7 Best Fish Smokers in NZ: Prices, Brands & Where to Buy
You’ve got a chilly bin full of kahawai or trout and a craving for that glossy, smoky finish — now you just need the right smoker. But choosing one in NZ can be confusing: compact stainless box units that run on meths, larger 23L rigs for batch cooks, two-burner models for steadier heat, or plug-in electric cabinets like the Bradley. Prices range from around a hundred dollars to many hundreds, stock varies by retailer, and the best pick depends on where you’ll use it — boat, bach, balcony, or backyard.
This guide compares seven of the best fish smokers you can buy in New Zealand right now. For each model you’ll get what it is, key features, who it’s best for, typical NZ pricing, where to buy, plus clear pros and cons — including notes on local support and wood chip availability. We’ll also touch on flavour basics (manuka, apple, pohutukawa) and what to expect for capacity and heat control. If you want a straight answer on which smoker suits your catch and budget, you’re in the right place. Here’s how they stack up next.
1. Action Outdoors stainless box fish smokers (local support and chips)
If you want the classic Kiwi hot-smoked finish without a big learning curve, Action Outdoors backs the proven stainless box format and keeps you sorted with the right wood chips and accessories. You get simple, durable kit plus Auckland-based advice and NZ-wide delivery.
What it is
A portable, stainless-steel hot smoker that runs on meths burners. It’s the familiar tray-and-lid design used around NZ for quick, reliable results on kahawai, snapper or trout with manuka, apple or pohutukawa chips.
Key features
Built for easy, repeatable cooks on the boat, at the bach or on the deck.
- Stainless construction: Resists rust and wipes clean fast.
- Tray-and-lid simplicity: Even smoke with minimal faff.
- Meths-burner compatible: Fast heat-up; no power needed.
- NZ chip friendly: Manuka (bold), apple (gentle), pohutukawa (clean, robust).
- Compact and portable: Packs into small spaces.
Who it’s best for
Great if you value portability, quick turnaround and local support.
- Boats, balconies and baches
- Small family batches and weeknights
- First-time smoker owners
Typical NZ price
Stainless box fish smokers typically land between ~$100–$220 depending on size and inclusions (compact tins around the hundred mark; larger 23L-style units closer to the low two hundreds per common NZ listings).
Where to buy
Order online or visit Action Outdoors in Auckland for pick-up, chips and accessories in one go. You’ll get local product support and NZ-wide shipping options.
Pros and cons
Balanced, no-fuss hot-smoking with easy aftercare and local backup.
- Pros: Stainless durability; portable; simple to use; chips readily available; local support.
- Cons: Wind can affect heat outdoors; capacity is modest vs big 23L boxes; burner control is manual.
2. Kilwell Magnum 23L stainless steel fish smoker
When a compact tin starts to cramp your style, the Kilwell Magnum 23L is the logical step up. It’s the larger stainless hot-smoker box many Kiwis reach for when they want to smoke bigger fillets, whole sides, or run two trays without juggling.
What it is
A large-capacity, stainless-steel hot smoker built around the classic tray-and-lid format. It’s designed for quick, repeatable results with common NZ wood chips and enough headroom for family-size batches.
Key features
- 23L capacity: Handles larger fillets and multi-tray cooks with ease.
- Stainless build: Durable, corrosion-resistant and easy to clean after salty sessions.
- Even, simple hot-smoking: Reliable results with manuka, apple or pohutukawa chips.
- Portable form factor: Big on volume yet still manageable for bach or boat runs.
Who it’s best for
- Batch smokers and family feeds needing more space than a 10L tin.
- Anglers bringing home decent hauls of kahawai, snapper, trout or trevally.
- Bach/deck setups where bench space allows a larger box.
Typical NZ price
Commonly listed around $219.99 at major retailers such as Hunting & Fishing, with pricing varying by store and promotion.
Where to buy
Widely available through national fishing/outdoor chains (e.g., Hunting & Fishing), specialist marine/outdoor stores and online retailers like Marine Deals, with regular appearances on Trade Me. Check local stock if you need it for the weekend.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Generous 23L capacity; durable stainless; straightforward to use; great for bigger fillets and batches.
- Cons: Larger footprint than compact tins; outdoor heat can be wind-sensitive; higher price than entry-level smokers.
3. Kilwell Midi 10L stainless steel fish smoker
If you’re short on bench space or usually smoke for one to three people, the Kilwell Midi 10L keeps things simple. It’s a compact stainless hot-smoker box that delivers glossy, tasty fillets fast with familiar Kiwi chips like manuka, apple and pohutukawa.
What it is
A portable 10L stainless-steel hot smoker built around the classic tray-and-lid design. It’s aimed at small batches and trimmed fillets, giving you quick, repeatable results at the bach, on the boat or on the balcony.
Key features
A tidy, durable unit that focuses on portability and easy clean-up.
- 10L capacity: Sized for smaller batches and trimmed sides.
- Stainless construction: Corrosion resistant and wipes clean quickly.
- Lightweight and portable: Easy to stash in the ute or on the boat.
- Simple hot-smoking: Works well with manuka, apple and pohutukawa chips.
Who it’s best for
Ideal if you value convenience over volume and want a go-anywhere smoker.
- Boats, balconies and compact benches
- Weeknight cooks and small families
- First-time smoker owners
Typical NZ price
Commonly listed around $139.99 at major retailers, with inclusions (racks/trays, drip options) varying by store.
Where to buy
Found at national fishing/outdoor chains, specialist marine/outdoor stores, and often on Trade Me. If you need it for the weekend, check local store stock or click-and-collect options.
Pros and cons
A value-packed, stainless box that punches above its size for everyday hot-smoking.
- Pros: Affordable; compact footprint; stainless durability; quick results.
- Cons: Limited capacity; large fillets often need trimming; outdoor heat control can be wind-sensitive.
4. Challenger Ovenmaster stainless steel fish smoker
Looking for a budget-friendly stainless fish smoker that still nails glossy, flavoursome fillets? The Challenger Ovenmaster focuses on simple hot-smoking with minimal faff, solid durability, and a price that makes it an easy first buy or handy backup for the boat.
What it is
A classic stainless hot-smoking box using a tray-and-lid format. It delivers quick, reliable results with common NZ wood chips and cleans up fast after salty sessions.
Key features
Built around practicality, portability and value.
- Value price-point: An affordable entry into stainless hot-smoking.
- Stainless construction: Resists corrosion and wipes down easily.
- Simple tray design: Consistent results with manuka, apple or pohutukawa chips.
- Portable footprint: Suits baches, boats and tight benches.
Who it’s best for
Great if you want straightforward hot-smoking in smaller batches.
- First-time smoker owners
- Weeknight cooks and small families
- Boat/bach setups with limited space
Typical NZ price
Typically around $129 RRP, often on special near $119 at major online marine retailers; inclusions can vary by listing.
Where to buy
Common at large marine/outdoor retailers online, with frequent listings on Trade Me. Check current stock and inclusions (racks/trays, drip solution) before purchasing.
Pros and cons
A sharp-priced stainless fish smoker that keeps things simple.
- Pros: Sharp pricing; durable stainless; compact and portable; easy to use and clean.
- Cons: Smaller capacity than larger boxes; wind can affect heat control outdoors; inclusions vary by retailer.
5. Burnsco standard stainless steel fish smoker
If you want a no-nonsense, easy-to-clean stainless unit you can grab off the shelf, Burnsco’s standard stainless steel fish smoker fits the brief. It’s a straightforward hot-smoker marketed to deliver moist, flavourful results and is suitable for more than fish — think meat and chicken too.
What it is
A durable, stainless-steel hot smoker in the classic “box” format, built for simple tray smoking and quick clean-up after salty sessions.
Key features
Built for dependable, repeatable cooks at the bach, on the deck or back at base.
- Stainless construction: Corrosion resistant and easy to wipe down.
- Versatile use: Suitable for fish, meat and chicken.
- Simple operation: Hot-smoke with a small handful of chips.
- Portable footprint: Easy to stash and transport.
Who it’s best for
Great for fishers and weekend cooks who want convenience without overcomplicating things.
- Boat/bach setups
- Small family batches
- First-time smoker owners wanting a trusted retail option
Typical NZ price
Pricing varies by promotion and sits in line with other standard stainless box smokers; check current listings before you buy.
Where to buy
Available from Burnsco online, with similar stainless smokers also showing up at major marine/outdoor retailers and on Trade Me.
Pros and cons
A dependable, value-forward stainless smoker from a familiar retailer.
- Pros: Durable stainless; easy to use and clean; versatile beyond fish; readily available.
- Cons: Standard box capacity vs larger 23L units; wind can affect outdoor heat; inclusions and pricing depend on the listing.
6. Kiwi Sizzler 2-burner stainless steel fish smoker
When you want that classic hot-smoked flavour with steadier heat and quicker recovery between tray checks, a two-burner stainless box like the Kiwi Sizzler is a crowd favourite. It’s built for simple, repeatable hot-smoking with common NZ chips and enough grunt for family-size feeds.
What it is
A portable stainless-steel hot smoker using a dual meths-burner layout under a tray-and-lid box. The extra burner helps even out heat across the tray, making it easier to nail glossy, moist fillets on busy bach or boat days.
Key features
Designed for consistency and convenience without adding complexity.
- Two-burner heat: Better coverage and faster heat-up/recovery.
- Stainless construction: Corrosion resistant; easy to clean after salty sessions.
- Tray-and-lid simplicity: Hot-smokes reliably with a handful of chips.
- NZ chip friendly: Works well with manuka (bold), apple (gentle) and pohutukawa (clean, robust).
- Portable footprint: Packs neatly for boat, bach or balcony use.
Who it’s best for
Ideal if you want steadier temps than single-burner tins without going full cabinet smoker.
- Family feeders and small groups
- Anglers smoking larger or multiple fillets
- Boats/baches needing quick, repeatable cooks
Typical NZ price
Generally sits above single-burner “mini” tins and alongside larger stainless box smokers; inclusions vary by retailer, so check current listings before you buy.
Where to buy
Kiwi Sizzler smokers are stocked by major marine/outdoor retailers, with Marine Deals specifically listing Kiwi Sizzler among its brands. You’ll also see stainless fish smokers regularly on Trade Me.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Dual burners improve heat control and coverage; stainless durability; portable; straightforward to use.
- Cons: Pricier and a touch heavier than single-burner tins; outdoor wind can still affect flame; inclusions vary by listing.
7. Bradley Original 4-rack electric smoker
After the meths-fired box tins, the Bradley Original steps things up with plug-in consistency and four-tray capacity. If you want set-and-forget hot-smoking without juggling burners, this electric cabinet is the upgrade many Kiwis consider.
What it is
A plug-in, four-rack electric cabinet smoker designed to deliver steady heat and smoke with minimal fuss. It uses Bradley wood “bisquettes” (often listed as “bricks” on Trade Me) to generate clean, consistent smoke.
Key features
You’re buying control, capacity and repeatability for fish smokers who value simplicity.
- Four racks: More surface area than compact box tins.
- Electric heat: Steadier temps and less wind drama.
- Bisquette system: Consistent smoke delivery using Bradley “bricks.”
- Set-and-forget convenience: Great for longer, gentler hot-smokes.
Who it’s best for
Ideal if you want reliable, repeatable results and have a mains outlet handy.
- Backyard and bach cooks with power
- Larger batches or mixed trays
- Cooks who prefer low-maintenance smoking
Typical NZ price
Listings on Trade Me show Bradley electric smokers around the $680 mark depending on condition and bundle. New pricing varies by retailer and inclusions, so check current deals before you buy.
Where to buy
Bradley is carried by major marine/outdoor retailers in NZ, with Marine Deals listing Bradley among its brands. You’ll also find regular Trade Me listings; check stock if you need one for the weekend.
Pros and cons
Compared to meths-fired stainless boxes, you trade portability for control and capacity.
- Pros: Very consistent heat; four-rack throughput; clean, repeatable smoke; less wind-sensitive.
- Cons: Requires power; uses proprietary bisquettes (ongoing cost); bulkier to store/transport; higher upfront outlay than entry-level tins.
Final thoughts
Match your smoker to space, batch size and heat source. A 10L stainless tin is the grab-and-go weeknight hero; a 23L box suits family feeds; a two-burner steadies heat; an electric Bradley trades portability for consistency and capacity. Use manuka/apple/pohutukawa chips, shield burners from wind, and check racks/drip trays are included.
Ready to turn today’s catch into smoky, buttery perfection? Get the right smoker, chips and accessories with local advice, NZ-wide delivery and easy Auckland pick-up from Action Outdoors. Not sure which to choose? Tell us where you’ll cook and what you’re smoking—we’ll point you to the best fit for your fish and budget.