Nothing says 4th of July and Americana more than a huge barrel style outdoor offset grill and smoker. They’re the type of manly grills you will see at most BBQ and country fetes or festivals.
If you want to recreate those smoked meats at home on your own patio, an offset smoker can be one of the easiest ways. As a bonus many can also be used as a grill too, when you just want to sear a few steaks or burgers midweek.
With so many different designs and models of the best offset smokers, it can be hard to know what to look for. This guide has you covered, as I look at what to consider in the best offset smokers followed by some offset smoker reviews.
Quick Answer: The 6 Best Offset Smokers For 2023
What is an Offset Smoker?
In the past, offset smokers normally started life as a relatively traditional grill. Barrel style grills would be adapted, with a lid adding if it didn’t already have one and then a side-mounted firebox would be attached.
This sidebox is what makes a grill/smoker offset, and houses the fire or charcoal which creates smoke to flow through the main cooking chamber. Flavored wood chips like hickory or mesquite can be added to the fire in the best offset smokers for a more smokey BBQ flavor.
What do Smokers Do?
That often long and cylindrical chamber of an offset smoker is where the majority of smoking takes place, with the side firebox housing the charcoal.
To smoke your meats or other food, all you have to do is light a small fire in the side box, where the airflow is controlled. Smoke plus the heat of the fire are transferred to the cooking chamber via a connecting pipe or a small opening.
The meats are cooked by the smoke and heat which add flavor to the meat before escaping through a small chimney or outlet on the other side of the chamber. Reverse flow smokers will normally have the smokestack on the same side as the heat opening with baffles to force it back over the meat before escaping.
The following YouTube video explains with animations the basics of how a BBQ smoker offset works.
How Do You Regulate the Temperature in a Smoker?
Regulating the temperature of an offset smoker may not be as easy as electric vertical smokers and will need some practice. Dampers on the cooking chamber and smokestacks can be altered to allow more heat out when necessary, or closed when you need a higher temperature.
The firebox will often have vents which allow you to manage the airflow into the main fire and control how hot it burns. You aren’t going to need too high a temperature for most low and slow smokes, so it’s better to keep these vents half to quarter closed. This will keep in the smoke and stop the fire burning too hot.
Do You Keep Adding Wood Chips When Smoking?
Every time you open that trapdoor on the firebox to add some more wood chips you let out some of that all-important smoke and heat. It can often take the indirect smoker part of the grill 45 minutes to an hour to retain heat.
Some of the best horizontal smoker designs will feature wood chip trays which can be easily removed and replaced mid-smoke without opening the firebox. Otherwise soaking your wood chips first will stop them from burning too much and too quickly, or add them in a foil parcel which can also slow down how quickly they burn.
What Temperature do You Smoke Brisket To?
One of the most popular cuts of meat for cooking in an offset smoker is a long and slow cook of a brisket. It’s a cheap cut of beef, yet when cooked correctly at the right speed (or lack of it) and temperature, it can also be one of the most delicious meats ever.
Friends are always asking what the correct temperature to smoke a brisket at is, and I would advise that you need a smoker which can hold a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
The USDA only recommends a minimum internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for the most succulent brisket, many would argue the temperature at the thickest part should be roughly 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
I would say that you know a brisket has been smoked to perfection when it has that pink “smoke ring”, although some would disagree and say tenderness is more important.
Buying an Offset Smoker–A Buyers Guide
Not all the best offset smokers below will be perfect for everybody. There are many things you need to consider, including the size, how it is built, how easy is it to move and how simple will it be to use and clean afterwards?
Size
Consider how much space you have on your backyard, how many people you will be cooking for and where will you store the smoker. Even the best horizontal offset smoker will tend to be bulky and if space is limited, you may need to leave it where you cook.
Smaller offset smokers or even a vertical offset chamber smoker can be easier to wheel away and leave in the garage over those winter months. However, the more compact size will affect how you use it as a grill and may limit the size of your parties.
Quality of Materials Used
Obviously, the more money you spend, normally the better the construction will be. Offset smokers will need to be able to withstand the high temperature of charcoal grilling and extended periods of long smoking. A steel construction will be strong enough to withstand the temperatures but porcelain enamel coating will help keep the heat in.
Stainless steel or porcelain grates will retain the heat better, although cast iron can add to that smokey flavor. Porcelain-coated cast iron offers the advantages of both and will be much easier to clean.
Over longer periods of smoking, smoke and grease may taint the inside of your offset smoker and you should take note of how easy they are to clean. Powder-coated paint may be durable but in the long run, can chip and cause rust.
Temperature Control
Does the offset smoker have quality adjustable dampers for keeping and letting the smoke or heat out? The best offset smokers will have a smokestack or chimney which can be repositioned for different smoking setups and better temperature control.
Adjustable grates can be useful when you want to use the main chamber as a grill, allowing the charcoal heat to be closer to the foods. A grate in the side firebox can prevent too much ash from building up from chunks of wood and should have a removable ash pan.
Below is a quick video on what to do if your temperature starts to drop on your smoker.
Cost
Offset smokers can vary in price from just over a hundred dollars to a thousand or more. Try to pick a budget and stick to it. If you are looking for the best offset smoker brands, they tend to be Char-Broil, Char-Griller and Oklahoma Joe—choosing one of these, you will benefit from a better warranty and more online resources.
If you want to buy an offset smoker to last a lifetime, spend as much as you can afford. There is a variety of offset smokers that are affordable and offer just as many features but may need some modifications to match the quality of the top-rated offset smokers.
Offset Smoker Reviews in 2023
Just looking at your local Home Depot or Walmart you will see so many different offset smoker BBQs and grills for sale. Where do you start? Considering all the factors I mentioned above, below are reviews of the best offset smokers available in 2023.
Best Overall—Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker
When you are looking for the best offset smoker, it’s hard to beat a reverse flow smoker like this model from Oklahoma Joe. With over a 1000 square inches of cooking area and a heavy gauge steel construction, the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker really is one of the best.
What I really liked about this top-rated offset smoker was that if you prefer a more traditional smoking experience you can easily remove the baffles which direct the smoke. Multiple quality dampers make controlling the temperature very easy, with the thick steel body holding the heat in well in most weather conditions.
The large primary cooking space of 751 square inches is complemented by a further 309 square inches of grilling in the firebox—in theory, you can smoke and grill at the same time.
Porcelain coated grates are easy to clean, with a side door on the offset firebox making ash removal so much simpler. You can also use this side door to manage the fire without opening the main chamber. Chrome-plated spring handles on the main chamber also remain cool to the touch as you open and close the hood.
If you need the largest of offset smokers and have the patio space, then the Oklahoma Longhorn could be ideal for you. With a mesh table at the front of the main chamber, a mesh wire shelf and hooks for your tools, it’s an all-in-one smokin’ party machine. Just be warned its very heavy for moving around your patio at nearly 200 pounds.
Pros
- The huge cooking surface of over 1000 square inches.
- Heavy gauge steel construction will keep the heat in longer.
- Baffles can be easily removed with alternative smokestack locations too for customizing your smoking experience.
- Reverse flow for higher efficiency and better smoke.
- Professional grade thermometer is much higher quality than many other lid mounted thermometers.
- Stay cool chrome plated spring handles for safety.
- Simple clean up with a side door for ash removal.
- Plenty of integrated storage space.
Cons
- Very heavy and can be tricky to assemble—a two-person job.
- Expensive.
Best Offset Smoker for the Money—Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, 30''
Talk about a bargain price, this best offset smoker for the money from Royal Gourmet offers 800 square inches of grilling and smoking space. The main chamber features a primary cooking area of 438 square inches with a swing-away warming rack of 179 square inches and a further 183 square inches of grilling in the side firebox.
A perfect combination of offset smoker and charcoal grill, the Royal Gourmet has lifting handles on the side of the charcoal pan to control the temperature. Again an access door on the side of the firebox makes it easy to tend the fire and remove ashes when finished.
Porcelain-coated wire grates retain the heat evenly, while locking in the moisture to your cuts of meat. Combined with the access side door and the removable ash pan, this porcelain coating also makes the grill simple to clean.
Although it may not feature as advanced dampers or baffles as more expensive smokers, the Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker is a great budget grill. It is however quite short at just 4-feet which taller users may find uncomfortable to use. There has also been reported issues with the firebox paint peeling off.
Pros
- Solid steel compact construction with scald proof handles.
- Large 800 square inches of total cooking space for the price.
- ¼-inch diameter porcelain coated wire grates for uniform heating and locking in natural juices.
- Adjustable fire-grate with two lifting handles on the charcoal pan.
- Groove design of the hood ensures a tight seal.
- Adjustable vent for smooth airflow control.
- Plenty of storage for accessories and tools.
- Great budget price.
Cons
- Difficult to assemble.
- Despite improved paint formula, still reports of paint peeling off and the firebox rusting.
- Smoke escapes from the side firebox and needs resealing.
Best Charcoal & Gas Hybrid Smoker—Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal Searing BBQ Grill
With both propane and charcoal, this hybrid offset smoker from Smoke Hollow offers the convenience of gas with the BBQ taste of charcoal and smoke. There may be quite a few hybrid combos like this on the market but where the Smoke Hollow stands out is with a side ceramic infrared burner for that perfect sear of steaks and seafood.
A four burner propane grill can cook up to 20 burgers at a time over the porcelain coated cast iron grates. In the chamber next to the propane grill, you find a charcoal grill with adjustable charcoal pan for easier temperature control.
An offset firebox works as a traditional smoker with smoke drawn through the main chamber but it doesn’t feature any baffles for directing the smoke.
With a total of 1,100 square inches of cooking surfaces, this is one of the largest offset smokers I looked at, and at 218 pounds, it’s very heavy. A commercial-grade construction throughout, the entire unit has a porcelain enamel coating which is both durable and makes cleaning up effortless.
A versatile offset smoker and grill combo, you could be smoking at one end, grilling on gas in the middle and searing a steak at the other end. Push-button ignition and large controls make the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal Searing BBQ quick and easy to use.
Pros
- Versatile offset smoker, propane grill for convenience and charcoal BBQ for flavor—searing is a bonus too.
- Porcelain-enameled construction for greater durability.
- Huge 1,100 square inches of cooking area.
- Independent chambers, each with lid mounted thermometers.
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates for durability, better heat retention, and easy cleaning.
- Easy cleanup with slide out removable grease and ash pans.
- Deluxe draft control on offset firebox for added smoke control.
- Plenty of storage with under grill cabinet, two lower shelves, condiment racks, and utensil hooks.
Cons
- Damper control and smokestack system are not as advanced as other dedicated offset smokers.
- Can be very difficult to assemble.
- Steel gas burners can be slow to heat up.
- Offset smoker grates are poorly designed and collect lots of ash in the base.
Best Vertical Offset Smoker—Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
So far this has been all horizontal smoker reviews, but the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Offset Smoker is proof that a vertical design can work too. If you only want to smoke meats and not grill them, this vertical chamber style charcoal smoker could be the way to go.
Rather than laying all your meats on just one grate, you can stack grates on top of each other for greater capacity in a smaller space. With six cooking grates, you can cook all different cuts with a maximum smoking surface of 800 square inches, or up to 100 pounds of meat.
A carefully designed porcelain-enameled firebox at the side keeps your charcoal briquettes tightly stacked for more burning efficiency. Temperature is easy to control with an adjustable smokestack flue and a built-in thermometer. The two-door design means you never need to open the smoking chamber to tend the fire.
Although it may not have the same kind of visual appeal of larger barrel style offset smokers, the Dyna-Glo infuses the same delicious smoky flavor to your foods. An electronic pulse ignition makes lighting the smoker very simple for a long and slow cook in more compact spaces.
Pros
- Steel construction with high-temperature powder coat paint for added durability.
- Porcelain-enameled charcoal basket for more efficiency.
- Large 800 square inches of smoking capacity or up to 100 pounds of meat.
- Six adjustable height cooking grates—you could even fit a whole turkey.
- Dual door design for less heat loss or loss of smoke.
- The vertical design ensures a more even smoking of foods.
- Adjustable flue and built-in stainless steel thermometer for temperature control.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The steel used is pretty thin at just 14 gauge.
- You may need to upgrade the seals especially on the firebox and the chimney flue.
- Quite heavy at nearly 60 pounds with no wheels for moving around.
Best Budget Offset Smoker—Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830
If you are looking for a more traditional offset smoker design, this Char-Griller Smokin’ Pro 830 is a great budget pick. The 830 refers to the 580 square inches of primary cooking space with a further 250 squares inches which can be used in the side firebox.
The main material used in the construction of this popular budget smoker is steel, with a powder coating for less damage from external elements. Cast iron grates in the main chamber are just as durable and add more flavor to your smoked meats.
It may not be the largest of offset smokers but could easily cope with a medium to large sized party. The 250 square inch firebox holds enough charcoal that you shouldn’t need to refuel too often.
An adjustable charcoal grate makes it easy to control the temperature, with a built-in thermometer in the lid removing the need to open too often. Removable charcoal drawers allow for adding more fuel mid-smoke or the easy removal of ashes without letting the smoke escape.
A storage shelf and wheels add to the convenience of this budget, yet sturdy, offset smoker. With attractive wooden side shelves this smoker will add a touch of elegance to any patio. Best of all, choosing this top-rated offset smoker won’t break the bank either.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel construction for added durability.
- Cast iron grates won’t warp with heat, will add smoky flavor and be easy to clean.
- Primary cooking area of 580 square inches can handle most large parties.
- The large firebox of 250 square inches provides plenty of space for charcoal or wood chunks.
- Built-in temperature gauge and adjustable smokestack—ideal for beginners.
- Removable charcoal drawers and large strategically placed ash pan.
- Cool-touch wooden handles.
- Plenty of storage options and extra work surfaces with wooden shelving.
- Offers great value for money.
Cons
- Powder coating paint can chip easily.
- Assembly for such a compact unit can be tricky.
- Wooden shelves can char if untreated when exposed to high temperatures for longer periods.
Also Worth a Look—Oklahoma Joe Highland Offset Smoker
Apart from the smaller grilling space, this popular smoker from Oklahoma Joe is similar to the top-rated Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker we looked at first. Instead of 850 square inches of primary cooking space, it has only 619 square inches and a smaller firebox at just 281 square inches—it is significantly cheaper though.
The heavy-duty steel used in the construction of this Highland Reverse Flow Smoker makes it stand out from many others in the same price band. However, while the steel is painted, some users find that the paint can be more prone to chipping. Rust may also be a problem, so it’s recommended to buy a cover for when you’re not using it.
Multiple dampers and adjustable baffles use the same reverse flow technology for more complete and customizable smoking as its larger brother. A steel shelf at the bottom of the grill provides ample storage for more fuel and accessories.
As well as being more compact, the Highland offset smoker is also lighter by nearly 20 pounds, with sturdy trolley wheels to move it around your patio. It’s still a heavyweight grill and will need more patio space than many others, although it takes up less space than it’s big brother, the Longhorn.
Pros
- Heavy duty steel construction.
- The two porcelain coated grates are easy to clean.
- Four adjustable baffles, multiple dampers and various smokestack location options for customization.
- Commercial quality thermometer for better heat control.
- Cool touch handles, even during longer cooks.
- Large 619 square inches of primary cooking surface.
- Plenty of storage with under trolley shelf and front mounted work surface.
- Large charcoal basket for easier fuel management.
- Offers good value for money.
Cons
- Prone to leaking smoke more than the Longhorn reverse flow smoker, weaker seals will need upgrading.
- Steel paint covering can chip easily causing rust.
- No adjustable grate for direct grilling.
Conclusions
The best offset smoker is a piece of outdoor cooking equipment that can elevate your BBQ skills for many years to come. They can be one of the easiest smokers to set up for those long smokes of briskets at the weekend. And they can look very “manly” too, sat on your patio.
There are so many models to choose from and you can even make your own with a little bit of know-how and some basic welding equipment. However, for the money, the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker is one of the most complete and versatile pieces of outdoor grilling equipment you can buy.
Once you have factored in the cost of renting or borrowing some welding equipment and the time it takes, is it really worth building your own?