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What Are The Best Smokers and Fryers in 2025

"Unleash Your Culinary Potential: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Smoker and Fryer for Outdoor Cooking Enthusiasts" Dive into the world of outdoor cooking where flavors meet innovation! Whether you’re an experienced pitmaster or a weekend warrior, selecting the right smoker or fryer can elevate your culinary game to extraordinary heights. Picture yourself savoring tender, smoky ribs or perfectly crisp fried chicken, all crafted in your own backyard oasis. But wait! Before you rush to buy, consider key factors like fuel type, cooking capacity, and versatility. From traditional charcoal smokers to state-of-the-art electric fryers, each option brings its own unique charm to your outdoor kitchen. Explore our curated list of the best smokers and fryers that promise to ignite your passion for outdoor cooking. Join us in this flavorful journey as we share expert tips and practical insights, ensuring you make an informed choice that suits your needs and ignites your taste buds!

1

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker

Buy Now $250.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the ease of use offered by the digital control panel. The patented side wood chip loading system is praised for allowing users to add wood chips without losing heat. Users also appreciate the fully-insulated body, which keeps heat in and allows for even cooking. The built-in temperature gauge is another handy feature commended by users.

Pros

  • Fully digital control panel
  • Patented side wood chip loading system
  • Fully-insulated smoker body

Cons

  • Wood chips may need frequent replacing
  • Heating element may be hard to replace

Masterbuilt electric smoker with digital panel controls

The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is perfect for the beginner or the pro. The fully-insulated body retains heat to cook your favorite foods evenly. With the digital control panel, you can set the temperature and time, and the smoker does the rest. The patented side wood chip loading system allows you to add wood chips without opening the smoker door and losing heat. Built-in gauge to monitor the internal temperature.

2

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker, 30 inch, Black

Buy Now $250.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the consistency of the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker. The digital control panel and patented wood chip loading system make it easy to control the temperature and smoke level, resulting in perfectly smoked meats every time. Many users also appreciate the fully-insulated body which maintains a consistent temperature, even in colder climates. They also love the fact that they can add wood chips without opening the door, which keeps the heat and smoke inside.

Pros

  • Easy to use digital control panel
  • Fully-insulated body for consistent smoking
  • Patented wood chip loading system

Cons

  • May not be suitable for large gatherings
  • Temperature sensor can be inaccurate

30-inch digital electric smoker with fully-insulated body

The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is a 30-inch model designed for the outdoor cooking enthusiast who wants to take their smoking game to the next level. With its fully-insulated body, this smoker provides consistent smoking up to 275°F. It features a digital control panel for setting the temperature and time, and a patented side wood chip loading system that allows you to add wood chips without opening the smoker door. The smoker includes four chrome-coated smoking racks and a water bowl to add moisture and flavor.

3

Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker

Buy Now $549.00

Why We Love It

Users adore the large cooking area that allows for multiple items to be smoked at the same time. The porcelain-enameled lid, bowl, and center section are appreciated for their heat retention and durability. The built-in thermometer is a favorite feature, letting users monitor temperature without lifting the lid. The flavor from the charcoal smoke is also a standout feature for many.

Pros

  • Large cooking area
  • Porcelain-enameled parts for heat retention and durability
  • Built-in thermometer

Cons

  • Charcoal use requires more attention
  • Temperature control may be challenging for beginners

Weber charcoal smoker with built-in thermometer

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is designed for slow cooking and smoking, with a large 22-inch diameter cooking area. It features a porcelain-enameled lid, bowl, and center section, which retain heat and won’t rust or peel. The temperature is easily monitored with the built-in lid thermometer. Two cooking grates provide ample room for smoking two large items at once.

4

Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker

Buy Now $549.00

Why We Love It

Customers rave about the authentic taste that the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker delivers. The built-in lid thermometer is a favorite feature, as it allows for precise temperature control, resulting in perfectly smoked meats. Users also appreciate the ample cooking space, which makes it great for big families or parties. Despite the need for a little more hands-on attention than electric smokers, fans of the product love the flavor profile that only a charcoal smoker can provide.

Pros

  • Authentic charcoal smoked flavor
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Ample cooking space

Cons

  • Requires more hands-on attention than electric smokers
  • Ash removal can be messy

18-inch charcoal smoker with built-in thermometer

The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a charcoal smoker designed to deliver the authentic smoked flavor you crave. It features a built-in lid thermometer for easy temperature monitoring, a porcelain-enameled water pan for added moisture, and two heavy-gauge steel cooking grates that provide ample room for smoking two large items at once. The smoker also includes a rust-resistant aluminum fuel door and heat-resistant nylon handle for safe handling.

5

Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill

Buy Now $130.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers are thrilled with the versatility of this 3-in-1 unit, allowing them to smoke, roast, and grill with just one appliance. The TRU-Infrared technology is praised for delivering even and juicy results with no flare-ups. Its large capacity is another bonus, enabling users to cook large quantities at once. Users also appreciate the removable grease tray for easy cleaning.

Pros

  • Versatility as a smoker, roaster, and grill
  • TRU-Infrared technology for even cooking
  • Large capacity

Cons

  • May be challenging to assemble
  • Temperature control may need practice

Char-Broil infrared smoker with roasting and grilling capabilities

The Char-Broil Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is a versatile 3-in-1 unit. It uses TRU-Infrared technology for even and juicy results with no flare-ups. This smoker can roast up to 25 lbs of meat, smoke up to 9 lbs, or grill any food. It features a removable grease tray for easy cleaning, and temperature control from 9,000 to 18,000 BTUs.

6

Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill

Buy Now $130.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the versatility of The Big Easy. The ability to smoke, roast and grill in one unit is a major selling point. The TRU-Infrared system is praised for delivering even heat and preventing flare-ups, resulting in perfectly cooked food every time. Despite requiring regular cleaning, users find that the removable grease tray makes this task manageable. The overall convenience and functionality of this 3-in-1 unit make it a popular choice among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Versatile 3-in-1 design
  • TRU-Infrared cooking system for even heat
  • Removable grease tray for easy cleanup

Cons

  • Requires regular cleaning to prevent grease build-up
  • May not produce as much smoke as traditional smokers

3-in-1 smoker, roaster, and grill with TRU-Infrared cooking system

The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is a versatile cooking system that allows you to smoke, roast, and grill all in one device. It uses a TRU-Infrared cooking system that provides even heat distribution and prevents flare-ups. The smoker box allows you to add flavor with wood chips or pellets without the need for air dampers or a water pan. The roasting basket can hold up to 25 pounds for roasts or poultry. It includes a removable grease tray for easy cleanup.

7

Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Smoker

Why We Love It

The unique vertical design of this smoker is a hit with users, providing even heat distribution and allowing meat to baste in its own juices for superb flavor. The durable steel construction with a porcelain enamel coating is also a standout feature, ensuring the smoker's longevity. While there's no temperature control, users find this minimalistic approach simplifies the smoking process.

Pros

  • Unique vertical design for even heat distribution
  • 'Hook and hang' method for juicy results
  • Durable steel construction

Cons

  • No temperature control
  • Not ideal for smaller quantities

Pit Barrel Cooker Co. smoker with vertical design

The Classic Pit Barrel Smoker from Pit Barrel Cooker Co. is a unique vertical smoker that delivers consistently delicious results. The vertical design allows for even heat distribution, and the 'hook and hang' method enables the meat to baste in its own juices for incredible flavor. It also includes a standard grill grate for traditional grilling. Made from durable steel with a porcelain enamel coating.

8

Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

Buy Now $349.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers frequently highlight the large cooking capacity of the Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker, allowing them to smoke a variety of foods at once. The vertical and offset design is highly praised for its effectiveness in maintaining consistent temperature and smoke, resulting in flavorful and tender meats. While some users mention that temperature control can be challenging, they appreciate the built-in thermometer and adjustable flue that aid in heat management.

Pros

  • Vertical and offset design for improved smoking
  • Large cooking space
  • Built-in thermometer and adjustable flue

Cons

  • Requires regular maintenance to prevent rust
  • Temperature control can be challenging

Vertical offset charcoal smoker with six height-adjustable cooking grates

The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker provides you with everything you need to achieve professional smoking results right at home. It features a vertical design that naturally causes heat to rise, improving the smoking process. The offset design keeps direct heat away from the food, allowing for slow cooking. It includes six height-adjustable cooking grates and a total of 1,176 square inches of cooking space. The smoker also features a built-in stainless steel thermometer and a smokestack with adjustable flue for added heat control.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 5 Products Updated Oct 10, 2025
Product Digital Control Panel Cooking Area (sq. in.) Heat Source Temperature Control Material Special Features
1 Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
Yes Yes Electric Digital (set temperature and time) Fully-insulated body Patented side wood chip loading system
2 Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker
No 1,256 Charcoal Built-in lid thermometer Porcelain-enameled steel Two cooking grates
3 Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
No 1,200 Propane 9,000 to 18,000 BTUs Durable steel 3-in-1 smoker, roaster, and grill
4 Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Smoker
No No specific area (vertical design) Charcoal No Durable steel with porcelain enamel 'Hook and hang' method for juicy results
5 Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24
No 1,008 Propane Adjustable heat-control dials Heavy-gauge steel Included smoking racks and door thermometer
1

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker

Digital Control Panel
Yes
Cooking Area (sq. in.)
Yes
Heat Source
Electric
Temperature Control
Digital (set temperature and time)
Material
Fully-insulated body
Special Features
Patented side wood chip loading system
2

Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker

Digital Control Panel
No
Cooking Area (sq. in.)
1,256
Heat Source
Charcoal
Temperature Control
Built-in lid thermometer
Material
Porcelain-enameled steel
Special Features
Two cooking grates
3

Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill

Digital Control Panel
No
Cooking Area (sq. in.)
1,200
Heat Source
Propane
Temperature Control
9,000 to 18,000 BTUs
Material
Durable steel
Special Features
3-in-1 smoker, roaster, and grill
4

Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Smoker

Digital Control Panel
No
Cooking Area (sq. in.)
No specific area (vertical design)
Heat Source
Charcoal
Temperature Control
No
Material
Durable steel with porcelain enamel
Special Features
'Hook and hang' method for juicy results
5

Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24

Digital Control Panel
No
Cooking Area (sq. in.)
1,008
Heat Source
Propane
Temperature Control
Adjustable heat-control dials
Material
Heavy-gauge steel
Special Features
Included smoking racks and door thermometer

Frequently Asked Questions About Smokers and Fryers

What makes a smokers and fryers the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your smokers and fryers recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of smokers and fryers?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.