Best Portable Charcoal Smoker

A barbecue is a family event; it brings people closer together. It’s also one of the best ways to enjoy great-tasting food. If you want to make barbecue at home but don’t have the money for a huge gas smoker, you need something inexpensive and portable. Let’s check the Best Portable Charcoal Smoker on the market today.

A charcoal smoker is the cheapest option, but it takes time to master. You need to light and stoke the coals constantly, or your food will be charred on the outside and raw in the centre. If you’re new to barbecue, you probably don’t want to deal with this hassle. It may be better to start out on a gas smoker and work your way up to a charcoal one.

Still, if you’re an expert pitmaster and don’t mind the extra work, then a good charcoal smoker is the cheapest way to have that traditional barbecue taste.

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best portable charcoal smokers that you can find. So, let’s get started.

Best Portable Charcoal Smoker Reviews

Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Smoker Review

The Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill is perfect for anyone who wants to grill on the go. 

The lightweight design and carry handle make it easy to transport, while the wide cooking surface allows you to cook up to five burgers at once.

The porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl retain heat, so your food cooks evenly, and it’s easy to clean – just wipe it down with a damp cloth. Plus, this grill won’t rust or peel, so it will last for years to come.

Because the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock also functions as a lid holder, you won’t have to worry about your grill falling on the ground. Dampers make it simple to manage the temperature within your grill, allowing you to cook anything you want, whenever you want. 

Furthermore, 3D interactive assembly instructions make assembling your new grill a breeze.

Cuisinart Ccg190rb Portable Charcoal Smoker Review

This little charmer is just the right size for a small patio or balcony. But don’t let its size fool you – it can cook up a storm, perfect for burgers, chicken, dogs, and more. 

This grill has a 150 square inches chrome-plated grate and a dual venting system, so you can cook up your favourite BBQ recipes wherever you go. 

It has three secure lid locks to keep the food safe and secure, and the enamel-coated firebox ensures that your food will not stick. The ash catcher makes cleanup a breeze.

With its portability and easy assembly, the Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill is perfect for camping trips, picnics, or backyard barbecues.

Weber 121020 Portable Charcoal Smoker Review

No matter where your next outdoor adventure takes you, the Weber 121020 Charcoal Grill will make sure you’re able to enjoy a delicious grilled burger. 

This compact and lightweight grill is perfect for taking on the go and can easily hold up to six burgers at once.

The porcelain-enamelled lid and base maintain heat, so your food cooks evenly every time. Plus, the grill won’t rust or peel, making it a durable addition to your outdoor kitchen.

The lid locks securely in place, making it easy to take with you wherever you go, while dampers allow you to control the temperature inside your grill with ease.

With its plated steel cooking grate, this grill retains heat well, making it perfect for searing steaks or roasting vegetables.

It’s easy to clean and has a cooking area of 160 sq. inches, making it perfect for gatherings of any size. The rectangular shape also fits perfectly in the back of most cars, making it very easy to transport.

Char-Griller E22424 Portable Charcoal Smoker Review

The Char-Griller E22424 Charcoal Grill is a great way to cook up your favourite barbeque recipes. 

Made with heavy steel construction, this grill is durable and built to last. The cast-iron cooking grates provide even heat distribution and produce amazing results every time. 

Plus, the adjustable coal tray lets you customize your cooking experience. 

This grill features 250 square inches of cooking space, so you can cook plenty of food at once. The sliding drawer makes it easy to access the coals and ashes, so you can get your grilling started quickly.

The Char-Griller E22424 comes with a stay-cool hood handle and two adjustable dampers to help you control the heat. 

Moreover, you can connect this grill easily to any Char-Griller barrel grill, letting you create delicious smoked dishes with ease. 

Whether you’re cooking up a storm for a big backyard barbecue or just wanting that little extra something special, the Char-Griller E22424 is sure to satisfy.

Weber 14-Inch Smokey Mountain Portable Charcoal Smoker Review

Step up your grilling game with the Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker! This smoker has a total grilling area of 286 square inches, enough to cook multiple items at once. 

The two cooking grates provide plenty of space for smoking ribs, chicken, brisket, or any other favourite dish. 

It features dampers that adjust easily for better heat control, so you can customize your smoking experience.

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a smoker that can reach an inside temperature of 190°F, making it the perfect smoker for anyone looking to cook meats low and slow. 

With 3D interactive assembly instructions, it’s easy to put together in no time! 

Char-Broil Bullet Portable Charcoal Smoker Review

Are you looking for a smoker that is small and easy to transport? Then the Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker is perfect for you! 

This smoker has a cooking surface of 370 sq in, allowing you to cook multiple items at once. 

With its innovative airflow control system, you can easily customize your smoking experience. 

The numbered damper settings make it easy to replicate your favourite recipes, and the removable ash pan makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, the porcelain-coated body ensures lasting durability.

With two chamber-lift handles and a lid-mounted temperature gauge, this smoker makes it easy to control the cooking process. Plus, the fire access door seals the smoke chamber so your food will come out perfectly smoked every time.

The steel tube legs provide a convenient height, and the 1-year warranty guarantees that you’ll be able to enjoy your Bullet Charcoal Smoker for years to come.

Masterbuilt 20040111 Portable Charcoal Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt 20040111 Elite Kettle Grill is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a high-quality grill that can provide them with precision temperature control. 

This grill has plenty of cooking space – 139 sq. inches – so you can cook up anything for your friends and family. 

The chrome wire cooking grate ensures that your food will come out perfectly cooked every time. 

Plus, the locking lid keeps all of your heat in, so your food cooks faster and more evenly. 

With two adjustable air dampers, you can easily customize your grill to get the perfect level of heat for whatever you’re cooking.

The porcelain-coated bottom bowl makes it easy to clean, and the removable ash can make disposal a breeze.

The extra-sturdy leg design ensures that your grill will remain stable, even in windy conditions. The kettle grill’s size is perfect for cooking for small groups of people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Portable Charcoal Smokers Good?

Yes, portable charcoal smokers are good.

Portable charcoal smokers are great for cooking outdoors because they use coals rather than wood to produce heat.

They’re versatile because they can cook different kinds of meat, you can control the temperature, and it’s easy to clean. 

Portable charcoal smokers are easy to use and a good way to cook.

Are portable charcoal smokers good for road trips and camping?

Yes, portable charcoal smokers are good for road trips and camping.

It’s a great way to cook food while you’re camping because there are no electric or gas hookups needed.

Portable charcoal smokers are easy to set up and takedown and they can be used anywhere.

It’s a perfect way to cook delicious food while you’re away from home.

What’s the best way to use a charcoal smoker?

It all depends on what you’re cooking! The best way to use a charcoal smoker is to plan your meal well.

First, decide what meat you’re cooking (chicken, beef, or pork), how many people you’re cooking for, and what time dinner will be.

Once you have those figured out, decide if you want to cook the meat using the direct or indirect method.

Then, simply plan your cooking time and temperature.

How do I know when my food is done?

Meat cooked over coals is usually done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer or probe to check.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, use your best judgment. When the meat is done cooking, it’ll be hot, firm, and no longer pink.

How do I start a charcoal smoker?

First, soak your coals in water or cover them with lighter fluid. 

Then, add the coals to your charcoal smoker and light the fire! Make sure you have a safe place where it’s okay to light a fire.

You’ll need a long lighter to get the coals going.

Can I cook vegetables in a charcoal smoker?

Of course! Vegetables are great to cook in a charcoal smoker.

Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms into the grill after you put the meat in.

You can even add a small, disposable aluminium pan to hold veggies.

The nice thing about a charcoal smoker is you can cook a few different things at once.

Can I do a quick cleanup of a charcoal smoker?

Yes, a quick cleanup is necessary after you’re done cooking.

Wait for the coals to cool down and then dispose of them into a metal container.

Make sure they’re completely out before you dump them into the trashcan!

Next, wipe down your charcoal smoker with a damp cloth.

For tough spots, like food that got stuck to the side of your smoker, use a wire brush to scrape it away.

Lastly, wipe down the inside and outside of your grill with a damp cloth to remove any ash.

How do I season my charcoal smoker?

You can season your smoker before using or after.

If you decide to do it before smoking, rub a thin layer of oil all over your charcoal smoker. 

Make sure you coat the inside and outside! This will help prevent food from sticking to your smoker.

If you want to season your smoker after it’s already been used, first clean the inside of your grill.

Then, put some oil on a paper towel and rub it all over the inside of your smoker.

Smoke will give your grill a nice flavour, so don’t worry about it smelling like oil!

Conclusion

Portable charcoal smokers are good for cooking outdoors. They can cook different kinds of meat, you can control the temperature, and they’re easy to clean.

They’re also very versatile because you can use them while camping and road-tripping.

Remember to plan your meal before you start cooking and add your food in stages so you can get the best results. You can also check our article on the Best Offset Charcoal Smoker.

Cooking over coals is a great way to cook delicious meals while you’re away from home. I hope you liked our article on Best Portable Charcoal Smoker.

Thank you for reading, and we hope this article was helpful.