The 11 Best Charcoal Smoker Complete Reviews

In case you’re looking for a BBQ smoker that delivers a true charcoal flavor, go no further than the models listed below!

Based on their excellent combination of price and quality, we’ve selected and analyzed these best charcoal smokers’ excellent models, noting what we like about them, what we don’t, and/or our overall impressions of them.

To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the top charcoal smokers you can buy right now.

Prior to embarking on a quest to discover today’s top charcoal smokers and providing some recommendations, we dissect the wide range of alternatives available and compare and contrast their advantages and disadvantages.

Isn’t it about time you learned how to make the best-tasting brisket and ribs on the block, complete with the distinct flavor of charcoal-cooked meat?

Best Charcoal Smokers

After reading this article, you’ll be able to tell if a charcoal smoker is good for you, and if so, which model you should most likely purchase.

Let’s get started!

The 11 Best Charcoal Smoker Reviews

Now that we’ve explored the various types of smokers available, as well as the factors to consider when deciding which style to purchase, let’s have a glance at some in terms of the best solutions available.

Here are our selections for the top smokers, one from each of the categories listed above, that you should take into consideration while buying the best charcoal smoker for your needs and preferences.

1. Weber 18-Inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

Weber is the market leader in charcoal smokers, so what are you getting for your money with this Weber smokey mountain charcoal smoker?

Despite the fact that this smoker has a relatively small 18-inch circle and overall footprint, the total cooking surface is a whopping 481 square inches.

This contraption has the capacity to hold a complete ham and a whole turkey at once.

The overall construction quality is excellent. The industrious porcelain-enameled steel maintains all of the heat inside the device.

Snacks can be prepared on two nickel-plated steel cooking grates, which provide ample area. A variety of foods can be prepared simultaneously thanks to the double grates. The entire family and any visitors you may have for dinner can be served a huge roast in one sitting if you like.

There’s an incorporated temperature gauge, which allows you to fine-tune your settings to perfection. Several dampers are used to control the temperature.

To sell this smoker, Weber smokey mountain uses the tagline: There is no better way to spend a long day than waiting for dinner. To cook up all of your favorite slow-cooked delights this weber smokey mountain charcoal smoker is one of the best. It comes from a well-known brand.

2. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Package

Cooking with the right charcoal smoker is made easier with a smoker from Pit Barrel Cooker Co which has been around for a while.

You may make full use of the assortment of durable steel hooks to prepare a smokin’ hot meal for your family and friends.

Slow cookers and smokers are merged into one powerful appliance for a vertical cooking system experience. Reduced cooking periods are possible because of the design, which eliminates the need to constantly adjust the temperature.

With this smoker, you can spend as much time with your guests as you’d want without worrying about having to tend to the food you’ve prepared. Conventional cooking grates are also included for grilling and searing.

An adequate amount of space is provided by the 30-gallon powder-coated steel drum, which can accommodate a large gathering. Cleanup is a breeze with the coal basket that’s included in the set!

These charcoal smokers have received accolades from the industry as well as celebrity endorsements. Get all of the benefits of traditional smoked flavor without the inconvenience of traditional smokers.

When compared to the competition, this Pit Barrel is not only simple to use, but it’s also quite inexpensive to purchase.

Instead of buying a traditional smoker, consider this excellent machine if you like the notion of the slow-cooking system for your meats without the bother.

3. Weber Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Everywhere in the world, the Weber’s Original Kettle is known for its affordable quality when it comes to grilling. Despite the fact that this 22-inch model isn’t inexpensive, its efficiency and quality, and reliability make it a good value.

With a total cooking surface size of 363 square inches and enough space on the grill plate to accommodate more than a dozen burgers, the capacity is fair.

With porcelain enamel construction, you’ll discover that all of the heat is contained within the structure.

If you’ve never used one before, it’s a snap to fire it up, and you’ll get all the classic flavor of smoked food that comes with cooking grates with a charcoal grill. Because of the movable cooking grill grates, it is simple to add more coal to the fire while the cooking system with the utmost ease and efficiency.

A lid hook prevents the lid from falling to the floor. The ash can be easily removed and disposed of thanks to a one-touch cleaning system.

Anyone who has trouble with practical assembly can use the app’s 3D instructions.

While the majority of customer reviews for this model are excellent, we did find a few scattered concerns about the grill toppling over. Utilize extreme caution and attention when working with this item, and make certain that it is situated on a level surface.

There’s no doubt about the quality of any Weber barbecue, and this 22-inch beauty doesn’t let you down either.

4. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Charcoal Smoker

Ceramic charcoal smokers models like this budget kamado smoker one from Kamado Joe are ideal for the impending summer, and the company is a giant in the business.

The twin-tiered design gives you a lot of flexibility while you’re cooking temperature for a large group of people.

For starters, this kamado smokers-style cookers grill is amongst the most expensive alternatives available, so if you’re looking for a good deal, you should look elsewhere. The Classic II is one of the several configurations that are available, and it is located near the top of the price spectrum.

There is a cart provided with lockable wheels on kamado smokers where the 18-inch grill is placed. Mobilization becomes more efficient yet safety remains uncompromising.

Although there is a minor learning curve to utilizing this grill because of its traditional half-moon structure and the innovative Divide and Conquer cooking method, it will quickly become a welcome addition to your backyard.

As a result of the top’s dual-adjustment vent, you have an abundance of temperature gauge options ranging from 225F (ideal for smoking) up to 750F (ideal for searing).

By utilizing a unique air hinge, this grill’s dome can be raised with one finger. Controlling airflow is just as simple.

Aside from the merciless pricing, we can’t think of anything else to criticize about the renowned Kamado Joe.

5. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Smoker

Our search for excellent charcoal smokers continues with a new version of the Weber Original Kettle. What makes this iteration stand out and what makes it fail?

It features a conventional kettle store with a 22-inch diameter, which is linked with the most successful charcoal smokers and grills on the market.

According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the capacity is adequate, with room for 13 burgers. Rather than a comfortable working capacity, this should be regarded as an absolute maximum.

Manufacturing quality is not the best, but given their low price point, we believe you’re getting absolutely superb value, and you should be able to get years of use out of this charcoal grill if you treat it with respect.

With its porcelain enamel construction, the smoker will keep the heat where it is needed rather than allowing it to escape into the surrounding environment.

You can easily regulate the temperature by using simple dampers to change the direction of airflow through your home.

It is one of the best charcoal smokers on a budget, thanks to the convenient wheels that make mobility easier and the prestige of one of the most competent brands in this vertical smoker that stand behind the product.

6. Masterbuilt 20060416 Charcoal Smoker

With a large selection of charcoal grills and charcoal smokers, Masterbuilt has a diverse product line, with this classic bullet charcoal smoker being one of the crown jewels in its collection.

Despite being squat, compact, and light, you’ll have access to nearly 400 square inches of total cooking surface area. Compared to several much larger smokes, this one has a significantly less carrying capacity.

Having the door right where you need it means that you won’t have to waste time fumbling about when loading this truck.

A thermometer is incorporated into the smoker’s lid, which is a nice addition that allows you to check the temperature without having to rely on third-party equipment.

A porcelain coating is applied to a pair of frying racks to prevent food from sticking to them. Coatings are also put into the water bowl and the charcoal pan.

The fact that you’ll be grilling with charcoal will infuse the signature flavor into your cuisine, and it will be a stress-free technique of smoking your beloved meats in the comfort of your own home.

Although the majority of user reviews for this smoker are excellent, we did find some concerns about the low-quality vent. Several users have stated that this implies you will need to regulate the temperature by varying the amount of charcoal you are using to cook. Although less than ideal, this is not a deal-breaker.

As a whole, this is a high-quality charcoal smoker from a trusted company.

7. Old Smokey Charcoal Grill

In a conventional design, the Old Smokey charcoal grill provides all that you need and none of what you don’t.

Aluminized steel is supposed to survive long-term use, although we found several complaints concerning rusting with this model.

Despite its simplicity, this grill is a terrific choice for even the most inexperienced cooks.

This transportable barbecue is a terrific option if you frequently go hiking, camping, fishing, or tailgating. It is lightweight and compact. Put this beauty in your trunk and you’ll always have properly grilled meals at your fingertips.

Handles on both sides make it easier to get in and out of the car, as well as keep your hands cool.

Designed and manufactured in the United States, you can purchase this charcoal smoker with confidence. Treating yourself to the Old Smokey will give your summer a whole new meaning.

8. Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical Charcoal Smoker

Kitchenware and appliances manufacturer Cuisinart offers a diverse selection of visually appealing, functional products that are also reasonably priced. Another great illustration of why this product has so many followers throughout the world is this charcoal smoker.

Large families will benefit from the extra cooking space provided by this oven’s 500 square inch cooking area or surface, despite its small (18-inch diameter) size.

Its subtle black finish will make it a lovely feature to any patio or decking area, no matter how little.

The above-described large cooking area is made possible by two stainless steel racks.

In order to get to the smoker, you don’t have to bend over, because the entrance has vertical smoker hinges.

All of your favorite smoke food, authentic BBQ tastes from cheese and vegetables to fish and meat may be smoked in this device with minimal effort on your part.

Because of the adjustable vents, it is simple to regulate the amount of heat and smoke produced.

Whether you’re looking for a basic charcoal smoker that’s easy to transport or a permanent fixture in your backyard, this is a great option.

9. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Charcoal Smoker 

If you frequently barbecue and smoke meals, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Smoker is the best charcoal smoker and a great option. These vertical cabinet smokers gadgets should offer you years of reliable service if you take care of it.

The entire cooking area or surface size is gigantic. It’s 1382 square inches of cooking, and it’s made of tough steel. In order to meet customer requirements, the Dyna-Glo is the best in its class. Even if you have a large family or frequently entertain large groups of people, this item can hold an enormous amount of food and yet fit comfortably within.

Cooking is an option, too, if you choose. Moreover, the multi-tiered cooking environment provides the utmost in flexibility, with lots of hanging hooks for all of your favorite meats and seafood.

All of your grilling and smoking preferences are accounted for with a temperature control thermometer that shows separate zones for each method of cooking.

In order to facilitate easy access to the charcoal and temperature control, the pan and warming grate is positioned at an angle.

Even though this smoker has received mostly positive feedback from customers, there are mixed feelings about the quality of the company’s customer support services. In the event of a setback, be sure to bring plenty of tolerance with you.

10. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill Smoker

The Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro does precisely what it’s supposed to do, every time. A few basic abilities will be enough for you to cook like a professional chef in no time at all.

There’s a built-in temperature gauge, so you can continue to focus on things and achieve the smoky flavor results you want if you’re grilling or smoking meats and vegetables.

Texans will like the conventional layout of this grill, which includes a firebox that is offset to one side.

Because of the 830 square inches of cooking space, your summer evening will be filled with delicious cuisine with a distinctive smoky flavor.

Given its large cooking surface area and 50-inch diameter, this is a big and massive machine, as one might assume from a grill with this much cooking surface area. You can move this excellent smoker about without exerting yourself, however, and the wheels are designed to lock into the set for your protection.

11. Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Digital Charcoal Smoker

Those looking for a more sophisticated grilling experience will appreciate that the Masterbuilt Gravity Series includes built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, allowing you to control your barbecue from anywhere in the world.

It’s worth noting that this only works with 2.4GHz WiFi. Support for current 5GHz networks is not available right now.

Although this charcoal smoker isn’t exactly inexpensive, you won’t have to fork over as much money as you would for the Kamado Joe.

It takes just seven minutes for this charcoal smoker to reach 225F, which is ideal for smoking meat. The Masterbuilt can achieve 750 Degree Fahrenheit in less than 15 minutes, which saves you time and allows you to get the show started sooner rather than later.

A major selling point of this leftover charcoal grill smoker is the gravity-fed hopper, which is one of its most important features. A 12-hour barbeque can be accomplished with this inventive apparatus, which is suitable for the majority of acceptable reasons.

The changeable nature of cast iron grates allows you to cook anything or smoke meat juices you want, whenever you want.

In order to smoke meat juices and sear food perfectly no matter how inexperienced you are at high heat grilling, the Masterbuilt is a great model for both novices and expert grillers.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Charcoal Smoker

A few easy things to keep in mind can help you narrow down your search for the ideal charcoal smoker for your needs, no matter what style of smoker has aroused your interest.

Amount of storage:

Although it may seem apparent, make certain that the smoker you’re considering square inches of cooking space and cooking grates will provide you with enough space to accommodate your entire family as well as any guests who may be attending your gathering. No sense in spending money on a smoker and then using it for something that isn’t intended to be used in that manner!

Cost:

Although budget must never be the deciding factor in your purchasing decision, it undoubtedly plays a significant influence in many situations. If you are only concerned with the bottom line in your search for the inexpensive smoker, it is quite doubtful that you will wind up with a well-built piece of equipment that will survive the distance. Keep your spending under control and hunt for the greatest smoker you can discover within your budgetary constraints.

Range of temperatures:

Check to see if you really need to cook your steaks at such a high heat before proceeding. Your preferred method of cooking should guide you in selecting a smoker that will be able to handle your preferred temperature range.

Controlling the temperature:

Cooking in the smoker means paying close attention to how effortless it is to adjust the interior temperature. A thermostat is included with pellet smokers, but other types of charcoal smokers require you to adjust it yourself. For the sake of safety, you should invest in a good thermometer for cooking meat at a safe temperature. Consider your cooking chamber preferences and the ingredients you prefer to use, then shop as needed to fulfill them.

Areas for working and storing materials:

In order to chop and prepare food, do you require a large amount of additional workspace? Do you have enough space to keep all of your sauces and ketchup? Make sure to check out the extra space that many high-end charcoal smokers have available for your catering needs

Material selection and construction quality:

Consider the weatherproofing and durability of the components of the best charcoal smokers you’re considering before purchasing one. Stainless steel may appear to be the greatest option, but it isn’t necessarily the best option. Examine the craftsmanship of the hinges, legs, and any other moving parts. And keep in mind if you buy low, you should buy again.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

There are certain best charcoal smokers who require a great deal more in terms of upkeep than others. The cleaning process can vary greatly depending on the item. Considering what you’re used to and what you’re willing to put up with, it’s important to do your homework to avoid unpleasant situations.

Different Types of Smoker

Smokers are an excellent method to savor meat that has been slow-cooked all day, ensuring that it is tender throughout.

You’ll discover that when you start looking at the various smokers available, they fall into four distinct categories:

1. Electric smoker
2. Charcoal smoker
3. Pellet smoker
4. Gas smoker

You don’t have to go through the hassle of lighting a small charcoal grill by hand when using an electric smoker, which simply requires access to a power outlet.

Many consumers love the ease and simplicity of an electric smoker, despite the skepticism of BBQ purists. The distinctive charred crisp on your meal may be lost if you use an electronic smoker.

Best Charcoal smokers have been around for a long time, but they’ve evolved to the point where they require significantly less manual labor to operate.

However, even though you’ll need to keep things under control, utilizing a charcoal grill or charcoal smoker grill combo or a compact smoker is a really straightforward process.

Smokers that use pellets have a rod that begins to burn when the smoker is turned on.

You’ll receive the flavor and aroma that you’re used to getting from a charcoal smoker with absolutely no work on your end.

There is no need to add any additional seasoning or wood chips because the pellets themselves have a pleasant, delicate flavor.

For those who want the authentic BBQ taste without the mess, propane smokers are an excellent option.

By gas cooking, you will not be able to detect any traces of the cooking source, and your meat will be cooked to a tender and flavorful medium-rare, with that unmistakable barbecued charred edge.

In addition, you won’t have to keep fussing with your meat as it cooks, and utilizing a gas smoker is no more difficult than cooking in an oven.

You can Also Read: Gas vs Electric Smoker – Which One is Best For You?

FAQ’s

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the best charcoal smoker.

Is it better to smoke with charcoal or wood?

Wood that has been pre-burned in an oven with extremely little oxygen produces charcoal, which is nearly pure carbon. Charcoal, like wood, burns hotter and creates more combustion byproducts when used in grills and smokers, but the amount is less than that of wood.

Is it possible to smoke meat using only charcoal as a fuel source?

It is recommended that you use ordinary charcoal briquettes for smoking because they burn at the right temperature for this purpose. If you’re planning charcoal briquettes on the smoking process with charcoal, don’t waste your money on high-end, boutique-quality lump charcoal. There is nothing better than the standard-issue charcoal. Incorporating some wood chips will give your dish a distinctively smoked flavor as well.

Is it difficult to smoke charcoal?

Yes, as well as no. Although the use of charcoal smokers is more difficult to use than propane smokers and electric smokers, they are not so difficult that you cannot learn to use them in a relatively short period of time.

When compared to charcoal, is wood healthier?

Wood is chemical-free, unlike some varieties of charcoal, which may contain artificial additives. This ensures that your food is safe to eat, and it also ensures that the flavor is rich and unaffected by any unidentified additives.

In a smoker, is it possible to have too much smoke?

You don’t want your meal to lose its smoky, tender flavor if you over-smoke it. A lack of smoke would make it impossible for smokers to produce the delicious smoke needed to cook meals. As a matter of fact, excessive smoke might be just as dangerous as insufficient smoke.