As someone who has spent countless hours experimenting with different smoking techniques, I know the struggle of sifting through endless offset smokers on the market.
It's an overwhelming task, fraught with the risk of ending up with a subpar unit that's likely to break down within a year. How do you separate the diamonds from the duds?
To steer you toward the cream of the crop, we've rigorously tested and analyzed dozens of options.
In this definitive guide, you'll find our curated list of the top 10 offset smokers, each earning its spot through stellar performance and glowing user reviews.
The Best Offset Smokers
- Best Overall Offset Smoker: Dyna-Glo Vertical Smoker
- Cheapest Offset Smoker: Outsunny Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker
- Most Durable Offset Smoker: Oklahoma Joe's Reverse Smoker
- Best Large Capacity Offset Charcoal Smoker: Dyna-Glo Signature Series
- Ideal Offset Smoker for Beginners: Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill
- Best Offset Smoker for Serious Enthusiasts: Oklahoma Joe's
- Best Offset Smoker for Heat Retention: Broil King Charcoal Smoker
- Leading High-Tech Offset Smoker: Ivation Automatic Wood Pellet All-in-1
The 10 Top Offset Smokers in 2024
1 - Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker (Best Overall)
If you are searching for the best offset smoker, you should consider the Dyna-Glo Vertical Smoker.
Dyna-Glo is a newer company that has developed a sound reputation for quality offset smokers, barrel smokers, and other types of smokers. The Dyna Glo brand is owned and run by the larger GHP Group Inc., Headquartered in Illinois.
The company has produced an assorted array of home products for around one hundred years. They generally come in at a reasonable price point for the average user and have quality construction.
This model follows this and has an ample 1,176 square inches of cooking surface area for major cooking. The model has an integrated charcoal and ash management system with an easy to clean removable ash pan.
We like the built-in temperature gauge with an optimal smoke zone indicator, which makes temperature control easier.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 20.2 x 34.52 x 47.03 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 1176 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Steel
- Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber
- Cooking space of 1,176 square inches
- Cooking capacity of 25-pounds per-grate
- Vertical offset for better heat distribution
- Uses large amounts of charcoal
- No cover included in the price
2 - Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Smoker & Grill (Best for Large Capacity)
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset is a combo smoker and grill and a step above their regular offset in features and cooking capacity.
This drum smoker has over 1,300 square inches of cooking space spread out over five heavy-duty chrome-plated cooking grates.
The main cooking chamber stands at over 55 inches (139.7 centimeters) and comes with a cool-touch spring door handle for safe opening.
We like the sausage hooks to make smoking sausage in the main cooking area easier.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 45.5 x 24.9 x 58.8 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 1382 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Steel
- 1,382 square inches of cooking space
- Stainless steel temperature gauge
- Sausage hooks and five cooking grates
- Cool touch door handles
- Weights over 120lbs (54.43 kilograms)
- No folding side shelf or storage space
3 - Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill (Ideal for Beginners)
Before doing research and testing in order to find the best offset smoker, we had never heard of Royal Gourmet. There isn’t much about them online.
However, we found the Royal Gourmet version to be high-quality with good cooking capacity and solid construction.
This combo smoker model has a traditional vertical design with 800 square inches of total cooking space.
The design includes front shelving as well as under shelving allowing for plenty of storage space for wood and plates.
We also like the 179 square inch warming rack for keeping food warm. This can be a good smoker option for the average user looking for a quality smoker.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 45.3 x 26.8 x 48 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 800 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Stainless Steel
- A larger warming rack keeps food warm
- Low price range compared to many smokers
- Easy smoker assembly
- 800 square inch cooking surface
- Hard to find warranty information
- No cover included with smoker
4 - Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Smoker (Most Durable)
Oklahoma Joe’s started as a barbecue restaurant and took that experience into creating high-quality smokers.
Their offset smokers have a reputation for being some of the best around and are built from highly durable heavy-gauge steel, with this specific model having over 600 square inches of primary cooking space and over 200 square inches of secondary cooking space.
We like the two-door system with a secondary firebox door, which allows you to tend to wood and charcoal without lowering the cooking chamber temperature.
The smoker also comes with a large side and under shelving for convenient storage.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 39 x 20.9 x 23 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 900 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Natural Gas
Material: Steel
- Easy clean porcelain-coated cooking grates
- Dampers for heat and smoke flow control
- Convenient firebox warming area
- Cool-touch opening handles
- Limited warranty information
- Need two people for assembly
5 - Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker (Best for Serious Enthusiasts)
This is the slightly higher-end reverse flow smoker version of the Oklahoma Joe’s traditional offset smoker reviewed above and one of the best models we tested.
It’s made from heavy-duty stainless steel and weighs in at just over 220 lbs (99 kilograms), so assembly may require two people.
This reverse flow offset smoker has an impressive 1,060 square inches of cooking space, making it a good option for people who regularly smoke large quantities of meat.
We like that the firebox contains a stainless steel fuel basket and clean outdoor to make it easy to clean ash and other debris.
You can learn how to properly use your Oklahoma Joe smoker on this link.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 35.5 x 64.25 x 55.5 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 1060 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Heavy-gauge Steel
- Heavy-gauge steel construction
- Easy to clean firebox
- Reverse flow design
- Four removable cooking grates
- Cover not included
- Design is bulky and heavy
6 - Broil King Charcoal Smoker, Black (Best for Heat Retention)
Broil King has been manufacturing smokers since 1964 and the quality of their Black Charcoal Offset Smoker reflects this.
This traditional offset smoker model has 625 square inches of cooking space in the main chamber, which can be plenty of room for the average user.
We like that it uses heavy-duty cast iron cooking grates, which are better for heat distribution and retention.
The unit has an air vent system that includes a chimney stack with Roto-Draft damper technology for better temperature control.
It also comes with a removable ashtray in both cooking chambers for easier cleaning.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 52.5 x 26 x 60 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 625 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Steel
- Cast-iron grates in the cooking chamber
- 625 square inch cooking capacity
- Constructed from heavy-duty 2mm steel
- Robo-Draft damper technology
- Not clear on the warranty
- No viewing window
7 - Outsunny Portable Backyard Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker Combo with Wheels (Cheapest Option)
Outsunny is a manufacturer and online seller of outdoor patio furniture and BBQ equipment.
Their horizontal offset smoker is one of the best offset smoker units that we tested and offers a combination charcoal grill and smoker.
There is ample shelving space that we appreciate over companies like Char-Griller that we tested.
The backyard smoker unit has two shelving units on the front and side and a bottom rack for storage, and cool-touch wooden handles to make opening the doors safer when you smoke meat.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 48.75 x 21 x 42.5 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Wood, Charcoal
Material: Cold-rolled Steel, Solid Wood
- Combination charcoal grill and backyard smoker
- Cool touch wooden door handles
- Plenty of shelving and storage capacity
- Made from cold-rolled steel
- No cover included with smoker
- Wheels made from plastic
8 - Sophia & William Charcoal Grill
The Sophia & William Outdoor Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a versatile and efficient choice for barbecue enthusiasts seeking a combination of a charcoal grill and smoker.
This unit stands out for its one-piece smoker chamber design, which eliminates gaps and ensures better heat and smoke retention compared to two-piece designs.
Crafted with a durable, easy-to-clean porcelain-enameled iron, the cooking grates offer even and fast cooking across a total of 512 sq. in. of cooking area, including a 366 sq. in. main grilling space and a 146 sq. in. offset smoker.
This smoker grill is perfect for preparing a wide range of foods, from BBQ ribs and grilled chicken to vegetables and more.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 26 x 49 x 47.5 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 512 sq. in
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Alloy Steel
- Improved heat and smoke retention with one-piece chamber.
- Durable, easy-clean porcelain-enameled grates.
- Spacious 512 sq. in. cooking area.
- Lid-mounted thermometer for easy temperature checks.
- Side door for simple charcoal addition.
- Heavy at 66 pounds, limiting portability.
- Assembly instructions can be complex.
9 - Ivation Automatic Wood Pellet All-in-1 Electric Offset BBQ Smoker & Grill (Leading High-Tech Smoker)
The Ivation Automatic Wood Pellet Electric Offset Smoker and Grill is another great alternative to reverse flow smoker units and most offset smokers from companies like Smokin Pro or Char-Griller.
This is a sturdily built electric smoker that provides more cooking space than your standard offset smoker.
The smoker reviews on Amazon are mostly positive, with reviewers explicitly speaking about the digital LCD dashboard that displays real-time grill temperatures.
We also like the bonus meat probe and smoker cover. However, this offset smoker and grill is on the pricier side.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 28.9 x 21.9 x 23.7 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: N/A
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Wood Pellet, Charcoal
Material: Stainless Steel
- Digital control panel
- Includes traditional smoker cover
- Removable food thermometer
- Smoke tight door seal
- May be difficult to assemble
- A bit expensive
10 - Char-Broil American Gourmet Smoker
Char-Broil is a well-known manufacturer of every kind of grill imaginable. They are a favorite of ours for their quality construction and solid warranties.
The Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker continues this tradition of quality with 290 square inches of primary cooking area and 140 square inches in the smoke chamber.
The firebox has a convenient clean outdoor which makes this unit easy to clean compared to some other models. It also has an Amazon's Choice rating for best Char-Broil Smoker.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 46.25 x 44.75 inches
BTU Value: N/A
Cooking Area: 290 square inches
Hopper Capacity: N/A
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Material: Stainless Steel
- Easy-open ash cleanout door
- Adjustable height steel firegrate
- Damper for heat and smoke control
- 1-year warranty on all parts
- Smaller smoking area
- Smoker cover sold separately
Vertical vs. Horizontal Design
The primary difference between vertical and horizontal models is in the heat and smoke distribution. A vertical smoker has the racks layered above one another, whereas a horizontal smoker is one flat surface.
This primarily affects heat distribution with heat in a vertical smoker rising and a horizontal smoker running through.
We prefer vertical versions best as they allow you to grill, bake, roast, smoke, and even broil meats. Horizontal smokers, on the other hand, are primarily able to grill and smoke meats. The primary downside of a vertical smoker is that there is less room on each grate.
How do offset smokers work?
An offset smoker works by applying indirect heat to the meat to cook at a lower and slower temperature.
This also helps spread heat more evenly through the main cooking area, especially with a barrel smoker.
Offset smokers have the smokebox located to the side of the smoker. This applies to both vertical and horizontal smokers.
All horizontal smokers have an offset smoker box. However, not all vertical smokers are offset. If you wish to learn how to properly use a smoker box, read our guide.
Who should buy an offset smoker?
Anyone can buy an offset smoker and learn to put it to good use. However, an offset smoker will take a bit more experience to operate than the best gas grills or electric grills. It would help if you had a bit of practice working with charcoal and wood to help maintain the smoker's temperatures for a consistent smoking experience.
If you are looking at buying your first smoker, it may be best to start with gas grills or an electric smoker to get more experience with the process. These types of smokers are a bit easier to control for beginners. You can learn more about each type of smoker by reading our guide.
Pros and Cons Of Buying An Offset Smoker
Benefits Of Offset Smokers
The main benefit of offset smokers is that it provides more cooking surface. It also adds more fuel without opening the cooking chamber. Opening the cooking chamber door lowers the temperature and can provide an inconsistent smoking experience.
Because the firebox is moved to the side, you also have more room for meat, especially in a horizontal smoker.
Disadvantages Of An Offset Smoker
The primary disadvantage of an offset smoker is that you need to monitor the temperature more closely. Because heat is indirect, more effort must be made to maintain the temperature to ensure that your meat is cooking properly.
What to look for when buying an offset smoker?
Build Quality
Your smoker won’t do you much good if it fails after the first year. While many offset smokers are on the market, they are not all built to quality standards. The best offset smoker will serve its purpose for years to come. Always make sure that you are purchasing a smoker from reputable manufacturers such as those listed above.
Pay close attention to how well your smoker seals around the doors. Though the above offset smokers all represent the best we tested, it is always possible for factory defects to occur. Pay attention when seasoning your offset smoker to ensure that everything seals properly.
Material Construction
The material of your smoker can play an important role in how well it retains and distributes heat. Some materials, such as cast iron and stainless steel, are more durable and insulative than others (1).
We prefer stainless steel best as it’s generally lighter in weight than iron without forfeiting much in the way of durability. We also find that steel smokers are usually more affordable than cast iron, another added benefit.
“Stainless steel remains stainless, or does not rust, because of the interaction between its alloying elements and the environment.”
- Scientific American (2)
Price
When it comes to the best offset smokers, the sky's the limit when it comes to pricing. You can find some of the best vertical pellet smokers that run into the thousands with complete digital features and Bluetooth capabilities.
On the other hand, you can also find cheaper options that have everything you need to make some of the best barbecue and smoked meats possible. The main factors that will affect your price will include material, fuel type, temperature control type (manual or digital), and capacity.
Cooking Chamber Size
Your cooking chamber size will greatly dictate how much you can cook. Larger cooking chamber sizes will allow you to smoke larger amounts of meat. This will also be dictated by whether you choose a vertical or horizontal smoker.
Cooking chamber size is typically measured in square inches, with most manufacturers specifying the actual cooking area and any warming area. Pay particular attention to the cooking area and look for a size of at least 500 square inches.
Firebox Size
The firebox is the area of the smoker where you put your fuel. In an offset smoker, the firebox will be located on either the left or the right side, with the smoke flowing into the main cooking chamber.
In the best offset smokers, the firebox will be large enough to continue smoking for at least five to six hours without needing replenishment.
Remember that every time you open your firebox, you let in cooler air from outside, causing fluctuations in the internal temperature. So, if you regularly cook large meats such as briskets or turkeys, you want a larger firebox with plenty of room for fuel.
Recommended Article: Different Methods for Insulating a Smoker Firebox
Durability
By their very nature, smokers take a lot of wear and tear from cooking. This can be especially true if you live in an area with extreme weather such as snow or heavy moisture and rain. When buying the top offset smoker for your needs, make sure that you choose a brand known for durability, such as Dyna-Glo.
This especially holds if you are buying an electric pellet offset smoker or another of the best options with delicate technology. To improve your smoker's potential lifespan, make sure to use a protective cover when not in use and perform regular cleaning.
Ease of Use
As noted above, charcoal offset smokers can be more complicated and difficult for a new user not used to maintaining internal smoking temperatures. When choosing the top offset smoker for you, it will be important to consider this.
If you are not confident in your ability to properly smoke meats using charcoal and wood, you should consider using an electric pellet smoker. These make it easier to set the temperatures you want without manually regulating the internal temperatures using the smokers’ dampers.
This can help you to save time and get you smoking faster.
Ventilation
If you opt for a charcoal or wood offset smoker, make sure to pay particular attention to the dampers and ventilation as this will be what you use to regulate your smoker's temperature. The best offset smokers have strategically placed ventilation allowing air to flow through easily, regulating the flames.
This will especially be important with a horizontal smoker as the ventilation will affect how well the smoke moves through, especially in a reverse flow smoker. If you don't know how to use a reverse flow smoker, feel free to check out our step-by-step- guide. Make sure to pay attention during your first few cooking sessions, so you know optimal damper settings.
Ease of Cleaning
This one is huge as it’s going to affect how long your smoker lasts. The top offset smoker will be easy to clean. The more difficult it is to clean a smoker, the higher the chance that it will break down over time. This means you want something straight forward without a lot of grooves or places for ash and potential rust to build up.
The best smokers will have things like removable ashtrays and opening side doors on the firebox to help make cleaning easier. Also, pay attention to the grate material as certain materials, such as cast iron, are often easier to keep clean.
Warranty
This one is often overlooked, but there is always the chance for something on your smoker to break early, even if it is one of the best smokers from one of the best manufacturers. You want to look at the warranty and all of the specific terms surrounding it.
Pay close attention to how long specific parts of the smoker are guaranteed. The best warranties will have a flat 2-year or more warranty covering all parts. However, some companies will place different limits, such as a year for the firebox and three years for other parts.
Extra Features
Keep in mind that the top offset smoker should come with additional features. It's always nice to have extra features, especially when they make using your smoker easier and more convenient. Some of the best extra features to look out for include:
- Extra shelving space for holding plates
- Hooks for grilling tools
- Bottom storage racks for wood and charcoal
- Warming racks for keeping food warm
There are plenty of other extras that you can look out for, including meat probes for easier monitoring and thermometers. However, the above four are some of the most common and will greatly increase how easy it is to cook with your smoker.
How To Clean Offset Smokers
Step 1: Empty The Firebox
The firebox will be the smoker area that collects the most ash and build-up from smoke residue.
First, open it up and scoop out all of the ash collected in the box to properly clean your firebox. It’s best to wipe the inside down afterward with a wet cloth.
Step 2: Wipe Out The Cooking Chamber
Use a wet microfiber cloth to wipe out the inside using warm water. Avoid using any chemicals as these can mess up your seasoning, increasing the chances of your smoker rusting. If your unit has a viewing window, then use vinegar and water to clean it.
Step 3: Clean The Grates
For the grates, you want to use a grill brush to first scrub off any fat particles or other debris built up. The best grill brush will be made from steel bristles to thoroughly clean off any fat. After you’ve scrubbed the grates, wash them off with water and let them dry before returning them.
Learn More: How to Clean an Offset Smoker?
Tips For Using Offset Smokers
Use a Digital Thermometer
Digital thermometers are generally much more reliable than analog thermometers that most smokers are equipped with (3). The best ones will have included meat probes, but if your unit doesn’t then, you can easily purchase these at an affordable price.
Look for digital thermometers with probes that measure the internal temperature of your meat.
“Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure safety and to determine desired 'doneness' of meat, poultry, and egg products.”
- United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Information Guide (4)
Go Easy On The Smoke
Smoking should be a low and slow process. The more patient you are, the better your food will turn out once it's done. For this reason, more smoke does not always equate to better tasting meat. Make sure to take it easy and monitor temperatures closely for the best meat possible.
“Smoking is a form of indirect cooking and usually takes place over a period of hours over low temperatures.”
- Kingsford Charcoal Smoking Guide (5)
Cook With Charcoal and Wood Combo
Using charcoal and wood together is best for making temperature regulation easier while at the same time helping to infuse your meat with the smokey flavor you love (6). The charcoal is typically easier to get started and maintain than just wood, which can be harder to get lit initially.
FAQs
Are offset smokers better?
Offset smokers are better for smoking as they offer an indirect heat source that provides a lower and slower cooking experience. This holds for cooking meats such as ribs, turkeys, and briskets which need to be cooked at low temperatures for longer periods.
How thick should an offset smoker be?
An offset smoker should be at least ⅛ of an inch to ¼ of an inch thick to both withstand the heat and provide sufficient insulation for heat to build up. The same holds if you purchase a cast-iron smoker or another material.
Which is better, offset, or reverse flow smokers?
Both reverse flow smokers and offset smokers are good. A reverse flow offset smoker can be incredibly effective for smoking meats. Reverse flow smokers force the smoke further inside the chamber to create a more consistent temperature and smoke distribution.
Where Are Dyna Glo Smokers Made?
The majority of Dyna Glo’s products, including their smokers, are made in China, allowing the brand to bring affordable patio products to the homes of thousands of Americans every year.
Our Final Verdict
After extensive testing and pouring over thousands of reviews to find the top offset smoker, we’ve found the Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker to be the best. Not only is the company that makes it reputable, but the construction is very good and the cooking space, ample.
We like that this has over 1,000 square inches of cooking space capable of handling over 20 lbs on each grate.
The porcelain-enameled steel chamber is highly insulative, and well-placed dampers help to make sure that smoke distributes evenly through. This is one of the best smokers we’ve tested, and if you want to find the best pricing, check it out today.
Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker (Best Overall)
Our #1 Recommendation
- Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber
- Cooking space of 1,176 square inches
- Cooking capacity of 25-pounds per-grate
- Vertical offset for better heat distribution
The cooking racks on the best offset smoker grills are a game changer! Highly recommend checking out some offset smoker reviews before making your purchase.