Fish Smoker NZ: 5 Best Smokers, Prices, Chips & Where to Buy

Keen to turn today’s catch into smoky, buttery perfection but not sure which fish smoker to buy — or what chips to use? NZ shelves are stacked with compact stainless-steel box smokers that run on meths burners, plus a few larger options. The trick is choosing a unit that fits your space (boat, bach, balcony), handles the fish you actually catch, and won’t rust out after a season. Then there’s flavour: manuka, apple, or pohutukawa — each brings a different character to kahawai, snapper, trout or trevally.

This guide compares five of the best fish smokers you can buy in New Zealand right now — from Kilwell, Challenger, Burnsco and Gasmate. For each one you’ll get a quick overview, who it suits, typical NZ pricing and what’s in the box, where to buy (online and in-store), recommended wood chips and flavours, plus pros and cons at a glance. Ready to pick your smoker with confidence? Let’s get into the top picks.

1. Kilwell Magnum 23L stainless steel fish smoker

Kilwell’s Magnum is the big box in the stainless hot-smoker category — a 23L unit that suits whole sides of fish and bigger batches without juggling trays. It’s the classic Kiwi stainless box design used for hot-smoking with chips, delivering quick, reliable results at the bach, on the deck, or back at base.

Overview and standout features

Built for capacity and simplicity, the Magnum focuses on even heat, easy cleaning, and portability. If you’re stepping up from a mini tin, this is the logical upgrade.

• 23L capacity: Room for larger fillets and multiple trays.
• Stainless construction: Durable and easy to wipe down after a briny session.
• Portable form factor: Packs neatly for boat or bach missions.
• Straightforward hot-smoking: Works with common NZ wood chips for fast, tasty results.

Best for

Anglers who bring home decent hauls and want consistent hot-smoked fish without fuss.

• Family feeds and batch smoking
• Kahawai, snapper, trout, trevally fillets or wings
• Bach/boat setups with a bit more bench space

Typical NZ pricing and what you get

Kilwell’s Magnum 23L is typically listed around $219.99 at major retailers such as Hunting & Fishing. Inclusions vary by retailer; most box smokers ship with trays/racks and a drip solution — check the product listing for exactly what’s in the box.

Where to buy in New Zealand

Commonly stocked by national fishing/outdoor chains (e.g., Hunting & Fishing) and specialist marine/outdoor stores. You’ll also see stainless fish smokers regularly on Trade Me. Check local store stock if you need it for the weekend.

Recommended wood chips and flavours

NZ staples are easy to find: manuka, apple, and pohutukawa chips are widely available.

• Manuka: classic, bold smoke on kahawai and snapper.
• Apple: sweeter, gentler profile that flatters trout.
• Pohutukawa: a robust, clean burn for richer fish. Avoid resinous softwoods (like pine), as local experts caution they’re not ideal for smoking.

Pros and cons at a glance

A larger-capacity stainless unit that balances convenience with crowd-pleasing flavour.

• Pros: Big 23L capacity; durable stainless; portable; consistent hot-smoking results.
• Cons: Higher price than compact tins; needs more bench space; fuel/heat control can be wind-sensitive outdoors.

2. Kilwell Midi 10L stainless steel fish smoker

Compact, tidy, and easy to live with, the Kilwell Midi 10L is the “anywhere, anytime” stainless fish smoker for smaller catches and tighter spaces. It’s a classic hot-smoking box that turns a couple of kahawai or trout fillets into glossy, smoky goodness in well under an hour.

Overview and standout features

If you’re short on bench space (boat, balcony, or bach), the Midi keeps things simple and reliable. It’s built in stainless for longevity and cleans up quickly after a briny session.

• 10L capacity: Ideal for small batches and trimmed fillets.
• Stainless build: Resists rust and wipes down easily.
• Lightweight and portable: Throw it in the ute or on the boat.
• Hot-smoking made simple: Works with common NZ wood chips for fast results.

Best for

Fishers who regularly smoke for one to three people, or want a go-anywhere unit for quick, mid-week cooks.

• Boats, balconies, and compact bench setups
• Kahawai, snapper, trout fillets; wings and frames
• First-time smoker owners who value ease over volume

Typical NZ pricing and what you get

The Kilwell Smoker Midi 10L is typically listed around $139.99 at major retailers such as Hunting & Fishing. Contents can vary; most stainless box smokers include racks/trays and a drip solution — confirm the exact inclusions on the product page.

Where to buy in New Zealand

Commonly found at national fishing/outdoor chains and specialist marine/outdoor stores, with frequent listings on Trade Me. Check local stock for weekend missions.

Recommended wood chips and flavours

Go with NZ favourites: manuka for a classic punch, apple for a softer, sweeter smoke (great on trout), and pohutukawa for a clean, robust profile. Avoid resinous softwoods like pine, as local smoking guides advise they’re not ideal.

Pros and cons at a glance

A value-packed, stainless fish smoker that’s easy to carry and easier to use.

• Pros: Affordable; compact 10L footprint; stainless durability; quick hot-smoking.
• Cons: Limited capacity; whole sides often need trimming; wind can affect heat control outdoors.

3. Challenger Ovenmaster stainless steel fish smoker

The Challenger Ovenmaster is the value-packed stainless fish smoker that nails the basics: quick hot-smoked flavour, minimal faff, and a price that makes it an easy first purchase or a handy backup for the boat. If you want glossy, smoky fillets without overthinking the setup, this is the box.

Overview and standout features

Built around the classic Kiwi hot-smoking format, the Ovenmaster focuses on simplicity, portability, and easy cleanup so you can get from catch to kai fast.

• Value price-point: Affordable entry into stainless hot-smoking.
• Stainless construction: Wipes clean and shrugs off salt and brine.
• Simple tray-and-lid design: Reliable results with common NZ chips.
• Portable footprint: Ideal for bachs, boats, and small benches.

Best for

Fishers who want straightforward, reliable results in smaller batches.

• First-time smoker owners
• Weeknight cooks and small families
• Boat/bach setups where space is tight

Typical NZ pricing and what you get

The Challenger Ovenmaster typically sits around $129 RRP, often on special for about $119 at major online marine retailers (as seen at Marine Deals). Inclusions can vary by listing; most stainless box smokers include racks/trays and a drip solution — check the product page for exactly what’s in the box.

Where to buy in New Zealand

Commonly stocked by large marine/outdoor retailers online, and you’ll often find fish smokers listed on Trade Me. Many specialist fishing and marine stores carry similar stainless units — call ahead to confirm weekend availability.

Recommended wood chips and flavours

Stick with NZ favourites: manuka for a classic punch on kahawai and snapper, apple for a softer, sweeter smoke on trout, and pohutukawa for a clean, robust profile. Avoid resinous softwoods like pine; local smoking guides caution they’re not ideal.

Pros and cons at a glance

• Pros: Sharp pricing; stainless durability; compact and portable; easy to use and clean.
• Cons: Smaller capacity than larger boxes; outdoor heat control can be wind-sensitive; inclusions vary by retailer.

4. Burnsco standard stainless steel fish smoker

Burnsco’s standard stainless steel fish smoker is a safe, no-nonsense option for hot-smoking on the boat, at the bach, or on the deck. It’s a classic stainless box that’s easy to clean and tough enough for salty use — and it’s versatile too, with Burnsco noting it’s ideal for fish, meat, and chicken.

Overview and standout features

Built around the proven tray-and-lid format, this smoker focuses on durability, simple operation, and quick clean-up so you can turn today’s catch into kai fast.

• Stainless construction: Resists rust and wipes down easily after briny cooks.
• Simple hot-smoking setup: Reliable results with a handful of chips.
• Versatile use: Suitable for fish, meat, and chicken.
• Portable footprint: Easy to stash on the boat or in the ute.

Best for

Fishers who want a dependable stainless box smoker with minimal faff.

• Boat and bach setups
• Small family cooks and quick weeknight smokes
• Mixed-use cooks (fish today, chicken tomorrow)

Typical NZ pricing and what you get

Pricing varies by promotion and store. It generally sits alongside other stainless box smokers; check Burnsco online or in-store for current pricing. Most units include racks/trays and a drip solution — confirm inclusions on the product page.

Where to buy in New Zealand

Available directly from Burnsco online and at Burnsco stores nationwide. Fish smokers also appear at other marine/outdoor retailers and on Trade Me; check local stock if you need one for the weekend.

Recommended wood chips and flavours

Burnsco stocks popular NZ chips: manuka, apple, and pohutukawa.

• Manuka: bold, classic smoke for kahawai and snapper.
• Apple: gentler, sweeter — great on trout.
• Pohutukawa: clean, robust profile for richer fish.
  Avoid resinous softwoods like pine, as local smoking guides advise.

Pros and cons at a glance

• Pros: Durable stainless build; easy to use and clean; versatile beyond fish; chips and accessories in one place.
• Cons: Standard box capacity vs larger 23L units; heat control can be wind-sensitive; inclusions/pricing vary by listing.

5. Gasmate portable stainless steel fish smoker

Gasmate’s portable stainless fish smoker is a tidy, throw-in-the-ute option for quick hot-smoking on the boat, at the bach, or on the deck. It follows the proven stainless box formula: simple to use, easy to clean, and sized for small to mid-sized fillets.

Overview and standout features

A compact stainless unit that focuses on portability and no-fuss results. Ideal if you want glossy, smoky fillets without a big setup.

• Portable stainless build: Resists rust and wipes clean fast.
• Simple tray-and-lid format: Consistent hot-smoking with minimal faff.
• Compact footprint: Suits boats, balconies, and tight benches.

Best for

Fishers who value grab-and-go convenience and quick cooks for one to three people.

• Boat and bach missions
• Kahawai, snapper, trout fillets; wings and frames
• First smoker or backup unit

Typical NZ pricing and what you get

Gasmate fish smokers regularly appear on Trade Me, often around the $100 mark on auctions. Pricing and inclusions vary by listing; confirm racks/trays and drip solution before you buy.

Where to buy in New Zealand

Frequently listed on Trade Me, with similar stainless box smokers available via marine/outdoor retailers nationwide. Check local stock if you need one for the weekend.

Recommended wood chips and flavours

Stick with NZ staples readily found in-store: manuka, apple, pohutukawa.

• Manuka: bold, classic smoke for kahawai and snapper.
• Apple: softer, sweeter — great on trout.
• Pohutukawa: clean, robust profile for richer fish.
  Avoid resinous softwoods (e.g., pine).

Pros and cons at a glance

• Pros: Compact and portable; stainless durability; easy to use and clean; sharp used-market pricing.
• Cons: Smaller capacity; heat can be wind-sensitive outdoors; inclusions vary by listing.

Key takeaways

Choosing the right fish smoker comes down to capacity, portability, and the flavour profile you prefer. Larger 23L boxes suit batch cooks and whole sides; compact 10L units shine on boats and balconies. Stainless construction, tray-and-lid simplicity, and readily available NZ wood chips keep hot-smoking quick, repeatable, and easy to clean.

• Pick the size: Big boxes for family feeds and batches; compact tins for weeknights and trips.
• Go stainless: Better corrosion resistance and faster clean-up after salty sessions.
• Choose the right chips: Manuka for bold, apple for gentler sweetness, pohutukawa for clean, robust smoke.
• Manage heat: Shield burners from wind outdoors for steadier temps and glossy results.
• Buy smart: Shop where accessories, chips, and support are easy to get.

For local advice, Auckland pickup, and a wide range of marine and outdoor gear, visit Action Outdoors.