Cuisinart
Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Best vertical smoker for backyard enthusiasts seeking simple, flavorful charcoal cooking.
Achieve delicious smoked flavors with this vertical charcoal smoker. It features two large stainless steel racks, offering ample cooking space for various foods. The porcelain-enameled water pan helps regulate temperature and adds moisture for tender results. Monitor internal temperature with the integrated lid thermometer, and control heat with adjustable top and bottom vents. Setup is quick, and the removable racks and pan simplify cleanup, making it a convenient choice for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
$82.79
More Vertical Smoker Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.3
/ 5
Category Rank
346
/ 486
#346 in Food Smokers
Price vs Category Average
-94%
Below average
Fuel Type
Charcoal
/ Charcoal
Who it's for
- Urban grillers with limited patio space but big appetites
- Pitmasters who prioritize heat retention during long smoking sessions
- Beginners needing help maintaining consistent moisture and temperature
Who should skip it
- Cold-weather smokers needing reliable heat insulation
- Users who prefer a quick, mess-free cleanup process
- Precision cooks who demand accurate temperature monitoring
Performance breakdown
Cooking Capacity
Two spacious racks provide plenty of room for large brisket or ribs.
Temperature Stability
Water pan and adjustable vents offer reliable control for consistent low-and-slow cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
Removable racks and porcelain-enameled components make post-smoke cleanup remarkably straightforward.
Build Durability
Solid construction, though the lightweight frame requires careful handling during seasonal storage.
Monitoring Precision
Integrated lid thermometer is convenient but benefits from a secondary digital probe.
Assembly Simplicity
Straightforward design allows you to start smoking shortly after unboxing.
Key Specs
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Smoker Type
Vertical Smoker, Cabinet Smoker
Cooking Area
510 sq. in.
Material
Stainless Steel, Porcelain-Enameled Steel
Integrated Thermometer
True
Number of Racks
2
Dimensions
22" W x 24" D x 43" H
Assembly Required
False
Know before you buy
With 510 square inches of cooking space spread across two stainless steel racks, this smoker is sized to handle a few whole chickens, several racks of ribs, or a large brisket comfortably. It is well-suited for family-sized meals rather than large-scale catering.
The porcelain-enameled water pan serves two purposes: it acts as a heat sink to help stabilize the internal temperature and releases steam to keep your meat moist during long smoke sessions. You should keep it filled throughout the cooking process for the best results.
Temperature management is handled by the adjustable top and bottom vents. By manipulating these vents, you can control the airflow and oxygen intake to raise or lower the heat, though it does require some active monitoring compared to a gas or electric smoker.
The lid-mounted thermometer is convenient for getting a general sense of the ambient temperature inside the cooking chamber. However, for precise internal meat temperatures, we recommend using a separate digital probe thermometer.
Cleanup is straightforward because the cooking racks and the water pan are removable. Once they have cooled down, you can wash them with warm, soapy water, and the porcelain-enameled finish on the pan helps prevent stubborn food buildup.
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