There’s nothing like smoked meat to let you know that the summer has arrived. But it takes a good quality smoker to help you get that result and if you’re on the market for one then you’ve come to the right place.
We know that finding a smoker can be difficult due to all the available options, and it’s even worse with small portable smokers.
Why would you want a portable smoker grill? For one, it’s easy to assemble and because it’s lightweight you can take it with you on the road.
Most people use best portable smokers when road tripping, boating, fishing, and camping (we’ve reviewed these smokers for camping as well!). Plus, a portable smoker fits perfectly in a small patio or balcony space so you can keep cooking even when it’s raining outside.
In this post we'll cover:
Best Portable Smokers reviewed
We know how hard it can be to find the best portable smoker for your needs because we’ve been there. That’s why we’ve reviewed our favorite options to help you get a head start.
Portable Charcoal Grill 22 BEAU JARDIN
This portable charcoal smoker offers great value for money with a low-profile design that’s complemented by a lightweight frame. It’s small enough to fit into a tiny boat or a truck so you can take it with you when camping or when you feel like grilling during a beach day trip.
The manufacturer definitely didn’t skimp on quality, as this grill offers several different features that make it easy to use, and yet it’s so compact that it boggles our mind how they managed to fit everything in.
With that said, this grill has enough space to cater for one or two people at a time so you may need to make a few batches of whatever you’re serving if you’re catering for a group of friends. Otherwise, it works great, it’s easy to transport and it’s well-built.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean afterward
- Perfect for camping and outdoor use
- Offers great value for money
Cons
- This grill is too small to cater to families or groups of friends
Masterbuilt 20050116 Patio-2-Portable Propane Smoker
This Masterbuilt smoker is an ideal smoker for anyone that’s into outdoor adventure sports and activities. It’s powered by propane which is easy to access and it’s a convenient addition to any road trip, as well as hiking, camping and boating excursions.
The temperature gauge is easy to read as it’s placed on the visible door display, and with its foldable legs, this smoker is portable and easy to store away when not in use. You can either operate it with a normal 1-pound propane cylinder or opt for a large 20-pound propane tank. Of course, it’ll be heavier with a 20-pound tank attached so it may not be the best option for use on the go.
This is undoubtedly the best portable smoker on the market because of its ability to offer high-quality features at a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with foldable legs
- Easy to read temperature gauge
Cons
- There have been some complaints about units that don’t stay lit
Char-Griller 2-2424 Tabletop Charcoal Smoker Grill
When it comes to portable smokers, you want something that gets you results without burning a hole in your pocket. The Char-Griller 2-2424 tabletop charcoal smoker delivers just that with its array of marvelous features.
This tiny smoker is made to last with heavy-duty materials like cast-iron cooking grates, and it offers 250 square inches of cooking space. This means even though it’s small you can still use it to cater to a small group of friends and/or family.
This smoker is also easy to clean, thanks to the removable ash pan and it’s versatile enough to use as a traditional grill as well.
Pros
- Easy to clean thanks to the removable ashtray
- Compact and portable
- Affordable price
- Made from durable steel with cast-iron cooking grates
- Doubles as a grill
- Heat resistant handle
Cons
- The temperature is difficult to control at times
- This unit doesn’t come with instructions which can make things hard for a newbie
Check prices and availability here
Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker
The Weber 711001 model lives up to its name as you can use it to smoke meat anywhere you like, even on a mountain. It’s the preferred choice for camping and hiking enthusiasts, and anglers have praised it for its portability and ease of use on the boat.
This smoker comes with an easy to clean yet durable porcelain-enameled water pan which allows you to keep your meat succulent and flavorful. This is in addition to the built-in thermometer and rust-resistant aluminum fuel door.
Then you have dedicated air dampers that help maintain even temperature levels by regulating the amount of air in the charcoal.
Although it’s small and lightweight, this smoker has no handles and this can be a challenge when you’re trying to carry it from one point to the other.
It’s also a bit pricy but will last much longer than most of the other models out there.
Pros
- Well-made from durable materials
- Comes with a built-in thermometer
- Air dampers to maintain even temperatures throughout
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey
- Has no handles
Check the latest prices and availability here
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! That was our guide to help you find the best portable smoker for your needs. We hope it has helped you figure out which option is best for your needs because now you know what to look for and how smokers work (here in more detail) in general.
If we were to recommend one option from the ones featured in this buying guide then it would be the Masterbuilt 20050116 portable smoker . According to reviews, this is the best portable smoker for camping because it’s small but has all the features you need to cook an authentic barbecue. It also comes with a convenient temperature gauge and is very well-priced. For customer reviews here Masterbuilt 20050116 portable smoker reviews.
