Top 13 Best Commercial Smokers To Order In 2023

Smokers or homemade pits are the preferred way to cook authentic barbecue, so any barbecue restaurant worth its salt must own a commercial smoker. Commercial kitchens also require smokers as essential kitchen tools. In addition to adding depth of flavour to local ingredients, smoking vegetables, meat, and other products can also add an artisanal touch.

When choosing a smoker for your restaurant, you should carefully consider the functionality, flavour, and texture of the food you will smoke. A commercial smoker is essential to running a barbecue restaurant since it directly impacts the kitchen’s day-to-day operations. Smoking meat will also have a significant impact on its texture.

The majority of commercial smokers are used in restaurants. Compared to regular smokers, these are large and powerful. There are many factors to consider when looking to buy the best commercial smokers for restaurants because smokers directly impact the flavour and texture of your food. Nevertheless, we have selected some of the best commercial smokers after extensive research. Read our full reviews of the best commercial smokers in 2023 after reviewing the overview.

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1. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker

Now let’s look at a product that runs on electricity. Compared with other commercial BBQ smokers, this one isn’t the biggest. Six whole chickens or four racks of baby back ribs are needed to make this dish. This model does not require a fire source because it is plugged into a standard electrical outlet.

When the digital temperature control panel lights up, you can choose the appropriate temperature. It also has a timer option so you won’t overcook your food. We’ve also added a small panel in the back if you want it a little smokier. Just open it and fill it up with wood chips!

The wood chips can be soaked in water for a half-hour and then filled up, allowing the tantalizing aroma to permeate your meat. You do not have to; that is optional. There is no reason to add wood chips. Anyone who prefers a smoky flavour can omit them.

Beginners may find this to be an ideal commercial smoker. Fuel is not needed, and it is super easy to operate. It is extremely handy to control everything from that digital panel without opening the door. Yes, it makes smoking meat a breeze! The only problem is that it takes away some of the fun.

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2. Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

To start, let’s check out this commercial vertical smoker. There is more than enough kitchen space to feed the whole neighbourhood with 1890 square inches. Also included are six different grates for smoking multiple types of meat in layers.

The charcoal one is designed for this. A fuel chamber offset keeps the briquettes tightly together. It ensures that charcoal will smoulder for the maximum period, providing total efficiency when burning. Charcoal can get messy very quickly! The smoker does not have this problem.

It is thanks to the fuel management system that this is possible. The ash pan can be easily removed to dispose of waste. Just slide it out of the way to discard leftover embers. There is a good reason our fuel chamber is offset. By placing it to the side rather than directly below the food, heat will be distributed more evenly.

This will ensure uniform smoke distribution throughout the chamber. There’s a need for self-assembly. Putting it together is not easy. It is possible to accomplish this task by purchasing a silicone sealant and a mallet.

It is also possible that the screws will come loose over time. Keep a close eye on them. There are many things to like here. It’s a good smoker with lots of storage capacity. It’s also very reasonably priced!

3. Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker

This Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker resembles a mixture of a barrel grill and a barbecue grill. Three sizes are available, with the 18-inch model being the middle size. It’s relatively small in size, but it’s effective, according to reviews. Rather than stainless steel grates and an exterior made of porcelain-enamelled steel, the smoke has nickel-plated grates.

The charcoal-burning stove is equipped with a back vent to adjust the heat output. I’ve been cooking on three of these every day for three years now in my barbecue business,” wrote a customer. While they don’t look pretty, they stand up to licking and keep on ticking! My WSM has come in first in several competitions, while others used expensive rigs costing $7,000!

4. Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

This is our last pellet-style offering. And it’s not just any old smoker. This one also does multiple other things. Smokin’, bastein’, roasting; this baby can do it all! The chef can choose between six different methods, giving them incredible versatility.

The grill can be used to cook a steak as well! And it’s easy to do. Several quick adjustments allow the temperature to reach 1000 °F, which gives your meat the perfect sear. It’s great to hear that! However, we need someone who is a good smoker. It certainly can. You have unparalleled control over the temperature.

With its accuracy of only a few degrees and even heat distribution, it’s an excellent device. Its digital display makes it extremely easy to use. Simply press a couple of buttons, and it starts cooking at the right temperature. We now have an LED heat gauge instead of an old-fashioned dial for total accuracy.

The pellet hopper on the side makes it exceptionally efficient. Twenty pounds of pellets bring you 20 hours of cooking! Due to the automatic nature of the process, there is no need to watch over it like an over-protective parent. The best part is that it’s simple to clean as well.

A drip and splash collector is provided for any spills. Also, pellet debris can be removed easily in a few simple steps. The price isn’t low. High quality almost always comes with a price. There might be a price tag here, but you may get what you pay for.

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5. PIT BOSS Vertical Lp Gas Smoker

A lightweight gas smoker from Pit Boss weighs only 52 pounds, making it the perfect choice for constantly moving businesses that still need a reliable smoker. Reviewers reported setup is quick and easy, and assembling the unit isn’t tricky despite missing instructions. Using the best gas commercial smoker outdoors for long periods or at events is perfect because of its ability to maintain a consistent temperature and retain heat well.

Shoppers noted that it takes a bit longer to smoke food, even in cold weather. My preference has always been charcoal, but I have found that the smoker can be left on low for a very long time without supervision. The temperature hovers just below 200 degrees. Wood chips are easily accessible – a door on the smoker allows you to add chips without opening them.

6. Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker

It’s tough to beat the convenience of the Char-Broil digital smoker, which is small and easy to maneuver due to its built-in wheels.

Featuring an internal thermometer, it has a smoking time of approximately seven hours and does not require reassessing wood chip levels. As long as the smoker is on, meat and other smoked foods can stay warm after they’ve been cooked.

This same smoker has been working so well for me since 2016, so I just purchased a second one for double the smoking capability, wrote a customer. There is no better smoker on the market, based on my research. I’m starting a new business, and this is the best smoker I have found.

7. PK Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Charcoal grills or charcoal smokers created by PK Grills offer a new perspective on the grilling experience. In addition to being able to cook both hot and fast, the Pk360 has a unique capsule, which allows for slow and low BBQ cooking. Excellent smoking flavour can be achieved through a four-point ventilation system. The aluminium construction of the kamados makes them more durable than porcelain kamados, and they do not rust like steel.

Temperature control is provided by thick-cast aluminium and four venting points on the PK360 BBQ commercial meat smoker. The fact that it is portable makes it easy to carry. You can easily clean up the kitchen after cooking. From the rear stabilizer hooks, ashes can be swept out through the ash hole.

8. Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill

The perfect pellet grill smoker for cooking, roasting and baking your favourite foods for your friends, neighbours, and loved ones is here if you are tired of making bad BBQ. This smoker lets you say goodbye to commonplace grilling and let you be the grill master you were meant to be. Featuring an excellent digital temperature control, it simplifies your life. It’s that simple – just set the temperature, turn it on, and let it do the work of roasting, smoking, or baking your favourites as you play.

This pellet grill will produce outstanding results, no matter what you’re baking, smoking, grilling, braising, searing, or barbecuing. While its price is a bit high at $899, it is much cheaper than its competition. The product we are recommending is excellent.

9. Bradley Digital Electric Outdoor BBQ Smoker

There are a variety of sizes and configurations of commercial smokers. It’s horizontal for grills and upright for commercial smokers, such as this Bradley electric smoker. Customers report that it still gives off a lot of delicious smoke flavour despite using electric heat.

This updated model has been proven to burn wood consistently, and a customer mentioned that critical issues with older versions had been addressed. One of my customers said she owns multiple of these and loves using them.

The results have always been good, and they have been pretty durable. Several others also mentioned that they maintained their Bradley smokers without problems for years, choosing to replace them once they stopped working.

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10. Landmann Smoky Mountain Vertical Gas Smoker

Heat-saving benefits are provided by the Landmann Smoker, which features easy-access drawers for woodchip and water pan access. Stainless steel cooking grates with adjustable chrome plating & meat hanger. In addition to smoking beef, turkey, chicken, venison, fish, and other foods, this smoker’s distinctive features help maintain a stable temperature.

It is highly recommended that you use the Landmann Smoker if you are looking for a beautiful grill to help create delicious meals. Food is cooked or smoked with improved flavour when the wood burns cleaner and hotter. The burner is cast brass and has a rotary igniter. It is long-lasting.

11. Traeger Tailgater Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

It is undeniable that Traeger grills make some of the best commercial grills out there, and the TFB30LZB is no exception. There is nothing beautiful about Traeger, but it has a lot of solidities. Having a bronze finish on the lid makes it look attractive.

Additionally, it is portable and compact, making it easy to transport. Using it, you can produce six different flavours in one. The unit also has a digital arc controller for constant temperature control.

Using this Traeger pellet grill, you can keep your food warm and fresh until chow time. With foldable legs, you can easily transport and store the chair. You can control the interior temperature without lifting the lid using the built-in meat probe. Porcelain-coated grills prevent food from sticking.

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12. KBQ BBQ Smoker Pit

Smokers like this particular KBQ smoker are among the most popular backyard smokers. Among the most innovative barbecue smokers ever made, it yields excellent meat or food quality and has been called one of the most innovative barbecue smokers ever created. In this smoker, a WOOD FIRE replaces all other types of heating such as gas, pellet, charcoal, and electric. An automatic temperature control box and inverted flame ensure perfect thin blue smoke, and the appliance produces perfect thin blue smoke automatically.

If you are seeking a real stick-burner smoker that won’t give you stress, headaches, or heartache, the KBQ smoker would be the best choice. If you want a grilling experience with versatility and fantastic results, the KBQ smoker is the one for you! The smoky flavour of this product makes it the perfect choice for cooking, baking, and roasting ribs, biscuits, pizzas, veggies, hot dogs, hamburgers, or steaks.

13. ALEKO Vertical Offset BBQ Glass Door Gas Smoker

A glass-door BBQ smoker from Aleka lets you smoke your favourite food, including vegetables, meats, fish, and more. Due to its vertical design, the smoke rises to heat and has a greater variety. Large glass doors allow you to see the food cooking inside, and four cooking racks allow you to cook for a maximum amount of time.

The water pan in its base prevents food from drying. There is stability offered by wide angles legs. In addition to its many features, this commercial meat smoker is also very efficient. The side vent provides heat, and the temperature gauge ensures the room is warm enough. Several accessories are included with this smoker, including a thermometer and a user manual.

Buying Guide: Best Commercial Smokers

Selecting the right smoker is a challenging process. There are many options available, each with negatives and positives to consider. Let’s start by determining the type of smoker. Choosing the right product at the right price can be challenging; vertical, offset, and electric models exist.

Size & Dimensions:

Small restaurants may only be able to accommodate one 20-inch commercial smoker. At the same time, more prominent cooking outlets and kitchens can install a 7-foot-wide smoker that can smoke a large quantity of meat faster.

It is also essential to consider the type when making a decision. By combining two vertical and compact smokers with racks arranged in layers, you can increase the number of square inches you can smoke.

The offset firebox in a 100% woodburning pellet smoker requires additional space.  When choosing a product, look for one with four locking wheels, regardless of the price. As a result, placing it in the right location for grilling becomes easier.

No. of Racks:

The Bradley and Masterbuilt have more racks for loading meat than vertical smokers. Limited kitchen space makes these products perfect for restaurants. When you smoke ribs with four or more spacer bars, heated air passes through evenly, and more ribs can be smoked at once.

By cooking the meat at the same temperature throughout, the best smokers allow you to cook more racks and achieve a consistent flavour. 

Temperature Control:

A commercial smoker grill can attain the necessary heat and temperature settings by utilizing one to three pounds of pellets at 250 degrees Fahrenheit hourly.

The top-quality digital control system makes it simple to create and regulate low-temperature heat for cooking food. Several different brands of quality commercial smokers, such as Bradley and Masterbuilt, have different capabilities regarding the accuracy of their temperature controls.

Fuel Type:

Electricity, charcoal, gas, and wood can all be used as fuels for smokers. An electric smoker requires access to a power source near it to operate. Gas or electric smokers do not produce the same charred, smoky flavour as charcoal or wood. 

Some people believe electric, charcoal, or gas smokers are easier to use, but some digital smokers can cook meat at optimal temperatures and control their cooking time. New products have been designed to have top-notch accuracy. Many people search for a gas smoker grill. Gas grills are popular because they are more accessible and cheaper than charcoal grills.

Cooking Area:

Various products are available, from small smoker pits to large BBQ commercial smokers. In large establishments, bigger grills and smokers may be necessary to increase their hourly production. The Bradley or the smoker pit are excellent vertical smokers if you have limited space.

The capacity can be increased by placing two or more units together. Water pans are also one of the best features to look for when buying a product. Bradley smokers come with water pans that keep the meat moist.

Durability:

Commercial smokers should have top-quality steel inside and out for durability and to prevent leaks over time. Forklifts can move commercial-grade models without warping or bending their tubular steel perimeters.

Seams around the body must be securely sealed to prevent water from leaking. Your smoker’s insulation material should be high quality to prevent heat loss. You can find great charcoal grills from Bradley and Masterbuilt, including great models from those companies. 

Warranty:

Our buying guide concludes with the warranty. The warranty period for most products is typically one year or two years. If your smoker breaks down while using it, you will benefit from a more extended warranty period.

If your smoker malfunctions during the warranty period, the manufacturer may also send a technician to fix it or refund you if you’re dissatisfied. Whether you buy from Amazon or in-store, check the warranty.

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Frequently Asked Questions