Offset smokers are great for low and slow barbecue cooking because they get hot enough to impart flavor but don’t allow for higher temperatures used in grilling like direct heat grills do. Because it has different surfaces on either side of the grill, offset smokers can accommodate a wide variety of foods at once with a large total cooking area in comparison with other styles of smokers. This makes them a favorite among competition teams who cook for large numbers of people.
If you’re looking for the best offset smokers, this blog post will go over the key features and benefits that offset smokers provide so you can make an informed decision about what type is best for your needs.
List of 8 Best Offset Smokers Reviews
#1 Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
- The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker is the perfect choice for big barbecue events or catering with its 1,060 total Square inch cooking surface.
- The reverse-flow smoker employs a series of 4 baffles that guide heat and smoke through the main chamber, delivering an even cooked product without hot spots.
- Large charcoal basket makes easier tending to the fire and quicker clean up even more efficient.
- Options are available to personalize this smoker so it can meet your needs including reconfiguring jet plate locations, adding multiple dampers to control the temperature variations, using firebox space as needed, and choosing from 3 different size fuel baskets which gives you varying cook times.
- For additional ventilation during intense smoking periods there are two adjustable top vent dampers that can be left open to regulate air flow then closed again when done making sure the smoke stays inside the chamber.
#2 Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
- The Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill is the answer if you are looking to create delicious barbecue with less hassle.
- With five chrome plated cooking grates and a total cooking space of 1382 square inches, your smoked, grilled, or slow cooked dish will be on display for all to admire before they come close enough to take a bite of it out of sheer curiosity.
- Each grill features heavy gauge steel body construction that makes it virtually impenetrable by corrosion elements that may be found in natural environments or normal wear and tear.
- You can also rest assured that you are controlling the temperature within safe limits due to the ingenuous cool-touch spring lid grip design combined with stainless steel temperature gauges.
#3 Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box
- The Char-Griller E1224 Offset Smoker offers the high quality and durability of a traditional charcoal grill with modern features like double bottom construction, wheels, and an easy-to-access side fire box.
- With 580 square inches of cooking surface and 250 inch side firebox for either smoking or grilling, this is a smoker that can handle any size party!
- The tough powder coated steel construction make this grill last a lifetime of barbequing while nonstick cast iron grates provide even heating for your next culinary masterpiece.
- Featuring heavy duty steel construction and removable coal drawers to make refueling easier than ever before; we recommend this smoker for anyone who appreciates convenience combined with high performance.
#4 Broil King 958050 Offset Smoker
- The Broil King Regal Charcoal Offset 500 Smoker is the perfect outdoor cooking stove for any serious smoker.
- With features like air vent system with chimney style stack, heavy duty cast iron cooking grids, dual-purpose smoke diffusing charcoal trays and removable ash tray in both cooking chambers, this everything you need in a smoking machine without being too cumbersome.
- The body has 625 sq. inches of primary surface area to enjoy all the barbecue flavors you can handle!
#5 Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
- The Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill is perfect for any gourmet chef. This sturdy grill provides 823 square inches of cooking space—including 443 square inches of porcelain-enameled steel wire grates, 189 square inches offset smoker, 191 square inch chrome plated warming rack.
- Ideal for both high heat and low slow-cooking options, the firm combination of offset smoker allows you to grill and smoke your favorite foods simultaneously with no hassle!
- The Low Air Loss Technology offers better control over the internal temperature so that preparations are guaranteed success every time. The front shelf includes room for seasonings or bowls so nothing needs to be cluttered around the stovetop anymore!
#6 Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS962CBO-D Barrel Charcoal Grill & Side Firebox
- The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS962CBO-D Barrel Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker Box – This multifunctional grill converts into an offset smoker or provides additional cooking space.
- This grill is equipped with a removable charcoal grate and ash pan, which offers easy access to fuel and quick disposal of ash. The porcelain enameled steel cooking grates cool to the touch for safety while your food cooks away.
- Porcelain-enameled steel cooking grates are stronger than traditional cast iron, so this unit will produce delicious meals for years without sacrificing taste in return!
- Cast handles provide secure grip and side shelves offer ample storage, allowing you bring everything but the kitchen sink to create culinary excellence.
- The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS962CBO-D Barrel Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker Box features a removable middle section that can be changed from grill to smoker in minutes.
#7 Landmann 560212 Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
- The Landmann 560212 Charcoal Grill is your dream come true. With the capacity to grill 60-80 burgers with its porcelain coated cast iron grates, you’ll never worry about running out of room. A handy charcoal pan adjusts to multiple positions so you can cook everything at once, and a chrome plated steel warming rack provides 201 sq. in of secondary grilling space for cooking delicious side dishes or sauces right on the grill.
- Its large stainless steel handles make it easy to transport this summer beast across the yard (and again, don’t worry about running out of room). The temperature gauge is sure to keep an accurate fire burning all throughout your meal prep time, taking all the guesswork away from live flames under intense heat.
- With a solid steel construction and heavy duty powder coated steel body, there’s no need to worry about climbing this grill. The large front and back locking swivel casters make transportation easy and the two piece firebox can be conveniently stored in its own separate area making for very simple clean up. Take your backyard grilling experience to the next level with the Landmann 560212 Charcoal Grill.
#8 Outsunny 48″ Steel Portable Backyard Charcoal BBQ Grill and Offset Smoker Combo with Wheels
- Introducing the Outsunny 48″ Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill and Offset Smoker Combo! As a combination of grill, smoker, and charcoal BBQ with an extremely unique design, this all-in-one backyard barbecue is your one stop shop for perfect gatherings.
- The smoking section contains fire boxes that offset heat to provide delicious smoked flavor (without having to wait!) while the side vent can be used to apply air flow.
- There are plenty of storage spaces; 2 shelves on either end – which also include metal grating below – as well as room inside the unit itself where you can store your grilling essentials or accessories without running out of space. You never have to worry about burning yourself by using our wooden handled system because it is heat resistant.
Types of Offset Smokers
Offset smokers are a style of smoker that have been around for many years. Offset smokers have one chamber where the food is placed and another separate chamber where the fuel source is burned. There are several types of offset smokers depending on what fuel you want to use or your budget.
Gas
The first type of offset smoker is a gas powered smoker. This type of smoker has become very popular in its short history because it can be used as both a propane grill and an offset smoker. Many times people will by a gas powered propane grill and then change out the lid for an offset fire box and use it as a wood-fired cooker.
There are several options available beyond gas as a fuel source. Many people will use charcoal or pellets, but you must keep them separated by using different chambers of the smoker itself. Other people will utilize electricity which has become more popular in recent years because it is an easy way to control temperature without having to constantly adjust vents or deal with ash or coals.
Charcoal and wood
The other type of offset smoker is a charcoal or wood powered smoker. This style of smoker has been around the longest and is very popular for those who love cooking with fire as well as grilling. These types of smokers are usually made from heavy-duty steel that holds heat extremely well, but also chips away at itself over time because it absorbs so much heat. That is why it’s best to cook low and slow with these simple offset smokers.
The disadvantages of this design is that they don’t usually have great insulation which means you lose a lot of heat through conduction and radiation even when the firebox isn’t running. They will still hold heat for long periods after the fire has gone out, but you will lose heat through conduction from the steel.
Vertical Offset Smokers
The vertical offset smoker is probably the most popular design of smokers today because it combines all the best things about both propane and charcoal smokers. The vertical offset smoker allows for good heat retention thanks to its thick steel construction but also gives you great temperature control thanks to an indirect heat source that can be adjusted very easily.
Horizontal Offset Smokers
The horizontal offset smoker is the other popular style of smoker and is probably second to the vertical smoker in terms of popularity. The reason for this is because it has very good insulation and retains heat extremely well. This type of smoker can also be used for indirect heat, but does not do as well with low and slow cooking because it heats up very quickly.
These smokers are not ideal for grilling or smoking at high temperatures, but they work great when you need a longer cook time on something that requires lower temperatures like making jerky or barbecuing ribs. They will hold temperature better than any other type of grill which makes them great for overnight cooking.
Benefits Of Having An Offset Smoker
There are a number of benefits associated with owning an offset smoker. These units give cooks alternative options for cooking as opposed to ovens and stoves, which may be more conventional for some people. Here is a breakdown of the specific advantages that these products have to offer:
- Greater smoke flavor in the meat because wood chips are located in a separate chamber from where the food is being cooked: The benefit in this case primarily arises from the fact that when cooking with an offset smoker, smoke from burning wood can infuse into food via vents or small openings in the grill’s lid or side walls. In addition, large grates allow for maximum smoke exposure while preventing smaller bits of food from falling through holes and consequently burning up if they land directly on the coals or heating element.
- Allows for cooking different types of meats at the same time without mixing flavors: The benefit here arises from offset smokers having two chambers, one where charcoal is located to provide heat and another where food can be placed so it doesn’t cook directly over flame or become exposed to excessive heat that might char its exterior layer before being properly done on the inside. Furthermore, because each chamber has its own air intake/exhaust system, these components can be turned off when food needs to be cooked in only one area instead of both. This feature allows cooks to prepare separate batches of meat simultaneously, ensuring that items are all fully-cooked by the time they are ready to serve or pack up.
- Offers a versatile way for families and gatherings to socialize when food is being prepared: Another significant benefit associated with owning an offset smoker is that it has a number of design features that allow people to socialize and stay entertained when food is being cooked. For example, devices equipped with large doors (that open upwards instead of sideways) and extra space underneath the lid (to accommodate tall items like beer bottles or cooking utensils) make it possible for cooks to interact with their guests while simultaneously monitoring food as it is being prepared. This feature can be particularly useful during summertime gatherings, family cookouts, tailgating parties, etc., as it allows different types of people to participate in preparing meals together without causing traffic jams or clogging up other areas where activities are taking place.
- Allows for low-cost smoking options because wood chips are all that’s needed to produce smoke: While offset smokers are generally more expensive than propane or charcoal grills, they can still be purchased at affordable prices on sites like eBay. In addition, the fact that these items utilize wood chips instead of complicated ventilation systems or electric heating elements means that they are often more cost-effective in the long run because very little money has to be spent on maintenance and replacement parts after initial purchase. Furthermore, this feature also implies less overall energy consumption when cooking with an offset smoker because wood is a cheaper alternative to charcoal/propane for heat generation purposes.
What To Look For When Buying An Offset Smoker?
Build quality
The overall build quality and construction of an offset smoker is a large part of what is going to determine the cost. More expensive options tend to be sturdier and more dependable, with high quality materials used for both the smoking chamber as well as the exterior. This results in increased durability, less warping over time, fewer parts failing or needing replacement, along with higher potential smoke production due to efficient heat transfer.
Heat Management
Temperature control is critical when smoking meats at low temperatures. An offset smoker that features poor temperature regulation can result in improperly cooked meat– rendering it dry and tough rather than juicy and flavorful. Typically this means purchasing something that has multiple levels of grates which allow you to remove the food at different times during cooking, or to use indirect heat.
Ease of Use
If you are new to smoking meat, an offset smoker built for long-term use is probably not the best option. Your first purchase should be smaller in size and much more simple in design. Becoming familiar with your smoker will come only through trial and error, so starting out small makes this experience less painful! The more expensive options that feature stainless steel finishes can be very difficult to operate due to heavy build materials that resist temperature fluctuations. This requires constant attention throughout cooking time– something that takes away from enjoying your meats rather than enhances it.
Smoke Production/Filtration
A key part of smoking meats is maintaining smoke flavor throughout the cooking time. A smoker that doesn’t produce enough smoke is not going to infuse your meat with as much flavor, and it’s also likely to make your neighbors upset with the lack of aromatic quality. Typically this means purchasing something that has a heavier gauge steel– which can be very difficult for beginners! On average, offset smokers require more attention during use than other types of smokers due to their design requiring coals.
Size
Think about what you are planning on using it for. You don’t want anything too big or small– you need to be able to fit all of your favorite things inside comfortably, but if it’s too large you’ll never be able to get it outside. Take measurements of your yard space before you go shopping, and always allow some extra room for future use!
Price
A budget is important when buying anything– more expensive isn’t always better, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better, either. It’s all up to what you want/need. You can find really great offset smokers without paying through the roof for them if you know where to look!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many features of an offset smoker that make it a great choice for serious grillers. If you’re looking to get into the world of low-and-slow barbecue cooking or just want to try something different than your traditional gas or charcoal grilling setup, give an offset smoker a shot and we guarantee that you’ll be hooked in no time.
