How to Use a Propane Smoker in 7 Easy Steps

Propane gas smokers have given a new generation of pitmasters access to backyard barbecuing. With our instruction on how to use a propane smoker, you’ll be able to master the ignition, temperature control, ventilation, and wood chips.

Newcomers to barbeque have discovered a whole new universe thanks to propane smokers. They make it simple and quick to make smoked food without the complications that charcoal smokers can cause.

They eliminate all of the tension and onerous controls, allowing you to smoke food in an easy and economical manner. Our beginner’s guide will show you how to use a propane smoker and provide you with some expert advice to ensure you get the best results possible. Looking for the best gas smoker? We have a list of recommendation you can check.

How to Use a Propane Smoker: Choose Your Smoker

The best propane smokers are tall and have a high capacity. This allows for optimal airflow while also providing you with a large cooking surface area.

They also have a transparent control panel and can reach temperatures of roughly 350°F when cooking. We don’t require high maximum temperatures because we’re smoking rather than grilling.

How to Use a Propane Smoker: Start Your Smoker

You must first start the smoker before adding any food, wet or dry wood chips, or other equipment.

Ignition mechanisms differ from unit to unit, but on the control panel of your smoker, there should be a simple ignition button and temperature settings. One of the things that sets them apart from electric smokers is how quickly they start up. Make sure the connection from your propane tank is secure before turning it on. We want a reliable gas supply that is also safe. Also, make sure your smoker’s door is securely sealed and that your propane tank gauge is reading correctly.

Start the heat. Aim for a target cooking temperature of 225°F (107°C). This will usually only take 10-20 minutes for your smoker to heat up to.

How to Use a Propane Smoker: Add a Water Pan

Using a smoker water pan to increase the performance of your propane smoker is an excellent method to do so.

They can assist keep your food from drying out by stabilizing the cooking temperatures in the device (even in propane smokers). Because the best smoked meat is always moist and juicy, utilizing a pan is an excellent approach to achieve these results.

Water pans are inexpensive to purchase and are frequently supplied with smoker units. Half-fill the pan with ice cold water. In your preheated smoker, place the pan in the bottom of the smoker chamber. If that doesn’t work, try putting it on the lowest cooking grate.

Because the water in the pan will evaporate while you cook, you may need to refill it. Keep an eye on it (it’s possible your smoker has a window in the door) and replenish as needed.

Pro tip: In your water pan, don’t add any other flavors. Some people choose beer, apple juice, or cider as a mixer. I don’t think it has much of an effect, thus I prefer to use wood, brines, and marinades alone to produce flavors.

How to Use a Propane Smoker: Control Vents and Airflow

Air vents (also known as dampers) may be included in your propane smoker to assist you control the temperature. Because oxygen is the primary fuel for fire, proper air regulation is essential for a successful barbecue.

Your smoker should have a bottom intake damper that allows air into the smoker and a top exhaust damper that takes air out of the smoker. Simply put, the broader your air vents are, the more oxygen your flames will receive and the hotter your cooking temps will be.

Set the vents entirely open when you start your smoker. This will assist your smoker in fast reaching 225°F. Set the vents halfway closed once it has preheated. This will help to slow down the rise in cooking temperature without completely extinguishing it.

Pro tip: Because each smoker is unique, there will be a learning curve in determining how to position your vents for optimal heat levels. Experiment with modest tweaks to the vents to see how they effect your cooking environment.

How to Use a Propane Smoker: Add your food

Now it’s time to have some genuine fun.

Transfer your food to your smoker and place it on the cooking chamber’s middle grates. Ideally, it should be placed exactly over the water pan so that any fluids or run-off can flavor the smoke from the pan.

Close the chamber door and wait for the temperature to reach 225°F. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of meat and its weight, so see my guide to the best smoking meats for recommendations.

Don’t keep an eye on your food’s progress all the time. Although it may be tempting to open the door to monitor how things are doing, this might cause substantial temperature disruption and possibly damage your meat.

Allow at least 30 minutes for your meat to rest at room temperature before smoking. By reducing the temperature swings as it cooks, this can aid to improve results.

How to Use a Propane Smoker: Check Wood Chips and Water

After 2 hours, check on your meal (waiting until this time period is often referred to as The Golden Rule). Check to see whether the temperature on the smoker is near to 225°F.

Check to check if your wood chip box or water pan is nearly empty, and replenish as necessary. Allow your meat to finish smoking by closing the door.

How to Use a Propane Smoker: Check the Meat

Use a meat thermometer to check on the progress of your meat as the goal time approaches. Insert the probe into the thickest section of the flesh to do this.

Remove the meat from the smoker after it’s done and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.