Best Charcoal Smoker Under $100

The decision to start cooking outdoors is easy, but the tough part comes when deciding what type of smoker you are going to use. There are plenty of smokers available in the market, and a large percentage of them fall into the category of charcoal smokers. Let’s check the Best Charcoal Smoker Under $100 on the market today.

It may be difficult to purchase a smoker that matches your budget and needs. A charcoal smoker is a perfect choice because it can be used in almost any open space and comes with several advantages compared to other smokers.

To make your life easier, we have put together this list of smokers that are available for less than $100.

Best Charcoal Smoker Under $100 Reviews

Cuisinart COS-116 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Cuisinart COS-116 Charcoal Smoker is the perfect addition to any backyard BBQ. 

This smoker includes two 16″ stainless steel racks with a total cooking area of 402 square inches, allowing you to cook up a large feast. 

The top and bottom vents work together to create a dual air vent system that ensures your food cooks evenly and at the correct temperature.

The latchable base and vertically hinged door make it easy to load and unload food, while the chrome-plated cooking grate ensures that your food will come out tasting great every time.

This smoker stands 38 inches tall and has a porcelain enamelled steel bowl that holds water, which helps create the perfect smoke and heat level for your food. 

The steel housing also adds to the smoker’s durability, while the easy-to-use controls give you more control over the smoking process. And when it’s time to clean up, this smoker is easy to maintain and hassle-free.

Realcook Charcoal Smoker Review

If you’re serious about smoking meat, you need a Real cook Charcoal Smoker. This top-of-the-line smoker has all the features you need to get that perfect smoke flavour every time. 

The build-in thermometer tells you exactly what temperature your meat is smoking at, and the adjustable air supply lets you control the heat for precision smoking. 

Plus, the porcelain-enamelled water pan and charcoal pan keep your smoker clean and easy to use. And with the heat-resistant bakelite handles, you can be sure that you won’t burn your hands.

This smoker has a locking latch system, making it easy to assemble. With 2 cooking grids and 453 square inches of cooking space, this smoker provides plenty of room to cook your favourite foods. 

The crossbar and 4 hangers inside the lid also provide additional cooking space, so you can smoke all your favourite foods.

This versatile smoker is equipped with functional access doors that make it easy to accommodate large cuts of ribs, meats, chicken, turkeys, cheeses, and other foods. 

The adjustable air vents also provide optimal cooking conditions for a wide variety of food items.

It can be used for charcoal hot smoking or wood pellet cold smoking, making it the perfect smoker for any occasion. 

With a high-temperature resistant layer and extra-strong legs, this smoker is extremely durable and stable in daily use.

Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Bullet Smoker is perfect for the smoker enthusiast with a limited amount of space. 

This smoker offers 395.4 sq. inches of cooking space on two porcelain coated smoking racks and has a front-access door, making adding charcoal easy.

With its built-in lid thermometer, you can be sure that your food is cooked perfectly every time. 

The porcelain-coated charcoal pan and water bowl make it easy to clean, so you can enjoy your smoked food worry-free.

Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone who wants to get into smoking meats and other foods. 

With top and bottom vents providing a dual air vent system, you can customize the smoke to your liking, and the latching base means that your smoker will stay securely closed when not in use. The porcelain enamel water bowl ensures that your food stays moist. 

With two 18″ stainless steel racks and 512 square inches of cooking space, this smoker gives you plenty of room to work with, and the steel housing ensures that your smoker will last for years to come. 

Plus, with more control over heat and smoking, you can create the perfect smoked masterpiece every time.

It’s easy to use, maintain, and clean, and it comes with smoker mats and aluminium drip trays to help you get the best smoke flavour possible.

Char-Broil 12201570 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Char-Broil 12201570 Charcoal Smoker is the perfect grill for anyone who wants to combine the best of both worlds: smoking and grilling. 

With 290 square inches of cooking space in the main chamber, you can smoke all your favourite meats, while the 140 sq. in. cooking surface in the firebox chamber lets you grill up some sides or burgers. 

With its adjustable height steel fire grate, a clean-out door for easy ash removal, and multiple dampers for easy heat and smoke control, it’s easy to get the perfect smoking temperature every time. 

Plus, with the temperature gauge on the lid, you can keep an eye on things at all times.

Weber 441001 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Weber 441001 Charcoal Smoker is a high-quality smoker that’s perfect for the grilling aficionado. 

The one-touch cleaning system makes ash cleanup a breeze, and the porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl keep heat retention high and rust or peel at bay. The lid hook lets you avoid placing the hot lid on the ground.

The dampers allow you to easily control the temperature, while the durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat. 

Plus, the 3D interactive assembly instructions make set-up a breeze. So, get the Weber 441001 charcoal smoker today and start enjoying delicious smoked meals every day.

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Smoker Review

The Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill brings the flavour of smoked meats and grilled veggies to your backyard all year long. 

With 250 square inches of cooking area, it offers plenty of space to cook up a storm. 

The thick cast iron cooking grates provide even heat distribution and help to keep your food from sticking, while the bottom storage rack provides handy storage for your grilling tools and supplies. 

Plus, the heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and lasting quality. And for extra convenience, the side air vent allows you to control the heat level as you grill. 

With a sturdy build, adjustable dampers for temperature control, and wheels for easy mobility, this grill is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. 

The side shelf workstation provides plenty of extra space to prep food or keeps drinks and tools close by while you cook up a storm.

With its Stay Cool wood handle, barbecue tool storage hooks, and easy dump ash pan, it’s easy to assemble and clean. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of charcoal smoker is best for me?

There are a few different types you can choose from when purchasing a charcoal grill. Here are the most popular types:

Offset Firebox – This is a great basic smoker that has been around for a long time. It can be difficult to control the temperature of this type, but it will work great with any type of meat.

Vertical Water Smoker – This is perfect if you are smoking meat that doesn’t require a lot of heat, and it’s easy to control the temperature since it has a water reservoir at the base of the unit.

Upright Barrel Smoker – This is a great smoker for beginners, and it’s also great if you smoke small amounts of meat.

What type of charcoal should I use in my smoker?

The type of charcoal you use in your smoker is not very important, but you want to make sure you use charcoal with high heat output. Here is a list of the best types:

All-Natural Hardwood Charcoal – This type of charcoal is perfect for beginners, and it’s made from 100% hardwood, so you don’t have to worry about any chemicals or additives.

Kingsford Match Light Charcoal Briquets – These are made from 100% hardwood charcoal that has been blended with just the right amount of petroleum-based lighter fluid for easy lighting.

Royal Oak Lump Charcoal – This is made from 100% natural oak wood, and it’s great for grilling, smoking, and roasting.

How do I set up my charcoal smoker?

Setting up your charcoal smoker is actually very easy, and you usually just need to follow the instructions that come with it. The main thing you will want to do is make sure you have all the parts before you start, and then follow these steps:

• Burn off any leftover dust or debris on the grill grate with a heat-safe brush.
• Add the cooking grate, and then add the lid to the smoker.
• Add your charcoal or wood chips in an even layer through the cooking chamber.
• Fill the water pan about a quarter of the way full with hot water.
• Put your meat on the cooking grate, and make sure the lid is tightly closed.

What can I cook in a charcoal smoker?

There are so many things you can cook in a charcoal smoker. If you have been grilling for a while, then most meats, vegetables, and fruits will be a snap. If you are new to smoking, then here are some easy choices that you can start with:

Chicken – Chicken is one of the easiest things to cook in a smoker, and it is also one of the most popular meats that people choose when they are just starting out.

Pork Ribs – Pork ribs are very easy to smoke, and you can choose between the baby’s back or spare ribs.

Lamb Chops – Lamb chops are always a delicious choice, and they taste amazing if you use a strongly flavoured rub.

Hot Dogs – Of course, everyone loves a good hot dog, and you can even get a smokey taste by adding some wood chips to your charcoal grill.

Tofu – Tofu is excellent if you are just getting started smoking meat, and it’s also a very healthy protein substitute.

Fish – If you are looking for a light meal, then smoking fish might be exactly what you want.

Vegetables – There is no reason that you can’t smoke vegetables, and they taste amazing when you smoke them.

Smoked Cheese – Smoked cheese is tangy, spicy, rich, and delicious. Just make sure you only smoke the cheese for a short time and that you use a strongly flavoured cheese.

How long will it take for the food to get ready?

The time it will take to get ready for your first smoke with a charcoal smoker will depend on what you are cooking and how hot the smoker is. 

If you are cooking something like fish, then it will get done very quickly, but if you are smoking ribs, it could take the better part of an afternoon before they are ready to eat. 

If you are smoking food for the first time, then it’s a good idea to start with something easy and then work your way up to something more complicated.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a solid charcoal smoker that won’t break the bank, then this list of the top 7 will help you make an informed decision. You can also check our article on the Best Charcoal Smoker for Brisket.

We hope that you have found this article helpful in your quest for a great charcoal smoker under $100. If you have any questions, then please leave a comment below, and we will be happy to answer them. I hope you liked our article on Best Charcoal Smoker Under $100.