A smoked brisket, sausage, or entire turkey are truly delicious…
…especially when you cook them yourself.
It’s rewarding and tasty to smoke your own meat…
…and using a charcoal smoker makes the experience even better.
There are many types of charcoal smokers…
…ranging from the classic offset barrel smoker…
…to vertical smokers to exotic kamado models.
The best smokers on the market come in a variety of sizes…
…that range from large models that have 1,400 square inches of cooking space…
…and weigh almost 200 pounds to smaller models that weigh less than 40 pounds.
Choosing the right type, size, and brand can be confusing with so many options.
Using this guide, you will be able to determine…
…which factors to consider when shopping for these backyard appliances.
You will find some of the best models offered here.
Before move on to next section, let’s hear Donnie’s story…
The Christmas gift my dad got from us was a charcoal smoker.
His neighbour has the smaller version,
which he looks at every day through the kitchen window.
It was always “I wonder what he’s smoking”
and “that smells great!” so my dad had to have one.
It also sets up very quickly. It was already set up when I got out of the shower in the morning.
Dad enjoyed smoking ribs and salmon, which was delicious.
I highly recommend it! The device will be useful to him for many years to come, as I am sure.
Now, let’s get started…
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Charcoal Smoker
Consider features such as build quality, cooking capacity…
…and portability when choosing a smoker.
Discover these and other important features of these backyard…
…cooking appliances in the following paragraphs.
Smoker Type
There are four main types of charcoal smokers:
…kamado, offset, vertical, and cabinet.
Choosing the right smoker depends on your cooking style…
…the amount of food you intend to smoke, and your space.
- A kamado grill is a vertical smoker that is cylindrical in shape. With its tapered bottom and broad top, this ancient design is inspired by ancient Japan. Kamado smokers use thick ceramic instead of sheet metal, which provides much better insulation than metal. The design of kamado smokers makes them one of the most efficient types of smokers.
- An offset smoker has two compartments: one is the main compartment and one is the smaller one. In the smaller compartment, the charcoal burns, sending smoke and heat into the larger compartment, which holds the food. Because they can handle large pieces of meat and are more difficult to use than other smokers, these are the choice of professionals.
- Vertical smokers, sometimes referred to as “drums,” “barrels,” or “bullets,” are tall and narrow. Fire is built at the bottom of the smoker, so heat can travel up to the cooking area near the top. The charcoal is placed on the bottom and the wood chips above, while the food is placed on the racks above. Smokers that are vertical are typically around 4 feet tall and have a smaller footprint of around 20 inches by 20 inches.
- A cabinet smoker, otherwise known as a “box” smoker, differs from other types in that its front door opens to allow you to load food onto racks. The charcoal is located at the bottom of the unit with a tray for wood chips above it, just as with a vertical smoker. Many find this more convenient.
Build Quality and Materials
In addition to withstanding heat and smoke…
…smokers must also withstand the elements.
While they do not operate at the same temperatures as a standard barbecue grill…
…they can operate for several hours at a time.
A smoker must be made from durable materials…
…to withstand this harsh environment.
Smokers’ fireboxes are usually made of thicker steel sheet metal.
Stainless steel is typically used in cooking areas…
…as it is easier to clean and won’t rust orcorrode.
By using thicker steel, the smoker is better insulated…
…making it less susceptible to temperature changes.
Some smokers are made of aluminum.
Aluminum is lighter than steel and has natural corrosion-resistant qualities…
…but it does not insulate well.
Keep reading…
Capacity
It is common for smokers to offer varying amounts of cooking space.
The size of a charcoal smoker is determined…
…by the number of square inches of cooking space it provides.
Small portable smokers typically have 300 to 500 square inches of cooking space…
…while large offset smokers may have 1,400 square inches or more.
Because smoking meat takes a long time, users cannot rotate food on…
…and off the smoker’s grates to cook for a large group, like on a traditional grill.
Depending on the size of the cooking area…
…a smoker can cook a certain amount of food in one sitting.
Cooking Grates
There should be at least two cooking grates and a warming grate on a smoker.
They are typically made of stainless steel, porcelain, or cast iron.
Smokers with thicker walls insulate the grill better…
…resulting in a more stable internal temperature.
- Cast iron grates retain heat better than other materials, but they need to be cleaned and oiled to prevent rust.
- A porcelain-coated rack is easy to clean, but it may crack.
- Although stainless steel is easy to clean and resists corrosion and rust, it does not retain heat as well as cast iron or porcelain racks.
Temperature Control and Range
In charcoal smokers, the heat comes from burning coals…
…instead of an adjustable gas flame or heating element…
…so controlling the temperature is more difficult.
While gas and electric smokers have knobs to control the temperature…
…charcoal smokers require the user to adjust the heat of the burning charcoal..
…by opening and closing the vents and baffles.
Most charcoal smokers contain numerous vents that make it easier…
…for the user to control the temperature.
For maximum control, these vents are usually placed near the bottom…
…and on the lid of the smoker.
Features
There are a few features that make cooking with a charcoal smoker easier.
Using a built-in thermostat, for instance…
…users can easily monitor the temperature…
…without having to open the chamber…
…or invest in a wireless digital thermometer.
Cooking compartments are insulated…
…to maintain consistent temperatures in the chamber…
…and cool-touch handles make opening and closing the smoker’s compartments easier.
High-end smokers come with advanced controls…
…such as gravity-fed cooking chambers, digitally controlled fans…
…and thermostats that can automatically maintain a preset temperature.
Some even have Bluetooth connectivity…
…so the user can monitor the temperature remotely.
Portability
When not in use, people store smokers in garages or sheds…
…while others keep them on the patio permanently.
Some people even take their smokers camping.
The size and weight of the smoker should be considered…
…depending on how often it must be relocated.
A large smoker can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Some models have wheels that allow them to be moved around a patio.
Most smokers weigh between 35 and 50 pounds…
…which is usually light enough for one person to transport it…
…to another location or to their car.
Here’s the main part…
Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker | PrimeEligible | Check Price on Amazon |
Top | Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill | PrimeEligible | Check Price on Amazon |
Top | Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker | PrimeEligible | Check Price on Amazon |
Top | Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18" Charcoal Smoker | PrimeEligible | Check Price on Amazon |
Top | Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Black | PrimeEligible | Check Price on Amazon |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Porcelain enameled lid, bowl, and center section retain heat and won’t rust or peel
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Weber’s charcoal smokers have some excellent qualities…
…including the ability to control the temperature.
Monitor cooking temperature via the temperature gauge on the lid of the cooker…
…and control it with the adjustable dampers.
Featuring a 22-inch diameter, this smoker offers 726 square inches…
..of cooking space divided over two large grates.
Due to its porcelain construction instead of metal…
…this smoker maintains a more consistent temperature…
…throughout the cooking process.
The smoker is more than 4 feet tall and can’t be used as a portable option.
As well as the 18-inch and 14-inch smokers…
…Weber offers more compact versions for smokers who are on the go.
“Everything about this smoker screams of quality. From the long lasting porcelain and chrome coating to the sturdy legs you can tell this smoker is built to last”
Joe Clements – Founder and Editor in Chief of Smoked Barbecue Source
Product Specs
- Cooking Area: 726 square inches
- Max Temperature: 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight: 68 pounds
Pros
- Retains heat thanks to porcelain components
- Durable steel construction
- Numerous vents
- Built-in lid thermometer
Cons
- Not portable due to size and weight
- Hard to maintain low temperatures
Dyna-Glo Signature Series Charcoal Smoker
- Features five chrome-plated cooking grates and a total cooking space of 1382 square inches
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
With this offset smoker from Dyna-Glo…
…you can enjoy a large barbecue or host serious smokers.
The large cooking space of the cooker is divided into five grates…
…each large enough to hold a large slab of meat. A
t the top of the chamber are several hooks for hanging sausages.
Although the smoker is made of thinner-gauge steel…
…it is protected from rust by a durable coating.
Due to its weight, the smoker is not portable. It has two large wheels…
…however, to help you move it around the backyard.
It is possible to open and close the cooking chamber…
…and firebox without gloves thanks to the cool-touch handles.
Product Specs
- Cooking Area: 1,382 square inches
- Max Temperature: Not available
- Weight: 124 pounds
Pros
- Nearly 1,400 square inches of cooking space
- Five racks
- Can be used as a traditional grill
- Wheels help maneuver the smoker
Cons
- The smoker is made of thin metal sheet
- Very heavy and difficult to move
Go on…
Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36″ Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Dyna-Glo’s vertical cabinet-style charcoal smoker provides 784 square inches…
…of cooking space without taking up much space.
With a footprint of 21 inches by 21 inches, this smoker measures just over 4 feet.
A charcoal cooking box is topped with four cooking grates.
The firebox’s cooking area can be accessed independently via two separate doors…
…and a large vent allows temperature control.
The cabinet also features an ash management system…
…cool-touch handles on both doors, and a stainless temperature gauge.
This smoker weighs 56 pounds.
Product Specs
- Cooking Area: 784 square inches
- Max Temperature: Not available
- Weight: 56 pounds
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Separate doors for cooking area and firebox
- Four racks for cooking
Cons
- No wheels for maneuverability
- Challenging to control temperature
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical 18″ Charcoal Smoker
- Two 18 stainless steel racks provide 510 square inches of cooking space
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
With just 37 pounds, this smoker from Cuisinart is one of the lightest available.
The smoker is only 23 inches tall and 20.5 inches in diameter…
…but it offers more than 500 square inches of cooking space…
…on two 18-inch stainless steel racks.
Temperature is controlled by top and bottom vents…
…and easy access to the cooking area is provided by a large door.
Product Specs
- Cooking Area: 510 square inches
- Max Temperature: Not available
- Weight: 37 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Two air vents on the top and bottom
- Stainless steel cooking racks
Cons
- Smaller cooking area
- No separate door for firebox
Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker
- 【QUALITY PROTECTION】 - Build-in thermometer with detailed temperature scale and adjustable air supply on lid for greater temperature control.Porcelain-enameled water pan and charcoal pan can provide you the stable use. The heat resistant bakelite handles make transport, basting and cooking a breeze.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Realcook’s vertical steel charcoal smoker provides many of the benefits…
…of charcoal grill smokers at a fraction of the price.
Although it is not as large as other models…
…it offers 453 square inches of cooking area on two grates…
…with two hangers inside the lid for additional storage.
Users can access the cooking chamber through two access doors…
…without disrupting the temperature…
…while dampers and a temperature gauge…
…on the lid allow them to adjust the temperature.
As this cooker can be disassembled into three pieces…
…it can also be used as a barbecue grill or a fire pit.
Product Specs
- Cooking Area: 453 square inches
- Max Temperature: 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight: 19 pounds
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Designed to also operate as a barbecue
- Built-in thermometer
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Small cooking area
- More challenging to control the temperature
How to Use Charcoal Smokers
Ready to take your summer grilling game to the next level?
learning how as well as all other types of meats and fish…
…is an adventurous next stepthreading or cutting meat into sections…
…before cooking keeps the pork shoulder from curling up.
Now that you’ve got your supply list ready…
…let’s run through the 7 steps to using your charcoal smoker!
Step 1: Get Your Charcoal Ready
You’ll need to prepare your briquettes or lump charcoal…
…depending on whether you’re using briquettes or lump charcoal.
You want to get as much charcoal in there as possible without…
…interfering with airflow. Don’t stow it away.
Step 2: Fill Your Water Pan
Fill a pan partly with cool water and set aside…
A water pan helps keep your meat wet by adjusting the temperature…
…and adding moisture to the air.
Step 3: Light Your Charcoal
Using a charcoal chimney or all-natural firestarters makes this much easier…
Avoid using lighter fluid. You don’t want any of that taste on your food….
If you’re using a chimney, add your hot, lit coals to the rest of the coals now….
Step 4: Add Your Meat
Put your meat immediately on the grilling grates…
…because we’re smoking with indirect heat.
Use the topmost rack if you have more than one to assist maintain…
…a consistent temperature (avoid the bottom getting hotter than the top).
Step 5: Add Your Wood
Add your wood chips or wood pieces now…
…because your meat can only handle so much smoke.
Before putting your wood in the smoker, you don’t need to soak it…
Some people do this to keep their wood from burning too quickly…
…but it only creates steam until it’s dry enough to produce smoke.
Step 6: Temperature Control
You’ll want to keep the temperature between 220oF…
…and 275oF for smoking most meats. Your charcoal smoker’s vents…
…also known as dampers, allow you to regulate the temperature.
Bottom vents let air to rush in, causing your coals and wood…
…to burn hotter and raise the temperature.
The top vent, on the other hand, allows air to exit more easily…’
…lowering the temperature. Use the built-in thermometer on your smoker…
…to keep track of your temperature and attempt to maintain it in the sweet spot.
Step 7: Smoke Your Meat
When utilizing a charcoal smoker, it’s importantt…
…to keep your expectations in line with reality.
Getting delicious food from a smoker will take some time….
Ribs take about 6 hours to cook, especially if you use our 321 method….
Briskets can take up to 20 hours to cook, depending on size….
Sum Up!
We considered multiple factors while selecting these products…
…for this list of the best charcoal smokers…
…such as their quality of construction, their cost, their cooking capacity…
…and how easy they are to use.
When assessing the quality of the build…
…we scored grills with thicker walls and many vents higher…
…because those features make it easier…
…to control the temperature inside the smoker.
Considering that smoking takes many hours…
….and food cannot be rotated on and off…
…smokers with multiple racks and a larger surface area ranked higher…
…than those with a smaller surface area.
Conclusion
Weber’s Smokey Mountain Cooker offers a large cooking area…
…and high-quality construction, making it an ideal charcoal smoker…
…for pros and novices alike.
For those looking for a more affordable option…
…consider the Realcook Steel Charcoal Smoker.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
