Smoking meats is one of the most ancient, slow and painstaking techniques still in practice. It is also one of the most rewarding foods to make because you can take a cheap cut of meat and turn it into something magnificent.
IMHO, most offset smokers are only used indoors. Because offset smokers emit so much heat, they are made of thick steel or ceramic and not designed to be moved around. In fact, I believe there are only two acceptable methods to move an offset smoker outside: on a trailer and on a cart.
If you're one of the proud few who have a smoker, or if you're on the look out for an offset smoker, a little advice can go a long way.
Below I've listed the best offset smokers in 2022. I reviewed and rated each one by several metrics, all of which I compiled into a total score. I've also got a list of the best offsets for barbecuing that I'm looking forward to comparing.
They're the best offset smokers I could find. I hope you like what's on offer.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| LavaLock Nomex High-Temp Replacement Complete Gasket Kit | Best Overall |  |
| Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker | Budget Pick |  |
| Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. LavaLock Nomex High-Temp Replacement Complete Gasket Kit
Pros:
- Full gasket kit replacement for the original Big Green Egg gasket
- It’s easier to use when you have extra gaskets available
- Fits your LavaLock Big Green Egg XXL.
The LavaLock Nomex High-Temp Replacement Complete Gasket Kit for Lg XL Big Green Egg Ceramic Lid Top is an absolute necessity for all Big Green Egg owners. Even though the replacement of the gasket for a Big Green Egg is very easy to do, having spares on hand is highly recommended because you never know when you're going to be organizing a Big Green Egg BBQ party.
Another benefit of having a extra gasket on hand is that it's always nice to be able to cook a lot of things at once. The limited amount of standard gaskets that come with the Big Green Eggs may cause you to only cook for a shorter amount of time than you would like at one time so having a spare gasket ensures that you’ll have enough room for all your food.
I personally love using my Big Green Egg for everything from chicken to cornbread to steaks.
2. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
Pros:
- Great for large spaces
- The durable construction can withstand rugged environments
- Definitely a great addition to your backyard party
- Easy-pull charcoal access door
Cons:
- Relatively small door for adding wood
- Difficult to attach metal smoking racks
The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D is a big boy smoker. It comes with a durable steel construction and a beautiful Black porcelain enamel coating that doesn’t chip or flake off.
It runs on 120V electric and heats up to 225 degrees F. The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker can process around 30-40 pounds of meat per hour.
This smoker comes with a top shelf made from 304 grade stainless steel. This top shelf is easy to clean and helps trivets and sauce pans rest steady. It’s height also allows you to prepare food without leaving the grill.
3. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill
Pros:
- Gallon-sized cooking space
- Long lasting, heavy duty construction
- One of the best combo set of offset smoker grill
- Cast iron cooking grates
Cons:
- Very heavy, requires two people lift
- Tight construction joints make it hard to get the smoker box off 2.
- Shipping cost is high for such size product
If you’re looking for a grill that can go from tailgating to the backyard, the Smokin’ Pro 830 is your best option for staying with a single multi-functional smoker.
The Smokin’ Pro has an elegant double-sided design: on one side it has a full-sized 830 sq. in. charcoal grill that is perfect for authentic grilling on the other side is its double-sided smoker box that can be used for smoking all kinds of food. Also, you can easily convert it to a single side grill by removing the smoker box.
The Smokin’ Pro can efficiently and easily cook 250 lbs. of meat on an average cook. Made with solid steel construction, it can withstand even the harshest weather conditions since it features a rust-resistant powder coat.
4. Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker
Pros:
- From high-value to ultimate quality
- Available in several sizes
- The design provides excellent heat management
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- The cooker is heavy
- Difficult to clean
Ever since it has become a big part of the barbecue community, Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker has been one of the most-used smokers out there. In this reverse flow smoker, the heat and smoke comes from the firebox at the bottom and flow up to the meat racks.
The 177-square inch of cooking space is cast iron to retain heat really well. The hinged door is really helpful for adding fuel and wood chips when you need to. It includes an adjustable cutting board where you can store your utensils and side dishes.
Overall, we were highly impressed by the design and features of this offset smoker. It offers a comprehensive cooking experience and superior temperature control for your perfect and delicious meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best offset smoker to buy?
Offset smokers have become more popular among backyard BBQ hobbyists in the last decades. These type of smokers are considered the best subsets of smokers because they deliver a whopping large amount of consistent heat and beautiful smoke.
Opting for an offset smoker gives you the ability to use the lower temperature needed to get the smoking results you want. A good offset smoker will have a heating source at the bottom and the firebox at the top. Since the meat is placed in between the heating source and the firebox, the smoker is able to absorb the heat and moisture evenly.
Food cooked in an offset smoker is smoky, juicy, flavorful and tender. The seasoned wood used as fuel also helps add great taste to the food. There are so many reasons why offset smokers are considered best in the world. For all these reasons, we believe that these specific units are the best offset smokers in 2022.
Who makes the best reverse flow smoker?
California Smokers Marinara is our pick in this category. We think it’s the best reverse flow smoker because it has the highest capacity, the highest level of customization, and is the most visually appealing of the reverse flow smokers we reviewed.
Not only that, but it also has the best value for money. So if you’re interested in getting a reverse flow smoker, this should be on top of your list!
One of the reasons we like the Marinara smoker so much is because of the accessories they include with their set. While the accessories themselves are not that outstanding, the fact that you get them all in the set is a big deal.
For instance, the smoker comes with the necessary hardware and tools for you to mount it to an existing stand if you want to. You can also use it to convert a standard smoker into a reverse flow smoker!
Are offset smokers better than vertical?
You can think of offset smokers as a hybrid between a vertical and a horizontal smoker. If you are seeking the best of the best in smoker performance, you should opt for a vertical smoker. However, if you want a smoker that has more cooking space and is generally easier to use then you should opt for an offset smoker.
The cooking temperature on an offset smoker is also lower than the vertical smoker which makes it more efficient and economical. Offset smokers have also more options for adding in your own personal flare.
On the other hand, the biggest advantages of using a vertical smoker are the purity of the meat and the lack of swaying. This is necessary for any chef who takes pride in the quality of the meat.
It would be smart to know your needs in the smoker before making a final decision. Then you can choose the best smoker for your needs.
Which smokers are the best?
If you want a smoker with large capacity, an affordable price, versatile use, and great longevity, then the Bradley Digital 4-Rack smoker should be your first choice. While this smoker has been discontinued, you can still get this from the official Bradley smokers website, or you can check its replacement below; it’s the Bradley Original Smoker.
Bradley Original Smoker:
The Bradley Original smoker is perhaps one of the best off-set smokers around. It comes with an excellent warranty package, has the same design as the original smoker and has the same proven performance. It comes with a removable digital timer and has an insulated wood chip box with a viewing window so you can see when it need refilling.
Bradley vs BBQr’s Delight:
Conclusion
The usual gas and charcoal grills are a tad lacking for anyone looking to create a truly smoky taste to their grilled meats. However, the offset smokers are being touted as one of the best ways to introduce the desired smoky flavor and cooking method.
The best offset smokers offer both flavor and convenience – convenience because they are easy to use and cleanup is quite effortless due to its straightforward use.
An offset smoker allows meat to cook slower and hence produce the smoky taste. The offset smoker is perfect for a casual dinner with family and friends. It produces great tasting meat that's tender and succulent.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| LavaLock Nomex High-Temp Replacement Complete Gasket Kit | Best Overall | |
| Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker | Budget Pick | |
| Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker | Upgrade Pick | |