7 Best Fish Smokers – Make Delicious Smoked Fish at Home!

By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 27, 2023
GrillGuru is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
  • Jan 01, 2023: The review was published.
  • Feb 07, 2023: We updated the Traeger Pellet Grills TFB78GLE Pro 780 review.
  • Mar 27, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Camp Chef XXL Vertical Pellet Smoker to position no. 6.
  • Mar 27, 2023: The Char-Broil Standard Digital Electric Smoker was discontinued/became unavailable for purchase, so we moved it to position no. 7.

As a host, you want to serve meals that cater to even the pickiest, gluten-free dietary guests, while impressing them with your divine culinary skills. Smoked fish meat is the perfect treat! So, you’ll need to find the best fish smoker.

Most smokers are able to handle smoking both meats and fish, but you want a unit that maintains consistent heat and provides more temperature control, in the event that you would like to cook your fish at a lower temperature. Or maybe you want a smoker with portability, therefore, wheels would be important, as well as weight and dimension.

We’ve put in over 100 man-hours of loading wood chips and coal, seasoning, soaking/brining, smoking, checking water basin levels, tasting fish, cleaning out ash – the whole gamut, just to bring you our findings.

Below is a list comprised of in-detail product reviews, and a buying guide for the best fish smokers, how we rated them, and our recommendations, all for your consideration when making your purchase.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Camp Chef PG24MZG
    "This wood pellet grill can be used to efficiently braise your food, bake, smoke, and grill."
  • Best Fish Smoker with Thermometer: Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
    "Vertical bullet-style, charcoal, coal or rock-burning smoker, with high portability and an ash clean-out. Perfect for camping, road trips, and travelling"
  • Best Value: Z Grills ZPG-700D4E
    "With this pellet grill temperature control is a breeze. A set-and-forget model that works wonders with tender foods like fish."
  • Best Fish Grill and Smoker Combo: Traeger Pellet Grills TFB78GLE Pro 780
    "Horizontal barbecue style with a smokestack, electric, wood pellet burning smoker, with high portability, an auger pellet feeder, draft induction fan and locking wheels"
  • Best Fish Electric Smoker: Masterbuilt 20077515
    "Vertical box-style with window, electric, wood chip burning, stationary smoker with low portability, digital readout and Bluetooth Technology. Best high-tech smoker, perfect for smoke chefs looking to impress!"
  • "Vertical box style on wheeled-stilts, wood chip burning smoker, with high portability, a digital readout, and collapsible shelf"
  • "Bullet-style, fuel-powered, stationary smoker with some portability. Perfect for beginning or occasional smoker, best for smoking fish."

Top 7 Fish Smokers Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2671 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
1
Editor’s Choice

Camp Chef PG24MZG

Features
  • Fuel type: wood/electric
  • Temperature range: 160–500ºF
  • Cooking area: 811 inches
  • Dimensions: 25 x 40.5 x 22 inches
  • Weight: 144.7 lbs.

More features: gen 2 PID controller, ash cleanout system, 2 stainless steeel meat probes, heavy duty front shelf

You will find everything you need from a smoke vault and pellet grill in this single machine. It is no surprise that it is our editor’s choice product. You will never run out of space to smoke or grill your food in the Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro, as it has a cooking space of 811 inches. What’s interesting about this Camp Chef pellet grill is that its temperature can be controlled digitally, and with its smart smoke technology, you won’t have to wait and keep hoping it generates the right amount of smoke. The temperature probe also allows you to keep a close watch on your food. In addition to the convenience of cleaning the ash after use, this machine can maintain temperatures between 160° F to 500° F.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Versatile
  • Easy setup
  • Easy cleaning System
  • Smart Smoke Technology
  • Exclusive ash cleanout system
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • No water pan
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8550 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
2
Best Fish Smoker with Thermometer

Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

Features
  • Fuel type: charcoal
  • Temperature range: up to 350°F
  • Cooking area: 481 sq. inches
  • Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 41 inches
  • Weight: 39 lbs.

More features: built-in lid thermometer; heavy-gauge steel charcoal grate

This smoker is a camper’s delight! Weighing less than 40 pounds, you can carry this little guy with you on all of your outdoor excursions. Load it with coals or rocks, then let the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker do its job. Whether you’re a nomad, outdoorsman, or conqueror of all waters, you can add your fresh catch to the chamber wherever you go. Live in a flat or an apartment that has a limited patio space that’s too small for a standard grill? Forget about it! This was made especially for you. You won’t find another like anywhere on the web. It’s light-weight, compact, easy-to-clean and friendly on your pocketbook.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Built-in lid
  • Lightweight
  • Heavy-duty steel grate
  • Wide temperature range
  • 3 size options
  • Well-insulated
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Small cooking capacity
  • Non-digital readout
  • Stationary
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6989 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.4
3
Best Value

Z Grills ZPG-700D4E

Features
  • Fuel type: wood pellets
  • Temperature range: 180-450 F
  • Cooking area: 697 sq. in.
  • Dimensions: 48 x 22 x 51 inches
  • Weight: 132 lbs.

More features: PID temperature control technology, dual-walled construction, an LCD screen with 2 meat probes

When it comes to grilling products, Z Grills is one such popular name that comes to our mind. Z grills come with the most convenient controls and their 700D4E model consists of many useful and innovative features that can make your grilling experience even better. This model weighs 132 lbs. and measures 48 X 22 X 51 inches.  The 700D4E model offers an extremely large cooking area, covering 697 sq. inches which allows you to cook multiple items at one time. Not only this, but the model also includes features such as temperature control technology, dual-walled construction, an LCD screen with 2 meat probes, and much more.

Taking a step up from the previous models, the 7000D4E model features a PID controller that helps maintain your desired temperature settings. This model also has a wider temperature range for grilling that allows you to cook many different types of fish and meat. This model is definitely a step up from Z Grills previous pellet smokers.

    Why is it special?
  • Allows you to maintain consistent temperature without any fluctuations
  • Has a stainless steel structure that is extremely durable
  • The double-wall insulation helps retain heat and minimizes fuel consumption
  • Meat probes help you check the internal temperature of the meat
  • Has a waterproof cover that can withstand any weather conditions
    What are the flaws?
  • Should have WiFi access to change temperature settings from the comfort of your seat
  • The size of meat probes could be larger
Also Product Ranking:

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5332 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
4
Best Fish Grill and Smoker Combo

Traeger Pellet Grills TFB78GLE Pro 780

Features
  • Fuel type: pellets
  • Temperature range: up to 450º F
  • Cooking area: 780 sq. in
  • Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 55 in
  • Weight: 146 lbs

More features: Wi-Fi connection, 18 lb hopper capacity, powder coated steel, digital thermometer, caster wheels

Need a smoker that does more than just smoke? Take a look at this unit by Traeger, it does everything but slices and dices. Sear, bake, roast, grill, braise and grill, on this electric, wood-burning kitchen on locking wheels. The manufacturer produced this unit with the individual in mind, adding a waste bucket to collect oil, which can be reused for flavor or gravy. Not to mention, that it makes clean slightly easier. Speaking of clean-up, as impressive as the Traeger smoker is, it has its fair share of minuses as well, like the lack of prep table and ash cleanout. While it may not be easy to clean, and you may have to invest in a table attachment, most other offset smokers will still pale in comparison. Popular with Amazon customers, this smoker holds up to the reputation of the Traeger name.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Auger feeder
  • Draft induction fan
  • Stay-cool handle
  • Temperature control
  • Spacious
  • Locking wheels
  • Smokestack
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Stationary
  • Pricey
Also Product Ranking:
Read full review: traeger pro 780
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9502 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
5
Best Fish Electric Smoker

Masterbuilt 20077515

Features
  • Fuel type:electric/wood chips
  • Temperature range: up to 275°F
  • Cooking area: 721 sq. inches
  • Dimensions: 18.1 x 19.3 x 33.7 inches
  • Weight: 63 lbs.

More features: 800W heating element, integrated Bluetooth technology, patented side wood chip loading system, integrated thermostat temperature control

Smoke to the future with this Masterbuilt’s Bluetooth-ready smoker. This baby also comes with a patented side-loader for adding your wood chips, which means no one else has this capability. No seepage here folks, this smoker’s window design is not only attractive to look at, it serves as an air-tight insulator, locking in the heat. It comes complete with an integrated thermostat temperature control, so you can kick back, relax and watch the smoking process take effect while listening to your favorite podcast.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Patented side-loader
  • Large cooking capacity
  • Thermostat temperature control
  • Bluetooth technology
  • Window design
  • Well-insulated
    What could be better?
  • Heavy
  • Low temperature range
  • Stationary
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9788 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.5
Features
  • Fuel type: wood pellets
  • Temperature range: 150–350ºF
  • Cooking area: 1,806 inches
  • Dimensions: 24 x 55 x 15.5 inches
  • Weight: 149.5 lbs.

More features: PID controller; 3 meat racks, 3 jerky racks, and a 12-hook sausage racks

If you’re looking to smoke or grill for a large group, Camp Chef’s is a great fit! With 1,806 square inches of cooking space, it is the largest of all on our best smokers list. XXL indeed! It offers the PID controller which ensures the necessary amount of smoke and stable temperature while you’re smoking fish, as well as a digital display with a controller and a collapsible tray. It also brings the heat, so if sausage is in your menu, it’s got hooks waiting just for them. You can’t go wrong with this smoker because not only is it the most versatile of all our picks but has all of the features you want in a quality smoker. If you don’t mind the heavy weight, and the small investment in sealant to make it pro-grade air-tight, then you have a winner in this Camp Chef XXL mega-smoker.

    What are its best features?
  • Digital temperature control
  • Large cooking capacity
  • Wide temperature range
  • Smart Smoke Technology
  • Ash cleaning system
  • Multiple racks
  • Wheels
    What could be improved?
  • Non-digital readout
  • Pricey
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6334 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
Features
  • Fuel type: charcoal
  • Temperature range: up to 275°F
  • Cooking area: 570 sq. inches
  • Dimensions: 25.4 x 24.8 x 42.8 inches
  • Weight: 53 lbs.

More features: convenient removable ash pan, temperature gauge

Dive into the world of high-efficiency grilling with the Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill. Say goodbye to uneven cooking and flare-ups with this state-of-the-art grill that evenly distributes heat across the grates using infrared technology. This means juicier steaks, perfectly grilled vegetables, and a flawless outdoor cooking experience every time. With a generous cooking surface and three burners, you’re equipped to handle large gatherings with ease. The built-in temperature gauge ensures your meals are cooked to perfection, while the durable stainless steel construction promises years of reliable use. If you’re passionate about precision grilling and crave the convenience of gas, this grill is your culinary companion. However, for those who prefer the smoky flavor of charcoal or the hands-on approach of traditional grilling, you might want to look elsewhere. This grill is all about delivering consistent, high-quality results with minimal fuss.

    What do we love it for?
  • Temperature gauge
  • Integrated handle
  • Durable
  • Large cooking capacity
  • Well-insulated
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Heavy
  • Stationary
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

Having trouble deciding? The following buyer’s guide will lay it out for to help you narrow down your decision.

Benefits of using a top-quality smoker to smoke fish

Benefits of using fish smoker

One of the many benefits of using a top-quality smoker to smoke fish, is being in the spirit of “set it, and forget it.” One only needs to do minimal prep work, and let the smoker do the rest. However, temperature control is a very important feature. You want to buy a smoker with a wide temperature range in order to smoke fish at lower degrees, or to make jerky or sausages at higher temps. Achieving restaurant quality smoke flavor, right in your own backyard!

Features to consider when choosing a smoker for fish

When choosing a smoker, consider the conditions in which you are likely to smoke. Will you need to move it around or travel with it? Then a smoker with wheels would be best for you. The ability to control a wide temperature range is important as well, in the event a recipe calls for extremely high or low heat. A unit that is well-insulated matters greatly, as well as whether or not it can maintain its heat levels when you check the internal temperature of your meat. Is a digital readout important to you? How do you intend to fuel the smoker, and have you considered what affect can it have on the resulting taste? These features should all be taken into consideration when making your shopping selections.

Type of smoker and fuel used

Type of smoker fish smoker
Buying a smoker isn’t as simple as you may think, as they come in multiple types and styles, for example, best charcoal smokers. They can run on the traditional charcoal, the more convenient plug-in electric, or the ever-popular gas propane, each operating differently and manufactured to suit your smoking needs. Cooking using propane gas should be equivalent to using your stove, other than what you add in your recipe (i.e. seasoning, marinade, flavored chips), you can expect it to serve as a heat source only. Cooking with wood chips or wood pellets would be the same as cooking over a log fire. There is an added hint of outdoorsy, woodey taste to the meat, in any flavor of your choosing, such as: cherry, mesquite, apple, hickory, and many others. Meat prepared over coals ensures that backyard barbecue flavor we’ve all come to love.

You can also combine coals and wood to create your very own distinct, signature flavor that would hold its own in any smoking competition. Just send us a plate after your first blue ribbon.

Temperature range

Temperature range of fish smoking

Some people prefer to smoke their fish at a lower temperature, in which case you would want to select a unit that can be set as low as 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and still be able to maintain that heat level, as it is the minimum cooking temperature recommended for smoking fish. If you will use your smoker to cook other meats, or to prepare jerky, the unit will need to reach temperatures 375 degrees and above.

Total cooking area

Best commercial smokers are available for mass output, however, for residential purposes consider your family size when selecting a smoker. A safe bet would be to go for a unit slightly larger than what you would need for your household, the event that you decide to entertain. Otherwise, you would have to spend an entire day preparing batches, while the quality of the dish diminishes in the meantime.

Dimensions and weight

Size and weight of a smoker

The size and weight of a smoker should matter to a buyer as much as the cooking capacity. Units without wheels can prove to be difficult to carry so take into consideration if you will need to carry or move your smoker around much. That’s to say, if you have a smaller garage, yard, or patio where you plan store it.

Warranty

As a rule of thumb, any product supported by a lifetime warranty means that the manufacturer fully guarantees and stands behind their product. This signals that a unit is built to last, and assures your product purchase with warranty protection to ensure that it does. Same goes for the Protection Plan that is offered on Amazon for the majority of these products.

Extra features

Extra features of fish smoker

Added features like Bluetooth technology, internal thermometers, digital readouts, and self-cleaning systems can be quite handy, and impressive! Imagine being able to entertain your guests in the living room, while adjusting the temperature setting on the smoker out on the patio, with a simple click. Checking the internal temperature of your fish is a must, so why not buy a unit that comes with its own? If you wear glasses, save yourself the eye strain and get a smoker with a digital readout. Problem solved! Food’s done and everyone has gone home, and it is on you to clean up the mess of ashes? No problem there, simply buy a smoker with a self-cleaning system, and the work is done before you even begin.

Tips on smoking fish

Here is a helpful list of tips on smoking fish, which will help you achieve the desired results:

  • Freshwater fish such as: salmon, trout (boneless), and tilapia are most suitable for smoking.
  • Maple, hickory, and alder are the most popular, ideal smoke flavors.
  • Fish must be marinated, seasoned and/or brined before smoking.
  • Wood chips must be soaked in water for 30 minutes, in order to produce smoke for an extended period. They should be placed over coals, rocks, or loaded into a pan or a heat-bearing container. Do not mix wet and dry chips, it will create an adverse effect.
  • After cooking for 2.5–3 hours, achieving 165-degree internal temperature, rest the fish for 20 minutes. Before serving, squeeze lemon juice onto the fish to enhance smoke flavor.
  • Leftover smoked fish can be stored in a sealed container for up to 7 days and can be pan-reheated over a medium temperature.
  • Electric units should be properly stored and not left outdoors year-round. Refer to your User’s Manual for storage instructions.

FAQ

Do the different fuel sources make any difference in how smoked fish tastes?

There is a combination of factors that can determine how your dish will ultimately turn out. So honestly, that is a tough call to make. Look into the Cuisinart COS-244 model which comes in all fuel source types, or experiment with tasting fish from different fuel sources from restaurants, and get tips on chip flavors, etc. Then try it at home.

Is it safe to cold smoke fish?

For sanitary and safety reasons, it is recommended that you smoke fish at a temperature no lower than 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Try doing a search for: ceviche. That’s a cold fish recipe you might enjoy.

Do I need to use probe thermometers to control the temperature while smoking?

Yes. The desirable internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, smoked fish should take 2.5 to 3 hours to cook. Any longer, and you risk drying it out. The Charbroil Standard Digital Smoker actually comes with its own thermometer, which is a really great feature not many smokers have.

Our verdict

Exploring the finest options for fish smoking, we’ve navigated through various models to bring you the crème de la crème in fish smokers. These selections are praised for their ease of use, consistent temperature control, and ability to impart a rich, smoky flavor that elevates any fish dish. Ideal for both novices and seasoned smoking aficionados, our recommendations cater to a spectrum of preferences, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every culinary enthusiast. For those dedicated to mastering the art of smoking fish, investing in the best fish smoker from our list promises a transformative cooking experience.

9,7
Total Score
Camp Chef PG24MZG - Editor’s Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X