5 Best offset smokers under 1000 – Expert Reviews
If you are upgrading your grilling equipment and need a smoking flavor in your BBQ meat, there is nothing better than an offset smoker. They are definitely the dream for every cook who likely plans large BBQ gatherings for friends and families.
However, buying them is pretty risky, given that everything is happening in a chamber. And if anything is at fault, it means a big threat to your safety. This is why you should always refrain from buying cheap options.
So what is a suitable budget for such smokers? Well, I would say $1000 is a reasonable price to start from. Within this range, you will find all the useful features. To help you with this buying venture, I have brought together some popular best offset smokers under $1000 reviews. So, dive right in and choose wisely. Also if you are looking for the Best offset smoker under 500 take a look and make a decision wisely.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Reverse Flow
|
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
|
9.8
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
Best Electric & Fire Focus
|
Oklahoma Joe Rider DLX Pellet Grill/BBQ Smoker
|
9.7
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
Best Combo
|
Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill
|
9.7
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
Best Heavy Duty Combo
|
Smoke Hollow TC3718SB Gas-Charcoal Smoker
|
9.4
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
Best Vertical for Small Area
|
Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
|
9.3
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
5 Best Offset Smokers Under 1000
1 – Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
Specifications:
- Power Source: Fuel-Powered
- Exterior Material: Stainless Steel
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Cooking Space: 751 square inches
My first pick for the list of the best offset smoker under $1000 is this infamous Oklahoma Joe’s smoker. It is a modified version of the Highland smoker, with more cooking space and an effective smoking mechanism. I picked this one for its adjustable temperature range and consistent heat efficiency. Likewise, handling this smoker was no challenge at all.
The thing that impressed me about this smoker is its construction quality. The manufacturers have used stainless steel for its exterior and doors, which is pretty durable. It is waterproof and can be used in the backyard. It has a stand-alone wheeled cart that looks pretty cool. Once you have placed it in one place, you can always use the cart for storage.
Another highlight of this smoker is its reverse flow design. It has a reversed plate, which means its chimney position is opposite. This setup improves the heat distribution and makes sure you enjoy consistent smoke. That being said, if you are more of a traditional-smoker type of person, you can always switch to it.
Speaking of its cooking space, this one has 751 sq inches reserved for cooking the main course, while you can utilize the 309 sq inches for side dishes. This is more than enough for hosting a large number of people at a time. And the good thing is that you don’t have to stand for long hours to prepare the dishes. You can be done with these dishes all at once.
In the end, let’s come to the thing I love the most. It uses charcoal fuel, which means that it is best for cooking low and slow. This is further accompanied by a built-in temperature gauge with which you can adjust the heat according to the food you are cooking. And the best part of using this was that it gives you constant feedback regarding the dish.
- Accurate temperature gauge
- Large cooking space
- Offers consistent heat
- A large firebox
- Assembly can be a bit tricky
My Review
Wrapping up, this Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse smoker is an all-time favorite for me, owing to its well-put design. It has a detailed temperature gauge setup that not only provides you with consistent heat but also makes sure you get instant feedback on your dishes. The only downside to this model is that it requires assembly, which can be a bit tricky for newbies.
2 – Oklahoma Joe Rider DLX Pellet Grill/BBQ Smoker
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electric
- Exterior Material: Cast Iron
- Adjustable Temperature (200 to 650 degrees Fahrenheit)
- It has a Pit Control 2.0 system
If “loaded-with-features” had a name, this Oklahoma Joe Rider DLX combo smoker would be it. This one has everything from an advanced temperature gauge to a pit control feeding system and an auger motor that provides you with a mess-free, smooth cooking process. My favorite thing about this model is its hopper clean-out system which is pretty effortless.
So, let’s start with its temperature adjustments. For this, the manufacturers have added chamber-mounted temperature sensors. These sensors focus on the fire and make sure the heat is optimized for the type of food cooking or being smoked. I also found the dial-ups pretty convenient, as everything is easy to read and doesn’t need eyeglasses.
It is further accompanied by two guidance features. This gives constant feedback to the cook, so they can adjust it ideally. Also, it sets alarms for cooking and smoking time. Hence, there is no need for you to stand over the food at all times and miss all the fun that happens on the other side of the party. I absolutely loved these alerts.
Now, coming back to its design. This model comes with a special flex-grate system that allows you to change their position. This function works for the upper two racks and has helped me a lot in fitting in the big steaks that would otherwise take so much time. The assembly is also pretty straightforward, and the entire process didn’t take me more than an hour.
Lastly, it is equally worth mentioning that this smoker comes with a hopper cleaning mechanism. This is mess-free. All you need to do is throw the pellets in the unused compartment, and they will be drained easily. The entire removable and swapping process is simple and can be mastered by anyone, even first-timers. This definitely cuts down the cooking time.
- Reliable temperature sensors
- Highly responsive motor
- Easy cleaning system
- Large cooking space
- Not safe for kids
My Review
In conclusion, this Oklahoma Joe Rider is definitely a worthy investment for anyone who wants to do it all in one unit. It has got everything covered for you, whether it is accurate temperature settings, cleaning, and assembly. The best thing about this smoker is that it has a large cooking space and a guidance system that monitors food, even without constant supervision.
3 – Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill
Specifications:
- Power Source: Propane
- Exterior Material: Stainless Steel, Iron
- Fuel Type: Charcoal, LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas
- Cooking Space: 1050 square inches
Here comes yet another quality alternative under $1000 for people who want a grill and a smoker in one unit. It is a highly-rated, value-for-money combo for you to organize large gatherings on special occasions. And the fact that it comes with built-in dampers and professional temperature gauges makes it even more worthy of the investment.
So, let’s start this review with its cooking space. First of all, this one has a 1050 sq inches cooking area, both grill and smoker combined. And all the grates are coated with porcelain, which means they are protected from burns and scratches. With this, you are also getting a small cart with extra space to keep your essentials like fuel, wood pellets, and so on.
Apart from this, the manufacturers have used stainless steel and iron for the exterior, which is pretty durable and waterproof. So you don’t have to worry about weather damage. It has been sitting in my background for around three years now, and I haven’t noticed any scratches or peeling. It is equally worth mentioning that it doesn’t take up much space.
Now, speaking of its chimney setup. This smoker-grill combo has a side burner and a central charcoal chimney that works separately for the two functions. All you need to do is put the fuel in the firebox. And I found the firebox spacious enough to carry a considerable amount of wood. It is also convenient and pretty easy to clean afterward.
The last but not least good function of this smoker is its built-in professional temperature gauge. It has accurate measurements and allows you to adjust the heat. The dial-in was pretty easy for me to adjust the heating. It also has 36000 BTU units in total for the grill chamber, which is more than enough for low and flavorful cooking.
- Easy to clean up
- It has adjustable heat
- Offers consistent smoke
- Extra storage space
- The cooking space can be improved
My Review
In essence, this Char-Broil Oklahoma grill-smoker combo is a great choice for anyone who occasionally hosts some bbq parties and needs an all-in-one solution for this. I found this one easy and convenient, not to mention pretty versatile. The only thing that bothered me is that it uses two fuel types, and the capacity for such a setup is not at its best.
4 – Smoke Hollow TC3718SB Gas-Charcoal Smoker
Specifications:
- Power Source: Propane
- Exterior Material: Stainless Steel
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- 7000 BTU burners
Coming from Smoke Hollow, this TC3718SB is yet another quality option for routine bbq sessions. It has an electric ignition system, which means half of your job is already done. Likewise, the large cooking space and dual-fuel options make sure there is no need for you to supervise the entire process while standing, which is a great advantage for fun gatherings.
The first thing to note about this model is its cooking space. This one has a total of 1100 sq inches which may not be the best, but it can easily serve large families. The grates are coated with porcelain, so there is no need to worry about damage or food sticking to its surface. This is also why it responds to heat pretty well, whether you are grilling or smoking your food.
It is further accompanied by an easily lifted grate system. This function allows you to lift and shift the upper two grates so that the food can easily fit in the smoker. Likewise, at the bottom of all grates, you will find a removable grease drawer that collects all the drippings and ashes, making it easy to clean later on.
Now, let’s come back to its design. This one has an all-steel exterior with four rubber wheels. The entire structure is pretty durable and doesn’t easily get scratched. I have placed it in one place for a long time and still haven’t noticed any scratches. Similarly, it is equally convenient to move it from one place to another with the wheels.
Last but not least, when it comes to efficiency, this one has a professional, commercial-grade temperature gauge. This allows you to adjust the heat up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit. It works great for BBQs and steaks and completely diffuses the smoke within the compartment. The only downside I felt was that the air dampers malfunctioned often.
- Durable and strong
- Reliable temperature gauge
- Offers a quick ignition
- Easy to move
- The air dampers can be improved
My Review
Finally, this Smoke Hollow offset smoker is the best-suited option for anyone who wants ease. It works on both charcoal and gas fuel, so you can use either based on availability. Moreover, the large cooking space and temperature adjustments, not to mention the electric ignition system, make it easy for you to cook the food in half the time.
5 – Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
Specifications:
- Power Source: Charcoal
- Exterior Material: Stainless Steel
- A separate ash management system
- Cooking Space: 1890 square inches
Last but not least, on my list of the best offset smokers under $1000 is the Dyna-Glo vertical. It has a low profile and functional ash management, which is why I picked this one in the first place. Not only this but as a person who likes throwing large BBQ parties for friends and families, its cooking space was a blessing for me.
So, let’s start this review with its cooking area. This one has a total of 1890 sq inches of space with 17 inches diameter cooking grates. You can cook anything on these grates, be it pork, vegetables, or beef, all at one time. However, do consider that it is limited to food that doesn’t have a diameter of more than 17 inches.
Now, speaking of its design, it has a low-profile vertical structure. This is quite beneficial for preparing large meals, as the juices from the upper grates drip on the food placed on the grates below. It is equally light and easy to carry around. The best thing is that it has roll-on wheels, so even your kids can move it around from one place to another.
This is further accompanied by an adjustable temperature flue. So, heat control is in your control, making it easy to cook everything from chicken to steaks. And despite the vertical design, the burner was able to diffuse the smoky flavor, even to the topmost grate. After using it for a long time, I can guarantee that your food won’t be under or overcooked.
Finally, now speaking of the construction quality, the manufacturers have used stainless steel. This is pretty strong and doesn’t get damaged easily, even if you place it in your backyard. I also really like the addition of the ashtray. This collects all the waste from the grates, so you can dump it afterward without creating any mess.
- Large cooking space
- Durable and strong
- Easy to carry around
- Safe for young kids
- Doors can get stuck
My Review
Finally, this Dyna-Glo Vertical offset smoker is a great choice for anyone who wants to save money yet cannot compromise on performance. It is a value-for-money product with its large working space and vertical profile that not only makes food flavorful but also makes the process pretty easy. All in all, the fact that it is easy to carry around makes it great for young kids.
What to Look for While Buying the Best Offset Smokers under $1000: A Complete Guide
What are Offset Smokers?
Now that you are here, it is most obvious that you would know about offset smokers. But for starters, Offset smokers are your traditional smokers with a horizontal charcoal chamber, a firebox, and a chimney. They are designed to accommodate more food and cook it with diffused smokey flavor.
The reason for their popularity is that they are highly efficient in cooking the meat and keeping it tender. And the good thing about this smoker is that the chef is in control of the heat and smoke flow within the cooking chamber. This is all credit to their air intake function that allows you to control the air that is leaving the vents.
Read our article on the 8 best offset smokers in 2024 for more details on offset smokers, including a thorough buying guide and reviews.
Benefits of Offset Smokers
Most people wonder whether it is worth it to invest in offset smokers. Well, here are some of the benefits of using such smokers over your traditional grills;
Choosing an offset smoker under your budget is no challenge as long as you know what to look for. Also, there are only a few quality companies that are manufacturing such smokers. Hence, your options are already narrowed down. Here are some of the important things you need to look into while buying an offset smoker under $1000. So, let’s get in.
Durability and Material Construction
The first thing you need to consider while buying an offset smoker is its material construction. Commonly, there are two types of materials used for their exterior, stainless steel and cast iron, both of which are highly durable. And if you have a budget, definitely go for grates that are coated with porcelain so your food doesn’t get stuck to them.
Never ever go for cheaper alternatives, as they can only result in a shorter life span. Part of the reason for this is that they are designed to be kept in your backyards, where they will have to go through intense weather conditions. Though you will find plastic and glass options out there, refrain from going for them.
Cooking Space
It is equally significant to look into the cooking space of your offset smoker. This is because they will determine how much food you can cook for these smokers. On average, anything above 1000 sq inches is better if your budget is around $1000.
Most modern alternatives from high-end brands come with two types of cooking areas. This includes primary and secondary cooking areas. Hence, I would advise you to at least keep 700 sq inches for the primary cooking section. And if the upper grates are adjustable, it is definitely a bonus.
Temperature Gauge
Another thing that matters the most while buying the best offset smoker under $1000 is its temperature gauge. Most models will have metal temperature gauges with a paint finish. And they are the best in making sure they last for a long time and don’t get damaged easily.
Likewise, it is equally important to have a convenient dial system, especially if you have a weak vision issue. I prefer using dials that have large buttons and an illuminated display so everything is easy to view and read. This has definitely saved me from a lot of struggle.
Finally, coming to the heat settings, it depends on personal preferences. I usually like to go for smokers that have a heating range between 350 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This works great for both grilling and smoking functions.
Are Reverse Offset Smokers Any Good?
The reverse offset smokers have only one apparent difference, which is that their chimney is on the opposite side. Hence, they draw the heat from the firebox and diffuse the smoke over the food, making its way back to the chimney.
In a nutshell, these smokers used the heat and smoked twice over the food. And the advantage of such a system is that they keep the meat tender and make it more flavorful. Though there is not much science behind it, anyone who has created this did a commendable job.
Size
It is equally important to look into the size of your offset smoker. This Is because it will help you choose the area that will be suitable for your smoker. If you are planning to place it in the backyard, you can easily go for larger ones. However, for limited space, you can opt for medium-sized. Do consider that they are relatively bulkier and space-occupying.
And if your offset smoker is heavy and has wheels, there is nothing better than this. It allows you to carry it around from one place to another. This is equally great for people who have a big backyard and need to move the smoker here and there.
Finally, I hope you will be able to find the right offset smoker under $100, as per your individual requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Conclusion
Choosing offset smokers is not as difficult as it seems. All you need to do is know your individual preferences and some basic things about them. And I hope this guide has helped you with that. Finally, here are some of my favorites you may consider buying;
In the end, I hope you will soon be able to find the right offset smoker under your budget.