People boast about the delicate taste you get when cooking with charcoal. To achieve these mouth-watering sensations, you need to find the best charcoal smokers for ease of use and value.
There is no denying the fact you get a special feeling and expectation when you fire up a charcoal food smoker.
Have you ever wondered what makes ribs and steak taste so delicious? The answer is that they have been cooked on one of the best charcoal smokers.
The key is in the different flavors that can be achieved with marinades, spices and delicious charcoal smokiness.
If you love the mouth-watering tenderness of a smokey barbecued steak, using a top charcoal food smoker will help in adding another dimension to the entire experience. The overall hype around this popular cooking trend is not just some backyard competition with your neighbor to see who has a better grill.
In fact, using a charcoal food smoker will tenderize your meat while infusing a smoky flavor. This is not possible when you use other barbecuing techniques.
To make your choice of a great charcoal smoker in 2022, our expert testers have prepared a list of the best charcoal smokers for you.
The Best Charcoal Smokers 2022
Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker
With its rich background dating back to the 1980s, WSM or Weber Smokey Mountain is a leading brand in charcoal food smokers.
When it comes to designing and marketing the best-ever charcoal food smokers Weber seems to lead the way.
The model we chose is 18 inches and is regarded as an ideal size for most users. You can feed just the family, or have a whole crowd well supplied wherever you go.
There are 2 other models in the WSM range, the 14 inches, and the 22 inches. Your choice will depend on your family size and your budget.
The overall success of this smoker comes down to the quality of construction. A sturdy build makes this highly durable and a removable fuel door makes it easy to add charcoal and wood.
Adjustable dampers allow you to be in control of precise heat. With two cooking grates giving a total capacity of 481 square inches of space you can fit multiple roasts with ease.
Moreover, it is available at a price that is affordable for every budget.
There are three separate sections in the smoker for easy cleaning, versatility, and portability.
The lower section contains the fire grate and charcoal ring and includes 3 sturdy legs and 3 adjustable vents.
A middle cooking section consists of 2 18-inch chrome-plated cooking grates and a water bowl to keep food moist during the food smoking process.
Finally, the dome lid has a built-in thermometer, cool-touch handle, and another adjustable air vent.
To read a full review on this particular machine, we covered it extensively in our Best Food Smokers Reviews for 2021.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Ease of use
Affordable for every budget
Superior construction quality
Impressive cooking capacity with 481 square inches of cooking space
3 sections for portability & versatility
Use as a food smoker, single or double grill, or fire pit
Roast, smoke, braise, grill, steam, or bake
It’s water bowl can give over 10 hours of moisture-filled cooking
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Door may not seal fully
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Cuisinart CCG190RB Charcoal Smoker
The Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal grill offers the perfect solution for all your on-the-go grilling needs.
This compact little grill is lightweight & easy to transport but still offers over 150 squares” Of grilling space – enough to grill for the entire family or the carload at the big game.
The firebox is enamel coated – giving it strength & durability to survive the harshest grilling conditions.
The dual venting system helps control the heat so you can cook slow & low or up at searing hot temperatures.
For added convenience, the lid is secured by 3 durable locks, & the ashtray is accessible from either side of this versatile BBQ.
This lightweight grill is perfect for tailgating, camping, and picnics.
It features a space-saving design that fits easily into the trunk of a car, and the lid locks tightly to prevent spills.
So, you can fire up the coals and get ready to grill anywhere, anytime!
Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill is the perfect way to enjoy a small meal with friends.
The 14-inch grate provides plenty of space for three burgers and three hot dogs, or four to six burgers.
The compact size is perfect for picnics in the backyard or park, and it’s great for camping trips.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Value for money – This grill is very affordable, costing around $50.
Portable – The best part about this grill is that it’s lightweight and easy to transport, so you can take it with you wherever you go. It also has a space-saving design that fits easily into the trunk of a car.
Convenience – The lid locks tightly to prevent spills, which is great for outdoor activities like tailgating and camping.
Easy to clean – The ashtray is accessible from either side of the grill, which makes it easy to clean.
[/i2pros][i2cons]
One downside of this grill is that it doesn’t have a lot of space. If you’re cooking for a large group, you’ll need to use a bigger grill.
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Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Smoker
The Kamado grills are known for long-lasting durability due to their cast iron construction. This feature alone makes them a definite inclusion in the list of best charcoal food smokers on the market.
The exterior of this top charcoal smoker unit has been finished in sleek powder-coated steel. Moreover, the interior of the unit uses porcelain-coated steel for maximum performance.
This nifty smoker features as much as 314 square inches of top-quality cast iron major cooking space.
Include in this 133 square inches of warming rack and you have a huge capacity food smoker. As such, you get access to a combined space of 447 square inches for cooking.
All Kamado Charcoal Food Smokers are fully insulated. With triple-insulated kettle walls, you can control and maintain even airflow into and out of the grill. Its solid construction allows temperatures from 200 – 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a built-in thermometer in the lid, you can easily monitor the heat. In fact, if you control the airflow properly, you produce succulent and juicy meat and also burn less charcoal.
Using this beautifully crafted machine correctly, you will save a ton of money!
The 3 rubber wheels form the base of a tubular steel cart and the front wheel locks stabilize the smoker for safety. This 3 wheel system allows for easy moving and portability.
Other features include an easy-clean ash pan that makes for a quick ash dump, double-wall insulation, and a lockable lid. Two convenient side shelves featuring utensil hooks fold away when not in use or for storage.
The Akorn Kamado provides true value for money, with an excellent price to performance and quality ratio. We proudly include it in our list of best charcoal food smokers for 2022.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Ease of use
Excellent price to performance and quality ratio
Easy temperature control
Folding side shelf
Removable warming rack
Locking lid
Easy clean ash pan
Triple-walled insulation retains heat
Durable steel construction built to last
Adjustable top and bottom dampers
Stainless heat gauge
Large 8-inch front wheels with locking rear caster
Cast iron cooking grates
Maintains temperatures from 200°- 700° F
447 sq. in. total cooking area
[/i2pros][i2cons]
The smoking stone comes at an extra price
Smoke may leak if you use cheap gaskets
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Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Smoker Grill
You might be surprised to know that with a few excellent tips, you can convert the classic Weber Original kettle into a high-performing smoker.
Simply add wood chips to the coals after they have soaked for an hour or so. Replace the lid and wait for the delicious smokiness to be created.
If your goal is food smoking then you may want to look at buying a specialized charcoal food smoker. However, if you wish to have the flexibility of a smoker and a grill, then you should definitely look at this dual model.
This smoker was upgraded into a hinged cooking grate for easily adding charcoal while grilling. The One-Touch cleaning system, with a high-capacity ash catcher, makes for a smooth grilling experience.
Whatever might be the case, you can always opt for the Weber Original Charcoal Grill & Smoker combo. The overall body of the charcoal grill is made out of pressed steel sheets that are coated with porcelain enamel. Even the wheels are made from materials designed to withstand elements, creating terrific durability for this smoker.
The One-Touch cleaning system provides easy maintenance. To cleanup charcoal ash and debris simply swipe it into the high-capacity, removable ash catcher.
A major reason why this griller is capable of functioning as a smoker is because of its amazing heat control. Without lifting the lid, easily adjust the dampers to control the airflow.
Closing the dampers completely will cut the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals. This enables you to maintain a stable temperature for a longer time without burning too much fuel.
This smoker offers other features for convenience. A lid shield to prevent the handle from heating and hooks to hang grilling tools for accessibility.
For its versatility as a food smoker or grill for BBQ, the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill makes our list of best charcoal food smokers for 2022.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Durable wheels and constructions
Airtight when sealed
Portable and light
Easy to clean
Precision heat control
High-temperature tolerance
Easily add fuel
Heat shielded handle
Convenient lid placement
Accessible grilling tools
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Limited cooking capacity
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Dyna-Glo Vertical Charcoal Smoker
The given vertical charcoal smoking unit is packed with an impressive 784 square inches of total cooking area.
In addition to being spacious, the entire unit is extremely cost-effective as well. Dyna-Glo Vertical Smoker is ideal for capturing maximum smoke flavor.
The main benefit of using this vertical smoker is that you can access food quite easily. Indeed, this is unlike other models where you cannot access the entire level without taking off the grill racks.
A Dyna-Glo Vertical Smoker allows you to reach all the racks easily and simultaneously.
The overall assembly of the unit is straightforward. The racks are well-made and sturdy, offering great durability.
It is built with a two-door design for accessibility and to maintain heat.
For burn efficiency, the porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly. Having an adjustable damper, allows you to easily control temperatures.
The vertical design of this smoker lends itself to naturally rising heat. You are able to achieve greater gas efficiency and maximum smoke flavor. The top smoke stack improves airflow and heat distribution throughout the smoker.
For an easy-to-read temperature gauge, it has a built-in stainless steel thermometer. This indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor to achieve perfectly smoked foods.
It features a large removable steel ash pan. Designed to handle a huge amount of ash, this means hours of maintenance-free cooking.
Easy access and large capacity place the Dyna-Glo Vertical Smoker in our list of best charcoal food smokers for 2022.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Ease of access, 2 door system
Vertical design for heat efficiency
Abundant temperature and control options
4 cooking grates
Huge 784 square inch cooking area
Charcoal & ash management system
Custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover protection – Model DG784GSC
In-built stainless thermometer gauge
Smokestack improves air-flow
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Thin steel may not hold heat well
Does leak but can be fixed with silicone to joints
Paint will flake over time
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Offset Grill/Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is the perfect grill for BBQ enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds.
This offset charcoal grill/smoker combo features 811 square inches of total cooking space, including 443 square inches of porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 square inches of chrome-plated warming rack, and 184 square inches of offset smoker.
With so much space, you’ll be able to easily accommodate large groups or cook multiple courses at once.
The offset smoker chamber is great for slow-cooking meats to perfection, while the main grilling area lets you cook up your favorite burgers, hot dogs, or steaks.
And with the included temperature gauge, you’ll always be able to know exactly how hot your grill is, so you can cook your food to perfection every time.
This easy-to-use grill produces mouthwatering results, thanks to its well-designed construction and superior smoking performance.
With its large cooking surface and offset smoker design, the Royal Gourmet grill is perfect for entertaining a crowd or enjoying a family feast.
And cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the side door that makes adding charcoal and removing ashes a snap.
With a two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan, this grill creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal, giving you the perfect cook every time.
The temperature monitor ensures that you can cook with great confidence, while the lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature.
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is the perfect grill for any occasion.
With ample space for seasonings and grilling tools, you’ll be able to create your favorite dishes with ease.
The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and can hold up to 20 lb. accessories when evenly distributed.
Whether you’re cooking for a large group or just want to enjoy a delicious meal, this grill will make your cookout one remember!
[i2pc][i2pros]
Durable
Easy to clean
811 square inches of total cooking space
Offset smoker chamber for slow-cooking meats
Porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates
Chrome-plated warming rack
Two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan
Temperature monitor
Lid-mounted thermometer gauge
Bottom shelf for extra storage space
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Some assembly required
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Conclusion
There are ample reasons why charcoal smokers are regarded as one of the best tools by backyard barbecue lovers.
This method of cooking results in better flavors as well as different smoke options. Get a truly unique smoky flavor that is difficult to be replicated with other styles of cooking.
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