Looking Beyond the Sophia & William 17-Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How these alternatives compare

COMVIEE Masterbuilt Gravity Series Switch Kit

This COMVIEE kit is a replacement part, not a standalone smoker. It targets owners of Masterbuilt Gravity Series units who need to fix a broken hopper lid or door switch. Unlike the Sophia & William vertical smoker, which uses manual air vents for control, this kit restores digital automation for existing smokers. It is only useful if you already own a compatible Masterbuilt model. The kit weighs just 1.45 ounces and includes the necessary switch components. It does not provide any cooking surface or fuel capacity. You should choose this only if your current smoker’s digital controls have failed and you prefer to repair rather than buy a new unit.

Char-Griller 22-Inch Steel Kettle Charcoal Smoker

The Char-Griller 22-Inch Steel Kettle offers a classic kettle design instead of the vertical chimney style. It provides 26 inches of width and 38 inches of height, making it slightly larger and heavier at 22.3 pounds. This model relies on a precise damper for temperature control, similar to the manual vent system of the Sophia & William unit. It suits those who prefer traditional charcoal grilling aesthetics and easier cleanup over vertical stacking. The steel construction ensures durability, though it lacks the porcelain-enameled grates of the original. If you want a versatile grill that also smokes, this kettle style is a practical alternative for small to medium gatherings.

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

The Char-Griller Texas Trio combines gas and charcoal capabilities in one large unit. It measures 75.6 inches wide and weighs 202 pounds, making it significantly larger and heavier than the portable Sophia & William smoker. This model is designed for large families needing high-volume cooking space and high BTU output. It offers the smoky flavor of charcoal with the convenience of gas ignition, which the vertical smoker lacks. The inclusion of a side burner adds extra functionality for sauces or side dishes. You should pick this if you need massive cooking capacity and do not mind the weight and footprint. It is not suitable for small patios or portable use.

Sophia & William 941 sq. in. Offset Charcoal Smoker

The Sophia & William 941 sq. in. Offset Smoker provides much larger capacity than the 17-inch vertical model. It features 941 square inches of cooking area, compared to the 427 square inches of the original. This unit measures 61 inches long and weighs 123 pounds, requiring a permanent outdoor space. It uses an offset firebox design, which differs from the integrated chamber of the vertical smoker. This model suits cooks who prioritize capacity and stability over portability. You get robust construction and manual control over smoke and heat for large batches of meat. If you need to cook for many people, this offset smoker is a better choice than the compact vertical option.

Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Smoker

The Char-Griller Smokin Pro is another large offset smoker, measuring 60 inches long and weighing 115 pounds. It offers extra-large capacity with a steel construction and a warming rack. Like the original, it uses charcoal and manual control, but the offset design separates the firebox from the cooking chamber. This model is built for dedicated pitmasters who value traditional smoke flavor and have ample space. It lacks the portability and compact footprint of the Sophia & William vertical smoker. The Smokin Pro is ideal for those who want serious capacity and do not need a lightweight, easy-to-store unit. It provides a classic pitmaster experience with robust manual temperature management.

COMVIEE Masterbuilt Gravity Series Fan and Switch Kit

This COMVIEE kit is a replacement fan and switch assembly for Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers. It is not a cooking appliance but a repair part for digital smokers. It helps restore fan control and safety switch functionality for models like the 560, 800, or 1050. Unlike the Sophia & William smoker, which uses manual vents, this kit supports automated temperature control in existing units. It is only relevant if you own a compatible Masterbuilt smoker and need to fix its digital components. The kit does not add cooking space or change the fuel type. Choose this option only if you want to repair your current smoker rather than switch to a manual vertical design.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Sophia & William 17-Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker

Best for: Small batch smoking and portable outdoor cooking

Cooking Area

427 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Form Factor

Vertical

Control Type

Air vents

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Camping

View on Amazon: Sophia & William 17-Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker Affiliate link

This vertical charcoal smoker combines smoking and grilling in one unit. It offers 427 square inches of cooking area across two tiers. The tunnel ventilation system helps distribute heat evenly, while a lid thermometer displays internal temperature. Weighing 23.3 pounds, it is portable enough for various outdoor settings. The porcelain-enameled components resist rust and simplify cleaning after use.

Pros

• 427 square inch two-tier cooking capacity
• Tunnel ventilation for even heat distribution
• Porcelain-enameled grate and bowl resist rust
• Built-in lid thermometer for temperature monitoring

Cons

• Manual air vent temperature control
• Limited 427 square inch cooking area
• No digital controller or Wi-Fi connectivity

Good fit if

• You want a compact vertical smoker for small batches
• You prefer manual control over charcoal airflow
• You need a portable unit for tailgating or camping

Skip if

• You require precise digital temperature automation
• You need to smoke large quantities of meat
• You want remote monitoring via a smartphone app

Verdict: Sophia & William 17" Vertical Charcoal Smoker suits beginners who value simplicity and portability over advanced automation. It delivers consistent results for small gatherings without requiring complex setup or digital interfaces.

2 Best budget

COMVIEE Masterbuilt Gravity Series Switch Kit

Best for: Masterbuilt Gravity Series switch repair

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Compatible Appliance

Smoker

Control Type

Digital

Weight

1.45 ounces

View on Amazon: COMVIEE Masterbuilt Gravity Series Switch Kit Affiliate link

This replacement kit fixes faulty switches on Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, 800, and 1050 digital charcoal grills. It includes one hopper lid/door switch, one wire, and two mounting screws. The part is rated for 250V AC at 2A and holds CE/ETL approval. It weighs just 1.45 ounces. You should use this if your smoker’s digital control fails due to a broken switch.

Pros

• Compatible with Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, 800, and 1050 models
• Includes switch, wire, and mounting screws for easy installation
• CE/ETL approved for safe operation at 250V AC, 2A
• Lightweight design at 1.45 ounces

Cons

• Does not fit Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980
• Only replaces one switch set, not the entire controller
• Requires basic screwdriver skills for installation

Good fit if

• You own a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, 800, or 1050
• You need to replace a broken hopper lid or door switch
• You want a CE/ETL approved replacement part

Skip if

• You have a Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980 grill
• You need a complete digital controller replacement
• You prefer a pre-assembled electronic module

Verdict: COMVIEe Hopper Lid/Door Switch Kit is a precise fix for broken switches on Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers. It fits users who need a direct, certified replacement for their hopper lid or door sensors.

3 Best kettle

Char-Griller 22-Inch Steel Kettle Charcoal Smoker

Best for: classic 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

The Char-Griller 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. Adjustable top and bottom dampers let you control heat precisely. The design includes an EasyDump ash pan and bucket for simple cleanup. This model suits you if you want classic kettle-style smoking and grilling.

Pros

• 363 sq. in. cooking area
• Adjustable top and bottom dampers
• Porcelain-coated steel lid and body
• EasyDump ash pan and bucket

Cons

• 22.3 pounds weight limits portability
• No side shelves included
• Manual damper control only

Good fit if

• You want classic kettle-style cooking
• You value precise heat control
• You prefer easy ash cleanup

Skip if

• You need electric ignition
• You want digital temperature probes
• You require side tables

Verdict: Char-Griller 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill delivers reliable charcoal performance with precise damper control. It fits you well if you prioritize classic design and manageable cleanup over modern digital features.

4 Best premium

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

Best for: Large families needing high volume cooking space

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

This offset smoker combines gas and charcoal fuel for flexible outdoor cooking. You get 1,390 square inches of total cooking space across three stainless steel main burners and a side firebox. The unit delivers 40,800 BTUs on the gas side plus 12,000 BTUs on the side burner. Electronic ignition and dual temperature gauges help you manage heat. Its extra-large build suits those needing ample room for large quantities of food.

Pros

• 1,390 sq. in. total cooking area
• 40,800 BTU gas output plus side burner
• Side Firebox for offset smoking
• Electronic push-button ignition

Cons

• Heavy at 202 pounds
• Large footprint at 75.6 inches wide
• No digital temperature control

Good fit if

• You need high heat output for fast grilling
• You want offset smoking without managing charcoal alone
• You have space for an extra-large grill

Skip if

• You prefer compact portable cooking solutions
• You only want charcoal fuel options
• You need digital precision temperature control

Verdict: Char-Griller Texas Trio Gas Charcoal Grill offers massive cooking space and high BTU output for families needing volume. It fits buyers who want the smoky flavor of charcoal with the convenience of gas ignition.

5 Best backyard

Sophia & William 941 sq. in. Offset Charcoal Smoker

Best for: large capacity traditional charcoal smoking

Cooking Area

941 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Form Factor

Barrel Offset

Material

Steel

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Backyard

View on Amazon: Sophia & William 941 sq. in. Offset Charcoal Smoker Affiliate link

This offset charcoal smoker offers 941 square inches of total cooking area. The setup includes 551 square inches of main grates, a 198 square inch warming rack, and a 192 square inch side firebox. It is built from heavy-duty steel with a one-piece smoker chamber to help seal heat and smoke. The unit weighs 123 pounds and stands 52.2 inches tall, providing stability against wind for large gatherings.

Pros

• 941 square inches of total cooking space
• One-piece smoker chamber for better heat retention
• Heavy-duty steel construction resists wind
• Includes porcelain-enameled iron cooking grates

Cons

• Requires manual charcoal management
• No digital temperature control system
• Large footprint requires significant outdoor space

Good fit if

• You need ample space for large parties
• You prefer traditional offset smoking methods
• You want a heavy, stable unit

Skip if

• You require precise digital temperature control
• You have limited outdoor storage space
• You prefer electric or pellet smokers

Verdict: Sophia & William 941 sq. in. Offset Charcoal Smoker is a robust option for cooks who prioritize capacity and stability over automated temperature regulation. It suits those who want to manage their own smoke and heat for large batches of meat.

6 Best warming rack

Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Smoker

Best for: Large capacity charcoal 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

The Char-Griller Smokin Pro combines a charcoal barrel grill with an offset side fire box. It offers 1,130 square inches of cooking area and 115 pounds of steel construction. Dual damper controls let you manage airflow for consistent heat. A side shelf provides prep space. This setup suits those who want traditional Texas-style smoking with robust capacity.

Pros

• 1,130 square inches of total cooking area
• Offset side fire box for authentic smoke flavor
• Dual damper controls for precise airflow management
• Side shelf with utensil hooks for prep space

Cons

• Heavy at 115 pounds
• Large footprint at 60 inches wide
• Requires assembly

Good fit if

• You want authentic offset smoking capabilities
• You need ample space for large cuts
• You prefer manual airflow control

Skip if

• You have limited deck space
• You prefer lightweight equipment
• You want gas convenience

Verdict: The Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Charcoal Grill delivers serious capacity and traditional smoke flavor for dedicated pitmasters. It fits buyers who value manual control and have the space to accommodate its large size.

7 Also great

COMVIEE Masterbuilt Gravity Series Fan and Switch Kit

Best for: repairing Masterbuilt Gravity Series smokers

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Control Type

Digitally-controlled fan

Compatible Appliance

Smoker

View on Amazon: COMVIEE Masterbuilt Gravity Series Fan and Switch Kit Affiliate link

This COMVIEE kit replaces parts for Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, 800, and 1050 charcoal smokers. It includes a digitally-controlled fan, three safety switches, and wiring. The fan uses high-temperature-resistant ABS plastic for steady airflow. The switches are CE-certified and rated for AC 250V/2A. This kit helps you maintain precise temperature control and safe operation for your existing smoker grill.

Pros

• Digitally-controlled fan for precise airflow
• Includes three CE-certified safety switches
• Complete wiring kit with secure connections
• High-temperature-resistant ABS plastic fan

Cons

• Only includes a one-year warranty
• Requires manual installation of parts
• Not a complete standalone smoker unit

Good fit if

• You own a Masterbuilt Gravity Series smoker
• Your fan or switches have failed
• You need OEM-compatible replacement parts

Skip if

• You want a new complete grill
• You do not own a Masterbuilt Gravity
• You prefer pre-assembled appliances

Verdict: COMVIEE Replacement Kit for Masterbuilt Gravity is a practical fix for owners of Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560, 800, or 1050 smokers who need to restore digital fan control and safety switch functionality. It fits users who want to repair rather than replace their charcoal grill.

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