Top 5 Best Offset Smoker Reviews & Comparison 2022

If you are serious about cooking mouth-watering and juicy barbecue, then you should definitely consider the best offset smoker reviews.

Offset smokers are often considered ‘traditional’ smokers because this type of smoker can produce delicious and slow-cooked meat. These devices are perfect for those who want perfectly cooked barbecue as they can cook large batches of meat, are inexpensive and simple to operate, and can actually last a lifetime when properly maintained.

An offset smoker looks relatively the same as a normal grill. They are often crafted as barrels that are positioned horizontally with openings where you can put your food. So, what makes these devices into offset smokers? These devices come with a side box that is offset from the primary cooking chamber.

The side box is where you place the charcoal is placed, and the fire is housed. When smoke is created as you light your charcoal, it is drawn into the primary cooking chamber and cooks your meat. This type of smoker also has a built-in chimney for air to flow, and this is also where excess smoke passes through and out of the cooking chamber.

Since there are different models of offset smokers available in the market today, finding the best one may be difficult. However, we have made the task easier for you. Here is a review of the best offset smokers in the market today. Read on to find out which one suits you best.

Comparison Table of the Best Offset Smokers

Top 5 Best Offset Smoker Reviews

Best Offset Smoker for Beginners – Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker

Char-Broil American Gourmet 800 Series Charcoal Grill

• More than enough room to cook for a large group with 840 square inches total cooking surface area including 272 square inches of secondary cooking on chrome-plated swing-away
• With 568 square inches of primary cooking area on cast iron grates, there’s enough space to grill up to 20 burgers at once, so nobody has to wait to eat
• Multiple dampers and adjustable height steel fire grate can be used to easily control the heat and smoke for complete command over your sear
• A temperature gauge (with bezel) is directly mounted to the hood, allowing you to closely monitor the heat at which your food is cooking for the perfect roast
• Full-length front shelf, 3 tool hooks, and two folding side shelves provide ample space useful for keeping ingredients, tools, and accessories close at hand while grilling

This heavy-duty offset smoker offers convenience when perfecting smoked meats in your own backyard. It has an all-black steel construction with cool-to-touch handles and easy-maneuver wheels, providing you with a portable, reliable, sturdy, and stable smoker.

With its welded cooking chamber, you are guaranteed that the smoke is kept inside, so you are able to get the most flavor as much as possible. For convenience, you can easily control the smoker’s smoke and heat with its adjustable chimney vents and fully adjustable heat control.

It has a porcelain-coated grate for cooking, a porcelain-coated pan for water, and a steel box for containing the wood chips. With its 290 square inches of cooking space, you are provided with just enough cooking space to smoke about 18 burgers for the entire family. In addition, it does come with a 140 square inch for its secondary cooking space in its warming rack.

What We Like​

• Sturdy and stable with all-black steel construction
• Portable with cool-to-touch handles and easy-maneuvering wheels
• Comes with a porcelain-coated grate for cooking, a porcelain-coated pan for water, and a steel box for containing the wood chips
• Generous 290 square inches of primary cooking space and 140 square inches for its secondary cooking space
• Comes with adjustable chimney vents and fully adjustable heat control

What We Didn’t Like

• The cooking space may be too small for those who are cooking large batches of smoked meat

Best Offset Smoker with Reverse Flow Mechanism- Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker by Oklahoma Joe’s

Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker, Black

• The Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker provides the best for you outdoor cooking needs. With optional smokestack locations you choose between reverse flow smoking and traditional offset smoking
• Charcoal fuel allows you to grill with high heat or cook low and slow
• 751-square-inches of primary cooking space; 309-square-inches of secondary cooking space
• Heavy-gauge steel construction ensures durability you can trust
• Professional temperature gauge for accurate monitoring

For the serious pit master and smoking enthusiast, this offset smoker is the best choice. This smoker creates even smoke and heat through its reverse flow smoking mechanism with a typical setup, removable baffles, flexible configuration for controlling heat and smoke, and a large basket for charcoal storage.

This offset smoker is crafted with a generous amount of cooking space, amounting to 1,060 square inches in total. However, you should remember that this space is split used with about 751 square inches of primary cooking space and about 309 square inches of secondary cooking space.

Lastly, this smoker comes with a large and easy-to-access firebox, two storage shelves, heavy-duty all-steel warp-resistant construction, and 10-inch wheels for easy portability.

What We Like​

• Reverse flow mechanism for even smoke and heat distribution
• Large cooking capacity and has both primary and secondary cooking capacity
• Heavy-duty construction that is both warp-resistant and rust-resistant
• Easy clean porcelain-coated grates
• Sturdy 10-inch wheels and cool-to-touch handles for easy portability
• Comes with a large stainless steel basket for easy fire handling
• Large door for easy accessibility for cooking and cleaning
• Comes with multiple dampers for heat control and a built-in thermometer for heat monitoring

What We Didn’t Like

• It may be difficult to navigate wheels when moving around because of the smoker’s weight

Best Versatile Offset Smoker – Longhorn Combo Smoker by Oklahoma Joe’s

Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo

• 1,060 total square inch cooking surface
• 750 square inch primary cooking surface in main chamber over porcelain-coated cast iron grates. Number of grates: 6
• 310 square inch cooking surface in firebox chamber
• 3x 12,000 BTU Burners, (36,000 BTU’s total) in gas grilling chamber
• 12,000 BTU side burner accommodates charcoal chimney starter

If you are serious about smoking and grilling then this offset smoker combo is perfect for you. This is a three-in-one combo smoker and grill, which combines the convenience of an electronic ignition for your gas-powered grill and an offset firebox for your smoker that creates mouthwatering and delicious barbecue every time you fire it up.

This offset smoker comes with two separate cooking chambers for smoking and gas grilling and an offset firebox and side burner, making this smoker very versatile. Regardless of your preferred cooking method, you can still adjust the temperature as well as the smoke levels easily with this smoker’s multiple dampers and a reliable built-in thermometer.

In addition, this smoker also comes with quality cast iron porcelain-coated racks, easy-to-adjust dampers, ready additional storage space, and multi-temperature gauges.

What We Like​

• Versatile cooking – smoke, charcoal, and gas grill
• Heavy-duty, warp-resistant, and rust-resistant construction
• Large overall cooking capacity
• Durable porcelain-coated grates
• Comes with two built-in thermometers for temperature monitoring
• Large firebox for easy control of fire temperature
• Comes with sturdy wheels and is cool to the touch for easy portability

What We Didn’t Like

• Provides less cooking space if you only want to use one cooking method at a time
• Temperature gauges may provide inaccurate temperature readings

Best Vertical and Compact Offset Smoker – Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker and Grill (DGSS1382VCS-D)

Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill

• Features five chrome-plated cooking grates and a total cooking space of 1382 square inches
• Heavy-Gauge Steel Body Construction. The temperature gauge features a smoke zone which indicates the ideal temperatures for infusing the perfect amount for smoking flavor. Also, the cool to touch handles, allow you to access fuel and food safely.
• Cool-touch spring lid grip provides safer access to food
• Stainless temperature gauge with “Smoke Zone” indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor
• Oversized steel wheels for mobility before and after use

With this unique and functional vertical offset smoker, you can expand your outdoor cooking horizons and create mouthwatering barbecue for your friends and family. This offset smoker is made of heavy-duty steel construction, which can actually function both as a charcoal smoker and grill.

This versatile offset smoker and grill is equipped with a removable ash pan and charcoal grate, which provides easy access to fuel as well as quick clean up and disposal.

With this smoker, you get a generous space for cooking with 284 square inches of offset grill cooking space and 1,098 square inches of cooking space in its five chrome-plated steel cooking grates. Also, the grates offer maximum space for heat transfer and searing purposes during cooking.

What We Like​

• Offers a generous total cooking space of 1,382 square inch cooking space
• Comes with five chrome-plated steel cooking grates that offer about 1,098 square inches of cooking space
• Offers 284 square inches of cooking space in the offset grill cooking space
• Made of heavy-duty steel construction
• Versatile and functions both as an offset smoker and grill
• Has a removable ash pan for easy cleaning

What We Didn’t Like

• Inconsistent heat retention, you need to carefully watch your temperature gauge to ensure that desired heat is maintained when cooking

Best Budget Pick Offset Smoker – Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Smoker (1224)

Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box, 50 Inch, Black

• CHARCOAL GRILL & OFFSET SMOKER – Charcoal Barbecue Grill & Smoker with Side Fire Box attachment perfect for high-heat grilling and low and slow Texas-style smoked barbecue
• MULTIPLE COOKING AREAS – Smoke a brisket on the 580 square inch primary cooking area and grill burgers and hot dogs on the 250 square inch Side Fire Box cooking area (830 square inches total)
• HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION – Made from heavy-gauge powder coated steel with a double bottom for increased durability, and nonstick cast-iron cooking grates for maximum heat retention
• BBQ GRILL FEATURES – Adjustable Fire Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Stay Cool Wood Handles, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Front & Side Shelf Workstations with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
• EASY TO USE & CLEAN – Control the airflow and temperature levels with ease using the dual dampers and Thermometer, and quickly clean up after the barbecue using the removable Easy Dump Ash Pans

If you are looking for a reliable offset smoker but you are on a tight budget, this smoker is perfect for you. This smoker can still provide you with perfectly cooked and smoked meat without the hefty price tag.

This smoker comes with wood handles that may get hot when used. Thus, caution must be observed when using this smoker. Since its cooking grates are made of cast iron, you have to make sure that it is dry and well-seasoned to prevent it from developing rust over time.

Its construction is fairly decent, with lighter construction and smaller cooking space attributes compared to its larger and more expensive counterparts. This smoker, however, does come with two storage racks, a removable ash tray for easy cleaning, and a built-in thermometer for temperature monitoring.

What We Like​

• Affordable
• Lightweight, easy to move
• Comes with two steel racks for convenient storage
• Has a removable ash tray for easy cleaning
• Has a built-in thermometer for easy temperature monitoring
• Comes with sturdy cast iron grates

What We Didn’t Like

• Thinner material construction means greater heat loss when cooking
• Prone to smoke leaks
• Cast iron grates can easily rust when not cleaned and seasoned properly

Features to Consider When Choosing an Offset Smoker

If it is not your first time purchasing a smoker, you know that there are various things that you need to consider when choosing the right and the best offset smoker for you. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself when purchasing the best offset smoker.

How Much Would You Want to Spend?

This is perhaps the primary factor that you need to look into when purchasing a smoker. You should set your budget and make sure you make a wise investment.

There is a huge difference between cheap smokers and good quality ones. Also, affordable rates do not always equate to low quality offset smokers.

If you want something that can last a lifetime and can cook mouthwatering meat at the same time, you should consider investing in good quality offset smokers. You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to have the best offset smoker for your needs.

What Will You Be Cooking?

Once you have determined your budget, the next thing that you need to consider would be how much and what type of meat you want to cook using your offset smoker. If you are looking forward to cooking for your entire family and a few of your friends, then you may want to consider a bigger one.

You should also determine if you will be cooking low and slow meat most of the time. If so, you should opt for the offset smoker that allows you to cook low and slow meat and grill steak and sausages at the same time.

Is Storage a Problem?

Most models of offset smokers take up significant storage space. Traditional smokers are quite heavy, and for this reason, you might want to store eat near the area where you will be cooking your meat.

If storage space is a problem, you might want to consider limiting the size of the smoker you purchase.

Also, when it comes to storing your offset smoker, you should make sure that the place is protected from the weather.

​What Features Would You Like Your Smoker to Have?

Once you have successfully decided on what you need in terms of storage space and cooking preferences, it is time to check on the features that you would want your offset smoker to have.

For instance, you may want a reverse flow offset smoker, as it can provide a more even cooking. You should also look into several features like the internal rack layout, steel construction, handles and wheels, and a second barrel for vertical cooking.

How to use Offset Smoker

The Bottom Line

When choosing an offset smoker, you should take your time and consider your options, as there are different makes and models of offset smokers available in the market. The best ones are not necessarily the most high-end and expensive models, as there are models with reasonable prices but can still provide you with deliciously smoked meats every time. The trick is to take some in choosing the best offset smoker for your needs.

Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker, Black

• The Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker provides the best for you outdoor cooking needs. With optional smokestack locations you choose between reverse flow smoking and traditional offset smoking
• Charcoal fuel allows you to grill with high heat or cook low and slow
• 751-square-inches of primary cooking space; 309-square-inches of secondary cooking space
• Heavy-gauge steel construction ensures durability you can trust
• Professional temperature gauge for accurate monitoring

Based on the reviews conducted, the best offset smoker is the Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker by Oklahoma Joe’s. This smoker is built to last and built to provide you with mouthwatering smoked meat every time. With its heavy-duty construction, large cooking space, and durable porcelain grates, you can master smoking and cook deliciously smoked meat for your family.