In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Best Offset Smokers!
Table of Contents
Offset smokers, also known as a barrel or horizontal smokers, provide you with a traditional tasting experience with a simple, and effective design. With these, you will be able to impress your family, friends and, even yourself.
It uses charcoal and wood as fuel so that you can enjoy a large amount of delicious smoky meat. These are ideal for those who desire delicious smoked meat with a traditional method of smoking.
Are you one of them and looking for a suitable option?
If yes, then your steps have turned in the right direction as we always bring to you the best options that may best suit your needs. Here we have included every feature related to the product for an easy choice so that you can understand whether the smoker fits your needs or not.
So let’s start this thrilling journey and discover the Best Offset Smoker that can help you cook your delicious meal during your home patio or backyard, party with friends.
Top 10 Offset Smokers
| Product Name | Main Cooking Capacity (sq”) | Offset Firebox (Sq”) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DynaGlo DGSS1382VCS-D | 1,098 | 284 | View on Amazon |
| Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D | 784 | 392 | View on Amazon |
| Oklahoma 15202029 | 750 | 310 | View on Amazon |
| Broil King 958050 | 625 | 175 | View on Amazon |
| Oklahoma 17202052 | 619 | 281 | View on Amazon |
| Char-Griller E1224 | 580 | 250 | View on Amazon |
| Dyna-Glo DGSS730CBO-D | 443 | 287 | View on Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830F | 438 | 183 | View on Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830S | 438 | 183 | View on Amazon |
| Char-Broil 12201570-A1 | 290 | 140 | View on Amazon |
Which are the 10 Best Offset Smokers in 2021?
1. Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker
| DynaGlo DGSS1382VCS-D Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| 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 is one of the best charcoal smokers that are multifunctional. In it, you will be able to enjoy cooking with both grilling and smoking capacity. It is capable of cooking food at various temperature levels.
For additional cooking space, use offsets for grilling sides or foods if your home has brought more guests. The smoker and offset allow maximum heat transfer and searing for cooking, and “grill zone” and “smoke zone” in professional-grade, stainless steel temperature meter to maintain ideal cooking temp. Indicators are included.
You can imagine anything from brisket to ribs with a classic smokehouse flavor to it. With its large 1382 square inches smoking area, you’ll be able to prepare grill burgers or brats for the entire crew at the same time.
Reasons To Buy
- Pre-installed sausage hooks.
- Made of heavy gauge steel that helps to maintain heat and correct cooking temperature.
- Large capacity.
- Easy to clean.
- Pull out coal ash pan.
- Heavy-duty wheels for easy moving.
- Grilling grate in offset firebox.
Reasons To Avoid
- Heat retention problems in cold or windy conditions.
What’s the bottom line?
This DynaGlo DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Charcoal Smoker can produce a large amount of barbecue. It does an excellent job of offering better quality, improved durability, and capacity at an affordable price. Overall it is well suited to anyone who wants to be able to go big and liked to smoke their own linked sausage or even bacon from whole.
2. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
| Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Vertical |
| Primary Area | 784 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 392 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 6 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes with “Smoke Zone” indicator |
| Construction | 14 Gauge powder-coated steel |
| Grate Material | Chrome-Plated Steel |
| Weight | 57 lbs |
This is another Dyno-Glo model that is handy and perfect for making your own link and ring sausages or smoking your own slabs of bacon. It comes with plenty of cooking space that is distributed between six adjustable, removable racks. Each one is capable of supporting 25 pounds of food.
Since indirect heat is ideal for slow cooking, the offset functionality of this smoker is designed to keep heat away from food directly that helps prevent food on the lower rack of food very quickly. Besides this, in cold weather below 32 degrees, it can maintain a uniform temperature above 200 degrees.
A porcelain enamel charcoal chamber is designed to keep the briquette tightly for improved burn efficiency. Further, there is an in-built ash pan that is easy to remove.
Reasons To Buy
- Quick release door latch.
- Adjustable damper and smokestack.
- Offset design provides authentic barbecued flavor.
- Large cooking capacity despite not taking up much space on the ground.
- Thermometer is accurate and has smoker zone markings making it convenient for beginners.
- Easy cleaning thanks to detachable ash pan and drip tray.
- Best value for money.
Reasons To Avoid
- Steel is thin, so it would not hold heat very well, especially in cool or wet climates.
What’s the bottom line?
It is a budget-friendly traditional charcoal smoker that has the capacity to handle pretty much what you’d expect it to do. Unlike cheap smokers, its vertical design maximizes heat and smoke distribution for finer cook even though the build-quality of the steel isn’t on par. All in all, it is a best pick for anyone wanting a charcoal offset smoker on a tight budget.
3. Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker
| Oklahoma 15202029 Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal |
| Primary Area | 750 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 310 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal / LP |
| No. of grates | 6 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | Steel |
| Grate Material | Porcelain Coated Cast Iron |
| Weight | 205 lbs |
If you are looking for an all-in-one kitchen appliance, you can go with this Oklahoma Joe smoker. With this combo, you can grill your favorite meat either using gas or charcoal. Besides this, it lets you smoke the tender and juicy meat of your choice. It has 1060 square inches of cooking surface that allows you to cook a larger number and capacity of foods.
When it comes to its power, it gives you a power generation of 12,000 BTUs for each main burner. Apart from this, the side burner also features a generation power of 12,000 BTU. This power generation enough to support any type of food. It provides various convenient features like dampers, chimney, fire access, and three temp gauges for easy control.
Other features are easy firebox access, porcelain-coated grates, cast-iron grills, electronic ignition, and an airflow regulator. Furthermore, this smoker provides a reliable and efficient performance that will give you a lot of options.
Reasons To Buy
- Suitable for families and big parties.
- Large storage space.
- Provides a lot of cooking options.
- Well built construction.
- Cool-touch handles protect hands from the heat.
- Professional thermometer for accurate monitoring.
- Effortless clean-up.
- Easy mobility with wagon-style large wheel.
Reasons To Avoid
- Heavy cooking appliance.
- Needs a bit of cooking space.
What’s the bottom line?
This combo smoker packs absolutely everything into its build. It is one of the most versatile smoker grill combos as it has separate chambers for smoking, gas grilling, and a side burner for offset grill. With this, you can enjoy smoky barbecue parties and family dinners.
4. Broil King 958050 Offset Smoker
| Broil King 958050 Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal |
| Primary Area | 625 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 175 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 4 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | 2mm Steel |
| Grate Material | Heavy-Duty Cast Iron |
| Weight | 186 lbs |
This offset smoker offers you an ample cooking space in which you can prepare food for many people at once. Its huge primary cooking space provides an extra-large space to smoke your favorites for the next cookout, and a 239 square inches warming rack gives additional space when you need it. Also, there is an offset barrel that offers an extra 175 square inches of cooking capacity.
Its thick and strong stainless steel construction maintains its quality for a long duration. Also, cast iron grids give you better heat retention than stainless steel, and better heat distribution per surface area increases.
Another exciting feature is its Deluxe Accu-Temp temperature meter that offers genuine temperature observing so you can ensure that your grill is always at the perfect temperature.
The air vent system uses roto-draft damper technology, and a thermometer built into the lid helps maintain accurate temperatures. With a better price, you can use this simple, well-built smoking machine to complete your bbq activities.
Reasons To Buy
- Chimney style stack with roto-draft damper technology.
- Both of its cooking chambers feature dual-purpose smoke charcoal trays and removable ashtrays.
- 5 years warranty on steel body and 2 years warranty on all remaining parts.
- 4 Tool hooks perfect for keeping all your grill tools close at hand.
- Fixed bottom shelf -perfect for keeping charcoal handy.
Reasons To Avoid
- Bit expensive.
What’s the bottom line?
With a lot of amazing features such as capacity, performance, durability, temp adjustment, and long-term warranty, it is worth enough. Also, it provides remarkable temperature accuracy.
5. Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker
| Oklahoma 17202052 Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal |
| Primary Area | 619 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 281 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 4 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | Heavy Gauge Steel |
| Grate Material | Porcelain Coated Wire |
| Weight | 180 lbs |
The Joe Highland stands way out of other cheap offset smokers. With an effective design, steel construction, and moderate capacity, it is well suited to backyard smokes. It offers exceptional value for money and is like the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow smoker.
It is a reverse flow offset smoker that gives good quality, excellent functionality, and solid construction at a reasonable price. The Highland Reverse boasts 4 baffle plates below the cooking grate. These plates create a more consistent temperature throughout the cooking chamber.
Another great thing is that there are two spots to set the chimney up in. Also, it has a grilling option. It comes with grilling grates for the firebox. Besides this, its dampers are easy to slide and precise enough to give you control over heat settings.
The Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse features a heavy-duty charcoal basket. It makes the loading and cleaning easy and also boosts burn efficiency by holding hot coals together.
Reasons To Buy
- Amazing cooking environment with reverse flow design.
- Option to set up as a regular offset smoker.
- Can grill in the firebox while you smoke.
- Option to set up the cooking chamber as a large grill.
- Removable baffle plates and large ash door for easy clean up.
- Easy to move.
- Side-exit smokestack for improved airflow.
Reasons To Avoid
- Leakage of a bit of smoke around door and joints
What’s the bottom line?
The look, feel, and performance is unbeatable for the price. It is strong, sturdy, versatile, and easy enough for beginners. All in all, it is the best option for anyone who wants to do things traditionally old school way with the help and versatility.
6. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro Grill
| Char-Griller E1224 Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal |
| Primary Area | 580 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 250 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 6 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | Heavy Steel |
| Grate Material | Cast Iron |
| Weight | 146 lbs |
This E1224 Smokin Pro is built from heavy-gauge steel with heat resistant black powder coat exterior. It is affordable and easy to operate. Thus if you are new to outdoor cooking, this charcoal can be a worthy investment. You can assemble it easily with the help of a friend or family member.
It gives you plenty of space; the primary grilling surface can hold 25 hamburger patties, 4 whole chickens, or 5 full rib. Thus it is a good choice for big families or enthusiasts who like to grill everything they can get their hands on.
When it comes to built quality, its double-bottom cooking barrel offers great durability and heat retention. Its grates have a non-stick coating that makes cleanup easier. Besides, removable charcoal drawers enable you to add charcoal and empty ashes easily.
Another great feature is its smoker box that lets you prepare smoke meat while grilling. It comes with one year warranty that covers any craftsmanship defect or missing parts.
Reasons To Buy
- Three adjustable grate height settings.
- It can be used as a smoker or grill.
- Charcoal drawer for easy cleaning.
- Easy to use for first-timers.
- Front-facing storage rack and side shelf.
- Built in thermometer.
Reasons To Avoid
- Assembly is slightly confusing.
- Hinges on this smoker can leak.
What’s the bottom line?
This Smokin Pro is a versatile option that allows you to use the primary cooking chamber as a smoker. Also, you can double the surface with a firebox. However, the only downside is the adjustment of grate height in the middle of the grilling session is not easy.
7. Dyna-Glo DGSS730CBO-D-KIT Signature Series
| Dyna-Glo DGSS730CBO-D Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal |
| Primary Area | 443 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 287 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 5 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | Heavy-Gauge Steel |
| Grate Material | Porcelain-Enameled |
| Weight | 123 lbs |
This barrel-style Signature series grill is worth considering. It looks similar to other midsized barrel grills with an accessory smoker box. But at a closer look, you will find some great improvements and features. It is easy to assemble with basic tools, and you can put it together in an hour and a half.
The side firebox is perfect that can act as a secondary grill or as a warming rack. And if you want to use this DGSS730CBO-D as a smoker, the primary chamber can handle 3 full racks of pork spare ribs. There is a lot of grilling space that is enough to grill for an average family of four.
Another great thing is its front collapsible workstation that is perfect for serving platters and holding prep. Its firebox gas a pull-out ash pan that makes cleaning up very easy. All parts of this offset smoker carry a one-year limited warranty. However, the paint is only warranted to be free of defects for 90 days.
Reasons To Buy
- Can works as a smoker or a grill.
- The front shelf is collapsible and large.
- Side firebox is versatile.
- Cool touch spring handle.
- Analog thermometer for ideal cooking temperature.
Reasons To Avoid
- Risk of early peeling of paint.
What’s the bottom line?
This Signature Series DGSS730CBO-D is a quality barrel grill with an offset smoker. It comes with an excellent design and durability. The firebox comes really handy when it comes to versatility.
8. Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Smoker
| Royal Gourmet CC1830F Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Vertical |
| Primary Area | 438 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 183 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 4 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | Stainless Steel |
| Grate Material | Porcelain-Enameled |
| Weight | 54 lbs |
This Gourmet CC1830 F is a portable offset smoker at an affordable price. With its weight of less than 60lbs, you will have no problem taking this grill. It is a grill and smoker combo, making it easy for you to switch seamlessly between smoking and grilling.
It can become the best option for camping and tailgaters. Just load this smoker into your car or truck and add delicious eating experiences to your best moments.
It features 438 square inches 1/4″ diameter porcelain wire grilling grates that help keep the heat evenly locked in the juice and make your meat more supple. It is durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. Also, the 179 square inches swing-away warming shelf provides a secondary cooking capacity.
It features a 2-level adjustable charcoal pan conveniently controlling the T° so that you can easily cook. A gauge is included on its built-in main lid, that provides convenience for controlling the grilling Temp°.
Reasons To Buy
- Multifunctional.
- The large primary cooking grate.
- Easily moveable.
- Available at a budget-friendly price.
- Solid base with expanded metal shelf.
Reasons To Avoid
- Smoker box is small.
What’s the bottom line?
This Camp Chef SmokePro is a brilliant smoker that comes with excellent value for money. Some of its incredible features make it easy to use and one of the easiest pellet grills today.
9. Royal Gourmet 30-Inch BBQ Charcoal Smoker Grill
| Royal Gourmet CC1830S Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal |
| Primary Area | 438 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 183 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 4 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | Stainless Steel |
| Grate Material | Porcelain Enamel |
| Weight | 54 lbs |
Gourmet 30-inch is designed as a traditional grill with an offset smoker so that you can enjoy the grill and smoke at the same time. It includes an 800 square inch cooking capacity with porcelain-enameled steel wiring grates – 438 square inches, chrome-plated warming surface – 179 square inches, and offset – 183sq”.
An in-built thermometer has been added to the lid so that you can monitor the Temp°. Both of its dampers are adjustable, and you can also change the height of the firepan for better heat control while grilling.
The cooking grates are porcelain-coated that is completely corrosion resistant and can maintain heat evenly during cooking. It can quickly add charcoal through its side access door, and it also has a removable ash pan for quick cleaning after use.
This offset smoker has two durable wheels added for easy transportation and a wire mesh shelf at the bottom where you can store your charcoal and pellets.
Reasons To Buy
- Easy to clean.
- Highly portable.
- Porcelain cooking grate maintains heat evenly.
- Two adjustable dampers for better temperature regulation.
- Large grilling surface.
Reasons To Avoid
- Smoker is small to create enough smoke to cook large cuts of meat.
What’s the bottom line?
This best dual-style barbeque works as both a traditional smoker and offset grill. It does an excellent job of retaining heat and even grilling.
10. Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker
| Char-Broil 12201570-A1 Smoker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal |
| Primary Area | 290 sq. in. |
| Offset Area | 140 sq. in. |
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| No. of grates | 3 |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes |
| Construction | Steel |
| Grate Material | Porcelain Coated |
| Weight | 46 lbs |
Char-Broil American Gourmet Smoker gives you the versatility with that you will be able to enjoy a variety of dishes. This gives you a total of 430 square inches of cooking surface in that about 18 burgers can be cooked simultaneously. Its main cooking room is 23.75-inch wide x 11.5 inches deep, and you can also grill in its 140 square meter firebox.
Many dampers can be opened or closed to accommodate airflow that controls heat and temperature within the cooking chamber. The temp gauge is easy to read by mounting on the main chamber lid and can be used to monitor the internal temperature.
Among its other features is a clean-out door to remove ash, utensils, a side rack for sauces and rubs, and cool-touch handles to help protect your hands. This charcoal offset smoker grill sits on two fixed legs and two big wheels, so it is easy to manoeuvre around your deck, courtyard, or backyard.
Reasons To Buy
- Dampers added for easy smoke and heat control.
- Combination of a smoker, BBQ, and charcoal grill.
- built-in stand and a side table for storing tools and food prep.
- Entry-level Char-Broil offset smoker.
Reasons To Avoid
- Thin metal doesn’t retain heat well.
What’s the bottom line?
This multifunctional appliance is perfect for a family gathering with no more than eight people. Also, it is portable enough to come along for camping trips. Overall, it simple smoker without many frills at an good price.
How To Choose The Best Offset Smokers?
Charcoal smoking is very popular worldwide today because the charcoal in your brisket or hamburger infects a flavour that cannot be matched right now. Although more advanced barbecue equipment has emerged over the years – everything from electricity to propane is powered but nothing compared to the classic offset smoker.
If you are looking for one of the best offset smokers, then, first of all, consider your needs deeply. If you know what your need is, then you will be able to buy the right product. Some important things are mentioned that will help in buying an offset smoker. So let’s know about them.
Size
Smokers come in different sizes from that you must choose the right size. The apt size depends on the number of people eating. If you plan to prepare a meal for yourself and your family or some friends, then a small smoker is probably all you need. But if you plan to cook for a crowd, you may need a large smoker.
You should also keep in mind that various best offset smokers are quite long, that means you will need a large smoker. If you don’t have much space, make sure you choose a smoker that fits the space you need.
Construction
Durable construction supports you for a long period. Many cheap smokers are made of thin, low grade metal that does not hold or transfer heat well. You will not get the taste of food that you were expecting from this meal. A good smoker will be made of thick metal that will keep the heat inside and efficient. This cooks the food perfectly and imparts a great flavour.
Flow
These Offset smokers come in two varieties, either crossflow or reverse flow. The smoker with revers flow is a better option. With reverse flow offset grills, use a vent to funnel the heat under the grill that forces it to travel back towards the firebox before leaving the chimney. It keeps the temperature more consistent and, if managed properly, will see a difference of even 10 degrees.
However, crossflow offset smoker is more common. The heat radiates from the offset box and travels across the grill, where it cooks the food. This creates a scenario where the temperature closest to the hotbox can diverge as much as 50 degrees compared to the temperature at the other end.
Heat Production
There are various types of heat production, like charcoal, wood, coal, gas, and electric. Each has its benefits, but the ultimate goal is to cook with either charcoal or wood.
Wood and charcoal are similar, though wood is slightly different from using. They both create a similar flavor and heat, but wood will burn hotter and smoke heavier.
An alternative to wood is wood pellets that are precisely manufactured. They burn similarly to charcoal but have the flavor of wood. On the other side, electric is the easiest one, but it produces an inferior flavor. And the gas is easy and will produce both consistent heat and excellent flavor.
Portability
Portability is an important feature that encompasses several things: for example, the weight of the smoker, the wheels in it, assembly, etc. If you are looking for an option for your camping trip or tailgating, be sure to pay attention to the weight of the smoker. Apart from this, if you are going to use a courtyard or backyard smoker, then check the wheels.
Ventilation
The vents have an important role in keeping oxygen flow constant inside the smoker. This offset is the way to control the temperature on the smoker. Oxygen is an essential element for fire, whose constant flow is very important in maintaining heat. If the vents are too small or too hard to adjust, you will not be able to manage your temperature, and holding a constant temp is the key to good smoking.
Thermometer
As with the grill, temperature control is very important for the smoker. For this, a temperature device is paired with smokers that help you adjust the temperature inside. If the temp gauge is not attached to the smoker, you will have to repeatedly check the food by opening the lid that will cause instability in the temperature inside. With good quality, the built-in temp gauge is very useful for an offset smoker.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Does An Offset Smoker Work?
The offset smoker is a classic design that is very popular for smoking. It has a long horizontal chamber in that you smoke your food, while charcoal/wood burns in a firebox on one side. It features shelves in the cooking room to handle multiple briskets, pork shoulder and rib racks.
2. Are Offset Smokers Better Than Vertical?
Yes, an offset smoker works better than a vertical smoker. It has a much simpler design than a vertical smoker. The offset smoker is designed with two parts that combine a firebox with the main cooking chamber. Its main chamber is made like a barrel.
3. Can I Use An Smoker As A Grill?
Yes, you can use it as a grill. A grill grate is provided with the firebox where you can complete your grilling process. But you should keep in mind that it is mandatory to have a cooking grate with the firebox of the grill you choose.
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