Dyna-Glo are a strong competitor when it comes to affordable offset smokers. And, the Signature Range Vertical Offset model is at the top end of their offerings, representing better quality and more space at what’s still a bargain price.
If you’re considering one of these for your backyard, in our Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Smoker review, you’ll find all the details including real-life feedback on how these value for money barbecues perform.
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Table of Contents
Features
Construction:
- Vertical design creates fairly even temperature throughout while maximizing fuel efficiency
- Fairly thick steel provides sturdy feel and handles heat well
- Huge 1,382 square inches of cooking space
Ease of use:
- Includes 5 removable racks
- Sliding dampers for temperature control
- Slide-out ash drawer
- Heavy-duty wheels for easy moving
Included extras:
- Pre-installed sausage hooks
- Grilling grate in offset firebox
Review of the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker
We’ll start off by saying that we do totally rate the Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker!
As you’d expect of an offset smoker in this price range, you’re not going to get really thick construction with no leaks and all the extra features. But, for it’s very reasonable price, you will get a pretty decent smoker that holds a huge amount of meat, is fairly fuel efficient and can be sealed up well with some simple mods.
The Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D is made from a heavier-duty steel than their standard smoker (read our review of the Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker here).
On first inspection, we thought it seemed average. But, when made up, the Signature Series Offset ends up being pretty sturdy, especially when compared to similarly priced barbecues. Don’t expect it to be bulletproof. But, it’s surprisingly good quality should hold up a lot longer and better than most competitors at this price point would.
For spec lovers, the body is 17 gauge steel that’s about 1.4mm thick and the door and firebox lid are stronger 13 gauge steel that’s 2.4mm thick.
In terms of cooking on the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset, you’ll get a huge 1,098 square inches of smoking space spread over 5 racks. These are removable. So, if you want to do a whole turkey or another large cut of meat, you’ve got the flexibility you need to accommodate it.
As standard, the DGSS1382VCS-D also comes with pre-installed sausage hooks. These are a handy addition that opens you up to hanging meats as well without having to fork out on extras.
But, what’s also pretty great about the Dyna Glo’s Signature Series compared to their standard, is that it also comes with a cooking grate for the firebox. This opens you up to another 284 square inches of charcoal grilling space. Use it while you smoke, firing yourself up some lunch-time burgers. Or, use it by itself for quick mid-week dinners.
To adjust the temperature, the Signature Series Vertical Offset uses a single rotary air intake damper plus the top chimney vent. Both are pretty standard and do the job effectively.
Straight out of the box, the Dyna-Glo Signature Vertical will leak smoke around the doors. It’s 100% to be expected of a mid-priced offset smoker. But, with some self-sticking LavaLock gasket tape, it’s really easy, quick and cheap to fix. This should then give you a good seal that’ll keep all the heat, moisture and smoke right where you want it.
If you are thinking of buying the Dyna-Glo Signature for smoking in cooler weather, even with an after-market gasket, it won’t do a great job. The steel simply isn’t thick enough and it will lose a lot of heat through the walls. You could try wrapping in a high-heat insulation blanket. Or, just save the smoking for the warmer months.
In terms of extras, the slide out charcoal drawer lets you add more fuel without having to open the firebox or cooking chamber. This prevents the temperature dip subsequent time needed to get it back up to heat.
The built-in temperature gauge is rust-resistant stainless steel and seems to give a fairly accurate reading. There’s handy ‘smoke zone’ target ranges that are an easy way for beginners to know they’re hitting the right kind of temps.
Pros of the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker
- Excellent value for money
- Capable of turning out some great results
- Huge cooking capacity provides flexibility in what you can cook
- Doubles as a charcoal grill too
- Strong and sturdy build, especially for a smoker in this price range
- Efficient fuel usage thanks to the vertical design
- Stainless steel temperature gauge gives fairly accurate reading
- Won’t take up a lot of space in your backyard
Cons of the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset Smoker
- Leaks a bit of smoke around the doors —> Quick and cheap fix is to fit a LavaLock gasket
- Not the thickest steel so it will be harder to maintain temperature in cooler conditions
Specs for the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Signature Series Vertical Offset
Barbecue type: Charcoal vertical offset smoker
Fuel type: Charcoal
Barbecue material: Powder-coated 17 gauge (1.4mm thick) steel and powder-coated 13 gauge (2.4mm thick) steel for the door and firebox lid
Grate material: Chrome-plated steel
Cooking capacity: 1,382 sq. in.
Price guide: $$
Model: DGSS1382VCS-D
Dimensions: 58.8(H) x 45.5(W) x 24.9(D)
Weight: 124 lbs
Warranty: 1 year
FAQs About the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Offset Smoker
Q. Can you grill on the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Offset?
Yes. It comes with a grilling grate that sits over the fire in the firebox for direct heat grilling.
Q. Is the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Smoker suitable for beginners?
The vertical design, easy to use dampers and smoke zone temperature gauge make the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D a good choice for beginners. Just keep in mind that any offset smoker isn’t set and forget. It will still require regular tending and may take you a few go’s to get into the groove of things.
Q. Can you use split wood in the Dyna-Glo Signature Offset?
Yes. It’s suitable for charcoal, charcoal with chips, or, split wood as long as it fits in the firebox.
Q. Does a rack of ribs fit in the DGSS1382VCS-D?
Laying down, depending on the style, they might be a tight fit. But, the sausage hooks are strong enough to handle the weight of hanging ribs.
Q. Is there a cover for the Signature Series Smoker?
Yep. Dyna-Glo do one that fits the DGSS1382VCS-D perfectly.
Q. What mods do you recommend for the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset?
If you like a super tight seal then buy some LavaLock self-sticking gasket tape to fit to the door and firebox lid. But that’s all we’d recommend.
Our Verdict on the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Vertical Smoker Review
As the premium unit in Dyna-Glo’s offset smoker range, the Signature Series Smoker does an excellent job of providing better quality, improved durability and more space in what’s still a very affordable offset smoker.
With the added grilling capability that’s hard to find at this price point, it’s a great all-rounder that’s well suited to anyone who wants to be able to go big and do it all without breaking the budget.
You can also check out our articles on the best offset smokers and the best vertical smokers for more reviews of these types of smokers.
Jared Brown, an avid lover of all things meat has a fearless enthusiasm for experimenting with anything that's grilling, smoking or outdoor cooking. With a wealth of experience across a range different barbecue types, Jared's got a real knack for helping others make a decision they're happy with, ensuring they find the perfect fit regardless of conventional notions of the 'right' choice. This unique approach has made Jared a trusted guide in the world of barbecue.
