An offset smoker basically means a smoker used for processing meat and other various dishes using indirect heat. An offset smoker is made by placing the firebox on one side of the food compartment leading to even heat and smoke distribution. Offset smokers are popular among many BBQ enthusiasts because they can give a real smoking experience and they can do the job of managing a lot of food in one cooking cycle.
But which is the best offset smoker? Below we discuss the top 6 best offset smokers. Read on!
6 Best Offset Smokers
1. Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
If you need a versatile offset smoker and charcoal grill, then the Royal Gourmet CC1830S has your name on it.
We used the Royal Gourmet CC1830S for a backyard barbecue party because we wanted to see how much room it would fit in for cooking and stowing accessories. We were impressed by the space it afforded. The front and side tables had decent workspace for seasonings and grilling tools, and the bottom shelf had even more storage space. We also enjoyed a thermometer gauge mounted inside the lid that allowed us to see the cooking temperature with extreme certainty.
The offset smoker was simple to use, and the side door was good for adding charcoal and removing ashes. The adjustable pan allowed us to cook meats and vegetables better and get perfectly cooked goods. The offset smoker also provided nice smoke flavors to our food.
We believe the Royal Gourmet CC1830S is an excellent option for those seeking a varied offset smoker that can also be used as a charcoal grill. However, the thin metal and restricted storage capacity may be unappealing to certain users.
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2. Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
If you’re looking for a versatile and efficient smoker for all kinds of food, the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is for you.
Ultimately, the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is the right choice for those who want to elevate their grilling. Featuring the building blocks for lots of different cooking options and an efficient design, this is the one you will be turning to get great taste and properly smoked food every time.
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3. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover
If you’re on a budget but still want a smoker that can cook all sorts of delights, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is a good option.
Recently, we had a chance to try the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC, and we found it to be a performer. The offset smoker is fastened on the grill firmly so they may circulate the heat and smoke well. It was easy to smoke, with no suffering for tasty smoke flavor.
Add charcoal and remove ashes through the side door; the air vent will get the fire going in a second. The two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan allowed us to better control the heat we were creating and cook with greater confidence through the lid-mounted thermometer gauge.
The front and side tables meant extra storage space on the bottom shelf, which was handy for holding seasonings and grilling tools. It also has a great cover that will protect the grill from the elements when not in use.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is a pretty good deal overall. It has no bells or whistles, little more than an average smoker, but it smokes delicious meats.
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4. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
If you want a grilling and offset smoking-capable device, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is the perfect tool for you.
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is a great grill and smoker, and we have used it. With 1382 square inches of total cooking space (more than enough to cook for a large group or a big family) and five chrome-plated cooking grates, this smoker is big enough to perform well for you.
The smoker is built with a heavy-gauge steel body that assures it is durable and long-lasting. The smell indicates a smoke zone or a temperature zone where the smoking flavor should be added in the perfect amount. The cool-to-touch handles make it safe to access fuel and food.
The steel wheels are massive, making it super easy to move the smoker around when using it and cleaning it afterward. But the assembly process can take a long time, and the smoker can leak smoke and heat. The temperature gauge can sometimes be wrong; therefore, you may also need to use an independent thermometer to know if the food has reached perfection.
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is a great investment for everyone who loves to grill and smoke their food just the way they want. It’s versatile, durable, and user-friendly. If you are searching for a smoker who can handle cooking all of your grilling and smoking needs, this is the one for you.
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5. Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Burch BBQ Barrel Grill and Smoker Combo
The Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Burch BBQ Barrel Grill and Smoker Combo is a great, reliable, and spacious offset smoker that you should consider.
Recently, we used the Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Burch BBQ Barrel Grill and Smoker Combo and were very impressed with its performance. The cooking grates were large enough to cook for 8-10 people, and the warming rack was a nice addition for warming food to put on the grates when you are done and want to finish other dishes.
The offset smoker is a standout feature of this grill, which mounts directly to the back of the main body for good heat and smoke circulation. It also gives the small side dishes additional grilling or smoking cooking space for the smoker.
Another super nice feature is the simply adjusted charcoal pan, which means you can control the heat and energy you use. It can support up to 3.5kg/7.7 lb of coal, so it is large event-sized. The side charcoal door is a nice touch, too, allowing you to keep the charcoal tending without removing the whole thing.
That's one of the downsides of this grill. The grill is likely to start to rust after long usage and, therefore, should be very well cared for. You wouldn’t want to leave items that are heavy on the front table, as it is not very sturdy to hold heavy items. The coal tray also has the potential to bow out around the middle after a few uses, which can be annoying.
All in all, we suggest the Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Burch BBQ Barrel Grill and Smoker Combo when you are searching for a trustworthy and lofted offset smoker. You should then take good care of it so it doesn’t rust.
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6. Royal Gourmet CC1830M Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
If you are searching for an offset smoker and affordable grill, the Royal Gourmet CC1830M is the perfect choice.
Back in March, we had the pleasure of trying out the Royal Gourmet CC1830M Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker and were really pleased with the way they worked. Plenty of room on the cooking surface allows us to cook a variety of items in one go, and the offset smoker injects the meat with a nice smokey flavor. Although the lid-mounted thermometer gauge made monitoring the temperature simpler, they required that we spend more time monitoring the heat than gas grills—something we expected.
The instructions didn't help too much with the amount of assembly that was required to get it up and running, but we were able to manage it with a bit of patience. The grill was able to withstand testing while the metal pieces were thin. Ultimately, we think the Royal Gourmet CC1830M is a good offset smoker grill for someone searching for an affordable option.
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Buying Guide
Size
When deciding on an offset smoker, the first thing you have to think about is how big you need it to be. Offset smokers are available in different sizes, though you should pick according to what you need. If you are going to smoke for an extended group of people, then you might want to get a bigger smoker. In fact, a smaller smoker will be fine if you just smoke for your family or a close group of friends.
Material
The additional factor to consider is the smoker's material. Steel and cast iron are the most common offset smoker materials. Cast iron smokers are more expensive and heavier, but pick one up, and you’ll notice just how lightweight they really are. Steel smokers don’t hold heat as well. They won’t cost as much as cast iron smokers, but they’re more durable and retain heat better.
Heat Distribution
Heat distribution is another factor to consider when deciding on an offset smoker. The ideal smoker distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber. This way, your food will be cooked evenly and will never burn on a side. An offset smoker has a lot of heat flow and must have a thick metal construction with an excellent seal so that the heat is distributed evenly.
Features
Finally, make sure to check the features included in the offset smoker. Some of them come with additional features such as a built-in thermometer, ash pan, and warming rack. These features make smoking easier and more convenient. But know that the cost of the smoker includes additional features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best offset smokers under $1000?
While Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker, Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker, and Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker are some excellent offset smoker alternatives if you are offset smoker smokers under $1000, they strike a nice balance between on cost and quality construction.
What are the advantages of using a reverse flow offset smoker?
A reverse-flow offset smoker has many advantages over a traditional offset smoker. The reverse-flow design helps distribute heat and smoke more evenly throughout the cooking chamber, making for more consistent temperatures and better flavor. The reverse-flow design also helps to escape from hot spots and minimize the possibility of wilt particles.
What are some features to look for in a custom offset smoker?
If you’re looking for a custom offset smoker, there are many things to consider. Check for a smoker with a thick steel body to keep heat in and strong. Also, look for the size of the cooking chamber and the number of cooking grates. To choose a stove with temperature control options, look for adjustable dampers, a built-in thermometer, and a removable ash pan for cleaning.
What are some of the best wood smokers on the market?
If you are looking for some of the best wood smokers on the market, The Traeger Pro Series 780 Pellet Grill, The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, and The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill are some of the best. Excellent temperature control and versatility, these models allow you to smoke meat and other foods.
What sets the Lang Offset smoker apart from other offset smokers?
Made of high-quality construction, the Lang offers excellent performance. It’s unlike many other offset smokers in that it’s a reverse-flow smoker, which helps distribute heat and smoke more evenly across the cooking chamber. The Lang is also constructed from thick steel and has an easily removed ash pan for cleanup.
What are some factors to consider when choosing the best smoker for your needs?
The best smoker for you depends on factors such as size, construction quality, temperature control, and ease of use. You also want to take into account the type of fuel you use—for example, you may prefer charcoal, wood pellets, or propane—and how much cooking space you need. Overall, your best smoker depends completely on your personal preference and what you are cooking.
