The 6 Best Charcoal Smokers to Take Grilling to the Next Level

 

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate charcoal smoker to elevate your outdoor cooking game, you’ve come to the right place. Meggan and I have teamed up to bring you the lowdown on the best charcoal smokers, including the best recipes, how to use one, and, of course, our favorite models on the market.  

Picture this: Lazy summer afternoons spent tending to your smoker, the delicious aroma of hickory-infused meats wafting through the air, and the promise of perfectly smoked meats to fuel your whole family for summertime fun. It’s all possible when you add one of the best charcoal smokers to your arsenal of warm weather must-haves.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started on your smoking journey, we’ve scoured the web to find the top contenders that’ll have you serving up mouthwatering smoked delights in no time. So, grab your apron and fire up the grill — let’s dive into the best charcoal smokers for your backyard BBQ adventures!

Our Top Picks: 

1. In Meggan’s Kitchen: Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker – $497.95 at Amazon
2. Best Large Charcoal Smoker: Dyna-Glo Wide Body Offset Charcoal Smoker – $338.53 at Home Depot
3. Best Digital Charcoal Smoker: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 Digital Charcoal Grill & Smoker – $697.60 at Amazon
4. Best Gas/Charcoal Combo Smoker: Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Gas and Charcoal Grill with Smoker – $494 at Home Depot
5. Best Portable Charcoal Smoker: Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker – $399.99 at Amazon
6. Best Grill/Smoker Combo: Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill – $1,249 at Amazon

Reviews of The Best Charcoal Smokers

1. In Meggan’s Kitchen: Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker

Weber’s Smokey Mountains line is touted as being the best commercial vertical charcoal smokers you can buy for under $500, and it’s what Meggan has used for the last 5 years. 

“If you’re buying your first charcoal smoker, it’s the best entry-level smoker you’ll find,” Meggan says. “It’s easy to use and practically foolproof because it’s a set-it-and-forget-it charcoal smoker.” 

The silicone temperature grommet actively monitors the internal temperature of your smoker and the adjustable dampers are easy to use. This is especially handy since you can adjust the temperature without ever opening the lid and letting all the smoke out! Meggan suggests making it digital with a suggested add-on buy, the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub. It’s Wifi and Bluetooth enabled to send you step-by-step assistance to know when food is ready to flip, serve, and eat at the internal temperature of your choice. 

Meanwhile, the lid, bowl, and center section are all made of porcelain enamel, so they retain heat and won’t rust or peel, which means it’s an investment that should last for years. It’s already lasted Meggan half a decade, which is why she recommends it so highly!

The Specs:

•  Style: Vertical barrel
•  Material: Porcelain-enameled steel
•  Dimensions: 24 by 23 by 48.5 inches
•  Weight: 68 lbs

What I Like:

• Excellent airflow
• Comes in three sizes
• Dampers are easy to control
• Has an opening for meat probes

What I Don’t Like:

• Some reviewers say that the built-in thermometer is inconsistent
• Wifi and Bluetooth hub is an additional purchase

What Others Are Saying:

The Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker has a 4.7-star rating from more than 5,300 reviews on Amazon. Additionally, Serious Eats named it one of the best smokers.  

Buy the Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker:

2. Best Large Charcoal Smoker: Dyna-Glo Wide Body Offset Charcoal Smoker

The beauty of this model is its massive design — with 6 cooking grates and a whopping 1,890 square inches of cooking space (!!), you can smoke a few full racks of ribs and 100 wings at the same time. 

The vertical build of the smoker allows the heat to rise for a great smoked flavor. Placing the heatbox to the side also keeps food away from direct heat for slow cooking. It has a built-in, stainless steel thermometer with a “smoke zone” reading that tells you at what temperature you’ll get the best smoky flavor. 

Just make sure you test out Meggan’s delicious barbecue ribs first!

The Specs:

•  Style: Offset vertical
•  Material: Stainless steel
•  Dimensions: 21 by 43.3 by 50.2 inches
•  Weight: 105 lbs

What I Like:

• Two portals for adding fuel
• Holds a lot of food
• Sturdy
• Easy to manage
• Inexpensive for its size

What I Don’t Like:

• Heavy
• Difficult to move

What Others Are Saying:

The Dyna-Glo Wide Body Offset Charcoal Smoker was named the best high volume charcoal smoker by Food & Wine and the best budget smoker by Serious Eats.

Buy the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Offset Charcoal Smoker:

3. Best Digital Charcoal Smoker: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 Digital Charcoal Grill & Smoker

This new and improved Gravity model is a tech lover’s dream because it does it all: It cooks with gas and charcoal, doubles as a smoker, and can be controlled through the accompanying Masterbuilt app. Using Wifi capability, you can use your phone to monitor grilling temperature, temperatures over time, get alerts, and check the meat probes, all without ever leaving your air conditioned living room. 

Beyond its super handy app, the digital control panel also allows you to set your desired cooking temperature (225 to 700 degrees F) and time.

Underneath the charcoal smoker itself is a DigitalFan Control that moves airflow from the hopper to the cooking chamber to maintain the grilling or smoking temperature. It can hold up to 12 pounds of charcoal or 18 pounds of briquettes for up to 18 hours of burning, plus there are two reversible cast iron smoke and sear grates. These add-ons mean you can slow smoke or turn up the heat, then do a high-heat sear. 

The Specs:

•  Style: Gravity fed vertical
•  Material: Stainless steel
•  Dimensions: 30.4 by 52.8 by 49.7 inches
•  Weight: 168 lbs

What I Like:

• Digital controls with WiFi technology
• Easy to light
• Cool-touch handles
• Great add-on accessories, like a rotisserie chicken spinner and pizza oven

What I Don’t Like:

• Thin walls
• Heavy

Buy the Gravity Series 600 Digital Charcoal Grill & Smoker:

4. Best Gas/Charcoal Combo Smoker: Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Gas and Charcoal Grill with Smoker

The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Gas and Charcoal Grill with Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking unit that combines the functionalities of a gas grill, a charcoal grill, and a smoker, all in one. 

The dual fuel capability allows for both the convenience of gas grilling and the traditional flavor of charcoal, while the integrated smoker box adds the ability to infuse rich, smoky flavors into your food. (We’re thinking Smoked Chicken Wings or Smoked Turkey Legs!) You can load the charcoal into the offset chamber and use dampers to channel the heat and smoke across the food, or simply use it as a traditional charcoal grill. 

It features a large cooking area, which makes it ideal for hosting gatherings or family meals. The grill is also constructed with heavy-gauge steel and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, ensuring durability and easy cleanup. 

The Specs:

• Style: Combination
• Material: Heavy gauge steel
• Dimensions: 31.5 by 74 by 50.6 inches
• Weight: 205 pounds

What I Like:

• Cooks with both gas and charcoal and acts as a smoker
• Has lid-mounted temperature gauges
• Large cooking space
• Easy to use

What I Don’t Like:

• The heavy gauge steel can rust
• Difficult to move

Buy the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Gas and Charcoal Grill with Smoker:

5. Best Portable: Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package

If you’re an experienced smoker who wants to take your smoker on the road for tailgates, camping trips, or picnics, the Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package is the best portable smoker. It’s lightweight and easy to assemble, and it manages to produce solid results each and every time. 

Since it can be a little hard to get the airflow set up properly the first time, it’s not the best choice for beginners — but seasoned smokers will love that you can simply set it and forget it, regardless of whether you’re making ribs or brisket. 

As an added bonus, we think the 18-inch size is just right for a family meal since it can fit 8 racks of ribs, 2-3 pork butts or briskets at a time, while the hangers allow you to smoke two 13-16 pound turkeys at once. 

The Specs:

• Style: Vertical barrel
• Material: Steel
• Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 31.1 inches
• Weight: 57 lbs

What I Like:

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to assemble
• Excellent flavor
• Easy to clean

What I Don’t Like:

• Tricky for beginners

What Others Are Saying:

Serious Eats named this smoker the best lightweight/portable smoker. It also has a 4.8-star rating from more than 1,200 reviews on Amazon.

Buy the Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package:

6. Best Grill/Smoker Combo: Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill

If you have the budget for it, the Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill is a two-in-one that outperforms other models. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but for good reason: A kamado is a ceramic, egg-shaped barbecue that originated in Japan. Modern versions (like this one!) are made from double-walled steel and are becoming more popular because of their double-duty construction, which minimizes charcoal burning for all-day smoking. Plus, they’re super versatile and even boast a stainless steel diffuser plate for indirect low-temperature cooking. 

This Weber model can be used for grilling, smoking, roasting, slow cooking, and even searing once you reposition the two-position charcoal grate, which can be raised for improved searing or lowered for smoking. 

It has a 24-inch cooking area so you can fit a ton of food, while the one-touch cleaning system is ideal for hassle-free clean up after your meal. 

The Specs:

• Style: Egg-shaped
• Material: Double-walled steel
• Dimensions: 30.6 by 36.8 by 29.3 inches
• Weight: 132 lbs

What I Like:

• Dual-walled Insulation
• Versatile
• Consistent temperature control
• Produces great smoke flavor

What I Don’t Like:

• Expensive
• Heavy

What Others Are Saying:

Popular Mechanics named the Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill the best smoker/grill combo and Serious Eats named it one of the best Kamado grills you can buy. 

Buy the Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill:

Other Charcoal Smokers to Consider

Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker

While this smoker has all the basics you need (proper airflow, a durable porcelain-coated steel body, and a removable ash pan system), reviewers found that the thermometer collects condensation inside the display, making it unreliable. It’s also difficult to add charcoal while you’re cooking. The Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker is available at Amazon for $339.80.

Cuisinart Vertical 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker 

Assembling the Cuisinart Vertical 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker is a hassle and a half and some of the parts don’t fit perfectly. The charcoal burns very quickly, making it costly per use. And, because you have to continually open and close the fuel door, the interior temperature is inconsistent. It’s safe to say that we recommend going with one of the options on our main list. The Cuisinart Vertical 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker is available at Amazon for $124.99.

Why You Can Trust Us

Hi! I’m Belle, an award-winning content creator and an adjunct professor who works in restaurant PR in the Midwest. My writing and on-camera work can be seen on the Better Homes & Gardens and HGTV websites. 

To create this list of the very best charcoal smokers, Meggan and I chatted about which models she’s used and what she loves most. From there, I hit the internet to research other highly recommended models and read through hundreds of online reviews to find the best charcoal smokers out there. After that, we compared them side by side and rated them on design, ease of use, and overall value to come up with our list.

Everything to Know Before Buying a Charcoal Smoker

What to Consider Before Buying a Charcoal Smoker

If you think your space is in need of a quality charcoal smoker, there are a few things to consider before making the purchase. You should learn about some key factors prior to buying one, including type, build quality, size, temperature control, fuel efficiency, and additional features.

Type of Charcoal Smoker

• Offset Smokers: This is the traditional smoker design. It has a separate firebox on the side that’s attached to the smoking chamber. They offer large cooking surfaces, but it can be challenging to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Vertical Smokers (also known as Bullet Smokers): These models tend to be pretty compact and efficient since the charcoal and wood is placed at the bottom while the food is stacked above. They make it easier to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Kamado Grills: Kamado grills are versatile and efficient, made from ceramic, and capable of high heat retention. They can be used for smoking, grilling, and even baking.

Build Quality and Materials

• Construction: You should look for thick metal construction since it ensures better heat retention and durability.
• Seals and Vents: Good seals and adjustable vents are crucial for temperature control and smoke management.

Size and Capacity

• Consider how much food you typically smoke at once. A larger smoker is better for parties and large gatherings, while a smaller one is sufficient for average family use.
• Make sure the smoker fits in your available outdoor space.
• If you plan to take the smoker with you for picnics or to camp, make sure it’s not too big so it’s easy to pack. 

Temperature Control

• Airflow Control: Check for well-designed vents and dampers.
• Thermometers: Built-in thermometers are useful, but investing in a high-quality digital thermometer is often recommended for the most precise readings.

Fuel Efficiency

• Some smokers are more fuel-efficient than others. Kamado grills, for instance, are known for their excellent fuel efficiency due to their thick ceramic walls.

Additional Features

• Shelves and Storage: Extra shelves and storage space can be very convenient.
• Water Pans: Some smokers come with water pans to help maintain moisture and stabilize temperature.

How Do You Use a Charcoal Smoker?

To find out the details about using a charcoal smoker, you can follow Meggan’s step-by-step guide. In it, she breaks down everything from lighting it to controlling the temperature and adding meat to it. 

How to Smoke on a Charcoal Grill

Here’s a quick how-to on using a charcoal grill to smoke: 

1. Set Up for Indirect Heat: Arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty. This creates a two-zone setup: one side for direct heat and the other for indirect heat.
2. Light the Charcoal: Use a chimney starter to light the charcoal. Once the coals are hot and covered with ash, pour them onto one side of the grill.
3. Add Wood for Smoke: Place soaked wood chips in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil with holes poked in it for ventilation. Once you do that, you can put the smoker box or foil pack directly on the hot coals. If you’re using wood chunks, you can place them directly on the hot coals.
4. Control the Temperature: Adjust the grill vents to maintain a temperature between 225°F and 250°F. Open the vents to increase the temperature and close them slightly to decrease it. Place a water pan on the grill grate over the empty side to help regulate the temperature and maintain moisture.
5. Prepare the Meat: Season your meat with a dry rub or marinade. Place the meat on the grill grate over the indirect heat side. This ensures slow cooking and smoke absorption.
6. Monitor the Smoking Process: As the meat cooks, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The goal is to cook it slowly until it reaches the desired internal temperature. Check the charcoal and wood every hour, adding more as needed to maintain the temperature and smoke level.
7. Smoking Time: Smoking times vary depending on the type and size of meat. For example, a large brisket can take 10-12 hours, while smaller cuts like chicken thighs may take as little as 2-3 hours.
8. Finish and Rest the Meat: Once the meat reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill. Let the meat rest for at least 15-30 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

While smoking meat on a charcoal grill is entirely feasible and can produce delicious results, dedicated charcoal smokers offer certain advantages in terms of temperature control, cooking capacity, and specialized features for smoking.

The decision ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, available space, and how frequently you plan to smoke meat. Both methods have their pros, so it’s worth considering what factors are most important to you when making your choice.

What is the Best Charcoal for a Smoker?

There are two types of charcoal that are used in smokers, lump charcoal, and charcoal briquettes. Meggan’s favorite is Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes because they’re made with 100% natural ingredients and real wood, are ready in about 15 minutes, and deliver a great smoky flavor.

• Lump charcoal: Made from natural hardwood, lump charcoal is created by burning wood in an oxygen-deprived environment until all impurities are removed.
  • Pros: Imparts a clean natural flavor to the food, can reach high temps quickly, and produces less ash.
  • Cons: Typically burns faster than briquettes, requiring more frequent refueling.
• Charcoal briquettes: Made from compressed sawdust and other wood by-products, often with additives to help them light easily and burn consistently.
  • Pros: Uniform pieces provide consistent heat and burn time, burns longer than lump charcoal (which is helpful for longer smoke sessions), and maintains a steady temp for easier control.
  • Cons: Produces more ash than lump charcoal, requiring more cleanup.

What’s the Difference Between a Charcoal Smoker and Grill?

Choosing between a charcoal grill and a charcoal smoker depends on your cooking preferences, lifestyle, and the types of food you plan to cook most frequently.

The primary differences between the two are that a charcoal grill is used for high heat direct grilling (think steaks and burgers), while the best charcoal smokers are better for low-and-slow cooking (brisket and ribs). 

The Best Smoker Recipes

Once you’ve chosen the best charcoal smoker for you, try out some of our favorite recipes! A good starter recipe is Smoked Chicken Wings or Smoked Chicken Breasts. Once you’ve mastered that recipe, here are some other great ones to try: 

• Smoked Turkey Legs
• Smoked Tri-Tip
• Smoked Salmon
• Smoked Turkey

Prices were accurate at time of publication.