Best Charcoal Smoker

The art of cooking meat over an open flame is a time-honoured tradition that dates back to the Stone Age. Regardless of if you are cooking in your backyard or on a campout, nothing beats the flavour of food when it has been cooked over an open flame. There are a variety of ways to achieve this goal, but if you want the best one, it comes down to being a charcoal smoker. Let’s check the Best Charcoal Smoker on the market today.

A charcoal smoker allows you to control the heat with a simple air damper, and they usually have an adjustable grate that is perfect for cooking different cuts of meat. However, if you are new to this type of cooking, you might not know the best one on the market today. 

In this article, we will be breaking down the top 10 charcoal smokers on the market today so you can pick one that is right for you.

Best Charcoal Smoker Reviews

Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker Review

The Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone who loves to barbecue. 

The porcelain-enamelled steel construction is sturdy, while the two nickel-plated cooking grates provide plenty of space to cook up a feast. 

The water pan helps keep your food moist, and the thermometer makes it easy to monitor your food’s temperature.

With its individual vents on the bowl and lid, as well as its easily adjustable dampers, this smoker gives you precise heat control so that your food can cook evenly and flawlessly every time. 

Plus, with its heat-resistant nylon handle, it’s easy to get a grip even when your hands are covered in sauce.

The smoker also comes with interactive 3D instructions that make smoking easy for everyone. 

Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Smoker Review

Looking for the perfect smoker to take your barbecue skills to the next level? Look no further than the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Offset Charcoal Smoker! 

This vertical smoker features six height-adjustable cooking grates, giving you plenty of space to cook up a storm. 

The porcelain-enamelled steel charcoal chamber ensures long-lasting durability. Plus, with 1176 square inches of total cooking space, you’ll be able to smoke all your favourite meats and sides simultaneously. 

With its charcoal & ash management system, you can easily control the heat and flavour of your food. The built-in thermometer ensures that you have the perfect cooking temperature.

The ‘Smoke Zone’ on this smoker ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time, and the easy-to-read gauge makes it simple to keep an eye on your progress. 

Additionally, the offset smoker box prevents direct heat from damaging your food, resulting in evenly cooked goodness.

Realcook Vertical Charcoal Smoker Review

Avert disaster and cook up some of the juiciest, most succulent meats imaginable with Realcook’s Vertical Charcoal Smoker! 

Incredibly easy to use, this smoker boasts a built-in thermometer to help you keep track of the cooking temperature, as well as an adjustable air supply on the lid to ensure your food is cooked just the way you like it. 

The porcelain-enamelled water pan and charcoal pan make for simple cleanup, while the heat-resistant bakelite handles provide safe transport. 

It features two cooking grids, 453 square inches of cooking space, a crossbar and four hangers inside the lid to hang your meat or vegetables, a latch locking system to keep your food secure, and the ability to use charcoal for hot smoking or wood pellets for cold smoking with the included pellet smoker tube. 

This bad boy lets you smoke, grill, steam, bake, braise and roast all on one unit – giving you incredible flavour options and tons of cooking versatility. 

Plus, it comes with extra strong legs for stability and functional access doors for easy loading and unloading. Whether barbecuing ribs or smoking salmon, this smoker is sure to please.

Cuisinart COS-116 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Cuisinart COS-116 Charcoal Smoker is the perfect way to get that authentically smoked flavour in your food. 

With two sixteen-inch racks, you’ll have plenty of cooking space, and the dual air vent system ensures even heat distribution throughout the smoker. 

The latchable base means you can take it with you wherever you go, and the vertically hinged door makes it easy to access your food.

With easy-to-use controls, you can adjust the heat and smoke to get that perfect flavour every time. 

The porcelain-enamelled steel bowl holds water to help regulate the heat, while the steel housing keeps everything together. And it’s easy to keep clean – just wipe down with a damp cloth.

Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Charcoal Smoker Review

We think you’ll love the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse, Flow Smoker because it gives you complete control over your smoking experience. 

With 900 total square inches of cooking space, you’ll have plenty of room to smoke all your favourite meats and veggies. 

The firebox chamber features a large stainless steel fuel basket, making it easy to keep your smoker going all day long. And the clean-out door makes ash removal a breeze.

This smoker is made of heavy-gauge steel and has porcelain-coated cooking grates and multiple dampers, making it easy to get the heat and smoke just right. 

Plus, four baffles deliver even heat and smoke through the cooking chamber, ensuring that your meat is cooked perfectly every time.

With two optional smokestack locations, you can customize your smoker to fit your needs. 

Classic Pit Barrel Charcoal Smoker Review

Looking for an easy and unique way to smoke your favourite meats? Look no further than the Classic Pit Barrel Charcoal Smoker. 

This smoker is simple to operate and assemble, with minimal parts that are all stainless steel. 

The smoker features 8 hooks for hanging meat, as well as a standard grate for grilling and searing. 

The coal basket ensures even heat distribution, so your meat comes out perfectly smoked every time.

Weber 741001 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Weber 741001 Charcoal Smoker is a hassle-free smoker that’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy smoked food without all the fuss. 

Its one-touch cleaning system makes ash cleanup a breeze, and the removable aluminium ash catcher ensures that your grill stays clean. 

The porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl keep your food hot and prevent rust and peeling, while the lid hook ensures that you don’t have to place the lid on the ground while grilling. 

Plus, with its dampers, you can easily control the temperature inside your smoker for perfect results every time.

Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Charcoal Smoker Review

The Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Charcoal Smoker is perfect for the backyard griller. 

With five chrome-plated cooking grates, 1382 square inches of cooking surface, and heavy-gauge steel body construction, this smoker will have you smoking like a pro in no time. 

The cool-to-touch handles and cool-touch spring lid make it easy to use and keep your hands safe.

The smoker has a stainless analog temperature gauge with a “Smoke Zone” to help you achieve that perfect smoked flavour every time. 

The oversized steel wheels make transport a breeze, and the removable offset charcoal grate and ash pan makes cleanup a snap. The sausage hooks are perfect for your next sausage cookout!

PK Grills Charcoal Smoker Review

Looking for a smoker that is both durable and easy to use? Look no further than the PK Grills Charcoal Smoker!

This lightweight and durable grill is perfect for camping, tailgating, or just grilling in your own backyard. 

The aluminium construction makes it rust-proof and easy to transport, and the 4-point venting system ensures even heat distribution and a smokey flavour that will make your barbecue rivals envious. 

With 300 square inches of cooking surface, this grill is big enough to feed the whole family. 

This smoker is perfect for novice grillers and competitors alike, thanks to its easy-to-use design and ability to maintain an exact temperature. 

Masterbuilt MB20040220 Digital Charcoal Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20040220 Digital Charcoal Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone who wants to have complete control over their smoking experience. 

With the digital control panel, you can set your temperature and cook time exactly how you want them, and with smart device control using WIFI or Bluetooth, you can even do it from across the room. 

The digital fan ensures precise temperature control so that your food comes out perfectly cooked every time, and the built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer make sure that you never have to guess what’s going on inside your smoker.

This smoker preheats quickly, has a gravity-fed hopper that holds 10 lbs. of lump charcoal, and includes reversible smoke & sear cast-iron grates for low and slow smoking. 

You’ll also appreciate the two porcelain-coated smoking racks providing you with 560 square inches of cooking space.

How Do You Choose the Right Charcoal Grill?

When you are choosing the best charcoal grill to suit your needs, there are a few things that make a difference.

Size

The size of the grill you need depends on how much food you plan to prepare. If you are cooking just for a small group of people, then a smaller model will do. But, if you are looking to cook for a larger crowd, get one that is bigger so you can prepare more at once.

Type 

The two main types of charcoal grills are ones that use a smoker and ones that do not. It is a good idea to get one that uses a smoker because it has an adjustable air damper that lets you control the heat. That way, you can cook your food at the right temperature.

Ease of Use 

If you are a beginner, you might want to get a charcoal grill that is easy to use. That way, you can get the hang of the process without having to struggle with your equipment.

Ease of Cleaning 

This is an important aspect that you need to consider. The last thing you want is a grill that is hard to clean up after a meal because it will discourage you from using your equipment. It is good to get one that has separate compartments for the grate and charcoal area.

Materials 

The materials of construction are another thing you should take a look at. Look for a grill that is easy to clean and has a light construction, so it will not weigh you down when you move it. You also want one that has a long life expectancy.

Number of Sides 

Most grills are rectangular, but some models come with one or two sides that can be raised or lowered. This feature comes in handy when you are cooking on a windy day and can also be used to add space for your food.

Warranty 

All grills come with a warranty, but the length of time and what it covers should be taken into consideration. For a first-time buyer, it is a good idea to get one that covers everything for a year or more.

Price 

It is important to know how much you are willing to spend before shopping. After looking at the different models available, decide which one is best for your needs. Then, check out the prices and see if it fits into your budget.

Accessories 

There are some grills that come with certain accessories to make your life easier. For example, some charcoal smokers have a side tray that you can use to hold your food or tools while you are cooking. Others will come with a lid, but there are also some that do not.

Online reviews 

It is always a good idea to read some online reviews before buying anything, but it is especially helpful when you are looking for the best charcoals grill. When researching different products, you will see a lot of reviews from past customers who have bought the model you are interested in. 

This is helpful information because they open up about what kind of performance they got out of the grill. They also let you know first-hand if it is easy to use and if it is worth the asking price.

Benefits of Using a Charcoal Smoker

Adds Flavor

Because charcoal is smokey, it can deeply flavour your food. It’s especially good for meat because the rich smoky taste penetrates into the meat as it cooks. This is great for cooking poultry, red meats, and seafood. Even vegetables can be done over a charcoal grill with delicious results. 

Convenience

It’s much easier to control the temperature of a charcoal grill using the adjustable vents than it is with propane. While gas grills give you a set temperature, charcoal allows the user to adjust and therefore cook at different temperatures even in the same grill. After cooking meat, keep the heat down to cook your veggies. This gives you the flexibility of cooking almost anything with one grill.

You Can Be Creative and Experiment

Because the heat and temperature is easier to control for charcoal grilling, you can try different rubs and marinades easily. You can also adjust the fire to create different levels of heat for cooking your food. This means you can experiment more with charcoal grills and try new things with your food. It’s less of a risk than cooking with propane.

It’s Great for Beginners

If you’re just learning to grill, charcoal is a great way to start. As mentioned above, it’s easier to control the heat and temperature, making your food come out much better cooked. This is great for first-time grillers and a good way to learn the basics of grilling.

You can Recycle Charcoal Ashes into Your Garden

Charcoal-grilled food tastes better and is more healthy for you, but what about the leftover ashes that are generated from cooking? You can actually use those as fertilizer in your garden as it contains helpful nutrients for your plants. If you have a garden, this is a great way to give back.

Some Tips on Using Charcoal Smoker 

Three Essential Charcoal Grills

There are three basic types of charcoal grills; Kettle, Offset Smoker, and Bullet Smoker. The kettle grill is the most common and simplest to use as it has a round shape and uses only one cooking grate.

The offset smoker looks like an old-fashioned water heater with two doors for adding charcoal or wood chips on both sides. This is a versatile smoker that can be used either as a charcoal grill or upright charcoal grill like a smoker.

The bullet smoker has a cylindrical shape and uses one cooking grate. It is designed in such a way that the heat and smoke flow above the meat before travelling down through an opening at the bottom and up and around the food.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is the most important part of cooking with a charcoal smoker; you can’t just set it and forget it like gas or electric smokers. You have to learn about your equipment and how long it takes to bring the internal temperature up and down in order for you to be able to plan your cooking time.

Always use a temperature gauge to monitor the temperature inside the grill, either a built-in thermometer or an analog one. One of the best ways to control the heat in your charcoal smoker is to add lit coals every hour and adjust the vents accordingly.

How Much Charcoal to Use

You will need about 3 pounds of charcoal for every 1-pound bag of lump charcoal. You can also substitute one pound of briquettes for two pounds of lump and vice versa if briquettes are all you can find.

If you want to use wood chips for added flavour, just soak the chips in water first before adding them to the fire.

Lighter Fluid

Using lighter fluid may give your food that chemical taste that it doesn’t need, so avoid using it whenever possible by starting off your charcoal with an electric charcoal starter. You can also use a chimney-type starter and place the hot coals in one corner of the grill.

Direct or Indirect Cooking

Direct cooking is done over the heat source, either by placing food directly on the grill grate or using a grilling basket. Direct grilling cooks foods quickly, leaving them crisp and charred on the outside while retaining moisture inside.

Indirect cooking is done away from the heat source by placing your food on the opposite, cool side of the grill. Indirect grilling cooks foods slowly, so you don’t need to turn them as often, allowing them to cook through while retaining moisture inside.

When to Add Wood Chips

When using wood chips for added flavour, you can simply place them right on top of the hot charcoal. But there are times when adding wood chips in the middle of grilling will give you more smoke flavour in your food.

Adding wood chips during indirect cooking is better because it allows them to smoulder and smoke longer, which will give your food more smoke flavour.

Poultry and Searing

Using a charcoal smoker is one of the best ways to cook poultry and other meats. If you have ever tried grilling a whole chicken before, you will know how it easily dries out. The best way to cook poultry in a charcoal smoker is by bringing the bird, so it retains its moisture and using indirect heat.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Always brush the cooking grate before and after using so that it will be easier to remove the charred bits when you are done. Charcoal smokers are pretty easy to clean if you have time after your cooking session. 

Just let the coals burn to ash and scrape the ashes off into a metal can, then wash all of your tools and accessories with hot soapy water and let it dry before putting them away.

How to Know if Your Charcoal Grill is Ready for Cooking

You can tell whether your charcoal grill is ready by using a simple trick; just hold your hand 5 inches above the grill grate and see how long you can keep it there before it becomes too hot. If you can only keep your hand there for two seconds, then the grate is ready for cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are charcoal smokers good for home use?

Charcoal smokers are great for home use, and they are very similar to the ones that you would see at a professional restaurant.

They give you an authentic smokehouse experience with their smoky aroma, which is why many people who want to cook food such as barbeque choose them over other types of smokers.

Are charcoal smokers difficult to use?

This all depends on the smoker that you are using. If you are looking for an advanced model, then it may take some time to get used to using it properly. 

Some models are more user-friendly than others. You can learn how to use a charcoal smoker by watching YouTube videos or practising on a cheaper model to see if it is something you want to invest in.

What types of foods can I smoke?

You can smoke all kinds of food in a smoker, including vegetables and meats like chicken and beef. You can also smoke fish like salmon and trout in them.

By smoking your food prior to cooking it, you add a different dimension of flavour that is hard to get any other way.

Is it possible to use my charcoal smoker straight out of the box?

It all depends on the smoker that you buy. Some smokers need a little bit of assembling out-of-the-box, while others are ready to use straight from the box.

It is important to check what you need for your smoker before purchase so that you are not disappointed if you get it home and need to assemble or prepare it for use.

How long will a charcoal smoker last?

Depending on the type of smoking you do, a smoker can last many years. 

They are sturdy pieces of equipment and are usually made from high-quality materials.

It is important to properly maintain your smoker if you want it to last for years, so be sure to get into the habit of cleaning it regularly.

Is there any difference between a charcoal smoker and a gas smoker?

While both of these products may seem similar, there are actually many differences between them.

One of the biggest things that you will notice with a gas smoker is that it uses electricity to keep the temperature steady and to cook food, while charcoal smokers use an actual fire in order to obtain their heat source.

Charcoal smokers also give off a unique smoky taste that is not found with gas smokers, and you will need to add fresh coals in order to keep the temperature elevated.

This means that instead of having automatic temperature control as you would with a gas smoker, you will need to monitor the temperature closely in order to make sure everything is going well in a charcoal smoker.

Are there any disadvantages to using a charcoal smoker?

While charcoal smokers are great to use, they do have some disadvantages.

For example, the correct temperature is important for the best results. If you don’t maintain the correct temperature, your food may not cook evenly or thoroughly.

Another thing is that they can be difficult to move around because they are heavier than other types of smokers.

What type of fuel should I use in my charcoal smoker?

When using a charcoal smoker, you will need to use real hardwood lump charcoal in order to get the greatest amount of heat and smoky flavour.

You can also mix in some wood chips when cooking meats in order to add an extra layer of flavour to them.

Maple is great for pork, while apple or cherry is great for poultry.

Are charcoal smokers a good investment?

Charcoal smokers are actually an excellent investment. This is because you will be able to use them year-round since they are able to work in all types of weather conditions with no problems at all.

Also, these types of smokers are very inexpensive when compared to the average gas smoker or even the electric smokers.

How much smoke should I use in my charcoal smoker?

For all charcoal smokers, their smoke production will vary from time to time and from smoker to smoker. It is a good idea to keep a close eye on the smoker while it is operating. 

If it is producing a lot of smoke, shut the lid and keep it closed for a few minutes to help build up the heat. If the smoker isn’t producing enough smoke, open the smoker and add more wood chips or chunks to get it going again. 

Add a few pieces of unlit charcoal to help re-ignite the chunks that are already in there. You can also add a few pieces of split wood to the charcoal for more smoke.

Conclusion

Whether you are an experienced barbecuer or just beginning your outdoor cooking journey, a charcoal smoker is a perfect way to take any meal to the next level.

Charcoal smokers are inexpensive and easy to use, but they do require a bit more work than other types of smokers because you need to monitor the temperature carefully. You can also check our article on the Best Charcoal Meat Smoker.

Doing the proper research and reading all of the reviews is very important when looking for a charcoal smoker, but it will be well worth it when you find one that fits your needs and tastes perfectly. I hope you liked our article on Best Charcoal Smoker.