Summertime and smoke-outs may be the pb&j of adulting. There are very few things needed to create a great experience and great memories: family or friends, a backyard, quality food, and a smoker. The only barrier to the perfect summer experience is finding a smoker in your budget… but that’s why we’re here. There are some great options you need to know about to get this last puzzle piece in place and plan your event!
Top 11 Double Smokers Under $1,000
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill
The Z Grills is a perfect way to start our list. Smoking and grilling can happen on this awesome device. Say hello to all sorts of summertime savory meals with this all in one device under a thousand bucks. Whether under the moon and stars or poolside at noon, this quick set up device sets the summer vibe.
Pros
- Simple design
- Easy to set up
- 8-in-1 versatility from smoking ribs to baking biscuits
- Wood fire technology
Cons
- Some who needed servicing have mentioned that the company is difficult to communicate with
- Check it out immediately when received, as sometimes it gets scuffed in shipping
Takeaway
It’s a great, multi functional design and effective performance. While most users appreciate the ease of use, some say it often squeaks as you move it as it ages, after weathering and multiple uses.
Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
Weber has it going on. This lightweight smoker is under 40 pounds and super easy to use. Don’t let the small size scare you, though; the company boasts being able to fit a whole turkey and a ham at the same time without cooking issues. This one is a keeper, especially for those who want a pretty decent smoker but have family members who really would like not to lose home space for storing this seasonal item.
Pros
- Simple design is easy to take out for use/put away for peace of mind
- Lightweight (under 40 pounds!)
- Potentially the best cheap offset smoker
- Pre-assembled from arrival; easy to use
Cons
- If cooking low and slow, you’ll need to use the water pan (just make sure you note this as some would prefer not to use a water pan and yet prefer low and slow)
- Despite the small size, some found this wasn’t as easy to carry in and out as they’d hoped
Takeaway
There is a lot of greatness to chat about Weber’s design. And while we mentioned the 18 inches, note that this one actually is offered in three different size options depending on your needs/intentions. Be sure to pick the one that fits your dreams and get smoking!
Traeger Pro Series Smoker
This particular design comes with the ability to be used in two ways: grilling and smoking. Both have a great outcome on the wood-pellet cooking design. The coolest feature? This is a SMART GRILL. That means it can connect to your wifi so that you can control it easily… an excellent feature for parties and lazy days!
Pros
- Multi purpose (grill and smoker)
- Smart grill!
- Comes in two colors for summer yard aesthetic choices
Cons
- You need to be super extra careful since it’s a smart grill and smoker; as in, don’t let the convenience result in leaving it for too long (aka let’s avoid fires or burnt meat!)
- You need to check all the pieces well as they could be damaged in shipping
Takeaway
This is awesome. Wifi grills and smokers aren’t as common as you’d think in this age of technology, but it makes the experience that much more fun. However, here’s your official warning to not let the lazy summer chill vibe result in a fiery emergency by way of neglecting your grill for too long while it’s cooking!
Orion Cooker Convection BBQ Smoker
Well, the brand knows what it’s doing—that’s for sure! Laying or lounging in the sun while smoking is super easy with this basic convection smoker. While not uncommon, many users are stunned by how easy this is to use. This model is lightweight. At the same time, the design is durable enough that it holds up well in rugged terrain. Note, it comes in two sizes, so pay attention when you add to your cart that you’ve added the one you intended to buy.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move or take along to a friend’s house for extra cooking space (i.e., you can be the summer bash hero when you show up to speed up the bbq for all!)
- Easy to clean
- This cooker company offers two size options
Cons
- It uses a lot of charcoal to get from raw to ready… which can get expensive. This is due to the particular cooking convection method
- Do some prep before the first time you use a convection smoker; it may take a whole different time length than you’re used to; read instructions
Takeaway
Convection smokers, especially storage-space saving options, have their place. However, the whole process and length of time may not match up to your vision. Pay attention and make your choice based on the ideal vision you have for the use and outcome of your new smoker purchase… and mind the fact that this will inevitably use lots of charcoal every time you use it.
PK Grills Portable Grill & Smoker
What a simple but unique design to add to your summer cooking item collection! Besides the convenient features designed for portability, PK Grills made this a basic assembly. What’s even better than that? It is designed to be easy to put away within seconds. For what it involves, it’s a good option. So, while it is a more simple design than most options in this list, the space gained by the ergonomic design allows for minimal space to be set aside in the garage (i.e., more room for other items).
Pros
- Pretty nifty shape and design
- Easy to get out and pack up
- Grill and smoker combo is a nice addition for versatility
Cons
- Definitely a simpler option than what you might be envisioning (though for others, the simplicity is exactly their style)
- Some feel it is a bit unbalanced; do a little research to make sure the shape and design will work for you, especially if kids or animals will likely be around the device at any time
Takeaway
The takeaway here is that this is a simple, portable grill, and the smoker is a two way street to great meals. For what it’s worth, many people get it and find it’s all they need. Others find it lacks the full spectrum of their optimal ideals. Pay attention to specs and choose accordingly.
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Smoker & Grill
You thought you’ve seen it all with smoker styles… but this one will give you new ideas of what smoking can be. Especially if you or your housemate are super eco conscious, this infrared technology will give you something to talk about at the smoke-out with all who see it. Top-quality smoking is sometimes all about thinking outside the hot box.
Pros
- Infrared technology is unique and has eco-friendly benefits
- Can work as a grill
Cons
- Holds up to 25 lbs, so while this small-sized equipment is great for some, it falls flat for others on that feature along
- You’d be surprised how many use this and realize part of what they desired was that “smoke out” smell and feel, which is minimized greatly with infrared
- Durability depends on the terrain you’re using it on
Takeaway
This is a unique option, no matter how many standards. The main issues you’ll find with this are the door sometimes fits weird if not set up properly, and the infrared can take some getting used to. Otherwise, it’s a slam dunk for eco conscious individuals. It also cooks veggies really well for those extra earth-conscious smokehouse-interested folks.
Traeger Ranger Grill & Smoker
Wow, what a well-crafted piece of summer great! Traeger Grills takes outdoor smoking or grilling experiences to the max with minimal set up and space requirement. It is very enjoyable because it doesn’t take much learning to use and get along with.
Pros
- Basic grill and smoker design
- Porcelain grates
- Multiple purchase items that emphasize certain features and cooking needs
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Some have purchased the wrong item for their needs; pay attention to what’s available and match the company’s boasted features to the item you end up buying
- It’s a small size but may be too heavy for some to move easily (60lbs)
Takeaway
Pay attention to what you’re buying here. While multiple options are awesome, this also means you need to be careful to get what you’re really looking for or expecting according to what the company states their “product” can do (since there are multiple items!).
Traeger Grills Pro Series Grill & Smoker
Yeah yeah, we know… a third Traeger? Really? Yes, absolutely. Traeger knows what’s up when they’re designing summertime cooking methodology. This one is here for a reason. The pro series features are unique and worth the title, hands down.
Pros
- Some options come with a grill cover
- Multiple items to choose from
- Some are portable
Cons
- Pay attention to what you click so you get the right item (the multi-option buying can be confusing for some shoppers)
- Know what you want; this option is a wood-pellet cooking technology, and some prefer charcoal or infrared
Takeaway
This Traeger pro series item is professional to the level we may be… but perhaps not professional to the chefly standards. Pay attention to what you buy and know your standards if looking for a top notch purchase.
Barrel House Cooker and Smoker
This is definitely the best offset smoker under 500. Small but mighty, the Barrel House is made for easy summer vibes and super tasty smoked meals. That’s about all it does, but it sure does it super well!
Pros
- Made to be extra easy to use and store
- Truly an extra extra easy option
Cons
- Not normal size
- You need to consider if you have enough space
- Pay attention to how it arrives upon shipping
Takeaway
The Barrel House is easy to store, and in addition, it’s easy to get along with its technology.. Basic small sized smoker, but packed with great features and made to last all summer long… and then many more. Many users can use it all year round, really, as it is easy to clean and get along with regardless of the season.
Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 with Alexa
Traeger… it’s what’s up this summer season. Except this might be the king of them all! Why? WIFI! Can you say summer splash awesome? Who doesn’t like that space age ideal… the idea of controlling your cooking virtually?!
Pros
- Unique design in the set up
- Unique design in the shape
- Made to be extra awesome
- Very durable
- Wifi technology
Cons
- This is not your average smoker
- The wifi can take getting used to (and you must remember to use wise cooking practices, i.e., check on your heated device occasionally, despite the wifi convenience!)
- Some users complain that the wifi is overboard, but really if you’re buying it for the very purpose of its virtual element and thinking ahead for the protection, you will be fine
Takeaway
This summer smoker is the bomb diggity! The wifi really is a great feature as long as you’re careful. This may be the best smoker under 1000.
Z GRILLS Smoker + Auto Temperature Control
Let’s end strong—with an extra, large smoker with some pretty cool features. This smoker is not small. Therefore, this option won’t suit the taste of people whose first priority is space efficiency. Really, this is for the smoke-out lovers who are here for the big time experience (and/or have a big appetite or kids to cook for). It’s relatively easy to set up and very enjoyable.
Pros
- This is a large option
- Very durable
- Truly an extra extra large option
- Auto technology is great
Cons
- Not the typical “simple smoker” size
- Because of how large it is, you’ll need to think ahead and know that where you want to use it can handle these dimensions
- Moisture or weather can cause rust if you don’t properly and promptly dry it
Takeaway
The Z Grills is huge like it is for a reason! For those interested in big shot experience summer-grills on the mind, this smoker will do the trick. Otherwise, this may be simply excessive for you. Think through the place and space you’ll set it up in. What do you really need when outdoor cooking this season?
Buying Guide
What defines something as the best smoker under 1000? We have the answers for you, so you can be super smokin’ happy with whatever decision you make.
1) What’s Your Budget?
Getting the best smoker for under 1000 isn’t hard. There are some decent cheap offset smokers under $500, in fact.
The durability and usability of the cheapest options are usually pretty decent… with some give. The limits each one is worth considering. In all reality, no matter what features it does or doesn’t have, you’ll be a lot happier, in the end, staying on budget. Aka, be aware that less money on the smoker with decent reviews means more money for quality meat to smoke!
Pay attention to reviews or how easy or difficult it is to take down the smoker. No one wants to cause needless time or energy for set up and take down… and you also want to make sure it has the space to cook your ideal summer meal safely and efficiently.
You should give some thought to what kind of cooking method is used…
2) What’s Your Cooking Style?
Are you a wood-pellet lover? Many people are. But others prefer charcoal. Then there are some who love the flavor of smoked meals but hate the eco impact.
There are options for all of these. This can change your cookout experience compared to another person who prefers something else. Pay attention to key pieces of information as you conduct your smoker search, particularly what people say on how it works with your preferred style.
You’ll also need to pay attention to what that method of choice means for cooking time and other potential expenses, such as charcoal smokers.
And, depending on your overall recipe interests, it will serve you well to look at the versatility of the device you choose. Speaking of which…
3) The Best Options for Eco-Conscious Cooking
How do you ensure that you and your guests have a great summer meal in this age of allergies and food preferences? When you’re looking for an alternative to classic cookout aromas and impacts, there are some things to know.
There’s no need to divide yourself or your guests over what’s safe or acceptable with some of the new available technologies. You can have your smoked meat and love the earth, too, with options like infrared.
This is a somewhat new feature a few companies are exploring, and it’s not super hard to find them. Plus, you’d be happy to hear that many options are still below that $500 mark, or at least under 1000.
FAQ’s
See just a few FAQ’s below to help you seek and choose the most useful summer cooking device:
What are the options for smoker design materials, and what’s best?
Smokers can be made in a lot of ways. The “best” option really comes down to preference and what you’d like to spend (or save). But, there are a few noteworthy things to consider regarding durability and easy cleaning that might shift your thinking.
Aluminum smokers are probably the most lightweight and are often the cheapest options. In fact… some claim the best way to do a home-cooking old-fashioned smoke-out is by converting an aluminum trash can into a smoker good enough to boast about… Especially when you taste how surprisingly good the results are.
On the other hand, aluminum at extended periods of heat is really not the most eco friendly, nor the most friendly for safe meat (i.e., there’s a possibility of the heat + aluminum fumes affecting the meat even if you don’t taste it). So, the end of the aluminum story is you should research what this means in particular and if this matters to you.
Stainless steel is a common option, and it’s pretty darn durable. It is definitely heavier than aluminum, but hey, how much do you plan to move it around anyway?
(If you actually read that question and thought “quite often”, then be sure to look at the actual weight of the stainless steel device you are considering buying.)
Additionally, besides the outer build, you should look at what the grill grates are made of. Porcelain-coated is becoming a common option. This easy to find grill grate style is becoming common for many reasons, and you can find good smokers for under 1000 with this featured grate as a part of their design.
The two main benefits of porcelain coated grill or smoker grates are:
- Easy to clean: porcelain grates are similar to the phenomena explosion of porcelain cooking ware. The biggest boast many mentions is the easy cleaning… even with messy foods. Porcelain is slicker than other options and does really well on the clean up end.
- Rustproof: a major issue with many other materials of grill grates is the rust. It’s a big deal because rust isn’t safe to cook on and sneaky if the grates aren’t cared for properly. Porcelain is known to be rustproof for the most part. The biggest possible deterrent to this is if you’re not careful and scratch the porcelain, exposing the underneath, which may be quite extra prone to ruse (since the company was planning to coat it with porcelain anyway).
How does infrared cooking work, and why is it eco friendly?
We’ve talked a bit about infrared and eco friendly, but maybe you’re not sure what this even means.
For starters, at this point in time, you can start to see infrared in the grill, smoker, and grill + smoker combos. Again, mainly this is due to the awakening toward eco consciousness and yet the memories or simply enjoyment that grilling and smoking brings.
So what is it exactly? An infrared smoker, or grill for that matter, is typically a gas-powered item. Though it uses gas, the mechanism of heat production uses infrared technology.
Standard gas smokers or grills convert the gas into a flame that heats the grate area directly. In contrast, the infrared-build means that your gas goes to heat the infrared mechanism designed into your smoker (which blocks the actual gas from the grate area). The infrared mechanism creates intense heat, which then heats the grate area (and subsequently, whatever you’re cooking).
They’ll take some getting used to as this is not your classic style of flamed grilling or smoking. However, many users try them out and claim it’s the best thing ever and won’t go back, eco friendly or not.
Conclusion
Make all your summer bash dreams come true with a good, cheap offset smoker. After this article, hopefully, you can choose and get the best smoker under 1000 for your needs. Once you get clear on priorities and personal needs, and especially budget, you can easily sort through the options and pick one that works great for you! Be mindful of how portable it is because once your friends hear you got a smoker, you might need to borrow their pick-up truck and scoot it on over to their pool for a complete experience.
