Best Offset Smokers: The Essential Equipment of Backyard Enthusiasts

#1. Dyna-Glo Vertical Charcoal DGO1176BDC-D – The Winner

The reason why this bad boy is on the top of my list is due to several factors, but the most crucial aspect for a product to be on top of the list is a balance.

This Dyna-Glo vertical offset-smoker does have its shortfalls here and there, but overall it achieves the optimal balance point between price, functionality, and durability.

It has received quite a lot of praises because it has great space to cook on. It is easy to assemble, lightweight, and the handles are non-heat conductive.

Though it is not without any flaws, the design does not include a deflector between the pathway from the firebox to the cooking chamber. As a result, the food at the bottom will get cooked up faster.

There are also complains that the built-in thermometer is not reliable.

#2. Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill – Runner Up

The Royal Gourmet was reluctantly put as a runner up owing to several reasons.

Do not think it is less worthy just because it is tagged with a lower price. It does have several common issues with its offset smoker, but its durability and functionality are on par with the winner product.

It meets standard quality in being porcelain for non-stickiness, adjustable rackets, and high heat resistance so it wouldn’t break down halfway through your party.

Remember how the winner offset smoker does not cook the meat evenly on all rackets; this one has not received a complaint on that.

Alright, here come the shortfalls. Although it has a sturdy base, the paint peels off quite quickly so it might not look like brand new after a couple of uses.

In terms of portability, it does have wheels to support moving around, but it is quite heavy, so moving it off the ground and placing it somewhere else could be hard.

#3. Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker - Best for Beginners

We just had to include one Char-Broil offset smoker in our review! We understand that you are used to seeing them all over the place, but it's for a reason!

The brand holds a reputable name for high-quality design and even better pricing. It's time you get to know one of America's sweethearts-the Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet smoker!

For starters, this offset smoker has a large body of two barrels. One is reserved for smoking and the other for grilling.

This is an incredible smoker for beginners as it separates the direct heat from the smoke, and it helps you enjoy each of the processes. Plus, it has multiple dampers that allow for smoke and heat control.

It even has porcelain-coated grates that will make cleaning effortless. Moreover, the Char-Broil offset smoker includes a temperature gauge on the main chamber lid which can help you track the inside temperature and adjust it if necessary.

As for other convenient features, the Char-Broil 12201570-A1 offset smoker includes a side shelf so you can prepare additional sauces or side dishes when you are in a rush. For easy mobility, the smoker sits on two stationary legs with two large wheels, so you can quickly move it around the yard.

Lastly, the smoker has 430 square inches of cooking space in total, which is enough for 18 burgers, while the grilling space is 140 square inches.

#4. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D – Best for Capacity

Firstly, the price is average for a smoker. The overall design is more high-end. The common issues of smoke leakage due to gaps appropriately sealed and inaccurate built-in thermometer do not exist with this Dyna-Glo smoker.

Also, the cooking space available for your barbeque party is impressively big for an offset smoker, 1382 and 284 square inches. It is made for heavy-duty, so that you can expect durability on par with the top winner.

Another standout feature, which is liked by a lot of fathers who love BBQ parties, are the indicators for the ideal temperature for a specific flavor you want to achieve for your food.

However, even though the materials are mostly high-end, for some reason, the steel wall is a bit thinner than expected. Thus, this smoker has a bit of heat retention inferior complex with the top winner.

#5. Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker – Best Reverse Flow Offset Smoker

A warning for people who don’t have a restricted budget and who care for high-end luxury: the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn is very costly, but if you have some time to spare, check this smoker out, it is quite a sight for the eyes.

First, some standard features it comes with are high-end materials, a space of 1060 and 309 square inches for grilling, and a thermometer on the top to keep track of the temperature.

This offset smoker keeps its pride in the reverse flow design that directs the smoke from the smoke box around the grilling space to evenly distribute heat to the entire cooking area.

So what is the big deal? Any BBQ lover would know this is a massive deal because one of the toughest jobs of grilling food is not to let it burn.

Grilling a sausage roll or two is an easy task, but when you are preparing burger buns, beef patties, pizzas, and even casserole in the kitchen, keeping track of how long the food has been cooked is extremely challenging. It gets even crazier when your offset smoker does not cook evenly.

Another outstanding feature is the modification site. We are not certain how it originated, but there is a whole community offering detailed instructions on how to modify this specific smoker.

There is not much negativity for this smoker except for two things; it is pricey and extremely heavy. Its portability is significantly lowered due to its total weight of 196 pounds. Imagine accidentally landing it on your toes during the relocation process.

#6. Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo – Best 2-in-1 Offset BBQ Smoker

“Oh my god, Aunt Josephine is coming, and she doesn’t like the food cooked with charcoal, but Aunt Karen insists food is best cooked with charcoal, not with gas, but it's too expensive, what do I do?”

I will tell you what to do; you get this triple combo of charcoal, gas, and a smoker. Yes, although it is quite pricey, but either your wallet or your ears, one of two would have to bleed.

As expected of a pricey smoker, apart from the triple combo function, the materials used to make the smoker are extremely high-end, hence the high durability and superior design (i.e., gaps are adequately sealed, doors can be closed perfectly, no smoke leakage, etc.)

However, it is not without cons. In fact, for a price like that, one would expect the issue would lie in anything else but its materials. Specifically, the ash drawer somehow seems inferior to other more budget smokers, and cooking space is sort of smaller too.

#7. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker - Best for Camping Trips

The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is yet another affordable offset smoker with unique features and built quality. Come on, let's check it out to see whether it's worth the investment.

The very first feature we have to cover is the spacious cooking surface of this convenient offset smoker. The total surface is 801 square inches, but the main cooking area space is 443 inches!

Along with the sufficient cooking area, you will get to know the advantage of using porcelain-coated grates! We love when a grill has them because we know it will make cleaning much more accessible!

Not only that, but the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC has double split grates, which will allow for an even heat distribution and juicy, tender meat! This double grate design makes it easier to add more charcoal between preparations.

Moreover, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC has a swing-away warming rack. It's chrome-plated and can help keep food warm until serving as well as defrosting meat! It's super convenient for those busy days when you forgot to take the meat out of the freezer.

We love the 2-in-1 control, which allows you to control the airflow and stroke the fire. The offset smoker has a side charcoal door, so you can grill at the same time while checking the fuel.

Lastly, you can notice the smoker has a side table with S hooks so you can prepare your favorite sauces while smoking and grilling.

#8. Char-Griller E1224 Smoking Pro – Best for Upgradability

There are times when you are sure you will be a backyard BBQ-er for some time, but not quite sure for how long that would last? If that’s your situation right now, you should go for the E1224.

Why? The reason is simple. If you purchase a budget offset smoker right now, you might end up having to spend money to get another one better later.

On the other hand, if you give everything for a high-end offset smoker but end up thinking it is not needed, well let’s just say it’s tough living with that decision.

With the Char-Griller you explore this newfound hobby in a light-hearted manner first. It comes with 580 square inches of cooking space, a porcelain coat for easy cleaning, stainless steel for corrosion resistance and all those things you normally expect an average offset smoker would have.

Though, the E1224 is known for its extreme extent for upgradability. The cons I am about to be mentioned below, are mostly, if not entirely, eliminated with the appropriate upgrade, which you could decide to spend on later, once you have determined you need it.

As always, the cons are usual flaws you would see with a budget offset smoker, smoke leakage, unreliable thermometer, temperature loss, and assembly issue.

#9. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS675CB-D - Best Sturdy Offset Smoker

The Dyna-Glo allows you to expand your culinary horizons through their budget-friendly and high-quality smokers and grills. This time, we are reviewing one of their most popular models so let's see how it compares to other offset smokers on our list.

This model from Dyna-Glo offers a large cooking surface of 674 square inches, which allows you to create multiple delicious creations.

With the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS675CB-D offset smoker, you can sear steaks, bbq, or grill veggies limitlessly! Once you test it out, you will see why so many home cooks love this particular model.

You can get the classic smokehouse flavor in your backyard all while using the Dyna-Glo offset smoker! How so? Well, by using the low-and-slow function, you can create the tender meat you have always desired!

However, we were pretty disappointed when learning to buy a separate offset smoker to use this function. But considering the unit's price, the additional purchase won't take too much out of your budget.

Now, let's talk about the features that will make your cooking process a whole lot easier. For starters, there are cool-to-touch handles that offer safe handling along with the side access door.

The Dyna-Glo DGSS675CB-D model has a temperature gauge with the "smoke zone" and "grill zone" indicators so you can achieve perfect cooking.

#10. Giantex BBQ Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker - Best for Price

The Giantex grill and offset a smoker is a versatile unit you and your family will love! It offers multiple usages so you can get the best out of your creative side.

To begin with, this unit includes a big stove that allows you to prepare multiple foods for your family gathering! If you are often time-pressured by cooking, this neat grill and smoker can take care of that!

Additionally, you can use the smaller side stove as a firebox to smoke some food! It has all the versatility, especially if you are a beginner cook.

Most of the grills and smokers include the side door, and this is something we highly value! The Giantex unit also has a side door that allows you to check and add more fuel if needed during the grilling and smoking process.

Moreover, the grill smoker combo features a thermometer and an adjustable damper! This means you can always check and set the temperature while cooking. Alongside this, you will get to know the benefits of a damper that adjusts the charcoal's burning degree and therefore prevents it from burning.

You will also appreciate the wooden shelf design where you can prepare additional sauces and meals. It's excellent if you struggle with space while preparing food.

Lastly, we need to mention the powder-coated steel design, which handles heat like a pro and does not rust or decay quickly.

1. Heat Distribution

A bit of uneven heat distribution is fine, but when the bun at the bottom turns into crisp while the meat on top is still raw on the outside, is unacceptable.

2. Porcelain and Stainless Steel

After the cooking, comes the cleaning. It will be much easier if the smoker is made of stainless steel and coated with porcelain.

3. Gaps and Doors

Again, it is fine with a bit of imperfection, but make sure you check the gaps thoroughly as smoke leakage is a common issue, and it impacts the flavor of the smoked meat.

4. Thick Metal

It is quite essential for heat retention. It is not as important if you are the fuel-carefree kind of guy, but generally, you would want the metal gauge as thick as possible.

5. Durability

Not having to buy another one is one thing, but you would want your smoker a bit durable and sturdy for safety reasons.

What are offset smokers good for?

Offset smokers are good if you want to control the heat and the smoke flow entirely. Offset smokers allow you to add more wood chips or charcoal to the fuel without opening the firebox chamber at all and disrupting the smoking process.

That is why most cooks opt for offset smokers when cooking large batches of food.

Which is a better: offset or reverse flow smoker?

A reverse flow smoker is an adaptation of the offset smoker. You can't make a mistake with either of them, but let's cover both of these types.

Offset smokers are better if you want more airflow and clean smoke. It also has a lot more heating zones, so it often comes with a bigger cooking capacity.

On the other hand, reverse flow smokers are good if you are a beginner cook. They often have a construction that allows you to cook a low and slow process that delivers tender and juicy meat!

Are offset smokers better than vertical?

Offset smokers are also known as horizontal and will often deliver an authentic BBQ taste to the food. They are better than vertical if you want to cook large batches of food, and they have a large dual chamber for more fuel capacity.

Vertical smokers also include a large cooking space capacity, but they can't be used as a grill, whereas you will find many smoker/grill combos. But, vertical smokers are a lot easier to use than offset ones, so they might suit you better if you are a beginner.

What's the difference between a reverse smoker and a smoker?

The difference between a reverse smoker and a regular offset smoker is that the reverse flow smoker works by pushing out the hot air and smoke under a baffle and back to the cooking chamber. It reverses the airflow through the smokestack and creates the perfect smokey aroma.

Reverse smokers are just an adaptation of regular offset smokers, but they restrict the clean smoker, whereas offset smokers only deliver clean smoke.

What size offset smoker do I need?

The size of the offset smoker depends on your cooking needs. For example, if you plan on only using it occasionally and throw in a weekend BBQ, then you could purchase a smoker with a smaller cooking capacity.

All smokers will indicate how much food you can cook on them so you can't make a mistake. Also, think about the number of guests you will be preparing food for and how much you are willing to pay.