Char-Griller Smokers: 3 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

Char-Griller 22-Inch Steel Kettle Charcoal Smoker

Best for: compact charcoal grilling and smoking

Cooking Area

363 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Form Factor

Kettle

Control Type

Adjustable top and bottom dampers

Material

Steel

Compatible Appliance

Smoker

View on Amazon: Char-Griller 22-Inch Steel Kettle Charcoal Smoker Affiliate link

This 22-inch kettle grill offers 363 square inches of cooking space. It uses charcoal fuel and features a steel body with a porcelain-coated lid for heat retention. You control temperature with adjustable top and bottom dampers. The design includes an EasyDump ash pan and bucket for cleanup. It suits those who want traditional kettle-style smoking and grilling in a compact footprint.

Pros

• 363 square inch cooking area
• Adjustable top and bottom dampers
• EasyDump ash pan and bucket
• Porcelain-coated steel construction

Cons

• No side shelf for prep space
• No thermometer included in data
• Charcoal only, no gas option

Good fit if

• You want a compact charcoal kettle
• You prefer simple damper controls
• You need easy ash disposal

Skip if

• You need gas fuel options
• You require a side shelf
• You want digital temperature monitoring

Verdict: Char-Griller 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill fits buyers who want a simple, durable charcoal cooker with easy cleanup. It is ideal for small patios or decks where space is limited.

2 Best premium

Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill

Best for: Dual-fuel cooking and large capacity smoking

Cooking Area

1,390 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Gas and Charcoal

Form Factor

Offset

Features

Side Burner

Compatible Appliance

Smoker

Dimensions

32 × 75.6 × 49.1 inches

View on Amazon: Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

The Char-Griller Texas Trio combines gas and charcoal cooking in one unit. It offers 1,390 square inches of total cooking space. The gas section has three main burners and a side burner. It delivers 40,800 BTUs of heat. The side firebox allows for offset smoking. Dual temperature gauges help you monitor both zones. This large grill suits those who want versatility in one heavy unit.

Pros

• 1,390 square inches of total cooking area
• 40,800 BTU output on the gas side
• Integrated side firebox for offset smoking
• Push-button electronic ignition
• EasyDump ash pan for simple cleanup

Cons

• Weighs 202 pounds, making it difficult to move
• Requires significant space with a 75.6-inch width
• No digital temperature controller or remote monitoring

Good fit if

• You want to switch between gas and charcoal cooking
• You need ample space for large gatherings
• You prefer offset smoking without a separate unit

Skip if

• You have limited patio space
• You prefer lightweight, portable grills
• You only cook with charcoal

Verdict: Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Gas Charcoal Combo is ideal for cooks who want the speed of gas and the flavor of charcoal in one large, stationary unit. It fits those with ample outdoor space who prioritize capacity and dual-fuel versatility over portability.

3 Best budget

Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Smoker

Best for: Large capacity charcoal offset smoking

Cooking Area

1,130 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Form Factor

Barrel, Offset

Control Type

Dual damper controls

Material

Steel

Features

Offset Smoker, Warming Rack

View on Amazon: Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Smoker Affiliate link

This charcoal grill and offset smoker combines a 1,130 square inch cooking area with a side fire box. Dual damper controls let you manage airflow for precise temperature regulation. The unit measures 60 inches wide and weighs 115 pounds. It includes a side shelf with utensil hooks for prep space. You get a large steel barrel grill designed for Texas-style smoking.

Pros

• 1,130 square inch charcoal cooking area
• Side fire box for offset smoking
• Dual damper controls for airflow
• Side shelf with utensil hooks

Cons

• Heavy 115-pound build
• Large 60-inch footprint
• Manual damper operation only

Good fit if

• You want a large charcoal cooking area
• You prefer manual airflow control
• You have space for a 60-inch unit

Skip if

• You need portable equipment
• You prefer gas fuel
• You want digital controls

Verdict: Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Smoker fits buyers who need a large, stationary charcoal setup for serious smoking. Its dual dampers and side fire box offer traditional control for those with adequate outdoor space.

Specifications side by side

Char-Griller Smokers: 3 Picks Ranked by Specs

Char-Griller offers distinct options based on fuel and form factor. The 22-Inch Steel Kettle Charcoal Smoker uses a compact kettle design for small patios. It weighs 22.3 pounds and fits limited spaces. The Texas Trio 3-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill provides dual-fuel versatility. This extra-large unit weighs 202 pounds and suits stationary setups with ample room. It includes a side burner for added utility.

For serious smoking, the Smokin Pro Offset Smoker delivers large capacity. This steel model features a side firebox and warming rack. It weighs 115 pounds and requires significant outdoor space. Shoppers comparing fuel types should note that charcoal options dominate this lineup. The gas model adds propane speed. You can choose based on your available square footage and desired cooking style.

Where Char-Griller Fits Your Needs

Char-Griller covers a wide size range. You can start with the 22-inch kettle, which weighs just 22.3 pounds and fits small patios. Move up to the Texas Trio, an extra-large dual-fuel unit weighing 202 pounds for large spaces. The Smokin Pro offers a traditional offset design at 115 pounds. The lineup spans from portable charcoal to heavy stationary gas and charcoal combos. You will not find pellet smokers or portable tabletop units in this selection. Choose based on your available space and fuel preference.

How to choose the right one

1. Check your fuel options

   Decide between charcoal, gas, or dual-fuel systems based on your cooking habits. The Texas Trio offers both gas and charcoal, giving you flexibility for different meal types. If you prefer traditional smoke flavor, the Smokin Pro and the 22-Inch Steel Kettle rely solely on charcoal. Gas provides faster heat and easier temperature control. Charcoal delivers richer flavor but requires more management. Choose the fuel type that matches your preferred cooking speed and taste profile.

2. Measure your available space

   Your outdoor area determines which smoker fits. The 22-Inch Steel Kettle measures 26 inches wide and 23 inches long, making it suitable for small patios or decks. It weighs only 22.3 pounds, allowing for easy movement. The Texas Trio is extra-large, spanning 75.6 inches wide and weighing 202 pounds. It requires a permanent spot with ample room. The Smokin Pro is also large, at 60 inches wide. Ensure you have enough clearance for safe operation and airflow around the unit.

3. Assess cooking capacity needs

   Consider how much food you typically prepare. The Smokin Pro and Texas Trio are extra-large units designed for high-volume cooking. They suit those hosting large gatherings or smoking multiple cuts at once. The 22-Inch Steel Kettle is compact, ideal for small families or occasional use. Its smaller footprint limits batch size but simplifies cleanup. Match the physical dimensions to your usual meal quantities. Larger capacity means more space but also more fuel consumption and longer preheat times.

4. Select the right form factor

   Choose a design that fits your workflow. The kettle style offers a simple, enclosed cooking environment. It is durable and easy to clean. Offset smokers like the Smokin Pro feature a side firebox for traditional indirect heat. This setup requires more attention to manage temperature gradients. The Texas Trio combines a grill and smoker in one unit. This hybrid approach saves space compared to buying two separate appliances. Pick the form factor that aligns with your desired cooking method and maintenance level.

5. Verify material and durability

   Steel construction is common across these models. The 22-Inch Steel Kettle and Smokin Pro both use steel for heat retention and strength. Steel can rust if not maintained, so check for protective coatings. The Texas Trio also uses steel but includes additional features like a side burner. Heavier units like the Texas Trio (202 pounds) are more stable but harder to move. Lighter units are portable but may be less robust. Ensure the material suits your climate and maintenance routine.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• char griller char griller texas trio 3 burner review
• char griller char grillersmokin pro charcoal grill review
• char griller smokin pro offset smoker review
• best BBQ island grills smokers patio heaters