The best barbecue smokers in 2023, according to our BBQ expert

By Carolin Lehmann, Lily Rose

June 8, 2023 / 5:10 PM / Essentials

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Barbecue season is finally here. If you're itching to smoke some meat this summer, but lack the proper equipment, we have good news: There are plenty of deals available on top-rated smokers right now. Here are the best deals at Amazon and beyond.

Top BBQ smokers in this article:

Best offset smoker for beginners: Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn reverse flow smoker, $674 (reduced from $799)

4.7-star-rated smart smoker: Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 wood pellet smart grill and smoker, $1,300 (reduced from $1,600)

Budget alternative to the Big Green Egg: Char-Griller Akorn Kamado charcoal grill, $375

Below, the best spring deals on barbecue smokers. We looked for smokers that are reviewer-loved and expert-recommended. Some of the recommendations come from barbecue expert Aaron Chronister. Chronister is the author of "BBQ Makes Everything Better" and the winner of the 2010 Gourmand World Cookbook Award for best barbecue book.

Fnd the right charcoal or wood pellet smoker for you from Oklahoma Joe's, Traeger, Weber and more. Some smokers double as a grill. Others include their own smart meat thermometer. And some are even Wi-Fi-enabled and Alexa-conversant.

No matter what you're looking to spend, there's a smoker option for any budget here.

Chronister recommends this smoker from Oklahoma Joe's for beginners to offset smoking. With it, you can choose between reverse-flow smoking and traditional offset smoking. Its charcoal fuel allows you to smoke with high or low heat. It offers a primary and secondary cooking space and a professional temperature gauge.

Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn reverse flow offset smoker, $674 (reduced from $799)

Chronister also recommends the $375 Char-Griller Akorn Kamado charcoal grill as an inexpensive alternative to the popular Big Green Egg, which will run you more than $1,000. This grill doubles as a smoker. It has a removable warming rack and hooks for tools. It has indexed adjustable dual dampers and a thermometer. Find this charcoal grill and smoker combo in two colors.

Char-Griller Akorn Kamado charcoal grill, $375

On Amazon, this Wi-Fi-enabled, Alexa-conversant wood-pellet smart grill and smoker from Traeger Grills boasts an average user rating of 4.7 stars. It's praised for its ease of use and assembly, among other things -- including, oh, yes, the flavors it coaxes out of your food.

The Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 takes its name from the number of square inches of grilling space it boasts. In addition to a griller and a smoker, the bad boy also can bake, roast, braise and barbecue.

Download the Traeger app to monitor and adjust the Pro Series 575 via your smartphone or device.

Right now, you can get the Pro Series 575 for $700 -- that's $200 off its regular price.

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 wood pellet grill and smoker with Wi-Fi, $700 (reduced from $900)

The Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 wood-pellet smart grill and smoker isn't just a larger version of the Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 (although, yes, it is larger, and, as per its name, offers you 885 square inches of grilling space). It's a 4.7-star-rated Traeger smart grill that's on sale on Amazon (just like the Pro Series 575).

Like the Pro Series 575, the Ironwood 885 is Wi-Fi enabled, works with Alexa, and can be controlled by your smartphone or device via the Traeger app.

Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 wood pellet grill and smoker with Alexa and Wi-Fi, $1,300 (reduced from $1,600)

Designated as an "Amazon's Choice" product for its strong customer ratings, availability and affordability, the Nordic Ware Stovetop Kettle Smoker is a smaller, more versatile and, yup, less-expensive smoker option. It allows you to work right in your kitchen on your stovetop burner. You can also use it outside on your grill. And while it's not built to smoke a whole turkey, you can use it to have smoked turkey breast on the table in 45-50 minutes.

Nordic Ware Stovetop Kettle Smoker, $83 (reduced from $96)

Chronister says this Weber smoker is best for beginners who are looking for a charcoal smoker. Its 726 square inches of cooking area can smoke everything from pork to chicken to a full-size turkey.

This smoker features two separate cooking areas. It's outfitted with adjustable vents for controlling airflow and temperature and an easy-access aluminum door for adding fuel while cooking.

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker charcoal smoker, $549 (regularly $649)

This charcoal BBQ smoker features dual adjustable air intakes and adjustable exhaust for temperature control. Its removable fire basket can hold up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal. It can smoke up to 14 hours.

This smoker's cooking grate can be used in three positions.

Gateway Drum Smokers charcoal BBQ smoker, $1,199 (regularly $1,299)

In the market for a new grill too? Then check out these grills that are on sale currently.

This Kenmore smart grill has Bluetooth capabilities and allows you to easily set times, monitor four meat probe temperatures and view the ambient grill temp gauge right from your phone.

"The smart device is super easy to use," a reviewer says. "Connect with the Kenmore app and pick your meat type, temperature and doneness. It also notifies you when the meat reaches your set temperature. [It's] perfect for those who like to multi-task."

Kenmore smart charcoal grill, $298 (reduced from $350)

Green Mountain's Davy Crockett portable, Wi-Fi-enabled wood-pellet grill is billed as perfect for tailgating, and Amazon reviewers agree -- it's rated 4.5 stars. This stainless steel smart grill runs on 12 V or 120 AC power. Download the Green Mountain Grills app to control the Wi-Fi-enabled grill via your smartphone or device.

Green Mountain Davy Crockett portable wood pellet grill, $359 (regularly $399)

This Weber grill has a porcelain-enameled lid and a rust- and peel-resistant bowl. Just pop the Weber Original Kettle charcoal grill in your truck bed or trunk and bring it to the tailgate.

According to Weber, this retro grill can be used to grill up to 13 burger patties at a time. This makes it an ideal grill if you're cooking for a large group. The grill includes a built-in thermometer in the lid.

Weber Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill, $219 (reduced from $233)

If you want the taste of barbecue but lack the space for a traditional grill, this 27-inch electric model is a great option. Finding an outlet is no hassle, thanks to a six-foot-long power cord. The compact grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates and a removable catch pan.

"This is the best electric grill made...The larger ones have the same wattage but can't reach the same heat," a verified buyer of the grill says. "Smaller is better in this case. This unit is easy to use. No gas, no charcoal, no mess."

Weber Q1400 electric grill, $329 (regularly $359)

Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.

First published on June 8, 2023 / 5:10 PM