Best Charcoal Grills With Side Smoker Boxes for Outdoor Barbecues
If you crave authentic wood-smoked flavor without a separate smoker, a charcoal grill with a side smoker box is a smart choice. These hybrid grills combine traditional charcoal grilling with a dedicated space to smoke meat, poultry, and vegetables. This guide highlights five top options, including models with large cooking areas, offset smokers, and durable construction. Use the quick reference table to compare key specs, then read detailed sections to help decide which setup fits your deck, budget, and cooking style.
| Product | Cooking Area | Offset Smoker | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Gourmet CC1830W | 443 sq. in. main + 184 sq. in. warming + 184 sq. in. offset | Yes | Large total area with side fire box for authentic smoky flavor |
| Char-Griller Smokin Pro CG30044223 | 1,130 sq. in. total | Yes | Traditional barrel design with robust airflow controls |
| Outsunny Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | 231 sq. in. | Yes | Multifunction design with horizontal storage and shelves |
| Dyna-Glo DGSS287CB-D | 287 sq. in. total | Yes | Portable tabletop option with side firebox |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830SC | 811 sq. in. total | Yes | Compact, efficient offset smoker with integrated cooking space |
The following sections review five top models. Each entry includes a concise look at the design, smoking capabilities, heat management, and practical notes for backyard use.
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30-Inch Charcoal Grill With Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830W combines a sizeable cooking area with an offset smoker to deliver smoky depth in entrées and sides. The main chamber features porcelain-enameled steel wire grates totaling 443 square inches, paired with a 184-square-inch chrome-plated warming rack and another 184-square-inch offset smoker. The side fire box enables authentic Texas-style smoking, making it possible to infuse flavors while using a single grill on patios or backyards with limited space. A two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan supports better heat control and can hold up to 4.4 pounds of coal for flexible cooking sessions.
Design emphasis centers on practical heat management and accessibility. The offset smoker is well integrated with easy access to fuel and ashes, improving workflow during longer cookouts. This model suits cooks who want a wide range of techniques—from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking—without adding separate equipment to their outdoor space.
Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill And Offset Smoker
Char-Griller’s Smokin Pro blends a classic charcoal barrel grill with a robust offset smoker. The side fire box attachment enables Texas-style smoking, producing rich smoke flavors that permeate meats for hours. Dual damper controls offer precise airflow management to achieve consistently cooked foods, whether you’re grilling burgers or slow-smoking whole briskets. The large total cooking area supports family gatherings and weekend cookouts, while the durable chrome-plated warming rack helps keep sides hot without crowding the main cooking zone.
This setup is favored by backyard pitmasters who appreciate a traditional barrel silhouette and a strong emphasis on customization and airflow. It’s a solid choice for those who want a multi-functional grill that remains straightforward to operate during longer smoking sessions.
Outsunny Charcoal Grill With Offset Smoker
Outsunny’s multifunctional design combines a barrel-style grill with an integrated offset smoker and accessible side tables. The 231-square-inch main cooking area is complemented by side shelves and a lower metal grate, providing ample space for tools, marinades, and seasonings. The design includes a thermometer on the main lid for quick monitoring and wooden handles that stay cooler to the touch, improving safety during hot grilling sessions. The side firebox enables smoke flavor development while maintaining straightforward heat control through airflow adjustments.
This model is suitable for compact patios and casual gatherings where storage and mobility matter. The built-in storage options and stability features appeal to weekend grillers who value convenience alongside flavor development.
Dyna-Glo Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill With Side Firebox
The Dyna-Glo DGSS287CB-D emphasizes portability and compact design without sacrificing the benefits of a side firebox. With a total cooking area of 287 square inches, it offers enough space for smaller family meals and tailgate gatherings. The heavy-gauge steel body provides durability, while a porcelain-enameled steel charcoal tray supports reliable heat distribution. The portable footprint makes it a suitable option for balconies, patios, or occasional outdoor events where space is at a premium.
Users should consider the trade-off between portability and total cooking area, as compact models often require more planning for larger groups. The side firebox remains a valuable feature for those who want smoky flavors in a portable format.
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC offers 811 square inches of total cooking space, including a 443-square-inch main grate and a 184-square-inch warming rack plus a 184-square-inch offset smoker. The offset smoker’s design supports efficient heat and smoke circulation with an easy-access side door to add charcoal or remove ashes. An air vent helps stoke the fire for rapid heat adjustments, and a two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan enhances heat control while accommodating up to 4.4 pounds of coal. This model is well-suited for cooks who want a balanced, mid-sized footprint with solid smoking performance.
With its combination of a robust main chamber and a dedicated smoker area, this grill targets mid-to-large gatherings and those who appreciate consistent flavor development across direct and indirect zones.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Charcoal Grills With Side Smokers
- Cooking area and layout: Compare total square inches across main grates, warming racks, and the offset smoker. A larger combined area supports multi-item cookouts but will require more space and fuel.
- Offset smoker integration: Look for a side or integrated smoker with stable airflow control and accessible fuel management. A side fire box helps maintain smoke depth while keeping direct heat separate.
- Heat management features: Two-level charcoal pans, dampers, and vent placement impact heat regulation and smoke production. Models with adjustable grates offer more precise control during multi-temperature cooking.
- Durability and materials: Porcelain-enameled coatings and heavy-gauge steel bodies improve longevity and reduce maintenance. Warming racks should be sturdy and rust-resistant for frequent use.
- Accessibility and safety: Side tables, shelves, and cool-touch handles improve usability during long cooks. Look for thermometer accuracy and stable feet or wheels for easy relocation.
- Maintenance considerations: Easy-access ash removal, ash pan design, and clean-out doors simplify upkeep after smoky cooks. Factor in the ease of cleaning grills with multiple chambers.
- Portability vs. capacity: Portable tabletop models are ideal for small spaces and occasional events but offer less cooking area. Larger, cart-style units handle bigger gatherings with more fuel capacity.
- Fuel and flavors: While charcoal provides authentic flavor, charcoal type and wood chip placement influence smoke profiles. Consider grills that accommodate wood chunks or chips for enhanced flavor.
- Warranty and support: Check the manufacturer’s warranty, replacement part availability, and customer support responsiveness for long-term confidence.
Choosing the right charcoal grill with a side smoker box depends on how frequently you host gatherings, the space available, and how deep you want your smoke flavor to be. The models reviewed here balance space, smoke capability, and practical design, presenting solid options for American backyards and decks.