# Best charcoal smokers for low and slow Source: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-smokers Publisher: Char and Smoke. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/how-we-pick Low and slow cooking means holding a steady 110 to 135 °C for hours, often through a cool, breezy British evening. Charcoal smokers do this in three main ways. A bullet smoker stacks the fire, a water pan and two grates in a tall cylinder, which is compact and holds temperature well. An offset smoker burns the fire in a side box and draws smoke across a long chamber, which gives plenty of space for ribs and brisket but needs more tending. A kettle with a hinged grate, char ring and diffuser plate can smoke well too, and grills on other nights. What separates a good smoker is air control, a tight lid, enough grate area for your usual cook and easy access to add fuel. This guide compares six charcoal smokers and smoking-ready grills by those points, from the listings only. ## Products ### 1. Weber 14.5 -inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker,Black Type: Bullet (vertical); Cooking area: 286 sq in total, two grids; Weight: 10.4 kg; Air control: Not stated; Extras: Cover included Weber's smallest Smokey Mountain Cooker, a bullet smoker with two 13.5 in grids for 286 sq in in total and a cover. It suits a small garden and cooks for a family on long, steady smokes. In its favour: - A tall, narrow 37 x 37 cm footprint fits a corner of a small patio. - Two grids give 286 sq in in total for ribs on one level and a chicken on the other. - A cover is included in the box, which helps through damp UK winters. Good to know: - The 14.5 in size is too small for a whole brisket or several racks of ribs at once. - The listing gives little detail on vents, water pan or fuel door. ### 2. Oklahoma Joe’s Laredo Series 1100 Offset Smoker Type: Offset; Cooking area: 1,100 sq in incl. 358 sq in warming; Weight: 43.1 kg; Air control: Side air damper, adjustable smokestack; Extras: 184 sq in firebox, three porcelain-coated grates, shelves A large offset smoker with 1,100 sq in of total cooking space, a 184 sq in firebox and three porcelain-coated grates. Built for big cooks of ribs, brisket and pork shoulder. In its favour: - The 1,100 sq in total cooking space is the largest of the smokers in this guide. - The dedicated firebox supports true offset smoking or direct grilling, with an ash pan. - Side, front and bottom shelves keep tools, trays and wood within reach. Good to know: - At 163.7 cm wide and 43.1 kg it needs a large, level patio. - Offset smokers need regular fire tending to hold a steady temperature. ### 3. WEBER CHARCOAL GRILL MASTER TOUCH GBS PREMIUM E-5775 BLK Type: Kettle with char ring and diffuser; Cooking area: 57 cm kettle; Weight: 18 kg; Air control: Not stated; Extras: Hinged lid, char ring, diffuser plate A 57 cm Master-Touch kettle that comes with a char ring and diffuser plate for grilling, roasting and smoking. One grill that handles weeknight burgers and weekend smokes. In its favour: - A char ring and diffuser plate turn the kettle into a smoker without extra purchases. - A hinged lid stays attached, so checking the food is a one-handed job. - Weber lists 3-in-1 use for grilling, roasting and smoking. Good to know: - A kettle holds less meat on a smoke than a bullet stack or offset chamber. - The listing is short and does not describe vents or ash handling. ### 4. Oklahoma Joe's® Blackjack Kettle Charcoal Grill - 21302141 Type: Kettle on cart; Grill size: 21.5 in, 382 sq in; Weight: 29.5 kg; Ash handling: Removable porcelain-coated ash pan; Vents: 360° air intake, adjustable smokestack, gauge A heavy-duty kettle on a cart with a hinged lid, a 382 sq in grate, a side shelf and wagon wheels. Oklahoma Joe's states a two year warranty on all parts. In its favour: - A hinged lid stays attached, so there is nowhere awkward to put it down. - A 360° air intake and smokestack give control for both high heat and low and slow. - The listing states a two year warranty on all parts. Good to know: - At 29.5 kg it is much heavier than a standard kettle. - The 382 sq in grate is a little smaller than a 57 cm Weber kettle. ### 5. Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker and Wood-Painted Side Table, Outdoor Smoker Grill with 811 Sq. In. Cooking Area for Outdoor Barbecue Event, Black Type: Barrel grill with offset; Cooking area: 811 sq in total; Weight: 22.4 kg; Air control: Not stated, built-in thermometer; Extras: Two-level charcoal pan, front and side tables A 30 in barrel grill with an attached offset smoker box, 443 sq in of main grates and wood-painted tables. A lighter way to try offset smoking on a smaller patio. In its favour: - 811 sq in in total across the main grates, warming rack and offset box. - A two-level adjustable charcoal pan helps control heat in the main chamber. - Front and side tables plus S hooks give prep space and tool storage. Good to know: - The charcoal pan holds up to 4.4 lb (about 2 kg), so long cooks need refuelling. - The listing does not describe the dampers in detail. ### 6. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, 30'' L, 800 Square Inch, Outdoor for Camping, Black Type: Barrel grill with offset; Cooking area: 811 sq in total; Weight: 20.5 kg; Air control: Air vent on firebox, lid thermometer; Extras: Two-level charcoal pan, front and side tables A 30 in barrel grill with an offset firebox and an easy-open side door for adding charcoal and removing ash. Similar to the CC1830W but with plain tables and a lid thermometer. In its favour: - A side door on the firebox makes adding charcoal and clearing ash easy mid-cook. - The offset box is firmly attached for good heat and smoke circulation, says the maker. - A lid-mounted thermometer gauge shows chamber temperature. Good to know: - The charcoal pan holds up to 4.4 lb, so plan to top up on longer smokes. - Its layout is almost the same as the CC1830W, so compare the tables and finish. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.