Best Gas Smoker Under 500

There is no doubt we all want to grill some steaks and chicken in our backyard or deck, but having a decent gas smoker with a good cooking system is essential for successful and tasty smoking. Let’s find out which is the Best Gas Smoker Under 500.

To buy a gas smoker, it is essential to understand what you’re looking for and why. Gas smokers come in the two basic styles of vertical or horizontal smokers. Verticals are more popular because they are simpler to use and maintain, with fewer moving parts.

Then you have to ask yourself what type of smoker you want. The two main types are propane and natural gas units. Here is a quick comparison:

Propane Gas Smokers:

Propane is far more common, inexpensive to buy and easier to get than natural gas. There are also fewer models of propane gas smokers than natural gas units. They are also the easiest to move and set up, thanks to their lighter weight. Propane smokers can be used indoors or outdoors, and sometimes both.

Natural Gas Smokers:

The main advantage of natural gas smokers is the convenience of hooking them up to your home’s natural gas supply. This makes them easier to use and virtually eliminates the need for fuel tanks, which can be bulky and expensive to refill. But you do need to have a natural gas hookup at your house, and that doesn’t work in all areas. You might have to pay to have one installed.

If you are looking for a smoker at an ideal price range to start up your camping or tailgate parties, then the best gas smoker under 500 will be a wise choice. 

You can experiment with different types of actual smoke flavours in your meat without having to wait a long time. 

When looking for the finest gas smoker under $500, there are a few factors to keep in mind. A great variety of products are available in the market today. But you should not buy any product just because of its low price tag. 

In this article, we’ll go through the top five finest gas smokers for under $500. So, let’s have a look at them:

Best Gas Smoker Under 500 Reviews

Masterbuilt MB20051316 Gas Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker is perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. 

This smoker features four chrome-coated smoking racks and a 40-inch ThermoTemp XL Propane Smoker, capable of smoking up to 6 turkeys, 16 chickens, 8 racks of ribs, or 8 pork butts.

The stainless steel burner provides 15,750 BTUs of heat to maintain the desired temperature. The safety valve will immediately turn off the burner if the flame extinguishes.

You’ll also love the tank fuel level gauge, which indicates how much propane is left in your tank.

For the pitmaster who loves to smoke meats low and slow, this smoker has a temperature sensor that controls the burner to maintain your desired smoking temperature. 

This smoker will allow you to dial in your perfect cook every time, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

Cuisinart COS-244 Gas Smoker Review

The Cuisinart COS-244 Propane Smoker is the perfect way to get that delicious smoked flavour for your food. 

This smoker comes with four stainless steel racks and a whopping 784 sq. inch. of cooking area, so you can cook anything you like; however much you like. 

And thanks to its propane fuel source, this smoker is incredibly easy to use; in just two hours, you can have perfectly smoked chicken breasts for dinner. Plus, the racks are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. 

With total control over the heat and smoke, you can customize your smoker to get the perfect flavour every time. The built-in thermometer ensures precise cooking every time, so your food will always be delicious.

This smoker has a twist-lock handle that seals the door tightly, ensuring that your food will be cooked to perfection every time. 

The porcelain-enamelled steel tray can hold wood and water, adding a delicious smoky flavour to your food. Moreover, the included 40-inch propane hose and regulator make it easy to get started.

Invite some pals over to see what you can do with your very own smoker.

Masterbuilt 20051311 Gas Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt 20051311 Propane Smoker is perfect for smoking ribs, chicken, ham, or any other food. 

The four chrome smoking racks create 717 square inches of cooking space, and the stainless steel burner ensures even heat distribution. With push-button ignition, getting your smoker started is easy.

The porcelain-coated wood chip tray and water pan make cleanup a breeze, while the locking door ensures that your meat stays moist and tasty. 

The built-in temperature gauge keeps you in control of your cooking process, so you can create the perfect meal every time.

Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Gas Smoker Review

With Dyna-Glo’s DGY784BDP Gas Smoker, you’ll get that delicious smoked flavour every time, without all the fuss!

You’ll have plenty of room to grill all your favourite meats with 4 adjustable steel wire racks and 784 total square inches of cooking space. The 15,000 BTU cast iron burner offers consistent performance and uniform heat distribution.

This smoker is easy to use, with electronic push-button ignition and a large control dial that maintains a constant temperature. 

With its double-door design, this smoker gives you greater heating and smoking control – perfect for those who want to create the best dishes possible. 

The porcelain-enamelled steel wood chip box and water bowl make this smoker easy to clean and maintain.

This bad boy features sliding air dampers, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing food from drying out. Plus, with a temperature gauge, you’ll be able to perfectly control your cooking experience. 

And don’t worry – this smoker is CSA certified, meaning it’s been rigorously tested to meet safety standards. Finally, the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP Gas Smoker comes with a one-year limited warranty, so you can cook with confidence.

Char-Broil Gas Smoker Review

The Char-Broil Propane Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone who wants to smoke, roast and grill all in one! 

This smoker is custom-designed to fit your needs, with a large cooking area that lets you smoke turkey, ribs or other cuts of meat. 

The roasting basket allows you to perfectly roast your meal, and the propane fuel ensures that it is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

With TRU-Infrared technology, this smoker prevents flare-ups, so you can roast up to 25 lbs of food evenly. Plus, there’s enough cooking area to grill up 180 square inches of deliciousness.

With temperature control from 9,000 to 18,000 BTUs, this smoker is perfect for all your smoking needs. The side-mounted smoker box makes adding wood chips easy, while the portable design means you can take it with you wherever you go. 

Moreover, it’s easy to use – just connect to a liquid propane tank and turn the knobs on and light!

This smoker is outfitted with a removable grease tray, steel legs, and a cooking chamber, making it easy to cook up your favourite recipes. The hose with a regulator ensures that your food is cooked evenly and at the perfect temperature.

With two side-mounted carrying handles, it’s easy to take your smoker where you need it. The metal thermometer ensures that your food is smoked perfectly every time, and the included cover protects your smoker from the elements.

With the Char-Broil Propane Smoker, you’ll be able to enjoy smoked meats like never before.

Dyna-Glo DGW1904BDP-D Gas Smoker Review

The Dyna-Glo DGW1904BDP-D Gas Smoker is the perfect smoking experience for all meat lovers. 

With six height-adjustable cooking grates and 1,904 square inches of cooking space, this smoker can accommodate large items or many smaller items at once. 

With 20,000 total BTUs of heating power, the Dyna-Glo DGW1904BDP-D can cook whatever you put in it evenly and thoroughly.

With dual cast iron burners, your food will cook deliciously every time. The steel, powder-coated firebox ensures that your smoker will last for years to come, while the pre-installed door seals keep all of that delicious smoke inside.

This smoker is packed with features that make it perfect for any outdoorsman, including pre-installed sausage hooks, a water bowl, and a wood chip box. 

The quality construction will provide years of smoking enjoyment, while the performance and versatility will have you coming back for more. 

Plus, the stainless temperature gauge with a smoke-zone indicator ensures that every piece of meat is cooked to perfection. 

Camp Chef Smoke Vault Gas Smoker Review

Looking to take your smoking game up a notch? Then check out the Camp Chef Smoke Vault Propane Smoker! 

This bad boy comes with two adjustable smoking racks, one jerky smoking rack, and 18,000 BTUs/Hr of heat to help you produce some of the best-smoked meats and cheeses imaginable. 

The protected burner drum ensures that you have maximum heat control for precise smoking every time.

This heavy-gauge steel smoker features a wood chip tray for easy smoking and a porcelain base tray for easy cleanup. 

Three adjustable damper valves provide optimum ventilation and heat control, while the enamelled finish protects your smoker from rust and corrosion.

This easy-to-use smoker has a convenient matchless snap-ignition and a door thermometer that lets you keep track of your cooking temperature. Plus, it comes with cooking tips, ideas, and recipes to help get you started.

Pit Boss Grills 2 Series Gas Smoker Review

The Pit Boss Grills 2 Series Gas Smoker is perfect for the backyard cook who loves smoked meats and fish. 

With four porcelain coated cooking grids, 884 square inches of cooking space, and 13,500 BTU total burners, this smoker can handle anything you put in it. 

The dual valve/dual burner system is controlled by a single control knob, making it easy to use even if you’re a first-timer.

With a 100-350 degree temperature range, this smoker is perfect for anyone who wants to smoke their favourite meats.

The exterior access to the wood chip box and grease tray makes it easy to tend to your food, while the push-button ignition ensures quick and easy lighting.

Pit Boss Grills knows that when it comes to smoking, the devil is in the details. That’s why their 2 Series Gas Smoker has a large glass viewing window and fully sealed high temp door seal so you can keep an eye on your food as it smokes. 

Plus, the stylish red semi-gloss finish will look great in any backyard.

Masterbuilt MB20050716 Gas Smoker Review

Looking to smoke up some delicious chickens, turkeys, racks of ribs, or pork butts? Look no further than the Masterbuilt MB20050716 Propane Smoker! 

This smoker features four chrome-coated smoking racks that can accommodate plenty of food. The heat diffuser disperses heat from the burner evenly, ensuring that your food smokes evenly and tastes great every time.

The temperature sensor ensures that your food will be cooked perfectly every time, and the safety valve prevents any accidents.

This top-of-the-line smoker has everything you need to create delicious, smoky flavours. With a Type 1 regulator and fuel level gauge, you can easily monitor your propane levels and make sure your smoker is running at its best. 

The wood chip tray is also built into the S door, so you can easily access it and try out different flavours without losing any heat. 

Get ready to take your smoked food to the next level with the Masterbuilt MB20050716 Propane Smoker!

Masterbuilt’s Smoke Hollow PS40B Gas Smoker Review

The Smoke Hollow PS40B Propane Smoker is a smoker that is easy to use and perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. 

It has four smoking racks that provide plenty of space to smoke up to twenty chickens, four turkeys, eight racks of ribs, or sixteen pork butts. The 15,400 BTU stainless steel burner heats quickly and evenly for consistent results.

With its adjustable air damper, you can control the moisture and smoke, making your food taste great every time. 

With its height-adjustable legs, this smoker is easy to access, making it perfect for your smoking needs.

Plus, the push-button ignition makes it simple to get started. The PS40B is ideal for everyone, whether you’re a starter or a professional smoker.

Masterbuilt MB20050116 Gas Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20050116 Propane Smoker is the perfect way to enjoy smoked meats and fish at home or on the go. 

This smoker features two chrome-coated smoking racks, so you can smoke up to four chickens, one turkey, or two racks of ribs at a time. The built-in temperature gauge ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time.

The push-button ignition turns on the burner swiftly and easily, allowing you to start smoking right away. The 5,000 BTU stainless steel burner provides plenty of heat to get the job done, while the regulator knob adjusts the flame for just the right temperature.

The compact design and folding legs make the smoker easy to transport and store.

Masterbuilt MB20052318 Gas Smoker Review

Add some smoke to your life with the Masterbuilt MB20052318 propane smoker.

This smoker has four chrome-coated smoking racks and a built-in temperature gauge, so you can always keep an eye on your smoked masterpiece. 

The smoker also has a push-button ignition, making it easy to get your fire started.

With a patented porcelain-coated flame disk bowl, the flame will reach the wood chips while shielding the burner from any grease, making for an easy and clean smoking experience every time. 

This smoker also comes equipped with a 15,400 BTU stainless-steel burner, ensuring that your meat will come out perfectly smoked every time.

PIT BOSS 77435 3 Series Gas Smoker Review

The PIT BOSS 77435 3 Series Gas Smoker is perfect for the at-home smoker. This smoker has three porcelain-coated cooking grids and a cooking area of 800 square inches, making it easy to smoke your favourite meats and vegetables. 

The dual valve/dual burner system ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly smoked foods every time. Both the valves are controlled by a single knob, making it easy to get the perfect temperature every time. 

With temperatures ranging from 100°F to 350°F, you can smoke any food to perfection. Plus, the stainless-steel burners provide 12,500 BTUs of heat for unbeatable performance.

This smoker is made with a fully sealed high temp door seal to keep the heat in, so your food smokes evenly every time. It’s simple to get started, thanks to the push-button ignition.

With a wood chip drawer and grease tray, this smoker makes it easy to add flavour and keep things clean. And with a large high temp glass viewing window, you can watch your food cooking while it smokes.

Pros of Purchasing a Gas Smoker

Far easier to use than other smokers

The general consensus among users is that gas smokers are far easier to use, making them ideal for beginners; you don’t even need to learn how to use wood chips or charcoal; according to some users, they simply loaded wood chips into their gas smoker and switched it on.

Smoke some of the best-tasting meat

Not only is smoking with a gas smoker newbie-friendly, it actually provides the best tasting meat, according to a lot of users. This is because you can control how much smoke flavour you give your meat, which you can’t really do with other types of smokers.

You get a good meat to heat ratio

A lot of users actually liked that their gas smoker gives them good meat to heat ratio. With other smokers, you have either too much or not enough heat, which can either burn or undercook your meat. With gas smokers, you can actually control the heat coming from the gas burner, which enables you to get the perfect cook on your meat.

It’s a cleaner, healthier way of smoking

While most smokers produce smoke that contains carcinogens and other harmful chemicals, gas smokers actually burn wood chips and turn them into smoke, which means it’s a cleaner and healthier way of smoking.

It is quite flexible

Some users loved how their gas smokers are quite flexible; this is because you can either smoke your meat or use it as a grill. You can also use different types of wood chips, and it comes with a drip pan and adjustable heat control, which makes it even more flexible for smoking a wide variety of meats or grilling.

It is faster

Many smokers take a lot of time to preheat and ultimately cook your meat, but with a gas smoker, it is faster. It usually takes about 15-25 minutes to preheat your smoker, which saves you time and effort. It also cooks your meat in about an hour, making it perfect for the busy person.

Cons of Buying a Gas Smoker

More expensive than other smokers

Although gas smokers are usually more expensive than electric and charcoal smokers, it is still far cheaper than wood pellet smokers and offset smokers, which are considered the most expensive types. 

Requires propane gas to run

Another disadvantage is that your smoker will require a propane tank to function. Although you can buy an adapter for converting the propane into electricity, there is still no guarantee that this will work.

A bit hard to control the temperature of the smoker

This is a pretty common complaint, but it can be overcome by buying a better quality gas smoker.

Buying Guide for Best Gas Smoker Under 500 

Temperature Control

It is very important in terms of making sure that you get the food cooked to perfection. You can find many smokers under 500 bucks which comes with temperature control. 

This is an advantage for you as you will be able to make sure the food doesn’t overcook and at the same time, it doesn’t stay raw. 

You know for a fact that you have the right temperature when the steam starts to come out of your food. The moisture in the smoke also increases as you keep increasing or decreasing the temperature.

Construction

Just like with anything else, a smoker should be durable. It should be able to last you years of use without giving in. This means that it is made from high-quality materials which are known for their durability. You will also want to look at how it is built since some smokers are made of cheap materials, which can leak over time and cause problems.

Size

It is important for smokers to have a decent size so that they can enjoy the benefits of smoking meat. However, if you don’t have the space, it’s also crucial to avoid getting a large one. 

You should go for something small but efficient so that it doesn’t take up too much of your space. A decent size will allow you to use it on a regular basis since you won’t have to take up too much space cooking for yourself and your family. 

Gas smokers under 500 can come in a wide range of sizes, but you should make sure that you get the main components, which you need to smoke food properly.

Vent System

The vent system is an important part of any gas smoker. Without it, you won’t be able to control the temperature properly, and your food will not cook just as well. 

The vent system allows you to control how much smoke comes out so that you can get the right temperature. A good vent should also be durable, adjust properly and should be easy to clean.

Price

This is the most important factor because you will be using this smoker for years to come. You should look for a smoker which is at the higher end of price because it will be able to last you longer without giving in. 

You should also make sure that you look at the features which it has before you make your final decision. Sometimes, people don’t even realize they need a certain feature until they have it.

Portability

The portability of the smoker is an important factor to look at because you will be using it on a regular basis. If you’re planning to use it in your backyard or patio, you will need to make sure that the smoker is portable so that you can store it away when you are done using it. However, if you are planning on taking it with you to other places outside of your home, then portability is not a big deal.

Ease of Use

The smoker should be easy to use so that you don’t have any issues using it on a regular basis. You will want an efficient smoker that allows you to get the most out of it without spending too much time on it. 

Some smokers are difficult to use, especially when it comes to vents. You will want to look at how easy it is to use so that you can have a good time using it.

Extra Features

You should consider the extra features which are offered by the smoker. This means that you should look at all of your options before making your final decision. 

You should be able to get a smoker that is efficient and offers many features which will help you with smoking meat. There are smokers that come with smart features which you will appreciate. However, some of the extra features might not be needed, so do your research before you make a decision.

Manufacturer 

The best option is to look for a smoker which has been made by a good manufacturer. There are many manufacturers on the market, but not all of them make high-quality smokers. 

You should look at a smoker from a well-known manufacturer to ensure that they have a good reputation when it comes to the quality of their smokers. You don’t want to turn around and have issues with your smoker just a few days after using it.

Warranty 

A warranty might not be the most important factor, but it can prove to be very helpful. You will find that some smokers come with warranties of up to one year while others don’t have them at all. 

If you get a warranty, ensure that it covers the most vital elements of the smoker, so you need not bother about the expense of repairs or replacements.

Safety Tips for Gas Smoker

To avoid accidents, follow these safety tips when using your gas smoker: 

• Keep the area around the smoker clear – When cooking, make sure to keep work surfaces and floors around the smoker clear of materials that could catch fire.
• Keep pets and kids away from the smoker – Never leave a lit burner unattended.
• Allow for proper ventilation around the smoker – Follow manufacturer’s instructions for placing the smoker.
• Keep a close eye on the grill to ensure that nothing catches fire – Use a grill with a lid to contain the heat and flames.
• When using lighter fluid, do not overfill the smoker – Fill your grill with lighter fluid to just under 2/3 capacity.
• Use a flame-resistant grill bbq mitt when handling the lighter fluid – Be sure to use protective clothing and safety glasses when handling flammable materials.
• Keep the grill on a level surface – Do not place your gas smoker on surfaces that can get hot or that can slide around and possibly fall over.
• Use grill lighters and not matches – Make sure you know how to properly light your grill.
• Check for gas leaks before use – Make sure all connections are tight, and there are no holes or leaks in the gas line.
• Have your smoker serviced on a regular basis – If you notice any damage to your smoker or if it acts abnormally, have it serviced by a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do gas and propane smokers work?

The propane or gas burner is one of the main parts of a gas smoker. A very hot flame is produced by this burner, and it is this heat that cooks the meat in the smoker.  

The burner heats up a heat transfer plate which, in turn, heats up an electric fan that blows the heat up and over the food in the smoker. This is what gives gas smokers their distinctive ‘convection’ cooking style.

How does a Gas Smoker compare to a wood smoker?

Although many people enjoy cooking on both types of smokers, gas smokers are usually easier to use because the gas flame does all the work for you. Your cooking time, temperature and smoke are controlled by your gas smoker.  

This also means that you can use a gas smoker in temperatures and weather conditions that would make cooking on a wood smoker impossible or not worth the hassle.

Is there a difference between smoking and grilling?

The short answer is no; there’s not. Smoking meat requires the use of heat and smoke to cook the meat to its desired finished state.  

The difference is that with smoking, the meat is immersed in a pool of smoke for a longer period of time and at a lower temperature than with grilling. 

This is why smoking meat is such a popular technique for preparing ribs, brisket and pork shoulder (among others).

Are gas smokers hard to use?

Although a gas smoker can look complicated at first glance, they’re actually pretty easy to use. Simply create a hot flame and place your meat in the smoker. The temperature for cooking your meat is controlled by a thermometer built into the lid of the smoker.  

You’ll also get a meat probe with your gas smoker, which you can use to monitor the interior temperature of your meat without opening the door. Just place the probe thermometer close to the meat and read the temperature from your gas smoker’s control panel.

Are gas smokers worth the money?

This is a question that will depend on you, your cooking skills and how much time you have to prepare food. If you’re an experienced chef or you love to cook, then buying a gas smoker could be worthwhile.  

You’ll have two distinct cooking styles at your disposal, and you’ll be able to cook a variety of different foods such as ribs, pork belly and brisket. Gas smokers come in a range of sizes, so you should be able to find one that will fit into your cooking area or outdoor space.

What are some examples of common foods that can be cooked on a gas smoker?

Ribs are amongst the most popular meals cooked with smoke. Other barbeque favourites such as brisket and pork shoulder are also popular. Fish, poultry, beef and pork can all be cooked in a gas smoker with a good result.

Which smoker is best gas or electric?

This question has no one answer. It all depends on your specific situation. Each type of smoker has different pros and cons. If you’re new to smoking, a gas smoker is a good choice for beginners.

Conclusion

Gas smokers are ideal since they are simple to operate and produce an authentic BBQ flavour. Additionally, gas smokers are more versatile than electric or wood smokers since you can use them in any weather conditions. 

If you’re an experienced chef or if you want to become one, a gas smoker will be a great investment. With its easy-to-use features and range of available sizes, a gas smoker is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to explore different cooking styles while experiencing the incredible flavour that barbeque cooking can create.

We’ve reviewed some of the top gas smokers on the market in this article. Each smoker has its own pros and cons, but all will serve you well if you take care of them. They can produce great results with meats, fish and poultry when used correctly. 

Choosing the right one for your unique situation could be a bit challenging, however, so you should give this careful thought before making your purchase.

All the best with your search for the perfect gas smoker.

I hope you find the best gas smoker under 500. You can also check our article on the Best Gas Smoker Under $400. Thanks again for reading this, and best of luck.