8 Best Cheap Smokers for First-Time Buyers (October 2026)

The best cheap smokers for first-time buyers include the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Grill and Offset Smoker for an all-around first smoker, the Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker for simple electric controls, and the Royal Gourmet 783 Sq In Grill with Offset Smoker for extra prep space.

On this page (5 sections)

1. How we chose cheap smokers for first-time buyers
2. Cheap smokers with useful features for a first cook
3. What should you check before buying a cheap smoker?
4. Which cheap smoker is easiest to maintain?
5. Which cheap smoker should you pick first?

The best cheap smoker for most first-time buyers is the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Grill and Offset Smoker, a charcoal grill with an attached offset smoker, adjustable charcoal pan and lid thermometer. If you want simpler temperature setting, choose an electric cabinet; if you want a compact charcoal option, consider a vertical smoker.

Cheap smokers cover different first cooks. Some combine a grill and smoker, while others use a vertical cabinet with racks above the heat source.

Choose by fuel, available space and how closely you want to manage heat. Our guide to the best smokers by use compares smoker types for different backyard needs.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for an all-around first smoker

   Royal Gourmet CC1830S Grill and Offset Smoker

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for simple electric controls

   Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker

   7.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for extra prep space

   Royal Gourmet 783 Sq In Grill with Offset Smoker

   7.8/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Masterbuilt MPS 230S 30-Inch Propane Smoker

   Best for propane convenience
   Check it
5. 5

   Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker

   Best for a smaller electric cabinet
   Check it
6. 6

   Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

   Best for compact charcoal grilling
   Check it
7. 7

   VINGLI 18-Inch Charcoal BBQ Smoker

   Best for a small vertical setup
   Check it
8. 8

   Amazon Basics 16-Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker

   Best for a basic charcoal starter
   Check it

How we chose cheap smokers for first-time buyers

We compared fuel, cooking space, controls and setup features against the needs of someone learning to smoke food. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

A thermometer can help you check a cook, but it doesn't remove the need to learn how a smoker responds to heat. Charcoal needs tending, electric models need a suitable outdoor power connection and propane models need a propane supply.

The products below are ordered by score, with the highest-scoring option first. For more charcoal choices, see our best charcoal smokers for backyard cooks.

Cheap smokers with useful features for a first cook

The right first smoker depends on how you want to fuel and control it. These picks range from a grill-and-offset combination to vertical charcoal designs.

1

Royal Gourmet CC1830S Grill and Offset Smoker: Best for an all-around first smoker

8.4/10Our score

• Charcoal grill with attached offset smoker
• 824 sq in total cooking space
• Two-level adjustable charcoal pan
• Lid thermometer

The attached offset chamber, adjustable charcoal pan and lid thermometer give a new buyer several ways to manage a first smoke. It also works as a charcoal grill.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Grill and offset smoker in one unit
• Adjustable charcoal pan
• Front and side work tables

Cons

• Charcoal needs attention during a cook
• Assembly is required

The CC1830S is a flexible first pick because it works as a charcoal grill as well as a smoker. Its 824 sq in total cooking space includes the main grates, warming rack and offset chamber, so consider which area you'll use most.

The adjustable charcoal pan has two height levels, letting you change the distance between food and the heat source. A lid thermometer gives you a temperature reading without opening the main lid, and the side door gives access for adding charcoal or removing ash.

Front and side tables provide room for seasonings and tools. The bottom shelf holds up to 20 lb of accessories when evenly distributed, so keep heavier gear within that limit.

Choose it if you want one charcoal setup for grilling and smoking. If you'd rather avoid managing a charcoal fire, consider an electric cabinet.

2

Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker: Best for simple electric controls

7.9/10Our score

• Electric vertical smoker
• 535 sq in cooking space
• Analog temperature dial up to 275°F
• Three chrome-coated racks

The analog dial and vertical cabinet make this a straightforward option for buyers who want to avoid charcoal and propane. It includes a removable wood chip tray and water bowl.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• No charcoal or propane fuel
• Three racks included
• Removable wood chip tray and water bowl

Cons

• Needs a suitable outdoor power connection
• Temperature control is analog

The Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker suits a beginner who prefers setting a dial over managing charcoal. Its analog control sets the smoking temperature up to 275°F, and the vertical cabinet has three chrome-coated racks.

The removable wood chip tray lets you add wood chips, while a water bowl adds moisture during cooking. Masterbuilt says it can fit up to 3 chickens, 2 turkeys or 3 racks of ribs, though food size affects what fits.

This model needs a suitable outdoor power connection. Read our electric, charcoal and propane smoker comparison if you're deciding whether electric fits your space.

3

Royal Gourmet 783 Sq In Grill with Offset Smoker: Best for extra prep space

7.8/10Our score

• Charcoal grill with offset smoker
• 783 sq in cooking space
• Two-level adjustable charcoal pan
• Front, side and bottom shelves

This charcoal grill and offset smoker adds front, side and bottom shelves for tools and seasonings. Its adjustable charcoal pan helps manage the distance between food and heat.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three storage or prep shelves
• Two-level adjustable charcoal pan
• Wheels for moving it across a yard or patio

Cons

• Charcoal heat needs active management
• Large cooking area may exceed a small household's needs

The Royal Gourmet 783 Sq In Grill with Offset Smoker suits buyers who want prep and storage surfaces around the cooking chamber. It has front, side and bottom shelves, plus three hooks on the side shelf for tools.

Its two-level adjustable charcoal pan helps manage heat by changing the distance between food and coals. The two large wheels help move it around a yard or patio.

The total cooking area includes the main grates, warming rack and offset smoker. Compare those areas with your usual food load before choosing this combination grill.

4

Masterbuilt MPS 230S 30-Inch Propane Smoker: Best for propane convenience

7.6/10Our score

• Propane vertical smoker
• Four chrome-coated racks
• Push-button ignition
• Built-in temperature gauge

The push-button ignition and built-in gauge suit buyers who want a vertical smoker without an electric connection. A propane supply and safe outdoor placement are part of the setup.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four racks included
• Push-button ignition
• Built-in temperature gauge

Cons

• Requires propane
• No cooking-area figure is specified

The Masterbuilt MPS 230S 30-Inch Propane Smoker has four chrome-coated racks, a built-in temperature gauge and push-button ignition. It suits buyers who want a vertical cabinet without an electric connection.

Its burner is rated at 15,400 BTU, and a porcelain-coated flame disk bowl lets flame reach wood chips while shielding the burner from grease. You will still need a propane supply and should follow the smoker's outdoor setup instructions.

For more propane options and fuel advice, see our best propane smokers for home cooks.

5

Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker: Best for a smaller electric cabinet

7.5/10Our score

• Electric vertical smoker
• 454 sq in cooking space
• Three chrome-plated racks
• 1350-watt heating power

This electric cabinet offers three racks and less stated cooking space than the Masterbuilt 30 Analog. Its water pan and chip box support basic smoking without a charcoal fire.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three racks included
• Built-in thermometer
• Adjustable analog temperature control

Cons

• Needs an outdoor power connection
• Analog controls have no digital readout

The Royal Gourmet SE2805 is a smaller electric cabinet by cooking area than the Masterbuilt 30 Analog. It provides 454 sq in across three racks, with an adjustable analog controller and a built-in thermometer.

Its 1350-watt heating power works with an insulated chamber. The removable water pan and chip box support adding moisture and wood-chip flavor, while an independent grease cup helps with cleanup.

Choose this model when three racks and its stated cooking area suit your usual batches. Like other electric smokers, it needs an appropriate outdoor power connection.

6

Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker: Best for compact charcoal grilling

7.0/10Our score

• Main charcoal chamber and side offset smoker
• 510 sq in total cooking space
• Adjustable vents and chimney damper
• Two wheels

The dual-chamber layout combines a main charcoal grill with a side smoker in a smaller stated cooking area. Two grates in the main chamber allow charcoal to be added mid-cook.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Main grill and offset smoker in one unit
• Air vents and damper for airflow control
• Two wheels for moving it

Cons

• Requires charcoal management
• Assembly alignment matters for the lid and chamber connection

The Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker pairs a main grill chamber with a side smoker and has 510 sq in total cooking space. Adjustable air vents and a chimney damper let you manage airflow, and a built-in gauge helps monitor temperature without lifting the lid.

Its two-grate system in the main chamber allows charcoal to be added during a cook without clearing the whole grilling surface. The manufacturer advises careful alignment of the lid and chamber connection during assembly for a good fit and stable setup.

The front shelf and bottom rack provide storage space, and the two cart-style wheels help with movement. Choose it if you want a charcoal grill and smoker in a smaller stated area than the Royal Gourmet models.

7

VINGLI 18-Inch Charcoal BBQ Smoker: Best for a small vertical setup

6.9/10Our score

• Three-layer round charcoal design
• Built-in thermometer
• Adjustable air supply and top outlet
• Two access doors

The round, three-layer design takes a different approach from a barrel grill and offset smoker. Its two doors provide access to the inside, and it supports several cooking methods.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three-layer cooking setup
• Built-in thermometer
• Two access doors

Cons

• Charcoal requires attention
• Cooking area is not specified

The VINGLI 18-Inch Charcoal BBQ Smoker uses a round, three-layer design with two access doors and a built-in thermometer. Adjustable air supply at the lid and an outlet at the top give you ways to manage airflow.

Its layers support smoking, grilling, baking and steaming. The smoker measures 18.9 in wide and deep and 31.5 in high, which may suit a smaller patio better than a wide cart-style grill.

The cooking area isn't specified, so consider the size and number of foods you plan to cook before choosing it for a group.

8

Amazon Basics 16-Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker: Best for a basic charcoal starter

6.8/10Our score

• 16 in vertical charcoal smoker
• Two-layer design
• Built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply
• Porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans

This compact vertical charcoal smoker keeps the setup to two layers, with a built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply. Its locking system adds a practical feature for outdoor use.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two-layer design
• Built-in thermometer
• Porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans

Cons

• Charcoal needs tending
• Cooking area is not specified

The Amazon Basics 16-Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker has a two-layer design, built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply. Its water and charcoal pans are porcelain-enameled.

A locking system secures the smoker, and it measures 31.2 in high by 20.6 in wide and 16.8 in deep. Cooking area isn't specified, so compare your usual food load with the two-layer layout before buying.

Choose it if you want charcoal flavor in a smaller vertical form. You'll need to tend the fuel and airflow during a cook.

What should you check before buying a cheap smoker?

Check fuel access, cooking space and the controls you'll rely on during a first cook. These factors matter if the smoker won't fit your space or routine.

For charcoal, consider whether you can add fuel and adjust airflow without disrupting the food. The CC1830S has a side door for charcoal and ash access, while the Realcook has two grates that allow charcoal to be added mid-cook.

For electric, check that the planned outdoor location has a suitable power connection. For propane, plan for the fuel supply and outdoor placement, then learn the ignition and temperature gauge before cooking.

Compare dimensions with your patio, storage spot and path through gates or doors. A wide cart-style smoker may offer shelves and cooking space, while a vertical cabinet uses a different footprint.

Which cheap smoker is easiest to maintain?

The easiest smoker to maintain is the one whose fuel system and removable parts you can clean after each use. Grease, ash and leftover wood can affect the next cook if they build up.

The Masterbuilt 30 Analog includes a removable rear grease tray, and the Royal Gourmet SE2805 has an independent grease cup. Charcoal models need ash cleared after use; let the smoker cool fully and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

Our smoker fuel and care guide covers cleanup and fuel basics. If you choose charcoal, the first-time charcoal smoker walkthrough explains setup and fire management.

Which cheap smoker should you pick first?

Pick the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Grill and Offset Smoker if you want a charcoal grill with an attached offset smoker, adjustable charcoal pan and thermometer. Choose the Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker if a vertical electric cabinet and analog temperature dial fit your first cooks.

For propane, the Masterbuilt MPS 230S 30-Inch Propane Smoker adds push-button ignition and four racks. For a smaller charcoal setup, compare the VINGLI and Amazon Basics vertical designs, then choose based on the cooking space and footprint you need.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for an all-around first smoker

   Royal Gourmet CC1830S Grill and Offset Smoker

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for simple electric controls

   Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker

   7.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for extra prep space

   Royal Gourmet 783 Sq In Grill with Offset Smoker

   7.8/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest cheap smoker for a beginner?

An electric smoker with a temperature dial is a simple place to start if you have a suitable outdoor power connection. The Masterbuilt 30 Analog has an analog dial, three racks, a removable wood chip tray and a water bowl.

Choose charcoal or propane if those fuels and their setup fit your space better.

Is a charcoal grill with an offset smoker good for a first smoker?

It can be a useful first setup if you also want a charcoal grill. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S Grill and Offset Smoker has an attached offset chamber, an adjustable charcoal pan and a lid thermometer.

Charcoal takes more attention than an electric dial, so expect to manage the fire and airflow during a cook.

Should I choose electric, propane or charcoal?

Choose electric for dial-based temperature setting, propane for push-button ignition and a vertical cabinet, or charcoal for direct fire control and grill use. Each fuel changes what you need nearby and how involved heat management will be.

Compare the basics in our electric, charcoal and propane smoker guide.

What should a first-time smoker buy besides the smoker?

Start with fuel suited to your smoker and a way to check cooking temperature. Charcoal users should learn how their vents affect airflow, while electric and propane buyers should read the setup and safety instructions for their model.

Our smoker fuel and care guide covers basic upkeep and fuel choices.