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Unleash Smoky Perfection: The Best Charcoal Smokers of 2024

By Chris Johns •  Updated: 12/09/24 •  17 min read
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Best Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers are the secret weapon of pitmasters and BBQ enthusiasts looking to achieve that perfect smoky flavor. Unlike gas or electric smokers, charcoal smokers impart a rich, authentic taste that’s hard to replicate. They also offer more temperature control and allow you to experiment with different wood types for unique flavor profiles.

But with so many options on the market, finding the right charcoal smoker can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best charcoal smokers of 2024. Whether you’re a backyard griller or a competition pitmaster, we’ve got you covered with our top picks and expert buying advice.

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What is a Charcoal Smoker?

A charcoal smoker is a specialized outdoor cooking device designed to cook food at low temperatures while infusing it with smoky flavor through the combination of charcoal and wood. Unlike traditional grills, charcoal smokers are specifically engineered to maintain consistent low temperatures (usually between 225-275°F) for extended periods, allowing tough cuts of meat to become tender and flavorful through the slow cooking process.

How Charcoal Smokers Work

The basic principle behind a charcoal smoker is indirect cooking with carefully controlled heat and smoke. These smokers typically feature:

Types of Charcoal Smokers

Several distinct styles of charcoal smokers are available:

  1. Vertical Water Smokers (like the Weber Smokey Mountain): These feature a bullet-shaped design with the fire at the bottom, a water pan in the middle, and cooking grates above. They’re known for being user-friendly and space-efficient.
  2. Offset Smokers: These have a horizontal cooking chamber with a separate firebox attached to the side. Smoke and heat flow from the firebox into the main chamber, creating an indirect cooking environment.
  3. Kamado Smokers: These ceramic or insulated smokers, based on ancient cooking vessels, offer exceptional heat retention and temperature control. They can also achieve high temperatures for grilling.
  4. Drum Smokers: Also known as “ugly drum smokers,” these simple yet effective units are often made from converted steel drums and use vertical heat flow for cooking.
  5. Gravity-Fed Smokers: These modern units combine charcoal smoking with digital temperature control, offering traditional flavor with modern convenience.

Benefits of Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers offer several advantages over other types of smokers:

Understanding how these smokers work and their different styles can help you choose the right one for your needs and cooking style. Whether you’re smoking a brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, a charcoal smoker can help you achieve that authentic barbecue flavor that pit masters and backyard enthusiasts alike strive for.

How to Choose the Best Charcoal Smoker

When selecting a charcoal smoker, consider the following factors:

  1. Type of Smoker: Choose between vertical, offset, kamado, or bullet smokers based on your space, preferred cooking style, and budget.
  2. Size and Capacity: Consider how much food you typically cook and choose a smoker with appropriate cooking space.
  3. Build Quality: Look for thick-gauge steel or ceramic construction for better heat retention and durability.
  4. Temperature Control: Seek smokers with good ventilation systems and accurate thermometers for precise temperature management.
  5. Ease of Use: Consider features like easy-access doors for adding fuel, removable ash pans, and wheels for mobility.
  6. Versatility: Some smokers can also be used for grilling or baking, which may be a bonus if you have limited outdoor cooking space.
  7. Price: Set a budget, but remember that higher-quality smokers often provide better performance and longevity.

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker has been a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts for decades, and for good reason. This bullet-style smoker offers exceptional performance, durability, and ease of use at a reasonable price point. The 18-inch model provides ample cooking space for most home smokers while remaining portable enough for tailgating or camping trips.

Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker,Black

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Highlights

Specifications

In our testing, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker consistently produced excellent results across a variety of meats. The two 18.5-inch diameter cooking grates provide ample space for smoking multiple items at once, while the porcelain-enameled water pan helps maintain a moist cooking environment and stable temperatures.

We found the temperature control to be exceptional, thanks to the adjustable dampers and built-in thermometer. The large fuel door made it easy to add charcoal or wood chips without disturbing the meat or losing significant heat.

Customer Reviews for Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch

  1. “I’ve been using my WSM for over 5 years now and it’s still going strong. The temperature control is excellent, and I can easily smoke for 12+ hours without refueling.”
  2. “As a beginner, I found this smoker very easy to use. The results have been amazing – juicy, tender meat with great smoke flavor every time.”
  3. “The build quality is top-notch. I’ve left mine outside year-round and it still looks and performs like new.”

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance charcoal smoker that will last for years, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch is our top recommendation. Its combination of consistent performance, durability, and ease of use make it the best overall choice for most BBQ enthusiasts.

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package

For those seeking excellent performance at a more budget-friendly price point, the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package offers exceptional value. This unique drum-style smoker uses a vertical design and hanging meat method to produce consistently great results. Its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a favorite among both novice and experienced pitmasters.

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package - 18.5 Inch Drum Smoker | Porcelain Coated Steel BBQ Grill | Includes 8 Hooks, 2 Hanging Rods, Grill Grate and More

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Highlights

Specifications

The Pit Barrel Cooker’s vertical design creates a convection-like cooking environment that results in evenly cooked, moist meat with a great smoke flavor. We found the hanging method to be particularly effective for ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder.

One of the biggest advantages of the Pit Barrel Cooker is its simplicity. The design requires minimal temperature management, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those who prefer a more hands-off approach to smoking.

Customer Reviews for Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package

  1. “I’m amazed at how easy this smoker is to use. Just light the charcoal, hang the meat, and let it do its thing. The results have been fantastic every time.”
  2. “The hanging method produces some of the best ribs I’ve ever had. The meat comes out incredibly tender and evenly cooked.”
  3. “For the price, you can’t beat the Pit Barrel Cooker. It’s simple, effective, and produces great BBQ consistently.”

If you’re looking for a straightforward, effective charcoal smoker that offers great value for money, the Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package is an excellent choice. Its unique design and ease of use make it a standout option in its price range.

Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560

For those who want the flavor of charcoal with the convenience of digital controls, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 offers the best of both worlds. This innovative smoker combines the authentic taste of charcoal with precise temperature control and smart features, making it ideal for tech-savvy pitmasters who want consistent results.

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Digital Control, App Connectivity and 1,050 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20041220

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Highlights

Specifications

The standout feature of the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is its digital control system. We found it incredibly easy to set and maintain precise temperatures, with the smoker reaching the desired heat level quickly and holding it steady throughout long cooking sessions.

The gravity-fed charcoal hopper is a game-changer, allowing for extended cooking times without the need to constantly add fuel. We were able to smoke for over 10 hours on a single load of charcoal.

Customer Reviews for Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560

  1. “The temperature control on this smoker is incredible. I can set it and forget it, knowing it will maintain the exact temperature I want.”
  2. “Being able to control and monitor the smoker from my phone is a game-changer. It’s made overnight smokes so much easier.”
  3. “The versatility is amazing. I’ve used it for everything from low and slow brisket to high-heat searing steaks. It does it all well.”

If you’re looking for a charcoal smoker with the convenience of digital controls, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 is our top recommendation. Its innovative design and precise temperature control make it stand out in the world of charcoal smokers.

Kamado Joe Classic Joe III

The Kamado Joe Classic III represents the pinnacle of ceramic charcoal smokers. While it comes with a premium price tag, its versatility, efficiency, and build quality make it a worthy investment for serious BBQ enthusiasts. The thick ceramic walls provide superior heat retention and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for long smoking sessions.

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red, with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool, 3 Tier Cooking System, Stainless Steel Cooking Grates, Model KJ23RHCI-A

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Highlights

Specifications

The Kamado Joe Classic III’s ceramic construction provides exceptional heat retention and fuel efficiency. In our tests, it maintained consistent temperatures for over 12 hours on a single load of charcoal, making it ideal for long smoking sessions.

We were particularly impressed with the SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber, which noticeably improved smoke circulation and flavor penetration compared to traditional kamado designs.

Customer Reviews for Kamado Joe Classic III

  1. “The temperature control and efficiency of this smoker are incredible. I can easily maintain low temps for smoking or crank it up for high-heat searing.”
  2. “The build quality is outstanding. Every component feels premium and well-designed. It’s an investment, but one that should last a lifetime.”
  3. “The versatility of the Kamado Joe is amazing. I’ve used it for everything from smoking brisket to baking pizzas, and it excels at everything.”

For those willing to invest in a top-of-the-line ceramic smoker, the Kamado Joe Classic III offers unparalleled performance and versatility. Its innovative features and exceptional build quality make it the best ceramic charcoal smoker on the market.

Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

For those who want the classic offset smoker design in a more compact vertical format, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker offers an excellent combination of capacity and performance at a reasonable price point. Its vertical design provides ample cooking space while maintaining a smaller footprint than traditional horizontal offset smokers.

Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill

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Highlights

Specifications

The Dyna-Glo Signature Series offers impressive cooking capacity in a relatively compact footprint. We found the five adjustable cooking grates to be very versatile, allowing us to smoke a variety of meats simultaneously.

The offset firebox design provides good smoke flavor and heat distribution, though it does require some practice to maintain consistent temperatures. We found that using the water pan helped stabilize temperatures and keep meats moist during long smoking sessions.

Customer Reviews for Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

  1. “Great smoker for the price. It took some practice to get the temperature control down, but now I’m producing delicious smoked meats consistently.”
  2. “The amount of cooking space is impressive. I can smoke for large gatherings with ease.”
  3. “Solid construction and good value for money. It’s not perfect, but with a few minor modifications, it performs like a much more expensive smoker.”

If you’re looking for a vertical offset smoker that offers plenty of cooking space without breaking the bank, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is an excellent choice. It provides good performance and versatility at a competitive price point.

Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker

For those on a budget who want to explore offset smoking, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker offers a great entry point. This versatile unit combines a traditional charcoal grill with an offset smoker, providing flexibility for various outdoor cooking styles.

Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

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Highlights

Specifications

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S offers impressive versatility at an affordable price point. The main grilling chamber provides ample space for direct grilling, while the offset smoker box allows for indirect cooking and smoking. We found the adjustable charcoal pan helpful for controlling heat levels during both grilling and smoking sessions.

While the build quality isn’t as robust as some higher-end models, it’s sturdy enough for regular use and provides a good platform for beginners to learn offset smoking techniques.

Customer Reviews for Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker

  1. “Great starter smoker for the price. It takes some practice to maintain temperatures, but I’ve managed to smoke some delicious ribs and pork shoulder.”
  2. “The versatility is fantastic. I use it as a regular grill most of the time, but it’s great to have the smoking option for special occasions.”
  3. “Assembly was straightforward, and it’s held up well over a year of regular use. Definitely good value for the money.”

If you’re looking for an affordable entry into the world of offset smoking, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker is a solid choice. Its combination of grilling and smoking capabilities makes it a versatile addition to any backyard cooking setup.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

While not a dedicated smoker, the classic Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill earns a spot on our list due to its versatility and ability to produce great smoked foods with the right technique. For those who want a grill that can also handle occasional smoking duties, this is an excellent choice.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

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Highlights

Specifications

While primarily designed for grilling, the Weber Kettle can be easily set up for smoking using the “snake method” or with add-on accessories like the Slow ‘N Sear. We found that with proper technique, it can maintain low and slow temperatures for several hours, producing excellent smoked meats.

The build quality is typical Weber – solid and durable. The porcelain-enameled finish helps with heat retention and should last for many years with proper care.

Customer Reviews for Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

  1. “I’ve been using my Weber Kettle for both grilling and smoking for years. It’s incredibly versatile and produces great results.”
  2. “With a little practice, you can maintain low and slow temperatures for hours. I’ve smoked ribs, pork shoulder, and even brisket on mine.”
  3. “The build quality is excellent. I’ve had mine for over a decade and it’s still going strong.”

For those who want a versatile charcoal cooker that can handle both grilling and smoking duties, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice. Its classic design, durability, and flexibility make it a great option for backyard cooks who enjoy both grilling and smoking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best charcoal smoker for beginners?

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch is an excellent choice for beginners due to its ease of use, consistent performance, and wealth of online resources for tips and recipes.

How do I control the temperature in a charcoal smoker?

Temperature control in a charcoal smoker is achieved through managing airflow with the intake and exhaust vents, as well as controlling the amount and arrangement of fuel.

What type of charcoal is best for smoking?

Lump charcoal is often preferred for smoking due to its purer composition and longer burn time, but high-quality briquettes can also work well.

How often do I need to add charcoal when smoking?

This depends on your smoker and cooking temperature, but generally, you may need to add charcoal every 4-6 hours for low and slow cooking.

Can I use wood chips in a charcoal smoker?

Yes, wood chips can be added to charcoal for additional flavor. Soak them in water first to prevent them from burning too quickly.

How do I clean and maintain my charcoal smoker?

Regular cleaning after each use, emptying ash, and occasional deep cleaning of grates and the interior will help maintain your smoker. Also, protect it from the elements when not in use.

What’s the difference between an offset smoker and a vertical smoker?

Offset smokers have a separate firebox attached to the side, while vertical smokers have the heat source at the bottom. Offset smokers often provide more even heat distribution but can be more challenging to master.

Can I use my charcoal smoker in cold weather?

Yes, but it may require more fuel and careful temperature management. Consider using an insulating blanket designed for smokers in very cold conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right charcoal smoker can elevate your BBQ game and help you create mouthwatering, smoky dishes. Whether you opt for the classic performance of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, the innovative design of the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, or the versatility of the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, you’re sure to find a smoker that fits your needs and budget.

Remember to consider factors like size, build quality, and ease of use when making your decision. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be creating competition-worthy BBQ in your own backyard. Happy smoking!

4.7/5 - (19 votes)

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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