The Best Offset Smoker – The 10 Best Offset Smoker Reviews and Buyers Guide

The Pros, the Cons, and the Facts About the 10 Best Offset BBQ Smokers For 2019.

When looking around for the best offset smoker, there’s a lot to consider.  Picking the right smoker brand is only part of the battle.

In reality, looking to purchase any type of smoker is going to take some thought as your needs may differ from the next person.

But most outdoor cooks that are serious about smoking food don’t just want any smoker; they want a product that not only looks attractive on their patio, but also performs well, and will last them many years to come.

While many tend to go for the most affordable smoker they come across, it is far more important to emphasize quality over quantity, especially when it comes to offset smokers.

You’ll understand why in the next section.

Cheap vs. Expensive Offset Smokers: Which is Better?

On the flip side, the reverse tends to be true for products that are more affordable.

But this isn’t always the case.

So here’s the truth about offset smokers.  The majority of the time, you’re going to get the best bang for your buck with a pricier smoker – particularly long term-wise.

Those cheap-o bargain offset models have ruined the smoking experience for more people than any other type of grill.  I’ll say it again, cheaply made offset smokers have driven away more people just getting into smoking than every other type of grill!

There is a big difference in quality when looking at offset smokers in the $500 and up range compared to the $400 and under range.

To decide if a more affordable or more expensive offset smoker will be most relevant for you, let’s weigh some of the general differences between the two:

Cheap Offset Smokers (Under $400 to $500):

• Have poor fire management control
• Have issues maintaining consistent heat
• Fireboxes leak badly because of inferior seals
• Harder to control oxygen flow
• Food chamber doors leak heat and smoke
• Poorly designed chimney dampers making it difficult to control the draw of air
• Little or no seals to trap in heat
• Built from thin metal making heat retention poor
• More prone to rust
• Designed and built poorly
• Usually, have short warranties (approximately a year)
• Rarely are made in the USA; often made in China

Expensive Offset Smokers ($400 to $500+):

• Often are name brand or come from a trusted manufacturer
• Built from thick metal that absorbs and distributes heat evenly
• Tight seals on doors and dampers making it easy to control the heat
• Many offer a reverse flow system that forces the hot air to travel the length of the cooking chamber
• More likely to be constructed with stainless, anti-rust steel or other materials
• Almost always have a temperature gauge
• Usually, have longer warranties that cover more parts of the smoker
• Sometimes feature patented technology or parts
• Tend to be better in build quality a majority of the time
• More likely to be made in the USA

While it may seem that higher-end offset smokers are the cream of the crop, as mentioned, this may not always be the case either.

In fact, if you can’t afford a pricier offset smoker, no worries; I still feature a few drool-worthy offset smokers at a reasonable price on the below list.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or not, we have a list of great candidates below that feature substantial quality and longevity.

Why This Guide Will Be Helpful For You

Offset smokers range from standard cheaply made models that won’t last for more than a season or two, to the more expensive masterpieces made from companies like Lang, Horizon and Oklahoma Joe that you see every weekend in BBQ competitions around the country.

But how do you know which of these options to choose?

That’s where I come in!

If you’re looking for the best offset smoker that fits your needs, then the below list is for you.

I’ve done all the legwork for you and reviewed the latest offset smokers on the market from the top manufacturers.  The outcome of my testing and research has led to the below list of the best of the best in offset smokers.

I’m confident when I say the following line up represents the best offset smokers on the market today and I know you will be able to find the perfect one for you.

The 10 Best Offset Smokers

“The list includes a variety of options, prices, sizes, and features.  I recommend that you always perform your own due diligence, however, and make sure you are completely comfortable with your choice before you buy.”

On to my top picks!

#1 Lang 36” Original Patio Model

✅ 931 square inches of cooking space

✅ ¼” rolled steel body

✅ ¼” welded drip pans

✅ 2” brass gate valve

✅ 17” x 17” firebox

✅ 60- to 72-pounds of meat capacity

✅ V-shaped grease pan

✅ Reverse flow design

✅ Patio Cart

✅ Bottom storage rack

✅ Two 8” turf pneumatic tires

✅ Two 4” locking steel wheel casters

✅ Two 18” x 15” bottom racks; one 23.5” x 16” sliding top rack

This smoker has just about everything from an integrated temperature gauge and grease channel to a large patio cart and bottom storage rack.

The temperature control and heat retention are outstanding with this Lang smoker.  It also features Lang’s signature reverse air flow design which kicks out much more even heat and air flow than you will find in traditional offsets.

The biggest con of this Lang offset smoker model, however, is that it is over $1,200.  For the majority of first-timers, this smoker might be well out of their price range.

Another disadvantage surrounding this model is that the grates are not stainless steel.  If you want stainless steel, you’ll have to pay more as an upgrade, which is unfortunate considering the already-hefty cost of this smoker.

But if you have the money to purchase the Lang 36” Original Patio Model and don’t mind having non-stainless-steel grates or are willing to spend more for such, this smoker can be an awesome buy.

After all, this smoker features plenty of storage space, offers heavy-duty and tightly-sealed construction, and is equipped with warp-free cooking grates.

#2 Horizon Smoker 16” Classic Backyard Smoker

✅ 680 square inches of cooking space

✅ 16” x 32” cooking chamber

✅ 16” x 16” firebox

✅ Wood storage shelf

✅ 12” wagon-style wheels

✅ Grease drain and hook

✅ Chrome spring handles

✅ 3” temperature gauge

✅ Dual damper system

✅ Lifetime warranty

Offering incredible versatility at a value price, the Classic Backyard Smoker is highly recommended for its macho looks and great design.

While this smoker is on the middle range of many consumers’ budgets, it’s set with a built-in thermometer, large wheels for transportation, and a generous lifetime warranty.

The expertly designed double damper system makes it a cinch to control your temperature and heat retention is top notch on the Horizon.

For those who love to cook both low and slow as well as bake, roast, BBQ and grill, this Horizon smoker model can do it all as it features a wide temperature range from 160 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unlike many smokers and barbecues on the market, this Horizon smoker has a temperature gauge that is fairly accurate and features tight construction to ensure little to no smoke escapes the smoker’s openings.

All in all, the Horizon Smoker 16” Classic Backyard Smoker knows how to keep a steady temperature, is capable of creating a beautiful smoke ring on your meats, and ensures easy transportation due to its large wheels.

#3 Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker

✅ 1,176 square inches of total cooking space

✅ Steel construction

✅ High-temperature powder coating on body

✅ Stainless-steel temperature gauge

✅ Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber

✅ Dual door design

✅ Smokestack

Featuring heavy-duty steel body, a porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber, a cast iron burner, and a stainless-steel temperature gauge, this Dyna-Glo offset smoker does not cut corners on quality construction.

From the dual door design of this Dyna-Glo model that ensures you can add wood chips without releasing heat from the cooking chamber to the adjustable smoke stack that lets you control the temperature, it’s clear that the function is equally top notch.

I personally find that the smokestack isn’t as adjustable as one might wish and that it lacks a heat shield, this is still a nice smoker for those who like set and forget type of smoking from a high-quality, even, consistent smoker.

For the affordable cost and all of the features the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D offers, it’s difficult to say no to this smoker.

It’s the perfect smoker for beginners.

#4 Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker

✅ 751 square inches of cooking space

✅ 309 square inch, stainless-steel firebox

✅ Heavy-gauge, all-steel construction

✅ Reverse flow design

✅ 4 porcelain-coated cooking grates

✅ Warming tray for side dishes

✅ Front tool shelf

✅ Bottom storage shelf

✅ Removable baffles

Featuring easy-to-control smoke thanks to its quality air dampers and heavy-duty construction inside and out, Oklahoma Joe’s ensured their Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker would have both great function and longevity at the same time.

You’ll be glad to know that this smoker also features a large charcoal basket and comes with a ton of storage space both on the front and bottom of the smoker.

However, there are reports of the paint peeling off and smoke leaking through the openings of the smoker.

Fortunately, most buyers of the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker perform minor modifications such as sealing the edges that leak smoke and painting the smoker body with heat-resistant paint to combat this.

With just a few standard modifications, this smoker is the perfect fit for just about any user.

#5 Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker

✅ 619 square inches of cooking space

✅ Steel construction

✅ Porcelain-coated cooking grates

✅ Clean-out door for ash removal

✅ Stainless steel fuel basket

✅ 4 baffles to guide heat

✅ Wood storage shelf

✅ Tool storage shelf

✅ Chrome plated, stay-cool handles

✅ Integrated temperature gauge

✅ Wood chip box

With this smoker, you get a large amount of storage space, even heat across the grates, and the ability to hold temperature well.

Even maintaining the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker is a breeze with its easy-to-clean porcelain-coated cooking grates and a separate door for ash removal.

But before purchasing this smoker, do note that smoke leaks around the main door, so you’ll need to seal it up with gasket.  Owners also reported paint fading off the body over time, but it’s nothing a fresh coat won’t fix.

Overall, the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland is not a bad buy.  Other than fading paint and smoke-leaking issues, which can be easily fixed as mentioned, there is professional-grade quality coming from this device from its construction to its consistent function.

#6 Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal Smoker

✅ 1,100 square inches of cooking space

✅ ~200 square inch firebox

✅ Infrared rear burner

✅ 4 stainless steel burners

✅ 2 integrated temperature gauges

✅ Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates

✅ Slide-out, removable grease pan

✅ Firebox draft control system

✅ Adjustable charcoal tray

✅ Bottom storage shelf

Each of the four cooking chambers of this bad boy offer easy-to-ignite push-button ignition and a commercial-grade quality build sure to cook a wide variety of food from meats and seafood to vegetables and more.

When you’re not whipping up incredibly-flavored smoked meats with the perfect smoke ring, you can also sear beautifully with this Smoke Hollow smoker.

From quality-made burners and heavy-duty cooking grates to a massive amount of cooking space, you get more than what you pay for with this product.

Even the cons of the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 are not enough to push most consumers away.  Besides potential rusting, if not well maintained and properly cared for and the fact that this smoker is heavy, making it difficult to transport, this Smoke Hollow smoker is virtually flawless.

#7 Broil King Smoke XL 32-Inch Offset Charcoal Smoker

✅ 625 square inches of cooking space

✅ 2 mm steel body

✅ Cast iron cooking grates

✅ Roto-Draft damper

✅ Dual charcoal trays

✅ Removable ash tray

✅ Integrated temperature gauge

Just from the double-walled construction and great fuel efficiency of this smoker alone, it’s clear why this is one of the best offset smokers on the market for 2019.

For proper airflow, Broil King includes a chimney-style stack and Rota-Draft damper.  Thanks to these, it is easy to control and maintain the heat with this smoker.

Although there are claims that the ash catcher tray doesn’t catch everything and that the paint bubbles and peels off over time, there are more pros than cons with this smoker.

Most owners are quite pleased with the Broil King Smoke XL 32-Inch as it not just looks sharp and has great construction but also kicks out meats that slide off the bone like they were never connected to it, to begin with.

You just can’t beat a good smoking session like that.

#8 Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D

✅ 1,382 square inches of cooking space

✅ Steel body

✅ 5 removable, chrome-plated steel cooking grates

✅ Vents for air movement

✅ Removable ash pan

✅ Integrated thermometer

✅ Wheels

The five removable, chrome-plated steel cooking grates on this smoker ensure more than enough grate space for cooking the foods of your choice.

Owners find that this smoker is simple to use, is fuel-efficient, and is easy to transport due to its large wheels.

But there are a few cons to know about.  For instance, assembly takes a while but fortunately is fairly easy overall.  Also, the steel construction is on the thinner side.  Lastly, the integrated thermometer – like with most barbecues and smokers – is not all that accurate.

This can be remedied by picking up a wireless temperature probe.  You can see my recommendations here.

Once the one-time assembly is out of the way and an external thermometer is bought, the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D doesn’t pose any major issues with users and is overall an affordable yet decent-quality smoker for its price range.

#9 Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo

✅ 750 square inches of cooking space

✅ 310 square inch firebox

✅ 6 porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates

✅ 3 12,000 BTU burners

✅ 12,000 BTU side burner

✅ Separate firebox access door

✅ Electronic ignition

✅ Bottom storage rack

✅ 2-year warranty

This is the perfect product for you if you want to both smoke and grill on your next smoker.

With very little heat loss, the capability to crank up the heat quite high if you prefer, heavy-duty construction, and dual cooking chambers, it’s clear why consumers are going gaga over this smoker.

On top of the mad love this smoker gets from its owners, customer service from the manufacturer is more than favorable if something happens to go wrong with your smoker.

Although it takes time to assemble, is prone to rust with improper care, and is difficult to lug around as it weighs a whopping 204 pounds, the Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo is still a quality product worth its price that does exactly what it’s intended to do: beautifully smoke and grill while looking great on the patio.

#10 Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

✅ 1,890 square inches of cooking space

✅ 6 adjustable cooking grates

✅ Charcoal chamber

✅ Charcoal grate

✅ Removable ash pan

✅ Smokestack

✅ Stainless-steel thermometer

The wide body of this model’s cooking chamber is suitable for longer meats such as whole racks of ribs.  Removing a few of the adjustable cooking grates, you can easily fit a whole turkey or other taller slabs of meat.  The versatility of this smoker is obvious.

Owners love that this Dyna-Glo smoker is easy to move around, holds plenty of heat for an extended period of time, and has great construction – all for an affordable, lower-end cost.

But the downfalls are still present as no smoker in the price point is perfect.  The firebox is on the smaller side to start.

You will also find that you will have to apply gaskets around the doors of this smoker to keep the heat and smoke in.  Lastly, I advise opting for an external thermometer as the integrated temperature gauge on this smoker isn’t accurate.

Even with the cons, there’s more to like than not with the Dyna-Glo Wide Body.  The simple assembly process, large cooking space, and a wider body with plenty of cooking grates make this Dyna-Glo smoker desirable for many users.

#11 Dyna-Glo Signature Series Barrel Charcoal Grill & Side Firebox

✅ 730 square inches of cooking space

✅ Heavy-gauge steel construction

✅ Porcelain-enameled steel cooking grates

✅ Removable charcoal grate and ash pan

✅ Cool-touch handle

✅ Wheels

It’s equipped with 730 square inches of cooking space with porcelain-enameled steel cooking grates that make for easy cleaning and even heating throughout when in use.

This smoker has excellent temperature control for this price range and very little heat escapes from the door, trapping in smoke and heat crucial for a proper cooking session.

The only real con with the Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS730CBO-D is that it has paint that peels over time.  However, a quick paint job could instantly solve this minor aesthetic issue, making this disadvantage nothing to worry about for most.

Generally, this Dyna-Glo model is easy to assemble, features good construction with a cool-touch handle, and functions as a smoker almost double its price.

Best Offset Smoker FAQ:

If you’re looking to purchase one anytime soon, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with what makes offset smokers unique, what to look for in one, and how to modify and care for them.

What Is An Offset Smoker?

However, what makes offset smokers different from barbecues is that they feature two chambers: the cooking chamber itself and a separate firebox.  Offset smokers – or all smokers for that matter – cook low and slow whereas barbecues cook faster at a higher temperature.

What Is A Reverse Flow Offset Smoker?

Reverse flow smokers incorporate an additional metal plate along the bottom of the cooking chamber that effectively protects the meat from direct heat.  It also causes the smoke to flow under the meat first, then back up and over the meat before flowing out the venting chimney for a more even and smoke-infused cook.

How Is An Offset Smoker Different From A Vertical Smoker?

Since vertical smokers have a different structure, multiple shelves must be placed inside the chamber. Meanwhile, offset smokers have one large (sometimes more), flat cooking surface.

For those who want more cooking space, an offset smoker would be a wise decision. However, those who want a smoker that takes up less space storage-wise, a vertical smoker might be more relevant.

What To Look For In An Offset Smoker?

• Size – The size of your offset smoker is important for two main reasons: 1) to ensure you have enough space on your property to accommodate the smoker and 2) to provide the right amount of cooking space for your needs.
• Type of smoker – This includes the type of fuel your smoker runs on (e.g., charcoal, propane/gas, etc.) as well as whether or not your offset smoker is reverse flow.
• Material and craftsmanship – Is your prospective offset smoker stainless and/or rust-resistant? Is it weatherproof?  Is the manufacturer of the offset smoker known for incorporating high-quality parts in their smokers?
• Verified customer reviews – What are reviewers saying, especially those who have had the smoker for several months? Pay equal attention to the pros and cons that they mention.  Also, take note of any customers who mention their experience with the manufacturer if their smoker had defects or other issues.
• Price and warranties – We mentioned at the beginning of the article that offset smokers that are on the pricier end of the budget ($400 to $500+) are often the better buy and sometimes include longer warranties.  However, this isn’t always true.  Your personal budget is also crucial to keep in mind.

How Do You Modify An Offset Smoker?

Smoker modifications can include but are not excluded to:

• Door seals
• Increased airflow
• Hardware upgrades
• Thermometer replacement
• New paint job

You can learn how to perform these modifications from this website.

How Do You Clean An Offset Smoker?

Here are the general guidelines for cleaning an offset smoker:

1. Empty out your smoker’s firebox.
2. Wipe out debris from the bottom of your cooking chamber.
3. Wipe down your smoker’s heat deflecting plates.
4. Clean your smoker’s cooking grates with a wire brush. Here are a few I recommend.  For stainless steel grates, soak them in soapy water to loosen up stuck-on debris.

For detailed, more relevant instructions for your specific offset smoker model, please refer to your smoker’s user manual.

What Are The Most Popular Offset Smokers?

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo (average 4.4 out of 5-star rating; 60+ reviewers)
2. Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker (average 4 out of 5-star rating; 860+ reviewers)
3. Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal Smoker (average 4 out of 5-star rating; 40+ reviewers)

No matter which offset smoker ultimately gets your motor running, it pays to do the proper research beforehand.

Final Verdict – What Offset Smoker is Best?

Regardless of the one you choose, investing in a quality model is the smart choice for years of cooking enjoyment.  By focusing on construction, heat retention, proper airflow, and quality materials, you can narrow down your decision considerably.

The perfect offset smoker is here for you on the above list, I am sure of it.

Now It’s Your Turn

Which offset smoker have you used before?

Do you have any cooking or modification tips to share?

What features do you typically like to see in an offset smoker?

Are you going to be purchasing a smoker in the future?  Or do you plan on looking at a pellet grill, built-in or standalone gas grill, or charcoal model?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below.

If you still have questions, please feel free to send me a message.

Cheers,

Patrick

At The Grilling Life, I am committed to researching and writing thoughtful, informative and editorially independent reviews of the best products for your outdoor cooking needs.  If you like what I do, you can support me through my chosen links, which earn me a commission.  This allows me to continue sharing with you my love for all things barbecue.  Your support is truly appreciated.