Best Cheap Charcoal Smoker

If you have a passion for barbecuing, there is one thing that no stove can ever replace, and that’s the charcoal smoker. This may seem like a complicated process to the beginner, but it is actually an easy and fun cooking activity. Let’s check the Best Cheap Charcoal Smoker on the market today.

In fact, it is not restricted to cooking meat only. You can actually smoke different kinds of veggies and seafood with this method too. Moreover, if you are someone who wants to keep your diet healthy, you can even go for hot smoking or cold smoking fish and meat.

You really do not need to spend much money on the smoker too. Cheap smokers are available in the market to suit every pocket. If you are planning to buy your first smoker, this article will be of great help.

The following are some of the cheap charcoal smokers that you can buy to keep your barbeque exciting and affordable at the same time.

Best Cheap Charcoal Smoker Reviews

Cuisinart COS-116 Charcoal Smoker Review

The Cuisinart COS-116 Charcoal Smoker is perfect for the at-home chef looking to add a little smokey flavour to their food. 

This smoker features two stainless steel racks, 402 square inches of cooking space, and a top and bottom vent system that provides consistent heat and smoke distribution. 

The smoker also has a latchable base so you can easily transport it to your next outdoor BBQ.

This smoker stands 38 inches tall and features a vertically hinged door that allows you to easily add fuel or adjust the cooking temperature. 

The porcelain-enamelled steel bowl holds water, which helps to regulate the smoker’s temperature and provides moist smoke flavour. The steel housing is durable and easy to clean.

This smoker is easy to maintain, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add smoky flavour to their food.

Realcook Charcoal Smoker Review

You’ll love the Realcook Charcoal Smoker’s huge flexibility – you can use it to smoke, grill, steam, bake or roast your food. It’s made of painted steel and has a high-temperature resistant layer to make it extra durable. 

The smoker includes everything you need, a build-in thermometer with a detailed temperature scale and a porcelain-enamelled charcoal pan.

The heat-resistant bakelite handles make it easy to move your food around without burning your hands.

It features two cooking grids, with a total of 453 square inches of cooking space, as well as a crossbar and four hangers to hang your meat. 

The latch locking system makes it easy to assemble and use, while the two-layer design makes it easy to transport or clean. 

Plus, you can use this smoker for charcoal hot smoking or wood pellet cold smoking with a pellet smoker tube. 

The extra-strong legs keep it stable even when you’re cooking up a large feast. The functional access doors make it easy to fit large cuts of meat, ribs, turkey, sausages, and more on the smoker. 

And with adjustable air vents, you can customize the cooking process to get just the results you’re looking for. 

Finally, the porcelain-enamelled water pan ensures that your food remains moist and delicious throughout smoking or grilling.

Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker Review

Are you looking for a smoker that is easy to use and produces incredible results? Then you need the Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker! 

This smoker is equipped with two stainless steel racks, a porcelain enamel water bowl, top and bottom vents, and a latching base. 

With 512 square inches of cooking space, this smoker gives you plenty of room to work. The steel housing ensures that your smoker will withstand years of use, while the easy-to-maintain design makes it easy to keep your smoker in good condition.

Plus, it’s simple to operate – just fill the water bowl, place your food on the racks, adjust the vents, and let the smoker do its thing. The results will amaze you – succulent smoked meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables.

Masterbuilt 20060416 Bullet Charcoal Smoker Review

Take your smoking skills to a whole new level with the help of the Masterbuilt 20060416 Bullet Charcoal Smoker. 

This smoker offers 395.4 sq. inches of cooking space, so you can create large quantities of delicious smoked food. 

The porcelain-coated smoking racks make it durable, and the front-access door makes adding charcoal a breeze. 

Plus, the built-in lid thermometer ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time.

Its porcelain-coated charcoal pan and water bowl make it easy to clean, while its stylish bullet design adds a touch of sophistication to your backyard. 

With this smoker, you can cook anything from ribs and chicken to brisket and pork butt. So, bring out your inner pitmaster with the Masterbuilt 20060416 Bullet Charcoal Smoker.

Char-Griller E1515 Charcoal Smoker Review

When you’re looking for a grill that will help you create masterful meals, the Char-Griller E1515 is a perfect choice. This grill comes with all the features you need to get the most out of your grilling experience. 

This grill has a total cooking area of 250 square inches, making it perfect for feeding a small crowd. The thick cast iron cooking grates provide even heat distribution, while the bottom storage rack provides extra storage space. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures that this grill will last for years to come.

With its side air vent and adjustable dampers, you can control the heat to cook whatever you like perfectly. The stay-cool wood handle ensures that you can move it around safely, and the wheels make it easy to transport from one place to another.

There’s a side shelf workstation so you can keep your tools handy, barbecue tool storage hooks to keep things organized, and an easy dump ash pan, so cleanup is a breeze. 

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to assemble – perfect for those who want convenience without sacrificing quality. So if you’re ready to take your grilling skills up a notch, choose the Char-Griller E1515.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a cheap smoker as good as a high-priced one?

That question cannot be answered easily, but the best thing is to look at how the smoker was made, by whom, and what materials were used. 

Many smokers in the lower price ranges are cheaply made in large factories with inexpensive materials, which may or may not hold up to the rigours of smoking meats.

However, there are some inexpensive smokers that are well-made in smaller factories with good materials that are worth considering.

What are the advantages of a cheap charcoal smoker?

Advantages of a cheap smoker are low price, ease of use, and they work. Inexpensive smokers usually have a smaller cooking area, which means if you are cooking for a lot of people, you may need more than one.

Inexpensive smokers are easier to use because they usually have fewer options and features. 

You don’t get a lot of extras, but if you are looking for a smoker that simply works every time, with little fuss or bother, an inexpensive model might be the right one for you.

What is important when buying a cheap smoker?

Here are a few things to look for when buying a pocketbook-friendly smoker:

1. Look at the thickness of the metal. Cheaply made smokers are typically constructed with thinner metal which may not hold up to the rigours of smoking.

2.  Are the doors, grills, etc., well-made? Cheaply made smokers usually have flimsy doors that can warp and allow heat escape, along with other cheaply made parts.

3. Check to see what type of thermometer is included on the lid. Some inexpensive smokers have thermometers that are little more than a cheap piece of metal.

4. Look at the care given to the smoker. If it looks like it was made in a hurry and with little care, it probably was.

5. Finally, if you can find customer reviews, read them. If the majority of reviewers think that a smoker is cheaply made and it has no positive reviews, you might want to pass on it.

How does a cheap charcoal smoker work?

Every smoker works differently, and this is one reason why some smokers are more expensive.

In general, a cheap smoker will burn charcoal to create heat and smoke. The main difference between inexpensive smokers is the construction materials.

As previously mentioned, some inexpensive smokers are well constructed while others are cheaply made.

How long will a cheap charcoal smoker last?

There is no easy answer to that question. One reason for this is because it depends on how much a person uses the smoker and what they use it for.

It is always best to do the research before buying a smoker, but if one does their homework, they can find some decent smokers in the lower price ranges.

Some people have had their smokers for years, while others have gone through a smoker or two.

It is said that if you use inexpensive smokers properly and take care of them, they will last several years. If you don’t take care of them, then they won’t last long.

How do I use a cheap charcoal smoker?

That depends on the brand and model of the smoker being used. Some inexpensive smokers are very basic, while others have several options, features, etc.

The best thing to do is to look at the user manual that came with the smoker or check out the manufacturer’s website for more information. If there is no manual or website, look at the smoker for any labels with directions, etc.

The most important thing to remember when learning how to use a smoker for the first time is that all manufacturers have their own way of doing things, so even if you have used another smoker of the same brand, it doesn’t mean you know how to use this one.

Most people learn how to use their smoker by trial and error. If you don’t already know a person who has a smoker, ask around to family and friends – someone may have one you can practice on. Generally, the first time using a smoker is the toughest, but if you are patient and take your time, it should get easier over time.

Are there any alternatives to the cheap charcoal smoker?

In a word, yes. There are many smokers that are more expensive than the inexpensive ones.

The best way to determine which smoker is right for you is to think about what you want to do with it.

For example, if you want to do a lot of smoking and grilling at the same time, then a more expensive smoker with many features may be the one for you.

However, if it is your first time and you just want to get your feet wet, then perhaps a cheaper smoker is the way to go.

There are also other alternatives for smoking meat, but they tend to be more expensive than smokers. They include electric and pellet smokers.

Conclusion

There are numerous cheap charcoal smokers on the market, but like anything else, in life, you get what you pay for.

A cheap smoker may suit your needs, but if not, you will have wasted money on something you don’t need. The best thing to do is to research several brands and prices before making a decision.

If you don’t learn how to use your smoker correctly, you stand the chance of ruining your meat. While everyone wants to save money, it is not recommended to cut corners when it comes to cooking the best-tasting foods.

Some buyers of inexpensive smokers say they are satisfied, but the majority of people who have used them say they will not purchase another one. You can also check our article on the Best Charcoal Smoker Under $500.

Above all else, be patient and take your time. I hope you liked our article on Best Cheap Charcoal Smoker.