Best 8 Charcoal Smokers for Outdoor Cooking Enthusiasts in 2024
There’s something undeniably primal and satisfying about cooking with fire and smoke. Charcoal smokers bring that authentic, smoky flavor to your backyard BBQ, making them a favorite among pitmasters and weekend grill enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the right charcoal smoker can elevate your culinary game.
In this roundup, we’ll dive into the best charcoal smokers available today. From compact models perfect for small spaces to robust units designed for serious smoking sessions, there’s a smoker here to suit every need and budget. Get ready to discover the top contenders that will help you achieve perfectly smoked meats, every time.
Compact Vertical Design: Realcook 17-Inch Charcoal Smoker
Take the Realcook 17-Inch Charcoal Smoker to your backyard and enjoy tender, flavorful foods anytime. This vertical smoker is designed for versatile cooking. Thanks to controllable air dampers and a multi-layer design, you can change grill types easily.
Split into three parts, it’s perfect for camping or beach trips. This smoker allows you to smoke, grill, steam, bake, braise, or roast. Its painted steel construction includes strong legs and heat-resistant handles, ensuring durability and easy transport.
Functional access doors let you check food or add charcoal easily. Adjustable air vents and a porcelain-enameled water pan help balance smoke and moisture, enhancing flavor. Chrome-plated racks accommodate large cuts like ribs or turkeys.
Built-in thermometer helps monitor heat levels, guaranteeing properly cooked meats. The unique catch clamps system allows quick transformation from a large smoker to a compact grill. It even includes four hanging hooks for meats or fish.
- Model Name: Charcoal Vertical Smoker Grill
- Power Source: Charcoal
- Color: 17″ Charcoal
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 18.6 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 17″D x 22″W x 35″H
- Inner Material: Stainless Steel
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
Portable BBQ Choice: BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-Inch Charcoal Smoker Grill
Choosing the right charcoal smoker for portability can be tricky, but the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-Inch Charcoal Smoker Grill stands out. Designed for those who love outdoor cooking adventures, this compact smoker offers an excellent balance of size and functionality. Made from durable alloy steel, it’s robust enough to withstand frequent use, yet it only weighs 17 pounds, making it easy to transport to any BBQ location.
Boasting a black, sleek design, the smoker not only looks great but also resists wear and tear from outdoor conditions. Its compact dimensions (17.9″ depth, 11.2″ width, 17.9″ height) ensure it fits nicely even in smaller spaces, perfect for tailgating or camping trips. The grill’s inner stainless steel material provides excellent heat retention and distribution, giving you consistent smoking results.
Equipped to use charcoal and wood chips as fuel, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS smoker allows for versatile cooking. Enjoy the authentic, smoky flavor that only a charcoal smoker can provide, whether you’re grilling steaks or smoking ribs. The simple design means it’s straightforward to use, even for beginners. Set up is quick, and in no time, you’re ready to smoke your favorite meats.
- Power Source: Charcoal Wood Chips
- Color: Black
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 17 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 17.9″D x 11.2″W x 17.9″H
- Inner Material: Stainless Steel
- Fuel Type: Charcoal Wood Chips
- Manufacture Year: 2024
Simple Efficient Smoking: Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Looking for versatility in smoking? The Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical Charcoal Smoker can handle cheese, vegetables, and meats with ease. It’s equipped with a porcelain enameled steel bowl that holds water, ensuring moisture throughout the process. Setup is straightforward, with all necessary components included except for charcoal and wood chunks.
Built to last, the Cuisinart smoker features two 18-inch solid steel cooking grates. You can smoke various foods at once without compromising on space or quality. Lighting charcoal is simple, and maintaining a consistent temperature is a breeze with adjustable air vents. The vertical barrel design helps maintain steady heat with less effort, and the side door makes refueling straightforward.
A valuable feature of the COS-118 is the quick and easy setup. All it takes is 15 minutes and a screwdriver. You’ll be ready to smoke your favorite meals without extensive preparation.
- Power Source: charcoal
- Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18″
- Outer Material: Stainless Steel, Steel
- Item Weight: 37 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 22″D x 24″W x 43″H
- Inner Material: Stainless Steel
Versatile Outdoor Cooking: Realcook 20-Inch Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill
Realcook offers an incredibly versatile charcoal smoker grill that transforms your outdoor cooking experience. This 20-inch model can be easily separated into three parts, making transport straightforward for activities like camping, beach trips, and backyard barbecues. Different. Your cooking options expand with this smoker. It handles charcoal hot smoking and wood pellet cold smoking with ease, thanks to a pellet smoker tube.
Painted. The steel construction with a high-temperature resistant layer ensures durability and stability during use. Functional. Access doors on the grill allow easy inspection of food on the cooking grates and hassle-free addition of charcoal to the fire bowl. Chrome-plated. The cooking racks provide ample space to accommodate everything from large cuts of ribs and meats to pizzas and cheeses.
Double. The smoker’s air vents help you control moisture and temperature effectively, giving you consistently smoked, juicy meats. Heat-resistant. Its sturdy handles simplify transport, basting, and cooking. Built-in. A durable thermometer lets you monitor the interior temperature, ensuring perfect cooking conditions for ribs, meats, and turkey.
Unique. The Catch Clamps System allows quick adjustment between large and medium capacities, adapting to tailgate parties or more intimate gatherings. Four. Hanging hooks and a crossbar inside the lid transform this smoker into a multifunctional tool, perfect for hanging meats, fish, and sausages.
- Brand: Realcook
- Model Name: Charcoal Smoker Grill
- Power Source: Charcoal, wood
- Color: 20″ Charcoal
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 32.3 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 20″D x 25″W x 41″H
- Inner Material: Stainless Steel
Hybrid Grill-Smoker: Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
Start with this Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D to elevate your barbecue game. It’s a versatile option, perfect for those who enjoy both grilling and smoking. The smoker’s vertical offset design lets you cook meats low and slow, adding that classic smokehouse flavor to brisket, ribs, or any meats you desire.
Enjoy safer access to your food, thanks to the Cool-Touch Spring Handle. This feature ensures you can check on your meal without risking burns. The heavy-duty vertical offset also offers ample cooking space. Whether you’re slow-smoking pork shoulder or grilling burgers, this unit meets all your needs.
Experience precise temperature control with the smoker’s professional-grade stainless steel gauge. It has “Grill Zone” and “Smoke Zone” indicators, making it easy to maintain the ideal cooking temperature. You can also use the offset section for grilling different foods simultaneously.
Become the envy of your neighborhood with this multifunctional grilling and smoking setup. It offers a seamless transition between slow smoking and traditional grilling, thanks to high-quality construction and smart design.
- Power Source: Charcoal
- Color: Black powder coat
- Outer Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 124.3 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 45.5″D x 24.9″W x 58.8″H
Spacious Cooking Capacity: Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
Looking for spacious cooking capacity? The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker’s got you covered. With an impressive amount of grilling space, it’s perfect for smoking meats, vegetables, and more simultaneously. Packed with features like a removable charcoal pan for easy ash disposal and cool-touch spring handles, it’s user-friendly and efficient.
Double split cooking grates, porcelain-enameled, lock juices and make meat tender, while allowing easy access to add charcoal during grilling. Want precise heat control? You can adjust the charcoal pan to two different levels, thanks to its lifting handles. Designed with convenience in mind, it includes three “S” hooks for tool storage, freeing up space on your BBQ station.
To top it off, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC combines functionality with affordability, making it a fantastic option for your outdoor cooking adventures. Choose this model if you and your family want that unbeatable grilled and smoked taste every time.
- Color: Black
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 54.5 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 27.95″D x 53.39″W x 48.82″H
- Inner Material: Steel
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
Desktop Grill Power: Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
Planning your next camping adventure or tailgate party? The Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill guarantees portability without sacrificing quality. Built tough, it’s made from durable alloy steel and black oil pipe, ideal for long-lasting Texas-style barbecue.
Packing a 218 sq in cooking surface, the Rambler allows you to grill up to 10 burger patties at once. It’s perfect for cozy backyard dinners too. Two-piece, removable cast-iron grates produce a perfect sear on steaks and chops, making cooking smarter and tastier.
Looking for control? The professional temperature gauge with glow-in-the-dark accents ensures precise temperature checks. A lid-mounted smoke stack aids airflow and temperature control, crucial for getting that chargrilled flavor just right.
Convenience tops this grill’s features. The adjustable charcoal tray lets you control the heat, while the removable ash pan simplifies cleanup. Handles are made from rubber, providing comfort and reducing heat transfer during use.
Don’t compromise on quality when you need portability. Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Grill ensures your barbecue experience is seamless, from the backyard to the campsite.
- Product Dimensions: 19.5″D x 26.8″W x 21.8″H
- Special Feature: Adjustable Charcoal Tray, Cast Iron Grates, Intake Damper, Removable Ash Pan, Lid-Mounted Temperature Gauge
- Color: Black
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Recommended Uses For Product: Outdoor
- Material: Alloy Steel, Cast Iron
- Handle Material: Rubber
- Item Weight: 48.5 Pounds
- Assembly Required: Yes
- Cooking Surface Area: 218 Square Inches
Complete Smoker Kit: HaSteeL Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
Hosting a big BBQ bash this season? The HaSteeL Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker has you covered with its total cooking space of 420 sq. in. It’s split into a 290 sq. in. main chamber and a 130 sq. in. firebox, perfect for large gatherings of up to 8 people.
Need a spot for your grill essentials? The front table is perfect for holding your seasonings or BBQ food. It’s the ideal place to set down your ribs, kabobs, or even veggies like mushrooms and onions.
Have you ever struggled with assembling a new grill? HaSteeL includes a detailed video installation guide to make the process smoother. Carefully follow the steps, and you’ll have your grill ready in no time. Plus, they throw in extra hardware to prevent any hiccups from missing parts during assembly.
Want to know more about the HaSteeL Charcoal Grill? Here are some key details:
- Brand: HaSteeL
- Model Name: Charcoal Grill
- Power Source: charcoal
- Color: Black
- Outer Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 1 Kilograms
- Product Dimensions: 14″D x 37″W x 47.3″H
- Inner Material: stainless steel
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charcoal Smoker
Choosing the best charcoal smoker involves evaluating several key factors. Here’s what you need to consider:
Size and Cooking Capacity
Starting with size is crucial. Think about how much food you plan to smoke. A larger model, like the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC, offers more space, ideal for big gatherings. Smaller smokers, such as the Realcook 17-Inch model, are perfect for intimate settings. Check for multiple cooking racks or grates to maximize cooking options.
Build Quality and Durability
Ensuring durability is vital. Look for smokers with steel construction and quality finishes, like the Dyna-Glo Signature Series. Chrome-plated cooking racks and porcelain-enameled grates, typically found in higher-end models, improve longevity. Heat-resistant handles and solid latches also add to the durability.
Portability and Versatility
Considering portability is essential if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Light models, like the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-Inch, are easier to transport. Check if the smoker can be disassembled, such as the Realcook 20-Inch model, which simplifies travel and storage. Versatile smokers allowing both hot and cold smoking offer more cooking flexibility.
Price Point
Finally, weighing the price is key. Set a budget and compare features. Affordable models like the Royal Gourmet offer great value without sacrificing quality. More expensive units, such as the Dyna-Glo, typically provide additional features and better materials. Choose one that balances cost and quality to suit your needs.
FAQ: Everything About Charcoal Smokers
How Do You Control the Temperature in a Charcoal Smoker?
Controlling the temperature in a charcoal smoker is crucial for perfect cooking. Adjust the air vents to regulate airflow. The bottom vent feeds oxygen to the fire, increasing heat, while the top vent lets out smoke and helps control temperature. Use a digital thermometer to monitor the internal temperature closely.
How Often Should Charcoal Be Added During Smoking?
Adding charcoal depends on the length of your smoking session. For longer sessions, say 6-8 hours, add charcoal every 1-2 hours. Smaller smokers might require more frequent additions. Open the smoker briefly to add charcoal without losing too much heat.
What Are the Best Types of Charcoal for Smoking?
Choosing the best charcoal impacts flavor. Lump charcoal, made from pure wood, burns hotter and cleaner. It provides a smoky flavor but requires frequent maintenance. Briquettes, while more stable and longer-lasting, contain fillers which can affect taste. For a mix of stability and flavor, consider hardwood briquettes.
How Do You Clean a Charcoal Smoker?
Cleaning a charcoal smoker extends its life and ensures consistent flavor. Remove leftover ash and unburnt charcoal after every use. Clean the grates with a wire brush, then wash with warm soapy water. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals that can affect future flavors. Periodically, perform a deep clean by disassembling removable parts and soaking them if necessary.
Additional Features to Look for in a Charcoal Smoker
Considering extra features can significantly enhance your smoking experience. Look for these key additions when choosing a charcoal smoker.
Dual Functionality
Choosing a smoker that doubles as a grill boosts versatility. Models like the Dyna-Glo Signature Series offer seamless transitions between grilling and smoking. This dual functionality is perfect for varied outdoor cooking sessions.
Temperature Control
Maintaining precise cooking temperatures ensures consistent results. Consider smokers with built-in thermometers and adjustable air vents, such as the Realcook 20-Inch. These features allow for exact heat management, essential for perfect smoking.
Portability
If you enjoy taking your smoker on the go, look for portable options. Models with detachable sections or wheels, like the Realcook 17-Inch, make transport simple. Easy mobility is essential for camping trips or tailgating events.
Cooking Capacity
A spacious cooking area is a must for entertaining larger groups. The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC offers impressive grill space, ideal for smoking multiple foods at once. More space means more delicious smoked treats for your guests.
Material Quality
Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. Opt for models with steel bodies and porcelain-enameled grates. The Realcook and BIG HORN OUTDOORS models excel in this area, providing robust builds that withstand frequent use.
Storage Options
Integrated storage is a convenient addition. Features like side shelves, tool hooks, and bottom racks keep utensils and ingredients within reach. The Royal Gourmet’s “S” hooks and side shelf make organizing your cooking space a breeze.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount. Cool-touch handles and sturdy latches reduce the risk of burns and accidents. The Dyna-Glo’s Cool-Touch Spring Handle exemplifies a focus on user safety while cooking.
Choosing a charcoal smoker is about more than just basic functionality. By considering these additional features, you’ll find a smoker that enhances your outdoor cooking experiences with convenience, safety, and versatility.
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