Best Charcoal Smokers of 2025
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Charcoal smokers are a popular outdoor cooking option for those who love the rich, smoky flavor of slow-cooked meats. These smokers use charcoal as their main heat source, which allows for a more authentic and traditional barbecue experience. Charcoal smokers come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small portable models to large, multi-level smokers that can cook large quantities of meat at once. They are often made of durable materials like steel or cast iron, and many feature adjustable vents and dampers for precise temperature control. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbecue enthusiast, a charcoal smoker is a great investment for anyone who loves delicious, slow-cooked meats.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.9
#TOP 2
9.8
#TOP 3
9.6
Top 10 Charcoal Smokers
Realcook 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker
The Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker offers quality protection with a build-in thermometer and adjustable air supply, while the porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans provide stability. With 453 square inches of cooking space, 2 access doors, and multi-functional cooking options, this smoker is flexible and easy to use. Transport, basting, and cooking are made easy with heat-resistant handles and a latch locking system.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16" Charcoal Smoker
Big Horn Charcoal Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking solution that offers a multi-functional design. With its adjustable vent system and built-in thermometer, you can easily control the temperature for optimal smoking or grilling. The heat-resistant handles and visual windows provide convenience for monitoring food without lifting the lid. Its spacious grilling area with crossbars and food hooks ensures even cooking. The sturdy construction and portable design make it perfect for backyard gatherings, camping trips, and beach barbecues.
Weber 14.5-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a versatile charcoal smoker that allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of smoked food. With its compact size and easy assembly, it is perfect for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. The 14.5-inch cooking grid provides ample space for your favorite meats and vegetables. The smoker reaches a temperature of approximately 190°F, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection. It also comes with a cover to protect it from the elements. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned griller, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a must-have for delicious smoked dishes.
Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker
The Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker offers 510 square inches of cooking space with two stainless steel racks. It features a porcelain enamel water bowl and a dual air vent system with top and bottom vents. The latching base ensures secure closure during cooking.
Char-Broil 16" Bullet Charcoal Smoker
The Char-Broil 16" Bullet Charcoal Smoker offers 370 sq in cooking space across 2 porcelain-coated grates, with an innovative airflow control system that simplifies temperature regulation and numbered damper settings. Its porcelain-coated body and removable ash pan ensure lasting durability and easy cleanup, while chamber-lift handles, lid-mounted temperature gauge, and steel tube legs provide convenient access and height. This smoker is perfect for those who want to enjoy smoky and flavorful meats, vegetables, and more.
Dyna-Glo 36" Charcoal Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker Black features 4 cooking grates, a total cooking area of 784 square inches, and a charcoal & ash management system. It also comes with a stainless temperature gauge that indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor. Use the custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover (sold separately) to protect your smoker.
MFSTUDIO Heavy Duty Outdoor Smoker
Introducing the MFSTUDIO Outdoor Smoker, a versatile and convenient charcoal grill and smoker. This heavy-duty grill features an integrated grill chamber with a well-matched heavy lid, preventing heat and smoke from escaping during cooking. The offset smoker design allows for good circulation of heat and smoke, easily controlled by adjusting the damper. The grilling rack is wrapped in safe enamel material, making it high-temperature resistant and easy to clean. With a cooking area of 512 sq.in., you'll have plenty of space for all your camping and picnic needs. Plus, MFSTUDIO offers excellent customer service and a 1-year quality warranty. Upgrade your outdoor cooking experience with the MFSTUDIO Outdoor Smoker!
GasOne CSM-16 Vertical Smoker
The GasOne Vertical Smoker is a versatile 16-inch charcoal smoker and BBQ grill. It features a dual-function design, allowing you to smoke or grill as needed. The heavy-duty construction ensures durability with a rust-resistant steel body. The built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply maintain optimal cooking temperatures, providing even heat distribution. With double access doors for easy monitoring and assembly, this smoker is lightweight and portable, ideal for outdoor cooking and camping adventures.
GRILLBOSS 4 Tier Charcoal Smoker
The GRILLBOSS Charcoal Smoker is designed for versatile outdoor cooking with its innovative 4-tier system. You can easily prepare a variety of meats, thanks to the included chicken rack, rib rack, and hooks. The built-in temperature gauge allows you to monitor cooking temperatures precisely, ensuring your dishes come out just right. Plus, the smoker's removable middle ring lets you convert it into a portable grill, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. With easy access to add water during smoking and durable handles, this smoker simplifies your cooking experience.
Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors
The Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors is a versatile charcoal smoker that combines smoking and roasting. It has a large cooking capacity with two detachable grill nettings and an easy-to-read thermometer on the door. The double door design makes it easy to check on the food while reducing contact between the charcoal and air, ensuring food flavor and safety. With four air vents, you can adjust the firepower and control the smoking effect. The temperature resistant iron structure is durable and easy to operate, making it an ideal choice for outdoor barbecue enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a charcoal smoker any good?
A well-built charcoal smoker can hold a steady temperature for hours without much attention. After testing a range of charcoal smokers we recommend the Weber Smokey Mountain. It's easy for beginners to learn on, but versatile enough that you see them at barbecue competitions.
2. What is the advantage of a charcoal smoker?
Hotter. It is no secret that charcoal grills burn hotter than their counterparts. It's what lets you get that crispy, crusty outer layer and tender meat inside. A true grill master understands how to use the flames to his or her advantage.
3. Are charcoal smokers better than pellet?
While there is still a nice smokey taste that comes from the wood pellets, when it comes to taste, most people still prefer charcoal over pellets. The rich smoke-infused flavor no matter what you're cooking with charcoal is hard to beat.
4. Is wood or charcoal the better smoker?
For best results, use both charcoal and wood while smoking your food, cooking over indirect heat with charcoal as the heating element and wood providing the flavor. You can easily turn your grill into a smoker. Start with a few pieces of wood at first, and add more as needed.
During our charcoal smoker research, we found 24 charcoal smoker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 59,690 customer reviews through our big data system to write the charcoal smokers list. We found that most customers choose charcoal smokers with an average price of $175.01.
The charcoal smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of charcoal smokers, including Realcook, BIG HORN OUTDOORS, Weber, Cuisinart, Char-Broil. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 88 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.