Do you love smoking but cannot afford a smoker that cost more than $500? Are you looking for a smoker that fulfills all your requirements and that too within a small budget of $500? Here many offset smokes are discussed in elaborated form along with their pros as well as cons.
Keep reading to choose a best offset smoker under $500 dollars for yourself. By the end of this article, your mind will definitely be made up that which offset smoker under $500 dollars is best for you and your family.
Top Picks:
Dyna-Glo DGSS730CBO-D-KIT Signature Series: Best Overall Offset Smoker Under $500
- The cooking area is ample enough to accommodate large gatherings.
- It has two separate chambers; a cooking chamber and a smoking chamber.
- The cool touch handles provide easy access to the food without the risk of burning of hands.
- It infuses a unique and delish smokehouse flavor in to the food.
Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw: Best Offset Smoker Size-Wise Under $500
- It has a massive cooking space of 990 sq. inches which is more than enough even for accommodating large family gatherings.
- There are storage options on the bottom shelf of the offset smoker along with the side shelves.
- The adjustable fire grates are present that are made up of cast iron.
- The manufacturing material is strong and durable so it is a great investment.
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS675CB-D: Best Heavy-Duty Offset Smoker Under $500
- The cooking chamber is large enough.
- It has a big BBQ machine for cooking food efficiently.
- It is very sturdy and can be placed on a slightly uneven surface and it is made up of heavy-duty material.
- The side door is available for an easy addition of fuel and removal of ashes.
Comparison Table:
| Name | Price | Cooking Area (Sq In.) | Material |
Max Temp ℉ |
Weight (LB) |
Fuel Type |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyna-Glo DGSS730CBO-D-KIT Signature Series | Check Price | 730 | Porcelain-enameled steel | N/A | 123.2 | Charcoal | Ample as well as separate space for cooking and smoking, cool touch handles, smokehouse flavor |
| Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw | Check Price | 950 | Alloy steel | N/A | 198.4 | Charcoal or Wood Burning | Massive space, great storage space at bottom, side shelves, wood handles, adjustable fire grates. |
| Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS675CB-D | Check Price | 675 | Heavy-duty gauge stainless steel | N/A | 134.2 | Charcoal | Large cooking chamber, side doors for adding fuel and disposal of ashes, cool touch handles. |
| Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 | Check Price | 450 | Steel | 450 | 84 | Liquefied Petroleum Gas as well as an electric mode |
perform eight different function in terms of cooking and has an option of timer |
| Char-Broil 12201570-A1 | Check Price | 290 | Steel | N/A | 38 | Charcoal | Light in weight. Adjustable fire grates, economical in price |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830SC | Check Price | 811 | Steel | 180 | 54.3 | Charcoal | Air vents, excellent temp range, best for outdoor, digital thermometer |
6 Best Offset Smokers Under $500
1. Dyna-GloDGSS730CBO-D-KIT Signature Series: Best Side Firebox Offset Smoker Under $500
This Dyna-Glo Signature Series Offset Smoker is barrel shaped and made up of Porcelain-enameled steel that is very heavy gauge in nature so this feature is very helpful in the retention of heat. A powder-coated black color is given to this offset smoker which gives a very subtle matte finishing to it. The dimensions of this offset smoker are L x W x H 52 x 33.86 x 59.84 inches and weight is a little high and falls in the range of approximately 123.2 pounds.
It has two different cooking spaces and the size of both chambers is different. The primary one being of 443 sq. inches and the offset cooking area is 287 sq. inches which makes a sum total of 730 sq. inches. The unique features are the cool touch handles that avoid the risk of burning and the sturdiness of the offset smoker that makes it able to stand on a slightly uneven surface too. It also has big wheels that make the transportation of the offset smoker quite an easy process.
The BBQ machine is large in accordance to the size of the offset smoker so it does not require extra time than normal time duration to cook food. Everything can be cooked while using this offset smoker including the searing of the steaks, and making of burgers and veggies and all this is very easily done as the heat transfer of this offset smoker is up to maximum level. Also, taste is very good like smokehouse flavor which is very famous and liked by everyone. The charcoal grate and ash pan of this offset smoker can be detached easily which makes the addition of fuel and disposal of ash a very easy process.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Due to the size of this offset smoker, many people choose this option .You can perform different cooking methods at the same time by using both chambers. As we are considering the offset smokers that are available under $500 dollars, so this is a great option to be considered. We might not get such massive sized different chambers under this budget. The cooking had become easy due to the large BBQ machine and all the other processes are handy too including the addition of fuel, removal of ashes, cleaning of the offset smoker and moving it to one place from the other.
2. Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw: Best Size-Wise Offset Smoker Under $500
Char-griller is a very familiar name in the industry of the manufacturing of offset smoker as it has made very fine products over the years and this offset smoker that is mentioned in the heading is certainly one of them. A very fine quality of Alloy Steel is used in its manufacturing process that is highly stain-resistant as well as rust-resistant. So, that makes this offset smoker a highly durable piece. It is available in a decent black color along with the dimensions of L x W x H 49 x 29 x 50 inches. The shape of this offset smoker is barrel-like. The cooking space of this offset smoker is 950 sq. inches. The primary cooking area is 725 sq. inches and a warming rack of 225 sq. inches is also present.
It has many high-quality features like the cooking grates that are manufactured by using cast iron, the fire grates that are adjustable according to your need, and the controlling handles are made up of wood so that they stay cool for longer time period. It has two different locations for the storing of your utensils, spatulas and even spices. The one is the side shelf and the other is the bottom rack.
The most required thing in an offset smoker is the efficient air flow and that is certainly present in this offset smoker. There are dual dampers in this offset smoker that performs their function consistently. Due to these dampers, a constant air flow is managed and the heat is provided evenly to the cooking chambers. The legs of this offset smoker are strong and sturdy.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
In my opinion, you cannot find any offset smoker under $500 dollars with such efficient working dampers. They provide even heat to the cooking chamber that ensured perfect cooking without the risk of burning of food. Also, there is a lot of space for storage so you can place all that you need while cooking around you. You do not have to rush to the kitchen everytime you need something.
3. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS675CB-D: Heavy-Duty Offset Smoker Under $500
This barrel shaped offset smoker is made up of heavy-duty gauge stainless steel with the dimensions of L x W x H 51.18 x 34.5 x 60 inches. The powder coated finishing of the black color on this offset smoker gives a very elegant touch to it. It is not so large in size and has a cooking area of 675 sq. inches only. The size is not too much great but still has wheels for locomotion.
The unique features of this model of Dyna-Glo offset smoker includes cool touch handles that also has spring lids, side door for addition of fuel, easy disposal of ashes, efficient analog temperature measuring device and it uses charcoal as the source of fuel.
The heavy-duty BBQ machine allows you to BBQ your food for longer durations without interruptions like re-adding charcoal etc. the grill are heavy in terms of weight and working. They are so strong and durable.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Under the budget of $500 dollars, it was one of the good purchases of mine. The things I like the most about this offset smoker are the material and manufacturing style. It also does not consume lots of charcoal so it is an economical purchase in terms of buying as well as maintaining. The temperature problem was solved by putting wood instead of charcoal. You can also use this tip.
4. Z GRILLS ZPG-450A : 8-in-1 Offset Smoker Under $500
This Z GRILLS ZPG-450A offset smoker has the dimensions of L x W x H 45 x 28 x 49 inches, and the cooking space is 450 sq. inches. The color of this offset smoker is bronze that is different, uncommon and unique from other offset smokers. Just like the color, the fuel type is also rare and that is Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It also has an electric mode but that requires an enormous amount of electricity to work so you may stick to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas mode.
It is made up of high-quality steel that makes it resistant to a high temperature of up to 450° F and this range can be easily monitored by the digital thermometer.
It can be used for different cooking methods including bbq, baking, roasting, braising, smoking, grilling, searing, and char-grilling. The best thing about cooking on this offset smoker is that you can set the temperature on it and do not have to worry about the burning of food but this feature is only applicable in electric mode. The feature is helpful, as the heat will remain constant and the food will never be over cooked or under cooked. It will be perfect. It has small size and less weight because it is made for smaller families.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
The flavor and smell infused in the food by this offset smoker is one of its awesome qualities. Many professional chefs use this model of offset smoker due to this feature. It is capable of performing eight different cooking methods. Not many offset smokers under $500 dollars can give you all these options in a single offset smoker. So, in my opinion, it is a good option to be considered.
5. Char-Broil 12201570-A1: Best Standard American Gourmet Offset Smoker:
The total area of this offset smoker is 290 sq. inches while the cooking surface is only 140 sq. inches. It is made up of steel and the fire grate is adjustable. You can move up or low according to your height. It has a detachable ashtray which is easy to handle as compared to the built-in ashtrays.
As a beginner, I mostly do grilling and barbeque rather than smoking so it is a very helpful smoker for me. But when my friends come over, they do the smoking which is also done by this offset smoker very brilliantly. As it is a three in one or most appropriately we can say that all in one smoker which makes it a very intelligent pick.
It has less area to cook which makes the cooking process long but a very minimum amount of coal is used in it for cooking so it is affordable in this regard. It works smoothly for me and my tall friends because it is adjustable. Also, whenever the ashtray is about to be filled I quickly remove the detachable ashtray; clean it, and put it back. So we can say that this offset smoker is an environment-friendly smoker too.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
I bought the offset smoker for the first time in my life and it worked tremendously for me. I can adjust it according to my height, clean it easily and there is no smell of leak or fuel in the food. I smoked the brisket for the first time in my life on this offset smoker and it turned out very delicious. If you want the best offset smoker for less than five hundred dollars, this is it.
6. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC: Best Offset Smoker For Outdoor Camping Under 500$
As we have mentioned in the heading that this offset smoker is best for outdoor camping and one of the main reasons is the cover that comes with it. The thing that we keep protected lasts longer. As we know that the weather is under no one’s control so while outdoor camping we can cover the offset smoker with the sheet that comes with it in the package. We can also use it inside the house to keep the offset smoker safe from dust and other calamities.
This offset smoker is very unique as it has different plating in different areas. The total area of the smoker is 811 sq. inches, of which 443 sq. inches are the cooking grates made of porcelain-enameled steel wire and 184 sq. inches includes the chrome-plated warming rack.
It has an excellent exhausting system that provides a constant flow of warm heat to the cooking area and the smoke to exit towards the outside environment. Charcoal is added as fuel and it can hold up to 4.4 lbs of coal at one time. It has a monitoring device to determine the temperature and is covered by a lid for protection. It has a great area for cooking and can be used for smoking and grilling at the same time.
Pros
Cons
Final verdict:
All in all, it is the best meat offset smoker that you can purchase within a budget of five hundred dollars. I seasoned the meat; smoked and grilled it at the same time on the different plates it provides and it turned out great. The smell of the coal does enter into the food that some people find offending but in my opinion, if you are cooking food on the coal, it must smell like it. Also, the cover that comes with it protects it from damage so it is very useful in increasing the life span of this best meat smoker.
Buying Guide:
While buying any offset smoker especially if you have set your budget, keep the following things into consideration before making any purchase:
Quality:
Never invest an offset smoker brand that has challenged the quality of their products because ultimately you will have to pay for it one way or the other. So, before buying, do make sure that the quality of the offset smoker is great. As five hundred dollars is not a high range if you are buying a good offset smoker for yourself that is why some brands compromise in the manufacturing quality and introduce other features to attract the customers. But a wise decision will be to check the quality as it is the backbone of the offset smoker.
Size:
After reading all the details about the offset smokers under $500, you must have known it by now that there are some offset smokers present in the market whose cooking space is ample but price is less. Do not simply invest in a small size offset smoker thinking that the large space holding offset smokers will be expensive for you. If you do research properly, you will certainly be able to make a great deal in less budget.
Accessories:
In my opinion, you should go for those who have covers because that is the best free gift you can ask from a company. It will help you in the protection of the offset smoker and also play a vital role in increasing its life.
Usage:
If you are going to mainly use your offset smoker for tours and trips then you should buy an offset smoker that is small in size so that you can easily locomote it from one place to the other. Also, it must have a cover to protect it from the calamities of outdoor environment.
Conclusion:
Here are the topmost picks for an offset smoker under $500 by my heart:
Dyna-Glo DGSS730CBO-D-KIT Signature Series: The cooking area is ample. It has separate chambers for cooking and smoking. The cool touch handles provides an easy access to the food. It provides a unique and delish smoke flavor.
Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw: Best Offset Smoker Size-Wise Under $500: It has a massive cooking space of 990 sq. inches which is more than enough even for large families. There are storage options on the bottom shelf as well as the side shelves. It has adjustable fire grates that are made up of cast iron. The manufacturing material is strong and durable.
Apart from this if you want to know about the Best Offset Smokers Under $1000 then visit our Best offset smoker Reviews category.
