker

Features

If you prefer a smoker with the perfect compactness, then I don’t know what to suggest you with but the Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker. It is considered as one of the most ideal smokers for anyone, whether they are entry level or experts.

That appealing and sturdy porcelain-enameled construction with an internal chamber with multiple levels is going to blow your mind. Do you think wide space is what makes a smoker better? Then you’re going to be happy as this one has the plated steel cooking grates with a total grilling area of 726 Sq. inches. The interesting part is, the main grilling area alone is 363 Sq. inches, sounds perfect for your next steak, right?

It includes a charcoal bowl for containing the charcoal or loading required wood chips. The heavy-gauge steel charcoal grate is made to sustain heat to a greater extent and as far as we know it can reach an inside temperature of 190° F. The Glass-reinforced nylon handle will get you the comfortable pull as you like.

This 22-inch charcoal grill smoker is perfect for slow-smoking where it will keep the heat up for 10 long hours and you won’t have to check it every now & then. The good thing is you can move this 68 lbs smoker anytime and anywhere you want.

Things we liked

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3Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker
Best Starter Smoker Grill

Features

There are people who often emphasise the visual appeal of a smoker to a higher extent along with the performance. For them, Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker is one of the finest options.

What makes you think of a smoker as a better one? If it is space and heating system, then you are probably looking at something just as you asked. Because this 22″ inches ceramic smoker is capable of containing the heat in the perfect manner within its 573 Sq. inches cooking surface.

You can say goodbye to the spare table you’ve been using so long for keeping the stuff as this one has two bamboo shelves that are meant to keep close by to you. If you don’t need them, you can get rid of them as well.

Any of those delicious dishes like a grill, steak, pizza, turkey that you’ve been struggling to make so far, are going to be easy as buying them now. It’s because with the air intake below and cast exhaust on the top, it’s super easy to maintain the temperature quite smoothly and make these dishes in no time!

The black coating over its heavy-duty ceramic body gave it an elegant look that will give you back deck a new decorative piece. Throw the tension of rust & corrosion as the steel trim is resistant to both of them. The temperature limit of the fire bowl is more than 700° F that gives the perfectly cooked vibe to all dishes you’ll make.

Things we liked

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4Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker
Best Electric Smoker for Beginners

Features

Do you believe in vibes? A positive one? A strong one? If you do, probably you’re going to get the same from this Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker.

Thinking of throwing a reunion party at your home lately? Then probably this mini-fridge look-alike smoker is meant to help you out with that! With a humongous space of 730 Sq. inches you’re going to be serving lots of people with perfectly prepared mouthwatering food.

The 800-watt heating element will render you enough space on its 4 chrome-coated racks. If you have a plan for different dishes to prepare at once, Masterbuilt Electric Smoker will get you the shot! Moreover, with the digital control panel, you can throw your worries of traditional peak and check theory away in the bin!

The 100% insulation nature of the wall isn’t going to leave your favorite chicken under-cooked as the pre-assembled door will keep things tight! But don’t think that you can’t take things in your hand, the air damper is always there for the adjustment. Amazingly, it can let you cook up to 24 long hours and the automatic shut off system will take care of the rest.

And thinking of the dripping issue lately? Then why the removable dripping pan is even there? It will keep it clean, just the way you like it.

Why having a Bigger Wood Chip Matter in Smokers?

Things we liked

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5Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Best Meat Smoker Reviews for Beginners

Features

If I could add a new visual synonym to the word ‘Sturdy’, then probably the Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36″ Vertical Charcoal Smoker would have been it, clearly. It’s looking the same as vertical pellet smoker where you will get the vibe of perfection in both performance and durability.

Without showing any misery to space management, the manufacturer has given it a cooking space of 784 Sq. inches. Sounds perfect for your next party, right? If you judge its heat management system, then I think you’re going to score it with a 10 for its porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber that ensures improved burn efficiency. If you think of the ash, then the removable steeled ash pan will grab it all.

I know you love the smoke flavor on your meat and for that, the Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC has a heavy gauge enamelled wood chip box to ensure that. Now come to temperature control precision. The adjustable smokestack is there to hand you over the total control and the side dampers, damn! You’ll love the perfection.

The double door will keep you stunned when you’ll get to know that they will minimize the heat loss when you are putting the food or fuel in. Now come to the temperature gauge. This one will let you check out whether it has achieved the ideal temperature or not on the process.

Things we liked

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6Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24"
Best Rated Meat Smokers for Beginners

Features

When I saw the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ for the first time while searching for smoker for beginners for the money, the very first thought came in my mind is – Man! I need one of these! If there was a score for exceptionality in design, then I don’t think this one would have scored less than 10.

You’ll keep this one ahead on the race of sturdiness I believe, comparing it to the other smoker of the same category. With the two smoking racks with one jerky rack, all you need is to put the food in and it will be done before you know it! If you’re thinking of making your thanks giving turkey on this one, these racks ready to get adjusted whenever you want!

What has made things far more easier than ever for you in this smoker starts with the temperature adjustment knob on the bottom.

You are free to set the temperature from anywhere to 50° to 400°, whether it is for that your favorite chicken grill or Thanksgiving turkey. And yes! The door thermometer will always be there to get you the temperature reading.

What you’ll love about the Camp Chef Smoke Vault is you won’t even have to get bothered about lighting it up manually. The matchless snap ignition system is there, easy as pie! The heat control system with the protected burner drum will make you love it!

Things we liked

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718-1/2 in. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package
Best BBQ Smoker for Beginners

Features

Do you know what people do when they love smoking, in a bit more traditional way but with a little less complication? They get the 18-1/2 in. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package.

If the look doesn’t matter to you, but only the performance does, then you probably are looking at your next best smoker.

The Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package is something you’ll find appealing mostly because of its variation in cooking execution. Let me be a bit more specific. You have both the option of hanging the meat to have a better Smokey flavor or can just use the grill to do so.

When it comes to the burgers and steak, this one can get it done before you even know it! It has the 8 stainless steel hooks and two high gauge steel with maximum durability. So, if you’re worried about it falling apart, then I’ll suggest – DON’T!

In case you’re worried about doing everything all by yourself, then I’ll keep that thought aside! The process of this one is super easy. The coal basket size is so perfect that you can cook for 12 long hours. It probably has the simplest air circulation and temperature control system you’ve ever seen, which is done by the twist & set vent in the bottom. Worrying about moving it? It weighs 56 lbs. only. Still sounding heavy?

Things we liked

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8REC TEC Grills | RT-700
Best Smoker for the Money for Beginners

Features

If you are a tech freak with a bigger budget, then I just have the right thing for you and that is the REC TEC Grills | RT-700. It is one of the smokers, which you’ll get the strongest futuristic vibe from.

This hi-tech smoker probably has one of the biggest expandable cook space among smokers, which is 1054 Sq. Inches. I can bet, after hearing that you’ve gone sure that your next BBQ party will be a rocking one if you get one of these as guests will become just a number then.

No matter which aspect you point the finger, this one will rock that one, just the way it does with the cooking hours and that is 40 hrs. Yup! You’ve heard me right, FORTY HOURS! Planning for the long party already?

Yet it’s a bit heavy with the weight of 195 lbs, but the wheels will ease it up for you to move it around. With this ‘Plug & play’ smoker, you can push the temperature from 200° to 500° F. And yes, you can control it with your phone too! Things just got a bit more interesting, right?

Now let’s have a glance over, what else does it get. The REC TEC Grills | RT-700 has two high-end stainless steel grill grates with Smoke tray and deflector. The access panel hands you over the complete control of the interior parts, just the way you like it! By the way, did I mention the Ceramic ignition system? Yeah, this bad boy got this one too!

Things we liked

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9Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18"
Best Smoker to Buy for Beginners

Features

Maybe it’s not a big party after all. Maybe it’s just your family. All you need is just a small smoker to execute your finest cooking fantasy into reality. Then I guess it’s the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18″ you’re looking for.

I have mentioned the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 22″, which undoubtedly has a bigger space. But that doesn’t mean you will always need something that big.

The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18″ with its two adjustable smoking racks and one jerky smoking rack can render you perfectly manageable space for your next cooking adventure.

The perfectly measured Water pan & the heavy gauge steel wood chip tray is will add the extra moisture and perfectly cooked flavor to your holiday turkey, steak, or the burger. Yeah, I know, even that imagination is mouthwatering!

The Removable porcelain base tray gets you rid of the cleaning hassle more efficiently. Those sweat of worry on that is probably waiting for your last goodbye!

And those three adjustable damper valves, they are long-lasting aiders for your temperature control. The temperature is quite similar to the 22” one which is 50 to 400° and you can check that out on the door thermometer.

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10Green Mountain Davy Crockett Wood Pellet Grill
Cheap Wood Smoker for Beginner

Features

I don’t know how much you know or like pallet smokers, but if you do, then you’re simply going adore the Green Mountain Davy Crockett WiFi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill.

This techy, plug N play smoker is on the list of the best for some very strong reasons and the one prevailing on the top is its operational convenience. Let me explain how. To get the smoker started, all you need is plug it in, wait for 5 to 8 minutes, put the meat in, and there you are, done with the perfectly cooked meat!

You like things hands free? Then thank the Wi-Fi technology of the Green Mountain Davy Crockett, where you can control the temperature, ensure the fire safety, and controlling fan speed. And if you are throwing a small dinner party for your school mates, then with this wood pellet smoker, you will get enough space to cook for 4 to 6 people at a time.

The 7” peaked lid has perfected the airflow of the smoker that renders you with better cooking experience. Moreover, it maintains the temperature with a range of 200° to 550° F where you can choose the preferred temperature based on the requirement of food you’re cooking. Trust me, that gives you more ‘in control’ vibe than any other regular smokers.

Things we liked

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Buying Guide to Buy a Smoker for Beginner

There is always a higher possibility of ending up with the wrong product when you don’t know what aspect to consider while making the purchase. Smokers are not beyond that circle either. So while grabbing the best smoker for beginners, there are certain aspects that you need to be concerned about. Let’s check them out.

Reason of the Purchase

Are you the best for making the finest beef steak? Then you need to get a smoker that can do it the way you want. We all are aware of the ultimate reason for purchasing a smoker.

But here the reason is meant by the type of food that you are thinking about preparing with the smoker. For example, if you are thinking about making a turkey on the smoker, having a Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker might be the best option for you as it adds the perfect moisture to the food.

Convenience

You’re buying a smoker, not a super-computer, remember? How easy it is to use is what meant with the term convenience in case of smokers.

Suppose you have just got one that you need tons of preparation, involves a greater amount of time & effort, and come with a complicated mechanism too. Will it be the one that will please you as a perfect smoker?

I guess the answer is NO! So, you need to look at one that you use easily and doesn’t cause you much of a hassle. As an example of that, we can name the Masterbuilt 20070411 30-Inch Top Controller Electric Smoker.

Durability

Look, a smoker is not toothpaste that you’re going to buy every month. So, you better choose one that’s going to last long enough. For that, you need to be sure that the smoker your eyes on is a sturdy piece of cooking tech.

There are smokers made with amazingly durable materials with the quality of rust and corrosion resistance just like the Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker.

Size

You are not in the mood for wasting money I guess! If so, then you better get the one with the perfect size. This means if you are thinking of partying with your friend, indeed a lot of them, then you should get one with the bigger size like the Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker.

But if you just want to grab one for the family, then Pit Boss 71220 Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Cooker probably will be the best one for you.

Adjustment of the Temperature

Come on, you know that the temperature is your game changer here! The perfect temperature adjustment mechanism is what you need the most on your way to the perfectly smoked food.

So, make sure that the smoker has all the relevant temperature controlling mechanisms to ease things a bit up for you just the way Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ does.

Fuel Type

I don’t know if we should call it the most important aspect or not, but it is going to matter in the long run for sure! If ease, affordability, customisation is what you’ve been up to, then go for charcoal.

For faster cooking, you can choose gas charcoal smoker. If you’re on to energy and time saving, pick the electric one. No matter whatever you choose, choose wisely! There are tons of options from the REC TEC Grills | RT-700 to the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package. After all, it’s your call!

Safety

Avoid this part and I’ll say, you’re on a way to making a mistake! Safety comes first, don’t you think that too? There are smokers with the finest safety mechanism as automatic shut off system just the way Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker has. So, make sure that you are buying a smoker, not a bomb!

F.A.Q

Why having a Bigger Wood Chip Matter in Smokers?

Ans: The answer is pretty obvious. These days, smokers are designed that you can leave unattended just getting them started once, especially the electric one.

But if the one you’ve bought has a smaller wood chip loader, this means you will have to do it more than with the one with bigger loaders.

So, to avoid that hassle, it is better to get one with a little bigger loader.

What are the Major Drawbacks of Smokers?

Ans: There are different types of smokers and they all have their own drawbacks. As an example, for charcoal smokers, you need to be more attentive and effortful for cooking one these. For propane smokers, they can’t get you the smoke rings the way electric one does.

For electric one, you will have to ensure a power outlet along with a waterproof environment, which can be quite difficult in outdoor picnic or such events.

What is the Privilege Attained by Charcoal Smokers over Electric ones?

Ans: Electric smokers are surely convenient than the charcoal one as you need continuous supervision while cooking on them. But the charcoaled one is better at maintaining the moisture of the food to a better extent. It doesn’t mean the electric one is not good at that; the charcoaled one is just better.

Which Fuel Type Smokers are the Safest?

Ans: Look, I won’t lie to you, but safety mostly depends on you, no matter whatever you are buying over here! But as the fuel is an important fact to keep things on the safe side, then I’ll say it’s the electric one. Because this is the one you can keep unattended yet will be safe enough to go!

What Shall be the ideal Temperature Range for a Smoker?

Ans: Temperature indeed is one of the prime facts that you should look up to getting a smoker. But it has the ideal criteria as well, which is 500° F+ direct heat. So, if the smoker can’t generate such heat, you better check out the one which can hours.

Final Verdict

Among all the art forms in the world, cooking is probably the most underrated, yet the most mandatory one. But just like a painter requires the right brush & color to convert their imagination and skill into reality, a cook needs the right set of tools to execute a perfect dish.

The same thing goes for one if they are thinking of making BBQ. So, if you are a beginner and want to have the best smoker for beginners for you, then you can choose a smoker like Masterbuilt 20070411 30-Inch Top Controller Electric Smoker with all the finest features or any of them that we have mentioned in our discussion above.