Best BBQ smokers and smoker BBQs in Australia for 2026

Why buy a dedicated smoker when you already have a barbecue?

Best overall: the Traeger Pro Series 575. Its automatic pellet temperature control makes it our choice for beginners who want a steady low-and-slow cook without managing a charcoal fire, and it was in stock on Amazon Australia, with 4.7 stars from 1,519 ratings.

Because a gas barbecue cooks hot and fast, and real barbecue is the opposite. Low-and-slow cooking holds meat at around 110C to 135C for hours, so tough, cheap cuts like brisket, pork shoulder and ribs slowly turn tender and drink in wood smoke. A dedicated smoker is built to hold that low temperature steady for six to fourteen hours without constant babysitting, which a standard grill cannot do. If you are a first-home buyer setting up a backyard for the first time, a smoker is an appliance that turns an ordinary weekend into something guests still talk about months later. This guide covers thirteen smokers listed on Amazon Australia, eight of them available to order at the 5 October 2026 check (seven in stock and one on a six-week dispatch), across pellet, charcoal, ceramic, drum and electric designs.

One quick boundary before we start: this is a guide to low-and-slow smokers, not fast gas grills. If you mainly want to sear steaks and cook snags on a weeknight, read our best BBQ in Australia guide instead, then come back here when you are ready to graduate to brisket.

What is the best BBQ smoker in Australia right now?

For first-home buyers who want automatic temperature control, the Traeger Pro Series 575 is our best all-round smoker, because its WiFi pellet system holds temperature automatically and takes much of the fire management out of your first brisket. It was in stock on Amazon Australia, with 4.7 stars from 1,519 ratings. For classic charcoal flavour, the Weber Smokey Mountain 37cm was the highest-rated smoker in this guide at 4.8 stars from 5,134 ratings at the 5 October 2026 check, but it had no featured offer. Our budget pick, the Cuisinart 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker, was currently unavailable at the 5 October 2026 check. In-stock listings included the Weber 47cm Smokey Mountain Cooker from Weber BBQ Australia, the Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill (TFB57PUBA) from Amazon AU, and the Barton 95545 Vertical 18 inch Charcoal Smoker through the Amazon US Global Store. The other ten listings cover ceramic, drum, electric, pellet and charcoal designs, so you can match the smoker to your space, your patience and your budget.

How do the thirteen smokers compare at a glance?

Here is the short version before the detail. Fuel type is the single biggest decision: pellet and electric provide temperature controls, charcoal and ceramic need attention to the fire, and drum smokers use charcoal.

How we chose these smokers

Last checked: 5 October 2026, against every listing on Amazon Australia.

NestPath does not run its own smoking pit or claim to have cooked briskets on all thirteen. We are a research desk, not a test kitchen, and we think being honest about that matters. When this guide was researched, we aggregated the evidence a careful shopper would gather if they had a week to spare: customer ratings and review volumes from the Amazon Australia listings, the manufacturer specifications for cooking area, fuel type and temperature control. We then weight for the things that actually decide whether a beginner sticks with smoking: how steady the temperature holds, how forgiving the design is, and whether the price makes sense for a first backyard. Where a smoker has a genuine weakness, we say so in its own "Flaws but not dealbreakers" note rather than hiding it. We left out the Nordic Ware 36556 Kettle Smoker, which is in stock on Amazon Australia, because it is a stovetop smoker used on a kitchen burner rather than an outdoor BBQ smoker. We checked every listing on Amazon Australia. Sources: the Amazon Australia product listings and their seller details, the offer lists for listings without a featured offer, the sellers' Amazon storefront pages, the Australian Business Register, the Australian electrical equipment register (EESS), and the makers' specifications on those listings.

Best overall: Traeger Pro Series 575

The Traeger Pro 575 is the smoker we would put in front of a nervous first-timer, because the pellet system does the hard part for you. You set a temperature on the digital controller or the phone app, and the D2 digital controller holds the cook steady while you get on with your day. It is not cheap, but its automatic temperature control is convenient, and it carried 4.7 stars from 1,519 ratings on Amazon Australia. The rating was pooled across the Black (AU Version) and Bronze (US Version) of the model on the listing, so it is not an Australian-only total.

The listing quotes about 3,710 square centimetres (575 square inches) of cooking area, which Traeger says fits up to five racks of ribs or four chickens, so it comfortably feeds a full backyard gathering. Fill the hopper with wood pellets, and the included meat probe lets you watch the internal temperature of your brisket without lifting the lid. Because it is a pellet grill, it also bakes, roasts and grills, so it earns its bench space beyond low-and-slow weekends. Traeger lists WiFIRE app control for adjusting temperatures, setting timers and receiving alerts from your phone, a brushless motor behind the D2 drivetrain, and a top temperature of 500°F for searing. A sawhorse chassis and wheels make it easier to move around a patio.

For a first-home buyer, the real value is confidence. The Traeger's automatic temperature control removes the need to manage charcoal vents for hours, so you can concentrate on the food while the controller holds the temperature. If pellets are the direction you are heading, our pellet smoker guide compares seven of them on cook area, hopper size and local pellet supply.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It needs mains power and it will not deliver the deep smoke ring a hardcore charcoal cook chases, since pellet smoke is cleaner and milder. It is also a large, 58 kilogram unit on wheels, so it wants a permanent spot under cover rather than a balcony. None of that undoes the core appeal: automatic temperature control is convenient, and that is the whole point. Plan for a steady supply of wood pellets, which the listing names as the fuel for every cook.

Best value charcoal smoker: the Weber Smokey Mountain 37cm

The Weber Smokey Mountain was the highest-rated smoker in this guide at 4.8 stars from 5,134 ratings on Amazon Australia. This is the classic "bullet" design: a tall charcoal cylinder with a water pan in the middle that buffers the heat and keeps meat moist through a long cook. Weber's 47cm Smokey Mountain was in stock from Weber's own Amazon store at the 5 October 2026 check, and the same 37cm cooker was listed through the Amazon Japan Global Store; both are listed below. At the 5 October 2026 check this listing had no featured offer on Amazon Australia; it was available only through the offer list from other sellers.

The 37cm model gives you two plated-steel cooking grates stacked inside a porcelain-enamelled steel bowl and lid, so you can run ribs on one level and a pork shoulder on the other. A built-in lid thermometer and no-rust aluminium vents let you dial the temperature by feel, and the large water pan is the trick that makes a Weber so forgiving: it holds a stable, low heat for hours so small airflow mistakes do not ruin dinner. Weber even includes a vinyl cover, which is a small but genuine saving.

This is the smoker that turns a curious beginner into a hobbyist. It rewards a little learning with real depth of flavour, and it is built from heavy porcelain-enamelled steel, and it has a substantial base of owner ratings.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is charcoal, so you light a chimney and manage vents rather than pressing a button, and the 37cm size, while roomy on two levels, is smaller than the 47cm model listed here. The front-loading door lets you add charcoal or wood mid-cook, but opening it costs you some heat. For the flavour, you need to be willing to manage the fire.

Best budget smoker: the Cuisinart 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker

The Cuisinart 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker has a compact vertical bullet body. It held 4.1 stars from 572 ratings on Amazon Australia. Its vertical bullet body and porcelain-enamelled water bowl help hold a steady low temperature, which is exactly what you want for low-and-slow cooking in a first backyard. At the 5 October 2026 check this listing was currently unavailable on Amazon Australia.

You get about 2,594 square centimetres (402 square inches) of cooking space across two chrome-plated steel grates, with dual top and bottom air vents to control the heat and a porcelain-enamelled water bowl that keeps meat moist through a long cook. A hinged, latching door lets you add charcoal and wood chips without lifting the smoker apart, and the body detaches so the base converts into a compact charcoal grill when you want to sear instead of smoke. The listing quotes a 15 minute setup.

Think of it as a compact charcoal design for small cooks. If you already own it, you can keep the Cuisinart as a second smoker for camping trips and small cooks. The removable body also lets the base serve as a compact charcoal grill. Cuisinart lists two 16 inch chrome-plated grates and says the hinged door gives quick access to add charcoal, smoking chips and water while the latches keep the heat in. Because it was unavailable at the 5 October 2026 check, read this section as a guide to the design; the Barton 95545 below is the in-stock vertical charcoal smoker with a water bowl and dual vents.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Charcoal cooking needs attention to airflow in cold or windy weather, so you may need to watch the vents more closely on a chilly day. Its 4.1-star rating was the lowest of the smokers in this guide on Amazon Australia. The water bowl and dual vents give you the basic controls for charcoal smoking. If it comes back into stock, check the seller and the dispatch date before you order.

Best premium all-rounder: the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II

If you want a ceramic outdoor cooker, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II is the priciest pick in this guide. The ceramic body holds heat and moisture beautifully, with the Kontrol Tower vent controlling airflow through the cook. It held 4.7 stars from 918 ratings on Amazon Australia. At the 5 October 2026 check the listed seller was Amazon AU for a Perth delivery address and Camping Australia for Sydney, with delivery to Sydney quoted as 14 October and one left in stock.

The listing title quotes 250 square inches of cooking surface, and the cooker comes with a cart and side shelves, and the standout feature is the two-tier Divide and Conquer system, which lets you cook different foods at different heights and temperatures at once. The Kontrol Tower top vent makes fine temperature adjustments easy, the Air Lift Hinge reduces the effort of opening the heavy ceramic lid, and the included ash tool helps with cleanup. Kamado Joe also backs the ceramic parts with a limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser, which softens the sting of the price over the years you will own it.

For a first-home buyer who cooks outdoors constantly and wants to buy once, this is the grill that replaces a smoker and a grill in a single footprint. Its ceramic construction retains heat efficiently, which helps with fuel use.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is heavy, expensive and not going anywhere once assembled, so it demands a committed, permanent spot in the yard. Ceramic can crack if dropped or slammed, so it wants a little respect. If the budget is there and you love cooking outside, its ceramic construction and two-tier cooking system are the appeal.

Best for hanging ribs and big batches: the Pit Barrel Cooker

The Pit Barrel Cooker takes a different approach: instead of laying meat flat on a grate, you hang it from hooks inside a porcelain-coated steel drum. Fat drips onto the coals and rises back up as flavour, and the package includes a grate when you want to lay food flat. It held 4.6 stars from 896 ratings on Amazon Australia. At the 5 October 2026 check this listing was currently unavailable on Amazon Australia.

The Classic package is a 47cm porcelain-coated steel drum that ships with eight hooks, two hanging rods and a standard grill grate, so you can hang ribs and chicken or lay a brisket flat, whichever suits the cook. Hanging vertically means you fit a surprising amount of food in a compact barrel, which makes the design useful when you regularly cook for a crowd but do not have room for a wide smoker.

The Pit Barrel uses a hanging arrangement for ribs and brisket. You light the coals, hang the meat and monitor the cook. The package also includes a grill grate for food you want to lay flat. Pit Barrel says the drum fits 8 racks of ribs or 2 to 3 pork shoulders, has side handles for lifting, and is compact enough for most vans and SUVs, with a porcelain enamel finish made to handle the heat inside and the weather outside.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Hanging ribs or brisket means loading hooks inside the drum rather than laying the meat on the grate. The hanging method also takes practice to get used to. The listing gives a footprint of 54cm by 54cm, so allow space for the barrel as well as access while cooking.

Best for balconies and courtyards: the Ninja Woodfire Electric

If you rent, live in an apartment, or simply cannot run charcoal where you live, the Ninja Woodfire OG701UK is a compact electric smoker. It is electric, and it burns real wood pellets in a dedicated smoke box to produce wood-fired flavour. It held 4.7 stars from 1,044 ratings on Amazon Australia. At the 5 October 2026 check this listing was currently unavailable on Amazon Australia.

Ninja bills it as a 7-in-1 outdoor cooker: it grills, smokes, bakes, roasts, dehydrates and even air-fries, all from a compact, portable body that stores easily in a small space. For a first flat with a tiny balcony, that versatility is the whole appeal, because one appliance covers weeknight dinners and weekend smoking without a charcoal mess or a bulky footprint. It is weather-resistant and light enough to bring inside when you are done. For homemade jerky, see our guide to the best dehydrator for jerky in Australia.

The compact design suits buyers whose first home is a unit rather than a house with a yard. It lets you learn the craft and eat well in a small outdoor space, subject to your building's cooking rules. Ninja lists seven functions, including air frying and reheating, an IPX4 water-resistance rating, and a grill plate that fits 8 burgers, 16 sausages, 2 racks of ribs or a 2 kg pork shoulder.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Its compact body suits couples and small families rather than big cook-ups, and it depends on mains power. Always check your building's rules on balcony cooking first. Within those limits, it is a clever, genuinely useful little machine.

The competition: the Char-Broil Bullet 16"

The Char-Broil Bullet is another charcoal bullet design alongside the Weber Smokey Mountain. It is a porcelain-coated steel bullet smoker with a 4.6-star rating from 692 ratings on Amazon Australia, far fewer than the Weber's 5,134. At the 5 October 2026 check this listing had no featured offer on Amazon Australia; it was available only through the offer list from other sellers.

The body has two porcelain-coated cooking grates, a water pan and a removable ash pan, and the design is compact enough for a small yard. It is a capable smoker with a lid-mounted temperature gauge. We kept it in the "competition" slot because the Weber has a larger rating base and a higher star rating.

The listing describes an airflow control system for setting and maintaining cooking temperatures. The Weber has more owner ratings to read, while the Char-Broil's removable ash pan helps with cleanup. Char-Broil lists 388 square inches of cooking space, a porcelain-coated steel lid, body and fire bowl, dual carry handles and a one-year warranty on the firebox and parts; if you buy through the offer list, check that warranty with the seller first.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The thinner review history is the main caution. Check door and body seals, because gaps can cost temperature stability. For a charcoal bullet, the airflow controls and lid thermometer help you manage the cook.

Also listed: Weber 47cm Smokey Mountain Cooker

The Weber 47cm Smokey Mountain Cooker is a charcoal bullet smoker with two chrome-plated cooking grills, a built-in thermometer and a front-loading door for adding charcoal or wood during a cook. The listing describes a porcelain-enamelled steel body and includes a vinyl cover. Sold by Weber BBQ Australia; delivery to Sydney was quoted as 12 to 14 October at the 5 October 2026 check.

It suits a cook who wants the charcoal bullet format in a larger 47cm size than the 37cm Weber also covered here. Temperature is managed by adjusting the aluminium vents, so lighting the charcoal and watching airflow remain part of the job. The front door gives access to fuel during the cook, and the included cover helps with outdoor storage.

Also listed: Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill (TFB57PUBA)

The Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill (TFB57PUBA) is a pellet grill and smoker with a Digital Pro Controller, a meat probe and an approximately 8.2kg (18lb) hopper. Its listing names six functions: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ. It was in stock on Amazon Australia, sold by Amazon AU, with 4.5 stars from 2,328 ratings. The rating was pooled across the Black (AU Version) and Bronze (US Version) of the model on the listing, so it is not an Australian-only total.

This is a separate Pro 22 model from the Pro Series 575, with its own Digital Pro Controller. The listing describes powder-coated steel construction, porcelain-coated grates, a side lift bar and large wheels. It suits backyard cooks who want pellet temperature controls and grilling as well as smoking. Plan for wood pellets and mains power as part of the setup.

Also listed: Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker (MB20071117)

This electric cabinet has four smoking racks. Sold by ARISOY AU-STORE; delivery to Sydney was quoted as 22 to 26 October at the 5 October 2026 check, and we found no Australian business identity for the seller. The seller's Amazon page says its products ship internationally and that customs duties may apply. The listing does not state a voltage or plug type. We could not find a current Australian electrical registration for this model.

The digital controls set cooking temperature and time, and the side wood chip loader lets you add chips without opening the door. A removable water bowl and rear grease tray give you separate parts to empty and clean. Confirm an Australian 230 volt plug and supply before buying any mains appliance from an overseas seller.

Also listed: Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker (MB20070210)

This electric cabinet has three smoking racks. Sold by ARISOY AU-STORE; delivery to Sydney was quoted as 22 to 26 October at the 5 October 2026 check, and we found no Australian business identity for the seller. The seller's Amazon page says its products ship internationally and that customs duties may apply. The listing does not state a voltage or plug type. We could not find a current Australian electrical registration for this model.

The analog dial and built-in temperature gauge suit a cook who wants physical controls. Its 1,500 watt heating element heats the cabinet, while the removable water bowl, sliding wood chip tray and front grease tray need routine emptying and cleaning. Confirm an Australian 230 volt plug and supply before buying any mains appliance from an overseas seller.

Also listed: Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 37cm (711004)

This listing names the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 37cm (711004), the same 37cm Smokey Mountain size as the Weber listing above that had no featured offer. Its Japanese bullets describe enamel-coated steel, a thermometer and a 10kg weight. At the 5 October 2026 check this listing sold through the Amazon Japan Global Store; delivery, returns and warranty terms differ. The listing quoted dispatch within six weeks.

It suits someone looking specifically at the 37cm charcoal cooker size and willing to read an import listing whose feature text is in Japanese. The quoted dispatch period is a practical trade-off when planning a cook date. Check the Global Store delivery, return and warranty terms for this listing before ordering, as the import notice says Japanese products may differ from local versions.

Also listed: Barton 95545 Vertical 18 inch Charcoal Smoker

The Barton 95545 Vertical 18 inch Charcoal Smoker has two steel wire smoking racks, a water bowl, dual air vents and a lid-mounted temperature gauge. Its Amazon Australia review base was small, with 17 ratings. At the 5 October 2026 check this listing sold through the Amazon US Global Store; delivery, returns and warranty terms differ.

It suits outdoor cooks who want a vertical charcoal design with stacked racks and manual airflow control. You light the charcoal, add wood chunks, fill the water bowl and adjust the vents to manage heat and smoke. The listing also describes grilling, steaming, baking, braising and roasting, so the format can serve more than a smoking-only cook.

What should you look for when buying a smoker?

The right smoker depends on how much attention you want to give it, how many people you feed, and where it will live. Four things matter more than the rest.

Fuel type decides how hands-on you will be

Pellet and electric smokers, like the Traeger and the Masterbuilt MB20071117, provide temperature controls. Charcoal bullets and drums, like the Weber, the Cuisinart and the Pit Barrel, ask you to light a fire and manage airflow. Ceramic kamados, like the Kamado Joe, run on charcoal, and their ceramic bodies retain heat.

Temperature control is the whole game

Great barbecue is really just a steady low temperature held for hours. Look for a design that helps you do that: a water pan on a bullet, thick insulation on a kamado, or a digital controller on a pellet smoker. Adjustable top and bottom vents give you the airflow control that turns a fire into a precise cooking tool.

Match cooking area to your real habits

It is tempting to buy big, but a smoker that is too large wastes fuel on small cooks. A compact unit like the Cuisinart or Ninja suits couples and small families, the Weber and Pit Barrel handle a full gathering, and the Traeger lists capacity for five racks of ribs or four chickens. Be honest about how often you actually feed ten people. The Cuisinart, Ninja and Pit Barrel listings were currently unavailable on Amazon Australia at the 5 October 2026 check.

Build quality earns its keep outside

Your smoker lives in the weather, so materials matter. Porcelain-enamelled steel, thick ceramic and stainless components resist rust and hold heat better than thin painted metal. A good cover, included or bought separately, helps protect a smoker left outdoors through an Australian summer and a wet winter. Whichever type you choose, buy the cover at the same time.

How do you look after a smoker so it lasts?

Smokers are simple machines, and a little routine care helps keep them working for years. After each cook, let the unit cool completely, then empty the ash, because leftover ash traps moisture and speeds up rust. Brush the cooking grates while they are still slightly warm so residue lifts off easily, and wipe any grease from the drip area every few cooks to avoid flare-ups next time. Keep a stiff brush and a scraper next to the smoker so that job happens while the grates are warm.

Do not scrub the inside walls back to bare metal. That dark, seasoned layer of smoke and oil is normal and actually helps flavour and rust resistance, so leave it be. Every few months, check that vents move freely, gaskets still seal, and any thermometer reads roughly true against a separate probe. Above all, keep the smoker covered when it is not in use. Sun, rain and salt air are what kill outdoor cookers, and a cover helps protect the cooker between uses. Store charcoal and pellets somewhere dry, since damp fuel lights poorly and burns unevenly.

What accessories do you actually need for smoking?

You do not need much to start, but a few well-chosen extras make a real difference to your results and your sanity. These Amazon Australia accessory listings cover useful extras for getting started.

• A good stainless steel barbecue tool set so you are not wrestling hot meat with a kitchen fork.
• Weber wood chunks to layer real smoke flavour into charcoal and kamado cooks.
• A pellet smoke tube that adds extra smoke to a pellet grill.
• A stainless smoker box for adding wood chips if you ever smoke on a gas barbecue as well.
• A beer can chicken holder for cooking chicken on the smoker.
• A heavy-duty waterproof smoker cover to protect your investment between cooks.

The single upgrade we would prioritise, though, is a reliable instant-read thermometer, covered in our dedicated guide below. Cooking by internal temperature rather than time is the fastest way to stop overcooking your first few briskets. Start with a thermometer and a cover, then add wood chunks or a smoke tube once you know which flavours you like. Heat-resistant gloves are worth adding for handling hot grates and probes.

What about Hark and the offset smokers?

Offset smokers are a category this guide does not carry. Hark, the Australian barbecue brand whose own smoker range appears in Google's results for this search, is the name most local offset shoppers will meet first. An offset runs the fire in a side firebox and draws smoke sideways through the cooking chamber, which is the traditional Texas method and calls for practice with fire and airflow. If an offset is what you want, plan for fire management as well as cooking space. Nothing here is an affiliate link.

Frequently asked questions about smokers

What is the best BBQ smoker for beginners in Australia?

The Traeger Pro Series 575 is our beginner pick because it holds temperature automatically and removes the fire-management skills that trip up newcomers. The Weber Smokey Mountain 37cm uses a water pan to help maintain heat, but it had no featured offer on Amazon Australia at the 5 October 2026 check. The Cuisinart 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker was currently unavailable at the 5 October 2026 check. Weber's 47cm Smokey Mountain was in stock from Weber BBQ Australia.

How much does a good smoker cost in Australia?

At the 5 October 2026 check the cheapest in-stock smoker here, the Barton 95545, was under $300, and the ceramic Kamado Joe Classic Joe II was the dearest. Prices move, so check the listing before buying. Electric and pellet smokers also need mains power, and pellet smokers need a steady supply of pellets, so count running costs as well as the purchase price.

Pellet, charcoal or electric: which smoker should I buy?

Choose pellet, like the Traeger, if you value convenience and steady automatic temperatures. Choose charcoal, like the Weber 47cm Smokey Mountain, if you want to cook with charcoal and wood and do not mind managing a fire. The Masterbuilt MB20071117 and MB20070210 are electric cabinet smokers with digital and analog controls respectively; confirm an Australian 230 volt plug and supply before buying from the overseas seller. Ceramic kamados bridge charcoal cooking with heat-retaining bodies.

How much cooking space do I need in a smoker?

For a couple or small family, a compact smoker such as the Cuisinart 16 inch vertical smoker or the Ninja Woodfire is plenty, although both were currently unavailable on Amazon Australia at the 5 October 2026 check. The twin-grate Weber 47cm Smokey Mountain was in stock at the 5 October 2026 check, while the hanging-capacity Pit Barrel was currently unavailable. If you often feed large crowds, the Traeger Pro Series 575 has about 3,710 square centimetres (575 square inches) of cooking area, while the Kamado Joe has a two-tier cooking system.

Can I use a smoker on an apartment balcony?

Only use a smoker there if your building allows it. The Ninja Woodfire OG701UK is compact and runs on mains power, but it was currently unavailable on Amazon Australia at the 5 October 2026 check. Always check your body corporate or strata rules before buying, as well as the space needed for safe outdoor use.

How do you use a BBQ smoker?

Start with a small, settled fire on a charcoal smoker, or use the temperature controls on a pellet or electric smoker. Bring the chamber to a target of about 110C to 135C, using the vents or controller to hold it there. Add the meat, then leave it alone: opening the lid loses heat and smoke. Cook to internal temperature, not to the clock.

Can you use a smoker box on a gas barbecue?

Yes, and a smoker box lets you add wood smoke to a gas barbecue. A smoker box is a vented steel tray of wood chips that sits over a burner, smoulders and puts smoke into the hood. It gives a gas barbecue real smoke flavour. What it does not do is hold 110C for twelve hours, which is the whole point of the dedicated smokers on this page.

How do you clean a BBQ smoker?

Scrape the grates while they are still warm and oil them lightly afterwards. Empty the ash after every charcoal cook, because damp ash encourages rust in a firebox. Wash the water bowl and the drip tray properly. Do not scrub the inside walls of the chamber: the dark seasoned layer that builds up there is doing a job, and stripping it back to bare metal invites rust. Check the grease tray every few cooks as well.

Is there a better smoker than a Traeger?

A charcoal smoker such as the Weber 37cm Smokey Mountain uses a charcoal fire and wood smoke, but this listing had no featured offer on Amazon Australia at the 5 October 2026 check. For versatility, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II has a two-tier cooking system. What the Traeger Pro Series 575 gives you is automatic temperature control, with a controller holding the temperature and WiFi letting you monitor it. Choose by how much babysitting you want to do.

What is an offset smoker?

An offset smoker has its firebox to one side of the cooking chamber, so heat and smoke travel sideways across the food and out a chimney at the far end. It is the traditional Texas design and rewards practice with fire and airflow control. There is no offset in this guide.

Is an electric smoker or a charcoal smoker better?

Electric suits you if you want temperature controls; charcoal suits you if you want to manage a fire. An electric smoker uses mains power, and a cabinet model such as the Masterbuilt MB20071117 has digital temperature controls and a wood chip loader. A charcoal smoker like the Weber Smokey Mountain needs vent management, but the 37cm listing had no featured offer on Amazon Australia at the 5 October 2026 check. Beginners who want less fire management can start with electric or pellet.

Can a regular grill be used as a smoker?

A regular barbecue can add some smoke flavour, but it is not built for long smoking. A smoker box of wood chips over a gas burner puts smoke into the hood, yet a standard grill cannot hold a low 110C to 135C steady for six to fourteen hours the way a dedicated smoker does.

What are some good recipes for a smoker?

Good smoker recipes start with the classic low and slow cuts: brisket, pork shoulder and ribs, which turn tender when held at around 110C to 135C for hours. Pellet grills such as the Traeger also bake, roast and grill, and a beer can chicken holder suits chicken on the smoker. Cook to internal temperature, not to the clock.

What is a barbecue smoker?

A barbecue smoker is a cooker built to hold meat at a low temperature, around 110C to 135C, for hours while wood smoke flavours it, so tough cuts such as brisket, pork shoulder and ribs turn tender. The smokers in this guide run on wood pellets, charcoal, ceramic kamado bodies, drums or electricity.

What else do you need to finish your outdoor setup?

A smoker is the centrepiece, but a great backyard is a system. These NestPath guides pair naturally with your new smoker as you build out the space. They cover the gear that usually comes next.

• Best BBQ in Australia for the fast gas grill that handles weeknight snags and steaks.
• Best meat thermometer in Australia so you cook by internal temperature and reduce guesswork.
• Best pizza oven in Australia for the other great outdoor cook that wins over a crowd.
• Best fire pit in Australia to keep guests warm long after the smoker has done its work.
• Best outdoor furniture in Australia to give everyone somewhere comfortable to sit and eat.
• Best esky in Australia to keep the drinks cold through a fourteen-hour cook.

About the author

Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first-home-buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first-home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au