6 Best Masterbuilt Charcoal Smokers (November 2026)

The best Masterbuilt charcoal smokers include the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal for dual-fuel flexibility, the Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal for maximum vertical capacity, and the Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor for compact charcoal smoking.

On this page (5 sections)

1. The best masterbuilt charcoal smoker picks
2. How Masterbuilt charcoal smokers differ by feeding system
3. How much cooking capacity do you need?
4. Charcoal smoker setup and care basics
5. Which masterbuilt charcoal smoker should you choose?

The best masterbuilt charcoal smoker depends on how you feed the fire. Choose the Masterbuilt Dual Fuel for propane and charcoal flexibility, or choose the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 if digital charcoal control and a griddle surface matter more.

We compared the products by fuel system, cooking layout, capacity, airflow control and the amount of fire management each design demands. The scores weigh those specs and features against what people searching for a masterbuilt charcoal smoker usually need.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for dual-fuel flexibility

   Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for maximum vertical capacity

   Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for compact charcoal smoking

   Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Captiva Designs Vertical Charcoal Smoker Grill Extra

   Best for a two-in-one offset setup
   Check it
5. 5

   Masterbuilt® Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill

   Best for digital gravity-fed control
   Check it
6. 6

   VEVOR Charcoal Offset Smoker

   Best for adjustable offset cooking
   Check it

The best masterbuilt charcoal smoker picks

The Masterbuilt Dual Fuel is the strongest all-around choice here because it supports both propane and charcoal. The Dyna-Glo is the better capacity pick, while the Gravity Series 1050 is the most specialized Masterbuilt option in this group.

1

Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal: Best for dual-fuel flexibility

9.7/10Our score

• Propane and charcoal fuel
• 4 chrome smoking racks
• 717 sq. in. cooking space
• Push-button ignition
• Built-in temperature gauge

The vertical Masterbuilt Dual Fuel gives you propane and charcoal options, 4 racks and push-button ignition. It suits cooks who want smoke flavor without committing every cook to one fuel.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two fuel options
• 4 smoking racks
• Push-button ignition

Cons

• Less cooking space than the largest charcoal models
• Propane burner adds a second fuel system

The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal is the best fit if you want two fuel choices in one vertical smoker. Charcoal gives you a traditional smoke path, while propane can make temperature management more direct for cooks that do not need a charcoal fire.

Four chrome smoking racks provide 717 sq. in. of cooking space. That layout gives you several vertical levels for food, although the usable space is still below the largest charcoal smokers in this comparison.

The stainless steel burner uses a type 1 regulator and hose, and push-button ignition simplifies propane startup. A porcelain-coated wood chip tray and water pan support a familiar vertical smoking setup.

A built-in temperature gauge sits in the locking door. The cool touch wire handle is useful when you need to check the chamber, and the air damper gives you a way to adjust smoke control.

This is the pick for a backyard cook who wants charcoal flavor sometimes and propane convenience other times. If you want a charcoal-fed system with digital control, compare it with the best gravity fed charcoal smokers.

2

Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal: Best for maximum vertical capacity

9.6/10Our score

• 1,890 sq. in. cooking space
• 6 height-adjustable grates
• 25 lb capacity per grate
• Offset charcoal chamber
• Adjustable smoke stack flue

The Dyna-Glo offers the largest stated cooking area here, with 6 adjustable grates and an offset charcoal chamber. It fits large cooks where vertical capacity matters more than a compact footprint.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest cooking area here
• 6 adjustable grates
• Charcoal and ash management system

Cons

• Wide and tall footprint
• Offset fire management needs attention

The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is the capacity leader here, with 1,890 sq. in. of total cooking space. Its 6 height-adjustable grates can hold up to 25 lb per grate, giving you room to spread out large cooks.

The vertical offset design keeps direct heat away from the food while heat and smoke rise through the cabinet. That makes it a better match for slow cooking than for direct grilling.

Its porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly. The charcoal and ash management system includes a charcoal chamber, grate and sliding removable steel ash pan.

An adjustable flue on the smoke stack gives you another airflow control. The built-in stainless steel thermometer includes a Smoke Zone to show the range intended for adding smoke flavor.

Choose this model when cooking capacity is the main requirement. Measure your patio first because its 43.3 in width and 50.2 in height make it one of the largest units here.

3

Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor: Best for compact charcoal smoking

9.3/10Our score

• 2-layer design
• Built-in thermometer
• Adjustable air supply
• Porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans
• 2 racks

This compact vertical charcoal smoker uses 2 layers, adjustable air supply and a built-in thermometer. It suits smaller outdoor cooking areas and shorter food lists.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Compact vertical size
• Adjustable air supply
• 2-layer cooking design

Cons

• Smallest stated cooking area here
• Fewer racks than the larger vertical smokers

The Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor Smoker is the compact choice for charcoal cooking in a smaller outdoor area. Its 2-layer design provides space for smoking more than one food item at a time without using a wide cabinet.

The built-in thermometer gives you a direct temperature reference, while adjustable air supply helps you change airflow during a cook. Those controls matter because charcoal heat responds to oxygen and vent position.

Porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans are designed for repeated outdoor use. The secure locking system keeps the compact cabinet closed during cooking.

This smoker has 2 racks and a stated 16.8 sq. in. cooking surface area. Because that capacity is much smaller than the Dyna-Glo or Captiva Designs, it suits modest food loads rather than a large gathering.

Pick it when footprint matters most. For more vertical cabinet options, compare this compact model with our Best Vertical Charcoal Smoker guide.

4

Captiva Designs Vertical Charcoal Smoker Grill Extra: Best for a two-in-one offset setup

9.0/10Our score

• 855 sq. in. over 5 removable racks
• Offset side firebox
• Vertical smoker conversion
• Top hooks
• Built-in thermometer

The Captiva Designs combines an offset smoker grill with a vertical smoker setup. Its 5 removable racks and top hooks suit cooks who want more than one charcoal cooking arrangement.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Offset and vertical configurations
• 5 removable racks
• 855 sq. in. stated capacity

Cons

• Large and heavy footprint
• More parts and settings to manage

The Captiva Designs Vertical Charcoal Smoker Grill Extra is the best fit if you want an offset smoker that can also convert to a vertical smoker grill. It provides 855 sq. in. over 5 removable chrome-plated racks, with top hooks for long cuts.

The side firebox sends charcoal smoke into the main chamber through a sealed connector. That setup separates the direct fire from the food and suits low-and-slow cooking.

Adding the high-temp enamel charcoal pan changes the setup to a vertical smoker grill for direct heat sessions. The design can also run both sections together to raise cooking temperatures.

Adjustable vents and a chimney help manage airflow, while the built-in thermometer lets you watch the chamber without opening the door. The tight door latches are intended to help retain heat during longer cooks.

This is the most flexible charcoal layout in the group, but it also has the largest stated width and a 101 lb weight. Choose it when multiple cooking modes are worth the extra space.

5

Masterbuilt® Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill: Best for digital gravity-fed control

8.8/10Our score

• Gravity Series 1050 platform
• DigitalFan temperature control
• 465 sq. in. flat-top griddle space
• Pre-seasoned steel
• Grease drain and tray

This Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 product is centered on digital temperature control and a flat-top griddle insert. It suits cooks who want charcoal heat with a griddle surface for breakfast foods, burgers and similar meals.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• DigitalFan temperature control
• 465 sq. in. griddle space
• Grease drain and tray

Cons

• Griddle-focused product
• Does not offer the largest smoker capacity here

The Masterbuilt® Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill is the Masterbuilt pick for digital charcoal control and flat-top cooking. The product data centers on a pre-seasoned steel griddle insert with 465 sq. in. of uninterrupted cooking space.

Its DigitalFan is designed to maintain temperature control on the Gravity Series 1050 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker. That makes the setup different from a traditional vertical cabinet or offset smoker, where you adjust vents and the fire more directly.

The flat surface suits breakfast foods, burgers and other meals that benefit from griddle cooking. A rear handle helps with removal, and the grease drain and tray give drippings a collection point.

This product is best for someone who wants charcoal cooking with a griddle-focused surface. To understand the airflow idea behind this type of system, read What Is a Gravity Fed Smoker?.

6

VEVOR Charcoal Offset Smoker: Best for adjustable offset cooking

8.7/10Our score

• Offset side firebox
• 6 adjustable cooking grates
• Heavy-duty coated steel
• Sliding ash tray and grease cup
• Wheels and air vents

The VEVOR offset smoker separates the charcoal chamber from the cooking chamber and adds 6 adjustable grates. It suits backyard cooks who want movable offset equipment and simpler ash cleanup.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 6 adjustable grates
• Sliding ash tray
• Wheels for mobility

Cons

• Charcoal only
• Not for direct firewood burning

The VEVOR Charcoal Offset Smoker suits cooks who want an offset firebox, 6 adjustable grates and a movable backyard setup. Each grate measures 14 x 13.4 in, so the layout supports several food items while keeping the fire separate from the cooking chamber.

The heavy-duty coated steel body is designed for outdoor cooking, and the high-temp powder coating is described as resisting heat, rust, peeling, deformation and weather. These are material and finish claims, not a guarantee of how any unit will age in a specific climate.

A sliding ash tray and grease cup simplify cleanup after a cook. Wheels and hollow side handles help you move the 72.3 lb smoker around the patio.

Bottom and top smoke vents provide airflow adjustments, and a built-in temperature gauge gives you a chamber reference. The product is for charcoal use only, not direct firewood burning.

Choose it if you want offset cooking with 6 adjustable grates and easier ash handling. If you are comparing airflow paths, our guide to What Is a Reverse Flow Gravity Smoker? explains how that design differs from a standard offset layout.

How Masterbuilt charcoal smokers differ by feeding system

The main difference is how heat reaches the cooking chamber. A traditional charcoal smoker needs you to manage the charcoal and airflow directly, while a gravity-fed design moves charcoal through a hopper toward the fire.

The Masterbuilt Dual Fuel gives you the widest fuel choice in this roundup. Use propane when you want push-button ignition and a stainless steel burner, or use charcoal when you want a charcoal fire in the same vertical cabinet.

The Gravity Series 1050 takes a more controlled charcoal approach. Its DigitalFan is designed to help maintain temperature on the 1050 platform, but the product here is focused on a flat-top griddle insert rather than a large vertical smoking cabinet.

The Dyna-Glo, Amazon Basics, Captiva Designs and VEVOR models use charcoal directly. For charcoal grills, compare grills for lump charcoal.

The Dyna-Glo and VEVOR use offset layouts, the Amazon Basics uses a compact 2-layer vertical design, and Captiva Designs combines offset and vertical arrangements.

Read How to Use a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 for a practical look at starting, feeding and adjusting a related Masterbuilt gravity-fed cooker.

How much cooking capacity do you need?

Choose capacity by the amount and shape of food you cook at one time, not only by the number of racks. A wide grate can suit ribs and large items, while a tall cabinet can give you more levels without taking as much floor space.

The Dyna-Glo has the largest stated total at 1,890 sq. in. Its 6 grates and 25 lb capacity per grate make it the clearest choice for large cooks.

The Captiva Designs provides 855 sq. in. over 5 racks, with hooks for long cuts. The Masterbuilt Dual Fuel offers 717 sq. in. over 4 racks, which is a simpler vertical layout for regular backyard batches.

The VEVOR uses 6 grates that each measure 14 x 13.4 in. The Amazon Basics is the compact option with 2 racks and a stated 16.8 sq. in. cooking surface area, so check your usual food sizes before choosing it.

Charcoal smoker setup and care basics

Set the smoker on a stable outdoor surface with enough room to open doors, adjust vents and handle hot parts. Measure the full height and width before delivery, especially for the Dyna-Glo, Captiva Designs and VEVOR models.

Start with the fuel and airflow method made for the smoker. The VEVOR is specified for charcoal only, and its product information says it is not for direct firewood burning.

Keep a separate thermometer available when the built-in gauge is the only temperature reference. A chamber gauge shows one point, so food placement and airflow can still create different cooking conditions across racks.

Clean ash after the fire is fully cold. Sliding or removable ash pans make that task easier, while water pans, grease trays and cooking grates should be cleaned according to the care instructions for the specific smoker.

Charcoal cooking can offer deeper smoke flavor, but it needs more fire attention than propane. Our comparison of Is a Charcoal Smoker Better Than a Gas Smoker? covers the trade-off between smoke character and simpler heat control.

Which masterbuilt charcoal smoker should you choose?

Choose the Masterbuilt Dual Fuel if you want a vertical smoker with both propane and charcoal options, 4 racks and push-button ignition. Choose the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 if digital temperature control and a 465 sq. in. griddle surface fit your cooking style.

Choose the Dyna-Glo for the largest stated capacity, the Amazon Basics for a compact 2-layer smoker, the Captiva Designs for offset and vertical cooking modes, or the VEVOR for a charcoal offset smoker with 6 adjustable grates.

The best masterbuilt charcoal smoker is the one that matches your fire-management preference and available space. Measure the cooking area you need, then compare the fuel system before choosing the cabinet with the highest score.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for dual-fuel flexibility

   Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for maximum vertical capacity

   Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for compact charcoal smoking

   Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best masterbuilt charcoal smoker?

The Masterbuilt Dual Fuel is the strongest choice if you want propane and charcoal options in one vertical smoker. It has 4 chrome racks, 717 sq. in. of cooking space and push-button ignition.

Choose the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 instead if digital charcoal control and a 465 sq. in. flat-top griddle surface matter more than vertical smoking capacity.

Does Masterbuilt make a charcoal smoker?

Yes. The Masterbuilt Dual Fuel supports propane and charcoal in a 30-inch vertical smoker. The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 is also a charcoal grill and smoker platform with DigitalFan temperature control and a griddle insert.

The two products suit different layouts, so compare fuel handling and cooking surface before choosing.

What is the difference between a gravity-fed smoker and a regular charcoal smoker?

A gravity-fed smoker moves charcoal through a hopper toward the fire, while a regular charcoal smoker usually requires more direct management of the fuel bed and airflow.

Gravity-fed designs can pair with fan-based temperature control. Traditional vertical and offset smokers give you more direct control over vents, charcoal placement and smoke flow.

Is a vertical or offset charcoal smoker better?

A vertical charcoal smoker uses height to save patio space and can place several racks above the fire. An offset smoker separates the firebox from the cooking chamber, which keeps direct heat away from the food.

Choose vertical for a smaller footprint, or choose offset when you prefer a separate firebox and horizontal smoke path.