Choosing the best charcoal smoker can be overwhelming. There are many smokers in the market and so you better be aware of what you are buying before you start dipping your hands into your pocket.
You need to get something comes with accessories, light and durable. Remember, if you make a wrong decision, you will regret for the rest of your life.
Some producers incorporate fake features with the aim of luring customers to buy their products.
Therefore, if you are easily seduced by the physical outlook of a product, you will be in for a rude shock.
What do you need to do then? It is important to get them from genuine sellers who have a good reputation. Let’s look at the best charcoal smokers that are worth your money;
Our Pick: Top 3 Best Charcoal Smoker Reviews 2021
| Charcoal Smoker | Product Weight | Cooking Space | Dimensions (HWD) | Customer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Weber 721001 | 47 lb | 481 sq. in. | 41 x 19 x 21 inches | 4.8 |
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D | 57 lb | 1176 sq. in. | 47 x 34.5 x 20.2 inches | 4.0 |
Char-Broil Offset | 24 lb | 290 sq. in. | 44.75 x 46.25 x 17.5 inches | 3.8 |
Weber 721001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black
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If you want an authentic smoke flavor at your home, the weber 721001 mountain cooker is the best option for you. This cooker has many versatile features that makes it an outstanding cooking charcoal smoker.
First, it has a built-in thermometer that allows you to check the temperature of your smoker. The heavy-duty grates made of steel provides an ample space to roast and smoke ribs simultaneously.
Additionally, the Weber grills are designed in a way that offers the best cooking experience regardless of what you are cooking: extensive meals or basic burgers.
It is no surprise that this product is rated 4.8 out of 5. You have no chance to regret after buying this charcoal smoker because it will just fulfill its promises. Read full review.
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker
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For the best outdoor cooking experience, the Dyna-Glo smoker is what you need. Its deck is made of durable materials which means that it will be there to stay.
It guarantees an amazingly smoked, savory food. That smokehouse flavor you have looked for in ribs, chicken and steaks can be achieved with this charcoal smoker. Its performance is incredible.
Do you know why many people love this cooking charcoal smoker? It is because it has a dual door design that minimizes heat loss during the smoking process.
Remember, negligible heat loss translates to faster cooking and increased efficiency. Additionally, it has a heavy-duty body construction made of steel which guarantees durability.
Be sure that you will not replace your investment with a new one any time in your lifetime unless you want to deliberately.
Char-Broil Offset Smoker American Gourmet Grill
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The Char-Broil is a great option for a beginner. Therefore, if you don’t have a crowd to cook for then you should opt to buy this cooker. The beauty of this product lies in the offset fire-box.
The box allows indirect cooking transmitting low heat, smoke, and flavor through the chamber (cooking chamber). This ensures that the food is cooked in the best environment which translates to the best results.
Additionally, it has a simple door that aids you in ash removal to keep up the tidiness of your cooker.
Finally, it has a large cooking surface (29 inches) in the main chamber. This increases the efficiency of this product. Many users have given it a positive review which means that you will definitely love it.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Charcoal Smoker
The three charcoal smokers discussed in this article are not the only good products in the market. Therefore, if you want to go for something different, here are the factors to consider;
- Price
Your budget determines the type of charcoal smoker to buy. You cannot buy a smoker valued at $1000 when your budget can accommodate $450 only. Usually, the higher the price, the better the quality. Therefore, it is important to go for the highest quality if you have enough money.
- Workmanship and materials
The quality of the material used to make your smoker determines its durability. How are the edges? Does it have big latches and hinges? Is the paint rustproof and waterproof? How strong are the moving parts? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself. A smoker made of stainless steel is a better choice.
- Availability of accessories
The best charcoal smoker is that which comes with tools such as; hooks, covers, extra racks, and many other accessories. This ensures that don’t have to spend extra cash to buy those accessories separately. It is also important to know whether you can leave the smoker uncovered without rusting.
- Support and warranty
Warranty and technical support information are characteristics of a best charcoal smoker. If it comes with a warranty, you will return it to the dealer when you detect a fault. So, it is important to transact with dealers who have a good reputation. Additionally, you should know whether the dealer has email or phone call tech support that can be consulted for when of any technical problem.
- Safety
How safe is the charcoal smoker? Is it safe for both children and pets? The issue of safety is paramount to your family. Smokers with hot handles and rotating wheels are dangerous for your children and pets. This is because these can cause serious injuries. So, you should choose stainless steel handles because they are durable and are able to disperse heat quickly hence making it cool faster.
- Ease of cleaning
A charcoal smoker is used to cook a variety of foods. These foods usually spill on it and hence it needs constant cleaning. If you leave fat, juices and seasonings that drip off to accumulate in your smoker, they will help bacteria to bleed and become a potential threat to your food. It is important to buy a product that is easy to clean and keep up.
- Storage and work surface
You need a cooker that has a wide storage and working surface. Charcoal smokers that offer surfaces to put cutting boards, sauces and other things are the best. You may also opt for those cookers that have cabinets and storage bins.
- Height and size
A tall and large charcoal smoker is best because it allows you to smoke a turkey with the least hassle. So, make sure that the headspace is large enough.
- Movable shelves
A charcoal smoker that allows you to remove shelves guarantees easy configuration of the interior. This ensures that large objects such as turkeys are accommodated. It also ensures that the cleaning process of the interior is easy.
You should also go for a charcoal smoker that has wheels for easy movement from one place to another. Drip pan a good charcoal smoker should have means of collecting dripping for disposal.
How to Use a Charcoal Smoker
Charcoal smokers are easy to use. Here are the tips for using charcoal smokers to smoke vegetables and meat;
- Preparation of your charcoal pan. You may decide to use flavored briquettes or regular ones. Special charcoals give your food some extra flavor.
- Light the charcoal and leave it to burn for some minutes. Ensure that all the briquettes have caught fire and then replace the pan into your smoker.
- Slowly insert your charcoal pan back into your smoker.
- Fill the water pan with water and put it back to the smoker to make sure that your food cooks evenly.
- Put the required food on the grills.
- Close the lid as you open the vents to allow ventilation of smoke and to give fresh oxygen to the fire.
- Allow the food to cook and check it infrequently. Remember, if you open the lid often, the heat and smoke may escape causing problems.
- Finally, allow the food to smoke for some more time until it is ready.
Additional Tips
- Ensure that the heat is regulated using a water pan to protect your food from drying out completely.
- Never over smoke your food. Do it within the limits.
- Always use white smoke and avoid black smoke because black smoke may give you unpleasant surprises.
- Always keep the vents of your smoker open for most ventilation.
A charcoal smoker is an important investment that you should consider adding to your kitchen. However, it is important to conduct extensive research before investing in a charcoal smoker. There are many products in the market; some are genuine while others are just “bogus”.
So, if you throw caution to the winds, you will get something that does not match your dreams, desires and lifestyle. Choose well!
