10 Best Charcoal Smokers 2025 in the United States

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series III is a premium 18-inch ceramic charcoal smoker designed for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want versatility and quality. Its ceramic body provides excellent heat retention and durability, making it ideal for both low-and-slow smoking and high-heat grilling. The standout feature is the innovative SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber, which uses a unique airflow system to distribute smoke and heat evenly, enhancing flavor while minimizing hot spots.

The 3-tier Divide & Conquer cooking system adds flexibility, allowing you to prepare different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously, which is great for gatherings or complex meals. Temperature control is precise thanks to the patented Kontrol Tower top vent, enabling a wide range from around 225°F for smoking to 750°F for searing. The Air Lift Hinge makes opening the heavy dome much easier, improving user comfort. Build quality is robust, with stainless steel grates and a powder-coated steel cart that includes locking wheels for stability.

Weighing 286 pounds, the grill’s size limits portability, making it best suited for a fixed backyard setup rather than frequent transport. Cleaning is manageable with the included ash tool, but ceramic grills generally require some care to maintain over time. This smoker is a strong choice for users who value performance, durability, and cooking versatility, though its weight and size make it less convenient for those needing a highly portable option.

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II is a well-built ceramic charcoal grill and smoker with an 18-inch diameter cooking surface offering 250 square inches of space. This size is great for small to medium gatherings, comfortably cooking multiple items at once thanks to its innovative 2-tier Divide & Conquer cooking system, which allows different foods to be cooked at different temperatures simultaneously. Temperature control is precise with the unique Kontrol Tower Top Vent that manages airflow smoothly, supporting a wide range of cooking styles from low-and-slow smoking at 225°F to high-heat searing up to 750°F.

The heavy ceramic body and Advanced Multi-Panel FireBox ensure durability and heat retention, though the grill is quite heavy at 232 pounds, which limits portability despite the locking wheels on the sturdy cast iron cart. The Air Lift Hinge makes opening the grill lid easier despite its weight, enhancing usability. Cleaning and maintenance are simplified by the ceramic material and removable components, but assembling the full setup might be challenging for beginners.

Additional features like folding side shelves and a tool holder add convenience, making this model suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who want versatility and quality in their charcoal smoker. Those needing a lightweight or highly portable option might want to consider other grills. The Kamado Joe Classic Joe II excels in build, heat control, and cooking flexibility, making it a solid choice for serious home cooks interested in charcoal grilling and smoking.

The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker offers several standout features that could make it a good fit for someone looking for an easy-to-use smoker with considerable cooking capacity. The digital controls allow you to set the temperature up to 275°F and cooking time easily, making the smoking process hands-free and convenient for beginners. With 710 square inches of cooking space, you can smoke a substantial amount of food at once, accommodating up to 6 chickens or 2 turkeys, which is great for large gatherings or meal prepping.

The build quality includes an outer body made of alloy steel and an inner material of aluminum, ensuring durability and effective heat retention. The removable rear grease tray and water bowl designed for moisture control simplify the cleaning process. The smoker is relatively portable at 45.9 pounds, making it a feasible option for occasional outdoor use or moving within your home.

The patented side wood chip loader is an excellent feature that allows you to add wood chips without opening the main door, preserving heat and smoke inside. However, it's worth noting that this unit runs on electric power, which might not provide the traditional smoky flavor that some charcoal purists prefer. Its reliance on electric power means that it's not highly portable for areas without an electrical outlet. While the chrome-coated racks are easy to clean, some users may find that the maximum temperature of 275°F limits their ability to achieve a deep smoke flavor. If you prioritize ease of use and maintenance, this smoker could be a great addition to your cooking arsenal.