For those looking to add a new dimension of flavor to their cooking, the best offset smokers are a great place to start. Smoking meat is a great way to tenderize tough cuts and infuse them with a delicious smoky flavor.
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Best Offset Smokers
Offset Smokers are great for slow cooking at low temperatures. The offset smoker gets its name from the offset firebox, which is offset to one side of the main chamber. This offset design allows for indirect heat cooking. This means that the food cooks with the heat of the smoke instead of direct fire heat.
Offset smokers usually use lump charcoal as the fuel source. This is because it burns slowly and evenly and creates plenty of smoke. This smoke is then drawn through the offset smoker and over the meat. The result is meat infused with a delicious smoky flavor.
Offset smokers are also capable of reaching very high temperatures. This helps to create a crispy exterior on meats while keeping them juicy and succulent on the inside. If you’re looking for a grill that can give your food a delicious smoky flavor, an offset smoker is a great option.
Our Pick: The Best Offset Smokers
- Editors Pick: Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker
- Best Overall: Traeger Pro 575 WiFi Pellet Grill
- Best Small Budget: Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill & Offset Smoker
- Best Luxury: Broil King Crown Pellet Grill
- Best for Beginners: Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill
/Editors Pick/
Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker is an affordable vertical offset smoker. It measures almost 5 feet tall and has a whopping 1,382 square inches of cooking space. This cooking space is spread out across its five chrome-plated cooking grates. Plus, built-in sausage hooks give you even more flexibility in the large cooking chamber.
The entire body is heavy gauge steel, making it very durable with excellent heat retention. On the body, you’ll find an analog temperature gauge. This gauge indicates a smoke zone and a grill zone. You can keep a close eye on the temperature while maintaining complete control.
The best part? This offset smoker doubles as both a smoker and a grill. The offset firebox doubles as a grill with a porcelain-coated cooking grate above the charcoal pan for searing.
What we like
- Heavy duty smoker
- Dual-action smoker and grill
- Temperature gauges
- Large cooking surface area
What we didn’t like
- Smoke and heat leakage through the door
- Vertical smoker design may disrupt even heat distribution
/Best Overall Offset Smoker/
Traeger Pro 575 WiFi Pellet Grill
If you’re looking for the best offset smoker that excels in many areas, this model won’t disappoint. The Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill is the best overall offset smoker on the market. This pellet smoker is very easy to assemble. It uses heavy-gauge steel, ensuring long-lasting durability. It also features 572 square inches of cooking space, perfect for small gatherings.
What we love the most is that this model operates with better precision compared to most models in its price range. The versatile pellet grill by Traeger is also quite fuel-efficient. It consumes fewer pellets than most pellet grills on the market.
This grill also has Wi-Fi connectivity! It’s easy to control and maintain internal temperature on your phone. One temperature probe tracks the grill temperature and you can manage it from anywhere.
What we liked
- Fuel efficient
- Easy to assemble
- Good grill space for a small family
- Offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly app
What we didn’t like
- Grill cover not included
/Best Small Budget/
Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill & Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill & Offset Smoker is an affordable charcoal smoker. There are 811 square inches of cooking space. This includes the primary cooking area, warming rack, and offset firebox grill grate. Plus, the charcoal tray is adjustable. This means you can control the distance between the charcoal and the food. You can use direct heat for grilling or indirect heat for slow and slow smoking.
When it comes to cheap offset smokers, this one blows its competition out of the water. The cooking chamber and firebox door allows for easy access to food, stoking of the fire, and quick cleanup. Bonus features include a lid-mounted thermometer and side and bottom shelves for storing grilling accessories and seasonings!
What we liked
- Budget-friendly
- Adjustable charcoal tray
- Accurate temperature gauges
What we didn’t like
- Assembly takes time
[Best Luxury]
Broil King Crown Pellet Grill
The Broil King Crown Pellet Grill is the ultimate offset smoker. It uses wood pellets instead of charcoal and has every bonus feature you could dream of.
The digital control panel lets you set your ideal temperature. Choose from low and slow smoking to high heat grilling up to 600°Fahrenheit.
WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity give you complete control using your smartphone. This smart feature means you can control the temperature, set timers, and view the internal temperature of your meat. This is all done using the two built-in temperature probes.
The entire unit is durable and built to last. It has extra thick cast iron cooking grates that provide amazing heat retention and distribution. The offset pellet hopper can hold up to 18 lbs. of wood pellets, more than enough to get you through a long smoke. Plus, an easy access grease and ash tray make cleaning up a breeze. If you’re looking for a luxury pellet smoker that will level up your grilling experience, this is it.
What we liked
- Digital controls with smartphone connectivity
- The large steel pellet hopper holds up to 18 lbs. of pellets
- Grease management system
What we didn’t like
- Hefty price tag
[Best for Beginners]
Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box
The Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill is a great option for beginners who are looking to smoke meat for the first time. Or even those who don’t need the fancy features that most offset smokers with a higher price tag offer.
This charcoal grill with a side firebox attachment is a great backyard smoker. It has 830 square inches of total cooking space including the primary cooking chamber and firebox cooking chamber.
It features heavy gauge powder-coated steel for durability. Complete with cast iron grill grates for ultimate heat retention. Despite its heavy-duty construction, this offset smoker weighs only 113 lbs. and has wheels for easy mobility. Convenient features like side tables with hooks for cooking utensils, a bottom storage rack, and heat-resistant handles make this a quality offset smoker for any user.
What we liked
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Large cooking chamber
- Side tables with hooks
What we didn’t like
- Prone to rust and peeling if not cared for properly
- Inaccurate temperature gauge
Our Results for The Best Offset Smokers
Well, there you have it, our list of the best offset smokers. These units are sure to elevate your outdoor cooking experience. Here’s a recap.
- Editors Pick: Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker
“This offset smoker doubles as both a smoker and a grill” - Best Overall: Traeger Pro 575 WiFi Pellet Grill
“operates with better precision compared to most of the models in its price range” - Best Small Budget: Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill & Offset Smoker
“adjustable charcoal tray allows you to control the distance between charcoal and the food you’re preparing” - Best Luxury: Broil King Crown Pellet Grill
“digital control panel allows you to set your ideal temperature. from low and slow smoking to high heat grilling up to 600°F” - Best for Beginners: Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill
“Made of heavy gauge powder-coated steel for durability. complete with cast iron grill grates for ultimate heat retention”
Things to consider when buying an Offset Smoker
There are a few things to think about before you buy an offset smoker. Pay close attention to the type of offset smoker, the ability to control the temperature quickly, and easy cleanup.
Type of Offset Smokers
There are various types of offset smokers that you must consider. First, there are vertical offset smokers like the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker. With these, the heat rises in the smoker and the cooking grates are stacked vertically.
Next are horizontal offset smokers, which are the traditional offset smoker style. The firebox is next to the cooking chamber, which usually has one large cooking grate.
Within the horizontal offset smoker category, you will also see reverse-flow smokers. The Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Offset Smoker is a great example. This is where a baffle system pulls the smoke under the cooking chamber and then over the meat once more before it exits the chimney above on the same side as the firebox. This method is said to create smoked meat that is more tender and flavorful.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is an essential factor to consider. Especially when choosing the right offset smoker for you. Accurate temperature gauges will tell you what the internal temperature of your grill is. With adjustable dampers, you can control the amount of oxygen entering the grill. More oxygen will result in a higher temperature.
However, offset smokers that aren’t sealed will leak smoke and heat. This makes it difficult to maintain the temperature within the cooking chamber.
Portability
If portability is important to you, finding a small, lightweight smoker would be smart. You could also choose one with large wagon-style wheels!
With a portable offset smoker, you can bring a smoky flavor to your outdoor events. Tailgate parties and backyard BBQs are always better with smoked meat!
Maintenance and Cleaning
An offset smoker that is easy to maintain and clean is a bonus. Caring for your new offset smoker will ensure that it lasts for years without rusting, peeling, or breaking down completely. Look for easily-removable ash catchers and grease trays that keep the mess of grilling localized for easy cleanup.
BBQ Hero Tip: Check the temperature of your meat often. Over-smoked meat will have a bitter taste that isn’t ideal. If you’re unsure of which temperature to aim for, check out our guide on meat temperatures.
Features to consider when choosing an Offset Smoker
There are a few more features to consider while searching for the best charcoal grill.
Construction Material
The best construction material for an offset smoker is heavy gauge steel. Having a thick and durable smoker body means that your grill will keep heat well. This will help make temperature control effortless.
Also important is the welding quality. Pieces of the smoker are usually welded together to create tight seams with no air gaps. If the welding was not done right, your smoker could lose heat and smoker. This will make fire management hard.
Dimensions
The size of your offset smoker is an important factor to consider. You want to ensure you have enough space outdoors to use your smoker. Make sure it isn’t close to any structures or homes. Since smokers give off a lot of heat and smoke, having it far away from your home is an important safety precaution.
You will also need to ensure you have enough cooking space to cook for your family and friends. If you usually only cook for two, it won’t be hard to find an offset smoker with enough cooking space. But, if you’ll be using this smoker for large gatherings, you want to find one with a larger cooking space.
Warranty
When you make a big purchase like this one, it’s important to consider what kind of warranty you’re protected by. Sometimes things go wrong and you have no control over the outcome. There may be faulty parts, or you might not be happy with your decision. This is where a warranty comes in handy.
Also, when a company offers a free lifetime warranty you know it’s a good product. The company trusts it will do its job.
Safety Tips for Offset Smokers
Grills of any kind should be handled with care and caution. No matter if it’s an offset smoker or a simple charcoal grill.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when handling your new smoker.
Open Lid Slowly
When it’s time to check on your food in the smoker, it’s important to open it slowly. This will help you avoid burning your hands and face when the smoke escapes.
The best way to open your smoker lid is to open it an inch or two for a few seconds first. Then continue opening it all the way, keeping your face clear of the outflux of smoke.
Use Long Handle Cooking Utensils
Smokers can give off a ton of heat and it’s important to protect your hands when flipping or checking on your meat. Cooking utensils with long handles are the best way to protect yourself against burns.
Wait For The Smoker To Cool
Cleaning your offset smoker is an essential part of maintenance. You should clean your grill before and after every cook. But, cleaning a hot smoker is dangerous and can result in burns and other accidents. Wait until your smoker has cooled before cleaning.
BBQ Hero Tip: Add a few flavored wood chunks to your charcoal pan to infuse an irresistible smoky flavor and WOW your guests!
