Offset Smoker Vs Pellet Smoker: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re shopping for a new barbecue but can’t decide between a traditional offset smoker and a trendy pellet smoker, I hear you! While they both look similar, they run off different fuels, cook slightly differently and are in a whole different boat when it comes to ease of use. And, that’s before you even consider their different price points. But, if you’re tossing and turning, this article will give you all the information you need to compare the offset smoker vs pellet smoker so that you can make the best decision for your new backyard edition.

What is an Offset Smoker?

An offset smoker, also known as a horizontal smoker, barrel smoker, stick smoker, pipe smoker or side firebox smoker, is one of the most traditional and basic types of barbecues. Most simply consist of a small firebox that’s connected to a larger barrel or box where the cooking takes place.

But, in this case, basic is definitively not a bad thing! Offset smokers are renowned as the gold standard when it comes to smoking. They’re ideal for cooking meat and other food at low temperatures for a long period of time and, do so, as the heat and smoke from the fire pass through the cooking chamber and out through the chimney.

Offset smokers can be run on a pure wood fire, or a charcoal fire with the addition of wood chips to create that authentic smokey flavor.

What is a Pellet Smoker?

A pellet smoker, also known as a pellet grill, is kind of like a modern-day, electronic upgrade of the traditional offset smoker. They look similar and even work in round about he same way. But, the fire in a pellet smoker runs on 100% pure hardwood pellets that are drip fed into the firebox as is needed to automatically maintain the temperature that you set on what’s usually an LCD display panel.

So, unlike the offset smoker, pellet smokers don’t require so much babysitting to low-and-slow a brisket to perfection. But, they do require access to power and, hard-core enthusiasts will say that the results from a pellet smoker are slights less smoky and a bit more moist than what you get off a traditional smoker.

However, pellet smokers are becoming a popular choice on the competitive barbecue circuit so you can’t argue too much with being able to make competition-worthy meats so easily at home.

Offset Smoker Pros

Gives that true, authentic barbecued taste with the best barbecue bark
Ideal for cooking lots of food
You can grill over the fire in the firebox or simply arrange charcoal in the bottom of the cooking chamber for a bigger grill up
You can add more fuel through the firebox door so you won’t loose valuable heat and smoke
With a bit of maintenance, a quality offset smoker should last for years and years to come
They’re generally cheaper than pellet smokers
Doesn’t require electricity so you can grill anywhere without any hassles

Pellet Smoker Pros

Set and forget technology means you can barbecue AND get some of those jobs ticked off the list
Automated temperature control means you won’t get temperature dips and spikes which poorly affect your meat
It’s very hard to burn meat and end up with that bitter, charred taste
Some have WiFi so you can control your barbecue right from your phone
Ideal for beginners, but, the pros are using them too
Convection fans circulate the heat for an even cook and creates the ideal environment for baking and roasting too
Some pellet smokers can be used to grill as well
Can be very efficient in terms of fuel usage

Offset Smoker Cons

It takes some time and practice to learn how to cook well on an offset smoker
You’ll need to check on the temperature of your smoker regularly during your cook and manually adjust the fire when necessary
Cooking on an offset smoker in cooler/wet climates can be VERY hard due to difficulty controlling the temperature
Many models are painted steel which are susceptible to rusting if the paint starts to flake, but, this can be fixed reasonably easily

Pellet Smoker Cons

Requires electricity to run so you might need an extension cord or inverter if you’re cooking on the go
Generally more expensive to buy than an offset smoker
Often turns out food that’s a bit less smoky tasting than that cooked on an offset smoker, but, this can be a pro, depending on your taste preferences
Lots of pellet smokers CAN’T be used for grilling as the temperature just can’t get that high

Offset Smoker Vs Pellet Smoker Comparison

	Offset Smoker	Pellet Smoker
Type of cooking	Smoking and grilling	Smoking, roasting, baking and grilling (in some pellet smokers only)
Cooking capacity	Small to very large	Small to super-sized
Price range (USD)	$100 - $2,000+	$300 - $5,000+
Fuel type	Pure wood or charcoal with wood chips	100% pure wood pellets
Running cost	High	Moderate
Requires power?	No	Yes

Some of the Best Offset and Pellet Smokers Compared

To help you decide where you are in the offset vs pellet smoker debate, here’s a run-down of the best budget, mid-range and high-end smokers currently on the market.

But, for the full details and more reviews, check out our articles on the best offset smokers or the best pellet smokers.

The Best Budget Offset and Pellet Smokers

	Char-Griller Smokin Pro Offset Barbecue	Green Mountain Davy Crockett WiFi Pellet Grill

Price range	Under $300	Under $400
Features	Painted steel smoker Cast iron grates Timber handles and racks which can get hot Lightweight cart Removable ash tray Thermometer with 'smoke zones' to give you an idea of what temperature to shoot for	Stainless steel body and grates which are less likely to rust Folding legs so you can take this pellet smoker camping, tailgating, etc. WiFi means you can control the temperature from your phone Includes a meat probe so you'll know when your meal is finished to perfection Compatible with disposable grease tray for easy cleaning
Type of cooking	Smoking, grilling	Smoking, roasting, baking grilling
Cooking capacity	580 sq. in. smoking + 250 sq. in. grilling	219 sq. in.
Warranty	1 year	2 years

The Best Mid-Range Offset and Pellet Smokers

	Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker	Traeger Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill

Price range	Under $800	Under $1,100
Features	Heavy-duty 2.5mm painted steel barrel and firebox for excellent heat retention Reverse flow set-up for a more even cook Multiple dampers for easy heat control Sturdy cart with storage racks Built-in thermometer Cool-touch handles	Powder-coated stainless steel to reduce the chance of rust Digital Pro Controller that takes 60 temperature readings per second to keep your cook +/- 15°F of your target Strong cart with all-terrain wheels Hopper Clean Out feature lets you change pellets easily and even while you're cooking
Type of cooking	Smoking, grilling	Smoking, roasting, baking
Cooking capacity	751 sq. in. smoking + 309 sq. in. grilling	884 sq. in.
Warranty	2 years	3 years

The Best High-End Offset and Pellet Smokers

	Old Country BBQ Pits All-American Angus Smoker	Memphis Grills Pro Pellet Smoker

Price range	Under $2,000	Under $4,000
Features	Hand-crafted by artisan barbecue makers Traditional 1/4" thick plate steel in a completely welded construction for excellent heat retention and to and limit smoke leakages Dual cooking chambers gives the space and flexibility to cook everything your stomach desires Dual chimneys for more even movement of heat and smoke throughout the barbecue Vertical compartment has space to hang hooks for space saving Built-in thermometers Extra large firebox with side door for easy cleaning Sturdy cart with shelf Cool-touch handles Lifetime warranty!	100% graded stainless steel construction to last without rusting or flaking paint Double-walled design for exceptional heat retention Oven-quality gasket to minimize leaks Dual-fans to distribute the heat around, reducing the need to turn meat Extremely efficient pellet consumption Comes with a perforated insert so you can grill too Dual pellet hopper means that you can easily mix flavors WiFi compatible so you can control the temperature form your phone Has space for up to 3 meat probes (1 included) so you'll know exactly when your food is done Plenty of storage in stylish cart Also comes in a built-in model for outdoor kitchens
Type of cooking	Smoking, grilling	Smoking, roasting, baking, grilling
Cooking capacity	1,961 sq. in. total	4,230 cubic in.
Warranty	Lifetime	3 years on electronics, 7 years on all other parts

For full reviews of these barbecues and more, check out our articles on the best offset smokers and the best pellet smokers.