Best Side By Side Smoker: Practical Features for Easier Everyday Use

A strong side by side smoker delivers separate smoking and grilling space, manageable heat control, and enough capacity for the way you cook, making it suitable for backyard meals and larger gatherings. This roundup includes traditional charcoal offset designs, dual-fuel combinations, and one vertical electric smoker for shoppers who value convenience over a classic side-by-side layout. Cooking areas range from compact models suited to everyday grilling to large cookers with more than 1,000 square inches of listed space.

Look closely at fuel type, dimensions, grate layout, firebox access, airflow controls, and warming racks before choosing. Those details affect how easily you can switch between smoking, grilling, holding food, and cooking several items at once.

The best side by side smoker depends on your fuel preference and capacity needs. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo offers charcoal smoking plus a 36,000 BTU three-burner propane side and 1,031 square inches of listed space. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn provides a classic offset setup with 1,060 square inches.

For simpler digital control, Masterbuilt’s vertical electric model has 710 square inches and a side wood-chip loader. Royal Gourmet, Realcook, Feasto, VEVOR, SUNLIFER, and Grills House provide additional charcoal, offset, or dual-fuel layouts.

Side by Side Smoker Comparison

Image	Product	Buy
Best Pick 1	Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black Best for: Dual Fuel Versatility Brand: Oklahoma Joe's | Color: Black	View on Amazon
Best Pick 2	Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, Outdoor Camping Best for: Compact Charcoal Grilling Brand: Royal Gourmet | Color: Black	View on Amazon
Best Pick 3	Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421 Best for: Digital Electric Smoking Brand: Masterbuilt | Color: Black	View on Amazon
Best Pick 4	VEVOR Charcoal Offset Smoker, Heavy-Duty Steel BBQ Offset Smoker with Side Firebox, Movable Outdoor Barbecue Smokers with 6 Adjustable Grates, Thermometer & Air Vents for Backyard Patio Party Cooking Best for: Heavy-Duty Steel Smoker Brand: VEVOR | Color: Black	View on Amazon
Best Pick 5	Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, Wood-Painted Table Best for: Grill with Wood Table Brand: Royal Gourmet | Color: Black	View on Amazon

How We Compared These Products

We compared dimensions, capacity, materials, compatibility, included components, and care requirements across many Amazon listings. These details matter because the product must fit the available space, intended use, setup requirements, and maintenance routine. After examining the wider field, we selected 10 products from Oklahoma Joe’s, Royal Gourmet, Masterbuilt, VEVOR, Grills House, SUNLIFER, Realcook, and Feasto.

The shortlist includes products such as Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill, Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, and Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit. Every recommendation is tied to information stated for that specific product; unclear or missing features were treated as unknown rather than filled with assumptions.

Detailed Reviews: Best Side By Side Smoker

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black

Best for: Dual Fuel Grilling and Smoking.

Experience authentic BBQ with the Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo, offering two-in-one versatility. Smoke low-and-slow with charcoal and wood, then grill fast on a 36,000 BTU propane side that heats quickly and maintains even temperatures.

This charcoal smoker grill provides a 750 sq in primary cooking area for smoking up to two pork shoulders, complemented by a 281 sq in firebox grate for bonus grilling space. The 3-burner propane side heats rapidly, ensuring you can transition from smoking to grilling efficiently for larger gatherings.

Product Details

Pros

• Dual-fuel capability for smoking and grilling
• Large primary cooking area for smoking
• Bonus grilling space in the firebox
• Quick-heating propane side for fast grilling

Cons

• Propane tank is not included

Ideal for pitmasters seeking authentic BBQ flavor with the flexibility of dual-fuel cooking. Consider the need to purchase a propane tank separately for the gas side.

2. Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, Outdoor Camping

Best for: Beginner-Friendly Offset Smoker.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker offers 823 square inches of cooking space, including a dedicated offset smoker. This setup ensures good circulation of heat and smoke for tasty results.

With 475 sq in of porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 197 sq in offset smoker, this grill is well-equipped for various cooking needs. The two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan allows for enhanced control over heat, while the easy-open side door simplifies charcoal addition and ash removal.

Product Details

Pros

• Ample total cooking area
• Dedicated offset smoker for smoky flavors
• Adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
• Easy access for charcoal and ash management

Cons

• Item weight is 45.2 pounds

Perfect for BBQ beginners looking for an easy-to-operate charcoal grill with an offset smoker. Ensure you have adequate space for its dimensions and consider its weight for placement.

3. Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421

Best for: Digital Electric Smoker.

Master the art of low-and-slow smoking with the Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical Smoker, featuring 710 square inches of cooking space. Digital controls allow precise setting of cooking time and temperature up to 275°F.

This vertical electric smoker boasts a patented side woodchip loader, enabling continuous addition of wood-fired flavor without opening the door, thus maintaining consistent smoke. Four chrome-coated smoking racks offer ample space for up to 7 chickens or 2 turkeys, ensuring juicy, tender results.

Product Details

Pros

• Digital controls for precise temperature and time
• Side wood chip loader for continuous smoke
• Spacious vertical design for multiple items
• Easy to use for low-and-slow cooking

Cons

• Maximum temperature is 275°F

An excellent choice for those prioritizing ease of use and consistent smoke flavor in an electric setup. It's best suited for low-and-slow smoking methods up to 275°F.

4. VEVOR Charcoal Offset Smoker, Heavy-Duty Steel BBQ Offset Smoker with Side Firebox, Movable Outdoor Barbecue Smokers with 6 Adjustable Grates, Thermometer & Air Vents for Backyard Patio Party Cooking

Best for: Heavy-Duty Offset Smoker.

The VEVOR Charcoal Offset Smoker is designed for heavy-duty use, featuring an offset firebox that separates the cooking chamber from the charcoal. This design minimizes temperature fluctuation and smoke loss when adding charcoal.

With 6 adjustable cooking grates, each measuring 14" x 13.4", this smoker provides a spacious cooking area to prepare multiple foods simultaneously. The offset firebox design helps infuse food with richer, smoky flavor and aroma by maintaining a more stable temperature within the main cooking chamber.

Product Details

Pros

• Offset firebox for stable temperatures
• Spacious cooking area with adjustable grates
• Minimizes temperature fluctuation
• Enhances smoky flavor infusion

Cons

• Item weight is 72.3 pounds

This heavy-duty offset smoker is ideal for backyard chefs who value consistent temperature control and ample cooking space. Its weight suggests a permanent or semi-permanent placement.

5. Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, Wood-Painted Table

Best for: Compact Offset Smoker Grill.

The Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker offers an XXL cooking area, combining a barrel charcoal grill with an offset smoker for authentic smoky flavors. It's suitable for small decks, patios, and backyards.

This grill features 443 sq in of porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq in offset smoker. The 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control, allowing you to manage the cooking temperature effectively. The attached side firebox is perfect for imparting smoky tastes.

Product Details

Pros

• XXL cooking area including offset smoker
• Porcelain-enameled grates for durability
• Adjustable charcoal grates for heat control
• Compact size suitable for smaller spaces

Cons

• Main cooking grates are 443 sq. in.

A great option for those with limited outdoor space seeking authentic smoky flavors. Ensure the 443 sq. in. main cooking area meets your grilling needs for gatherings.

6. ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo Black

Best for: Versatile Gas and Charcoal Combo.

The Grills House ZH3005Y is a 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo offering authentic charcoal flavor, gas grilling convenience, and rich smoky flavor from an attached offset smoker. It also includes a side burner for sauces.

With a total of 1020 sq. in. cooking area, this combo grill provides 666 sq. in. primary space (333 sq. in. gas, 333 sq. in. charcoal), plus warming racks. The dual-fuel design and offset smoker allow for versatile cooking methods, from quick grilling to low-and-slow smoking, all in one unit.

Product Details

Pros

• Dual-fuel gas and charcoal capability
• Large total cooking area
• Attached offset smoker for smoky flavor
• Includes a side burner for sauces

Cons

• Item weight is 87 pounds

This versatile combo grill is for users who want the best of both gas and charcoal grilling, plus smoking capabilities. Its substantial weight indicates a robust build for dedicated outdoor cooking.

7. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1060 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black

Best for: Classic Offset Smoker.

The Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill delivers authentic BBQ flavor with a classic offset design. It uses indirect heat from hardwood splits and chunks for rich, wood-fired flavor, perfect for low-and-slow cooking.

This grill and smoker combo offers a large cooking capacity with 751 sq in primary and 309 sq in secondary cooking space, allowing multiple cuts to be smoked simultaneously. The side firebox door facilitates easy fuel addition, while optional smokestack locations let you choose between reverse flow or traditional offset smoking.

Product Details

Pros

• Authentic wood-fired BBQ flavor
• Large cooking capacity
• Classic offset smoker design
• Flexible smokestack options

Cons

• Warranty is 90 days

Ideal for traditionalists seeking genuine wood-smoked flavor and ample space for large cooks. Consider the limited 90-day warranty when making your purchase decision.

8. Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker: Charcoal Barbecue Grills

Best for: Precise Temperature Control Smoker.

Achieve grilling excellence with the SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker, featuring precise temperature management. A built-in thermometer in the main grill chamber allows monitoring without opening the lid, ensuring optimal cooking conditions.

This grill-smoker combo offers adjustable air vents on both the grill and smoker to regulate airflow and smoke intensity, making heat control easy for slow-cooking or searing. The optimal cooking area is designed to enhance your grilling experience, providing a balanced setup for various culinary tasks.

Product Details

Pros

• Built-in thermometer for precise monitoring
• Adjustable air vents for smoke control
• Easy heat regulation
• Designed for optimal cooking performance

Cons

• Item weight is 34 pounds

This smoker is suited for users who value precise temperature control and airflow management for consistent results. Its lighter weight makes it more portable than many other models.

9. Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker: Spacious Barrel Charcoal Grills

Best for: Spacious Barrel Smoker Grill.

The Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker offers 800 sq in total cooking space, designed to feed 5-8 people without feeling crowded. It features a 420 sq in main BBQ grill, a 196 sq in side smoker, and a 184 sq in warming rack.

This versatile backyard cooker allows you to grill everyday favorites or add real smoky flavor with the attached offset smoker. Whether you're cooking steaks, hot dogs, chicken, or slow-smoked ribs, the ample space and dedicated smoker ensure your food is ready for backyard gatherings.

Product Details

Pros

• Spacious total cooking area
• Dedicated side smoker for smoky flavor
• Warming rack included
• Suitable for feeding multiple people

Cons

• Item weight is 42 pounds

An excellent choice for home cooks who enjoy entertaining and want a grill that can handle both direct grilling and smoking. Its 42-pound weight offers a balance of sturdiness and portability.

10. Feasto Heavy-Duty 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Grill

Best for: Heavy-Duty Offset Smoker Grill.

The Feasto Heavy-Duty 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Grill boasts an expansive 831 square inches of cooking space. It features porcelain-enameled grates for high-temperature resistance and rust prevention, ensuring excellent heat distribution.

This charcoal BBQ grill includes 467 sq. in. cooking grates, a 212 sq. in. warming rack, and a 152 sq. in. offset smoker. The heavy-duty construction and movability make it a durable yet manageable option for outdoor cooking. The porcelain-enameled grates are easy to clean and maintain flavor.

Product Details

Pros

• Expansive total cooking area
• Porcelain-enameled grates for durability
• Includes offset smoker
• Heavy-duty construction

Cons

• Item weight is 56.1 pounds

This heavy-duty grill is ideal for those who need a large cooking surface and appreciate the benefits of porcelain-enameled grates. Its 56.1-pound weight provides stability for frequent use.

What Buyers Often Overlook

How much cooking capacity fits different gatherings?

Choose capacity by separating primary cooking space from warming and smoker sections, because listed totals do not all represent the same usable area. The Canyon Combo lists 1,031 square inches, including a 750-square-inch primary area and a 281-square-inch firebox grate. The Longhorn lists 1,060 square inches across 751 square inches of primary and 309 square inches of secondary space.

Grills House lists 1,020 square inches, divided between gas and charcoal primary areas, a warming rack, and an attached smoker. Smaller layouts remain practical: SUNLIFER measures 39.7 inches wide and weighs 34 pounds, while Realcook lists 800 square inches and Feasto lists 831 square inches.

A vertical Masterbuilt takes less width at 24 inches but organizes 710 square inches across four racks. Match the layout to whether you need simultaneous zones, not just the largest total.

The Key Product Trade-Off

Which fuel and control features reduce everyday effort?

Dual-fuel and electric designs reduce some routine steps, while charcoal offsets provide a more hands-on cooking process. The Canyon Combo can smoke with charcoal and hardwood while its propane side uses three burners and 36,000 BTU for faster grilling; the Grills House ZH3005Y similarly combines gas, charcoal, an offset smoker, and a side burner. Masterbuilt’s digital controls set time and temperature up to 275°F, and its side wood-chip loader adds chips without opening the door.

Traditional charcoal models rely on adjustable vents, firebox doors, and grate height: Royal Gourmet’s CC1830S and CC1830W use adjustable charcoal pans, while VEVOR lists adjustable grates, air vents, and an offset firebox. These designs can offer direct control but require more attention to fuel and airflow.

Check dimensions as well: listed widths run from 35 inches for VEVOR to 68.9 inches for the Canyon Combo.

Best Side By Side Smoker: Buyer's Guide

Fit, Dimensions, and Compatibility

Compare the listed dimensions with the intended counter, cabinet, appliance, storage, or installation space. Confirm model compatibility and connection requirements where they are supplied. A useful feature cannot compensate for a product that does not physically fit or work with the buyer’s existing setup.

Capacity, Output, and Operating Format

Match listed capacity, volume, output, and operating mode to the actual household or work routine. Larger figures can support heavier use, while a smaller format may be easier to place and maintain. Treat daily output, immediate storage, and container capacity as separate specifications when the listing distinguishes them.

Materials, Construction, and Care

Use the listed materials and care instructions to judge cleaning effort, storage conditions, and compatibility with the intended use. Dishwasher, freezer, food-contact, or weather-related claims are included only when supplied for that product. Check whether routine care fits the way the product will be used.

Included Components and Setup Needs

Review the included components before planning installation or first use. Hoses, adapters, lids, paddles, bowls, brushes, controls, and manuals vary by listing. Confirm power, water, assembly, or accessory requirements from the supplied product information rather than assuming that separately pictured parts are included.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo if you want one cooker for charcoal smoking and quick propane grilling, with 1,031 square inches of listed space. Choose the Longhorn if traditional hardwood offset cooking and a 1,060-square-inch layout matter more than dual-fuel convenience. Choose Masterbuilt if digital temperature and time controls, vertical storage, and a side wood-chip loader are priorities.

For a conventional charcoal offset smoker, Royal Gourmet, Realcook, Feasto, SUNLIFER, and VEVOR offer varied grate, vent, firebox, and warming-rack arrangements. Choose Grills House if gas, charcoal, smoking, and side-burner functions in one 1,020-square-inch setup are useful.

Before ordering, compare each unit’s width, depth, height, listed cooking zones, fuel requirements, and warranty information with your outdoor space and routine.

Quick Buying Checklist

• Confirm the complete dimensions against the available space.
• Verify model, accessory, connection, and appliance compatibility.
• Match capacity or output to the expected amount of use.
• Compare materials and care instructions with the maintenance routine.
• Check the included components before planning setup or first use.
• Confirm listed power, water, storage, or installation requirements where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a charcoal and electric smoker?

Charcoal smokers use charcoal for heat and smoke, offering a distinct flavor and requiring more active management. Electric smokers use electricity and wood chips for smoke, providing consistent temperatures and simpler operation, ideal for beginners seeking convenience and precise control over the smoking process.

How do offset smokers work?

Offset smokers feature a separate firebox attached to the main smoking chamber. The heat and smoke from the firebox travel into the chamber, cooking the food indirectly. This design allows for stable temperatures and a cleaner smoke, crucial for imparting rich, smoky flavors without burning the food.

What are the benefits of a dual-fuel smoker?

Dual-fuel smokers offer flexibility by combining charcoal and gas grilling or smoking capabilities. This allows users to choose their preferred fuel source based on convenience, flavor preference, or cooking style. You can achieve the smoky taste of charcoal while using gas for easier temperature control.

How important is the cooking area size?

The cooking area size is crucial for accommodating the amount of food you plan to smoke or grill. Larger areas are better for entertaining or cooking larger cuts of meat. Consider your typical usage to ensure the smoker can handle your needs without overcrowding, which can affect cooking consistency.

What should I look for in terms of temperature control?

Effective temperature control is vital for successful smoking. Look for smokers with adjustable vents and thermometers to monitor and regulate heat. Features like a separate firebox in offset models or digital controls in electric smokers can significantly aid in maintaining consistent temperatures for optimal results.

Final Words

Choosing the right side-by-side smoker depends on your priorities, whether it’s fuel type, cooking capacity, or ease of use. For versatility, dual-fuel models shine. If simplicity is key, electric smokers are a great choice.

For authentic smoky flavor and a classic grilling experience, offset charcoal smokers are hard to beat.