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 Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker is a solid choice for anyone interested in charcoal smoking, especially if you want to smoke multiple large items at once. It offers two cooking grates that provide plenty of space for bigger meals or different types of food simultaneously. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are great for retaining heat and resisting rust, giving the smoker good durability and helping maintain a steady temperature. The built-in silicone temperature grommet makes it easier to keep an eye on your cooking temperature without opening the smoker and losing heat.

Temperature control is straightforward thanks to adjustable dampers and a large aluminum fuel door, which also makes adding charcoal or wood mid-cook simple and less messy. Weighing 68 pounds and measuring about 24 inches deep by 23 inches wide, it's not the easiest to move around frequently but still manageable if you have a dedicated spot in your backyard or patio. Cleaning might require some effort because of the size and materials, but the porcelain finish helps reduce sticking and buildup compared to bare metal.

This smoker is well suited for backyard enthusiasts who want reliable performance and good cooking space without a steep learning curve. If portability or very precise temperature control is a top priority, you might find it a bit bulky and less advanced than some higher-end smokers. With a strong reputation and high customer ratings, it provides excellent value for those focused on classic, flavorful charcoal smoking.

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.