Review of Best Charcoal Smoker Under $500
Top Pick
1. Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36″ Vertical Charcoal Smoker
- Brand: Dyna-Glo
- Manufacturer: GHP Group Inc.
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 49.73 Inches Width: 21.45 Inches Length: 20.83 Inches Weight: 56.0 Pounds `
Features
- 4 cooking grates
- 784 square Inch of total cooking area
- Charcoal & ash management system includes charcoal chamber, charcoal grate & removable ash pan
- Protect your smoker with a custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover – Model DG784GSC (Sold Separately)
- Stainless temperature gauge with smoke zone indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor
Best Quality
2. Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
- Brand: Dyna-Glo
- Manufacturer: GHP Group Inc.
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 50.2 Inches Width: 43.3 Inches Length: 21.0 Inches Weight: 83.0 Pounds `
Features
- Six height-adjustable cooking grates accommodate various sizes of food, giving 1890 square inches of total cooking space with 25-pounds capacity per grate.
- Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly for improved burn efficiency.
- Charcoal and ash management system with charcoal chamber, grate and sliding, removable steel ash pan. Designed to handle large amounts of ash for hours of maintenance-free cooking
- Vertical design lends itself to naturally rising heat, achieving greater efficiency and improved smoke flavor. Offset design keeps direct heat away from the food, allowing for slow cooking.
- Smoke stack features an adjustable flue for additional flavor and temperature control.
- Built-in, stainless steel thermometer. ‘Smoke Zone’ indicates ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor and an easy-to-read gauge helps you achieve perfectly smoked foods.
- Dimensions: 21 × 43.3 × 50.2 in
Recommended
3. Cuisinart COS-118, Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18″
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Manufacturer: Cuisinart
- Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18″
- Dimensions: Height: 22.8 Inches Width: 20.5 Inches Length: 20.5 Inches Weight: 37.0 Pounds `
Features
- Two 18″ stainless steel racks provide 510 square inches of cooking space
- Porcelain enamel water bowl. Dimensions- 22 L x 24 W x 43 H inches
- Top and bottom vents provide a dual air vent system
- Latching base
4. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 …
- Brand: Royal Gourmet
- Manufacturer: Royal Gourmet
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 48.82 Inches Width: 27.95 Inches Length: 53.39 Inches Weight: 54.3 Pounds `
Features
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
5. KIBAGA Stainless Steel Charcoal Firebox Basket for Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker …
- Brand: KIBAGA
- Manufacturer: KIBAGA
- Color: Silver
- Dimensions: Height: 8.0 Inches Width: 12.3 Inches Length: 12.3 Inches
Features
- Must Have For True BBQ Fans: What a great addition to your Oklahoma Joe smoker accessories! The KIBAGA charcoal grilling basket is specifically designed to fit inside the firebox of your Oklahoma Joe’s grill, but also works fantastically with most other offset smokers
- Must Have For True BBQ Fans: What a great addition to your Oklahoma Joe smoker accessories! The KIBAGA charcoal grilling basket is specifically designed to fit inside the firebox of your Oklahoma Joe’s grill, but also works fantastically with most other offset smokers
- Top-Notch Smoker Firebox Basket: Constructed of high quality stainless steel, the BBQ charcoal basket is made to last! The coal basket is embellished with stylish flame perforations to suit the BBQ vibes – enjoy your super juicy and aromatic steaks & veggies
- Perfectly Sized Grill Basket: Yummy grilled delights in the making! Thanks to its large capacity of 12.3×12.3×7.5” the smoker basket offers ample space for a large amount of briquettes or charcoals; Create a concentrated heat zone to prepare delicious smoked and grilled results
- Super Convenient To Handle & Clean: The KIBAGA charcoal box for smoker is extremely functional! Use the spacious handle to lift the coal box out of your smoker firebox area easily for an easy clean up
- Next Level BBQ Experience: You will be impressed on how much you can benefit from using the BBQ smoker basket! Reduce your wood, charcoal or briquette consumption while improving your smoke with getting a more consistent and even heat
6. Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
- Brand: Char-Griller
- Manufacturer: Char-Griller
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 20.0 Inches Width: 18.0 Inches Length: 21.0 Inches
Features
- CHARCOAL BBQ GRILL – Portable charcoal barbecue grill that also attaches as a side fire box to most Char-Griller outdoor grills & smokers
- LARGE COOKING AREA – 250 square inch grilling area with thick cast iron cooking grates, can cook up to 12 burgers at once
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION – Made from heavy-gauge powder coated steel for maximum durability and heat retention when grilling and smoking
- PORTABLE GRILL – Grilling on-the-go has never been easier thanks to the convenient handles and compact frame, the perfect tailgate grill, camping grill, and essential outdoor rv accessories
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN – Control the heat levels with ease using the adjustable dual dampers and quickly clean up after grilling using the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
- OFFSET SMOKER – Attaches to all Char-Griller barrel grills as a side fire box for Texas-style offset smoking: fits models 5030, 5050, 5650, 2121, 2123, 2137, 2827, and 2828
- SMOKER ACCESSORIES – Pairs with the Char-Griller 2455 Side Fire Box Grill Cover and most Char-Griller Barbeque Grills (sold separately)
- DIMENSIONS – 21”L x 18”W x 20″H, 42 lbs
7. Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round …
- Brand: Realcook
- Manufacturer: Realcook
- Color: 17″ Charcoal
- Dimensions: Height: 35.0 Inches Width: 17.0 Inches Length: 22.0 Inches Weight: 18.55 Pounds `
Features
- 【QUALITY PROTECTION】 – Build-in thermometer with detailed temperature scale and adjustable air supply on lid for greater temperature control.Porcelain-enameled water pan and charcoal pan can provide you the stable use. The heat resistant bakelite handles make transport, basting and cooking a breeze.
- 【COOKING SPACE】 – 2 pieces cooking grids provide total 453 square inches cooking space. With crossbar and 4 hangers inside the lid, you can smoke different sizes and shapes of meat.
- 【MULTI-FUNTIONAL】 – Smoking is a popular method that allows food to be preserved longer, or to impart a different flavour to food, it can be used for cold or hot smoking. Cooks different ways – smokes/grills/steams/bake/braise/roast, offers huge flexibility.
- 【LATCH LOCKING SYSTEM】 – It’s easy to assemble and easy to use. Two layers design you can easily take them apart to transport or clean. Use as a bbq grill or a smoker it depends on you. With the latch locking system, it can provide you more stability.
- 【2 ACCESS DOOR】 – The advantage of 2 access door is you can open the door according you request, more flexible than the one access door. When you need to check the status of foods, you just need to open the upper door. Open the other door, you can add charcoal or wood easier.
8. Oklahoma Joe’s 5279338P04 Stainless Steel Offset Smoker Charcoal Firebox Basket, …
- Brand: Oklahoma Joe’s
- Manufacturer: Oklahoma Joe’s
- Color: Silver
- Dimensions: Height: 7.5 Inches Width: 12.3 Inches Length: 12.3 Inches Weight: 0.16 Pounds `
Features
- The original heavy-duty basket from Oklahoma Joe’s. Designed in the USA
- Holds enough fuel to load once and cook all day. Also helps keep cleanup quick and simple.
- Fits most offset charcoal smoker grills including the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland, Longhorn, Bandera and 3-in-1 Combo.
- Stainless steel construction so it’s build to last. Quick and easy to assemble.
- Measures 12.3-Inches W x 12.3-Inches D x 7.5-Inches H
9. Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Barrel Grill with Offset Smoker, 1188 …
- Brand: Royal Gourmet
- Manufacturer: Royal Gourmet
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 51.2 Inches Width: 30.7 Inches Length: 65.9 Inches Weight: 87.5 Pounds `
Features
- Tremendous Cooking Space: Caters for 8-10 gathering with 654 sq. in. cooking grates, 267 sq. in. warming rack and 267 sq. in. offset smoker. All are made of heavy gauge porcelain-enameled steel wire.
- Offset Smoker: Firmly attached to the main body for good circulation of heat and smoke. And it can also provide additional grilling or smoking cooking space for small side dishes.
- Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 3-level height adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and energy efficiency. It can hold up to 3.5kg/7.7 lb. of coal which is enough for large events.
- Side Charcoal Door: Easy to tend the charcoal up to 1.2kg/2.6 lb. with the heavy duty handle on the offset smoker, no worries for insufficient coal and no need to remove the entire grates.
- No Fussy Cleanup: The removable grease drip cup and charcoal pan help collect residues for hassle-free cleanup.
10. Royal Gourmet CC1830FC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker (Grill + Cover)
- Brand: Royal Gourmet
- Manufacturer: Royal Gourmet Corp
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 48.8 Inches Width: 28.0 Inches Length: 45.7 Inches Weight: 57.0 Pounds `
Features
- Easy assembly, a total of 823 sq. in. cooking surface includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 191 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 189 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Seamless connection between side smoker and main chamber help to heat up quickly and keep warming; lid adopt groove design,ensure sealing performance of the side smoker box.
- 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control; Removable charcoal pan allows adding charcoal and dumping ashes easily.
- Easy-to-read thermometer built-in the main lid helps to control the grilling temperature, the paint on the burn box won’t flake.
- Front table and bottom shelf provide additional working and storage space; Two wagon-style wheels make this grill easy to move around.