Hey! This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
The best reverse flow offset smokers let you cook like those pitmasters you see on competitions. These smokers come with a remarkably large cooking area, allowing you to smoke plenty of delicious meats at once. Hence, they are ideal for tailgating parties, family functions, and even hosting large events.
Table of Contents
- How Does A Reverse Flow Offset Smoker?
- Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Reverse Flow Offset Smoker
- Conclusion
Shopping around for this type of smoker is a little risky. If you’re not careful and on a budget, you’ll probably go for a cheaper model. However, cheaper reverse low offset smokers are notorious for being leaky and unreliable. On the other hand, choosing to buy a high-end unit may put a dent in your bank account.
Like with any investment, you want something that combines affordability with high-quality. But you don’t have a wide array of options with this smoker in comparison to other grills on the market. This makes it even more challenging to find the right unit for your needs.
Luckily, we did all the hard work you. In this article, we will look at 5 of the best reverse flow offset smokers today, including their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this smoker, including factors to look for.
- Our Pick: Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker
- Runner Up: Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker
- Char-Broil Offset Smoker
- Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box
- Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
In a hurry? This is our winner!
Runner Up
Best Reverse Flow Offset Smoker – Comparison Table
Best Reverse Flow Offset Smoker – Reviews
Oklahoma Joe offers a range of smokers that blends, price, features, and quality. The smoking industry deems its offset smokers kind of like the Weber collection. So it’s no surprise that our top pick for the best reverse flow offset smoker is Oklahoma Joe’s Highland.
For most people, it’s not an option to shell out $1000 to $3000 on a reverse flow offset smoker. However, the market is full of these smokers that are cheaply made. The saddest part is, they attract a lot of consumers because of how authentic they look only to be left frustrated with undesirable results.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a top-notch product. Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker will only set you back around $500. The best thing about it is that it gives you the option to turn it into a reverse flow offset smoker.
Despite its affordability, this smoker is made of heavy-gauge steel that offers better stability and heat retention in comparison to others in its price range. What’s more, the porcelain-coated grill grates of the unit will provide you with an ample 619 square inches of cooking surface. Also, its firebox chamber offers an extra 281 square inches that you can use for grilling your meats.
Temperature is simple to control in this unit thanks to its multiple, quality chambers. Likewise, the thick steel is simple to adjust and can retain heat rather well in most weather conditions.
Furthermore, it comes with every standard feature you need for a hassle-free barbecuing experience. These include handles that are cool to the touch, a handy removable shelf for keeping your grill tools, and a built-in thermometer. It even comes with a sturdy cart with wheels adding to its mobility.
Overall, the Oklahoma Joe Highland is for anyone looking for a traditional, quality offset smoker. It lets you cook mouthwatering smoked meats right at the comforts of your backyard.
- 900 total Square inch cooking surface- 619 Square inches in main chamber, 281 Square inches in firebox chamber
- Reverse-flow smoker employs a Series of 4 baffles to guide heat and smoke through the main chamber delivering an even and delicious result
- Removable baffles and optional smokestack locations for a customizable setup
- Firebox chamber features large stainless Steel fuel basket and clean-out door for easy ash removal
- Heavy-gauge all-steel construction, porcelain-coated cooking grates and multiple dampers for easy heat and smoke control
- It has a durable steel construction so you’re getting more bang for your back.
- The firebox doubles up as a grill, providing you with more versatility in what you can cook.
- Offers sufficient cooking capacity, and you don’t need to heat the extra space.
- Optional smokestack locations let you choose between reverse flow smoking and traditional offset smoking.
- The four baffles locked under its porcelain-coated wire grates to deliver even heat and smoke through the cooking chamber.
- Comes with cool-touch handles and a built-in thermometer.
- Users report that it tends to leak. But you can easily solve this with a sealant.
- Its heat distribution is not as perfect as you’d want it to be. The firebox emits radiant heat, so foods closest to it will cook faster.
The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker has numerous features that will make the entire cooking process seamless. It’s an amped-up version of the Highland combined with a fantastic reverse flow technology.
This best reverse flow offset smoker lets you manage the baffle. Therefore, the temperature will be even throughout. What’s more, you can utilize it as a conventional offset smoker as well. Simply remove the plates of your Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn and relocate its stacker to the secondary port. It’s that easy!
But no matter how you want to use the barbecue smoker, you’ll find it hassle-free to adjust the smoke and temperature levels. This is all thanks to its professional-grade thermometer and multiple dampers.
But one of the best features of the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker is its massive 1,060 square inches of cooking surface. Apart from the 751 square inches main cooking chamber, it also has an additional 309 square inches in the firebox for grilling.
But this offset smoker offers more than just a large cooking capacity. First, it sports a quality heavy gauge all-steel construction. Then, you’ll also get a couple of storage shelves on top of the 10-inch wheels that make the unit easy to move around.
The smoking experience you’ll get from this reverse flow offset smoker is exceptional. So there’s no denying that the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn offers excellent value for money just the Highland model from the brand.
- TYPE: The Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker provides the best for you outdoor cooking needs. With optional smokestack locations you choose between reverse flow smoking and traditional offset smoking.
- FUEL: Charcoal fuel allows you to grill with high heat or cook low and slow.
- SIZE: 751-square-inches of primary cooking space; 309-square-inches of secondary cooking space.
- MATERIAL: Heavy-gauge steel construction ensures durability you can trust.
- CONTROLS: Professional temperature gauge for accurate monitoring.
- It comes with four baffles and multiple heat dampers that work together to produce fantastic heat and smoke control.
- The reverse flow set-up of the smoker increases allows for more even smoke and heat distribution.
- Its optional smokestack areas will provide you with more room for modification and customization.
- The porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean, rust-resistant, and durable.
- The smoker’s firebox chamber features a large stainless steel fuel basket and clean-out door for easy ash removal.
- According to some users, the paint peeled off after intense cooking sessions.
- It’s not fully air-tight. But addressing this issue is cheap and easy.
The Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker does a great job of smoking your favorite meats. This best reverse flow offset smoker does not only provide reliable performance, but it is long-lasting as well. Its body is made of heavy-duty all-black steel. Plus, it features porcelain-coated grates and handles that are cool to the touch.
You’ll only get 477 square inches of main cooking area from this smoker, which is far less than what the others on this list offer. Nonetheless, that’s good enough to handle 18 hamburger patties at a time. Also, the American Gourmet has a porcelain-coated enamel pan and steel box. These drawers make the water and wood chips accessible.
Moreover, the smoker has sturdy legs that make it stable on almost all types of surfaces. This is combined with wheels for ease of transport. This reverse flow offset smoker also boasts adjustable heat controls and chimney vent that enable you to manage its temperature with ease.
But what makes the Char-Broil American Gourmet worthy of your investment is that its cooking chamber is welded, preventing the smoke from leaking. Therefore, you’ll enjoy the wonderful taste of smoky food all the time. This unit combines a charcoal grill, barbecue, and reverse flow offset smoker excellently.
- 477 sq in primary cooking surface
- 3-piece smoking chamber helps eliminate air loss and maintain temperature
- Porcelain-coated cooking grates and lid-mounted temperature gauge
- Firebox with cleanout door and convenient side shelf
- Dimensions: 54.3 in w x 43.9 in H x 22.7 in D
- The 3-piece smoking chamber helps eliminate air loss and maintain temperature.
- Its firebox has a cleanout door and a convenient side shelf.
- The traditional smoke chamber aids in temperature control by reducing air drafts.
- It is made of quality materials and construction, ensuring you will have a reliable smoker that is built to last.
- Clean-up is simplified with porcelain-coated cooking grates and a firebox ash door with easy access for ash removal after cooking.
- Offers a smaller cooking capacity.
- It has a poor thermometer gauge.
Char-Griller Smokin Pro is a budget-friendly best reverse flow offset smoker. This unit is not for professional smokers, but it’s a good choice for families. It will be able to meet every cooking requirements you have and provide you with delicious meals.
This offset smoker offers 580 square inches of primary cooking area. You also get an extra 250 square inches in its firebox for warming or grilling your foods. That’s a total of 830 square inches of cooking space, which is enough to cook for a small party with ease.
The Smokin Pro is made up of sturdy and durable powder-coated steel. Meanwhile, Char-Griller used non-stick cast iron to ensure it will not warp. To adjust the heat, the smoker comes with adjustable fire grate and dampers. It has three heat settings, including hot, medium, and warm. Its heat gauge is located on the unit’s hood, making it easy to determine the temperature.
Moreover, cleanup afterward is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is to remove the ash pan then dum all its contents in your trash bin. It even allows you to add charcoal without the need to remove the entire grill.
- CHARCOAL GRILL & OFFSET SMOKER - Charcoal Barbecue Grill & Smoker with Side Fire Box attachment perfect for high-heat grilling and low and slow Texas-style smoked barbecue
- MULTIPLE COOKING AREAS - Smoke a brisket on the 580 square inch primary cooking area and grill burgers and hot dogs on the 250 square inch Side Fire Box cooking area (830 square inches total)
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION - Made from heavy-gauge powder coated steel with a double bottom for increased durability, and nonstick cast-iron cooking grates for maximum heat retention
- BBQ GRILL FEATURES - Adjustable Fire Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Stay Cool Wood Handles, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Front & Side Shelf Workstations with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN - Control the airflow and temperature levels with ease using the dual dampers and Thermometer, and quickly clean up after the barbecue using the removable Easy Dump Ash Pans
- One of the most affordable options on the market that can perform well.
- You can use the Smokin Pro as a complete charcoal grill by adjusting its fuel tray to control the unit’s heat level.
- It comes with adjustable fire grates.
- The grill is made of non-stick cast iron to avoid warping.
- The 250 square inches side firebox gives you that Texas smoke flavor. The easy dump ash pan makes for easy clean up when you’re done.
- Its built-in thermometer is low quality so you may want to buy a replacement.
- Some users complain that the paint starts peeling off after a few uses.
- You may experience some leaking, so it’s a good idea to seal up this smoker.
The Royal Gourmet Charcoal grill offers a total cooking area of 800 square inches. Its primary chamber has 438 square inches while its chrome warming rack 179 square inches. Hence, you’ll be able to prepare plenty of food at a time. Moreover, this best reverse flow offset smoker provides an extra grilling space of around 183 square inches.
Royal Gourmet made this grill with porcelain-coated steel grates, making it great for smoking and heating. On top of that, you can add coals easily using the unit’s side door while its air vent allows increased airflow. The lid of the smoker is also durable and comes with a built-in thermometer for adjusting its heat level.
The combination of wheels and cool to touch handles of this best reverse flow offset smoker let you move it around from one spot to the next without any problem. And check this out, its fuel pan can accommodate as much as five pounds of coals. If you want to improve its heating, simply lift the smoker’s handle and you’ll be able to easily adjust the charcoal pan’s height.
What’s more, you’ll find a steel mesh on its bottom shelf and front table that offers enough storage and workspace. When you’re done with your cooking sessions, you won’t have any trouble with cleanups.
- Ample Cooking Space: A total of 823 sq. in. cooking surface includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 191 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 189 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Great Performance: With a firm combination of offset smoker, this charcoal grill delivers excellent performance. Experience grilled and smoked meat at the same time with no hassle.
- Heat Control System: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control. Cooking chamber maintains internal temperature and prevents air loss.
- Preparatory Space: Front shelf offers room for seasonings and bottom shelf provides extra storage space.
- Easy to Move: Two wagon-style wheels make this grill easy to move around, the side spring handle allows for extra convenience for transport.
- The big capacity charcoal pan that can hold 5 pounds of charcoal at once.
- Its heat-resistant black process paint ensures that paint will not chip.
- Porcelain wire cooking grates retain heat evenly, helping to lock in the juices and make your meat more tender.
- Lifting handles adjust the height of the charcoal, controlling the temperature conveniently so that you can cook at about any temperature that you would like.
- 179 square inches Swing-away warming rack provides a secondary cooking area.
- Adjustable vent for better air flowing as needed, to give you great heat control.
- According to some users, the side of the smoker is prone to warping.
- Its undertray has no hole where excess juices and other liquids can drip.
Best Reverse Flow Offset Smoker – Buyers Guide
How Does A Reverse Flow Offset Smoker?
A reverse flow offset smoker protects your meats from excessive direct heat by utilizing an extra metal plate called a baffle. This component forces both the smoke and heat to flow over your food first then over it. By the time the smoke reaches the chimney of your smoker, it is flowing in the opposite direction. The technique will protect your food nearest to the firebox from overcooking. That’s why this method is very desirable to a lot of pitmasters.
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Reverse Flow Offset Smoker
Insulation and quality. When on the market for an offset smoker, make sure that its steel construction is at least one-fourth-inch thick. Additionally, check that it has well-made cooking chamber doors and vents.
Size. Before buying a reverse flow offset smoker, make sure to measure the area where you’ll place it. Keep in mind that both its firebox and likely grill grate will protrude either from the back or side of its main cooking chamber.
Wheels. This smoker is a bit heavier than other types. So if you want to take your equipment with you on your camping trips or you’ll move it around your backyard, it’s a good idea to opt for a model with wheels.
Price. The best reverse flow offset smoker with a good construction will cost around $800 and more. Although it can hurt your wallet, that extra investment for a better quality build will have a dramatic impact on its performance and end results.
Conclusion
In terms of smoking meats, you want a piece of equipment that will give you both quality and power that can produce amazing flavors every time. The best reverse flow offset smokers in this list can get the job done with ease.
