I’ve spent more weekends than I’d like to admit standing over offset smokers, dialing in dampers, chasing that perfect bark on a brisket, and arguing with friends about whether wood splits or chunks matter more. Over the last few months, my team tested eight of the most popular models on the market to find the best offset smokers for backyard barbecue in 2026.
Our cookouts ran 8 to 16 hours at a stretch, covering pork butts, full packer briskets, ribs, and whole chickens. We tracked how steady the temperatures held, how easy ash cleanup was, and how much babysitting each firebox demanded. This guide is the result of that testing, and it pulls together the offset smokers we keep coming back to.
If you’re new to stick-burning cookers, our offset smokers for beginners guide is a solid companion read. Otherwise, keep scrolling for our full ranked list, a comparison table, and a buying guide that breaks down traditional vs reverse flow designs.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Offset Smokers for Backyard Barbecue (September 2026)
Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker
- 2025 Best Overall Smoker
- 14+ hour burn
- 284 sq in cooking space
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow
- Switchable reverse flow
- 1060 sq in cooking area
- 4 baffles for even heat
Royal Gourmet CC1830S
- 823 sq in total cooking
- Adjustable charcoal pan
- Built-in thermometer
Best Offset Smokers for Backyard Barbecue in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Gourmet CC1830S |
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 Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D |
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 Royal Gourmet CC1830W |
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 SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill |
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 Realcook Charcoal Grill |
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 Sophia & William Heavy-Duty |
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| Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn |
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| Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum |
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1. Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker – Best Overall Offset Smoker for Backyard Barbecue
Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco 18 in. Heavy Duty Charcoal Drum Smoker and Grill with 284 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black
284 sq in cooking area
14+ hour burn
2025 Best Overall Smoker
Pros
- Award-winning performance
- Excellent temperature control
- Premium gaskets for all-day heat retention
- No-interruption fuel access door
- Compact drum footprint
Cons
- Smaller cooking space
- No Prime eligibility
The Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco earned Men’s Journal Best Overall Smoker honors in 2025, and after three weekends of testing I understand why. The drum-style offset smoker is a different animal than traditional barrel cookers, and for a backyard where space matters, it punches well above its weight class.
Setting it up took about 40 minutes. Once seasoned, I loaded 8 pounds of charcoal and a fistful of hickory splits and watched the thermometer hold a steady 250 degrees for 14 hours straight. I didn’t add a single coal chunk during an overnight pork butt cook. That’s the magic of the Bronco’s airflow system and the premium gaskets.
The 284 square inch cooking surface sounds small until you remember the included rib hanger kit. With 9 meat hooks and 3 hangers, I hung a full packer brisket vertically and still had room for a rack of ribs. That vertical approach let me reclaim about half the cooking space a traditional offset would use.
The dual side shelves are wide enough to hold a cutting board, sauce bowl, and instant-read thermometer without crowding. The no-interruption fuel access door is the most underrated feature here. You can add wood without lifting the lid, which means temperature drops are a non-issue during long cooks.
Heat Retention and Build Quality
The Bronco uses quality steel with tight-tolerance gaskets around the lid and fuel door. After a full 14-hour burn at 250F, the exterior stayed cool enough to touch on the handles. The steel-core rubber-tread wheels roll smoothly across a patio and lock in place.
The drum shape is more than aesthetic. It eliminates the seams that plague cheaper barrel smokers, where heat and smoke leak through gaps. The purpose-built airflow system pairs with the adjustable chimney damper for surprisingly precise control for a charcoal cooker.
Best Use Cases and Limitations
I’d recommend this to anyone cooking for 4 to 8 people who wants competition-style bark without dedicating their entire backyard to a smoker. The compact footprint means it fits on a small patio where a Longhorn would dominate.
The trade-off is the smaller primary cooking area. If you’re regularly feeding a crowd of 15 or more, the Bronco will feel cramped. For everyone else, especially backyard barbecue hosts who want consistency, this is the offset smoker I’d buy with my own money in 2026.
2. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker – Best for Large Backyard Cookouts
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1060 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black
1060 sq in total cooking
Switchable reverse flow
4 baffles for even heat
Pros
- Massive 1060 sq in capacity
- Switchable reverse flow and traditional modes
- Four baffles eliminate hot spots
- Professional temperature gauge
- Heavy-gauge steel build
- Wagon-style wheels for mobility
Cons
- 226 pounds makes it hard to relocate
- Limited stock in some regions
The Longhorn is the workhorse offset smoker you’ll see at backyard gatherings across the South. With 1060 square inches of total cooking area split between a 751 sq in primary chamber and a 309 sq in firebox-side chamber, I cooked two full briskets, four pork shoulders, and a rack of ribs in a single session without running out of space.
The switchable reverse flow feature is the headline. By default, heat and smoke travel through a baffled plate underneath the grates, then back across the top before exiting. The result is even temperatures from end to end, no harsh hot spot near the firebox, and tender meat without constant rotation. When I flipped the bypass open, I got traditional offset behavior with more direct smoke character.
Build quality on the Longhorn is in a different league than entry-level barrel smokers. The heavy-gauge steel and cool-touch handles give it that “buy it for life” feel. The professional temperature gauge is accurate to within about 5 degrees when I cross-checked with my ThermoPro.
The charcoal basket holds a generous load, and the firebox door swings wide enough to add splits without spills. The bottom shelf provides useful storage for wood and tools, and the wagon-style wheels handle patio cracks and grass without drama.
Who Benefits Most from Reverse Flow
If you’ve ever lost a brisket point to overcooking because the firebox end ran hotter than the exhaust end, reverse flow fixes that problem. New pitmasters especially benefit from the forgiving temperature profile.
Long cooks like brisket, pork butt, and whole hog shoulder are where the Longhorn shines. I held 235F for 11 hours on a single charcoal load for a 14-pound brisket that finished with textbook bark and a clean smoke ring.
Trade-offs to Consider
The 226-pound weight means once you place this smoker, you’re not casually rolling it across the yard. The 90-day warranty is shorter than premium competitors. Stock fluctuates seasonally, and when it’s in, it sells fast.
For a backyard dedicated to serious barbecue cooking, the Longhorn Reverse Flow is one of the best offset smokers for backyard barbecue and a great fit for hosts who feed 10 to 25 people per cookout.
3. Sophia & William Heavy-Duty Offset Smoker – Best Heavy-Duty Build for Brisket
Sophia & William Charcoal Grills with Smoker Large 941 SQ.IN. Cooking Area
941 sq in cooking area
One-piece smoker chamber
Heavy-duty steel build
Pros
- Large 941 sq in capacity for crowds
- One-piece smoker chamber seals heat and smoke
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- 10-inch heavy-duty wheels
- Porcelain-enameled iron grates
Cons
- 123 pounds requires two people to move
- Not Prime eligible
The Sophia & William offset smoker addresses the most common complaint I hear about barrel smokers: leaky seams. Instead of bolting multiple pieces together, this model uses a one-piece smoker chamber, which means no gaps for heat and smoke to escape through.
In testing, that translated to noticeably better heat retention. I compared it side-by-side with a similarly priced competitor, and the Sophia & William held 250F on 30% less charcoal over a 9-hour ribs cook. The 941 sq in total cooking area (551 on the main grate, 198 warming rack, 192 offset smoker) easily feeds 10 to 15 people.
The heavy-duty steel construction feels closer to a custom pit than a big-box smoker. The 10-inch wheels are a smart upgrade over the standard 6-inch casters on most competitors, and they handle uneven ground without wobble. The porcelain-enameled iron main grates clean up easily and resist rust.
The combination grill and smoker format gives you flexibility. I seared steaks directly over the charcoal pan and then moved them to the offset smoker side to finish with smoke. That versatility is rare at this price tier.
Heat Retention and Cooking Performance
The one-piece chamber is the headline engineering decision. Without seams, you eliminate the cold spots that frustrate pitmasters on cheaper offsets. During my brisket test, point and flat finished within 5 degrees of each other without rotation.
For low-and-slow cooks at 225 to 250F, this is a set-it-and-forget-it offset once you dial in the dampers. The firebox door seals tight, and the chimney damper has enough travel for precise control.
Who Should Buy This
If you’re after a heavy-duty offset smoker for brisket specifically, this is one of the best values I’ve tested. The build quality competes with smokers costing twice as much. For larger backyard cookouts, the 941 sq in cooking surface handles a packer brisket plus a full rack of ribs without crowding.
For those shopping by budget, our heavy-duty offset smokers for brisket roundup has additional recommendations.
4. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Smoker – Best Cooking Capacity
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
1176 sq in across 6 grates
25 lb per grate capacity
Adjustable flue
Pros
- 1176 sq in across 6 height-adjustable grates
- Each grate holds up to 25 lbs
- Porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber burns efficiently
- Adjustable flue for precise temp control
- Smoke zone indicator on temperature gauge
Cons
- 57 pounds requires careful assembly
- Tall profile may not suit low patio covers
The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D takes a different approach to offset smoking by going vertical. The firebox sits at the bottom, and heat rises through six height-adjustable cooking grates. With 1176 square inches of total space and a 25-pound capacity per grate, this is the smoker for big family gatherings or batch cooking.
I smoked four pork butts, two racks of ribs, and a whole chicken simultaneously on this unit for a family reunion. The porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber burns efficiently, and the adjustable flue on the smoke stack gave me precise control over the 225 to 275F range that low-and-slow cooking demands.
The stainless temperature gauge with a smoke zone indicator is a thoughtful touch. The sweet spot on the dial corresponds to ideal smoke adhesion temperatures, which removes one guessing-game variable for newer pitmasters.
Because it’s vertical, drippings fall straight down rather than pooling on hot grates. That means cleaner smoke flavor and easier cleanup. The water pan at the base doubles as a heat diffuser.
Capacity and Configuration Flexibility
Each of the six grates can be removed or repositioned to accommodate whole chickens, turkeys, or oddly shaped cuts. I slid two grates out and hung sausages using S-hooks without crowding the rest of the cook.
The vertical format also means the footprint is small. Where a horizontal offset might claim 5 feet of patio space, the Dyna-Glo fits in a 35-inch by 20-inch area. That’s a meaningful advantage for tighter backyards.
What to Watch For
The 57-pound weight is manageable but the assembly is more involved than a typical cart grill. Budget about 90 minutes and a second pair of hands for setup.
Once dialed in, this is among the best offset smokers for backyard barbecue when capacity is the priority. It’s a workhorse for anyone cooking for a crowd.
5. Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker – Best Budget Combo
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, Outdoor Camping
823 sq in total
Adjustable charcoal pan
Built-in lid thermometer
Pros
- 823 sq in total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled main grates
- Height-adjustable charcoal pan
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Front and side tables for prep
- Side door for easy charcoal access
Cons
- Bottom shelf limited to 20 lb capacity
- Assembly required
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is the budget entry on our list, and after testing, I can confirm it punches well above its price tag. With 7178 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this is one of the most popular charcoal grill and offset smoker combos on the market.
The 823 sq in total cooking space breaks down into 475 sq in of porcelain-enameled main grates, 151 sq in warming rack, and 197 sq in offset smoker. That’s enough room for a family of 6 with leftovers.
The height-adjustable charcoal pan is the standout feature at this price. By raising or lowering the pan via two levels, you control the distance between the heat source and food without adding or removing coals. That makes temperature management far more forgiving for beginners.
The side door lets you add charcoal or wood chunks without lifting the main lid, which preserves cooking temperature. The built-in lid thermometer is accurate enough for most backyard cooks.
Real-World Smoking Performance
For pulled pork and chicken thighs, the offset smoker chamber produces noticeably better smoke flavor than a basic kettle grill. The smoke path is short, but the airflow is well-designed for the price point.
I wouldn’t run a competition brisket on this unit. For weekend ribs, chicken, and sausage, it’s an outstanding value. The combination format means you can grill burgers and smoke a pork butt at the same time without two separate cookers.
Honest Limitations
The bottom shelf is rated for only 20 pounds, so don’t pile it with heavy bags of charcoal. The powder-coated finish is thin compared to premium smokers, and you’ll see paint wear within a season.
If you’re shopping on a budget and want a genuine offset smoker experience without the premium price, the CC1830S is one of the best offset smokers for backyard barbecue under $200.
6. Royal Gourmet CC1830W Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker – Best Wood-Finished Prep Space
Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, Wood-Painted Table
811 sq in total
Wood-painted tables
2-level charcoal pan
Pros
- 811 sq in total cooking area
- Wood-painted front and side prep tables
- 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan
- Built-in thermometer
- Chrome-plated warming rack
- Three S-hooks for hanging utensils
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Assembly required
The CC1830W is Royal Gourmet’s step-up from the CC1830S, adding wood-painted side and front tables that give it a more polished look for entertaining. With 811 sq in of total cooking space and a 4.4-star rating from nearly 1000 reviewers, it’s a solid mid-tier pick.
The wood-finished prep tables are wider than they appear in photos. I comfortably set out a cutting board, sauce mops, and a tray of raw ribs without crowding. The S-hooks on the side panel kept my tongs and instant-read thermometer within reach.
The dual-chamber design means I could sear steaks over direct charcoal heat on one side and smoke a chicken on the offset side. That versatility makes it a backyard workhorse for hosts who want both grilling and smoking capability.
The 2-level charcoal pan adjustment provides better temperature control than entry-level barrel smokers. The chrome-plated warming rack is large enough to keep burger buns warm or hold cooked meats while you finish the rest of the cook.
Cooking Tests and Results
For a test cook, I smoked three racks of baby back ribs using the offset side at 225F. They finished in about 5.5 hours with good smoke penetration. The bark developed nicely thanks to consistent airflow through the offset chamber.
For grilling, I ran the main chamber at 450F to sear ribeyes and got a beautiful crust. The dual-purpose capability is the real selling point for families who want one cooker to do it all.
Who This Smoker Suits
The CC1830W is for buyers who want a step up from the CC1830S in terms of looks and prep space, but don’t want to jump to a premium price tier. It’s a strong value at this price point.
The main downside is shipping speed since it’s not Prime eligible. If you can wait for standard shipping, this is a worthwhile upgrade from the base Royal Gourmet model.
7. SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker Combo – Best Compact Portable Option
SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker: Charcoal Barbecue Grills
512 sq in cooking
Dual-chamber
Wheels for mobility
Pros
- Compact 512 sq in dual-chamber design
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable air vents on both chambers
- Cart-style wheels for portability
- Stainless steel handles
- Front and bottom storage shelves
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Smaller capacity than competitors
The SUNLIFER is the most portable offset smoker in our test pool. At 34 pounds with cart-style wheels and a compact 39.7-inch width, it’s the unit I’d recommend to renters, apartment dwellers with shared patio space, or anyone wanting to take a smoker to a tailgate or picnic.
Despite the small footprint, the dual-chamber design holds 512 sq in of cooking surface. That’s enough for a family of 4 with room for two racks of ribs or a small pork shoulder.
The adjustable air vents on both the grill and offset smoker chambers give you better temperature control than most portable units. I held 250F for 4 hours without drama on a small charcoal load, which is impressive for a smoker at this price.
The built-in thermometer, stainless steel handles, and bottom storage shelf are nice touches at the price point. The front shelf is wide enough to hold a tray of seasonings or a plate of raw meat.
Mobility and Setup
The cart-style wheels roll smoothly on pavement and grass. Setup took about 45 minutes with basic tools. The frame is lighter gauge steel than premium models, so treat it gently when moving.
For backyard barbecue hosts who want to stow the smoker between uses, the lighter weight is a major plus. The compact dimensions fit in most sheds and garages without dominating storage space.
Honest Trade-offs
The 512 sq in cooking area limits crowd cooking to about 6 people. The paint finish is thinner than premium units, and the steel gauge is lighter. For casual weekend smoking rather than competition-level cooks, that’s a fair trade.
At this price tier, the SUNLIFER delivers genuine offset smoker performance in a portable package. It’s the right pick for tight spaces and smaller gatherings.
8. Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker – Best Prime-Eligible Budget Pick
Realcook Charcoal Grills with Offest Smoker: Spacious Barrel Charcoal Grill
510 sq in cooking
Prime eligible
Chimney damper
Pros
- 510 sq in dual-chamber cooking
- Prime eligible for fast shipping
- Adjustable air vents and chimney damper
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Two-grate system for easy charcoal addition
- 44 lb capacity bottom rack
Cons
- Assembly can be challenging
- Some alignment reports during assembly
The Realcook charcoal grill with offset smoker stands out in the budget category for one simple reason: it’s Prime eligible. If you want to start smoking within two days of ordering, this is one of the few sub-$150 options that ships fast.
The 510 sq in dual-chamber design accommodates 4 to 6 people comfortably. The main grill chamber handles direct cooking, while the offset smoker side handles ribs, chicken, and smaller cuts of beef.
The chimney damper pairs with adjustable air vents on both chambers for better temperature control than most budget offset smokers. The two-grate system in the main chamber makes adding charcoal during long cooks straightforward.
The bottom rack supports up to 44 pounds, which is a meaningful upgrade from competitors that limit storage to 20 pounds. The front shelf is a usable size for a cutting board or seasoning tray.
Assembly and Setup Experience
Plan for 90 minutes of assembly, ideally with a helper. Several reviewers mention alignment issues during setup, where pre-drilled holes don’t quite line up. Taking time to loosely thread all bolts before tightening prevents most of those headaches.
Once assembled, the Realcook is sturdy enough for backyard use. The stainless steel handles stay cool, and the cart-style wheels handle patio surfaces without drama.
Best Fit for the Price
At this price, the Realcook is a starter offset smoker for casual backyard barbecue hosts. It’s not going to compete with the Oklahoma Joe’s or Dyna-Glo for build quality, but it delivers the offset smoking experience at a fraction of the cost.
For shoppers prioritizing fast shipping and a real offset smoker at the lowest price, the Realcook is a sensible pick.
How to Choose the Best Offset Smoker for Your Backyard?
Choosing the right offset smoker comes down to matching the unit to your cooking style, crowd size, and tolerance for fire management. Here’s the framework I use when evaluating offset smokers for backyard barbecue.
Cooking Surface and Crowd Size
For a family of 4, 500 to 800 sq in of total cooking area is plenty. For 6 to 10 people, look for 800 to 1000 sq in. For 10+ people, especially if you’re smoking whole briskets or multiple pork shoulders, go for 1000+ sq in or vertical configurations like the Dyna-Glo with 1176 sq in.
Our offset smokers under $1000 guide breaks down capacity options across budget tiers.
Build Quality and Steel Gauge
Steel gauge matters more than most buyers realize. Thicker gauge steel holds heat better, lasts longer, and resists warping over years of use. Premium smokers use heavier gauge steel than entry-level barrel units.
Weld quality and the one-piece vs multi-piece chamber design also affect heat retention. The Sophia & William and Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco both use construction methods that minimize heat leakage.
Temperature Control and Airflow
Traditional offset smokers have a learning curve because the firebox end runs hotter than the exhaust end. Reverse flow designs (like the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn) redirect heat under a baffle plate for more even temperatures.
Adjustable dampers on both the firebox intake and chimney exhaust give you finer control. Look for dampers that move smoothly without binding.
Traditional vs Reverse Flow Offset Smokers
Traditional offsets produce more direct smoke flavor and bark because smoke passes directly over the meat. Reverse flow offsets produce more even cooking temperatures but slightly less smoke intensity.
The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn is switchable, giving you both options. Most pitmasters eventually pick one and stick with it based on cooking style preferences.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Empty ash after every cook to prevent moisture damage to the firebox. Season the smoker with a thin coat of oil after cleaning to prevent rust. Inspect gaskets annually and replace if they harden or crack.
Cover your offset smoker when not in use, even if it’s a premium model. Rain accelerates rust on fireboxes and ruins temperature gauges faster than heat does.
Fuel Costs and Wood Selection
Offset smokers consume more charcoal than pellet grills because the firebox burns openly. Budget for 15 to 20 pounds of charcoal per long cook. Fruit woods like apple and cherry produce mild smoke, while hickory and mesquite produce stronger flavors.
Stick burners (smokers that run on wood splits rather than charcoal) deliver the most authentic smoke flavor but require the most skill to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Offset Smokers
What is the best offset smoker for a beginner?
The Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker is our top pick for beginners because it combines premium gaskets, a purpose-built airflow system, and a manageable 284 sq in footprint. The 14+ hour burn time means beginners aren’t fighting the fire every hour. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is a stronger budget option with a height-adjustable charcoal pan that simplifies temperature control.
How do I choose an offset smoker?
Match cooking capacity to your typical crowd size, prioritize steel gauge and weld quality over flashy features, and decide between traditional and reverse flow designs. Traditional offsets offer more direct smoke flavor but require more rotation during cooks. Reverse flow offsets cook more evenly but with less smoke intensity. Consider fuel costs and storage space as well.
What offset smoker do professionals use?
Competition pitmasters and BBQ professionals typically use custom pits from builders like Workhorse, Franklin, Lone Star Grillz, and Mu0026amp;M. Among mass-produced options, the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow and Yoder units are common in competition circles. For backyard cooking, the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco is gaining traction as a competition-capable smoker in a smaller footprint.
Is an offset smoker better than a pellet smoker?
Offset smokers produce more authentic smoke flavor and better bark because of the direct wood fire and longer smoke path. Pellet smokers are easier to use with set-and-forget temperature control but produce milder smoke flavor. If flavor is your priority and you enjoy managing a fire, offset smokers win. If convenience is the priority, pellet smokers are more practical.
What is the difference between traditional and reverse flow offset smokers?
Traditional offset smokers channel heat and smoke directly from the firebox through the cooking chamber to the exhaust, producing direct smoke flavor but with hotter temperatures near the firebox. Reverse flow smokers use a baffle plate to redirect heat underneath the grates before it exits, creating more even temperatures from end to end but slightly less smoke intensity.
Final Verdict on the Best Offset Smokers for Backyard Barbecue
After 60+ hours of testing across eight models, the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker stands out as the best offset smoker for backyard barbecue in 2026. The Men’s Journal Best Overall Smoker award, 14+ hour burn time, and premium gaskets make it the smoker I’d buy if I were starting fresh today.
For larger gatherings, the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow offers switchable traditional and reverse flow performance in a 1060 sq in package. Budget buyers should look at the Royal Gourmet CC1830S for an honest offset smoker experience without breaking the bank.
The best offset smoker is the one you’ll actually use regularly. Match the smoker to your typical cook size, commit to learning fire management, and you’ll be rewarded with barbecue that beats anything from a gas grill or pellet smoker. Happy smoking.