Best Charcoal Smokers of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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.
EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker
The EAST OAK Electric Smoker offers a side wood chip loader for continuous smoking without heat loss, ensuring rich smoked flavors. With an 800W heating tube, it guarantees tender meats. The 30-inch smoker includes 4 racks for versatile cooking. Its glass door and meat thermometer allow easy monitoring. The digital control panel and remote make temperature control effortless, providing a seamless user experience.
Masterbuilt MB20070421 Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker is a great addition to any kitchen. With a temperature that reaches up to 275˚F and a thermostat-temperature control, you can achieve consistent smoking every time. The digital panel controls the on/off, cooking temperature, and time, making it easy for anyone to use. The smoker also features 711 sq. in. of smoking space, perfect for feeding the whole family. Additionally, the four chrome-coated smoking racks allow for plenty of room to smoke a variety of meats. The patented side wood chip loader lets you experiment with flavor without opening the smoker door, making smoking even more convenient.
Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Attachment MB20100112
The Masterbuilt Cold Smoker Attachment MB20100112 is designed to provide continuous smoke for cold or hot smoking up to 275˚F. It is perfect for enhancing the flavor of cheese, fish, bacon, and jerky. With the push of a button, it automatically heats wood chips, ensuring a hassle-free smoking experience. The continuous wood feed system guarantees up to 6 hours of uninterrupted smoke without the need for reloading. Additionally, the removable ash tray simplifies cleanup, making your smoking sessions more convenient.
EAST OAK Ridgewood Pro 30" Electric Smoker
The EAST OAK Ridgewood Smoker offers a hassle-free smoking experience with its long-lasting smoke sessions, so you won’t have to keep refilling wood chips or opening the door, which helps keep your smoke flavor rich and consistent. It features a built-in meat probe that monitors your food’s internal temperature, ensuring your meat is perfectly cooked without drying out or guesswork. The smoker comes with an elevated stand, making it easier and more comfortable to check and adjust without bending or squatting. Plus, the convenient side chip loader lets you add wood chips anytime without losing heat, so your cooking stays steady and flavorful from start to finish.
Camp Chef Hickory BBQ Pellets
Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker is a user-friendly, lightweight, and convenient appliance that can help you smoke meats, fish, vegetables, and more. Its 548 square inches of interior space with three removable smoking shelves make it perfect for patios and barbecue kitchens. The built-in thermometer ensures accessible monitoring of the internal temperature, while the stainless steel trays hold the wood chips and water for easy clean-up. Additionally, the smoker's 1500-watt heating element can produce a temperature range from 100°F to 400°F, controlled with a dial.
LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube
The LIZZQ Premium Pellet Smoker Tube is a versatile and easy-to-use accessory that can add great flavor to your meat or fish. It can work in any grill or smoker, and can produce smoke for up to 5 hours. The hexagon shape ensures efficient diffusion of smoke, and it can be used with a variety of wood pellets. Made from durable stainless steel, it is also easy to clean.
GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker
The GE Profile Smoker is an innovative indoor electric smoker that offers Active Smoke Filtration to convert real-wood smoke into warm air, allowing you to smoke various foods like brisket and chicken wings conveniently in your kitchen. With Precision Smoke Control, you can manage the smoke level and cooking temperature separately for perfect BBQ results. It also features Six Preset Food Settings for easy cooking and Five Adjustable Smoke Settings for experimenting with different smoke flavors. This smart appliance brings the authentic BBQ experience to your home.
1/2" x 1/8" LavaLock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal
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 239,854 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 $183.37.
The charcoal smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of charcoal smokers, including Realcook, EAST OAK, Masterbuilt, Camp Chef, Cuisinart. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 78 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.