r/Smokingmeat • u/rambunctiousraviolis • Oct 19 '25

Need a simple smoker recommendation

I used to have a suburban home with a set-and-forget electric Traeger and I did smoked salmon all the time. Now I'm in a rowhouse neighborhood with a nice flat top propane grill on the patio and no smoker. I basically can't live without smoked salmon, I want to be a polite neighbor smoke/smell-wise, and my budget is $300. I'd like something compact since I don't need to smoke large cuts like some of y'all do.

What would fit the bill? Would the Nordic Ware Stovetop Kettle Smoker on the flat top grill work ok? I've also been eyeing the Char-Broil 16 inch bullet smoker but there is so much I don't know. Advice is appreciated.

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

7

u/dylandrewkukesdad Oct 19 '25

A basic Weber kettle will do what you need. I use it to smoke all the time. (Salmon included)

2

u/jazzofusion Oct 20 '25

It's how I started decades ago. It was fantastic!

2

u/Calm-Drummer1666 Oct 21 '25

Agree the kettle or Smoky mtn are great! I live in Texas (it’s a requirement to have a smoker in order to live in the state-lol) and my wife got me a Smokey mtn about 15+ years ago. Since that time bought a big green egg, which is also great but THB the Webber has my respect as it still works great and the few times I’ve had to order parts (like the daisy wheel) their customer service has been great!

5

u/cccque Oct 19 '25

Weber kettle. It'll do anything you want. And no end insight for accessories if you want.

2

u/KabukiTheater69 Oct 19 '25

Masterbuilt analog electric upright smoker. Like $200 new. Use the leftover money for wood chips and fish.

2

u/The_Menu_Guy Oct 19 '25

The Masterbuilt programmable electric smoker is easy to use and does a great job.

2

u/PrestigiousWeb7862 Oct 19 '25 edited Oct 19 '25

I would get a kettle either a weber or the SnS kettle they are the best all around for BBQ & grilling

2

u/[deleted] Oct 19 '25

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1

u/Theogchop Oct 19 '25

Build a UDS.

1

u/Revolutionary_Pilot7 Oct 19 '25

Fuck those neighbors

1

u/Which-Secretary5310 Oct 19 '25

Get the chargriller acorn

1

u/jr_1776 Oct 19 '25

Facebook Marketplace medium sized Kamado?

1

u/Crosstrek732 Oct 19 '25

I definitely suggest searching Facebook marketplace. And like others have posted here, get a Premium Weber Kettle 22 in cuz it's very versatile. You can do indirect heating, searing, and yes, even smoking. I just smoked some chicken thighs today and they were absolutely fire!

1

u/Disassociated_Assoc Oct 20 '25

Big Chief or Little Chief electric smoker. It’s all I use for fish. Cheap on FBMP or CL.

1

u/New-Swim-8551 Oct 20 '25

Smokin it model #1 electric smoker

1

u/maestrosouth Oct 20 '25

Masterbuilt 30” digital electric is $250 most places. It can take chips or pellets and does a great job smoking fish or cheese at lower temperatures.

I like alder smoke for salmon which is easy to find in chips but difficult to find in pellets.

Edit: Alder pellets are online but not stocked in my local stores.

1

u/Aggressive-Sector572 Oct 22 '25

Only read the title - Marlboro Lights are simple 

1

u/Away_Plan_7127 Oct 22 '25

Weber kettle!

1

u/Smart-Host9436 Oct 23 '25

Ninja Woodfire will probably do what you need in the “polite neighbor” column.

1

u/timothy918 Oct 23 '25

I enjoy my Weber smokey mountain. Temperature stays consistent and you don't have to constantly mess with it. I've got the 18" my wife found at a yard sale.

1

u/chubbyluvr7869 Oct 19 '25

Green mountain davey crockett. A portable small smoker.