Offset smokers are some of the most popular smokers on the market and for good reason. They provide even heat distribution and consistent smoking temperatures, resulting in perfectly smoked meats every time. If you’re in the market for an offset smoker, we’ve compiled a list of the best offset smokers for you to consider.
Top 7 Best Offset Smokers
Char-Griller1224 Smokin Pro: Best Overall
The Char-Griller Smokin’ Pro Charcoal Grill & Smoker is the perfect grill for those Texas-style smokers out there! Our unique double barrel design delivers true offset smoking flavor and is loaded with features. The main barrel can be used as a traditional BBQ grill, or you can load up the Side Fire Box attachment with your favorite charcoal and wood blend to use as a Texas-style offset smoker. The adjustable fire grate also allows for increased grilling and smoking versatility. So whether you’re grilling up some burgers for the family or smoking a brisket for your next tailgate party, the Char-Griller Smokin’ Pro Charcoal Grill & Smoker has you covered!
Features
MULTIPLE COOKING: 830 square inches total cooking area
This heavy-duty steel grill is powder coated for increased durability and features a cast iron cooking surface that will give your food a wonderful sear. Three shelves provide ample storage space for all of your grilling essentials, while the adjustable fire grate and heat gauge in the hood gives you total control over the cooking process.
With its side firebox, you can control the heat with adjustable dampers and an adjustable fire grate. The easy dump ash pan makes ash disposal quick and efficient. Just pull out the ash pan from the side of the grill and dispose of it appropriately. The heat gauge on the hood lets you know the temperature, so you can cook your food to perfection.
Pros
large cooking surface
cast iron grates
controllable vents and adjustable charcoal tray height.
Easy to assemble
Sturdy and heavy-duty
well-designed and easy to use
Cons
Heavy
Runner Up: Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker, Black: best reverse flow option
Are you looking for a top-quality smoker that can handle large-capacity smoking? Then you need the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker! This smoker is built with versatility in mind, with optional smokestack locations and removable baffles that let you choose between reverse-flow smoking and traditional offset smoking. Plus, the large charcoal basket lets you enjoy longer cooks with fewer interruptions. And when it’s time to clean up, the convenient firebox door makes it a breeze. So if you’re looking for a top-quality smoker that can handle all your smoking needs, the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker is a perfect choice!
Features
751-square-inches of primary cooking space; 309-square-inches of secondary cooking space
With the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker, you can choose between reverse flow smoking and traditional offset smoking, so you can enjoy that perfect smoked flavor every time. The pre-installed baffle plates and large charcoal basket make it easy to get started, while the optional smokestack locations let you customize your smoking experience
A large charcoal basket provides more efficient burning and easier tending to the fire
With a warming area on the firebox, you can easily cook multiple items at once or keep food warm until it’s ready to serve. The lid-mounted temperature gauge ensures accurate temperature monitoring, while the multiple adjustable dampers let you regulate heat and smoke. Plus, the cool-touch handles make it easy to move the smoker around, even when it’s hot.
Pros
great smoker at an unbeatable price.
easy to control internal temperature by adjusting airflow
Heavy duty and well built
Cons
Need to cover baffle plates with heavy-duty aluminum foil
Best for Beginners: Broil King 958050 Offset Smoker
The Broil King Regal Charcoal Offset 500 Smoker is the perfect choice for BBQ enthusiasts who want to up their grilling game. With its 2mm steel construction, 625 sq. in. primary cooking surface, and heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids, this offset smoker is built to last. The air vent system includes a chimney-style stack with Roto-Draft damper technology, and the dual-purpose smoke-diffusing charcoal trays help ensure evenly cooked food. The removable ash tray in both cooking chambers makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re smoking meats or grilling veggies, the Broil King Regal Charcoal Offset 500 Smoker will help you create mouthwatering dishes that your friends and family will love.
Features
625 sq. in. primary cooking surface
The body is constructed from 2mm steel for durability and features heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids. The air vent system includes a chimney-style stack with Roto-Draft damper technology, and dual-purpose smoke diffusing charcoal trays ensure even smoking. The removable ash tray in both cooking chambers makes clean-up a breeze.
Pros
quality materials & excellent craftsmanship.
Heavy duty Smoker
Three easy-to-adjust dampers allow you to perfectly adjust the airflow inside the smoker
plenty of space to store extra charcoal
The front shelf has hooks to conveniently hang your utensils from.
Cons
The thermometer is lackluster
Dyna-Glo Vertical DGO1176BDC-D – Best Budget:
The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is perfect for the backyard chef who wants to create mouth-watering, smoked meats. This smoker features a generous 1,175 square inches of cooking space, allowing you to smoke a variety of foods at the same time. The offset smoker box keeps direct heat away from your food, resulting in evenly cooked meats. The adjustable smokestack and side dampers work together to improve airflow and transfer of heat in the primary cooking chamber. With the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker, you’ll be able to achieve that professional smokehouse flavor you’ve been searching for in your steaks, ribs, and chicken.
Features
1176 square inches of total cooking space with a 25-pounds capacity per grate.
The vertical design and offset smoker chamber help naturally rising heat achieve greater efficiency and improved smoke flavor. Additionally, the porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly for improved burn efficiency.
The charcoal chamber, grate, and sliding, removable steel ash pan make it easy to manage your charcoal and ash, while the built-in thermometer ensures perfectly smoked food every time. Plus, the smoke stack features an adjustable flue for additional flavor and temperature control.
Pros
great for cold weather and produces good smoke.
easy to assemble
GREAT quality at a reasonable price
Spacious and can Hold a LOT of meat or veggies.
Adjustable AND Removable racks
Holds heat for a long time.
Has a door thermometer about 2/3rds up the smoker’s side.
Cons
Need to seal the unit completely before using
Royal Gourmet Offset Smoker: Best Versatile Option
Introducing the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, the perfect choice for smoking aficionados who demand versatility and convenience. This grill offers a spacious grilling area to accommodate your needs, and its offset design makes it easy to add wood chips for flavor without opening the main chamber and disrupting the cooking process. Additionally, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker comes with a convenient cover to protect your investment from the elements.
This grill is designed with two levels of the height-adjustable charcoal pan for better heat control, as well as a lid-mounted thermometer gauge so that you can monitor the cooking temperature. The offset smoker is firmly attached to the grill in order to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke, and there is also an easy-to-open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes. Plus, the air vent stokes fire instantly. In terms of workspace, the front and side tables offer plenty of room for seasonings and grilling tools. And if you need extra storage space, the bottom shelf can hold up to 20 lb. of accessories when they are evenly distributed.
Features
811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
With double-split cooking grates, you can easily add charcoal while grilling, and the porcelain-enameled cooking grates help lock in juices, making your meat more tender. The swing-away warming rack is great for keeping food warm or rapidly defrosting meat. Plus, with the 2-in-1 control, you can slide the air vent away to control airflow and stoke the fire if need be.
This versatile grill is perfect for backyard cooking, thanks to its adjustable heat control and large-size steel side table. With two durable wheels, it’s easy to move around your patio or garden, and the three integrated “S” hooks make it easy to hang grill tools
Pros
Sturdy and lightweight
Easy to assemble, easy to clean,
Lots of grill space
easy to move grill grates
Easy-to-read thermostat
great height adjustment.
Nice waterproof cover
Cons
doesn’t have a drip pan.
Best Combo: Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Smoker and Grill at Amazon
The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Charcoal/Gas Smoker & Grill is the perfect choice for those who like to barbecue their food the way they want. With both a charcoal and gas grill chamber, as well as an attached offset firebox, this smoker and grill combo allows you to cook your food to perfection. Durability is also key with this product, as it features porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and heavy-gauge steel construction that make for easy cooking and delicious results every time.
This versatile smoker has three separate cooking chambers, so you can easily smoke, grill, or charcoal grill to your heart’s content. Plus, the multiple adjustable dampers make it easy to regulate heat and smoke for perfectly cooked food every time. So whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or just yourself, the Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo is a perfect choice.
Features
1,060 total square inch cooking surface
36,000 BTUs in total
With two separate cooking chambers, one for smoking and one for gas grilling, plus an offset firebox and a gas side burner, this combo unit has everything you need to smoke, grill, and more. And with multiple dampers across the smoking chamber and firebox, you’ll have complete control over the smoke and heat for perfectly cooked food every time. Plus, the convenient storage shelf underneath the cooking chamber is perfect for keeping your cooking utensils and extra fuel close at hand.
With lid-mounted temperature gauges, you can easily keep track of the inside temperature of both the smoker chamber and the gas grill chamber. The firebox access door on the side of the unit makes stoking the fire easily without having to open the cooking chamber lid, allowing heat and smoke to flow freely into the main chamber. The Cool Touch handles on the lid make it easy to grip and protect your hands from heat.
Pros
Great value and versatile with grilling/smoking options
Heavy-duty, Sturdy, and Well-built
Ceramic coated grates
Clear instruction
Built to last with lots of cooking space
Cons
Plastic gas flow knobs on the front
Dyna-Glo DGSS Vertical Charcoal Smoker: Best Vertical offset smoker
If you’re looking for a top-quality offset smoker and grill, then look no further than the Dyna-Glo DG8SS132VCS-D. This superb unit features five chrome-plated cooking grates, giving you a huge amount of space to cook for family and friends – a total of 1382 square inches of grilling real estate! Plus, the heavy-gauge steel body construction ensures that this smoker will stand up to anything you throw at it.
The temperature gauge on the DG8SS132VCS-D is specially designed to include a smoke zone, so you can easily see when the temperatures are perfect for infusing your food with that delicious smoky flavor. And thanks to the cool-to-touch handles, you can access fuel and food safely and easily – no more burnt fingers!
This large-capacity, multi-functional BBQ machine is perfect for those who want to get that classic smokehouse flavor. With the smoker’s body, you can cook meats low and slow, from brisket to ribs to anything you can imagine. Plus, the grill function is great for grilling burgers or brats for the whole crew.
Features
1382 square inches in total cooking space
This top-of-the-line smoker features a cool-touch spring handle for safer access to food, pre-installed sausage hooks for additional cooking flexibility, and a removable offset charcoal grate and ash pan for easy fuel loading and ash disposal. With its analog temperature gauge, you can easily monitor the ‘grill zone’ and ‘smoke zone temperatures to ensure perfectly cooked food every time.
Pros
great for backyard smoking and has a long lifespan.
Great Design at an affordable price
Easy to move around the yard because it has wheels
easier to add charcoal and keep the heat more consistent.
hanging racks are super sturdy and can hold some weight
Easy-to-follow instruction
Cons
The racks are not removable individually
Buying Guide
What is an offset smoker?
An offset smoker, also known as a barrel smoker or stick burner, is a type of smoker where the heat source (charcoal or wood) is placed to the side of the cooking chamber. This allows for indirect heat and smoke to cook and flavor the food in the main cooking chamber.
How Does An Offset Smoker Work?
Offset smokers typically have a main cooking chamber, where the food is placed to be smoked. The heat source, usually charcoal or wood, is lit in a separate firebox that is attached to the side of the main cooking chamber. The heat and smoke from the firebox travel through an opening or a pipe into the main cooking chamber, allowing for indirect heating and smoking of the food.
Benefits of an offset smoker:
-Indirect heating and smoking results in more evenly cooked food
-Can handle larger cuts of meat or multiple items at once
-Provides a deeper, smokier flavor to the food
What are Reverse Flow Offset Smokers?
Some offset smokers have a metal plate or “heat baffle” at the bottom of the cooking chamber, above the heat source. This helps distribute heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber, as well as collects any drippings from the food being smoked, creating added flavor from “smoke-roasted” juices.
These types of offset smokers are called “reverse flow” smokers, as the heat and smoke travel through the cooking chamber and back through the firebox before being released through a chimney at the opposite end of the smoker.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Offset Smoker:
Heavy Gauge Metal: Look for an offset smoker made of thick, heavy gauge metal. This will ensure better heat retention and durability
Temperature Gauge: A temperature gauge is important in any type of smoker, as it allows you to monitor and regulate the internal cooking temperature.
Adjustable Ventilation: Adjustable vents on the firebox and cooking chamber allow for better control over heat and smoke levels.
Quality Seals and Damper: Good seals and dampers will help maintain heat and smoke levels, as well as keep the smoker airtight for better temperature control.
Sturdiness: Make sure the offset smoker is sturdy and well-built. A flimsy or weak smoker can lead to uneven cooking and possible safety hazards.
Cover: Invest in a cover for your offset smoker to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan.
Warranty: Look for a smoker with a good warranty, as offset smokers can be a significant investment. This will ensure your smoker is protected in case of any defects or issues.
Firebox Size: A larger firebox will allow for longer smoking sessions, as well as the ability to fit larger chunks of wood or charcoal. However, be sure that the firebox is not too large and overwhelms the main cooking chamber.
Cooking Chamber Size: The size of the main cooking chamber will determine how much food you can smoke at once. Consider the amount of food you typically cook and choose a smoker with an appropriately sized cooking chamber.
Ease of Cleaning: Look for an offset smoker with removable grates and ashtrays, as well as easy access to the firebox for quick cleanup.
Portability: If you plan on taking your offset smoker to different locations, ensure that it is easy to transport and set up. Wheels or a solid handle may be helpful in this situation.
FAQs
What’s the best offset smoker to buy?
This really depends on your individual preferences and needs. Some top options to consider include the Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro, Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker, Broil King Regal Charcoal Offset 500, and Dyna-Glo Vertical DGO1176BDC-D.
What smoker does Myron Mixon use?
Myron Mixon uses a Smokin’ Pro offset smoker by Char-Griller.
Do I need to buy a separate thermometer for my offset smoker?
Many offset smokers come with built-in thermometers, but it’s always a good idea to also have an external and more accurate thermometer as well. This will ensure that your meats are cooked to the proper temperature for safety and optimal flavor.
Can I use wood chunks or chips in an offset smoker?
Yes, you can use both wood chunks and wood chips in an offset smoker just like any other type of smoker. Just make sure to properly soak the wood before using it to prevent flare-ups and add moisture to the cooking process.
What size offset smoker do I need?
This depends on how much food you plan on smoking at one time. Generally, larger offset smokers will be able to accommodate more food, but if space is an issue a smaller option may be a better fit for you. It’s also important to consider the size of your cooking grate and how many racks it has to determine how much food you can fit in the smoker at once.
How thick should an offset smoker be?
Ideally, an offset smoker should be at least 1/4 inch thick. This ensures that it retains heat properly and doesn’t warp or become damaged easily. Thicker steel will also increase the durability and longevity of the smoker. It’s important to note that thicker steel may take longer to heat up initially, but will maintain consistent temperatures better in the long run.
Can I use an offset smoker as a grill?
Many offset smokers have both smoking and grilling capabilities, making them a versatile cooking option. However, not all offset smokers have a separate grilling area so make sure to check before using it as a grill. Additionally, keep in mind that the indirect heat from an offset smoker may not be as suitable for certain types of grilling, such as cooking delicate foods or achieving a sear on meats.
Can I use an offset smoker in the rain?
Technically, yes you can use an offset smoker in the rain. However, it’s important to take proper precautions and make sure that all openings are sealed to prevent water from getting into the smoker and affecting the cooking process. It may also be more difficult to maintain a consistent temperature and smoke levels in wet weather conditions. If possible, it’s best to avoid using an offset smoker in the rain.
Can you cold smoke in an offset smoker?
Some offset smokers have the capability to do cold smoking, but it really depends on the individual smoker and its design and features. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if your offset smoker has the ability to do cold smoking and how to properly set it up for that method of cooking.
Can you use charcoal in an offset smoker?
Yes, most offset smokers are designed to use charcoal as the heat source. However, some may also have the option to use wood or gas in conjunction with or instead of charcoal. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use and fuel options for your specific smoker.
Can I use an offset smoker on my apartment balcony?
This depends on the rules and regulations of your specific apartment complex or building. It’s important to check with management before using any grill or smoker on an apartment balcony. Additionally, consider any potential smoke affecting neighboring apartments and always practice proper safety measures when using a smoker in an enclosed space like a balcony.
Are offset smokers worth it?
Offset smokers may require more attention to maintain proper temperature and smoke levels, but they also have the ability to provide a deeper smoke flavor in your food. It’s important to consider factors like cost, size, versatility, and ease of use before making a decision on whether an offset smoker is worth it for you.
How do you seal an offset smoker?
Proper sealing of an offset smoker involves ensuring that all openings, such as the lid, door, and chimney, are tight-fitting and do not allow any air or smoke to escape. Using a high heat-resistant sealant on any cracks or joints can also help improve the seal of the smoker. It’s important to regularly check and maintain the seal of your offset smoker for optimal cooking results.
What is better offset smoker or reverse flow?
This ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific design and features of the smoker. Offset smokers typically have a simpler design, while reverse flow smokers use an additional metal baffle plate and tubing to distribute heat and smoke more evenly throughout the cooking chamber. Both types of smokers can provide excellent results, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and cooking style.
Why is reverse flow smoker better?
Some people may prefer the more even heat and smoke distribution of a reverse flow smoker, as well as the added insulation from the baffle plate. However, this design also typically results in a higher cost and more complex setup compared to an offset smoker.
What kind of smoker does Franklin use?
Choosing the size of an offset smoker can depend on factors such as the amount and type of food you plan to cook, how often you will use it, and available space for storage and use. As for Franklin BBQ in Austin, Texas, they use a custom-made offset smoker with three chambers. However, it’s important to note that the size and type of smoker used do not necessarily determine the quality or flavor of the food cooked. It’s all about utilizing proper techniques and patience in smoking.
Are offset smokers hard to use?
The level of difficulty in using an offset smoker can vary depending on the individual smoker and the person’s experience and familiarity with smoking techniques. It may require more attention to maintain proper temperature and smoke levels compared to other types of smokers or grills, but with practice and learning proper techniques, it can become easier to use an offset smoker.
Should I put water in my offset smoker?
Some people choose to put water in the water pan of their offset smoker to add moisture and help regulate temperature. However, it’s important to note that this can also dilute the smoke flavor and may require more frequent refilling.
How big of an offset smoker should I get?
This will depend on factors like the amount and type of food you plan on smoking and available space for the smoker. Consider how often you will use it and if you may want to smoke larger quantities or whole animals in the future. It’s generally better to have a slightly larger smoker rather than one that is too small for your needs.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best offset smoker to buy, then you should consider any of the smokers on this list. They are all high-quality smokers that will help you have delicious BBQ meals in no time. Thanks for reading!
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