10 Best Bbq Smokers 2026 in the United States

The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is a solid choice for those wanting a convenient and spacious smoker for outdoor cooking. Its vertical design offers a large cooking area of 970 square inches, enough to smoke multiple chickens, turkeys, pork butts, or racks of ribs at once, making it suitable for family gatherings or small parties. The digital controls are straightforward, allowing users to set the temperature up to 275°F and cooking time easily, which is great for beginners and those who prefer a hands-off smoking experience.

One standout feature is the patented side wood chip loader that lets you add wood chips without opening the door, helping maintain consistent smoke and heat for better flavor. The smoker includes four chrome-coated racks, a removable water bowl to keep food moist, and a grease tray that slides out for easy cleaning. These features demonstrate good attention to convenience and maintenance. Constructed from alloy steel and fully insulated with a lockable door latch, it retains heat and smoke efficiently. The viewing window is a useful addition for monitoring food without losing temperature. However, it weighs over 70 pounds and is fairly tall (50 inches), so it’s not very portable and is best suited to a fixed outdoor spot rather than frequent moving.

The electric fuel source means no need to manage charcoal or wood fire, which simplifies use but may lack the traditional smoky flavor some wood or charcoal smokers provide. Temperature control tops out at 275°F, adequate for low and slow smoking but not for high-heat grilling. This smoker is ideal for users wanting an easy-to-use, large-capacity electric smoker with smart features that simplify smoking and cleaning. It is less suited for those needing portability or the deep charcoal smoke flavor. Its solid build and practical design make it a strong contender among electric vertical smokers.

The Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a standout choice for BBQ enthusiasts who value flavor and versatility. Running on wood pellets, this smoker bypasses the need for gas or charcoal, providing a rich, wood-fired taste to your food. Its 6-in-1 design allows you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ with ease, accommodating a variety of cooking methods whether you're cooking hot and fast or low and slow.

The large 884 square inches of cooking space is impressive, easily managing up to 8 chickens, 7 racks of ribs, or 40 burgers at once, making it ideal for large gatherings or family meals. Temperature control is precise, thanks to the Digital Pro Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic, maintaining a steady temperature with a maximum of 450°F. Crafted from sturdy steel and finished with a durable powder coat, the build quality is robust and designed to last. The porcelain grill grates are easy to clean, adding to the convenience.

However, at 152.1 pounds, portability can be a concern despite the inclusion of all-terrain wheels. This smoker is best suited for backyard use rather than camping or tailgating. The corded electric power source adds to its simplicity but may limit placement options if an outlet is not nearby. If you're looking for a durable, versatile, and flavor-enhancing smoker for home use, the Traeger Pro 34 is a solid choice.

The Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 is an electric wood pellet grill and smoker that offers a substantial cooking capacity of 885 square inches, making it suitable for large family gatherings or entertaining friends. It stands out with its wood pellet fuel type, which is designed to provide rich, wood-fired flavor without the need for gas or charcoal.

One of its key strengths is its versatility; it can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ, all in one unit. The temperature control is quite precise, reaching up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the built-in meat probe helps to ensure your food is cooked to perfection. Additionally, the WiFIRE technology allows you to control the grill remotely via WiFi and the Traeger app, adding a modern convenience factor.

The grill is built from sturdy alloy steel, offering good durability and it includes all-terrain wheels for some level of portability. However, at 170.2 pounds, it is quite heavy and may not be easy to move frequently. Cleaning is made easier with porcelain grill grates but the size and weight may still make it a bit cumbersome. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a highly versatile and tech-savvy grilling experience, though the heavy weight may be a consideration for those needing frequent portability.