Most offset smokers are designed with large events, large family functions and even tailgating in mind. These equipment come with ample cooking space to allow users to cook a large number of foods at a time.
However, choosing the right offset smoker can be tricky, considering that there are available in a lot of different designs and styles. This review aims to enlighten buyers in confusing areas during the decision-making process.
In this guide, we’ve sifted the top-rated 6 best offset smokers on the market. Besides, we’ve reviewed each unit based on the price, construction, capacity, and versatility.
Table of Contents
- Best Offset Smokers 2022
- 1. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
- 2. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill
- 3. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D
- 4. Outdoor Leisure SH36208 Smoke Hollow 40-Inch Barrel Smoker
- 5. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
- 6. Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker
- How to Choose The Best Offset Smoker Under $1000
- Is the stand firm?
- Does it come with wheels?
- Is there a cover included?
- Easy to clean?
- Accompany with accessories?
- Any Warranty or Return Policy?
- Conclusion
Best Offset Smokers 2022
1. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
Making to our list of the best offset smoker is Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker with heavy-duty construction and dual doors to help saves smoking time and attenuate heat loss. Also, the wood chip box is coated with porcelain to ensure its durability. Further, it comes in a compact and modern design.
This model offers reliable and quick ignition; thanks to its electronic pulse ignition, you don’t have to invest a lot of time there. More so, it includes a gasket featured on the main door to ensure the unit remains cool. Unlike most offset smokers on the market, this machine is easy to assemble and does not need technical know-how.
On the downside, keep in mind that after a couple of uses, you might experience a smoke leak. To get the best out of this unit, you may need to purchase a smoker gasket and high heat silicone, which is sometimes sold separately. Also, the firebox damper may be challenging to close after a while as a result of bulging screws.
What We Like
- Dual door design
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Reliable ignition system
- Great heat control
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks space for searing or direct cooking
2. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box, 50 Inch, Black
For those looking to have a unit that can stand the test of time, then Char-Griller E1224 should be on top of your list. In fact, it’s one of our top choices for the best vertical offset smokers in the market.
Another fantastic feature is its strength and durability; thanks to its heavy-gauge metals. This unit offers a total cooking space of 830 sq in, which is an ideal choice for cooking a large amount of food at once. Also, there’s a temperature scale to help users regulate the heat. Besides, it’s designed to make cleaning hassle-free with its easy ash disposal system.
However, when this model is not in the box, its efficiency reduces. Plus, the smoker needs to be airtight to prevent smoke leakage and air pollution. Lastly, you might need to repaint the unit after a while of use.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Ample cooking space
- Easy to assemble
- Wheels for easy transport
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- Might need repaint soon
- The warranty should be honored at all times
3. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
For those who have always fancied smoking and grilling, but don’t want to purchase separate units, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D is an excellent alternative. This model allows you to use both functions simultaneously or separately. On its side is a firebox chamber including wood pellets or charcoal tray and a grate for grilling steaks, burgers or chicken breasts.
Also, there’s a removable ash pan that quickly pulls out for adding extra fuel. The main cooking space is meant for smoking. It comes with five chrome-enameled cooking grate which offers a total cooking space of 1,383 sq in. Besides, to remove the grate, they need to be turned sideways and start from the bottom.
Another great thing about Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is the sausage hooks, an analog temperature gauge with Smoke Zone Indicators and Grill Zone, and a cool-touch spring handle. That’s not all: it is crafted with heavy-gauge steel to ensure this unit is durable and stand the test of time.
What We Like
- Grill and smoker combo
- Sausage hooks
- Sturdy build
- Reasonable price
What We Don’t Like
- Ash is a bit difficult to clean while cooking
- Shelves are not easy to move
4. Outdoor Leisure SH36208 Smoke Hollow 40-Inch Barrel Smoker
Outdoor Leisure SH36208 Smoke Hollow 40-Inch Barrel Smoker (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
Aside from its exquisite look, this unit offers excellent value for a fraction of the cost. Its superior design and heavy built ensures this unit will serve you for years to come. It comes with an ample 970 sq inch cooking area, which makes it an ideal choice for people looking to have a large cookout.
This Outdoor Leisure SH36208 Smoke Hollow 40-Inch Barrel Smoker includes a front table, a wire mesh, and a bottom shelf. Also, its firebox generates enough heat within a couple of minutes to ensure your meat is properly smoked.
More importantly, the featured wheels make it a lot easier to move around. Remarkably, this model comes with a 4 to 5-year limited warranties at an extra cost.
What We Like
- 12-gauge Heavy-duty Steel construction
- 970 sq. Inches of total cooking area
- Generate heat fast
What We Don’t Like
- The manufacturer has discontinued this model
5. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
This model offers one of the largest cooking surfaces in this review. Built for durability, this beast is made with heavy gauge stainless and still coated using porcelain. This unit is equipped with four adjustable grill grates, which ensures your food is properly positioned.
Also, it comes with multiple dampers for easy smoke and heat control. While infusing your food with smokey flavor can make your food taste better, a little bit can spoil it all. Besides, this unit is rust free and would last several years.
What We Like
- Easy to clean
- Innovative heat control
- Quick assembling
- Wheel attachments for better mobility
What We Don’t Like
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- Paint might peel off after a while
6. Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker
Char-Broil 12201570-A1 American Gourmet Offset Smoker, Black,Standard
If you are on a hunt for a great offset smoker to help make an excellent cookout session in your backyard, then Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker is the way to go.
This model from Char-Broil comes in a simple aesthetic with an ample cooking space which perfects for a great cookout with your friends and family. Speaking about cooking space, this unit comes with 1000 sq in total cooking space; 355 sq in from the firebox and 670 sq in from the main cooking area.
That’s not all: the firebox allows you to sear and direct cooking and the main cooking area is ideal for indirect smoking. Thus, splurging on this unit will offer impressive versatility.
Further, the American Gourmet Offset Smoker has a lot of vents and features an in-built temperature gauge into the lid. This feature allows you to monitor the internal cooking temperature without having to open the lid. Plus, adjusting the unit airflow can not come any easier than this. Not just that, the smoker has both wood chips and water trays; therefore, offering more control over the smoke flavor and moisture. Lastly, this versatile smoker comes with wheels to make maneuverability easy.
What We Like
- Great value for money
- Sturdy build
- Smoke leak-proof
- Three cooking modes
What We Don’t Like
- Caustic inner paint
- Consume more wood than other product on the models
How to Choose The Best Offset Smoker Under $1000
Purchasing an offset smoker can be a confusing and exciting experience, especially for a first-timer. There are some factors you should consider, such as hopper capacity, price, cooking area, etc. before making a choice.
To ensure you make an inform decision, we’ve compiled a checklist of the critical factors that should be put into consideration when buying an offset smoker.
How much does it cost?
These units are available in different options. While some model comes with a price tag less than 1000 USD, others come with a much higher price. However, it’s essential that you stick to your budget, which is why all product reviews in this post will fall under the 1000 USD mark.
In summary, carefully examining the prices of each smoker that appeals to you is a smart thing to do, if you don’t want a product that will be heavy on the pocket.
The thickness of the metal
Metals with high thickness are better conductors and tend to retain more heat than metals wit light thickness. This means offset constructed with a heavy gauge metal is the way to go. Further, ¼ inch thick metals are deemed to be ideal standard, and should also act as a guide for you. Additionally, thicker units are not susceptible to rusting and withstand the adverse effect of harsh weather.
Temperature Guage
One of the secrets to creating mouth-lickering smoked meat is having reasonable control over the heat. To achieve the desired temperature, you need to know the internal temperature without having to open the lid. As such, you should consider purchasing a unit that features a temperature gauge to allow you to monitor the temperature at which you are cooking. A thermometer helps measure the changes in the heat and makes it easier to adjust the temperature for incredible results.
Is the stand firm?
An offset smoker uses the stand as the pivot, and the durability of such a unit is linked to its sturdiness. You should check the latches and hinges of your smoker to determine the material strength. Also, consider the weight of the smoker, because the stand must be firm to prevent it from wobbling.
Does it come with wheels?
Offset smokers are heavy, which makes them a bit difficult to move around, but when placed on a wheeler, it comes easy to maneuver. Therefore, it’s best to choose a unit with wheels to make it easier to avoid the wind and move around in your backyard.
Is there a cover included?
The best offset smoker should come with a cover. Sometimes the cover is sold separately, which is an extra cost. Purchasing a smoker with cover will help increase the unit’s lifespan as it prevents water from seeping into the unit. Also, it helps minimize the degeneration and rusting of your smoker.
Easy to clean?
A model with easily removable cooking plates makes it hassle-free to clean food debris building up in the cooking chamber. Also, some brands also include some incredibly cool features such as vacuum cleaner hose or clean out tool to make scrubbing this unit faster and less challenging.
Accompany with accessories?
You need to consider if the unit you wish to purchase comes with accessories such as weather guard, extra racks, rib hooks, etc. Some brands include all the much-needed accessories while others require you to purchase them separately.
Any Warranty or Return Policy?
Offset smokers are durable equipment, especially when they are properly taken care of and maintained. However, choosing a smoker accompanied by a warranty add more value for your money. Besides, the warranty protects you should any fault occurs with the equipment.
Conclusion
A good offset smoker should not require you to break a bank, just as the models we’ve reviewed in this post. However, they share a lot of features, but our buying guide sheds more light on how to choose the right unit to match your cooking needs.