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Best smokers for competition / serious
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We list 6 competition smokers. Lowest price tier here is premium: Recteq RT-700 and Weber Smokey Mountain 22". All of them are large or XL, with room for a crowd.
Precise, capable cookers used by serious pitmasters. 6 models that fit.
| Smoker | Fuel | Size | Ease | Tier | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recteq RT-700 | Pellet | Large | Set-and-forget | Premium | See price on Amazon | |
 | Weber Smokey Mountain 22" | Charcoal / drum | Large | Semi (some tending) | Premium | See price on Amazon |
| Lang 36 Patio | Offset (stick burner) | Large | Hands-on (fire-tending) | High-end / competition | See price on Amazon | |
| Traeger Timberline | Pellet | Large | Set-and-forget | High-end / competition | See price on Amazon |
| Yoder Wichita Loaded | Offset (stick burner) | Large | Hands-on (fire-tending) | High-end / competition | See price on Amazon | |
| Yoder YS640S | Pellet | Large | Set-and-forget | High-end / competition | See price on Amazon |
Common questions
Which competition smokers cost the least?
The premium price tier is the lowest here: Recteq RT-700 and Weber Smokey Mountain 22". We don't store live prices, so check the listing for today's price.
Which competition smokers are best for beginners?
None of these is on our beginner list. For an easier start, see set-and-forget smokers or smokers for beginners.
Which competition smokers can cook for a crowd?
The large and XL models: Recteq RT-700, Weber Smokey Mountain 22", Lang 36 Patio, Traeger Timberline, Yoder Wichita Loaded and Yoder YS640S.
How much tending do competition smokers need?
3 are set-and-forget and hold their own temperature: Recteq RT-700, Traeger Timberline and Yoder YS640S. 1 needs some tending (occasional vent and fuel checks): Weber Smokey Mountain 22". 2 are hands-on (you tend the fire for the whole cook): Lang 36 Patio and Yoder Wichita Loaded.
Head-to-heads
Deciding between two? These compare them side by side.
- Pit Barrel Cooker Classic vs Weber Smokey Mountain 22"
- Recteq RT-700 vs Traeger Ironwood
- Weber Smokey Mountain 18" vs Weber Smokey Mountain 22"
- Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 vs Weber Smokey Mountain 22"
- Traeger Timberline vs Yoder YS640S
- Traeger Ironwood vs Traeger Timberline
- Recteq RT-590 vs Recteq RT-700
Other needs: Beginners · Authentic wood/charcoal flavor · Large gatherings · set-and-forget