Your dreams of winning serious cash at a barbecue competition, or cooking like the pitmasters you see on TV, are probably driven by your desire to own an offset smoker.
Offset smokers can, however, be risky to buy. A cheap model is notorious for leaks and unreliability, while a costly model can set you back thousands of dollars.
With so many offset smokers available, we’ve been able to find one to suit every budget and experience level.
Those on a sub $1,000 budget should consider Oklahoma Joe’s Highland, which provides good construction quality and avoids many of the pitfalls associated with cheap offsets.
It looks like you’ve made the decision to invest in a dedicated smoker. Congratulations on your decision!
Smoking meat on a standard grill is possible, but achieving quality results is more difficult.
An offset smoker may be a better choice for smokers who take their smoking seriously (and if you’re reading this, you must be). Smokers are common for grillers as well as “standard” barbecues.
In the past, you may not have noticed that offset smokers are available in a wide variety of sizes.
Our goal in this article is to help you identify the best offset smoker by going over all the things you need to consider.
Here, we present our findings based on our research. Here are the features you should look for when choosing the best offset smoker, along with a few that are unnecessary or can even impede your cooking experience.
Here are a few of our top recommendations, and we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of each, so you can shop with confidence, arming yourself with your newfound knowledge.
It’s time for the smoke show to begin! Before we go any further.
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect offset smoker than Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker. Offset smokers can be very expensive, but this one boasts a lot of features without being terribly expensive.
There are 1060 square feet in this apartment. Barbeques for family members and friends are a breeze with this smoker’s inches of cooking area. In addition to this area, there are 309 square feet. A provided grill can be used as a cooking or warming rack in the firebox chamber.
In this particular model, the reverse flow technology helps ensure that food is heated evenly and smoked evenly. Smoke is directed to the main chamber through four baffles.
Furthermore, it is constructed from high-quality steel with a heavy gauge to maintain the correct temperature. The grate is porcelain-coated on four sides. Smoke can be controlled by dampers.
Stainless steel makes up the fuel basket in the firebox. Moreover, the firebox is easy to clean thanks to the ash collection door.
In spite of its 226-pound weight, the large steel wheels make it easy to transport. Keeping condiments and utensils can be done easily with grills on the front and bottom.
In addition to adding convenience, the coiled cool-touch handle looks amazing as well.
In the case of this grill and smoker, Oklahoma Joe certainly knows its way around making great Texas-style barbecue grills and smokers.
Pros
Constructed with high-quality materials
An adequate cooking area
Shelf space for workstations that is convenient
Temperature control and smoke control
Cooking capacity is good without heating up excess space
Easy heat control with multiple dampers
Steel construction minimizes warping and rusting
Easily cleanable, durable, and rust-resistant porcelain-coated cooking grates
There aren’t too many major differences between Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker and our top pick. As a result, the smoke escapes the traditional way since it does not have a reverse flow option. A thermometer can be found on the cover to make up for that.
This one has 900 square feet of cooking space. There are 281 square inches of total cooking space, including both the main cooking area and the firebox grill.
The Longhorn one is also similar in design and materials. There are two shelves and a cart-style large wheel on the heavy-gauge steel body.
You can add more wood or remove it from the firebox through the top door. In addition, there is a smaller door at the bottom where ash can be removed. A porcelain coating makes it easy to clean the grates.
The weight is 176 pounds, so carrying it inside and outside shouldn’t be a problem. With the wheels, it’s easier to move around. You get the best of both worlds with the smokeless smoker’s all-black look.
A slight leak of smoke is sometimes criticized on the Highland. We have experienced very little leakage and do not need to deal with it. There are, however, a few inexpensive and simple mods you can make to fix this!
For those looking for an offset smoker that truly makes incredible, perfectly smoked meats right in their backyard, Oklahoma Joe’s Highland is the best choice.
Pros
Constructed with high-quality materials
An adequate cooking area
Shelf space for workstations that is convenient
Temperature control and smoke control
Cooking capacity is good without heating up excess space
Easy heat control with multiple dampers
Steel construction minimizes warping and rusting
Easily cleanable, durable, and rust-resistant porcelain-coated cooking grates
It’s hard to beat Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker combination when it comes to multipurpose smokers. The smokebox is equipped with a charcoal chimney burner and a gas grilling chamber.
There are three sections to the cooking area: the main cooking surface, the gas grilling chamber, and the firebox, which also has grates for cooking. 750 square feet of cooking space are provided by the main two chambers. Another 310 square inches are added by the firebox. Embroidered.
A gas chamber can produce a maximum of 12,000 BTUs with three burners. Cooking a variety of dishes with the same appliance is possible thanks to the chamber. Additional 12,000 BTU comes from the charcoal chimney starter.
There is also one in the firebox of this stove, unlike the cooking chamber, where there is a damper for controlling smoke and heat.
Grates made of cast iron and porcelain are easy to clean and leave less food residue. Chambers are divided by six grates.
The chamber lids come equipped with thermometers, so insertable thermometers are not necessary. The meat could, however, be measured more accurately with those.
There is a rack on the bottom shelf of this one, as well as space for the gas tank.
The smoker combo weighs 200 pounds despite its many versatile features. A big set of steel wheels makes it easy to move around. Featuring ergonomic, cool-touch handles, each lid is easy to operate.
Known for its cooking and grilling equipment, Dyna-Glo makes a wide range of products. There would be no point in including this maker’s smoker on this list.
Featuring heavy-gauge steel and a black finish, its Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill is a unique product.
Stacks of five chrome-plated grates are located in this vertical chamber. Grates can be accessed easily through the horizontally opened door. A total of 1382 square feet can be covered by the cooking area when all five grates are combined. This is a generous measurement of inches.
You can also make hot dogs with the sausage hooks at the top of the chamber.
In addition to providing intuitive cooking, it displays the right smoke zone for the right flavor with its integrated temperature gauge. It will be helpful for beginners who are looking to cook a delicious meals with the perfect amount of smoky flavor.
It weighs just 124.3 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight smoker grill. Moreover, its large steel wheels make moving it a breeze.
A charcoal grill and ash pan can be removed from the firebox/offset for easy cleaning. The ash can be emptied into a trash can after sliding out of the tray.
The heat is evenly distributed throughout thanks to the vertical design and easy temperature control. Smoke will leak through the door and joins at this price point. It is recommended that a LavaLack gasket be fitted around the doors in order to achieve a tighter seal.
The offset smoker is efficient, easy to operate, and able to produce some impressive barbecue once you install it.
If you are looking for a compact and space-efficient charcoal smoker, the Dyna-Glo O1176BDC-D is best for you. The chamber of this smoker is stacked with grates, as indicated by its name. With 1176 square feet, it offers a tremendous amount of space. A total of 784 square feet of cooking space. Approximately how much smoke can be seen?
A porcelain coating protects the charcoal chamber so it burns as efficiently as possible.
Steel grates in six square shapes are easily accessible from the lid and its handle. Smoke Zone is a profile of smoke on the lid/door that has a built-in stainless steel thermometer.
The ash collection method it uses for cleaning up is efficient. It will be so much easier to clean the ash pan after the barbeque is over and the guests have left. As soon as the cleaning is done, no heavy cleaning is needed.
The vertical design of the grates allows heat and smoke to gradually reach the grates. Because of this, the food has a smokey flavor due to the more natural heating.
Its design is as noteworthy as its grilling capabilities. There are no wheels on it, so it weighs less than 57 pounds. If you want to move it, you will need to move it with another person or drag it.
The user does have a lot of control over it, especially since the flue can be adjusted on top. This little feature comes in handy if you’re particular about your cooking conditions.
Using an adjustable smoke stack flue makes controlling the temperature easy. To improve fuel efficiency, briquettes are tightly stacked in the porcelain-enameled fire chamber.
Due to its great value for money, we rate it the BEST cheap offset smoker on the market even though it’s not the cheapest.
Pros
Efficiency of burn is good
Design that maximizes space
An adequate grilling/cooking area
The temperature can be controlled easily
Cleaning the cooking chamber is made easier with a grease management system
Steel ash pan that can be removed for easy cleaning of the firebox
The flue can be adjusted to control the temperature and smoke more effectively
It’s a compact cooker that still produces great meat when you have a limited amount of space but still want a traditional smoker.
Its porcelain-coated racks, ash pan, and professional thermometer are made of the same durable steel as the other top offset smokers.
Having a smaller size saves fuel, which makes it ideal for people who don’t want to cook such large quantities at once or who have a smaller yard. It can even be folded down for easy storage while you’re not grilling and wheeled around.
The Dyna-Glo barrel smoker can be used to grill sausages, burgers, vegetables, and other food when the smoking is almost done if the idea of limited cooking space worries you. Despite its reasonable price tag, it is a great all-around barbecue.
Pros
In the same shape as a traditional offset smoker, this smoker has a smaller footprint
Two steel wheels make moving it easier than most offset smokers
Warp- and rust-resistant construction made of heavy-duty steel
The porcelain-coated grates are rust-resistant and easy to clean
A convenient storage rack made of steel
A cool touch handle
Easy access to and cleaning of the firebox with removable charcoal grate and ash pan
To make cooking easier, a professional thermometer has grill and smoke zones
Cons
The capacity of cooking is smaller
Types of Offset Smokers
Offset Smokers: What You Need To Know
In order to find the right offset smoker, one general rule is to list down everything you’re looking for – whether it’s a warranty, overall structure, or price. Then, you won’t have to suffer the heartbreak of searching for offset smokers and discovering that they don’t meet your needs.
Here’s a guide for purchasing an offset smoker if you’re unsure about what features to look for. The following is a list of all the factors you should consider before purchasing an offset smoker:
The metal of high gauge
High-quality seals and dampers
Gauges for temperature
Strongness
Protective Coverage
Assurances
The size of the firebox
Size of cooking chambers
Cleaning is easy
Mobility
The metal of high gauge
A heavy metal gauge offset smoker provides an even cooking environment and retains more heat. Look for a model with at least 14 inches of gauge metal thickness. By using this feature, an offset smoker won’t warp or be adversely affected by weather changes.
Dampers and seals of high quality
The use of quality seals on an offset smoker enables greater temperature control, lower fuel consumption and better smoke retention. Check the seals for gaps if there are any. It should also be easy to open and close the dampers of the offset smoker.
Gauges that display temperature
Checking the chamber temperature frequently can be stressful if you have to open and close the lid of your smoker frequently. Offset smokers with temperature gauges outside the chamber will keep you from having to worry about this kind of trouble. Your offset smoker will be able to tell you if there are any temperature differences with this feature.
Effortlessness
Do the wheels and legs of the offset smoker have a good amount of strength? Are the materials used in its construction of high quality? A sturdy offset smoker is always a good choice when you are looking for one. To get a good return on your investment and smoke meat for a long time, you should buy a durable offset smoker.
Coverage
A smoker with a cover is a good choice if you do not have a covered area in your backyard or lawn. Pests, dust, and other debris will be prevented from accumulating in your offset smoker, and heat and moisture will be prevented.
Warranty
Over time, offset smokers can still develop problems, regardless of how durable they are. The cost of repairing or replacing one that does not come with a warranty will likely be high.
The warranty is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an offset smoker. When the offset smoker shows issues due to the manufacturer’s defect, a warranty can save you tons of money.
Dimensions of the firebox
Offset smokers with fireboxes that are too small or too big for your chosen fuel source can be stressful to purchase. Unless your offset smoker is equipped with a firebox that can hold split wood, how can you smoke meat?
If you are considering purchasing an offset smoker, make sure you check the firebox first. The firebox of your preferred fuel source should be large enough for your preferred fuel.
Size of the cooking chamber
Offset smokers with similar cooking capacities to grills and barbeques are a waste of money. Make sure you buy an offset griller with a spacious cooking chamber if you plan to upgrade your barbecue.
You can cook large quantities of meat at once when you choose an offset smoker with a large cooking chamber. You will be able to cook your smoked meat faster, especially if you serve large groups.
Effortless cleaning
It’s important to buy an offset grill that’s easy to clean because food can build up on it quickly. You may also contaminate your food by failing to clean your offset grill, as well as by reducing its lifespan.
You will be able to clean your offset smoker much easier if you find one with removable cooking plates and ash clean-out tools. It is also important to purchase an offset smoker with a drain or plug in the chamber so that you can simply hose out the inside when it needs to be cleaned.
Flexibility
A lightweight, easy-to-move offset smoker is the best option if you love to camp and grill outdoors. The portability of your offset smoker is one of the most important factors to consider, especially if you spend a good deal of time outdoors.
The Best Way to Use an Offset Smoker
You will have to put a little more effort into traditional offset smokers. With an offset smoker, you don’t just set it and forget it like you do with an electric or water smoker. There is a bit of hands-on work involved, but that’s what makes it so interesting.
To get started, follow these steps:
Step 1: Start the fire
Start the fire with a chimney starter after filling the firebox with coals. Make use of the ignition system if it is equipped with one.
You can add wood once the coals are burning. The faster charcoal burns, the better. Wood generally takes longer to ignite.
Step 2: Get the Right Temperature
The temperature gauge on your smoker can help you get to the right temperature. Thermometers are also useful.
Keep the vent flap and chimney open halfway once the cooking chamber has reached the desired temperature.
The temperature can be raised by adding more wood as needed.
Step 3: Add the Food
The food can now be carefully placed on the grates now that the cooking temperature has reached the correct level. Allow the food to cook under the lid.
Step 4: Check Fire Every 30 Minutes
Ensure that the fire is actively managed by checking it every 30 minutes to see if more logs are needed. Make sure the cooking chamber temperature is checked every 15 minutes.
Tips
To ensure you get the best results from your offset smoker, here are a few additional tips:
You won’t be able to keep the heat and smoke inside if you keep opening the lid again and again.
Check the weather before starting the smoker and lighting a fire.
The temperature inside the chamber can vary despite the company’s claims that the smoker provides even heating, so move the meat from side to side.
Using a digital thermometer, check the temperature inside the chimney as well.
Conclusion
It’s important to choose a smoker that fits your budget as well as your requirements. A large family or even some guests can cook comfortably with most of the products in these offset smoker reviews.
Ensure your smoker lasts a long time by taking care of it properly. The better you get at it, especially managing the fire and maintaining the right temperature, the easier it will be for you.
FAQs
Q: What are the steps for using an offset smoker?
The indirect heat used in offset smokers is used to cook a wide variety of food. Indirect heat is utilized to cook protein, side dishes, and vegetables by using a horizontal cooking chamber and a firebox on the side. There is no direct contact between fire and food. In order to maintain the ideal smoking temperature, you continuously feed the firebox with charcoal and wood throughout the cooking process,” explains Rose.
Q: Offset smokers allow you to cook a variety of foods?
An offset smoker is ideal for cooking everything from brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or steaks, to vegetables and seafood, as well as desserts and even cocktails. Smoking offset smokers can be used for anything you want to flavor with a smoky flavor.
Q: Is it better to smoke offset or vertically?
The type of food you’re cooking determines what you should cook. It is much more versatile to use an offset smoker compared to a vertical smoker. Rose says that adding fuel won’t disrupt the smoking or heating process in the cooking chamber. In addition to being easier to maintain temperature and rotate your meat, offset smokers are better for larger cuts of meat that you want to lay flat, like ribs or brisket, he says. The grill can be used directly with direct heat as well, he says.
Q: How does an offset smoker differ from a reverse flow smoker?
In contrast, to offset smokers, reverse flow smokers are able to maintain a more uniform and consistent temperature within their cooking chambers. An offset smoker consists of a firebox with a chimney opposite it that provides heat to the cooking chamber. Smokers with reverse flow, on the other hand, push heat under a sealed drip pan to the far end before reversing airflow through the smoker and exiting through a stack on the firebox end. This allows a more even distribution of heat.
