7 Best Fish Smoker Options for Every Type of Cook in 2023
Whether you’re a committed outdoors enthusiast with a cabin in the mountains of Tannersville, NY, or a just a weekend brunch lover—choosing the best fish smoker transforms your gourmet game. Some are similar to the old-school models our grandfathers relied on, while others can even be powered by Tesla solar panels.
We examined several of the best models on the market, tried a handful of them and ranked them based on overall deliciousness of the final product. Value, ease of use and design were also considered. We even found affordable versions that made our list of the best Amazon gifts under $50.
What to look for in the best fish smoker
When choosing the best smoker for fish, you should consider the following factors:
Type of fuel source: electric, propane, or wood-fired (this is the same fuel question you’ll ask to find the best outdoor pizza ovens)
Size: choose a smoker that can accommodate the amount of fish you want to smoke at one time
Temperature control: look for a smoker with precise temperature control and a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature
Ease of use: consider a smoker with a simple and intuitive design for easy operation and maintenance
Durability: look for a smoker constructed with high-quality materials that can withstand the heat and smoke required for smoking fish
Portability: consider a smoker that is lightweight and easy to move if you plan on smoking fish at different locations.
Note: The type of smoker you choose will also depend on personal preferences and budget.
Our favorite smokers for fish
Best overall: Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack Outdoor Smoker
Best budget fish smoker: Stovetop Mini Gourmet Smoker
Best luxury fish smoker: Kamado Joe Big Joe Grill and Smoker
Best electric: Masterbuilt Pro MDS 230S Dual Fuel Smoker
Best pellet fish smoker: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
Best charcoal smoker: Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 22-inch Smoker
Best propane smoker: Cuisinart Vertical 36" Propane Smoker
Best overall: Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack Outdoor Smoker
Merchant
The Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack Outdoor Smoker is a highly rated smoker for fish smoking thanks to digital controls, four spacious racks and even heat distribution. It uses an automatic wood feed system to generate even, consistent smoke. The smoke density is even adjustable—a feature we love.
Having multiple racks means you can smoke lots of fish or a whole feast all at once. We loved trying this one with several slabs of salmon, ripe tomatoes and halved onions. User-friendly controls make it one of the best fish smoker options for newbies and novices. The wood feed promises you can use the best wood for smoking fish every time.
Pros:
Digital control center for simple monitoring
Four spacious racks
Consistent temperature
Adjustable smoke density
Cons:
Somewhat pricier than other models, but well worth it
Large footprint needs ample space
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Best budget fish smoker: Stovetop Mini Gourmet Smoker
Merchant
We love the Stovetop Mini Gourmet Smoker for its versatility and extremely affordable design. It works on both gas and electric stoves, outdoor grills and campsites. It’s one of the best fish smoker options for those with tight budgets and relatively small smoking projects.
Despite its size, it creates a good amount of smoke. It’s also easy to clean thanks to high-quality stainless steel construction that resists rust. The lightweight posture of this piece makes it a cinch to pack in an overnight bag for camping trips.
Pros:
Extremely affordable—under $40
Portable and easy to pack
Lots of smokey flavor
Works just about anywhere you can make significant heat
Cons:
Compact size means it only fits one medium-sized fish at a time—ideal for trout and bass
No added bells and whistles for monitoring and control
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Best luxury fish smoker: Kamado Joe Big Joe Grill and Smoker
Merchant
The Kamado Joe grill has a thick-walled, heat-resistant design that helps to regulate and maintain temperature. This makes it easy to smoke fish at the precise temperature needed and landed a spot on our list of the best fish smokers.
It also features a large cooking surface, making it possible to smoke multiple fish or other food items at once. We love the high-quality materials, including ceramic, steel and cast iron. These promise a durable and long-lasting. If Le Creuset was a fish smoker, it’d be this.
Pros:
Precision controls that offer a restaurant-quality end product
Large cooking surface
Brilliant temperature control
High-quality materials including cast iron, ceramic and steel
Cons:
The most expensive smoker for fish on our list, by far
Requires significant space
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Best electric: Masterbuilt Pro MDS 230S Dual Fuel Smoker
Merchant
The Masterbuilt 130B Digital Electric Smoker is one of the best smokers for fish thanks to its modern design and clever digital controls. This smoker makes it easy to nail precise settings thanks to an easy-to-use control panel. Smoke density, cooking time and more are within reach.
The smoker uses a built-in wood chip loader, which generates smoke efficiently, producing consistent results every time. A large cooking surface offers four racks so you can feed a small army.
Pros:
Offers digital electric smoking
Moderate price point
Easy to use for beginners
Four racks and loads of cooking space
Smoke density controls
Timer function
Cons:
Somewhat clunky
Cumbersome to clean
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Best pellet fish smoker: Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
Merchant
he Camp Chef Deluxe Pellet Grill boasts simple digital controls that make precise smoking a breeze. Easily access cooking temperature, cooking time and smoke density with just a few taps. This versatile machine can also be used for grilling, roasting and baking.
It uses wood pellets as its fuel source, which are affordable, easy to find and store and known for imparting deliciously smoky flavor into food. The large cooking surface makes it possible to cook entire meals at once.
Pros:
Offers several functions including grilling, roasting and baking
Pellet fuel source
Looks and fits just like a typical outdoor grill
Sleek black design
Digital control panel
Lots of interior cooking space
Cons:
Somewhat pricier than other similar models
Requires frequent cleanings
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Best charcoal smoker: Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 22-inch Smoker
Merchant
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 22-inch Smoker is a charcoal-fueled wonder known for its ease of use and delicious flavor. It offers steady temperature delivery, efficient smoke generation and a large cooking surface. Fish-smoking fans also rave about its beautiful high-end design that rivals models far more expensive.
The durable porcelain-enameled construction promise years of worry-free use. We love that it’s simple to use even if you’ve never tried your hand at smoking anything before.
Pros:
Can be used for smoking, grilling, baking, roasting and more
Charcoal-fueled
High-end design at a moderate price point
Large smoking space
Porcelain-enameled design
Steady smoke and heat delivery
Cons:
Not easily portable
Medium capacity
Somewhat pricey, although still a great value
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Best propane smoker: Cuisinart Vertical 36" Propane Smoker
Merchant
The Cuisinart Vertical 36-inch Propane Smoker is fueled by reliable, easily controled propane that delivers a smooth, smoky flavor. It uses a liquid propane fuel source, which generates smoke efficiently, producing consistent results every time.
Digital controls, a sleek black vertical design and precision smoking make it one of the best fish smoker options on the market. This smoker has four cooking grates, providing ample space for smoking multiple fish or other food items.
Pros:
Propane-fueled for precision cooking
Four large grates
Generates smoke and heat evenly
Moderate price point
Fits large fish like salmon and slabs of tuna
Cons:
Somewhat bulky
Squared edges
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