10 Best Cheap Smokers 2025 in the United States

The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is a popular choice for anyone looking for an affordable electric smoker with good capacity and convenient features. Its vertical design offers a spacious 710 square inches of cooking space, which is enough to smoke several chickens or racks of ribs at once—great for small to medium gatherings. The digital control panel makes setting and maintaining temperatures up to 275°F straightforward, helping you avoid constant monitoring. A standout feature is the patented side wood chip loader, allowing you to add smoke flavor without opening the door, which keeps heat and moisture inside for juicier meat. The removable water bowl also helps maintain moisture, and you can even experiment with different liquids to enhance flavor.

Build quality is decent with alloy steel on the outside and aluminum inside, making it sturdy yet not too heavy at about 46 pounds. This weight means it’s not highly portable but still manageable if you want to move it occasionally. Cleanup is made easier with a removable rear grease tray and chrome-coated racks. Some users might find the temperature range limited compared to propane or pellet smokers, and the electric power source requires an outlet nearby, limiting use in remote areas. While the build quality is solid for the price, it’s not as rugged as more expensive models.

This smoker is well suited for beginners or casual users looking for an easy-to-use, budget-friendly electric smoker with enough room to cook for a family or small group.

The Traeger Pro 575 is a wood pellet smoker that offers a lot of value for its price, making it a strong choice for those wanting a reliable and easy-to-use smoker without spending top dollar. It provides 575 square inches of cooking space, enough for family meals or small gatherings, fitting around 24 burgers or 5 racks of ribs comfortably. Its temperature control is impressive, with a digital controller and brushless motor maintaining steady heat from low-and-slow cooking up to 500°F for searing. The built-in meat probe adds convenience by letting you monitor food temperature without lifting the lid.

Build quality is solid, with steel construction and durable wheels that make moving it around fairly simple despite weighing 124 pounds. The 6-in-1 versatility means you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ in one device, adding to its appeal for varied cooking styles. Cleaning is made easier by the electric operation and pellet fuel, which produce less mess than charcoal. However, it’s not the lightest or most compact smoker, so portability outside a backyard setting might be limited. Also, while smart WiFi connectivity and app control are modern perks, they may be more than some casual users need and depend on a stable internet connection.

This smoker is ideal for users seeking a dependable, family-sized unit with advanced temperature control and cooking flexibility who don’t mind the weight and appreciate the option to control their grill remotely.

The Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 is an electric wood pellet grill and smoker that offers a substantial 885 square inches of cooking space, making it ideal for large family gatherings or parties. Its maximum temperature reaches up to 500°F, providing flexibility to cook various dishes. The 6-in-1 versatility lets you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ, which is excellent for those who love experimenting with different cooking methods. Additionally, the built-in meat probe ensures your food is cooked to perfection, and the porcelain grill grates make cleaning straightforward.

One of the standout features is the WiFIRE technology, which allows you to control the grill remotely via the Traeger app, adding a modern touch to your cooking experience. The build quality is impressive, featuring alloy steel construction and all-terrain wheels for portability, although the unit is quite heavy at 170.2 pounds. This might pose a challenge if you need to move it frequently. While it doesn't use gas or charcoal, it relies on wood pellets, which might be a change for traditional grill users but promises a unique wood-fired flavor.

It is relatively expensive for those looking for a cheap smoker, and its high-tech features may not be essential for everyone. However, for tech-savvy individuals who enjoy the convenience of remote control and precise temperature management, this could be a worthwhile investment. The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a versatile and high-quality smoker suitable for serious barbecue enthusiasts who appreciate modern technology and have a larger budget.