Gone are the days when you need a lot of space to build a smoker and enjoy smoked foods. Now, you can find a variety of small smokers that provide the same distinct flavor and cooking quality. To find the best small home BBQ smokers, we analyzed dozens of options and narrowed down the list.
This will help you to find a smoker that imparts a delicious flavor while ensuring that your foods get to the right temperature for optimal safety. After reading our reviews and tips, it will be easier to pick the best smoker for you.
10 Best-Rated Small BBQ Smokers for the Money:
1. Weber 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker
Review
The Weber 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker is a compact smoker that you can easily fit just about anywhere. There are no cords, so you can take them places like camping or on a road trip because you only need some wood or charcoal to get it going.
The bowl, lid, and center area all have porcelain enamel. This allows the smoker to easily retain heat so that you are always cooking at the optimal temperature.
The temperature grommet is made from silicone for optimal durability. On the lid of the smoker is a thermometer that you can use to keep a constant eye on the temperature level.
Use one of the two racks to cook different meats at the same time. There are also dampers that are fast and easy to adjust, allowing you optimal temperature control when you are using this smoker.
Features
- There are two grates for smoking versatility
- You can remove the fuel door to making adding more wood and charcoal fast
What Consumers Are Saying
This is the best small charcoal smoker, according to consumers. It is easy to clean, and the overall operation is simple and something that you can learn in under an hour.
Many people stated that this smoker is easy to assemble. You can have it up and running quickly once you receive it.
Pros
- It is easy to use
- You can use different cooking methods
- The level of smoke is high
Cons
- The thermometer could be larger
2. Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett WiFi Controlled Portable Wood Pellet Grill
Review
The Green Mountain Portable Pellet Grill makes smoking a variety of meats fast and easily. It only weighs about 68 pounds, making it a portable smoker that you can easily take with you. You can also fold it up so that you can put it into the trunk of your vehicle.
Use this smoker for rack ribs due to it having a peaked lid. This ensures that you can use a slow smoking method to keep your ribs very tender.
There is a meat probe that allows you to keep an eye on the temperature of the individual items that you are cooking. This ensures that you achieve the right temperature for safety and to ensure that everything is cooked exactly to your specifications.
On the side of the smoker is a tray where you can put food as it is done smoking. This makes serving it easy and convenient.
Features
- There are three power options for flexibility
- The thermal sensor allows you to always know the grill’s temperature
What Consumers Are Saying
Multiple people said that this is the best small pellet smoker. You can impart a variety of distinct flavors onto the foods that you are cooking.
This smoker allows for good temperature control, according to many consumers. You are able to smoke meats exactly to your specifications.
Pros
- It is small but has a good internal capacity
- You can use it easily
- Lighting it only takes seconds
Cons
- Hot spots may occur when you are using this grill
3. Char-Griller Box Charcoal Grill
Review
The Char-Griller Box Charcoal Grill allows you to clean up fast due to it having an ash pan. Just remove the pan and dump it once it gets full.
You can use this as a horizontal smoker or a basic tabletop grill, giving you a lot of options regarding the types of foods that you prefer. Just be aware that after you add the firebox, it does not go back to a regular grill.
This smoker is compatible with multiple fireboxes so that you can use the one that best suits your needs. The handle remains cool to the touch so that you can open it without injury.
This smoker has a heavy steel construction. The grates are made from cast iron so that they maintain temperature well.
Features
- It has 250 square inches of cooking space to accommodate most meats
- The cast-iron cooking grates easily maintain an optimal temperature
What Consumers Are Saying
If you are new to using this type of product, this is one of the best small smokers for beginners. According to consumers, you can set it up fast and it is easy to maintain.
Many people said that the temperature is easy to control. You can get your foods smoking exactly to your specifications with minimal effort.
Pros
- It has cast iron grates
- This grill is easy to use
- You can clean up fast after using it
Cons
- The paint on the outside of the smoker could be higher quality
4. Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
Review
The Weber Electric Grill has enough cooking surface to prepare a meal for two people. There is no need to assemble anything so that you do not have to wait to start using it.
The grates are made from cast iron and have a porcelain enamel on them. This ensures durability and it also allows for optimal heat retention and distribution.
Use the burner valve settings to get the right temperature. The body is made from cast aluminum so that it will not rust.
Features
- It has 189 square inches of cooking space to prepare a meal for about two people
- Out of the box, it is fully assembled so that you can start using it right away
What Consumers Are Saying
Several people said that this is the best small electric grill because you can use it almost anywhere. As long as you have an outlet available, it will fit into most spaces.
Several people said that you do not need to assemble it. This allows you to start using it immediately
Pros
- You can clean this grill easily
- It heats up fast
- It puts nice grill marks on your food
Cons
- The cord is only six feet long
5. PK Grills PKO-GCAX-X PK Original Grill & Smoker Combination
Review
The PK Grills Smoker and Grill Combo is lightweight due to being constructed of cast aluminum. This material also ensures that the grill is not going to rust prematurely, even with extended use
Due to the materials, it heats up very efficiently and can maintain a constant temperature so that your foods come out exactly as you want them.
This is a portable smoker and grill combo that you can take on the road with you. Take advantage of the 300 square inches of the cooking surface to smoke full meals for about three different people
Use this smoker for a wide variety of items, whether you are making brats for a simple afternoon meal, or you need to cook an entire turkey for a Thanksgiving celebration. Once you are done using it, it only takes a few minutes to get everything clean and ready for the next use.
Features
- There are four vents for optimal temperature control
- The cast aluminum construction protects against rust and breakage
What Consumers Are Saying
Many people say that this is one of the best backyard smokers for the money. It can hold a good amount of meat and it cooks it thoroughly.
There are two cooking zones, according to consumers. Because of this, you get an optimal level of airflow to ensure a consistent temperature.
Pros
- You can get a variety of flavors
- It is easy to clean
- Setup is fast
Cons
- A gap may develop between the bottom and top with continued use
6. Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker
Review
The Masterbuilt Charcoal Bullet Smoker can easily fit onto a campsite or a small outdoor space. Since it has nearly 400 square inches of cooking space, you can easily prepare a meal for a minimum of four people at the same time.
There are two cooking grates that have a porcelain coating. This makes it easy to prepare two different types of meats at the same time.
When you need to add more charcoal, you can do this with ease. This is thanks to the door at the front of the grill that is quick and easy to access.
Use the thermometer on the lid to always know what temperature your foods are smoking at. This makes it easy to always be smoking meats at the proper temperature for efficiency and safety.
Features
- It has 395 square inches of cooking space so that you can smoke meats for the whole family
- Use both smoking racks to cook two different foods at the same time
What Consumers Are Saying
A lot of consumers remarked about the durability of this small meat smoker. They say that you can use it often without having to worry about premature failure.
Many people mentioned the thermometer. They said that it is easy to use, and it allows you to easily monitor the internal temperature of the smoker.
Pros
- You can assemble this smoker easily
- It uses charcoal for an easy fuel source
- It smokes meats efficiently
Cons
- Below the coal pan, there is no damper
7. Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker for Indoor or Outdoor Use
Review
The Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker is easy to use. Just put it on top of a fire or a stove to start generating the heat that it needs. When you use a stove, just adjust your burner for the right level of heat.
Use the thermometer on top to ensure that you are at the right temperature. Once you are done smoking foods, just let this smoker cool and use your sink or a water hose to clean it out so that it is always ready to use.
Features
- You can use this indoors and outdoors for flexibility
- The high dome makes it simple to use the full capacity
What Consumers Are Saying
This mini BBQ smoker is simple to clean up when you are done, according to multiple consumers. Just wait for it to cool down and wipe the components.
Multiple people talked about how easy it is to keep this smoker clean. You can rinse it out in the sink when you are finished using it.
Pros
- It is easy to clean
- This smoker is lightweight
- You can use it for a variety of foods
Cons
- The materials could be more durable
8. PIT BOSS Portable Pellet Grill
Review
The PIT BOSS Portable Pellet Grill is compact but has a large cooking surface so that you can prepare a meal for at least four people at the same time. You can easily smoke a variety of meats and get them to your exact specifications.
Due to the high-capacity hopper, you will not have to worry about constantly needing to refill it when you are smoking foods. It can hold up to five pounds and it is easy to clean in between fillings.
It features a flame broiler so that you are getting a direct flame when you are cooking. This ensures easy temperature control. You can monitor the temperature at any time using the thermometer on the lid of this grill and smoker.
Features
- There are 440 square inches of cooking space to prepare a meal for the whole family
- The hopper can hold up to five pounds of pellets for long-term smoking
What Consumers Are Saying
Many people said that this is the perfect small camping smoker. You can incorporate it into any campsite and easily monitor it when you are relaxing or doing other activities like fishing.
Multiple consumers talked about how many pellets this smoker can accommodate. You can smoke for a long time before you need to refill it.
Pros
- It is easy to set up
- You can use it long-term
- It smokes meats efficiently
Cons
- The paint may start coming off at high temperatures
9. Country Smokers Tabletop Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Review
The Country Smokers Smoker and Grill let you put up to 3.5 pounds of pellets into the hopper at one time. This allows you to get adequate smoking time before you have to worry about refilling the hopper.
Use a variety of pellet types so that you can get the flavor that you are looking for. Use the digital dial to quickly get to the exact temperature that you need for the foods that you are cooking.
You can use this tabletop grill at a wide temperature range, going from 180 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the acrylic material, you can easily maintain the temperature that you need. This material also ensures a high level of durability so that your smoker will not start to have structural issues prematurely.
Features
- The cooking surface is about 256 square inches so that you can smoke a meal for two
- The acrylic material is durable and long-lasting
What Consumers Are Saying
When it comes to good smokers to buy, this one is high on the list. Several people said that the materials are strong, and it is very easy to use.
Many people talked about the wood pellets that you use as a fuel source. These make it possible to enjoy foods in a variety of flavors.
Pros
- It has a wide temperature range
- It is easy to set the right temperature
- This smoker is durable
Cons
- The overall design of this grill and smoker could be better
10. Charcoal Companion Stovetop Smoker
Review
The Charcoal Companion Stovetop Smoker lets you smoke a wide variety of foods right on top of your stove. All you have to do is put it on a burner to provide heat to the smoker and let it go to work.
You can use this smoker up to 400F, making it easy to get to the temperature level needed for almost all types of meat. Use the thermometer on top so that you always know the temperature that you are working with.
The steel body has a coating to ensure heat retention and temperature control. It is also highly durable so that you can use this frequently without it breaking down.
The grate is made from stainless steel to ensure that the temperature is even across the entire grate. It will also not rust so that you can use this smoker for a long time.
Features
- It is very compact so that you can use it anywhere
- It can reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so that you can smoke efficiently
What Consumers Are Saying
This small BBQ smoker functions efficiently, according to multiple people. They say that you can smoke a wide variety of meats relatively quickly.
Several consumers talked about how portable this smoker is. You can easily carry it with you to campsites and anywhere else.
Pros
- The handles are heat safe
- It has a thermometer
- This smoker is small and versatile
Cons
- Too much smoke may leak from the lid
Factors to Consider When Buying Small BBQ Smokers
When you are ready to buy a smoker, there are some factors that will help you to make the right choice. Keeping these in mind will simplify the shopping process.
Smoker Types
There are four primary types of smokers that you can choose from, including:
- Electric smokers
An electric smoker is easy to use because you just plug it in. However, you have to ensure access to electricity to use it, so you typically need to find an outdoor space close to your home.
- Pellet smokers
Pellet smokers use a convenient source of fuel, they are easy to use and are very efficient. However, they tend to require more maintenance than other smoker types.
- Charcoal smokers
Charcoal smokers tend to get hot, are easy to maintain, and impart a distinctive flavor. However, they can be harder to use in very cold weather.
- Gas smokers
Gas smokers are often portable, easy to use, and allow for optimal temperature control. However, you may have to replace components more frequently.
Materials
You want a smoker that not only performs well but also one that will last. Look at the materials and consider those such as aluminum and stainless steel. These are durable, not prone to rust and they also keep the smoker lightweight so that you can move it around easily.
Insulation
Your smoker needs to have adequate insulation so that it keeps the smoke in. This will also help to ensure that you get a high level of temperature control so that your foods can smoke in a timely manner.
Thermometer
It is important to always know the temperature that your smoker is operating to ensure that everything is cooking as intended. To do this, you need one that has a thermometer that is easy to read and accurate so that you can keep an eye on it.
Conclusion
Now that you have all of this information, you have to decide which is the best small smoker to buy. Consider your needs and what you expect out of your smoker to make the best decision.
The best choice is the Weber 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker. It is small and compact, allowing you to easily keep it on a porch or even use it when you live in an apartment.
Several components feature porcelain enamel to ensure optimal heat retention so that you are able to reach the desired temperature and maintain it. Use the two cooking grates so that you can prepare several smoked foods at the same time.
Use the dampers on this smoker to ensure that you can fully control the temperature with ease. Always know the internal temperature due to the silicone temperature grommet that is accurate and easy to read.
This smoker is among the best on the market due to its ease of use and the fact that you can maintain it with minimal effort. All that is left to do is get your smoker and start using it.