What’s essential for Barbeques? An offset smoker to steam the meat perfectly. Offset smokers can be a tremendous highlight to the bbq night, family dinners, and on the summer or cold night times. The problem with getting perfectly balanced smokers is due to numerous alternative offset smokers on the market. This might be troublesome, However, you don’t need to think about it, we got you. You are not the only one looking for the best offset smokers under $500. We have gone through the list of offset smokers. After testing and reviewing we made a list of top offset smokers under $500.
We have researched and put together best-offset grills, wood smokers, best pellet smoker grills, materialistic offset smokers as per their solidity, facility of use, reasonability, label, and cost.
Here are the 8 best offset smokers under 500 dollars which are at hand approachable and ideal for you.
Top 8 Best Offset Smoker Under $500-Reviews and Buying Guide
1. Dyna Glo DGO1176BDC-D -Best overall
Coming with a not-so-typical design is a vertical offset smoker. Dyna Glo DGO1176BDC-D is beyond one of the most demanded options when we talk about an offset smoker under $500. You will have a coinage from your 500$ to purchase some charcoal, meat, and wood sticks to begin with your first offset smoking party.
The smoker comes with a lightweight of 57 pounds with dimensions of 20.2 × 34.52 × 47.03 inches and the grate material is chrome-plated steel for high-quality food.
So, what’s the tea about this one?? The Dyna Glo DGO1176BDC-D provides you with a vast 1,176 inches cooking room to play without occupying a lot of space in your backyard. Moreover, so many people prefer purchasing a vertical version smoker due to its design as it occupies less space and heat rises naturally producing an even smoke and moisture to perfectly grill your meat. It has a heavy gauge chrome-plated steel body.
The stands are detachable and replaceable creating perfect elasticity. And temperature accommodation is evenly decent along with the smoke pile fuel on the top.
It comes with a standard earthenware burnished charcoal basket. It’s reliable in burning the charcoal together for the more methodical blaze. Additionally, it allows the effortless loading of material.
Lastly, the steel is not too thick to be used in winters. But considering the price, it provides the perfect smoking setup for regular use. You can also purchase the VM wide-body model if you ought for extra space for brisket or ribs. Also, the company offers a 1-year warranty in case you get any kind of issues with the smoker.
Pros
Affordable price
Vast cooking size
Little footprint
An adjustable stand
Offset vertical design
Incredible heat control
Cons
Not an alternative to a grill
Smoke leakage issues
Not for winter
Final words:
All in all, it is the best option for warm weather barbeques events. For winter, we would recommend not to use it outdoors as the material is not built to withstand cold. Aside from that, you can use this offset smoker to fit everything from ribs to pork belly.
2. Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse flow-Best for temperature control
Oklahoma is one of the budget-friendly and economical electric smokers that have an equal distribution of temperature.
Built from sky-high temperature dyed steel, it’s quite sturdy and can easily pull over a sufficient amount of 619 square inches of cooking room internally. Weighing 180 pounds, it is meant to have a heavy-duty performance with the dimensions of 33.5 x 57 x 53 inches.
In addition, You can use it as a smoker. This is a multi-purpose smoker as it does other numbers of things along with that. There are so many options you can utilize this smoker for like putting it up as a huge charcoal grilling stand or grilling in the firebox.
Also, the reverse flow outline is what fires this smoker up. This one is the only offset smoker under 500$ price by OJ Highland that gives you this output.
On the inside of this smoker, you get a supplementary hinder plate which is placed below the cooking stand. We were easily able to push the heat and smoke to more fairly divide heat through the cooking room. Reducing the natural hot point generated by the firebox means you don’t have to worry about flipping your meat or your meat being over-grilled. Also, it comes with cool handles that decrease the chances of burn injuries.
The only downside of this smoker is a little leakage of smoke will occur on all sides of the doors. We didn’t bother enough to fix it but if you want a tight seal then grasp a self-gluing covering inflated heat silicon to bud to fix it up.
Overall, it is great when you’re a novice when it comes to offsetting grilling. The wagon-based design of this offset smoker makes it easy to move around. Also, the porcelain coated smoker comes with a warranty of 2 years.
Pros
Even heat and smoke division
Huge cooking compatibility
Huge charcoal grill
Firebox included in grilling grate
Compact design
Cons
Sometimes paints chips off at the high temperature
Final words:
To sum it up, for under $500 this offset smoker gives promising features. It is easy to clean and easy to move, we loved it and used it without any troubles. We were also able to put our kitchen stuff under the storage area of this offset smoker. Although the paint might get off, the functions of steaming will not be affected.
Oklahoma Joe’s highland offer original smoker is a steal deal that will guarantee evenly grilled bbq for years. It’s similar to the reverse flow version, aside from some lack of features. Like, not having a baffle plate for reversing the smoke flow and only one chimney to place a regular airflow of an offset. Comparatively cheaper than the reverse flow, it is the perfect option to save your bills.
You get a wide 619 cube inches of room to smoke and grill on. Along with an extra 218 cubic inches for grilling above the firebox coals. It’s solidly built and durable enough for offset smoker use. We loved the Quigley dampers as they were perfect for temperature adjustment. We did not have any complications using it as a smoker or griller. Giving you adjustable temperature options along with a temperature gauge, this combination provides smooth monitoring. Talking about the dimensions, it is a 39 x 20.9 x 23 inches Porcelain-coated wire smoker weighing 176 pounds. The manufacturer offers a grate warranty of 2 years.
Pros
Compact build
Thick steel
Adjusting temperature feature with the help of multiple dampers
Can be used as charcoal girl or firebox
Rustproof and easily washable quality
Earthenware coated racks
Huge door opening
Cons
Smoke leakage
Low-quality paint
Final words:
Overall, we highly recommend this, it is like a cheap version of reverse flow offset. It gives all the features from removable trays to cold handles. However, upon using it for months we felt a smoke leakage problem around the doors. We solved it by sealing it with a lava lock kit.
4. Dyna-Glo signature series DGSS1382VCS-D-Best heavy-duty vertical smoker and grill
We hope you enjoyed the idea of the Dyna Glo vertical version. Because this is a better quality version and that too under 500$. We had no safety issues thanks to cool handles and lids. The steel has a firm gauge for the long-lasting build, it grips a whole lot of 1098 cubic inches of food plus you can also use the 284 inches of firebox grind for grilling.
The smoker weighs 124 pounds with dimensions of 58×45.5×25 inches, also the chrome-plated wire structure makes it sturdy and strong.
Since it’s an exclusive version, you get a pre-loaded sausage hanging hook, temperature adjustment is a piece of cake, and the fact that it comes with all similar advantages the heat is raised to the vertical room to distribute the smoke evenly and efficiently. In addition, Provides amazing convenience for beginners due to temperature adjustment and gauge. No need to worry about your meat getting burned as this gauge provides precise readings. The company offers a warranty of 1 year in case you come up with any problems you can easily claim your warranty.
Pros
Large cooking volume
Upgraded and a better quality model than the offset vertical version
Little footmarks
Portable cooking racks gives elasticity
Smoky and moist outcome
Comparatively easy to work
Cons
Metal isn’t sturdy enough to use in freezing temperature
Smoke leakage but it can be fixed with a lava lock gasket kit
Final words:
To sum it up, the Dyna-Glo signature series gives amazing features for all types of grilling and smoking. On using it we found it on the average side but we were impressed by its durable material. There might be smoke leakage issues but they are minor and can be easily solved.
5. Dyna Glo DGSS730CBO-D-Best Small Size Barrel offset smoker:
The bestselling, affordable substitute to Oklahoma Joe’s is right here, the Dyna Glo DGSS730CBO- barrel offset model. It’s a little bijou in size as compared to the highland yet, you still get 443 cubic inches of smoking capacity and 287 cubic inches of the firebox for the grilling. That’s plenty to serve four people yet leaves enough space left for engaging.
The Dyna Glo DGSS730CBO- D is an ethnic modeled offset though it’s not reverse flow the steel is bulky and more than affordable in this cost for an offset smoker. Overall, it is easy to use dampers, easy temperature control. Also provides a little working room with a bent-down fore shelf and base rack.
Provides safety for hands by cooling lids and handles, lastly, it is easy to move around. The design has wheels that make it easily portable.
A medium-range weight of 123 pounds makes the smoker quite portable and easy to work with dimensions of 59.84x52x33 inches.
Pros
More densely-packed outline
Finer heat preservation and longevity
Astonishingly fine temperature division amongst the chamber
Quality earthenware coated bids
Easy to clean the firebox
Front bending shelf decreases the quantity of ambry space
1-year warranty
Cons
Quite short on cooking volume
Disavalibility of charcoal container to store coals in
Final words:
To summarize, this is the best small-sized and easily moveable offset smoker under $500. It gives an amazing tender taste to your meat and provides features that decrease the chances of burning. Aside from having a short volume of storage, it provides everything needed for a perfectly grilled or smoked BBQ.
The z grills are one of the top-rated best Pellet smokers. Working with an offset smoker this smoker comes with a 3-year warranty and damn it has the digital temperature controlling feature which fires up the entire maker. The company has truly presented a mind-blowing barbecuing setup.
In addition to 450 square inches of grilling space and this not only occupies the space but the grill is movable, it has swivel wheels which are easy to move from one place to another.
As the pallet smoker weighs only 84pounds with 45 x 28 x 49 inches dimensions, you can place it in small spaces too.
Since it has a rust-free cover, you can leave it outside without any worries plus you also don’t have to bother setting up the temperatures. It has automatic features, we were able to maintain the temperature between 180°F to 450°F. This utterly incredible setup proved to be super convenient.
The z grills ZPG- version has a 7 in 1 system which highlights all the basic grilling needs. Barbecuing, searing, grilling, roasting, baking, smoking, and braising. This top-notch outline is confidential artillery. You can use pecan oak, hickory, and other flavors like these in your meat as per your friend’s cravings.
Lastly, it has 15lbs of Hooper volume, a digital knob, and an automated ignition. These upgraded features enhance the grilling, smoking, or whatever you’re using as a game.
Pros
Include pellets
Accurate temperature
Non-greasy build with stainless steel body
Even temperature distribution
Mobile
Cons
Managing issues
Widebody
Final Words:
On the whole, for its price, this offset smoker provides amazing features. Moreover, the 3-year warranty is a plus feature that shows confidence in this offset smoker. It might be too big, but its big body can store lots of meat which gives more food and meat!. Also, a 3-year warranty is enough to gain the trust of a user and you can easily test and try it.
Even for the cheaper price under $500, the Dyna Glo DGW1235BDP version can still give you access to quality products. It’s not only designed for a novice but is also for a person who is familiar with barbecuing. The gas used is LP and the vertical smoker and it starts working with the one push as it has digital features and it releases a swift ray of rapid and effortless lighting.
This type of technology makes this smoker one of the best offset smokers nonetheless of its low cost with 74 pounds weight and 20.35 x 31.28 x 49.71 inches
dimension. And is easy to use plus can be set up in the backyard perfectly.
Whatever the weather is, it promises outstanding cooking performance inside or outside because of the pre-loaded door seals. The product can keep heat and reduce smoke; this helps enhance the order of cooking.
The Dyna Glo DWG version gives out six inches of height-adjustable cooking grits which provide approximately 784 square inches of cooking room and by that means it holds a lot of meat. Every piece of grit can be adjusted and holds meat according to its selected size and the sort of food.
This offset smoker also presents pre-installed sausage hanging hooks and a moveable rib stand. Which provides great cooking elasticity. And if you’re a noob you can opt for a grills smoke zone which sets the ideal temperature for emitting smoke flavour. The Dyna Glo DWG has an upper covering for the wide-body to protect the body from any damage.
Pros
Lightweight with iron grate material
Movable which can be placed at the certain cooling setup
Wide smoke box compared to other smokers
It contains a water dish that is easy to clean
Huge amount of meat holding capacity
Cons
Smoke leakage from the door
Poorly metal wood chip tray fitting cap
Final words:
To brief it up, this offset under $500 provides you with outstanding features of high-cost offset smokers with a 1-year warranty. The vertical design along with two doors give easy to use and store space for BBQ.
8. Master built 20077515- Best Budget electric smoker:
The master built is a high-tech, upgraded version and top-rated as one of the best offset smokers under $500. It comes with 73 cubic inches of cooking space, this smoker offers a lot of amazing features including 4 chrome coated stands and an 800-watt heating aspect including a full-sized covering.
The master built is utterly bold, with a blue led show that is easily readable, nevertheless of the glance from a summer afternoon, the RF remote gives you quality power control which gives you access to temperature, Internal light, time, on/off button. This upgraded version is outlined for the front drip tray, which is made by smooth generating wood flakes that install the system more than any other version before it.
No worries if you want to move the grill to another location due to weather or some other reason the rear wheels make moving the smoker from one place to another easier. The 30 digital smoker is an ideal pick, no problem if you’re a noob or professional you don’t need to check up on charcoal or propane. This smoker is easily processed, has a lightweight of 53 pounds, and has 20.28 x 19.69 x 32.13 inches dimensions. Including the 4 chrome coated stands you can cook a feast for a huge family.
Pros
Easily manageable and usable
Highly affordable and no flaws in quality
Easily assembled and movable build with stainless steel body
The RF technology provides you great control
Full-sized heating installation
Cons
May not perfectly fix over the patio
Final words:
Overall one of the best budget-friendly with electronic programming. It is easy to assemble and is easy to use. Also, you get a warranty of 1 year.
Things to consider before buying a budget offset smoker:
We hope that you have picked up your ideal offset smoker under $500, let’s look into some needed details that are necessary to look into. As a regular offset smoker user, we will give you a guide on how to buy a perfect offset smoker.
Examine the guide thoroughly.
Price:
Considering when this is your first purchase you might be hesitating a little on how you could get your hands on an affordable, quality guaranteed, however the smokers you will read through this guide are what exactly you’re looking for.
You won’t have to bother about the low quality or any flaws considering the price they all are incredible.
Of course, the expensive ones are bougie but the affordable ones are not bad either.
And under $500 you will get a sturdy and easily manageable smoker.
Safety tips:
Before arranging a barbecue feast you need to keep safety measures in mind.
Watching the fire as it’s dangerous you need to keep eyeing because it varies.
Controlling temperature when cooking the food you might overcook the vegetables.
Make sure to check the grilling instructions while setting it up and keep eyeing it when you grill it.
Watch the smoke, cause there is smoke leakage from the smokers.
Setting grill on the safe place
Be aware of the gas, alcohol in the grill, and charcoal
Size:
The size of the smoker matters, if you’re catering for a huge family you need to get a wide-sized smoker but that is a little too much hassle when it comes to managing it.
And if you’re good with a confined grilling and just trying it out you’re good to go with a small mini version.
Some other basic major and minor elements to keep in mind:
Building materials, vents, Waterman, thermostat, weight, and warranty.
Frequently asked questions:
1-How to choose the best offset smoker?
There is a wide range of smokers and any top-rated, medium rate, and cheap rated smokers considering what your pick is. So, You have to pick one that suits your need of not only money but the quality, outline, and other basic details to keep in mind.
2-Is there a difference between grilling and smoking?
Of course, smoking is a slow process of 3 to 5 hours of cooking meat. Grilling is done at a high temperature of approximately 350°F and it takes a shorter time and it differs in taste.
3-How to keep smokers safe outside?
To keep a smoker safe outside, you need to purchase an upper covering for the smoker to protect it from any damage.
4-What are the essentials for smoking?
You will need to get a digital thermometer, some of the smokers come with a thermometer make sure to check if your smoker has one and if not then purchase one. A chimney starter keeps the fire going for a good griller.
5-How to clean a smoker?
Most of the smokers are easy to clean because of their removable tray, just throw them grills and racks in the dishwasher and they will be clean and as for inside of the smoker you can wipe it up with a paper towel and you’re good to go.
Final verdict:
When these kinds of reviews are done it’s a little difficult to choose the showstopper but considering there needs to be a top-notch product then Dyna Glo offset smokers have truly stolen the best offset smokers under $500. It gives out the truly tempting smoky bbq flavours. It has an incredible capacity as the price it comes with, it makes the loading of coals easy, you don’t need to pick a struggle over managing it and loading the coals plus you don’t need to wide open the barrel it will lead smoke to rise.
All in all the Dyna Glo company fulfils all the basic aspects of getting a sturdy, affordable, and high-tech smoker. And as it has trendy versions the selling rate is quick to get your hands on one as soon as possible.
Best Overall smoker under $500-Dyna Glo offset smoker: The Dyna-Glo signature series DGSS1382VCS-D gives the best overall smoker features.G
Goodtemperature control under $500- Oklahoma Joe Highland offset smoker: In terms of temperature accuracy and even distribution, this wins and takes the second palace.
Best electric offset smoker under $500: Perfect for electrical programming offset smoker and gives amazing tasting BBQ meat.
