8 Best Commercial Smokers for High-Quality BBQs [Buyer’s Guide]

A commercial smoker, which can be found in restaurants and other commercial establishments, has specific features that make it different from the home-style smoker. But, do you know what are the best commercial smokers available on the market? Don’t worry, we have come up with an extensive list that will help you make a perfect choice. 

Besides restaurants, you can use these smokers at home to get steakhouse-quality cookouts.

When shopping for a commercial smoker, there are many options available to you and it can get confusing trying to figure out which one is best for your needs. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about commercial smokers: the best options available, how they work, what types exist, and their benefits and disadvantages compared with other types of grills and ovens.

Best Commercial Smokers for 2025

Image	Product	Feature	Price
Top Pick	Masterbuilt MB20041220	Perfect smoky flavor, Quicker heat buildup	Check Price
Runner Up	Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker	Perfect for extreme weather conditions, Excellent pressure seal door works great.	Check Price
	Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Pellet Smoker	User-friendly design, Equipped with a steel side shelf	Check Price
	Bradley Smoker	Foolproof packaging, Assembly takes less than 15 minutes.	Check Price
	Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24	Value for money, Sturdy built, Large water pan	Check Price
	Masterbuilt MB20051316	Quicker heat and smoke buildup, Allows for a variety of modifications	Check Price
	Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D	Removable racks, Heat retention for an extended time	Check Price
Budget Pick	Masterbuilt MB20071117	Perfect for beginners, self-explanatory digital controls	Check Price

Let’s get started with reviews first!

1. Masterbuilt MB20041220 Gravity Series 1050 – Top Pick

Summary of Features

Here is a brief overview of what to expect in this top-notch commercial smoker. 

What Professionals Say About This Product

Based on this machine’s overall efficiency and top-notch functionality, experts have termed it a “Game Changer” when it comes to backyard grilling. This machine does not seem to disappoint regardless of what you throw at it. Everything from brisket to burgers and lobster to banana bread cooks exceptionally well on this commercial smoker from Master Built.

The availability of multiple racks in the grill provides sufficient cooking space for professionals on the one hand. However, it may be a messy thing to deal with for beginners as the space between two grills makes it difficult to move things around like a pro. 

What Customers Say About This Product

Regardless of the ease of operating the pellet smoker, I wasn’t able to enjoy the great smoky taste I always wished for on my previous pellet smoker that I’ve used for 4 years. 

However, MB20041220, with all its excellence, is providing the “flavor” I’ve always wished for, thanks to its charcoal cooking mechanism.

This smoker is quick at reaching maximum temperature, and it keeps the temperature well in the range. I’ve used the low and slow technique (225 degrees) for searing ribeyes and the high and slow technique (700 degrees). And, the results have been phenomenal. Furthermore, the variable fan speed is the cherry on top when it comes to temperature control. 

To Whom It Is Best

In our opinion, Masterbuilt MB20041220 makes the perfect choice for experienced grillers and restaurant chefs alike. Everything from a total cooking space of 1050 square inches to excellent temperature management and quicker heat buildup makes this machine stand out from the crowd.

Check out a detailed review here!

We have reviewed: The 5 Best Masterbuilt Electric Smokers of 2023

2. Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker – Runner Up

The next on our list is the top-notch commercial smoker from Smokin-It. 

Summary of Features

What Professionals Say About This Product

It works right out of the box after some trivial seasoning. Everything from brats to Thanksgiving turkeys smokes well on this machine. Just set the temperature to 160 degrees, and let the smoker do its job. There are some holes designed to take away the grease from the pan. However, you won’t see lots of grease buildup with this giant smoker.

The temperature on this Smokin-It model 2 remains pretty stable. Furthermore, pressure-sealed doors are an upgrade over questionable gaskets that deteriorate over time. If you want the best of both worlds, get some rechargeable batteries and reliable thermometers to get the taste and consistency you want from a top-notch BBQ machine. 

What Customers Say About This Product

A low and slow, long cook is a breeze with the consistent heating element! Just think about the incredible aroma! Both the drip tray and grills can be cleaned in the dishwasher. You can cook meat and vegetables with this device, and you can clean it up easily. You can remove all parts, and there are no gimmicky windows.

The build quality is great compared to the price tag. However, I’ve got you a tip that saves lots of effort. Instead of setting up the temperature to the maximum desired limit, try to increase the temperature gradually. 

For instance, if you want to smoke a turkey at 230 degrees, try setting up the temperature at 160 degrees and increase it gradually to reach the desired level. As a result, the consistency and taste both improve.

To Whom It Is Best

Based on its efficiency and how it facilitates users during the smoking process, it makes the best choice for home chefs looking for a commercial-quality smoker. It offers lots of conveniences, and the build quality is great, too, which means this machine is going to last for years.

Here is a quick review of the Smokin-It model 2 version. Check it out to see how it works in general.

Read Also: Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill: Which is Better?

3. Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Pellet Smoker

Summary of Features

Here is a quick overview of the features to expect on this machine.

What Professionals Say About This Product

If you are someone who does not consider spending over $500 a huge investment, then this product from the Best Traeger Grills is perfect for you. With lots of technological advancements such as Wifire technology, TRU convection system, High-end D2 drivetrain, and top-notch Build, the 575 Pro has a lot to offer.

The device is easy to set up, and it only takes you roughly an hour to complete the assembly without taking any help from a professional. Additionally, 575 grilling spaces make this smoker grill handle the needs of 5 to 6 people easily. A large 18 lb hopper is also a plus.

However, if you are pretty much into considering a high value for the price, there are other better products you can consider. 

What Customers Say About This Product

Compared to a previously owned Pit Boss grill, Traeger is pretty impressive in terms of build and reliability. The design is user-friendly, allowing you to control everything from the temperature to the ignition easily!

Just set the temperature initially, and let this beast do its job. The temperature management is pretty reliable, and it informs you if the temperature exceeds the set limit. 

However, you may have issues connecting it to the Wi-Fi initially. After the app installation, try restarting your device and then connecting it to the grill.

To Whom It Is Best

Traeger 575 makes the perfect choice for people with medium grilling needs. The availability of 575 sq inches of cooking space coupled with lots of high-end features makes it a top-notch choice for a family of 5- 6 members. 

Here is a detailed review of Trager 575 Pro; you shouldn’t miss out if you are interested in buying this pellet smoker grill. 

Read Also: How long to smoke ribs at 250? (A Complete Guide)

4. Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 990216 4-Rack Smoker  

Summary of Features

Here is a brief overview of what to expect in this trendy commercial smoker from Bradley.

What Professionals Say About This Product

This 4-rack smoker makes the perfect choice for people who struggle with their machines in terms of convenience and ease of use. The flavor is good, and you get the approximate smoky flavor without involving charcoal hassles. Plus, its customer care service of Bradley is something appreciable! 

However, I don’t see any significance in installing a small LCD readout. You have to bend completely to notice the temperature. It could be improved somehow to facilitate the end-user. With that said, temperature control is great, and there is always a benefit of low fire risk when you are buying a quality electric smoker.

What Customers Say About This Product

Unlike many others on the market, this 4-rack smoker from Bradley uses “bisquettes,’ which is pretty healthier compared to traditional wood chips. The smaller amount of creosote content is what makes this setup different from others.

I’ve tried everything from jerk chicken to briskets and beef butt to cold-smoked salmon, and everything comes out perfectly cooked. Moreover, the installation is pretty easy, and it only takes 15 minutes to complete the setup without involving any trouble. 

Pro Tip: Buy yourself some spacers and save plenty of bisquettes at the end of each cooking session.

To Whom It Is Best

In our opinion, this 4-rack model from Bradley is the perfect consideration for people looking for a risk-free, healthier, and convenient smoking experience. The assembly is easy, a temperature control mechanism is a huge plus, and the conveyor belt system ensures maximum utilization of the power source. 

Here is a complete setup and unbox tutorial to check if you are looking to buy this one!

5. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24

Summary of Features

Here is a brief description of what features to expect in this 24’ smoke vault from the Best Camp Chef Smokers:

What Professionals Say About This Product

Commercial smokers like Vault 24 make the perfect choice for residential use. Plus, the build quality on this model is way better than many of its counterparts within the same line. 

Additionally, the wood tray offers exceptional durability, making this device meet users’ expectations in terms of longer life. 

Setting up this smoke vault from Camp Chef requires approximately an hour, and it comes with a cover for enhanced protection when idle. Based on its design and overall features, I think it is a quality smoker that you can use to smoke beef, poultry, and fish. However, what I liked the most about this smoker was a jerky rack for smoking steakhouse-quality meat. 

What Customers Say About This Product

The Camp Chef has really put effort into packaging and ensuring defect-free delivery this time around. Based on the device’s efficiency, you can smoke anything from Costco boneless butts to jerks and Bacon to poultry on this machine. 

Given the price tag and availability of top-notch features, this Vault 24 offers greater value compared to other machines in a similar price range.

However, you may notice a trivial escape of smoke via the main door that may cause continuous trouble. Nonetheless, you can easily fix the issue by purchasing a Nomex gasket kit and getting the job done. 

To Whom It Is Best

Camp Chef Vault 24 makes the perfect choice for people looking for high value for money. Regardless of the lower price tag, you get to enjoy premium features such as damper valves, reliable build, sufficient cooking area, and a larger water pan that can easily sustain up to 4 hours without refilling.

Here is a detailed review of Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 that you should not miss if you are interested in many hassles buying one!

6. Masterbuilt MB20051316 Propane Smoker

Summary of Features

This is the second one from Masterbuilt on our list. Here is a detailed overview of what to expect in this commercial smoker.

What Professionals Say About This Product

One thing that sets it apart from the rest of Masterbuilt grills is easy mobility. This thing is pretty mobile, thanks to its wheels, smaller size, and ergonomic wheels. The construction is pretty cool, which can help this smoker stay longer than what the price tag says.

There are lots of stainless steel parts, including the flame defector, alignment portion, and plates. Moreover, the availability of a damper at the back allows you to adjust the smoke level conveniently as per your desired range.

What Customers Say About This Product

“I bought it as a replacement for my previous cabinet smoker, and the experience has been phenomenal. 

However, you need to place the flame minder fully into the burner, as indicated in the instruction manual. Get yourself a wrench and tighten it fully to ensure smooth functioning.

“I had no previous experience of assembling any commercial smoker. However, the instruction manual made it easy for me to complete the setup process without involving many hassles. Although it took some time, I faced no difficulty during the entire process.”

To Whom It Is Best

This Masterbuilt propane smoker makes the perfect choice for people looking for a highly portable commercial smoker. The portable and lightweight design allows you to have your next BBQ wherever and whenever you like.

Here is an excellent review of this smoker that you should not miss!

7. Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Vertical Offset Smoker

Summary of Features

Here is a precise description of features to notice in this vertical smoker:

What Professionals Say About This Product

This Dyna-Glo smoker makes the perfect choice for people looking for a mix of versatility, quality, and reliable performance. The availability of wide-side dampers is what contributes to the even distribution of heat and smoke and better airflow throughout this smoking machine. 

The temperature gauge included in the package is pretty reliable. I just compared it with another one from the market, and the results are precisely the same. 

However, it requires continuous management of heat leakage through the main door. However, don’t worry; there are many fixes that you can try to get rid of this problem. 

It’s best to use a charcoal pack of high quality for this machine. I have personally experienced the differences in taste and convenience. 

What Customers Say About This Product

“I’ve been barbecuing for more than 10 years now, and have smoked tons of sausages and meat during the journey. This small beast is really impressive when it comes to putting out great-quality smoke. While the weather outside is freezing, it maintained a constant temperature inside.”

“Firstly, I tried high-heat silicone to fix the leakage issues. I used it for the main door, chimney, and handles to fix all the grooves, and it really worked for me. During the assembly, the screws attached to the damper valves were lost because they came loose. Be careful with yours.”

To Whom It Is Best

In our opinion, this offset smoker from Dyna-Glo makes the perfect choice for people who are looking for extensive smoking space. Coupled with the offset design and reliable build, 1890 sq inches of total smoking space is undoubtedly a defining feature of this machine. 

Here is a detailed review of the offset smoker from Dyna-Glo that you should not miss out on!

8. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker

Summary of Features

The last commercial smoker on our list is also from Masterbuilt. Here is a brief overview of what features to expect on this machine. 

What Professionals Say About This Product

There are lots of smoker types suited to a wide variety of consumer bases. Electric smokers, propane smokers, pellet smokers, charcoal smokers, and so on. However, an electric smoker like this one makes the perfect choice for people looking to buy their first smoking machine. 

There are several reasons why this smoker stands out from the rest if it’s your first smoker choice. Obtaining high-quality smoked meat results is incredibly easy, and you don’t have to play with lots of parts and pieces to get the desired results. And, above all, these machines are relatively inexpensive. 

So, it makes sense to buy something that is cheaper and offers high-end cookouts.

However, you may need to introduce some adjustments, like making some holes in the chip tray, flipping the bracket positioned over the heating element, and bringing it below to enhance convenience. Overall, it’s a great machine for beginners. 

What Customers Say About This Product

Like a professional commercial smoker I used earlier, this machine heats up quickly and maintains excellent heat. You can try anything from baby racks to chicken and briskets to turkey and beef ribs. This smoker has impressed me with the quality of cookouts it delivers.

However, you may not be able to cook a mighty rack of ribs on this device. You might want to cut them into two pieces to get the job done. 

To Whom It Is Best

Based on the design and convenience, we would suggest this machine to any newbie who is looking to buy something inexpensive before moving on to high-end devices. Yet, it has impressive capabilities that meet customers’ expectations in every way. 

Here is a detailed review of this commercial smoker you can check out:

Read Also: Traeger vs. Green Egg: Who makes the best grills?

A commercial smoker works by using an electric heating element or charcoal/wood burning to heat up air that is then circulated throughout the cooking chamber with either natural convection or forced fans. 

The heat causes proteins in the meat to break down and form a smoke that penetrates the meat, adding flavor. An automatic thermostat typically controls the temperature, which means you can set it and forget it while your smoker does all the work.

Commercial smokers use indirect heat for cooking food. In other words, the heat does not affect the food directly but rather comes from a separate source and surrounds the food. This allows for even more cooking and prevents the food from burning. 

The smoke created by the fire also adds flavor to the food, something that can’t be replicated with other cooking methods.

There are three main types of commercial smokers: electric, charcoal, and pellets. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. 

Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers are a little more complicated to use, but they produce a lot of smoke and can reach very high temperatures. They also retain heat very well, which means that even after the fire is out, they can continue cooking your food.

However, these smokers need to be monitored constantly and require effort on the part of the user in order for them to function properly; otherwise, you might end up with a poorly cooked meal. 

One good thing about charcoal smokers is that they are easy to use even without an electronic display.

Lastly, charcoal smokers produce a much smokier flavor than electric or pellet smokers do. This is because the food absorbs all the smoke produced by the fire rather than just some of it like with other types of smokers.

Pellet Smokers

Pellet smokers are a newer type of smoker that uses small pellets made from compressed sawdust. They’re easy to use and don’t require any kind of babysitting, but they can be a little pricey.

The best thing about pellet smokers is that they produce a lot of smoke and are able to reach very high temperatures. This means that you can cook pretty much anything on them, from ribs to brisket.

One of the reasons they’re so easy to use is that all you have to do is fill up the hopper with pellets and set your desired temperature. Moreover, they also have an electronic display which makes it easy to control the smoker’s temperature.

The only downside is that they can be a little finicky, and if the pellets aren’t of good quality, your food might not taste very good.

Electric Smokers

Electric smokers are very easy to use; you just plug them in and start smoking. They also don’t produce a lot of smoke, so if you’re looking for that smoky flavor, they might not be the best option. 

Moreover, electric smokers are great for beginners because they’re easy to use and aren’t extremely expensive.

One of the drawbacks is that while some models have a digital display, others do not. Lastly, these lack flavor compared to their charcoal counterparts.

There are many benefits of using one of the best commercial smokers for your business:

Increased Efficiency

First, commercial smokers are very efficient. Because they cook with indirect heat, the temperature is kept low and evenly distributed throughout the cooking chamber. As a result, you can use less fuel to reach an appropriate cooking temperature while still maintaining good quality results.

Durability

One of the best reasons to buy a commercial-grade smoker is that it will last for years. Commercial smokers are built with heavy materials and always come with warranties, which makes them well worth their cost. 

Quality craftsmanship ensures you get your money’s worth in return; high-quality parts ensure long life expectancy while proper insulation means low energy consumption and even cooking.

Enhanced Capacity

Another benefit of using a commercial smoker for businesses like catering companies or barbecue restaurants is that they can cook large quantities of food at once. This is perfect for feeding a large crowd or preparing food for a busy day.

Aromatic Smoky Flavor 

And finally, one of the best benefits of using a commercial smoker is that it produces delicious smoked meats that your customers will love. So whether you’re cooking ribs, brisket, or chicken, a good commercial smoker will give you consistent, quality results every time.

To sum up, the discussion, if you’re looking for a smoker that is durable, easy to use, and produces great-tasting food, then a commercial smoker is the perfect choice for you. With so many different models available on the market, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs and budget. So, what are you waiting for? Begin shopping now!

As many owners of home smokers and backyard grillers know, it is easy to get started smoking your own meats. However, there are quite a few things that need to be considered when looking into purchasing a commercial smoker.

The main issues are durability, ease of use, and even capacity. These things normally aren’t a problem on the home scale, as there isn’t a large volume of meat to smoke at one time. 

A commercial smoker is different, as it is used for those restaurants that need to produce hundreds if not thousands of pounds of smoked meat daily. In this section, we’ll go over some tips and tricks to help you look at and pick one of the best commercial smokers for your business.

The Durability of the Machine

When first looking into purchasing a commercial smoker, one of the biggest things that should be considered is how long the unit will last before breaking down. 

This is especially important if it’s going to be used by employees who aren’t experts at smoking meats (or who don’t even know how to use a smoker). The last thing that you want is for the smoker to constantly break down, forcing your employees to take time out of their day to fix it.

Ease of Use

The next consideration is how easy the smoker is to use. This might seem like an odd point, but when you’re dealing with large quantities of meat, even a small inconvenience can greatly impact your business. 

For example, if you have a smoker that has a door on the front that constantly falls off, this will cause problems. It could be very difficult for employees to get the door back on every time they use the smoker, which will slow them down as they spend more time dealing with fixing something as opposed to smoking meats.

Cooking Area

The amount of space available will determine the types and numbers of foods you will be able to smoke at one time. Take a look at the size of the smoker. 

How much food do you think you will need to smoke at one time? 

Will you be cooking for a small family or a large crowd? 

There are smokers available in all different sizes, so you are sure to find one that will fit your needs.

Here are some guidelines to help you in your search.

A small smoker would be ideal for a family of two or three people. A medium-sized unit will serve the needs of a larger group, say six to eight people. Large units hold up to 80 pounds of meat and can feed hundreds of hungry people.

Number of Racks

Smokers come with a variety of racks. Look for a unit that has at least 3 racks, but the more you have, the better. 

A smoker with many racks will allow you to cook larger quantities of food, and you can double stack large items like turkeys or hams. This comes in very handy when making food for holiday gatherings or parties.

Temperature Range

Many smokers are adjustable between 150 and 275 degrees, but some go as high as 375 degrees Fahrenheit or as low as 100 degrees. 

You will want to choose a unit that can be adjusted anywhere in this temperature range since it allows the most versatility when cooking different types of meats. The lowest temperatures are great for smoking fish, cheese, and other delicate items, while the higher temperatures are perfect for cooking ribs and brisket.

Accessories

Many smokers come with a variety of great accessories that can really come in handy. A few things to look for are a water pan, heat deflector, jerky gun, and a smoker box. 

The water pan is essential for adding moisture to the smoker and preventing food from drying out. The heat deflector helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the cooking area, which is important for properly cooking large items. 

The adjustable cooking grates let you control the height of your food so that it cooks evenly. Temperature gauges help you monitor the heat inside the smoker, and built-in thermometers take the guesswork out of knowing when your food is done.

Moreover, the jerky gun is great for making delicious, homemade jerky, and the smoker box can be used to smoke different types of wood chips for added flavor.

Go for a Reputed Brand

I would highly suggest doing some research on the manufacturer of the smoker you are looking at. The name should be one that pops up more than a few times and has a good reputation. 

There are several major manufacturers of smokers out there, and any one of them could build you a great unit. Luckily, we have included ones that have already served millions of customers across the globe. So, yes, you can trust them.

Price

Finally, price is always a consideration. You don’t want to break the bank, but you also don’t want to buy a smoker that is cheaply made and will only last for a short time. 

Look for a smoker that is well-made and has a good reputation. This will usually mean spending a little more money, but it is worth it in the long run. A great smoker will last a lifetime and is an investment you won’t regret.

Read Also: Char Broil vs. Weber: Which is the best grill? [Comparison]

We have reviewed the best commercial smokers besides covered extensive details about them in this guide. Below are some conclusive remarks about our top pick if you are still undecided on what makes the perfect choice for you.

Masterbuilt MB20041220 is the overall champion that outperforms every other machine on the list. It has an amazing design that makes it easy to cook and even easier to clean up after. 

You’ll be able to make all your favorite foods like ribs, burgers, steaks, chicken wings, and more.

The temperature gauge lets you know when your food is ready without having to constantly check on it or open the lid of your grill, which causes heat loss. And once dinner time rolls around, there’s no mess left behind because everything cleans up easily in just minutes!