Best Little Smoker Grill Picks for Your Kitchen

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Every grilling enthusiast or seasoned griller knows that a smoker grill is one of the best options when it comes to selecting an appliance that is guaranteed to help make food flavorful. This type of appliance is functional as both a smoker and a griller, and it comes in a variety of designs to make cooking easier for you. You can also get it in any size you want, but if you have limited space at home, getting a bulky one may not be a good idea. You need a little smoker grill instead!

Continue reading because we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the best mini smoker grill options on the market right now to help you out!

Types of Little Smoker Grill

Smoker grills are equipped with components such as cooking trays, temperature display and controls, and a heat source to allow them to function properly. The third is also the basis for the various types of little smoker grills available, such as the ones listed below.

Charcoal Little Smoker Grill

Charcoal smoker grills, which are traditional and manually operated, are the most popular types of smoker grills available. They are typically barrel-shaped and use charcoal as the sole fuel and heat source. With that, you’ll need to start a fire to ignite the charcoal and heat the cooking chamber. These smoker grills can also have a charcoal pit underneath the cooking trays or a separate charcoal firebox, depending on the design.

However, because the heat from the charcoal is unstable, cooking food is much slower with these types. They are also the messiest to use due to the ash that accumulates during cooking. Nevertheless, they provide the best and most authentic flavor to food.

Electric Little Smoker Grill

These smoker grills are the polar opposite of charcoal grills. They use metal heating elements instead, which make the heat more consistent and easier to control. As a result, this type of smoker grill is a better option for cooking food evenly. They are also mess-free and require little maintenance, making them ideal for grilling and smoking beginners.

Nonetheless, because of the heat source, these types only add flavor to the food with the help of additional wood chips (that you can buy separately). They are also least suitable for long camping trips unless you have a portable electricity source or generator to connect them to.

Pellet Little Smoker Grill

Pellet smoker grills are a subcategory of electric smoker grills. They, too, run on electricity, but this time with the help of hardwood pellets (compressed sawdust left over from the wood industry) as fuel.

These pellets are controlled by an electronic controller and burn in a lower compartment or a separate firebox, producing heat and smoke that circulates the cooking chambers or grates. Additionally, the pellets disintegrate to nothing, resulting in relatively spotless cooking. These smoker grills are typically costly, but they can also be cost-effective in the long run.

Gas Little Smoker Grill

Generally considered as easy to use, these smoker grills use liquified propane gas to ignite the wood chips. The latter, like electric and pellet smoker grills, are the only ones that add flavor to the food. Using this type is also more expensive, but it ensures that your favorite meat and vegetables are cooked evenly and quickly.

12 Best Little Smoker Grills to Buy

Ready to cook food in style? Here are the 12 space-saving and innovative little smoker grills you can choose from.

1. Camerons Original Stovetop Smoker

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

If you’re a fan of grilling and smoking but live in an apartment with limited outdoor space, don’t worry because you can still enjoy doing them indoors with this stovetop smoker from Camerons. Made from high-grade stainless steel, this pan is usable for smoking, steaming, and roasting small slices of meats and veggies, minus too much smoke. Simply place the wood chips on the pan’s bottom tray, add the food you’re cooking, cover the pan, and place it on your stove. Make sure you set it to medium heat and wait for the food to cook. It is also portable so it’s perfect for camping trips!

2. Asmoke AS300 Portable Pellet Electric Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Fuss-free smoking and grilling will also be possible with this little pellet smoker grill from Asmoke. It has a small footprint with its compact, briefcase-like look that is spacious enough for regular meal preparation. You can even set or place it on a table for easy access. Having pure applewood pellets as fuels, this product requires only electricity to work and make food more flavorful!

3. Outsunny 20-Inch Mini Charcoal Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Fond of charcoal grilling? This Outsunny Mini Charcoal Smoker Grill is perfect for you. It is spacious and has a stylish look with its durable steel construction. In addition to that, this item can be operated even with the lid down. This is possible with the air vent and with the help of the thermometer at the top lid. With that, you can use smoke your favorite brisket and tenderloin the way you want it and even overnight with the help of a smartphone-linked Bluetooth meat thermometer. Its multiple handles are also a convenient feature if you want to transport and use it for road trips and picnics.

Read more: How To Build A Smoker Out Of Brick

4. Traeger Grills Tailgater 20-Inch Portable Wood Pellet Electric Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

The Traeger Grills is just one of the popular brands that you will come across when it comes to grilling tools and accessories. Their products are well-made and reliable, and this 20-inch smoker grill is an example. For instance, it is easy to use with its wood pellet and electric design that makes it ideal for braising, baking, roasting, and barbeque as well. It has the same horizontal barrel construction and appearance as the previous product, but it has a separate hopper burner or firepot. Its foldable legs and wheels make it extra portable and efficient to use too.

5. Camp Chef 20-Inch Pursuit Portable Pellet Electric Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Another pitmaster tool to make grilling more enjoyable without breaking the bank is this pellet smoker grill from Camp Chef. True to its name, this product is not just for home use but also during camping and boating with its compact design. It has a locking chamber, a hopper lid, and folding legs for breezy transport to your car or RV. There are also smoke vents in the back so you can adjust the heat when cooking (with the lid down). Even better, this smoker grill comes with two meat probes to further ensure that your meat masterpiece is roasted to perfection!

6. Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Are you finally giving grilling a try? You’ll be off to a good start with this vertical smoker grill from Cuisinart. It is spacious with its 402-square-inch cooking chamber where you can place patties, steaks, and sausages. There is also a porcelain steel water bowl that you can use to prevent the meat from drying out and preserve its juiciness. Make use of handy cooking tools such as a defrosting tray and a maple cutting board as well so you can grill like a pro in no time.

7. Weber 18-Inch Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of B.*What does this rating mean?

No matter what you want to cook, this mini smoker grill from Weber will not disappoint. Made by one of the prominent brands when it comes to grilling tools, this smoker grill is equipped with two pieces of 18-and-a-half-inch-wide cooking grates. As such, it can hold a whole turkey and an entire ham at once. You can also use it to grill tasty zucchinis and eggplants. There are also individual vents on its bowl and lid for quick heat adjustment. Add in the water pan, thermometer, and durable nylon handle, this product is ideal for overnight smoking and when preparing food for small outdoor gatherings!

Read also: 9 Amazing Smoker Thermostat For 2024

8. Kamado Joe Junior 13.5-Inch Portable Charcoal Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of C.*What does this rating mean?

Stainless steel smoker grills are undeniably durable, but ceramic ones are also a viable choice if you want something that will last a long time. Consider the Kamado Joe Junior Charcoal Smoker Grill. Its thick ceramic walls retain heat and moisture well, ensuring that food cooks evenly. Moreover, it has a durable cooking grate, a built-in temperature gauge, and a cooking vent so you can adjust the heat and monitor the cooking process with ease. Transporting it is also a piece of cake with its convenient side handles and cast-iron stand. Its vibrant red color can also liven up your outdoor kitchen or your covered patio!

9. Realcook Vertical 17-Inch Charcoal Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of B.*What does this rating mean?

Who says that you need a large smoker grill to enjoy scrumptious meat recipes at home? This little smoker grill from Realcook has what it takes. It has two removable and stackable cooking racks, allowing you to use them as you see fit.

For instance, you can use these sections solely for smoking, as well as a barbeque grill and a fire pit for your evening backyard gatherings. There are also hanging hooks and a crossbar inside the lid if you want to hang food. What’s more,  the heat inside this mini smoker grill is adjustable thanks to its air vents. Its water pan is also helpful to maintain the meat’s sauciness.

10. EasyGoProducts Big Bad Barrel Pit Drum Smoker Charcoal Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of B.*What does this rating mean?

The barrel pit drum is yet another amazing smoker-and-grill-combo option for both beginners and seasoned griller-smokers alike. Not only does it have amazing features such as a two-part cooking rack, an individual charcoal pit, and six steel hooks, but it comes with three utensils as well! For that reason, it is economical and makes cooking your comfort food an easy-peasy task. You can use it for searing meat and veggies as well as a pizza oven. Of course, this portable pit drum is also multifunctional and is usable as a table or a fire pit to keep you warm outdoors during the cold season!

11. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of B.*What does this rating mean?

If manual smoker grills are not your cup of tea, electric ones, like this one from Royal Gourmet are your best bet. Though not as big as regular electric smoker grills, it is spacious with its three smoking racks. It also retains heat well with its double-wall construction and door latch system. Furthermore, it is easy to clean thanks to its independent grease cup. Just lay the wood chips of your choice in the bottom near the burner, plug the smoker in the nearby electric outlet, and you’re all set!

Read more: How To Clean Smoker Glass

12. Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker Grill

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Not all little smoker grill comes with a convenient clear glass door, but this deluxe digital machine from Char-Broil does! Such a refrigerator-like feature makes it easier for you to monitor and see if the food is charred to perfection as you like it! In addition to that, this tool has ample storage with its four adjustable shelves and works like a charm with its digital interface, food thermometer probe, and remote control!

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Little Smoker Grill

All fired up and ready to buy a little smoker grill featured from our list above? Keep calm and look over these essential features first to determine if it’s a good fit for a pitmaster like you!

Yard Space

Even though we’re talking about a small and compact smoker grill here, it’s still important to consider how much yard space you’ll need for your smoker grill. Remember that the majority of smoker grills are not suitable for indoor use, so you must determine how far they must be installed from other furniture in your outdoor kitchen (that can be a fire hazard).

Ideally, you would want to keep a smoker grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any structures, like a deck railing, furniture, or fence. Allotting this distance also helps ensure that the area surrounding the smoker grill is not crowded.

Cooking Capacity

A little smoker grill may not be as spacious as a large one, but it still has enough cooking chambers for regular grilling and smoking. Some models, particularly those with a vertical construction, maximize the limited space in your home with multiple stackable grates and cooking trays. With such a feature, they provide a lot of space while also being versatile for any type of meat. Items from EasyGoProduct, Realcook, and Weber are good examples of this; all of which can accommodate small tomatoes and a whole chicken at the same time!

Durability of Materials

Steel and ceramic are the two common materials being used in the construction of smoker grills, and for the right reasons. Steel is strong and resistant to water and heat, making it durable despite regular exposure to fire, smoke, and even rain or snow. These smoker grills are also typically built with thick walls and parts to ensure stability in the face of strong winds.

Ceramic smoke grills, on the other hand, have thicker walls than steel smoke grills. As a result, they retain more heat and moisture. Such construction may be a disadvantage though because it increases weight and makes ceramic ones less portable during picnics and camping trips. Ceramic smoker grills are also more fragile than steel ones so they need more careful handling and maintenance.

Ease of Usage and Accessories

Ease of use is also an important factor that you’ll need to factor in. After all, what’s the use of saving space in your home if the equipment prolongs and complicates cooking?

All our featured little smoker grills are easy to use, but those with user-friendly features like an accurate thermometer, heat-resistant handles, air vents, and folding legs are always better than those without. A smoke grill that has a grease management system is also more convenient.

The same goes for items that offer lots of helpful accessories. From extra trays, hooks, and utensils, to wood chips and meat probes, accessories make the smoker grill more valuable and more time-saving!

Summing It Up

Now that you are aware of the various types and the factors to consider, selecting the best space-saving little smoker grill will be a breeze for you. Our featured products also have a strong design, a sleek appearance, and useful accessories for all your grilling and smoking needs. So, what are you waiting for? Be the pit boss that you are and choose an equally fantastic little smoker grill for your home today!

Want to keep your outdoor kitchen the talk of the town? Head over to this list of brilliant and sensational storage ideas as well!