Best BBQ Smoker | Charcoal & Electric. 2022 Comparison, Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
If you want to master the craft of barbecue smoking, you should first and foremost get the right device. Today’s barbecue smokers ensure better precision and make the entire process more convenient. You do not need any more to spend a lot of time checking the temperature and meat readiness, trying not to miss the right moment to add wood. Many modern BBQ smokers are designed to perform these functions automatically. On the other hand, since these machines have become more sophisticated and feature-loaded, it is crucial to buy a smoker from a reliable, trustworthy brand.
What Is the Best Type of BBQ Smoker?
If you want to find the best BBQ smoker, you should first determine your priorities, budget, and how much food you are going to smoke. Based on these considerations, you can pick a traditional charcoal smoker; a feature-packed electric model; a versatile ceramic Kamado cooker for grilling, barbecuing, roasting and smoking; a space-saving vertical option, or a low-temperature cold smoker.
- Kamado BBQ Smokers
- Vertical Bullet BBQ Smokers
- Charcoal BBQ Smokers under $200
- Electric BBQ Smokers
- Cold BBQ Smokers
Kamado Charcoal BBQ Smoker
This type of charcoal smoker is becoming increasingly popular due to its small size and ability to maintain the needed temperature for a long time. Shaped like an egg, it looks like a traditional Japanese rice cooker. Kamado smokers are typically built with thick ceramic walls and have perfect insulation, something that ensures excellent heat retention. Another advantage of this option is versatility as it can be used for grilling, barbecuing, roasting, smoking, and more. With a fireplace situated on the bottom, it has a water pan and several racks to hold the food. As for drawbacks, Kamado smokers are pretty heavy and expensive.
Let's take Kamado Joe, an American brand that takes advantage of oriental cooking techniques. The company offers all-in-one cookers that combine an oven, a grill, and a smoker in one device. Made from 304 stainless steel, galvanized steel, and finished bamboo, Kamado Joe products feature enhanced weather-and mildew-resistance. Additionally, the grill cart has a two-piece design, which makes it sturdier than competitive products.
Kamado Joe makes three models — the 75-pound Kamado Joe KJ13RH, 188-pound KJ23RH Classic I, and the KJ23RHC Classic II that weighs as many as 250 pounds. These machines require less heat for cooking and, at the same time, allow you to cook at very high temperatures for longer. Moreover, you can not only control the temperature but also fine-tune it to get the desired result. The machines maintain consistent temperature ranging from 107 °C to 400°C and have a cast iron air vent.
The Kamado Joe KJ13RH model is the most lightweight and is built with carrying handles. The Classic I option offers 18 inches of cooking size and is engineered with locking wheels. The slide-out ash drawer makes cleaning easy, without the need to remove other elements from the grill. The Classic II model has a patented air lift hinge allowing the user to effortlessly lift the grill dome.
Vertical Bullet BBQ Smoker
This type is one of the most widespread options and is particularly popular with beginners. Due to their compact size and bullet-like shape, these machines take up less space on a patio. Vertical BBQ smokers are easy to use and it is not rocket science to figure out how they work. Fueled by wood and charcoal placed in the bottom, this dual fuel BBQ with smoker uses a water pan to evenly spread the heat and maintain humidity.
The third component is a rack where you put meat for smoking. To regulate the temperature, you can open or close the vents located on the bottom and top of the unit. The advantages of this type include excellent smoke distribution and portability. Also, a vertical design is ideal for smoking sausages. Smaller cooking capacity is one of the main downsides.
Suitable for families and small parties, the bullet smokers like Char-Broil can hold up to two pork shoulders or four chickens. The device has multiple beneficial features, such as multiple vents, a hanging bar for meat, probe eyelets, and a built-in thermometer. Another strength of this product is versatility.
Char-Broil The Big Easy® is a smoker, roaster and grill with TRU-Infrared™ technology. It's equipped with TRU-Infrared technology which prevents flare-ups that can often burn food, delivers even heat to all areas for up to 50 per cent juicer food whilst using up to 30% less gas. You can place wood chips in the smoker box to infuse the flavour and get that authentic smokey flavour.
Charcoal BBQ Smoker | Best under $200
If you are looking for a traditional flavour of smoky meat, go for charcoal BBQ smokers. They are available in different sizes and price ranges, so you can easily pick the one that suits your needs best. The most basic versions offer old-school methods of smoking. First, you place a heap of charcoal and then cover it with lit wood chips. To adjust the temperature, you need to tweak the vents. Despite its simplicity, this method allows you to cook for hours without worrying about fuel cost. What we do not like about charcoal BBQ smokers is that they can smoke only a small amount of food at a time.
You may opt for the Char Broil brand, a trusted American manufacturer of grills, fryers, and smokers. Founded in 1948, Char Broil was among the first producers of charcoal grills. The company continued to develop new products and in the 1980s, the Char Broil grill was recognized as the World’s Best BBQ Grill. In 2007, it introduced a “game-changing” infrared cooking system that makes restaurant-quality food.
Today, the company has a large assortment of products and one of them is the Char-Broil Kettleman™ Charcoal Barbecue Grill. The device is engineered with heavy-duty steel legs, a hinged lid, and a metal finish. It is easy to use: open the lid to reduce the temperature and close it to add more heat. The temperature gauge is mounted on the top of the unit, while the ash bowel is at the bottom and easy to access. Thanks to large built-in wheels, you can effortlessly move the machine around your patio.
For those on a budget, there is an affordable BBQ smoker, the Weber Smokey Joe Premium Portable Charcoal BBQ. The product is made by Weber, a Chicago-based company with almost 70 years of experience with grills of all types. George Stephen, who founded the company in the 1950s, invented the first kettle grill and launched its production. So no wonder that the Weber Smokey Joe is so reliable and well-made despite the low price. With a weight of just 4 kg, this portable smoker is 37 cm in diameter. A perfect choice for camping and picnics!
Electric BBQ Smoker
Powered by electricity, this device is the most advanced and convenient type of smoker. With the firebox mounted on the bottom of the unit, the smoker keeps the required temperature automatically as well as distributes heat and collects drippings. The other function of the heating element is to cause the wood chunks to create smoke. Some models are Bluetooth-enabled and let the user control the cooking process through a smartphone. Its main weaknesses include the lack of genuine smoke flavour and the need for a power source.
When it comes to electric BBQ smokers, we recommend the Masterbuilt brand, an American company with more than 45 years of history. It specializes in the production of innovative grills, smokers, fryers, and accessories and boasts world-class customer service. This top-notch Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is made with a digital panel that lets you control the temperature, set the time, and turn on or off the device.
The integrated thermostat temperature control enables consistent smoking. One of the perks we like most about the Masterbuilt electric smoker is its unique system for loading wood chips without opening the unit’s door. The smoker is wheeled and has a handle for easy transportation. It includes 4 racks coated with chrome and a whopping 2,400 sq. cm of cooking space.
The Masterbuilt brand has other digital smokers in its product line as well. Just look at this advanced Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker. With this device, you can set the temperature either on the control panel or via the app on your smartphone. The unit is Bluetooth-compatible, so you can monitor the cooking process remotely. Not only is this smoker smart but it is also very fast and powerful. In a little bit more than 10 minutes, the machine will reach the temperature of 370°C. The product features the GravityFed charcoal hopper designed for 12 hours of briquettes.
Cold BBQ Smoker
What separates this type from others is that it focuses more on smoke and less on heat. That is why cold smokers deliver an amazing smokey flavour that will satisfy even the most demanding gourmand. However, these devices are not created to cook raw meat and are mostly used to add delicious smokiness to the food. The thing is that the cooking temperature is not high enough to thoroughly heat the raw meat but is sufficient to give it a smoky flavour. Cold smokers are especially good for smoking cheese, vegetables, and fruits.
Built with galvanised steel, the unit is weather-resistant and will last you long. The cabinet is pretty spacious and can hold up to 3 kg of cheese or a fish. This product is recommended for both beginners and more experienced users.
Best-Selling BBQ Smokers | Comparison Table
Royal Gourmet 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 800 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping |...
- Your purchase includes One Gourmet 30” BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, CC1830S model | Cover is not included
- Grill dimensions: 55.1" H x 48.4" W x 27.2" L | Cooking area – 800 square inches | Porcelain-coated steel wiring grates – 438 sq. in | Chrome-plated warming rack – 179 sq. in | Offset smoker – 183 sq. in | No ignition system
- Removal charcoal, ashes pan allow users to tend charcoal and dump ashes easily
- Traditional charcoal grill with offset smoker combination for dual style barbecue. The offset smoker can also be used as a small grill. Please fuel it using lump charcoal or briquet, with a small amount of wood chips added to help increase flavor
- Includes smoke stack, temperature gauge, scald-proof handle, seamless connection, access door on side to tend charcoal, side air vent, and wheels to transport. New black coating process withstands temperature up to 400 and will not peel off easily
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
- Features five chrome-plated cooking grates and a total cooking space of 1382 square inches
- Heavy-Gauge Steel Body Construction. The temperature gauge features a smoke zone which indicates the ideal temperatures for infusing the perfect amount for smoking flavor. Also, the cool to touch handles, allow you to access fuel and food safely.
- Cool-touch spring lid grip provides safer access to food
- Stainless temperature gauge with "Smoke Zone" indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor
- Oversized steel wheels for mobility before and after use
Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
- Six height-adjustable cooking grates accommodate various sizes of food, giving 1890 square inches of total cooking space with 25-pounds capacity per grate.
- Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly for improved burn efficiency.
- Charcoal and ash management system with charcoal chamber, grate and sliding, removable steel ash pan. Designed to handle large amounts of ash for hours of maintenance-free cooking
- Vertical design lends itself to naturally rising heat, achieving greater efficiency and improved smoke flavor. Offset design keeps direct heat away from the food, allowing for slow cooking.
- Smoke stack features an adjustable flue for additional flavor and temperature control.
- Built-in, stainless steel thermometer. ‘Smoke Zone’ indicates ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor and an easy-to-read gauge helps you achieve perfectly smoked foods.
- Dimensions: 21 × 43.3 × 50.2 in
Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, Black
- Assembling easily, adopt new process,the paint on the burn box won't flake.total 800 sq inches cooking surface, 438 sq inches of main chamber, 1/4” diameter porcelain steel cooking grates; 179 sq inches for chrome warming rack; offset smoker provides extra 183 sq inches cooking area with porcelain steel cooking grates.
- Combination offset smoker, good for smoker and heating, side door for easy adding charcoal, air vent grants better air flow.
- Heavy duty lid, with professional thermometer, big stack and cool-touch spring handle. Adjustable damper for better air flowing.
- Big capacity charcoal pan, contains 5 lbs charcoal at once; lifting handles adjust the height of the charcoal for better heating
- Steel mesh front table and bottom shelf, provide plenty of working and storage space, very easy to clean up.
Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Black
- 【QUALITY PROTECTION】 - Build-in thermometer with detailed temperature scale and adjustable air supply on lid for greater temperature control.Porcelain-enameled water pan and charcoal pan can provide you the stable use. The heat resistant bakelite handles make transport, basting and cooking a breeze.
- 【COOKING SPACE】 - 2 pieces cooking grids provide total 453 square inches cooking space. With crossbar and 4 hangers inside the lid, you can smoke different sizes and shapes of meat.
- 【MULTI-FUNTIONAL】 - Smoking is a popular method that allows food to be preserved longer, or to impart a different flavour to food, it can be used for cold or hot smoking. Cooks different ways - smokes/grills/steams/bake/braise/roast, offers huge flexibility.
- 【LATCH LOCKING SYSTEM】 - It's easy to assemble and easy to use. Two layers design you can easily take them apart to transport or clean. Use as a bbq grill or a smoker it depends on you. With the latch locking system, it can provide you more stability.
- 【2 ACCESS DOOR】 - The advantage of 2 access door is you can open the door according you request, more flexible than the one access door. When you need to check the status of foods, you just need to open the upper door. Open the other door, you can add charcoal or wood easier.
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker 6 in 1 BBQ Grill Auto Temperature Control, 450 Sq in...
- ★ ULTIMATE 8-IN-1 (Cover included): Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill✓sear✓char-grill
- ★ Pellet Grill Technology: There isn't an easier way to get wood-smoked flavors than with a pellet grill. Try it, and you'll taste the difference from a GAS or CHARCOAL grill
- ★ Set the Temperature, Relax, and Enjoy: Z Grills pellet grills will do all the work for you once you set the temperature. No labor-intensive start-up. No babysitting the grill. Enjoy the cooking!
- ★ Consistent Results Every Time: The PID technology holds the tightest temperature possible throughout your cooking for consistent results.
- ★Smoke, Grill, and Everything in Between: With its 180° to 450° F temperature range, this pellet grill has 8-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill with incredible hardwood flavor.
- ★Designed for Small Families, yet Big on Flavor: Perfectly sized for small households, the 450A features 452 sq. in of cooking space while infusing big flavors into your food.
- ★Built to Last: Sturdy steel construction with a high-temperature powder coating finish makes the pellet grill long-lasting, bringing you years of ultimate wood-fired grilling experience.
- ★Less Pellet Filling, More Smoking: The 15 lbs large-capacity pellet hopper offers longer cooking time, eliminating the need to refill the hopper constantly.
Traeger Grills TFB89BLFC Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker with Alexa and WiFIRE Smart Home Technology,...
- NEVER USE GAS OR CHARCOAL AGAIN: Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste. The Ironwood 885 takes it to the next level with precise temperature control
- CONNECTED HOME TECHNOLOGY: WiFIRE technology connects your grill to home WiFi and the Traeger app allows the user to control the grill from anywhere. Alexa technology allows you to do it all by voice
- VERSATILE BARBECUE COOKING: The Ironwood 885 pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all on the same grill. The Porcelain grill grates makes clean up a breeze
- GRILL IN ANY WEATHER: The double side-wall insulation improves temperature consistency and pellet efficency in cold weather. The Ironwood series also has a built in pellet sensor, which monitors pellet levels remotely through the Traeger app
- THE MARKET LEADER IN PELLET GRILLS: The new Ironwood with D2 drivetrain starts quicker, heats up faster, and puts out better quality smoke. The digital meat probe ensures your food is cooked to perfection every time
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box, 50 Inch, Black
- Traditional charcoal grill with side firebox for Texas style barbecue
- Grill barrel and side firebox provide heavy-gauge powder-coated steel construction; nonstick cast-iron cooking grates for even heating
- Removable charcoal drawers allow users to add charcoal and dump ashes easily; double bottom for long-term durability
- Additional features include temperature gauge, storage rack and 2 wheels for easy transport. Heavy Duty Steel Construction
- 580 square inches of cooking surface ; 250 square inch side fire box for either charcoal cooking or smoking ; Total cooking area of the Char-Griller grill and smoker is 830 square inches
- Grill measures 62" X 29" X 50", weight: 146 lbs., Assembly required
Royal Gourmet CD2030AN 30-Inch Charcoal Grill, Deluxe BBQ Smoker Picnic Camping Patio Backyard Cooking, Black
- Spacious Cooking Space: 511 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 253 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack give a total of 764 square inches cooking area. Extra large cooking surface caters for big parties or events.
- Easy Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Height-adjustable charcoal pan with an easy-to-handle crank handle fine-tunes temperature control and cooks food efficiently. It can hold charcoal up to 3.4 kg/7.5 lb.
- Front Charcoal Door Access: Tend charcoal without opening the upper lid to ensure minimum heat loss.
- Convenient Heat Control: Slide the side damper open and raise or lower temperature with the use of lid-mounted stack which delivers increased heat control.
- Temperature Gauge: The lid-mounted temperature gauge indicates temperature change instantly.