You don’t have to break your bank or hip pocket to own one of the best meat smokers on the market.  In this post we review some of the best meat smokers to suit any budget.

We know that meat smokers are loved by people who enjoy cooking outdoors.  Whether you are grilling, roasting, braising, or creating tasty barbecue, these top smokers deliver every time.

Read on for our review of the best meat smokers in 2022 for any budget.

What we look for when making our recommendations is smoking method, ease of use, material quality, features, performance, warranty and reviews from users and experts.

We also considered price and are happy that every smoker on this list costs less than $500.

The costs have nothing on the quality, though. They are powerhouses expected to last a long time while providing optimal services.

Our Best Meat Smokers on a Budget

Features

• There is a digital panel that controls the power, temperature, and time.
• It is 20.47 inches wide, 19.88 inches long, and 33.26 inches high.
• Its maximum temperature setting is 275 degrees Fahrenheit
• The wood chip loading system allows you to load wood chips without opening the door.
• There is a thermostat-temperature that controls the smoking to make it even
• The fully-insulated body helps retain heat.
• It has four chrome-coated racks with the capacity to take two turkeys, four racks of ribs, four pork butts, and six chickens.

[i2pc][i2pros]Excellent value for money
It is easy to use
Perfect for the beginner or the pro
The design makes it easy to monitor progress
It has great ratings
[/i2pros][i2cons]The warranty only lasts for one year
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict

This product has 4.5 stars on Amazon, and rightfully so. Also, the complete package that gives you top-notch quality for a relatively cheap amount.

In addition, it has been rated between 4.5 and 5 stars on several other platforms and keeps making editors’ choices repeatedly.

Whether you are a first-timer or you are a pro, a Masterbuilt smoker will make the smoking process an enjoyable one for you.

Overall, this is one product that will make you want to have a barbeque every week.

This is the reason it has a warranty that is unmatched in the industry. Check below to see its specifications.

They will make you want to get one for yourself, and the features will make you want to do that immediately.

Here we go:

Features

• Gives real smokehouse flavor to your brisket
• Large enough to accommodate an entire turkey and a whole ham at the same time
• Made of porcelain-enameled steel and comes with two nickel-plated 18-1/2″ wide grates.
• Has extra tools such as a thermometer, a water pan, heat-resistant nylon hand, and vents on the bowl and lid

[i2pc][i2pros]The design is simple but highly effective
Has plenty of cooking area within its small size
Also works as a cooker
It grants complete manual control
Excellent for beginners and affordable to most
Has a great warranty to assure customers
[/i2pros][i2cons]Can be challenging to maintain the temperature control
The labor required can be overwhelming
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict

After taking this product through our criteria, we concluded that it is the best type of smoker in its category.

It beats competitions hands down and competes favorably with other varieties of meat smokers.

Moreover,  one of the top ratings in the industry, with 4.8 stars awarded out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Reviews are also positive across all platforms, and we believe that this has something to say about the quality of the product.

Buying Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker can be a long-term investment, and you would still have it around long after several other appliances are gone.

Features

• Has four adjustable steel wire racks which provide a large carrying capacity.
• With a steel wood chip box with handles, a lid for wood chips, and a steel water bowl.
• 15,000 BTU cast iron burner with electronic push-button ignition and a large control dial.
• Simple double-door design for better smoking, cooking control, and sliding air dampers on the top and sides for different smoking or cooking heat control options.
• It has a temperature gauge with a decorative ring
• There is an option of buying a separate premium cover for this model of the smoker.

[i2pc][i2pros]Easy to assemble
Has an ample cooking space
Maintains a constant temperature for reliable cooking performance
Large capacity water bowl and wood chip box
It holds temperature well
Sturdy and durable
[/i2pros][i2cons]The warranty is just for a year
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict

There are many reasons this product made our list, and the global 4.5 out of 5 stars is one of them.

Cons have nothing on the pros, and it is a product you will enjoy for longer than its warranty covers.

Works well without supervision, and little touch-ups here and there will make you enjoy it in the long run.

It is best for people who want an affordable charcoal smoker that can hold a ton of food at once.

Features

• Has an insulated, double-wall design
• Fitted with an advanced control panel and a simple LED display
• With a removable food thermometer
• Its body is stainless steel and has a glass door
• There is a steel locking latch to seal in smoke

[i2pc][i2pros]Maintains a steady temperature
It is easy to use
Easy to clean
Its coloring and structure gives it an elegant look
[/i2pros][i2cons]The metal plate covering may prevent food from smoking properly
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict

The Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker has a 4.4 stars rating out of 5, with 73% of reviewers giving it five stars.

This verdict is credible when you look at the numerous benefits it offers in terms of sturdiness, ease of use, ease of control, durability, and so on.

The wood chip tray slides out so you can easily dump ash, and there’s even a temperature probe to help you keep track of your progress.

With three chrome-coated smoking racks and a 1,500-watt heating element, this smoker provides even, consistent smoking that will make your food taste amazing.

Features:

• 3 smoking racks
• Built-in temperature gauge
• 1,500-watt heating element
• Analog dial temperature control
• Wood chip tray slides out for easy ash removal
• Temperature probe
• Chrome-coated smoking racks

[i2pc][i2pros]
Easy to assemble
Easy to use
Versatile Smoker
Sturdy built
Simple and effective
Good for beginner
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Temperature control is a bit low though as during operation the unit has a 22F temperature swing.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict:

If you’re looking for the best meat smoker on a budget, the Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker is a great choice. With a 4.6/5 rating on Amazon,  this smoker is sure to give you delicious smoked foods every time.

With its door-mounted temperature gauge, you can easily monitor the internal temperature, while the dual latches help to keep the door sealed shut, ensuring that heat and smoke stay inside.

This unit offers a front-access water tray, grease cup, and wood chip tray, making it easy to tend to your food while smoking.

Features:

• 3 chrome-plated smoking racks
• Built-in temperature gauge
• Analog dial temperature control
• Double-wall insulated construction
• Dual exhaust ports
• Door-mounted temperature gauge
• Dual latches
• Front-access water tray, grease cup, and wood chip tray

[i2pc][i2pros]
Great smoker for the price
Easy to use
Durable and long-lasting
Accuracy
Easy to assemble
Easy to use
Value for money
heavy duty construction
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Temperature control may be a bit difficult to master
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict

This smoker has a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon, with customers loving its easy assembly and use. If you’re looking for an affordable meat smoker that will give you delicious results every time, the Char-Broil 18202077 Smoker is a great choice.

With its simple, vertical barrel design, this Cuisinart 16″ charcoal smoker is convenient to use.

The vertically hinged door makes it easy to maintain a constant temperature and minimal adjustments are needed for accessing the water bowl and charcoal grate.

All you need to set up the Cuisinart vertical 16″ charcoal smoker is 15 minutes and a screwdriver.

Features:

• 2 16″ solid steel cooking plates
• Porcelain enamel water bowl
• Top and bottom vents for the dual air vent system
• Latching base
• Vertically hinged door
• 402 square inches of cooking space
• Stands 38 inches tall
• 402 square inches of cooking space
• Porcelain-enameled steel bowl holds water
• Steel housing
• More control overheat and smoke
• Easy to maintain and clean

[i2pc][i2pros]
Very durable smoker
Smokes just about any food you desire
Easy to use and assemble
The vertical barrel design is convenient
[/i2pros][i2cons]
It May be difficult to clean if not careful
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict:

This smoker has a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon, with customers loving its easy assembly and use. If you’re looking for a durable smoker that will smoke just about any food you desire, the Cuisinart vertical 16″ charcoal smoker is a great choice. 

The heat-resistant bakelite handles make transport, basting, and cooking a breeze.

With two cooking grids, it provides a total of 453 square inches of cooking space.

The crossbar and four hangers inside the lid allow you to smoke different sizes and shapes of meat. 

This smoker is easy to assemble and even easier to use, thanks to its two-layer design.

The latch locking system also ensures stability and prevents any accidental openings.

The two access doors make it easy to check on your food or add more charcoal or wood, while the heavy-duty steel construction ensures even heat distribution and lasting durability.

Features:

• 17-inch diameter smoker
• two layers for smoking and grilling
• built-in thermometer
• porcelain enamel water pan
• charcoal pan
• heat-resistant bakelite handles
• 453 square inches of cooking space
• latch locking system
• two access doors

[i2pc][i2pros]
easy to assemble
easy to use
two-layer design for smoking and grilling
built-in thermometer
porcelain enamel water pan prevents rusting
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Some have found this smoker difficult to clean.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Review/Verdict:

The Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker has a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use smoker that still offers great features, this is perfect for the budget.

Conclusion

There you have it!  Our experts looked at many smokers before arriving at our top 5.

These smokers made our list of best meat smokers on a budget because they all offer excellent service and are affordable.  As we said previously, they are all under $500.

From electric and pellet smokers to charcoal fuel types, these smokers cook your meat perfectly.  Create a truly smoky flavor for a brisket or grill hot dogs and burgers with ease.

If you enjoyed this article or have any questions, feel free to leave your comment below.

We have also other food preserving equipment reviews and tips on the links below.

Best Meat Smokers For Beginners in 2022

Top Meat Smokers Forums For Great BBQ Taste At Home