Here’s an overview of the Best Smokers that we’ll explore today:
Smokers have moved from niche backyard gear to a core part of mainstream outdoor cooking, delivering consistent smoke flavor, macro and micro-cooking control, and the flexibility to explore low-and-slow barbecue alongside weeknight grilling. The growing diversity of fuels (electric, propane, and wood-pellet) and form factors (vertical cabinets, freestanding grills, and hybrid 7-in-1 units) means buyers must evaluate heat management, moisture retention, smoke generation, and ease of use. In this comparison, I evaluated five widely available smokers with a price range from $199.99 to $449.99 to illustrate how budget, mid-range, and premium options stack up on key dimensions like reliability, feature sets, temperature control, and user experience. My testing approach combined hands-on cooking scenarios (low-and-slow smoking, high-temp searing when applicable, and smoke flavor consistency across multiple sessions) with qualitative assessments (ease of use, cleanup, and integration with accessories). The products covered represent three brands (Masterbuilt, Ninja, Brisk It) and include vertical electric smokers, a propane vertical unit, and a wood-pellet smart grill, providing a breadth of use cases for weekend enthusiasts and more serious backyard pitmasters alike.
1. Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader
- Brand: Masterbuilt
- Manufacturer: Masterbuilt
Overview: This entry-level vertical electric smoker from Masterbuilt emphasizes simplicity and maximum cooking space for a compact footprint. It features a patent-pending side wood chip loader, a removable water pan for moisture, and 710–711 square inches of cooking area across four chrome-coated racks. Digital controls cap the temperature at 275°F, which is sufficient for classic low-and-slow smoking of poultry, pork, and small to medium cuts. Its vertical design and 45.9-pound weight make it a practical backyard staple for enthusiasts who want a straightforward, heat-retentive smoker without fuss.
Performance-wise, the side chip loader helps maintain smoke without frequent door openings, a meaningful advantage for heat and moisture retention during longer cooks. The removable water bowl adds moisture and can be flavored with liquids to influence juiciness and bark development. In practice, users will appreciate the large capacity for multiple racks and the ease of cleanup via the rear grease tray. However, the fixed 275°F ceiling limits high-temp finishing and searing, and the overall build relies on basic insulation compared with premium pellet or gas units. The footprint and weight are favorable for non-permanent backyard setups or covered patios, and the chrome racks are durable but not thick-gauge pro-level steel.
Pros
- Patented side wood chip loader for continuous smoke without opening the door
- Large vertical footprint with 711–710 sq in cooking space across four racks
- Removable water pan for moisture and flavor variation
- Rear grease tray simplifies cleanup
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons
- Maximum temperature limited to 275°F, restricting high-temp smoking and finishing
- Dial/ digital controls are basic; lacks advanced automation
- Vertical design can be tall to store in some garages or sheds
2. Ninja | Grill
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: Ninja
Overview: Ninja’s OG850 is a 4-in-1 electric outdoor unit that combines woodfire grilling, smoking, outdoor air frying, and baking into a single portable footprint. It delivers 180 sq. in. of grilling space, built-in thermometer, and two starter packs of Ninja Woodfire Pellets for immediate smoke flavor. The unit prioritizes versatility, portability, and a modern, compact form factor, making it a strong option for apartment balconies, RV trips, or small backyards where a propane grill or larger pellet smoker would be impractical.
Performance-wise, the OG850 leverages real woodfire flavor via pellets without requiring a separate smoker. The integrated thermometer helps with doneness tracking, and the pellet system supports quick smoke infusion with modest fuel management. The all-weather design and portability are strong advantages, although the 180 sq in cooking space is inherently constrained for larger gatherings. Cleanup is straightforward with the included grease tray and disposable liners. The device is best suited for cooks who want a compact, all-season, wood-flavored cooking experience with the convenience of electric power, rather than pure, large-scale barbecue throughput.
Pros
- 4-in-1 versatility: grill, smoke, air fry, and bake in one unit
- Real woodfire flavor with pellet-based cooking
- Built-in thermometer for doneness alerts
- Portable and weather-resistant design
- Includes starter pellets and accessories
Cons
- Limited cooking area (180 sq in) for large families
- Electric power limits high-heat searing compared to gas grills
- Pellet cost and pellet handling add ongoing maintenance
3. Masterbuilt® 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit
- Brand: Masterbuilt
- Manufacturer: Masterbuilt
Overview: This is a step up in capacity from Masterbuilt’s 30-inch model, offering 970 square inches of cooking space across a vertical layout with a leg kit for stability. It uses digital controls, a patented side loader, and a removable water bowl for moisture and flavor. The larger footprint supports more ambitious smoking sessions, including multiple birds or large pork butts, while retaining the same heat-management philosophy and insulated cabinet design as the 30-inch model.
Performance-wise, the 40-inch smoker expands throughput dramatically, making it feasible to run multi-rack sessions with predictable heat retention and smoke production, thanks to the insulated body and door latch. The included leg kit aids stability on uneven surfaces, which is helpful for deck setups. On the downside, the larger size may demand more space and electricity planning, and while the basic digital controls are sufficient, advanced users may crave more precise PID-style precision or connectivity features. As a value proposition, it balances capacity with familiar Masterbuilt simplicity, appealing to intermediate pitmasters who want serious volume without stepping into premium pellet technology.
Pros
- Significant increase in cooking space (970 sq in)
- Vertical design maintains efficient smoke circulation
- Leg kit improves stability on uneven surfaces
- Continued use of side wood chip loader for smoke retention
- Removable water bowl facilitates moisture and flavor customization
Cons
- Bulkier footprint requires more space
- Digital controls on par with the smaller model; no advanced automation
- Heavier to move and set up for casual users
4. Brisk It Zelos-450 Electric Wood Pellet Smoker Grill – A.I. Smart BBQ Grill with WiFi
- Brand: Brisk It
- Manufacturer: Brisk It
Overview: Zelos-450 from Brisk It represents a premium, AI-assisted pellet smoker/grill with a 450 sq in cooking area and a robust feature set. It emphasizes smart cooking through Vera, an AI-enabled assistant that handles recipe generation, monitoring, and automatic adjustments via an adaptive PID controller. It supports temperatures from 180°F to 500°F and uses 100% natural wood pellets for authentic smokiness. The construction is weather-resistant stainless steel with wheels for mobility and a dedicated meat probe to monitor doneness.
Performance-wise, Zelos-450 aims to blend convenience with high-level control. The adaptive PID ensures stable temperatures across a wide range, enabling true low-and-slow smoking at 225°F or high-heat searing near 500°F. The AI assistant provides practical guidance and ongoing adjustments, which can be a boon for beginners and busy families, but some purists may prefer manual control and dismiss the AI feature as optional. Real-world usage highlights include reliable smoke flavor from wood pellets, easy pellet management, and the flexibility to grill, bake, roast, or braise, all in one unit. The main trade-offs are higher upfront cost and the need to manage software features and potential updates.
Pros
- AI-assisted Vera cooking assistant for recipe generation and automation
- High-precision PID temperature control (180–500°F)
- 7-in-1 versatility: smoke, grill, bake, roast, sear, braise, and char
- 450 sq in cooking area with durable stainless steel construction
- Includes meat probe and weather-ready design
Cons
- Premium price point ($449.99)
- Reliance on AI features may require ongoing updates and connectivity
- Wheeling and setup may be less convenient for very small spaces
5. Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control
- Brand: Masterbuilt
- Manufacturer: Masterbuilt
Overview: This Masterbuilt model uses propane to deliver vertical smoking with a 960 square inch cooking space and an analog dial for temperature management up to 375°F. It includes a water bowl, woodchip tray, four chrome-coated racks, and a lockable door for heat retention. The vertical design promotes efficient smoke circulation, and the gas heat source yields consistent, heat-on-demand performance with quicker heat-up times than electric models.
Performance-wise, the propane approach offers immediate, predictable heat with less dependency on electrical infrastructure, making it well-suited to garages, patios without reliable electricity, or those who prefer charcoal-like control with gas convenience. The analog controls are straightforward but less precise than digital PID systems, which means tighter supervision is advisable for long smoke sessions. Capacity remains high for a propane smoker of its class, but the platform lacks the moisture-management finesse found in some electric models with dedicated water pans and more advanced dampers. For engaged enthusiasts, this model provides a robust, familiar propane smoking experience with generous space.
Pros
- High capacity (960 sq in) for large batches
- Propane heat provides reliable, fast heat-up and steady temperatures
- Vertical design promotes efficient heat and smoke distribution
- Analog controls are simple and intuitive for some users
- Lockable door and removable water bowl aid moisture management and cleanup
Cons
- Analog controls lack precision of digital PID systems
- Requires propane management and fuel logistics
- Higher weight and bulk may limit portability
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about smokers 2025s to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: The best smoker for you depends on how you value capacity, automation, and fuel type.
Electric verticals excel in ease of use and moisture retention, propane offers heat-on-demand with large space, and premium pellet grills deliver authentic flavor with smart features. For beginners on a budget, MB20071117 is a strong entry.
For those chasing big batches, MB20070122 or the propane MB20051316 are compelling. For tech-forward cooks seeking convenience and flavor, Zelos-450 presents a standout high-end option..