13 Best Charcoal Smoker in 2020: Reviews & Buying Guide

We all love the taste of juicy and smoked meals. However, you will not only get smoked meals at a local restaurant, but you can also make them DIY. You can achieve this goal by using the best charcoal smokers.  While well all love the convenience of alternatives such as gas or electric cookers – there is just something unusually special about charcoal.

A well-built charcoal smoker can provide a reliable supply of heat for several hours. More so, the ideal charcoal smoker is simple to use and it also comes with many different convenient design features. The charcoal smoker is perfect for people who love the traditional way of smoking meats.

Typically, the charcoal smokers tends to provide a better taste results, as when compared to the electric smokers. Best of all, these new brands are portable, and powerful at the same time. Thus, you can move the part all across to the front yard without interrupting the barbequing process. The following is a list some of the top brands for you to consider:

​Top 13 Charcoal Smokers Review

1. Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker

Discover the excellent of using the Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal smoker that is perfect for your favourite DIY meals. Now you can smoke all of your favourite types of food including vegetables, meats, cheese and more. This best charcoal smoker is simple to set up and it comes with everything except charcoal and wood chunks.

Equipped with a porcelain enameled steel bowl and a vertical side door, this unit provides easy access to fuel and water. Furthermore, it is also easier than ever to control the amount of heat and smoke that this unit can produce. For instance, it comes with dual vents that can be closed or opened to regulate the heat and smoke.

Users can also lift the lid to allow for convenient access to foods during the smoking process. This unit also has as simple user features that make it simple to use. The Cuisinart 16 inch Charcoal smoker also has two steel wire racks, that can be stacked in the interior of the smoking chamber.

There is also sufficient room to smoke fish, vegetables and even an entire turkey. The unique design structure of this unit makes it an excellent addition to your outdoor grill kitchen for making delicious meals. More so, the vertical design of this structure does well to provide optimal heat distribution benefits through the cooking chamber. With small adjustments to the air vents, users can easily regulate the temperature for custom meals.

2. Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker

With the Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker, you can easily and conveniently prepare high quality meals. Whether it’s for home, work or play, this unit offers quality you can depend on and reliable performance.

It comes with charcoal and ash management system that features a charcoal grate, removable ash pan and more. Users can also protect their smoker by using a custom fit cover for improved longevity. 

The stainless temperature with the smoke zone also does well to indicate the ideal temperature for infusing a smoke flavor. More so, the four height adjustable cooking grates can accommodate various sizes of food. Featuring as much as 784 square inches of total space, this unit offers reliable space for your cooking needs.

Designed to be durable, this best charcoal smoker can offer several years of reliable outdoor cooking performance. Aside from that, it also has a unique porcelain enamel steel structure that lets you cook your favourite meals with style and confidence.

It also has a porcelain enameled steel charcoal chamber that is designed to keep briquettes staked tightly. As such, users can experienced improved burn quality. The charcoal and as management system is also reliable. It features a charcoal chamber, removable steel ash pan and grate.  

The rack construction of this unit is also unique and it can suit different types of meals including vegetables and meats. As such, this unit can handle large amounts of cooking to make it a reliable solution for your unique cooking needs. To top it all off, the appealing matte finish of the charcoal smoker makes it a stylish addition to your patio.

3. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker

Change the way in which you prepare your favourite meals by investing in the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker. Designed to deliver as much as 15,000 BTU of cooking power, this unit is an excellent addition to your kitchen. Equipped with a specialized electronic pulse ignition system, this unit provides reliable and quick ignition performances.

More so, it also has an exceptional 784 square inch of total smoking are space. In fact, this unit can smoke as much as 100lbs of food at a time, thereby making it ideal for various types of meal preparation.  The performance of the seal is also exceptional, because this unit offers exceptional temperature retention levels.

The inclusion of a dual door design does well to reduce the issue of heat loss – especially as you add wood chips during the smoking process. Even more, this unit has a heavy duty body construction that has a high temperature powder coat finish.

The unique coat does well to provide longevity benefits, thereby making this smoker perfect for various types of conditions. The material construction also provides ease of maintenance and resistance against various types of elements.

Users can also protect their smoker by using a custom fit dyna glo premium cover. This unit is also simple to set up within minutes, and it has collapsible legs that make it easy to store. To be specific, the unique cover does well to provide optimal longevity, while also protecting your device from elements such as dirt.

4. Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker

You can now enjoy your favourite meals with optimal convenience by using the Webber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker. This unit comes with a porcelain enameled lid, and center section that can retain heat for long durations. Furthermore, it has two cooking grates, that provide sufficient room for cooking large items at one go. Users will also appreciate the silicone temperature grommet monitors that can evaluate the internal temperature of the smoker. On top of that, the temperature gauge is well positioned and the readings are well visible. As a result, you can enjoy both reliable temperature measurement, and a reliable supply of heat for cooking purposes.

Users can also control the temperature of the smoker with easy, by simply adjusting the performance of the dampers. Even more, this unit has a fuel door that comes off easily, thereby making it easy to add charcoal and wood. Similar to all the top notch charcoal smokers on the market today, this unit offers optimal longevity for your needs. The weber brand has also done well to ensure that this unit sits stable on most types of outdoor surfaces that exist in most homes. The smoker also comes with a durable cover that allows for convenient storage outdoors. The handle is also ergonomic, and the compact design takes up a small footprint in your space. As such, the Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker is suitable for various types of cooking activities.

5. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker

Prepare your favourite meals by using the Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker. This unit has a compact design, and versatile structure that can suit most settings with ease. In particular, it comes with porcelain enamel cooking grates, that are both durable, and can provide improve temperature regulation. Furthermore, the cooking chamber also features an adjustable charcoal pan that provides optimal heating. The most attractive feature on this unit is that it has an offset smoker structure. This unit provides an exceptional 183 square inches of cooking space to suit your needs. Even more, this unit is not only perfect for a smoky flavor, but for roasting various other types of meals.

 While this Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker has a traditional design, it can complement any type of space easily. Furthermore, it also has a removable charcoal and ash pan, that makes it simple for uses to dump waste easily.  Designed to provide an exceptional 800 square inches of cooking space, this best charcoal smoker is perfect for various types of meals. It also comes with various others forms of additional features. These features include the temperature gauge, seamless connection and a side air vent. Even more, the charcoal smoker also has simple system that makes it simple to manage the heat. It even has a lead mounted temperature gauge design that offers convenience as you regulate the grilling temperature.

6. Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker

Enjoy it all with the Char Boil Bullet Charcoal Smoker. This unit is durable, and its feature high quality materials at an exceptional value. Featuring an innovative airflow control system, this unit does well to simplify the setting and to maintain the cooking temperatures. More so, it also has a durable porcelain coated steel body and cooking components that can withstand the effects of rust. Furthermore, the removable ash pan system does well to collect ash that accumulates from several hours of cooking. The simple to use design construction of this unit makes it suitable for both novice and advanced barbeque cooks. Filled with several features, this smoker provides an excellent cooking performance and reliable power.

Also, it comes with two porcelain coated cooking grates that provide an exceptional 370 sq. inches of cooking space. Offering an exceptional 388 sq. inches of cooking space, this unit offer more than sufficient space for cooking your meals. The cooking racks are also well stacked and can easily smoke various types of mills to a crisp. Similarly, the inclusion of the 2 porcelain grates make it easy to clean and works well to reduce the effects of food sticking. The charcoal smoker also has two chamber lift handles and a unique lid mounted temperature gauge. These resources make it easy to monitor the temperature and perform maintenance procedures. Equipped with formed fire access door seals, the smoke chamber and steel tube legs provide convenient height access. With such high levels of temperature customization, you can be sure of tenderly cooked meats and vegetables

7. Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker

Suitable for different types of cooking, The Realcook vertical 17 inch steel charcoal smoker is the perfect addition to your cooking regimen. It comes with an in built thermometer that has a detailed temperature scale and an adjustable air supply. As a result, you can achieve customized cooking results for different types of meals. Even more, the heat resistant bakelite handles make it easy to transport, and the cooking process a breeze. Taking things to the next level, the charcoal smoker features 2 pieces cooking grids that provide an exceptional 453 square inches of cooking space. Featuring a cross bar and 4 hangers inside the lid, this unit makes it easy to smoke various types of meals.  This unit is easy to assemble and simple to use.  The Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker also burns efficiently and will produce a relatively small amount of smoke.

The heavy duty design does well to provide years of reliable barbeque and food smoking performance. While the smoker has a heavy duty design, it takes up a small footprint in your outdoor space. To be specific, the two layer design makes it easy to cook different types of meals. Also included is the unique latch locking system that can provide optimal stability. Featuring a two access door design, this unit provides optimal accessibility for your needs. You can easily check the status of your meals by just opening the upper door.

8. Masterbuilt 20078616 Electric Bullet Smoker

Smoke your favourite meals all your long by using the Masterbuilt 20078616 Electric Bullet Smoker. It comes with an in built temperature gauge and push button ignition. Through these features and more, you can easily prepare high quality meals in your own back yard. Featuring four chrome coated racks, this unit will provide sufficient room to smoke various types of meals. You can smoke 2 turkeys, 8 chickens, 4 pork butts and more. Furthermore, users can even use the removable porcelain coated water bowl for improved moisture and to improve the cooking flavor all through the cooking process. Designed to provide as much as 15,400 BTU of cooking heat, the Masterbuilt 20078616 Electric Bullet Smoker provides sufficient heat to suit different type of meal cooking applications.

It is also durable, and it comes with many different components to suit a unique meal preparation experience for users. Even more, the cooker has a unique digital system through which you can evaluate and observe the cooking aspects of your meals. The Masterbuilt 20078616 Electric Bullet Smoker has a stable design, which makes it perfect for use on different types of surfaces. The inclusion of a patented porcelain coated flame disk bowl makes it easy for the flame to reach the wood chips. It does this while protecting the burner for exposure to grease.  Similar to all the high end electric smoker brands, this unit has a heavy duty design and it takes up small footprint in your space.

9. Sougem Charcoal Smoker Grill 14 inch

Powerful, dynamic and reliable. These are just some of the benefits you can expect when using the Sougem Charcoal Smoker. This unit comes with a unique porcelain enameled surface and lid that can offer long lasting performance. Even more, the inclusion of two grates offer sufficient space for smoking two large items at the same time. Users can even smoke different types of foods, such as whole ribs, chicken and more. The smoking rack is also equipped with as many as 6 hooks that make it perfect for your favourite meals. The inclusion of a water bowl helps to add steam to the smoking process such that your meats stay soft and tender. It also has a unique lock and light weight make smoker design that makes it very portable.

On top of that, the ergonomic handles are comfortable on the hands, and this unit is also light in weight. Featuring an in built thermometer and temperature hole, this unit can makes it easy to control the temperature of the smokers. The thermometer is accurate and it delivers fast measurements each time. The device even has several air vents such as the dual air vent, for enhanced temperature control. The air vents are simple to maintain and are spacious enough to provide optimal ventilation. The legs are also collapsible for convenient storage, and will sit stable on most types of outdoor surfaces. As one of the best charcoal smokers in the world, this unit has a horizontal hinge door which makes it easy to add wood and charcoal to your meals.

10. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker​

Enjoy high quality meal preparation by investing in the Char Griller E16620 Kamado Charcoal Cooler. This unit can easily sear meat with high heat such that you enjoy a reliable cooking experience. More so, the versatile grill and smoker is built for durability, and it even features a 22 gauge steel wall. The unique design of the wall does well to maintain high cooking temperatures to cook your meats tender. Also, the top and bottom adjustable dampers maintain even air flow all through the grill. Furthermore, the dump ash pan is durable and can withstand several applications of use. This way, you can enjoy convenient cooking, and the unique kamado style design provides an efficient charcoal energy use.

Designed to provide exceptional levels of cooking space, this best charcoal smoker suits different forms of cooking. It even comes with an easy dump ash pan and an in built temperature gauge for the best cooking outcomes. The charcoal smoker is simple to set up within minutes, and without any tools required. The insulated design also means more heat uses a small amount of charcoal, while the reduce airflow offers optimal heat for your needs. Other useful features include the 2 folding black metal shelves and the easy dump ash pan for optimal user convenience. The folding shelves are perfect for storing food condiments and small utensils. It also has a removable 133 square inch warming rack above the cast iron grilling space for user convenience.

11. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

Become an instant professional in preparing barbeque meals by investing in the Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill. This unit is simple to assemble, and it also utilizes an innovative cooking process. Designed to provide as much as 1500 sq. inches of cooking space, this offset smoker is perfect for different types of meals. Furthermore, this unit will also provide a seamless connection between the main chamber and the side smoker. As a result, users can easily heat up their meals while maintain exceptional levels of food warming. Equipped with a unique lid adopt grove design, you can be sure of a seal performance of the side smoker box. The exceptional seal performance helps to retain all the useful heat and smoke for enhanced meat flavor.

The racks are also well stacked to ensure that foods can retain their essential juices and get sufficient smoking quality. What`s more, users will also appreciate the functionality of the adjustable handles for convenient performance. The heavy duty lid is durable, and does well to seal your meats end as they barbeque. The inclusion of the professional thermometer also does well to provide reliable temperature measurements and results. The charcoal smoker also has a cool touch spring handle, that makes it highly portable around the home. Also, included is a durable cover that can protect your charcoal smoker from rust and peeling. Thanks to the inclusion of the adjustable air damper, users can be sure of improved air flow results each time.

12. Smoke Hollow VT280SS1 Vector 3-Burner Tabletop

Realize what you have been missing in your cooking regimen by investing in the Smoke Hollow VT28OSSI Tabletop Propane Gas Smoker. This unit has a new grill design that promotes convection style cooking, but with improved cooking flavor. Moreover, the inclusion of the two independently controlled 6500 BTU burners can deliver exceptional heating temperatures. Users can also add more flavor to the foods by using different types of wood chips on the porcelain coated wood chip pan.  The hopper is large enough such that you don’t have to regularly refill it with pellets. The porcelain material is perfect for meal preparation because it is simple to maintain and durable. The charcoal smoker is also available with various other types of cooking accessories.

Similar to the conventional Smoke Hollow brand products, this smoker offers several days of reliable meal preparation performance. The smoke tray is also simple to install and maintain, thereby making it suitable for DIY enthusiasts. Thanks to the appealing matte black finish of the VT280SS1, you can easily prepare your favourite meals with style and comfort. Also, the three folding legs are stable, and allow for convenient storage benefits. The handles are also ergonomic, and they make it easy to move around with this pellet smoker around the home. These accessories include the cooking grids, chrome plated warming rack and more. The chrome plated rack provides more than sufficient space for cooking different types of meals. The inclusion of the folding legs also makes it easy to transport our favourite meals around. It also comes with a unique temperature gauge that

13. Royal Gourmet CD1824A Charcoal Grill,BBQ Outdoor Picnic, Camping, Patio Backyard Cooking

Royal Gourmet is an industry leader and this is why the CD1824A Charcoal Grill is an excellent investment for your needs. With as much as 800 sq. inches of cooking area, you can be sure of more than sufficient space for preparing your favourite meals. More so, this can has an in built temperature gauge that is accurate and efficient. The removable ash tray also does well to cover the entire grill bottom to allow for convenient clean up applications. Users can also keep their tools organized thanks to the inclusion of the two fixed side shelves and the bottom shelf. The Royal Gourmet CD1824A Charcoal Grill also burns energy efficiently, and it also features a powerful heating element.

With sufficient space and features for ensuring a top notch experience, this charcoal smoker suits both novice and advanced users. It also sets up easy and the instruction manuals are clear. The turn handle also stays cool, and it’s useful for raising or lowering the charcoal pan to different levels. The Royal Gourmet brand has also done well to include specialized holes on the charcoal grill. These holes help to make the coal hot fast, and it also improves the efficiency of the grilling process. Users will also appreciate the unique matte black finish of this charcoal smoker that lets you cook with style and confidence. A benevolent addition would be the inclusion of the two wheels which allow for easy transport. As such, you can move with your Royal Gourmet CD1824A Charcoal Grill with ease.

How to Buy a Charcoal Smoker

While a charcoal smoker might not necessarily be an eco-friendly cooking solution, there are various excellent brands available out there today. The charcoal smoker are excellent because they provide a traditional option for food preparation. Among some of the top features to consider include:

1. Cooking Surface Structure

The best charcoal smoker for meal preparation has to provide ample space for cooking. Usually, something between 800sq and 1500 sq. inches is perfect for home purposes. More so, the cooking surface structure should consist of a reasonable number of cooking plates. The ideal number of plates ranges between 3 to 5. The plates should also be able to provide sufficient heat for your unique meal preparation needs. A single plate should be able to provide at least 3,000BTUs of heat which works well for barbequing various types of meats.

2. Temperature Gauge

Being able to regulate the temperature is important if you want the best cooking results, especially for meats. Thus, you may also have to consider the functionality and positioning of the temperature gauge. The gauge is important because it lets you evaluate the current temperature of your cooking. Moreover, the gauge should be equipped with a unique dial or digital controller for customization. This way, the user can dial specific temperature settings, which are crucial when preparing different types of meals.  Also, the metrics on the temperature gauge should also be clear enough for users to observe.

3. Airflow Control and Portability

The airflow control system is important because it helps you to regulate the setting and maintenance of the internal cooking temperature. A good charcoal smoker comes with excellent air vents that help to relay the smoke out from the fuel section.  Furthermore, the charcoal smoker should also be portable to make it easy to move around and relocate your cooking experience. An important aspect of the airflow should be the performance of the seal. Essentially, the smoker should have a top lid with grove design to improve the performance of the seal. Thus, the smoker can hold heat well to provide tender meats and soft vegetables.

4. Material Construction

The material construction of the charcoal smoker is important for various reasons. In most cases, the charcoal smoker will be used for outdoor applications such as on the patio or the backyard. As such, the smoker is likely to get exposed to dirt and issues such as staining. For this reason, the ideal charcoal smoker is not appealing to look at, but also resistant against elements such as dirt and dust. Typically, most high end brands coat their smokers with products such as porcelain. Porcelain is popular for its ability to resistant issues such as rusting and it also provides ease of maintenance. Furthermore, porcelain has a unique appeal, which does well to complement the appeal of your charcoal smoker.

5. Access Doors and Lift Handles

The access doors are also important because they provide let you insert your food or charcoal in the smoker. For the food section, the access door should be simple to open, and should seal shut. The access door should also have sufficient insulation to protect the use from any exposure to heat. In particular, the performance of the seal should be exceptional to ensure that no smoke or heat escapes from the cooking area. For the fuel section, the door should be durable and equipped with a convenient latch for convenient accessibility. More so, the door should also be located safely away from the cooking area.

6. Smoking Rack Construction

You should also consider evaluating the construction of the smoking rack because it’s the location where your meals will cook. Essentially, the ideal charcoal smoker should have an ample sized smoking chamber that also offers ease of maintenance. The smoker should provide sufficient room to smoke any type of food including meats, vegetables, fish and more. The rack should also be simple to detach, and it should also sit inside the smoker stably. Most racks are made using stainless steel or chrome because they are simple to maintain.

7. Stability and Portability

Being able to move around the home or your property with your charcoal smoker is highly important. For this reason, you might have to invest in a heavy duty charcoal smoker that does not cause any compromise on the weight. The smoker should also include ergonomic handles that sit comfortably on the hands of the user. The handles make it easy to move around, and to carry the charcoal smoker around your property. Furthermore, the charcoal smoker should be stable on any platform regardless of the nature of the surface.

8. Ease of Maintenance and Storage

A charcoal smoker is a system that produces waste products such as ash. As such, a good charcoal smoker should provide convenient maintenance solutions for its users. A good example would the inclusion of a charcoal and ash management system. The ash management system should be able to accommodate large amounts of ash and provide several hours of maintenance of free cooking. Even more, the smoker should also be simple to store after use. For instance, it should have foldable components such as the legs and a compact frame that takes up a small footprint.

9. Air Vent Construction

The air vent are also an important aspect of the charcoal smokers. Since the charcoal smokers need fuel in the form of wood, it needs to have a spacious and well positioned vent. Moreover, the vent should be able to efficient relay the smoke from the internal heating chamber to the outside wall.  Furthermore, the vent should also provide ease of maintenance, particularly after several applications of use.  An equally important factor to consider would be the positioning of the air vent. In essence, the air vent should be placed as far away as possible from the cooking area. Therefore, the smoke would not be able to interfere with the health of the user.

Other features

Conclusion:

As a savvy cooking enthusiast or even a professional cook, owning the appropriate tools is important for the results you can produce. In this case, the best charcoal smokers are excellent for preparing meals at home that you can share with the family. The charcoal smokers might not be as energy efficient as their counterparts, but they provide some of the best smoking flavors. More so, the charcoal smokers are also simple to set up and can be easily customized to provide exceptional cooking outcomes.