Best Budget Smokers Under $200

TL;DR: The Masterbuilt 30‑inch Electric Vertical Smoker offers a roomy 535 sq in cooking area, three removable racks and a simple analog dial for hassle‑free smoking at a sub‑$200 price.

Most casual backyard cooks find the 275 °F maximum, set via the analog temperature dial, sufficient for low‑and‑slow meals. At 1016 mm tall and 558.8 mm wide, the smoker packs a 535 sq in cooking chamber that fits three chrome‑coated racks, letting you smoke a turkey or several racks of ribs in one go.

Compared with the other four entrants, the Masterbuilt is the heaviest at 49.86 pounds, out‑weighing the Giantex model’s 39.0 pounds, but it shares the same 1016 mm height while offering a longer 508 mm length versus Giantex’s 431.8 mm. Its cooking area of 535 sq in also eclipses the Realcook’s 453 sq in space, giving you more room for larger gatherings.

Reviewers consistently praise the plug‑and‑play electric operation and the “set‑it‑and‑forget‑it” convenience of the analog dial; beginners appreciate the lack of charcoal or propane hassles. Professional reviewers highlight the vertical design for even heat circulation, while some users point out that the dial’s limited precision can be frustrating for those who like fine‑tuned temperature control. The 275 °F ceiling also draws comments from pitmasters who need higher searing temperatures, and the 49.86‑pound weight makes moving the unit a bit of a workout.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: At $89.99, the Realcook 17‑inch Steel Charcoal Smoker offers a 453 sq in cooking area, built‑in thermometer and lightweight 18.6 lb design, making it a solid entry‑level choice for portable smoking.

The smoker’s most eye‑catching spec is its 453 sq in cooking area, which is generous for a 17‑inch vertical unit, and it weighs only 18.6 lb, so you can lift it onto a campsite table without a struggle. A built‑in thermometer with a detailed temperature scale sits on the lid, letting you keep an eye on heat without an extra gauge.

Compared with the other four budget smokers, the Realcook sits in the middle of the weight range: it’s heavier than the JY Outdoor Portable Charcoal Grill’s 7.9 lb frame but far lighter than the Royal Gourmet CC1830S at 45.2 lb, the Masterbuilt electric smoker at 49.86 lb, and the Giantex Outdoor Smoker at 39.0 lb. Its cooking area is smaller than the Masterbuilt’s 535 sq in surface, yet larger than what the JY grill provides (area not listed). Like the JY and Giantex models, it includes an integrated thermometer, while the Masterbuilt relies on an analog dial.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the smoker’s portability and the versatility of its six cooking functions—smoke, grill, steam, bake, braise and roast. Users like the porcelain‑enameled water and charcoal pans for steady heat and the bakelite handles that stay cool. Reviewers highlight the adjustable air supply and two‑layer latch locking system for precise temperature control. However, several owners note that the unit arrives without a protective cover, so you’ll need to buy one if you plan to leave it outdoors, and the assembly process involves handling multiple bolts and nuts, which can be fiddly.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: At $143.75, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S offers a 30‑inch barrel grill with an offset smoker, 810–823 sq in total cooking space and solid build, making it a strong budget choice for backyard cooks.

The standout spec is its massive cooking footprint: the grill delivers roughly 810–823 sq in of total area, including a main grate of 443–627 sq in and an offset smoker zone of 198 sq in. Its 30‑inch barrel houses a firebox 16.54 in deep and 26.77–27.44 in wide, while the offset chamber measures 14.92 in by 13.23 in. You can load 4.4–6 lb of charcoal, and the removable ash catcher handles up to 20 lb of residue.

Compared with the other four budget smokers, the Royal Gourmet is heavier than the Realcook (18.6 lb) and the JY portable grill (7.9 lb) but lighter than the Masterbuilt electric smoker (49.86 lb). Its total cooking area outstrips the Masterbuilt’s 535 sq in and the Realcook’s 453 sq in, while the Giantex and JY models don’t list cooking areas at all. Unlike the Masterbuilt’s electric heating, this unit uses charcoal, giving you that classic smoky flavor.

Reviewers consistently praise the spacious surface for feeding families of four to eight, and they love the double‑split porcelain‑enameled steel grates for authentic taste. The side table with “S” hooks and two lockable wheels make tool storage and movement easier, though users note the grill lacks a carry handle, making transport beyond a patio a chore. Professional reviewers also point out the absence of digital temperature controls or a built‑in meat probe, and they describe the construction as basic compared with higher‑end steel builds.

The adjustable charcoal tray lets you create two heat zones, and the 20‑lb storage shelf is handy for utensils or side dishes. An analog temperature gauge on the lid provides real‑time monitoring without the need for batteries.

Best for: Beginner‑to‑intermediate BBQ enthusiasts, families of 4‑8, and backyard cooks who want a well‑reviewed charcoal grill with ample space.

Avoid if: You need a portable grill for travel, digital temperature controls, or a built‑in side burner.

TL;DR: At $53.99, the JY Outdoor Portable Charcoal Grill offers a lightweight 7.9‑lb, compact design with a built‑in thermometer, making it the most affordable entry‑level smoker under $200, though its modest 4.2/5 rating hints at limited durability.

This grill’s standout feature is the integrated thermometer, letting you keep an eye on heat without extra accessories. At just 7.9 lb, it’s easy to lift, and its footprint—14.5 in high, 16.5 in long and 11.8 in wide—fits comfortably on a balcony or small patio.

Compared with the other four budget smokers, the JY model is markedly lighter than the Realcook (18.6 lb), Royal Gourmet (45.2 lb), Masterbuilt (49.86 lb) and Giantex (39.0 lb) units. It also undercuts every competitor’s price point, staying well below the $200 ceiling, but it offers fewer built‑in features such as adjustable air vents or multiple doors.

A 4.2/5 star rating from 707 reviewers shows most owners are pleased with the basic functionality, yet the rating sits below the 4.3+ scores seen on many peers, suggesting a few users have concerns about durability or performance. The chrome wire‑mesh grate and wood handle give it a simple, functional look, while the green finish adds a splash of color to outdoor setups.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The Giantex GT3927-PO vertical charcoal smoker costs $179.99, measures 1016 mm tall, weighs 39.0 lb, and offers a double‑door layout with eight vents for solid airflow control.

What really sets the Giantex smoker apart is its double‑door design paired with an easy‑to‑read door thermometer. At 1016 mm high, 431.8 mm long and 482.6 mm wide, the unit fits comfortably on a patio while its 39.0 lb steel frame feels sturdy enough for regular outdoor use.

Compared with the other four budget smokers, Giantex sits in the middle of the weight range – heavier than the Realcook 17‑inch Steel Charcoal Smoker (18.6 lb) but lighter than the Masterbuilt electric vertical model (49.86 lb) and the Royal Gourmet CC1830S (45.2 lb). Its height matches the Masterbuilt’s 1016 mm, yet its length and width are shorter than both the Masterbuilt (508 mm × 558.8 mm) and Royal Gourmet (725 mm × 1313 mm), making it a more compact vertical option. While the JY Outdoor Portable Charcoal Grill is far lighter and smaller, Giantex offers a sturdier construction and more features.

User feedback highlights the solid carbon‑steel frame and the convenience of two detachable grill nettings, which many reviewers say simplify cleanup. The built‑in thermometer earns praise for letting users monitor temperature without extra gadgets. However, the 4.2‑star rating from 269 reviews indicates a few complaints, mainly about the price point relative to simpler models and the lack of a clearly stated cooking area.

Additional technical context notes that the smoker’s frame uses spray‑painted carbon steel with chromium‑plated grills and brackets, contributing to durability in outdoor conditions. Eight vents—four on each side—provide fine‑tuned airflow, while the double‑door layout helps retain heat and smoke during longer cooks.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality