In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Best Offset Smokers Under $500!
Table of Contents
Offset smokers are designed to cook food with indirect heat for low and slow cooking. Most of the offset smoker models work on a combination of wood and charcoal fuel and produce less ash. The essential features are type, dimension, temperature, capacity, and warranty.
Finding a great smoker takes time for deep research, so we provide you with a list of 10 Best Offset Smokers Under $500 that meet your requirements. There is no single feature that indicates whether a product is worth considering or not. To get a deep knowledge, lets dive into essential factors of the offset smokers describe in the following buying guide.
Top 10 Offset Smokers
Product Name | Area | |
---|---|---|
DynaGlo DGSS1382VCS-D | 1382sq” | View on Amazon |
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D | 1176sq” | View on Amazon |
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn | 1060sq” | View on Amazon |
Char-Griller E1224 | 830sq” | View on Amazon |
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC | 811sq” | View on Amazon |
Char-Broil 18202076 | 584sq” | View on Amazon |
Camp Chef DLX | 573sq” | View on Amazon |
Monument Octagonal | 530sq” | View on Amazon |
Z Grills ZPG-450A | 452sq” | View on Amazon |
Pit Boss PB440TGR1 | 440sq” | View on Amazon |
Which are the 10 Best Offset Smokers Under $500 in 2022?
1. Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Smoker Specifications | |
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Type | Vertical |
Primary Area | 1,098 sq. in. |
Offset Area | 284 sq. in. |
Fuel | Charcoal |
No. of grates | 5 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | 17 Gauge Steel |
Grate Material | Chrome-Plated Steel |
Weight | 124 lbs |
This Smoker opens the door to a new BBQ world with massive capacity and expands your culinary skills. It comes with pre-installed sausage hooks that provide additional flexibility while cooking.
It has grill zone and smoke zone indicators to show the ideal cooking temperature in a temperature scale. It is well suited to users who want to be able to go to a large capacity to serve a group of people different kinds of dishes like pork butt, sausages or bacon.
The cool-touch spring handles provide safe access to food. Its removable charcoal grates give you easy access to fuel and quickly dispose of ash from a removable ash pan.
Reasons To Buy
- Heavy-gauge steel body construction.
- 5 chrome-plated steel cooking grates.
- Pre-installed sausage hooks.
- Analog temperature gauge.
Reasons To Avoid
- Heat retention issues in cold or windy weathers.
What’s the bottom line?
This DynaGlo Vertical Smoker can produce a large amount of grilled and smoked meat. It offers excellent results with better quality, improved durability, and capacity at an affordable price.
2. Dyna-Glo Vertical Charcoal Smoker (DGO1176BDC-D)
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Smoker Specifications | |
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Type | Vertical |
Primary Area | 784 sq. in. |
Offset Area | 392 sq. in. |
Fuel | Charcoal |
No. of grates | 6 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | 17 Gauge Steel |
Grate Material | Steel |
Weight | 57 lbs |
The Dyna-Glo Vertical offset smoker is the top-selling Smoker that offers great value for money. It has a large capacity in the small and compact profile that doesn’t take up much space. This Smoker has six smoking racks stacked above one another and gives 1176 square inches of cooking space.
The offset design keeps the direct heat away from food for slow cooking. The high-temperature powder-coated steel unit has an adjustable chimney damper for easy heat control. The strong and sturdy legs hold a full smoker and two handles that make it easy to move.
The porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber keeps briquettes for improved burn efficiency. On the right side of the cooking chamber, there is a firebox and an effective rotary air intake damper. The slide-out ashtray is easy to dump the ash and keep clean.
Reasons To Buy
- Adjustable height grates.
- Heavy-duty carrying handle.
- Grease management system.
- Great charcoal holding box.
Reasons To Avoid
- The temperature scale isn’t accurate.
What’s the bottom line?
Investing in Dyna-Glo Offset smoker for backyard parties makes your cooking and smoking thing easier. This energy-efficient unit includes a charcoal basket that holds coal tightly and improves fuel usage.
3. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Smoker Specifications | |
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Type | Horizontal |
Primary Area | 751 sq. in. |
Offset Area | 309 sq. in. |
Fuel | Charcoal |
No. of grates | 4 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Heavy-Gauge All-Steel |
Grate Material | Stainless-Steel |
Weight | 226 lbs |
Oklahoma Joe’s reverse offset smoker is one of the best leading products in the market. It brings heavy construction for a more effective and sturdier build design. It provides great temperature control with high-quality dampers for easy use.
All-steel body construction of Longhorn Reverse design adds top-notch removable baffle plates for superior and consistent results. These baffles plates are four that sit below the cooking grate.
With your efforts, create the best-smoked meat with this well-developed Smoker; it makes things easy for you. Its in-built thermometer gives an accurate reading of the heat range inside the chamber. Achieve precise temperature control with well-designed dampers that can easily adjust.
You don’t get only reverse flow; you can even install a chimney at two different locations. Therefore, convert the Reverse Flow mode smoker into a traditional offset smoker, where you get more airflow for a cleaner burn.
Reasons To Buy
- Pre-installed baffle plates.
- Large-sized charcoal basket.
- Convenient front and bottom shelves.
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge.
- Chimney vents offer better airflow.
- Rust-resistant grates.
Reasons To Avoid
- Firebox’s paint peeled off.
What’s the bottom line?
The longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker is a versatile unit that arrives with optional smokestack locations and is equipped with a large charcoal basket.
4. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill
Char-Griller Smokin Pro Smoker Specifications | |
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Type | Horizontal |
Primary Area | 580 sq. in. |
Offset Area | 250 sq. in. |
Fuel | Charcoal |
No. of grates | 2 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Heavy-Duty Steel |
Grate Material | Cast-Iron |
Weight | 117.5 lbs |
The Char-Griller Smokin Pro is an affordable product that perfectly works for beginners. It comes in a good size with at least 25 hamburger patties, four whole chicken, and five full ribs. It gives easy access to add the coal or fuel without removing the entire grate.
It has an in-built temperature gauge on the upper side of the lid. There is a storage shelf on its lower side that holds bags of charcoal and makes a stable base between legs. Its 250 square inches side firebox gives Texas-style smoky flavor food.
This Smoker has sturdy and heavy steel construction along with a powder coat finish for long-lasting performance. Easily control high heat range with adjustable dampers and a fire grate that helps to sear marks on the meat.
Reasons To Buy
- Two easy wheels for easy transportation.
- Easy dump ash pan.
- Side firebox.
- Sturdy construction.
- Adjustable fire grate.
- Powder coating finish.
- Front-facing storage rack.
Reasons To Avoid
- Difficult to adjust grate height.
What’s the bottom line?
This Smokin Pro E1224 involves everything that you are looking for. It is perfect for small backyard grilling or entry-level users with 850 square inches of cooking area.
5. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill & Offset Smoker
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Smoker Specifications | |
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Type | Horizontal |
Primary Area | 443 sq. in. |
Offset Area | 184 sq. in. |
Fuel | Charcoal |
No. of grates | 2 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Stainless Steel |
Grate Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel |
Weight | 54.2 lbs |
Its front and side tables are ample workspace for seasoning and grilling tools within reach. The large side table also has three s-shape hooks to hang grill tools. It is designed with stable and durable two wheels for easy transport around your backyard, garden, or patio.
Adjust the charcoal pan either raise or lower to two different levels using two lifting handles to control the distance between charcoal and food for better grilling. This best offset smoker enables consistent grilling with the help of a side charcoal access door. Hence, slide the air vent to control the airflow and stroke fire if required.
Its swing-away chrome-plated warming rack keeps taste and temperature good, and it also defrosts meat quickly, aiding for fast BBQ. The double split cooking grates lock the juices, making meat more tender. It adds more convenience in refilling the charcoal without any hassle.
Reasons To Buy
- Double split cooking grates.
- Two rolling wheels.
- Highly heat-resistant body.
- Cool-touch spring handle for easy grip.
Reasons To Avoid
- Hinges are not waterproof.
What’s the bottom line?
The Royal Gourmet Offset Smoker has a great sturdy base, adjustable charcoal pan, and enough cooking surface to feed a big family.
6. Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker
Char-Broil Bullet Smoker Specifications | |
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Type | Bullet |
Primary Area | 584 sq. in. |
Offset Area | – |
Fuel | Charcoal |
No. of grates | 2 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Stainless Steel |
Grate Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel |
Weight | 27 lbs |
The Char-Broil 20 inches gives the flexibility to make most of the things that you want. With 584 square inches of cooking capacity, it allows you to expand your culinary skills over two-porcelain-coated grates. These grates are easy to clean and prevent food from sticking.
A removable ash pan collects ash and keeps it clean for long hours of cooking. Its high-quality door offers you easy access and allows you to manage the smoke flow through the entire cooking process. Its lid-mounted temperature scale is easy to understand and read. You can monitor temperature from inside the chamber.
The airflow control system on this smoker provides the setting of the internal cooking temperature to maintain a certain level as per need. Further, the durable porcelain-coated steel body stands against rust properties and keeps the durability of the appliance.
Reasons To Buy
- Double carry handle.
- 1-year warranty.
- Easy to operate and clean.
- Non-sticky coated grill grates.
- Innovative control airflow system.
Reasons To Avoid
- Sometimes the temperature scale gives inaccurate readings.
What’s the bottom line?
The Char-Broil Griller is a compact and high-quality smoker. This capsule or Bullet shape smoker is a perfect and famous alternative for traditional smoker cabinets.
7. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Grill Specifications | |
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Type | Pellet |
Primary Area | 573 sq. in. |
Offset Area | – |
Fuel | Wood Pellets |
No. of grates | 2 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Stainless Steel |
Grate Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel |
Weight | 127 lbs |
The DLX Grill brings easy and reliable smoke. The Generation 2 controller introduces smoke control and PID technology that is easy to control. With the help of a menu dial, the PID controller can achieve a consistent temperature between 160 F to 500F.
With the meat probes, you will have control over the temperature of your food. The digital display shows the heat level in a few seconds and what’s going under the grill lid, only you have to hit the meat probe on the hot spot every time.
After each cook on the grill results in the ashes from the burned pellets. For cleaning, you only need to pull a knob then ashes drip from the burn cup on the underside of the grill.
Reasons To Buy
- PID controller.
- Ash cleanout system.
- Large capacity pellet hopper.
- 3-year warranty.
- Simple interface.
- Low-glare digital display.
- Grease management system.
Reasons To Avoid
- Early peeling of paint.
What’s the bottom line?
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX is a medium-sized smoker that comes on an affordable budget and delivers pro-level performance.
8. Monument Grills Octagonal Grill Smoker
Monument Grills DLX Grill Specifications | |
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Type | Pellet |
Primary Area | 530 sq. in. |
Offset Area | – |
Fuel | Wood Pellets |
No. of grates | 2 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Stainless Steel |
Grate Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel |
Weight | 101 lbs |
The right amount of smokiness changes the taste of your food and raises the performance to a pro-level. The primary cooking surface is large enough for a couple of pork butts. Pellet grilling is the fastest-growing trend on the market, but Monument offers more accessible products at affordable prices.
Monument’s 530-square-inches Grill cooks meals with a distinct smoky flavour without the hassles of charcoal. It is big enough for a couple of pork briskets or butts. You can cook low and slow like a pro the first time and every time you cook by utilizing food-grade Pellets. The feeding system is designed to maintain a fixed temperature.
Reasons To Buy
- Precision digital temperature control.
- Versatile barbecue cooking.
- Large cooking area.
- Dual meat probes.
- Unique wood chips flavor.
- Adjustable air vents.
- Removable ash catcher.
What’s the bottom line?
This Monument grill is a brilliant smoker that provides excellent value for money. It is a chimneyless design and ensures smoke rotates inside the chamber that makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor cooking.
9. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Grill & Smoker
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Grill Specifications | |
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Type | Electric |
Primary Area | 452 sq. in. |
Offset Area | – |
Fuel | Wood Pellets |
No. of grates | 2 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Stainless Steel |
Grate Material | Stainless Steel |
Weight | 84 lbs |
Z Grills has the best features that give great value. It is the smallest and affordable pellet smoker with a solid build design for reliable performance. Its cooking grates are made from standard porcelain-coated cast iron. This coated finish material keeps it rust-free and easy to clean so that it won’t stick to food.
This grill has eight versatility to grill, roast, bake, braise, sear, barbecue, and smoke with incredible hardwood flavor. The Z-Grill 450A is strong enough for regular use and has wheels for easy movement along with a folding table that gives convenient addition. With PID technology, it holds the temperature consistently and gives outstanding cooking.
It offers space for holding three regular-sized chickens, 18 burger patties, or four racks of ribs. It uses less fuel that gives heat for a long time, and its hopper capacity is 15 pounds.
Reasons To Buy
- Quality powder-coated steel.
- Easy drain grease system.
- Hot enough for grilling.
- Good mobility.
- Auto temperature control.
- Great capacity for small and medium-size families.
Reasons To Avoid
- No wi-fi for remote control.
What’s the bottom line?
The Z-GRills is one of the perfect electric smokers for cooking in various styles like smoking, grilling, baking, roasting with the touch of a button.
10. PIT BOSS Portable Folding Legs Pellet Smoker
PIT BOSS PB440TGR1 Grill Specifications | |
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Type | Pellet |
Primary Area | 440 sq. in. |
Offset Area | – |
Fuel | Wood Pellets |
No. of grates | 2 |
Temperature Gauge | Yes |
Construction | Stainless Steel |
Grate Material | Stainless Steel |
Weight | 129.7 lbs |
This may be the model for you if you’re seeking a versatile cooking grill that will allow you to experiment with various foods. It comes with three different cooking methods, all of which are equally effective. This smoker may also be used as an oven, which would save you a lot of money. If you wish to, you can vent smoke through the charcoal side.
This grill is not light, but it makes up for it with its durability and strength. You won’t have to worry about the machine falling apart because the lids and operational elements are well-made. Even if you aren’t a seasoned griller, this smoker and grill combo is simple to operate. Both chips and pellets will work in this smoker grill. The buttons and handles, like the rest of the grill, are well-made.
Reasons To Buy
- Auto-Start and auto-off.
- Rare exhaust.
- Huge cooking area
- Heavy and sturdy construction
- Long-lasting and durable.
- Multiple cooking choices are available, including a built-in electric smoker.
- The charcoal can be adjusted in a variety of ways.
- Offers outstanding value for money.
Reasons To Avoid
- No specific negative point.
What’s the bottom line?
This Pit Boss appliance is perfect for a family gathering and small birthday parties. It is portable enough to come along for camping trips due to compact footprint design and wheels.
How To Choose The Best Offset Smokers?
If you have seen numerous products of offset smokers in the market, you know that picking a best one under $500 is not an easy task. While choosing the suitable Smoker for your grilling and smoking, don’t get attracted by the striking look; instead, you have to look for features.
Different types of Offset Smokers
Traditional Smoker: These smokers are tested and tried extensively known as horizontal offset smokers that allow heat to enter the cooking chamber from one end. The heat passes the meat and exits the chamber through exhaust vents on the other end.
Reverse Flow Smoker: The working principle of this type of Smoker is different; it uses indirect heat that cooks food more evenly and provides a consistent cooking temperature. It offers efficient airflow for a clean burn.
What should you look for in the right Smoker? This is a common query that comes in every single time buying a product. It is very clear to make a purchase based on your requirements and convenience. There are some factors explained below that help in making a suitable choice.
High-Quality Material
The outer and inner body material decides the durability of the Smoker and how effective the Smoker is to manage heat range. The standard qualities are heavy-gauge steel or stainless steel stands with high temperatures or harsh weather conditions.
Another thing along with the material is the paint finishing that keeps the Smoker free from rust or moisture. The coating layer of the paint should be high-quality and would not be easily scratched or chip out. Hence the cover later preserves the Smoker from deterioration and improves lifespan.
Temperature gauges
Monitoring inside temperature is the most important part of cooking food in the slow and low smoking method. It is necessary to ensure the meat is smoked safely; therefore, temperature control needs attention. Mostly, the temperature dial is installed on the upper side of the dome or hood of the Smoker.
Size / Capacity
One of the real keys for finding the right Smoker is a size that provides cooking space. It is a measurement of the area where you can plan for cooking. Some models have separate main cooking chambers and secondary cooking grates.
For large family or gathering parties, large size smokers are efficient. Still, a small capacity smoker is enough for small groups or families instead of big smokers. On the other hand, a smoker with a maximum number of racks and massive smoking space meets your cooking needs for parties, camping, and tailgating.
In good models, you will find dread space between legs for storing cooking cutleries, utensils, cooking ingredients. There are hooks for hanging tools like knives, spatula, and more.
Seal & Dampers
The quality of cooked food is based on how well gaps in the exterior of the Smoker are sealed and how efficiently dampers work. The high-quality damping system makes the biggest difference in your barbecue sessions. For better heat retention and fuel efficiency, a good seal plays a great vital role.
Portability
Weight factor decides the portability of the Smoker for moving here to there. So, choose an offset smoker according to your preferences and situation. As we all know, offset Smoker has hundreds of pounds that can easily lift over high-grade wheels. That means you don’t have to worry about the movement of the grill or Smoker as the smokers come with wheels that offer excellent portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of offset smokers?
- It is perfect for cooking large amounts of food in central cooking chambers.
- You can open the firebox to add fuel without escaping smoke and heat during the process.
- It delivers the best result when working on a combo fuel of wood and charcoal.
- Some models support grilling and give you 2 in 1 grilling and smoking options.
2. Are there any limitations of using an offset smoker grill?
- Difficult to move for a single person; they are not lightweight and portable.
- The offset smokers do not fit in small spaces with large sizes.
- Don’t work in extreme cold weather conditions, high winds, and heavy rainfall.
3. Difference between grilling and smoking?
One of the biggest differences is the cooking time; grilling takes a short time and. On the other hand, smoking takes a long time, amounts to 3 to 15 hours, and gives a smoky taste.
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