Best Smoker Under 300 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking for the best smoker under 300? Well, you have come to the right place. You can find a list of the best smokers in this article, which are great value for their price. We have also included a buying guide to help you determine which type of smoker would be the right fit for you. Before that, let us first see what a smoker really is.

As the name suggests, a smoker is a piece of equipment often powered by wood and charcoal to create smoke. This smoke will cook the meat or other BBQ foods inside it at low temperatures for long hours to attain the desired texture and flavor. Most grills have their own smoking system. However, a dedicated smoker does its job better than grills with smoking facilities.

The smoker should be able to create smoke for a prolonged period so that the internal temperature of the meat slowly rises to 2250 Fahrenheit. This is the most effective way to add your desired flavor to the meat you have grilled.

Mostly, these smokers have a combustion chamber where we leave the wood chips and charcoal so that they create smoke. Now, there is an electric-powered and gas-powered smoker, which gets the job done much more efficiently. The electric and gas-powered smokers will have a separate chamber where we can leave our desired type of wooden chip, which will be ignited by the smoker to cause smoke without huge flames.

If you are a traditional griller, you will prefer a traditional and simple smoker, which doesn’t include electricity or gas, to smoke your food. However, these advanced smokers have some advantages that traditional smokers don’t. You can have an insane level of temperature control with an electric smoker. It will have a detailed thermostat and temperature control panel, which will help you cook them at the right temperature. This kind of smoker will be hugely helpful if you cook for many people.

Best Smoker Under 300

Factors to consider the best smoker under 300

Type of Smoker: As we have discussed, there are many types of smokers, and you have to figure out which would be best for you. Basic smokers require only wooden chips to operate, which is not the case with electric smokers and gas-powered smokers. Sometimes, you may find these electric and gas-powered smokers too expensive to operate compared to traditional smokers. But they help you cook more efficiently. So, choose accordingly.

Capacity: The amount of meat or other BBQ food items that a smoker can accommodate at a single time plays a significant role. The standard accommodation capacity of a medium to large-sized smoker is two turkeys. Some smokers can accommodate more meat or even lesser meat. You can pick it based on your requirements.

Portability: Regarding portability, smokers are not meant for that. However, some smokers have wheels at their bottom, which makes it easier for us to move them from one place to another without a hassle. If you plan to keep your smoker in the same spot, you don’t need to be concerned about this part.

Best Smoker Under 300 Reviews

1. Char-Broil 12201570-A1 Gourmet Offset American Smoker

Description

• Brand: Char-Broil
• Cooking Surface: 430 sq inches
• Color: Black
• Type: Offset

Performance:

Char-Broil is one of the top American brands that excel in manufacturing drilling equipment. Char-Broil 12201570-A1 Gourmet Offset American Smoker is the best offset smoker under 300. An offset smoker has a horizontal chamber, which makes it easier to smoke the meat without exposure to direct heat. Instead, it cooks the meat in and out slowly.

Comparison:

The Char-Broil Offset smoker has a cooking surface area of 430 square inches. The main cooking chamber holds most of the cooking surface, which is 290 sq inches. The firebox chamber also has 140 sq. inches of cooking surface. This allows you to cook a large amount of food simultaneously. It will be incredibly useful if you are having a BBQ party or invite your friends and family over to your house.

Usage:

Due to its large cooking surface, you can cook almost 18 burgers simultaneously. Also, it has two separate cooking chambers, which you can customize according to your preference. For example, you can grill the food in the main chamber and smoke them in the firebox chamber or vice versa. It is incredibly useful and helps you manage your time efficiently.

Pros

• Dual cooking chambers
• Multiple dampers
• Easy temperature control

Cons

• Prone to discolorization

What’s New?

The Char-Broil Offset smoker has its own internal thermometer, which will give accurate insight into the internal temperature. You can adjust the intake of air by adjusting the dampers, which will increase or reduce the temperature inside the smoker accordingly. This feature will be hugely helpful in the smoking process.

Why Should You Buy It

Char-Broil is the best grill manufacturer in the USA, and the offset grill is the best smoker under 300. It is worth more than what it is priced for. Also, you can simultaneously cook large quantities of food with great quality, which will reduce your time cooking.

2. Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D Vertical Propane Smoker

Description

• Brand: Dyna-Glo
• Cooking Surface: 784 sq inches
• Color: Black
• Type: Propane-powered

Performance:

Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D Vertical PropaneSmoker is the best propane smoker under 300. It is way more efficient than other propane smokers in this price range. The cooking surface of the smoker is very large. The total cooking area of the smoker is 784 sq inches, twice the size of normal smokers. The best part is that it doesn’t need much space for accommodation as the cooking area as it is vertical.

Comparison:

The propane-powered smoker has cast iron burners which are extremely durable and will retain their characteristics even at a higher temperature. The ignition process is powered by an electric igniter. You must connect the propane cylinder and push the ignition switch to fire up the burner. The smoker will start burning the wood chips that you have added for the flavor.

Usage:

There are multiple racks where you can keep your BBQ foods on. It will help you smoke meat at the right temperature, resulting in proper textured meat. You can cook for your whole family and friends simultaneously using this smoker. There is a tray to store the water drips so that the cast iron burner doesn’t get clogged or rusted. The rack on top of the burner is for your hardwood or fruit woods. The propane burner will heat them up and produce the flavor needed.

Pros

•  One-touch ignition
• Multiple racks and large cooking surface
• Warranty

Cons

• Poor thermostat

What’s New?

The temperature inside the smoker can easily be controlled. The smoker stack and the air damper are the two major components in the smoker that alter the temperature. If you want to lower the temperature, you can close the damper up to 80%. If you want to put out the fire, close it completely. Open the damper completely if you want to increase the temperature inside the smoker. You can utilize the thermostat to find the meat’s internal temperature.

Why Should You Buy It?

The smoker has a year of warranty which is unlikely for most smokers. This will help you repair any malfunctions caused by the smoker for free. Also, you won’t need much space to accommodate the smoker as it is vertical. At last, it can smoke large quantities of meat and other BBQ food items at the same time.

3. PIT BOSS PB440D2 Smoker & Wood Pellet Grill

Description

• Brand: Pit Boss
• Cooking Surface: 465 sq inches
• Color: Brown & Black
• Type: Pellet

Performance:

Pit Boss is one of the leading companies that manufacture grills and smokers in the USA. Each unit is manufactured in the States with its resources. PIT BOSS PB440D2 Smoker is no exception for the perfect smoker you wish to have in your backyard. It has a cooking surface of 465 sq inches which is more than enough to feed at least ten people simultaneously. It can fit up to two whole turkeys inside it because of its pellet style.

Comparison:

The PIT BOSS PB440D2 Smoker is a traditional type of grill that uses charcoal and wood chips as its fuel. You don’t have to connect to a propane cylinder or a live electrical socket to get this grill running. All it needs is some wooden or charcoal pieces and the hardwood you like to use for flavor. Hickory will work well with most BBQ foods and will be the perfect choice in most cases. Another advantage of this hardwood is that you can use it scarcely and still get its flavor due to its intensity.

Usage:

The pellet type PIT BOSS PB440D2 Smoker grill has an auto-ignition feature which makes it the best pellet smoker under 300. The smoker can be used to smoke anywhere between 180 – 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for the smoking process is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Using this smoker, you can cook up to 20 burgers simultaneously because of its dual rack design.

Pros

• Mahogany finish
• Auto igniter
• Temperature control display

Cons

• Expensive

What’s New?

Not only does this smoker performs exceptionally, but it also has stunning looks. It has a mahogany finish which makes it way too classy. It can easily be transported from one place to another because it has wheels. It also has a safety bucket to prevent fire accidents and a serving tray from keeping your cooked dishes on.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you are looking for a top-quality traditional smoker with a temperature display and other advanced features, the PIT BOSS PB440D2 Smoker grill might be the right fit for you. Also, the smoker’s grill grates are porcelain-coated for their durability.

4. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Electric Smoker

Description

• Brand: Masterbuilt
• Cooking Surface: NA
• Color: Black
• Type: Electric

Performance:

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Electric Smoker is the pure electric-based smoker on our list. It purely uses electricity to burn the wooden chips, eliminating the unwanted propane flavor in gas-powered smokers. Also, it is much more efficient and energy-saving than gas-powered smokers. There are amazing customization features in this smoker which will come in quite handy.

Comparison:

The electric smoker has multiple racks which can accommodate 2 Turkeys, 4 Racks of Ribs, 4 Pork Butts, and 6 Chickens simultaneously. It will help you smoke a lot of meat and BBQ foods simultaneously. The smoker employs a patented wood loading system that helps you easily load and refill the hardwood wooden chips. There is also an ash rack that will collect the ash residues of the hardwood burning.

Usage:

You can use this smoker for cooking large quantities of meat simultaneously. Since it uses electricity as its power, it will be much more cost-effective. It has a premium quality thermostat and control display showing the accurate temperature. Since it is purely a smoker, the max temperature of this equipment is 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

• Cost-efficient
• Affordable
• Completely insulated

Cons

• Manufacturing defects

What’s New?

The smoker is 30 inches high and is the best electric smoker under 300. Also, it is affordable and requires less expensive to operate. Their patented wood loading system allows you to refill the wood chips without opening the smoker.

Why Should You Buy It?

It is one of the top-rated electric smokers in the market. The best thing about this is that it purely uses electricity to smoke. This reduces operating expenses and is much safer than gas-powered smokers. This smoker allows you to smoke multiple BBQ foods at the same time.

5. Char-Griller E2123 Wrangler Charcoal Grill

Description

• Brand: Char-Griller
• Cooking Surface: 635 sq inches
• Color: Black
• Type: Charcoal

Performance:

Char-Griller E2123 Wrangler Charcoal Grill is the best charcoal smoker under 300. You can save a lot of money by using this charcoal smoker. Also, you will get the natural smokey flavor that you get in traditional smokers.

Comparison:

The smoker has a total cooking surface of 635 sq inches which can cook at least 20 burgers in one go. It will be extremely helpful if you prepare food for your family and friends. Also, it is pretty easy to use.

Usage:

The smoker can be placed anywhere without any trouble. It has two wheels on one side, and the other side acts like a brake preventing the smoker from moving while we are cooking. You can set up the smoke anywhere and start smoking instantly.

Pros

• Portable
• 635 sq inches cooking surface
• Affordable

Cons

• Basic

What’s New?

This is not only a smoker but a complete grill. You can perform any cooking technique that is involved with grilling. For example, you can sear, roast, grill, and broil the food apart from smoking.

Why Should You Buy It?

The smoker is an all-in-one grill that can be used for any grilling purpose. Also, it is portable and has a large cooking surface. Most of all, the grill is available at an affordable price.

FAQs

1. What type of smoker is best for home use?

It depends on your requirements. However, charcoal smokers or traditional smokers, which don’t run purely on burning wood and charcoal, are the best for home use. It is not because of its efficiency but because of its low operating cost. Also, it will provide a natural smokey flavor to your meat.

2. Is electric or wood smokers better?

The electric smoker offers great control over the smoker’s internal temperature. This will help you make the perfect textured BBQ food, which can be quite difficult when we are using a wood smoker because to control the smoker’s temperature, we have to manually adjust dampers in the wood smoker. However, wood smokers are much better than electric ones if we consider flavor. They provide a natural woody and smokey flavor even if you don’t include hardwoods.

3. Is an electric smoker healthy?

Yes, electric smokers are healthy and don’t have any significant health damages that other smokers don’t offer. They are not only healthy but are much safer. Since electric smoker doesn’t use any fuel, the possibility of a fire accident is significantly low. Even if something goes out of the track, the smoker will short-circuit and be less likely to cause an incident.