Top 5 Best Portable Smokers for On-the-Go BBQs – Compact & Durable Choices
Home – Smokers – Top 5 Best Portable Smokers for On-the-Go BBQs – Compact & Durable Choices
First Posted May 9, 2025 | Last Updated on May 11, 2025 by BBQ Pit Master
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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves the taste of smoky, grilled meats while on the go, then you need a portable smoker that can deliver delicious flavors wherever your adventures take you. To help you choose the right one, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best portable smokers for on-the-go BBQs. These smokers have been carefully selected based on their performance, features, and customer reviews, ensuring that you find the perfect portable smoker for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
Portable smokers are essential for camping, tailgating, and outdoor adventures.
The Traeger Tailgater is our top pick for the best overall portable smoker.
The Camp Chef Pursuit 20 is a reliable runner-up with impressive features.
The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett offers excellent value for money as the best budget option.
The Z Grills Cruiser 200A is our choice for the best ultra portable option.
The Traeger Tailgater is our top pick for the best overall portable smoker. This portable pellet smoker is the perfect companion for your outdoor cooking adventures. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or grilling in your backyard, the Traeger Tailgater delivers exceptional performance and convenience.
One of the standout features of the Traeger Tailgater is its foldable legs, which make it incredibly easy to transport. Whether you’re loading it into your car or carrying it to your favorite tailgating spot, these foldable legs ensure hassle-free transportation.
The built-in 15 Amp power source adds to its convenience. You don’t need to worry about finding an external power source or relying on batteries. Simply plug it in, and you’re ready to start smoking your favorite meats.
In addition, the Traeger Tailgater comes with an integrated meat probe. This feature allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your meat without having to open the smoker and let the heat escape. This ensures that you achieve perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy results every time.
With a cooking area of 429 square inches, the Traeger Tailgater provides ample space for grilling and smoking a variety of meats. Whether you’re cooking burgers, ribs, chicken, or even a whole brisket, this portable pellet smoker can handle it.
While the Traeger Tailgater has a lot to offer, it does have a couple of minor downsides. Some users have found the foldable legs to be a bit fiddly and not as sturdy as they would like. Additionally, the pellet hopper capacity is relatively small, which means you may need to refill it more frequently during long cooking sessions.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Traeger Tailgater is still the best overall portable smoker. Its performance, portability, and convenience make it the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy delicious smoked foods on the go.
Runner Up – Camp Chef Pursuit 20
The Camp Chef Pursuit 20 is our runner up for the best portable smoker. This portable pellet grill offers a cooking chamber size of 501 square inches, providing ample space for all your grilling needs.
One of the standout features of the Pursuit 20 is its PID control, which ensures precise and consistent temperature control for optimal cooking results. You can trust that your food will be cooked to perfection every time.
With dual meat probes included, you can monitor the internal temperature of two different meats simultaneously, making it easier to achieve the ideal doneness for each dish.
What sets the Pursuit 20 apart is its ability to customize the smoke settings according to your taste preferences. It offers multiple custom smoke settings that allow you to adjust the level of smokiness to achieve the desired flavor profile for your food.
Although the Pursuit 20 may have some minor issues with the controller, it doesn’t diminish its overall performance. This portable pellet grill is user-friendly, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned grillers. It consistently delivers delicious results regardless of the cooking style, whether you’re smoking, grilling, or searing.
When it comes to portable pellet grills, the Camp Chef Pursuit 20 offers a winning combination of functionality, versatility, and convenience. While it may be our runner up, it’s still an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performing portable smoker.
Best Budget – Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett
The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett is our pick for the best budget portable smoker. Despite its affordable price, this portable pellet grill offers a range of great features that make it a standout choice for those on a budget.
The Davy Crockett comes equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your cooking process right from your smartphone. This means you can easily adjust the temperature and cooking settings without having to constantly check on the grill.
Additionally, the Davy Crockett features a side mount rack that provides extra space for holding cooking utensils and accessories, making it convenient and practical. It also comes with a meat probe, ensuring that you can monitor the internal temperature of your food for perfect results every time.
This portable pellet grill also offers solid build quality and a good temperature range, allowing you to grill and smoke your favorite foods with ease. Even though there may be some issues with the circuit board, the overall performance and value for money that the Davy Crockett offers make it a standout choice for those looking for a budget-friendly portable smoker.
With its compact size and easy portability, the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett is the perfect companion for camping trips, tailgating, and other outdoor cooking adventures.
Features
Specifications
Compact size
Weight: 68 lbs / Dimensions: 31.75″ L x 34″ H x 23″ W
WiFi connectivity
Control and monitor your cooking process remotely
Side mount rack
Additional space for holding cooking utensils and accessories
Meat probe
Monitor the internal temperature of your food
Temperature range
150°F – 550°F
Best Ultra Portable Option – Z Grills Cruiser 200A Portable Pellet Grill
The Z Grills Cruiser 200A is our choice for the best ultra portable option. This tabletop pellet grill is designed specifically for camping, with portability at its core. While it may have a smaller cooking area compared to other grills, it makes up for its compact size and lighter weight. The Cruiser 200A performs well with consistent temperatures and offers an 8lb hopper for continuous low and slow cooking.
If you’re looking for a truly portable wood pellet grill, the Z Grills Cruiser 200A is an excellent choice.
Features
Specifications
Benefits
Compact Size
Dimensions: 20.9″ x 13.8″ x 18.1″
Perfect for camping or tailgating
Portable
Weight: 40 lbs
Easy to carry and transport
Tabletop Design
Cooking Area: 202 square inches
Easily fits on any tabletop or surface
Pellet Grill
8lb Hopper
Provides continuous low and slow cooking
Temperature Control
Digital Temperature Control
Ensure precise and consistent cooking results
Despite its compact size, the Z Grills Cruiser 200A delivers excellent performance and makes outdoor cooking convenient and enjoyable. Whether you’re grilling burgers, smoking ribs, or searing steaks, this portable pellet grill has got you covered.
Pit Boss Sportsman
The Pit Boss Sportsman is a portable pellet smoker that stands out for its dependability and ability to grill or smoke food quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re in the great outdoors or hosting a backyard cookout, the Pit Boss Sportsman is a reliable companion for all your grilling adventures.
This portable pellet smoker is designed to deliver consistent heat and exceptional flavor. Equipped with a digital control panel, it allows for precise temperature adjustments, ensuring perfect results every time. The Pit Boss Sportsman also features a heat rod lever, which enables high-temperature searing to create those coveted grill marks on your favorite cuts of meat.
With ample cooking space, you can easily prepare a feast for your family and friends. The Pit Boss Sportsman offers enough room to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, so you can grill steaks, smoke ribs, and roast vegetables all at once. Its 10lb pellet hopper provides sufficient fuel for extended cook times, allowing you to focus on entertaining your guests.
Key Features of the Pit Boss Sportsman:
Dependable and efficient portable pellet smoker
Digital control panel for precise temperature adjustments
Heat rod lever for high-temperature searing
Ample cooking space for grilling and smoking versatility
10lb pellet hopper for extended cook times
The Pit Boss Sportsman is designed to deliver exceptional performance wherever you go. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or enjoying a day at the beach, this portable pellet smoker will ensure that you can savor the delicious flavors of grilled and smoked food.
Pros
Cons
Dependable and consistent heat
Precise temperature control
Easy-to-use digital control panel
High-temperature searing capabilities
Generous cooking space
May be heavy to carry for some individuals
No built-in transport handles
Requires a power source for operation
Experience the dependability and flavor-enhancing capabilities of the Pit Boss Sportsman. Whether you’re grilling up steaks with perfect grill marks or slow-smoking ribs to tender perfection, this portable pellet smoker will help you create unforgettable meals in any outdoor setting.
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Country Smokers The Traveler
The Country Smokers The Traveler is a reliable and user-friendly portable wood pellet grill and smoker. Designed for convenience and portability, it is the perfect companion for camping trips and outdoor adventures. Weighing in at a lightweight, it’s easy to transport and set up wherever you go.
What sets The Traveler apart is its searing zone, allowing you to achieve those restaurant-quality grill marks and caramelization on your meats. The searing zone provides high heat for the perfect sear, giving your dishes that extra burst of flavor.
In addition, The Traveler features a removable grill grate, providing extra headroom and versatility for larger cuts of meat or accommodating various cooking styles. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or searing, this portable wood pellet grill can handle it all.
Although The Traveler has a few minor drawbacks, such as not having a backstop and a small hopper, its lightweight construction and ease of operation make it an attractive option for those on the go. Cleaning up after cooking is also a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design.
If you’re looking for a portable wood pellet grill and smoker that offers a balance of convenience, performance, and portability, The Country Smokers The Traveler is a reliable choice that won’t disappoint.
Traeger Ranger
The Traeger Ranger is a versatile tabletop pellet grill that offers a cooking space of 280 square inches. This compact grill is perfect for those who want to enjoy wood-fired flavor on the go. It features large cast-iron grates that provide perfect searing and even heat distribution. The Traeger Ranger is equipped with a digital Elite Controller, allowing you to set and maintain precise temperatures for consistent results.
One standout feature of the Traeger Ranger is its Wi-Fi capability. With the Traeger app, you can monitor and control your cook remotely from your phone or tablet. This convenient feature allows you to multitask or socialize while still ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection.
However, it’s important to note that the Traeger Ranger has a limited temperature range compared to larger pellet grills. This means it may not be suitable for cooking at extremely high temperatures. Additionally, the Traeger Ranger has a learning curve, as it takes time to understand and optimize its performance.
Key Features of the Traeger Ranger:
280 square inches of cooking space
Large cast-iron grates for even heat distribution
Digital Elite Controller for precise temperature control
Wi-Fi capability with the Traeger app
Pros:
Compact and portable design
Convenient Wi-Fi capability
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited temperature range
Learning curve for optimal performance
Types of Smokers
When it comes to portable smokers, there are several types to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Understanding the different types of smokers can help you make an informed decision and find the perfect portable smoker for your camping adventures. Here, we’ll explore four popular types of smokers: electric smokers, pellet smokers, charcoal smokers, and propane smokers.
Electric Smokers
Electric smokers are known for their convenience and precise temperature control. These smokers are easy to use, making them a popular choice for beginners. With an electric smoker, you can set the desired temperature and let the smoker do the rest of the work. They are also relatively compact and lightweight, making them highly portable for camping trips.
Pellet Smokers
Pellet smokers are loved for their ability to provide a wood-fired flavor to your food. These smokers use wooden pellets as fuel, which adds a unique smoky taste to your meats. What sets pellet smokers apart is their set-it-and-forget-it cooking style. You can load the smoker with pellets, set the desired temperature, and the smoker will automatically feed the pellets as needed to maintain a consistent heat level. Pellet smokers are versatile and can be used for grilling, smoking, and even baking.
Charcoal Smokers
For those seeking that classic smoky flavor, charcoal smokers are the way to go. These smokers use charcoal as their primary fuel source, providing a rich and distinct taste to your food. Charcoal smokers excel at reaching high temperatures, making them ideal for searing and achieving grill marks. However, they require more attention and skill to operate compared to other types of smokers, as maintaining a consistent temperature can be challenging.
Propane Smokers
If portability and consistent heat are important to you, propane smokers are a great choice. These smokers use propane gas as their fuel source, offering ease of use and reliable heat output. Propane smokers typically feature a burner that heats the wood chips or pellets, creating smoke for flavor. They are highly portable due to their compact size and are a popular choice for camping and tailgating.
Type of Smoker
Features
Pros
Cons
Electric Smokers
Precise temperature control
Easy to use
Portable
– Convenient and time-saving
– Consistent heat distribution
– Ideal for beginners
– Limited smoky flavor compared to other smokers
– Requires electricity or a power source
– Authentic smoky flavor
– Easy to use
– Wide temperature range
– Higher price point
– Requires pellets as fuel
– Not suitable for high-temperature cooking
Charcoal Smokers
Classic smoky flavor
High heat capabilities
– Intense smoky taste
– Suitable for grilling, smoking, and searing
– Wide range of cooking styles
– Requires constant monitoring
– Longer cooking times
– More skill and experience needed
Propane Smokers
Portability
Consistent heat
– Highly portable
– Reliable heat output
– Suitable for camping and tailgating
– Less smoke flavor compared to other smokers
– Requires propane gas as fuel
When choosing a portable smoker for camping, consider your specific needs and preferences. Electric smokers offer convenience and precise control, while pellet smokers provide a wood-fired flavor and set-it-and-forget-it cooking. Charcoal smokers deliver a classic smoky taste and high heat capabilities, and propane smokers offer portability and consistent heat. Decide which features are most important to you and select the type of smoker that best suits your needs.
35 Best Smoker Accessories & Grilling Tools for Camping
To enhance your camping cooking experience with a portable smoker, we’ve compiled a list of the 35 best smoker accessories and grilling tools. These accessories and tools include essentials like grill covers, smoker box, meat thermometers, and cleaning brushes. By having the right accessories and tools, you can make the most out of your portable smoker and enjoy delicious meals while camping.
Popular Smoker Accessories and Grilling Tools
Accessory/Tool
Description
Grill Cover
Protects your portable smoker from the elements and keeps it clean when not in use.
Smoker Box
Enhances the smoky flavor of your food by adding wood chips or pellets to the box for smoking.
Meat Thermometer
Allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your meat to ensure perfect doneness.
Cleaning Brush
Keeps your portable smoker free from residue and grease buildup, ensuring optimal performance.
Grilling Gloves
Protects your hands from heat and allows for better grip when handling hot food and grill grates.
Grill Mat
Prevents food from falling through the grill grates and provides a non-stick cooking surface.
Smoker Cookbook
Provides a variety of delicious recipes and tips to elevate your smoking game.
Wood Pellets
Essential fuel source for pellet smokers, offering different wood flavors for unique smoky tastes.
Charcoal Chimney Starter
Facilitates quick and easy charcoal lighting, saving time and effort during setup.
Grilling Tools Set
Includes spatula, tongs, and fork for flipping, turning, and serving food on the grill.
“Investing in quality smoker accessories and grilling tools not only improves your cooking experience but also enhances the flavors and results of your meals.”
Whether you’re a seasoned grilling expert or new to the world of smokers, having the right accessories and tools can take your camping culinary adventures to the next level. From protecting your smoker to achieving perfect temperatures and flavors, these accessories and tools are essential for any camping BBQ enthusiast.
Investing in quality smoker accessories and grilling tools not only improves your cooking experience but also enhances the flavors and results of your meals. With the right tools by your side, you can confidently tackle any recipe and create memorable outdoor dining experiences.
5 Smoked Hot Dog Recipes (Smoker or Grill)
If you’re looking to take your hot dogs to the next level, try these 5 delicious smoked hot dog recipes that can be cooked on a smoker or grill. These recipes are perfect for adding a smoky flavor and elevating your hot dog game. From classic BBQ smoked hot dogs to gourmet specialties, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
1. Classic BBQ Smoked Hot Dogs
Add a smoky twist to the all-time favorite BBQ hot dogs. Start by smoking your hot dogs on a low heat for 20-30 minutes until they develop a beautiful smoky flavor. Then, finish them off on a hot grill for a nice char. Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite BBQ sauce and toppings like onions, relish, and mustard.
2. Smoked Chili Cheese Hot Dogs
Take your hot dogs to a whole new level with this smoked chili cheese version. Smoke your hot dogs until they’re cooked through, then remove them from the smoker and top with homemade chili and shredded cheese. Return them to the smoker for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Serve on a toasted bun with additional chili and cheese if desired.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Hot Dogs
Wrap your hot dogs in bacon before smoking them for an irresistible combination of flavors. Smoke the bacon-wrapped hot dogs until cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings like sautéed onions, pickles, and mustard. This recipe is sure to be a hit at any backyard gathering!
4. Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Hot Dogs
Add some heat and cheesy goodness to your hot dogs with this smoked jalapeño cheddar version. Slice jalapeños and cheddar cheese lengthwise, then stuff them into a slit in the hot dogs. Smoke until the cheese is melted and the hot dogs are heated through. Serve on a bun with your favorite condiments and enjoy the perfect balance of spice and cheese.
5. Gourmet Mushroom Swiss Smoked Hot Dogs
Elevate your hot dog experience with this gourmet mushroom Swiss version. Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and thyme until tender. Smoke your hot dogs until cooked through, then top with the sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Return to the smoker to melt the cheese. Serve on a toasted bun with Dijon mustard and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Whether you’re grilling or smoking, these smoked hot dog recipes will take your BBQ game to the next level. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own signature smoked hot dog masterpiece.
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Classic BBQ Smoked Hot Dogs
Hot dogs, BBQ sauce, onions, relish, mustard
Smoke hot dogs, grill for char, serve on bun with toppings.
Smoked Chili Cheese Hot Dogs
Hot dogs, chili, shredded cheese
Smoke hot dogs, top with chili and cheese, melt in smoker.
Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Hot Dogs
Hot dogs, bacon, sautéed onions, pickles, mustard
Wrap hot dogs in bacon, smoke until cooked, serve with toppings.
Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Hot Dogs
Hot dogs, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, condiments
Stuff hot dogs with jalapeños and cheese, smoke until melted, serve with condiments.
Gourmet Mushroom Swiss Smoked Hot Dogs
Hot dogs, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard
Sauté mushrooms, smoke hot dogs, top with mushrooms and Swiss cheese, melt in smoker, serve with mustard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have reviewed the top 5 best portable smokers for on-the-go BBQs. These smokers offer a range of features and options for camping, tailgating, and outdoor adventures. The Traeger Tailgater, Camp Chef Pursuit 20, Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett, Z Grills Cruiser 200A, and Pit Boss Sportsman are our top picks based on their performance, portability, and customer reviews. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or searing, these portable smokers will provide delicious meals wherever your outdoor adventures take you.
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.
