The 7 Best Charcoal Smoker [2023 Buyer's Guide]
Are you a BBQ enthusiast looking for the best charcoal smoker to take your grilling game to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we've done the research and put together a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect charcoal smoker for your needs.
We know that when it comes to choosing a charcoal smoker, there are many factors to consider. You want a smoker that is easy to use, durable and produces deliciously smoky and juicy meats. That's why we've compiled a list of the best charcoal smokers on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. We didn't just pick these smokers based on their looks or brand names. We put each one to the test, rigorously testing dozens of charcoal smokers to find the best of the best. We analyzed each smoker's features, such as cooking surface area, temperature control, and overall build quality, to ensure that we only recommend the best charcoal smokers that are worth your investment. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster, you can trust our recommendations to help you find the perfect charcoal smoker for your needs.
Our top picks:
Key Specs:
- Power Source: Charcoal
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 39.1 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 41 inches
If you're serious about smoking meats and want a reliable, high-quality smoker that will consistently deliver delicious results, look no further than the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker. This classic smoker has been a favorite of BBQ enthusiasts for years, and for a good reason - it's built to last, easy to use, and produces mouthwatering smoked meats that will make you the envy of your neighborhood.
On your back porch or in your garage, the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a small, adaptable smoker that fits effortlessly. It has two cooking grates, providing you plenty of room to smoke several items at once or big chunks of meat. The adjustable vents allow you to control the airflow and keep a steady temperature throughout the cooking process. At the same time, the built-in thermometer makes it simple to check the internal temperature. This smoker is made to last because it is constructed with high-quality components and is engineered to survive years of use. With replaceable components that can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, it is also exceedingly simple to clean.
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a must-have for any serious BBQ enthusiast. Its compact size, versatile design, and high-quality construction make it a top choice for anyone who wants to take their smoking game to the next level.
Pros:
✔️ Compact and versatile design
✔️ Well-made with a durable construction
✔️ Easy to use and clean
✔️ Produces delicious, mouthwatering smoked meats
Cons:
❌ May be too small for larger cuts of meat
❌ Assembly can be time-consuming for some users
Key Specs:
- Item Weight: 124.3 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 45.5 x 24.9 x 58.8 inches
- Color: Black powder coat
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
If you're looking for a heavy-duty, high-capacity smoker that can handle large cuts of meat and multiple items at once, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS is an excellent choice. This vertical smoker is built to last, with durable construction and a range of features that make it easy to use and produce delicious, perfectly smoked meats every time.
The vertical design of the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS makes better use of the available space and can fit larger portions of meat than conventional horizontal smokers. With the smoker's five movable cooking grates, you have plenty of space to smoke several items simultaneously. You can maintain accurate temperature control thanks to the built-in thermometer and the retractable ash pan, which also makes cleanup a snap. The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS is a long-lasting product in terms of construction. It is made of heavy-duty steel and has a powder-coated finish that is rust- and corrosion-resistant. For enhanced safety, the smoker also comes with a stainless steel temperature gauge and a cool-touch handle.
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a heavy-duty, high-capacity smoker that is easy to use and produces delicious, perfectly smoked meats every time.
Pros:
✔️ Large cooking capacity
✔️ Efficient vertical design
✔️ Adjustable temperature control
✔️ Heavy-duty construction
Cons:
❌ Assembly can be time-consuming for some users
❌ Some users may find the smoker's size to be too large for their needs
Key Specs:
- Color: Black
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 38 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 17.5 x 46.25 x 44.75 inches
The Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker is a great option for anyone who wants to take their smoking game to the next level. With a generous cooking area and plenty of features to help you achieve the perfect smoke, this smoker is sure to become your go-to for delicious, flavorful meats.
The offset design of the Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker allows smoke and indirect heat to circulate around the food. This entails that you can cook meats slowly and thoroughly, resulting in meats that are juicy, soft, and full of flavor. The cooking grate of the smoker is porcelain-coated, making it long-lasting and simple to clean. A temperature indicator lets you monitor the interior temperature of your food. With a side firebox that enables indirect heat and smoke to move around the food, this smoker has a conventional offset construction. The Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker is a long-lasting piece of equipment. The smoker features a sturdy steel construction with a powder-coated finish that resists rust and corrosion. The side firebox is adjustable, allowing you to control the amount of heat and smoke that enters the cooking chamber, and the smoker also includes a built-in ash pan for easy cleanup.
The Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker is a great option for anyone who wants to take their smoking game to the next level. With its traditional offset design and a range of features to help you achieve the perfect smoke, this smoker is sure to become a staple in your backyard cooking arsenal.
Pros:
✔️ Traditional offset design for indirect heat and smoke
✔️ Porcelain-coated cooking grate for durability and easy cleaning
✔️ Adjustable side firebox for precise heat and smoke control
✔️ Built-in ash pan for easy cleanup
Cons:
❌ Assembly can be time-consuming for some users
❌ Some users may find the smoker's size to be too large for their needs
Key Specs:
- Color: Blue
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 100 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 47 inches
The Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill & Smoker is the perfect outdoor cooking solution for anyone who loves the smoky taste of charcoal-grilled food. This adaptable grill and smoker are specifically crafted to deliver exceptional performance and long-lasting durability, rendering it a perfect option for both beginners and experienced outdoor cooks.
Featuring double-walled steel construction and a porcelain-coated interior, this Kamado-style grill is built to withstand high temperatures and retain heat, ensuring consistent cooking results every time. It features a hinged lid that comes equipped with a built-in temperature gauge that allows you to easily monitor and adjust the cooking temperature, leading to you complete control over the cooking process. It can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, and more, making it an all-in-one outdoor cooking solution. Besides, it consumes less charcoal as compared to conventional grills, resulting in not only cost savings but also a reduction in the amount of ash generated.
The Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill & Smoker is an excellent outdoor cooking solution that offers superior performance, durability, and versatility. Its double-walled steel construction, porcelain-coated interior, and hinged lid with a built-in temperature gauge make it a reliable and easy-to-use grill and smoker that will help you create delicious, smoky-flavored meals every time.
Pros:
✔️ Versatile can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, and more
✔️ Superior performance and durability
✔️ Retains heat well, ensuring consistent cooking results
✔️ Uses less charcoal than traditional grills, saving money and reducing ash
Cons:
❌ Can be heavy and difficult to move
❌ Assembly can be time-consuming
5
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box
CREDIT: Char-Griller
Key Specs:
- Color: Black
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 117.5 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 62 x 29 x 50 inches
The Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro is the ideal option if you're looking for a premium charcoal barbecue that consistently produces wonderful, smoky flavor. This grill is excellent for smoking, grilling, and roasting all of your favorite meats and veggies because it has 830 square inches of cooking space with an integrated side firebox.
This grill is made of sturdy steel and is designed to survive the elements and last for many years. The side firebox, which is likewise constructed of durable steel, is intended to provide the best heat and smoke distribution possible for even cooking. The Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro boasts a lot of other amazing characteristics in addition to its robust design. The grill's adjustable grates make it simple to regulate the cooking temperature, and a built-in thermometer guarantees that you always know just how hot it is. The grill is easy to move around your garden thanks to the big wheels, and the convenient side shelf has plenty of room for food preparation and serving.
For anyone who enjoys cooking outside, the Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro is a fantastic option. This grill is sure to be popular with your family and friends thanks to its strong construction, practical features, and mouthwatering smokey flavor. Pros:
✔️Large cooking space for multiple foods
✔️ Sturdy and durable construction
✔️ Adjustable grates for precise cooking temperature control
✔️ Built-in side firebox for smoking and slow-cooking meats
Cons:
❌ Assembly instructions can be difficult to follow
❌ Charcoal can be difficult to access and remove
6
Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill
CREDIT: Char-Griller
Key Specs:
- Item Dimensions: 21"D x 18"W x 20"H
- Special Feature: Portable
- Color: Black
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
The Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill is the perfect addition to your outdoor cooking setup. This compact yet versatile grill offers a wide range of benefits that are not easy to see at first glance.
Both amateur and expert grillers will find it to be a superb alternative thanks to its creative design and premium manufacturing. Built to last, the Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill. Durability is ensured by the heavy-duty steel construction, and the powder-coated finish guards against rust and corrosion. The grill's distinctive shape makes it simple to add charcoal or wood chips as you cook because the firebox is easily accessible. For people who prefer smoking meat or who wish to give their dish a smokey flavor, this option is extremely useful. One of the standout features of the Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill is its versatility. It can be used as a traditional charcoal grill, a smoker, or as a side firebox for larger Char-Griller grills.
The flexibility of this feature makes it a perfect selection for individuals seeking to broaden their outdoor cooking horizons. Moreover, it is equipped with a detachable ash pan that facilitates effortless cleaning, thereby making maintenance a hassle-free task.
Pros:
✔️ Versatile design allows for multiple cooking options
✔️ Heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability
✔️ Easy access to the firebox for adding charcoal or wood chips
✔️ Comes with a removable ash pan for easy cleaning
Cons:
❌ The grill's compact size may limit the amount of food that can be cooked at once
❌ Some customers may prefer the convenience of a gas grill
7
Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle
CREDIT: Masterbuilt
Key Specs:
- Model Name: Gravity Series 800 Griddle
- Color: Black
- Outer Material: Iron
- Item Dimensions: 30.5 x 55.1 x 50.9 inches
The Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle is a unique and innovative grilling solution that brings a new level of convenience to outdoor cooking. This charcoal griddle combines the classic flavor of charcoal grilling with the ease of a digital control panel, allowing for precise temperature control and even cooking.
The gravity-fed charcoal hopper, which eliminates the need for constant monitoring and adjusting of the charcoal. This feature ensures consistent heat and flavor throughout the cooking process, without the hassle of constantly adding charcoal. Additionally, the 800 square inches of cooking space provide ample room to cook for a large group, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings and events. The Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle boasts several impressive features, such as its digital control panel and reversible cast-iron grates. The control panel allows for easy temperature adjustments and includes a meat probe for accurate cooking times. The reversible cast-iron grates offer versatile cooking options, with a flat side for griddling and a ridged side for creating grill marks. According to experts, the griddle's unique design allows for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked food every time.
The Masterbuilt MB20040221 Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle offers a meaningful solution for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. The convenience of digital controls and gravity-fed charcoal allow for a hassle-free grilling experience, while the large cooking surface and versatile cooking options provide the opportunity for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen. Overall, this charcoal griddle is an excellent investment for anyone looking to take their outdoor cooking game to the next level.
Pros Cons
✔️ Gravity-fed charcoal hopper for consistent heat and flavor ❌ The griddle's size may not be suitable for those with limited outdoor space
✔️ Digital control panel with meat probe for precise temperature control ❌ The charcoal hopper may require more frequent refilling for extended cooking sessions
✔️ Reversible cast-iron grates for versatile cooking options
✔️Large cooking surface perfect for outdoor gatherings and events
Types of Charcoal Smokers
There are several different styles of charcoal smokers. But for years, offset smokers in the Texas fashion have been the standard choice. The various types of charcoal smokers available are broken down here.
Offset Smokers
Original charcoal smokers have offset smokers. Two compartments are present in these conventional smokers. The first is the main container, which is horizontal and cylindrical in shape. The smaller of the two compartments, the second one is typically located to the right or left of the larger one.
In the smaller compartment, the charcoal burns. Then, through a vent, the heat and smoke are transferred to the bigger chamber. The food to be smoked or cooked is put in a large cylindrical container.
Offset smokers typically run on charcoal, but wood can also be used. Smokers who use offset ashtrays do require a lot more care with their ventilation and fire. Before learning this method, patience and practice are a must. Due to this, barbecue specialists frequently employ offset smokers.
Vertical Cabinet Smokers Or Box Smokers
Cabinet smokers have food racks at the top, a water pan above the charcoal, and charcoal at the bottom. Front-load doors are another feature of cabinet smokers.
Some types feature glass panes so you can watch how your food is doing right now. This allows you to check on your food without opening the doors, which is fantastic. preventing the loss of useful heat.
Additionally, wood chips may be kept in a separate pan on top of the hot charcoal in cabinet smokers. In that case, some grill masters add wood chips directly to the coals.
A cabinet smoker needs to have its airflow, fire, and top exhaust all under control to maintain a constant temperature.
Barrel or Bullet Smokers
Due to their form, barrel/bullet smokers are given that moniker. Although they are tall and slender, larger variants could look more like a metal drum than a bullet. Similar to a cabinet smoker, this sort of vertical smoker requires you to stoke the charcoal fire at the bottom. The meal is placed on one or more racks at the top, where the heat and smoke rise to the surface.
Smokers of bullets are often referred to as water smokers. This is due to the fact that a pan or bowl of water is typically placed between the heat source and the food.
Food is protected from direct heat by the water pan, which also creates steam that keeps the meat moist. Airflow regulates the temperature, smoke production, and size of the fire. You can manage the vents and dampers to control the airflow.
Things to consider when buying the best charcoal smoker
There are many different charcoal smokers available, each with unique characteristics and attributes. Finding the ideal smoker for you, though, doesn't have to be difficult. Here are some factors to think about while selecting the best charcoal smoker for you.
Performance
If you want to create smoked meals of the highest caliber, the performance of a charcoal smoker is crucial. In order to ensure balanced cooking and a good range of heat, look for a charcoal smoker with high fuel economy. Performance-wise, barbeque smokers used in competitions are always a good bet.
Charcoal Tray
Your smoking experience can be made or broken by the size of the charcoal tray. Grills made of charcoal differ from regular grills. They use charcoal to create smoke, which slowly and at low temperatures cooks your meal.
The cooking process takes a long time because smoking is done slowly and low. To avoid constantly topping off the charcoal, make sure the tray is big enough to accommodate hours of burning.
Ash Tray
Compared to wood chips or wood chunks, charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal produce less ash. Of course, there are some leftovers to deal with. Your cleanup procedure will be quick and easy if you use a disposable ash catcher device. After all, maintaining your charcoal smoker with regular cleanings can help it last for many years.
Features
Charcoal smoking required only an earthen pit and some charcoal in its most basic and undeveloped form. Technology development now offers features that improve performance and convenience. To make grilling as simple as possible, look for models with extra functions.
A drip pan to catch fat that is dripping is one of the extra features. Cleanup will be simple as a result. Another excellent feature is a door that is simple to open and prevents heat loss when checking on your meat. And to top it all off, a charcoal tray that can carry enough charcoal to power the entire smoking process!
Safety Tips for Charcoal Smokers
Any smoker should be handled carefully and cautiously. Here are a few safety recommendations for using your new charcoal smoker.
Allow Ashes To Cool
We advise waiting up to 48 hours for the ashes to cool completely before discarding them as a safety measure. Your used charcoal lumps may appear to be out, but they can actually still be warm. They run the risk of catching fire if there is a sudden wind gust.
If you are unable to wait 48 hours, wrap the items in heavy-duty foil, let them soak in water, and then throw them away in a non-combustible waste receptacle.
Set Up On Sturdy Surface
It's crucial to place your charcoal smoker on a stable, flat, and solid surface. This heated unit will be less likely to topple over and catch fire if it has a solid base.
Clear the Grilling Space
Make sure there is nothing within five feet of your smoker at all times. This is done to stop unintentional fires. Tables, chairs, and fences are all included in this.
FAQs
Can You Turn A Regular Charcoal Grill Into A Smoker?
You can, indeed. However, it won't function as smoothly as a genuine charcoal smoker. Simply construct a heat source on one side of your charcoal grill to turn it into a smoker. Next, place the meat on the opposite side. You'll be able to roast your meat at a low, indirect temperature using mostly smoke if you employ this two-zone fire technique!
Can I Add Wood Chunks And Wood Pellets To My Charcoal Tray?
Yes, in fact, it's advised for a mouthwatering wood smoke flavor. Add a thin layer of wood pellets or a few pieces of wood to the top of your coals once they have heated up to an even, hot temperature. The wood will catch fire when the charcoal is lit, and lovely smoke will begin to emerge.
Why Should I Stay Away From Cheap Offset Smokers?
It is advised to avoid purchasing any sort of inexpensive grill or smoker. Cheap typically refers to subpar building materials. You run the possibility of heat loss from leaks if your smoker is not constructed of sturdy materials like heavy gauge steel. It will be nearly impossible to maintain constant temps if your smoker has leaks.
Conclusion
The best charcoal smoker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. There are many excellent options available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. When considering a charcoal smoker, it's important to prioritize factors such as durability, temperature control, and cooking capacity. With the right charcoal smoker, you can elevate your outdoor cooking game and enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked meals all year round.
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