If smoked salmon is your religion, it is worth considering to buy a specialized smoker in your house. Don’t worry, even you want the best smoker for salmon, it’s not that expensive or hard to choose, especially when you have us.
Our experts have rounded up to the 9 greatest options and here they are:
Here are the best smokers for salmon you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Masterbuilt MB20071117
- Best For Seasoned Smokers: Cuisinart COS-330
- Best For Big Families: Masterbuilt 20070411
- Best For A Large Backyard Barbecue: Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D
- Best For Camping: Weber 711001
- Best Budget Option: Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker
- Best Overall: Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett
- Best For Big Families: Z Grills ZPG-7002B
- Best Budget Option: Country Smokers CSPEL015010497
| Top 9 Best Smokers For Salmon | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Masterbuilt MB20071117 | Read Our Review |
Best For Seasoned Smokers | Cuisinart COS-330 | Read Our Review |
Best For Big Families | Masterbuilt 20070411 | Read Our Review |
Best For A Large Backyard Barbecue | Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D | Read Our Review |
Best For Camping | Weber 711001 | Read Our Review |
Best Budget Option | Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker | Read Our Review |
Best Overall | Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett | Read Our Review |
Best For Big Families | Z Grills ZPG-7002B | Read Our Review |
Best Budget Option | Country Smokers CSPEL015010497 | Read Our Review |
Electric Smoker
Best Overall: Masterbuilt MB20071117
- Easy to use & full of control – a digital panel
- Well-organized - 4 smoking racks
- Convenient & easy to connect to almost outlets - a 46” power cord
- Modest width – hard to handle big foods
- The LED screen is a bit hard to read in bright sun
Start with the Masterbuilt MB20071117, which is also our most favorite electric smoker for salmon.
The reason is it gives the user lots of adjustments and automatic features, meaning that it’s full of control. We love the digital panel controls the most as it’s easy to use, especially at night, and optimize your management by showing exactly the time and temperature. So, no guesswork!
The width of this model would probably be inferior to other counterparts, in turns, it gives you 4 smoking racks to organize your food and cook more.
You will also have a 46” power cord, which is, in our opinion, long enough to reach a nearby outlet with ease. Or, using an outdoor extension cord if you need to keep it further away from the house.
| Masterbuilt MB20071117 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 45.9 lbs. |
Dimension | 30 x 20 x 20 in |
Smoking Area | 15” |
Capacity | 730 square inches |
Highlight Features | Feature a digital panel 4 smoking racks A 46” power cord |
Looking for a compact, controllable, and affordable smoker for salmon? Masterbuilt MB20071117 is a shining candidate.
Best For Seasoned Smokers: Cuisinart COS-330
- Easy to control and use - A dial-style thermostat, an easy0to-read thermometer, & a 1500-watt heating element
- Portable – 51.5 pounds of weight & two side handles
- No recipe books or instructions included
While the Masterbuilt MB20071117 is ideal for 4-6 servings, this electric smoker from Cuisinart sizing 22 x 19 x 37.5 in is perfect for couples, solos, or small families.
The 548 square inches are divided into 3 smoking racks but each is wider – 16 inches – to capably handle different forms of food with ease. So, aside from salmon or other fish, you can smoke large cuts of meat, a whole bird, lamb ribs, and so on.
What we love the most about this product is its 1500-watt heating element and a dial-style thermostat that will quickly increase the temperature within 100 to 400 degrees F. That makes the control can’t be easier – just plug the unit in, set the temperature, and relax.
Take note that, this can work as a seasoned smoker as well.
| Cuisinart COS-330 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 51.5 lbs. |
Dimension | 22 x 19 x 37.5 in |
Smoking Area | 16” |
Capacity | 548 square inches |
Highlight Features | A dial-style thermostat An easy0to-read thermometer & a 1500-watt heating element 51.5 pounds of weight & two side handles |
Highlighting a lightweight, compact yet functional electric smoker with ease to control, the Cuisinart COS-330 is our top pick for seasoned smokers.
Best For Big Families: Masterbuilt 20070411
- Ultra-convenient and controllable - an RF remote, a thermostat temperature control, & a viewing window
- Versatile – large capacity of 730 square inches with 4 racks
- Easy to use – provide with full accessories for beginners and pros
- Expensive
- The glass window will become hot after running the unit at high temperature
- Hard to hold temperature when it’s cold outside
If you are a big family, we highly recommend investing in this heavy-duty yet easy-to-use smoker – the Masterbuilt 20070411.
It would be the most expensive model here but the price includes an RF remote, a built-in meat temperature probe, and full accessories to easily craft your backyard masterpiece, no matter you’re a competition-ready pro or just a beginner.
Small talk about this RF remote, it allows for controlling meat temperature, on/off, internal light, time, and temperature.
While its thermostat temperature control keeps the heat consistent within 100 to 275 degrees F, the 730 square inches of cooking space makes it possible to cook 100 pounds of food at a time. And when waiting for the food to be smoked, you can watch it through the viewing window.
| Masterbuilt 20070411 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 49.86 lbs. |
Dimension | 18.5 x 19.5 x 33 in |
Smoking Area | 30 inches |
Capacity | 730 sq. inches |
Highlight Features | An RF remote A thermostat temperature control & a viewing window 730 square inches with 4 racks |
Designed with everything in mind - from huge capacity and ease of control to convenience - the Masterbuilt 20070411 makes it the best choice for big families.
Charcoal Smoker
Best For A Large Backyard Barbecue: Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D
- The most versatile and powerful for all smoking tasks - 1,176 square inches of cooking space, a 22.5-inch width, and a 15,000 BTU burner
- Great heat retention in freezing weather - heavy-duty steel body construction and dual-door design
- Easy to ignite – an Electronic pulse ignition system
- Durable & long-lasting - Heavy-duty steel body construction with High Temp powder coat finish
- The damper doesn’t have a handle
- Wish the smokestack was more adjustable
- No heat shield from the firebox into the cooking chamber
Delivering 1,176 square inches of cooking space, a 22.5-inch width, and a 15,000 BTU burner, this commercial-style charcoal smoker will never let you down when serving a large BBQ party.
You’ll be impressed by how excellently it retains heat in freezing weather and puts out great smoke, all thanks to the heavy-duty steel body construction and dual-door design.
Another good news is igniting won’t be a thing with this charcoal smoker as it features an Electronic pulse ignition system. The smoker itself is also ultra-durable and long-lasting from our tests.
But after all, we appreciate that its weight and dimensions aren’t much different compared to the lower-capacity models, meaning that it is relatively lightweight and easy to move around.
| Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 57 lbs. |
Dimension | 20.2 × 34.52 × 47.03 in. |
Smoking Area | 22.5” |
Capacity | 1,176 square Inch |
Highlight Features | 15,000 BTU Heavy Duty Cast Iron Burner Electronic pulse ignition system 1,176 square Inch of the total smoking area; |
Whether you’re in need of a huge-capacity charcoal grill for a big family gathering, weekly BBQ party, or business, this is it.
Best For Camping: Weber 711001
- Lightest and smallest – 23 pounds of weight & size 31.4 x 14.8 x 14.8 inches
- Handle outdoor abuse better – constructed of anti-rust peel-free Porcelain-enameled materials
- Still controllable – have adjustable dampers & a silicone temperature grommet
- A bit pricey
- Some limits on how much it can hold
The Weber 711001 might be the smallest smoker here, with 165 square inches of cooking space and two 14” wide racks, weighing around 23 pounds.
While it’s obviously not a choice for big parties or family gatherings, it is perfect for a couple camping, don’t you think?
It is compact and lightweight to hence easily transport to anywhere wanted. The body is durably constructed from anti-rust porcelain-enameled material to handle outdoor abuse with ease. And it’s powered by charcoal so even in the backcountry with no electricity, it still works fantastically.
Despite a charcoal smoker, it is full of control, featuring dampers and silicone temperature grommets.
| Weber 711001 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 23 pounds |
Dimension | 31.4 x 14.8 x 14.8 inches |
Smoking Area | 14” |
Capacity | 165 square inches |
Highlight Features | 23 pounds of weight & size 31.4 x 14.8 x 14.8 inches Anti-rust peel-free Porcelain-enameled materials Have adjustable dampers & a silicone temperature grommet |
Built to be compact, lightweight, and ultra-durable for outdoor abuse, the Weber 711001 is a great choice for camping.
Best Budget Option: Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker
- Multi-purpose - 4 hangers inside the lid, 2 pieces cooking grids, & crossbar to smoke different sizes and forms of food
- Still high-quality & full of control – a build-in thermometer, porcelain-enameled components, & heat resistant bakelite handles
- Easy to assemble/disassemble and clean – latch locking system
- Flexible – 2 access door design
- Not easy to add fluids and charcoal to the steaming bowl
Priced under $90, this Realcook Vertical 17 Inch is undoubtedly the cheapest model here. But the reason why it is sold as hotcakes is quality protection.
Despite the rock bottom price tag, it still provides the user with a 453-square-inch cooking space with great organizing, double-layer design with access doors for low maintenance and extra flexibility, and a built-in thermometer for temperature control.
Two handles are added, too. But the worth-mentioning thing is they’re made of heat-resistant bakelite material. Realcook, you are amazingly thoughtful!
| Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 22 lbs. |
Dimension | W22 x H35 x D 17 inch |
Smoking Area | 17” |
Capacity | 453 square inches |
Highlight Features | 4 hangers inside the lid 2 pieces cooking grids, & crossbar to smoke different sizes and forms of food A build-in thermometer Porcelain-enameled components & heat resistant bakelite handles Latch locking system 2 access door design |
With a tight budget, you want a cheap charcoal smoker for salmon without compromising its quality and performance. For you, the Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker is the best contender.
Pellet Smoker
Best Overall: Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett
- Multiple functional - run on 120AC or 12V so it can be used for tailgating, music festival, house-boating, or hunting
- Easy to transport - fits snugly most trunk after folded
- Smart & easy to control – feature the thermal sensor, Sense-Mate, and digital WiFi controller to give you the most optimal control
- A bit heavy
- The drip tray could have been made with higher quality
We find the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett is a bit heavier than other counterparts at the same category but luckily enough that after folded, it fits snugly most trunk.
The smoker is additionally run on 120AC or 12V so, for tailgating, music festival, house-boating, or hunting, this is possible, if not saying perfectly.
It is a smart smoker with highlighting in the thermal sensor, Sense-Mate, and digital WiFi controller to give you the most optimal control. One big bonus is the allowance for connecting both through Android and iOS mobile applications.
| Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 68 lbs. |
Dimension | 29.5 x 20 x 14.5 inches |
Smoking Area | 13.5" |
Capacity | 219 sq. inches |
Highlight Features | Run on 120AC or 12V so it can be used for tailgating Music festival House-boating, or hunting Feature the thermal sensor Sense-Mate and digital WiFi controller to give you the most optimal control |
If the weight doesn’t matter so much for your trips or adventures, then we would strongly recommend this pellet smoker for the folks who love sitting up and smoking his favorite salmon recipes.
Best For Big Families: Z Grills ZPG-7002B
- Ultra-roomy - 694-square-inch cooking space
- Extremes in multi-function - the fan-forced connection cooking
- Easy to ignite & no babysitting - the new upgrade digital control board
- Very heavy
There are some good reasons why we picked this 2019-upgraded version - the Z Grills ZPG-7002B as the best pellet smoker for big families.
First off, its 694-square-inch cooking space is super-spacious, enough to handle 20 pounds’ hopper capacity, while the total dimensions aren’t that bulky.
Combining with an automated electric feed system that allows for huge heat adjustment between 180 and 450 degrees F. One notable upgrade in this 2019 version is the new upgrade digital control board which will automatically ignite the grill, which means no more babysitting.
But here is the excellent part – the fan-forced connection cooking, which helps build up an ultimate 8-in-1 grill. Namely, it creates a versatile environment for char-grilling, barbequing, braising, searing, roasting, baking, smoking, and grilling.
| Z Grills ZPG-7002B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 112 lbs. |
Dimension | 48" x 22" x 51" |
Smoking Area | 22” |
Capacity | 694 sq in |
Highlight Features | 700 sq inch Cooking Area The fan-forced connection cooking |
Not just smoked salmon but the Z Grills ZPG-7002B also helps you make a lot more flavorful recipes at a higher quantity of food to serve. In our opinion, it’s perfect for big families who want a variety of dishes in their dining table during the weekend.
Best Budget Option: Country Smokers CSPEL015010497
- Afford versatile grilling styles & full of adjustment - dial-in digital control design & temperature adjustment between 180 and 500 degrees F
- Lightweight
- The paint on the thermostat is imperfect
This model earns our Editor’s Choice Award with the Budget Pellet Smoke category, and we think for those who are seeking a cheaper way to enjoy smoked salmon, it’s worth a strong look.
The Country Smokers CSPEL015010497 combines cooking space, affordability, and flexibility in a way few others do.
We love its dial-in digital control design with temperature adjustment between 180 and 500 degrees F to allow for versatile grilling styles – whether fast and hot or go low and slow. With a 256-square-inch cooking space, it is perfect for fish, meat, chicken, and lamb, from small to medium sizes.
| Country Smokers CSPEL015010497 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 42.60lbs |
Dimension | 24.40in x 17.50in x 13.60in |
Smoking Area | 15” |
Capacity | 256 square inches |
Highlight Features | Holds up to 3. 5 pounds of all-natural Hardwood pellets 256 square inches of crowd-pleasing cooking surface |
For tailgating fanatics, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone looking to take wood-fired flavor with them on their adventures with the lowest initial cost to spend, look no further.
How To Choose The Best Smokers For Salmon?
Size
- When considering the size of a salmon smoker, you should ask yourself three things:
- How often do you smoke fish?
- What is your budget?
- How much area do you have to place a smoke?
- The reason why the budget is mentioned here is while a big smoker would be more convenient to smoke everything wanted, the bigger the unit, the more expensive. If you aren’t ready to pay much on this equipment, it’s essential to strike a balance between these two elements.
- Our advice is if you smoke salmon regularly, increase the size.
- How much to increase?
- As the area is the smoker of 3 dimensions, you just need to increase all of them by 25% for 2x the inner capacity, which means it isn’t cramped up your space a lot. And the price won’t go up that much, either.
- Regardless, we also bet that some people not just smoke salmon at all but also other things, like meat, corn, burgers, and more. You should pay extra attention to the unit’s temperature control.
Temperature Control
- The most important thing in smoking food is the trademark smoke flavor.
- To do that, your smoke should set up a well-sealed interior to keep smoke inside without flying out of a hole in any side. And, it should apply low, consistent heat to your food for a long time as flavorful wood smoke need time to condense onto them.
- That’s why you should pay extra attention to the temperature control of your smoker. It should be automatic and reliable to efficiently do both of such things without disturbing you from your work.
- The internal temperature usually doesn’t go above 250 degrees F for fish smoking but if you intend to smoke different foods, 325 or higher is advised.
- Pellet smokers and electric smokers are two kinds of our recommendation but if you’re in a tight budget, a charcoal model is fine but remember to choose the one with a built-in thermostat.
Rack
- Yes, the rack is another vital thing to consider about a salmon smoker. Unlike the one for meat smoking, racks, in this case, should be a lot shallow.
Which Brands Make The Best Smokers For Salmon?
Masterbuilt
- Started in 1973, Masterbuilt is a famous American family-owned company specializing in making grills, smokers, and fryers, which has been built on tradition. Their products are endorsed by worldwide customers for over 45 years.
Cuisinart
- Cuisinart has brought their wonderful home appliance realm to the US market since 1971. Their strength is food processors but from time to time, the smoker lines of Cuisinart have been gradually adopted by many outdoor enthusiasts.
Dyna-Glo
- Before launching out any line into the market, every single product has been through rigorous tests to ensure its standards in functionality, quality, and durability. That is key for such nowadays Dyna-Glo good fame in this industry.
Weber
- Of course, can’t miss the OG in this market niche – Weber, founded in 1952 by George Stephen. After years’ expertise, their products are still leading the industry for unbeatable innovations, designs, and even aesthetics.
Green Mountain Grills
- Like other great brands in smoker manufacturing, Green Mountain Grills offers high-quality products only at the best price range. But the thing that actually sets them apart is services – very caring and helpful.
FAQs
What is the 10-minute rule for cooking fish?
This rule is exactly “cooking fish 10 minutes/inch as long as the fish steak is no thicker than ½ inch”, which means you need to turn it halfway during the smoking time.
Extra: When smoking the fish in a sauce or foil, add 5 minutes to the total smoking time.
How long does it take to smoke fish?
2 hours and the smoker should be heated to 200 degrees F.
Will smoking fish ruin my smoker?
Just like other food, smoking fish doesn’t ruin your smoker.
What temperature do you smoke fish fillets?
200 degrees F
Can you smoke fish and meat together?
Literally yes, you can.
But take extra care of your fish to prevent the meat smoky flavor from penetrating it.
Conclusion
Home-smoked salmon is always the dream goal of any foodie who has fallen for this fantastic dish because it is obviously more convenient to enjoy it without driving outside. And you can even share that joyful moment with friends or family at your home with the total cost is cheaper.
Your duty is researching for the best smoker for salmon that meets all of your needs but luckily enough that we also have done such legwork for you already.
It’s your turn now!
Jane Orta
