Nothing can be more mouth-watering than the thought of having tender pieces of meat that have been cooked on the indirect, low heat of an offset smoker. However, you can face certain problems if you lack an efficient offset smoker as some offset smokers leak heat while others lack an efficient heat-controlling system. In some offset smokers, the outer coating or paint can peel off, contaminating your food. Hence, with all these predicaments in mind, I searched for the best offset smoker that can potentially alleviate these problems and I ended up with the following list.

The Best Offset Smokers In 2020

PRODUCT COOKING AREA BEST FOR HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

Weber 711001 Smokey

560 sq. inch Best Overall
  • Steel grates
  • Built-in thermometer
  • Rust-resistant metal legs
  • Porcelain protected bowl
  • Silicone temperature grommet

Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D

1176 sq. inch Best Vertical Offset Smoker
  • Steel construction
  • Spacious smoking area
  • Cast-iron burner
  • Charcoal chamber
  • Removable ash pan

Char-Broil 12201570-A1

290 sq. inch Best Budget Pick
  • Steel construction
  • Versatile
  • Square legs
  • Adjustable steel grate
  • Adjustable built-in damper

Char-Griller E22424

250 sq. inch Best Multi-tasker
  • Heavy steel construction
  • Cast-iron grates
  • Wood handle
  • Removable charcoal drawers
  • Spacious offset smoking box

1. Weber 711001 Smokey

Highlighted Features

  • Steel grates
  • Built-in thermometer
  • Rust-resistant metal legs
  • Porcelain protected bowl
  • Silicone temperature grommet

Weber Smokey Mountain can be your perfect barbeque partner at home or at your picnic spots because of its easy portability

Construction: This offset smoker is made of steel that resists corrosion and also facilitates thermal conduction. The internal thermometer helps to gauge and control temperature along with the silicone grommet. The lid and the water pan are wrapped with porcelain to resist thermal shock while the legs are made of metal that resists corrosion and thus enhances its stability and life. Besides, corrosion-resistant, aluminum dampers help to adjust the temperature of your smoker while the fuel door is detachable so that you can add charcoal and wood easily.

Function: This offset smoker has all the handy traits that can make it your perfect auxiliary in barbeque parties at your home or at some of your favourite picnic points. It can smoke two meat items at a time because of its two plated steel grates and its compact design makes it easily portable. You don’t need to stress about the internal temperature and your meat item as its built-in thermometer along with the silicon grommet keeps you aware of the internal temperature while the aluminium dampers assist you in controlling the internal temperature accordingly. In addition, the lid, water pan, and inner side are enamelled with porcelain that helps in maximum heat retention.

The metal legs supplement its efficiency as they resist corrosion and render stability as well. The fuel door comes off which makes the laborious task of adding charcoal and wood quite easy and effortless.

Cleaning and maintenance: This offset smoker can be cleaned in a super-easy way as it has a detachable fuel pan so you can remove the ashes quite conveniently. Make sure that no food residues or ashes remain inside the smoker as it contaminates your smoker and can also cause rust.

Pros

  • Easily portable
  • Leak-resistant
  • Rust-resistant
  • Stable and durable

Cons

  • Small size

2. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D

Highlighted Features

  • Steel construction
  • Spacious smoking area
  • Cast-iron burner
  • Charcoal chamber
  • Removable ash pan

The vertical design of this offset smoker ensures even cooking and it produces a mouth-watering smoky flavor.

Construction: This amazing offset smoker has a heavy-duty steel construction that is coated with high-temperature powder to enhance its life and durability. The burner is made of cast iron and the smoker features an electronic pulse ignition system that ensures an easy and quick ignition. This offset smoker has a porcelain-enamelled charcoal chamber and a removable ash pan. It also features a built-in thermometer and adjustable dampers to gauge and control the internal temperature.

Function: The vertical design of this offset smoker makes it conspicuous among other smokers as it ensures even cooking while it produces a delicious smoky taste. The offset smoker box supplements the smoky taste as it keeps direct heat away from the meat while providing even heat consistently. You can regulate the internal temperature with the help of the adjustable smokestack and side dampers that regulate airflow thus controlling the internal heat. The porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber keeps the briquettes stacked thus making them burn efficiently.

In addition, this offset smoker has a removable ash pan that can accumulate a large amount of ash for hours. The thing I like the most about this offset smoker is its dual doors which really help in the preservation of heat while adding more wood.

Cleaning and maintenance: The removable ash pan eases the cleaning process as you can remove the ash quite easily and get rid of it quickly, especially if you are in the middle of your barbecuing and need to empty out the ash pan. You can also paint your offset smoker with heat-resistant barbeque paint to mitigate the risk of rusting.

Pros

  • No heat loss
  • Adjustable internal temperature
  • Produces smoky flavor
  • Indirect heat source

Cons

  • Poses problems in the winter wind

3. Char-Broil 12201570-A1

Highlighted Features

  • Steel construction
  • Versatile
  • Square legs
  • Adjustable steel grate
  • Adjustable built-in damper

This offset smoker is multi-use equipment that can be used as a charcoal and barbeque grill in addition to smoking food.

Construction: This amazing offset smoker is made of steel which makes it sturdy and durable while its square feet make it stable. The side handles along with the wheeled feet make this offset smoker easily portable. The steel grates and water pan are coated with porcelain which enhances their efficiency. It has an adjustable chimney vent at the top that helps adjust the internal temperature. The firebox is made of steel that holds wood chips and the drawers are designed in such a way that they are easily accessible, which in turn eases the process of replenishing wood and water.

Function: This offset smoker stands tall amongst its kind because of its versatility as it can be used as a barbeque and charcoal grill in addition to smoking meat. It smokes meat perfectly because of indirect, continuous and controlled heat. The welded cooking chamber supplements the smoky flavour as it keeps heat within the cooking chamber. It features an outstanding heat control system as built-in dampers along with the chimney vent allow you to control the internal temperature. The steel grates are adjustable, allowing you to accommodate meat of different sizes easily while the porcelain-enameled water pan supplies suitable moisture to the meat.

Cleaning and maintenance: This offset smoker features a clean-out door that helps in the easy removal of ashes. You need to clean it after every use to retain its efficiency for a longer period of time. Seasoning your offset smoker with some cooking oil can be a good option as it will alleviate the risks of rusting and contamination.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Easily portable
  • Performs multiple tasks

Cons

  • Size is small

4.Char-Griller E22424

Highlighted Features

  • Heavy steel construction
  • Cast-iron grates
  • Wood handle
  • Removable charcoal drawers
  • Spacious offset smoking box

This offset smoker offers a multitude of features at a reasonably cheap price.

Construction: This charcoal grill offset smoker is made of steel while the cooking grills are made of cast iron. It has a handle made of wood that remains cool while it has sturdy legs that render stability to it. Besides, it has two side handles that supplement its mobility while it features adjustable dampers that help in adjusting the internal temperature. The sliding drawers and the ash pan facilitate you to add charcoal and remove ash with ease, respectively.

Function: If you are fond of smoking or preparing grilled food items during picnics or in your backyard, then this offset smoker might be to your liking as it is easily portable and versatile in nature. It can smoke food items perfectly and can also act as a firebox if connected to charcoal barrel grills. The cast-iron grates help in even cooking meat or other food items while the steel construction makes it sturdy and durable. The adjustable dampers aid in controlling the internal temperature thus facilitating even cooking of the food items.

Cleaning and maintenance: This offset smoker has handy traits that will facilitate you in its cleaning, like sliding drawers that ensure easy access to coal and ashes. The ash pan can be easily cleaned as well but is not removable.

Pros

  • Easily portable
  • Can act as a firebox
  • Easy to clean
  • Stable and durable

Cons

  • Lacks removable ash pan

5. Royal Gourmet CC183OF

Highlighted Features

  • Stainless steel
  • Generous cooking area
  • Porcelain-enamelled cooking grates
  • Thermometer
  • Adjustable dampers

This offset smoker has a spacious cooking area and a compact design.

Construction: This offset smoker is made of stainless steel while the steel grates are enamelled with porcelain to give it better cooking qualities. This smoker has a heavy-duty lid and a spring handle that remains cool. It also features adjustable dampers and an air vent at the top to regulate airflow. Besides, a big charcoal box can accommodate a large amount of charcoal and therefore ensures an incessant flow of heat while it also has lifting handles that help you in adjusting just how high you want the meat to be from the charcoal.

An outstanding trait of this offset smoker is that its smoker provides an additional cooking area while the front steel mesh table, along with the bottom shelf, provides plenty of space for cooking and storage purposes. The side door makes the process of adding charcoal effortless while the removable ash pan facilitates the easy removal of the ashes. The sturdy legs grant stability to this offset smoker while the two wheels make it mobile.

Function: If you are looking for an offset smoker that can cook scrumptious gourmet food easily at home, then this offset smoker has all the handy traits to fulfil your needs. It has a compact design and certain versatile applications and it can be used on balconies, patios, and decks easily. Besides, the two wheels render easy mobility to this smoker so you can carry it easily to your desired picnic spots. The porcelain-enamelled steel grates smoke food perfectly with a smoky flavour while an adjustable damper, along with the chimney vent, helps in controlling the internal heat and you can easily gauge internal temperature with the professional thermometer.

In addition, the laborious task of adding charcoal is eased by the side door and the charcoal pan is quite spacious, thus providing a smooth, uninterrupted heat source. The height of the charcoal pan can be adjusted using the lifting handles which in turn adjust the internal temperature.

Cleaning and maintenance: The cleaning of this offset smoker is super easy as it features a removable ashtray. All you need to do is lift out the tray and throw away the ash.

Pros

  • Total control over the internal temperature
  • Easily portable
  • Additional storage area
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Paint may bubble off

6. Char-Griller 5050

Highlighted Features

  • Cast-iron grates
  • Steel construction
  • Dual fuel system
  • Generous cooking space
  • Stainless steel heat gauge

This offset smoker has heavy-duty steel construction and a double fuel operation system for your ease.

Construction: This offset smoker is made of heavy-duty steel while its burner is made of cast iron enameled with porcelain. It features a dual fuel system i-e gas and charcoal, and it has a separate gas burner as well. It has a separate temperature gauge for both the gas and charcoal sides while the height of the grates is adjustable which results in better heat control. This offset smoker has sturdy handles and a double-lined bottom shelf. It also has stable feet and two wheels on the front feet.

Function: This offset smoker has plenty of useful traits that will help you enjoy your barbeque parties with convenience. Its double-fuel system offers you the option of either using gas or charcoal as fuel and the heat gauges will help you monitor the internal temperature. The adjustable grate height ensures your required temperature.

The electronic ignition system ensures an easy and reliable ignition every time while the sturdy handles along with wheels render it mobile. The bottom shelf provides additional storage space while the grate lifter eases the addition of charcoal. The most appealing feature of this smoker is that it provides an exceptionally spacious cooking area and has 3 burners with a BTU outcome of 40800, in addition to one side burner as well.

Cleaning and maintenance: This offset smoker can be easily cleaned as it features an easy-dump ash pan and you need to make sure that ashes or food residue don’t remain within the smoker as it can damage the coatings. You should clean it after every use and remove the rust immediately it appears on it. You can also season this offset smoker to protect it from rust and contamination.

Pros

  • Easily portable
  • Spacious storage area
  • Easily to clean
  • An efficient heat control system

Cons

  • The internal coating may peel off

7. Oklahoma Joe’s Highland

Highlighted Features

  • Steel construction
  • Multiple dampers
  • Springe handles
  • Stable feet
  • Easy-access fuel door

This portable offset smoker has multiple dampers that help in adjusting internal temperature which in turn leads to even cooking.

Construction: This portable offset smoker is made of steel which renders durability to it. It features a built-in thermometer and multiple dampers to control the internal temperature. This smoker has a separate spring handle for the main cooking chamber and one for the fuel chamber which remains cold. It has two steel mesh shelves that provide additional storage space and sturdy steel feet that make it stable. This offset smoker has a convenient access door that eases the process of adding charcoal while it has wheels on the back feet that make it easily portable.

Function: If you are looking for an offset smoker that is simple yet effective, then this offset smoker can potentially match your needs. It has a large enough cooking space and ensures a steady flow of heat through its multiple dampers. The thermometer will help you gauge the internal temperature and then manage it using multiple dampers. It features an easy-access fuel door that enables you to add charcoal easily and remove the ashes in a breeze. The spring handles facilitate you in accessing the cooking chamber and firebox easily as they remain cold.

In addition, the firebox also provides additional cooking space while the two steel mesh shelves also enhance its storage capacity and the wheels help in its mobility.

Cleaning And Maintenance: This offset smoker features an easy-access door attached to the firebox that eases the removal of ashes. You need to season your offset smoker as it will create a layer over it that will guard it against contamination and rusting.

Pros

  • Easily portable
  • An efficient heat control system
  • Stay-cold spring handle
  • Spacious storage capacity

Cons

  • Small cooking area

Things To Look For Before Buying!

All of the smokers available in the market are not effective as some leak heat while others cannot produce the mouth-watering smoky flavour that we chiefly need them for. Therefore, you need to opt for an efficient offset smoker that can satisfy all your needs.

Ideally, an efficient offset smoker should:

  • Have a thick steel sheet
  • Retain maximum heat
  • Be easily portable
  • Have a spacious cooking area

Buying Guide

What Are Some Of The Things You Should Know About A Good Offset Smoker?

You should consider certain important features of an efficient offset smoker before buying it. Those features largely depend upon the needs of individual users as some want an offset smoker with a large cooking chamber as they have to feed many individuals while others might opt for a miniature offset smoker. Some people focus on the style because of their aesthetic nature. However, there are some basic features that you must look for while buying an offset smoker. Here are the details about those features:

Amount of metal used: An efficient smoker comprises a higher amount of steel as it enables the smoker to retain heat for a longer period of time and thus ensures an even smoking of the food items. Generally, a ¼ “ sheet of metal is used as it retains maximum heat and also it is less affected by weather changes. You can also opt for an offset smoker that has a thicker sheet than ¼” but it will also result in an increase in the price.

Size of the cooking chamber: The size of the cooking chamber is generally defined by the number of individuals you’ll be cooking for. An offset smoker with a spacious cooking chamber best suits large families while small families might look for a considerably smaller offset smoker. However, you need to make sure that there is enough space on the rack of the offset smoker you are buying along with the ample number of hooks that can cook enough meat.

Size of firebox: The firebox must be spacious enough to accommodate different types of heat sources like wood chips, charcoal or split wood. An offset smoker having a large firebox is also beneficial as it provides a continuous heat without any interruption and allows you to enjoy your barbeque party without any stress.

Compact structures: Any offset smoker you are opting for should have sturdy and compact construction. The grills, the hooks, the firebox, etc. should be compact enough to be stored easily and sturdy enough to withstand the test of time.

Temperature gauge: It is one of the crucial features that you need to look for in an efficient offset smoker as it makes you aware of the internal temperature without opening the lid and guessing temperature manually. An efficient offset smoker should feature a temperature gauge so that one can adjust the temperature accordingly and cook food with even temperature.

Adjustable dampers: This trait is crucial and handy as adjustable dampers facilitate you to control the airflow that in turn controls the internal temperature as well. It helps in cooking a food item evenly as it aids in providing even heat to the food item. Adjustable dampers along with the chimney vent are the crucial features that an efficient offset smoker should have as both supplement the offset smoker in its smoking efficiency.

Portability: An offset smoker can prove to be your perfect picnic companion only if it is easily portable. Some of the offset smokers feature wheels for this purpose which are really useful. You need to opt for the one that has a compact design so that it can be easily moved.

Removable ash pan and side drawers: The most laborious task in operating an offset smoker is the addition of fuel like charcoal, wood chips or split wood, and the removal of ashes. Side drawers ease the process of adding fuel while the removable ash pan aids in the easy removal of ashes. A combination of both these features results in the easy operation of an offset smoker without any inconvenience.

What Is The Importance Of An Offset Smoker?

An offset smoker holds importance because of the smokey taste that it produces which an electric smoker might not produce. An offset smoker provides options for customization according to your taste and needs. In addition, you can add charcoal or other heat sources without even opening the cooking chamber and it also provides a large cooking area. As it does not have any electric parts, there is no need for the repair of any part. Besides, it can potentially be your perfect picnic auxiliary as it operates in a traditional way with charcoal or wood chips.

How Does An Offset Smoker Work?

Well, you can control the heat and the smoke flow in an offset smoker and in theory they work by adjusting the air intake and exhaust vents. When the vents are open, it means more oxygen which produces a hotter fire. In practice, the temperatures may vary inside the cook chamber, with the end nearest the firebox being the hottest.

How To Use An Offset Smoker?

Here are some simple steps to operate an offset smoker:

  1. Add charcoal to the chimney starter.
  2. Light the charcoal.
  3. Do not add food immediately. Rather, wait for the heat to reach its potential.
  4. Moisture is necessary for the smoky taste, so add water into the water pan.
  5. The optimum temperature for perfect cooking is around 225F, or 107C.
  6. Maintaining temperature is very crucial, so you should adjust the dampers and chimney vent to control the internal temperature.
  7. When you sense the peculiar smoky colour and smell from the wood, then add your food item.
  8. Arrange your meat or other food items properly on grates.
  9. You need to rotate the meat or other food items continuously to cook them evenly.

Can I Grill And Smoke On An Offset Smoker?

Actually yes, as you can cook on an offset smoker by building a charcoal fire directly below the cooking grates, and then you can grill over the coals to give the meat a juicy and delicious smoky texture.

What Is The Difference Between A Grill And A Smoker?

The main difference between a smoker and a grill is that a smoker contains a separate fire space and it keeps the heat low to cook meats at temperatures around 225F to 250F / 110C to 120C.

How To Maintain An Offset Smoker?

You can maintain the protective coating of an offset smoker by cleaning the ash and food leftovers in time. You need to clean it regularly to maintain its shape and efficiency. You should not scrub as it can damage the coating and you should be very keen to remove the rust immediately in case it appears on it. You also have the option of painting it with heat-resistant barbeque paint to keep the rust away.

Harmful bacteria usually contaminate an offset smoker if they find a suitable temperature range i-e from 0 to 165F in food residues. You can use cooking oil (palm oil or peanut oil) inside the surface of an offset smoker and heat it up to a temperature between 250F to 275F. This will build a protective layer that can successfully resist rust and it will also eliminate contamination from your smoker. But, you need to take care that the temperature should not exceed the prescribed limits as it can damage the material of the smoker.

Conclusion

That’s it guys. The best choice that can withstand your needs under any circumstances is the Weber Smokey Mountain offset smoker as it provides an incessant, low heat to the meat thus making it delicious and perfectly smoky.