Best Offset Smoker for Beginners (6 In-Stock Picks and How to Run One)

An offset smoker is the classic barbecue cooker. A fire burns in a small box on the side, and heat and smoke drift across a long chamber where the meat cooks low and slow.

They make outstanding barbecue, but they need more attention than electric or pellet smokers. The right first offset is one that holds heat well and is easy to control.

The short version: The Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Classic Offset Smoker is the best offset smoker for beginners. It is heavy-gauge steel, has 879 square inches of cooking space and adjustable dampers on both ends. If you want more even heat, the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Reverse Flow adds removable baffles. On a budget, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F is a grill and small smoker in one.

Our Picks at a Glance

• Best overall: Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Classic Offset SmokerJump to review ↓
• Best reverse flow for beginners: Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Reverse Flow SmokerJump to review ↓
• Best for big cooks: Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset SmokerJump to review ↓
• Best vertical offset: Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal SmokerJump to review ↓
• Best grill and smoker combo: Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Grill With Offset SmokerJump to review ↓
• Best budget: Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill With Offset SmokerJump to review ↓

Every smoker above was listed as available on its maker’s own store when we checked, or, for Dyna-Glo, as a current product sold through retailers. Prices are the makers’ own and change often.

Smoker	Style	Total Cooking Area	Weight	Maker’s Price
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Classic	Horizontal offset	879 sq in	156 lb	$429.99
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow	Reverse flow offset	1,197 sq in incl. firebox grate	156 lb	$629.99
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow	Reverse flow offset	1,060 sq in	268.3 lb	$779.99
Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical	Vertical offset	1,890 sq in, 6 grates	83 lb	$349.00
Royal Gourmet CC2036F	Grill with offset smoker	1,200 sq in	87.5 lb	$356.99
Royal Gourmet CC1830F	Grill with offset smoker	824 sq in	45.2 lb	$179.99

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Classic Offset Smoker: Best Overall

The Highland is the offset smoker most beginners are pointed to, and for good reason. It is heavy for its size, at 156 pounds. That steel holds heat, which makes temperature easier to keep steady than on thin, cheap offsets.

The firebox has its own grate, so you can grill burgers and steaks directly over the coals. The main chamber smokes. That makes it a smoker and a charcoal grill in one.

Adjustable dampers on the firebox and smokestack control airflow, which controls temperature. A removable ash pan makes cleanup easier between cooks.

Oklahoma Joe’s says the main chamber fits up to three briskets. That is plenty for family cooks and parties.

It does not list a built-in temperature gauge in its specs. Use a probe thermometer at grate level, which is more accurate anyway.

Who should buy it: First-time offset owners who want a solid smoker they will not outgrow quickly.

2. Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Reverse Flow Smoker: Best Reverse Flow for Beginners

The biggest problem with a basic offset is a hot spot near the firebox. Meat closest to the fire cooks faster than meat at the far end.

A reverse flow design fixes that. Baffles under the grates send the heat to the far end first, then back across the food to a stack on the firebox side. The temperature evens out along the grate.

This Highland can run either way. Move the smokestack to switch between reverse flow and traditional offset. The baffles come out for cleaning.

It adds a secondary grate, so total space jumps well past the Classic. The large charcoal basket lets a fire burn longer between refuels.

It costs $200 more than the Classic. For beginners, the even heat is worth it.

Who should buy it: Beginners who want more even heat and less rotating of meat.

3. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker: Best for Big Cooks

The Longhorn is the bigger, heavier version. At 268 pounds, it holds heat even better than the Highland. That stability makes it forgiving in cold or windy weather.

Its main grate is larger, at 751 square inches. It suits big family gatherings, block parties and anyone who smokes for friends.

Like the Highland Reverse Flow, it switches between reverse flow and traditional modes. It adds a professional-grade temperature gauge and a separate firebox door for fuel.

It is a big step up in price and size. Make sure you have the space and a level patio.

Who should buy it: Beginners who already know they will cook for crowds.

4. Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker: Best Vertical Offset

A vertical offset stacks the cooking space upward instead of outward. The firebox sits low to one side, and heat rises through a tall cabinet of grates.

That gives you a lot of space in a small footprint. Dyna-Glo lists 1,890 square inches across six adjustable grates, far more than horizontal smokers at this price.

Vertical smokers are great for ribs, sausages, jerky and many small items. Hang sausages or stack racks of ribs.

The gauge shows a “Smoke Zone” to help beginners find the right range. Use a grate-level probe as well, because heat varies from top to bottom.

It is lighter steel than the Oklahoma Joe’s models. Expect to tend the fire more often.

Who should buy it: Beginners with limited yard space who smoke lots of ribs and sausages.

5. Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Grill With Offset Smoker: Best Grill and Smoker Combo

The CC2036F is mainly a big charcoal grill with an offset smoker box attached. The main chamber is large enough for 8 to 10 people, per Royal Gourmet.

The adjustable charcoal pan is the key feature for beginners. Raise it for hot searing, lower it for gentler cooking. A side door lets you add charcoal without lifting the grates.

The offset box gives you a smoking option. You can also use it as a firebox to smoke in the main chamber.

It is lighter steel than the Oklahoma Joe’s smokers. For long, low smokes, expect more fire tending. For grilling plus occasional smoking, it is excellent value.

Who should buy it: Beginners who grill most of the time and want to try smoking.

6. Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill With Offset Smoker: Best Budget

The CC1830F is the cheapest way to try offset smoking. It is a compact barrel charcoal grill with a small offset box on the side.

It is light, at 45 pounds, so it moves easily and suits smaller patios. The two-level charcoal pan lets you adjust heat for grilling.

The offset box is small. It is fine for a rack of ribs, chicken thighs or sausages. It will not handle a whole packer brisket comfortably.

Treat it as a learning smoker. Many people start here and upgrade once they know they love smoking.

Who should buy it: Curious beginners on a budget and small patios.

What Changed From Our Old List

The older version of this guide listed Z Grills, Char-Broil American Gourmet, Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D and Royal Gourmet CC1830F. We check each product on its maker’s store before recommending it.

When we checked, Char-Griller listed its Grand Champ and Competition Pro offsets as unavailable, so they are not picks. The Oklahoma Joe’s, Royal Gourmet and Dyna-Glo picks above were current.

How an Offset Smoker Works

An offset smoker has two parts. The firebox sits to the side and slightly lower. The cooking chamber is a long barrel or cabinet.

You build a fire in the firebox. Heat and smoke flow into the cooking chamber, over the meat and out through a smokestack. Because the meat is not over the fire, it cooks with indirect heat.

Dampers control the fire. The intake damper on the firebox lets air in. The smokestack damper lets smoke out. More air means a hotter fire.

Traditional offset smokers have a hot end near the firebox. Reverse flow smokers use baffles to even out the heat. Vertical offsets stack the cooking space upward.

How to Run an Offset Smoker

Offset cooking is a skill. These steps get a beginner started.

1. Season the smoker first. Coat the inside with cooking oil and run it hot for a few hours before the first cook. This burns off residue and protects the steel.
2. Light a charcoal base. Use a chimney starter to light charcoal, then spread it in the firebox basket.
3. Add wood chunks. Place a few chunks of hardwood on the coals for smoke.
4. Set the dampers. Start with the smokestack fully open. Adjust the firebox intake to control temperature.
5. Aim for 225°F to 275°F. Let the smoker stabilize before adding meat. Measure at the grate, not the lid.
6. Look for thin blue smoke. Thick white smoke means the fire is choking. Open the intake or add a smaller, hotter split.
7. Add fuel in small amounts. Add a chunk or a few briquettes every 45 to 60 minutes, rather than big loads.
8. Cook to temperature. Use a probe thermometer and pull meat when it is done, not by the clock.

A good thermometer is the most useful upgrade. Our guide to the best meat thermometer for smoking covers wireless and multi-probe models. If you are new to charcoal, our guide on how to use a charcoal grill covers lighting and airflow.

Fire Management Tips for Beginners

Most offset problems come from the fire. These habits help.

• Keep the stack open. Control heat with the intake damper. A closed stack traps stale smoke.
• Use dry, seasoned wood. Green or damp wood smolders and makes bitter smoke.
• Preheat new fuel. Set the next wood chunk on top of the firebox to warm it before adding.
• Shield from wind. Wind steals heat. Position the smoker out of the wind, or use a windbreak.
• Do not chase small swings. A 15 to 20-degree swing is normal. Make small changes and wait 10 minutes.
• Keep the ash clear. Ash buildup chokes the fire. Empty the ash pan on long cooks.

Wear gloves when handling the firebox. Our guide to the best heat-resistant gloves for cooking covers grill-rated pairs.

What to Smoke First

Start with forgiving cuts. They teach you fire control without risking an expensive brisket.

• Chicken thighs. Quick, cheap and hard to dry out.
• Pork shoulder. Very forgiving and feeds a crowd. Pull it around 195°F to 205°F.
• Pork ribs. A classic first smoke. Spare ribs take longer than baby backs.
• Sausages. Easy and fast. Our guide on how to cook sausages in the oven helps if the weather turns.
• Brisket. Save it for when you are comfortable holding temperature for 10+ hours. Slice it against the grain with a sharp knife or a meat slicer for home use, and keep blades keen with a good knife sharpener.

For chicken safety and leftovers, see how long chicken lasts in the fridge and how to reheat chicken wings.

Offset vs Other Smokers

Offset smokers are not the only option. Consider these if an offset sounds like too much work.

• Propane smokers hold steady heat with a dial. See the best propane smoker.
• Electric smokers are the easiest to run. See how to use an electric smoker and how to use a Masterbuilt electric smoker.
• Gas grills with a smoker box add smoke flavor with no new cooker. See the best smoker box for gas grills.
• Gas and charcoal combos give you flexibility. See the best gas and charcoal grill combo.

Offset smokers give the most traditional smoke flavor, but they reward patience and practice.

Caring for an Offset Smoker

Steel smokers rust if neglected. A little care keeps them going for years.

• Empty ash after every cook. Ash holds moisture and rusts steel.
• Scrape the grates. Brush while warm.
• Re-oil the inside. Wipe a thin coat of cooking oil inside after cleaning.
• Touch up paint. Use high-temperature grill paint on scratches.
• Cover it. A fitted cover keeps rain out.

Cast iron pans on the grates are handy for beans and sides. Our Lodge cast iron skillet review covers sizes that fit a smoker. For leftovers, our guide on how to use a vacuum sealer shows how to freeze smoked meat without freezer burn.

For cast iron grates and pans, our guide on how to season stainless steel pans explains how seasoning works. For other grill troubleshooting, see why your gas grill has a weak flame.

Space and Safety

Offset smokers are big and hot. Plan where yours will live.

Keep the smoker at least 10 feet from your house, fences and overhanging branches. Set it on a level, non-flammable surface like concrete or pavers. Keep a fire extinguisher or a hose nearby.

Check local rules before smoking on a balcony or in a shared yard. Many apartments ban charcoal and wood fires. Our guides on balcony grilling safety tips and rules and how to set up a small patio for grilling cover the basics.

Which Offset Smoker Should You Buy?

Buy the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Classic if you want a solid, heavy first offset that also grills.

Pick the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow if you want more even heat and more space.

Choose the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow if you know you will cook for crowds.

Get the Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical if you have limited space and smoke lots of ribs and sausages.

Go with the Royal Gourmet CC2036F if you grill most of the time and want to try smoking.

Choose the Royal Gourmet CC1830F if you want the cheapest way to start.

Related Guides

• What Is a Grill?
• Best Gas Grills Under $500
• Best Infrared Grills for the Money
• How to Use a Smoker Box on a Gas Grill
• Best Camping Cookware
• Best Vacuum Sealer for Sous Vide
• Small-Space Grilling Accessories You Actually Need

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best offset smoker for beginners?

The Oklahoma Joe's Highland Classic is the best pick in this guide for most beginners. It has 879 square inches of total cooking area, heavy-gauge steel, adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers, and a 2-year warranty. On a tight budget, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F gives you a charcoal grill and small offset smoker for much less.

What is a reverse flow offset smoker?

In a reverse flow smoker, metal baffles under the grates force the heat and smoke to travel to the far end of the chamber and then back across the food before leaving through a stack on the firebox side. This evens out the temperature from one end of the grate to the other. Oklahoma Joe's Highland and Longhorn Reverse Flow models can switch between reverse flow and traditional modes.

Charcoal or wood in an offset smoker?

Most beginners start with a charcoal base and add wood chunks for smoke. Charcoal burns steadily and is easier to control. As you gain experience, you can move toward burning mostly wood splits, which gives more smoke flavor but needs more attention.

Are cheap offset smokers worth it?

Budget offset smokers can make good barbecue, but thinner steel and loose seals make temperature harder to hold, especially in wind or cold. Expect to tend the fire more often. Heavier smokers like the Oklahoma Joe's Highland hold heat better. A good thermometer helps with any of them.

How long does it take to smoke a brisket in an offset smoker?

Brisket often takes around 1 to 1.5 hours per pound at 225°F to 250°F, but every brisket is different. Cook to temperature and tenderness, not time. Many cooks pull brisket around 200°F to 205°F when a probe slides in easily.