Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Black
Best for
Best budget
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 3 trusted sources
Current price
$80.74
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Realcook 17-inch vertical charcoal smoker is the consensus pick for the absolute lowest-cost entry into smoking. At around $80 with nearly 4,000 reviews, high-trust r/smoking and r/BBQ commenters repeatedly describe it as a "cheap smoker" bought "just to see if I'd like smoking" that "is flimsy but it works." One r/BBQ owner kept theirs four years: "Sure it's got some rust, and it's not the most sturdy thing. But it served me well." The adjustable dampers and built-in thermometer give beginners enough control to learn the basics.
What reviewers liked
- Lowest price in the pool with a large, mostly positive review base
- High-trust communities repeatedly recommend it as a low-risk starter
- Adjustable air dampers and built-in thermometer aid learning
- Compact vertical footprint suits small spaces
Where it falls short
- Owners report needing to add charcoal frequently to hold temperature
- Thin steel is described as flimsy and prone to rust
- Widely seen as a starter unit you will outgrow
- Built-in thermometer is best supplemented with a separate probe
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Across the reviewers we read, the Realcook 17-inch vertical charcoal smoker is the consensus pick for the absolute lowest-cost entry into smoking. At around $80 with nearly 4,000 reviews, high-trust r/smoking and r/BBQ commenters repeatedly describe it as a "cheap smoker" bought "just to see if I'd like smoking" that "is flimsy but it works." One r/BBQ owner kept theirs four years: "Sure it's got some rust, and it's not the most sturdy thing. But it served me well." The adjustable dampers and built-in thermometer give beginners enough control to learn the basics.
The honest limitations are everywhere in the community signals. Reviewers flag that it requires constantly adding charcoal to hold temperature, that the steel is thin and prone to rust, and that overall it is a starter tool rather than a long-term smoker. The built-in thermometer is also best supplemented with a separate probe. The synthesis: nobody claims it is great, but as a risk-free way to find out whether you enjoy charcoal smoking, the community treats it as a sensible buy that you will likely outgrow.
- 【QUALITY PROTECTION】 - Build-in thermometer with detailed temperature scale and adjustable air supply on lid for greater temperature control.Porcelain-enameled water pan and charcoal pan can provide you the stable use. The heat resistant bakelite handles make transport, basting and cooking a breeze.
- 【COOKING SPACE】 - 2 pieces cooking grids provide total 453 square inches cooking space. With crossbar and 4 hangers inside the lid, you can smoke different sizes and shapes of meat.
- 【MULTI-FUNTIONAL】 - Smoking is a popular method that allows food to be preserved longer, or to impart a different flavour to food, it can be used for cold or hot smoking. Cooks different ways - smokes/grills/steams/bake/braise/roast, offers huge flexibility.
- 【LATCH LOCKING SYSTEM】 - It's easy to assemble and easy to use. Two layers design you can easily take them apart to transport or clean. Use as a bbq grill or a smoker it depends on you. With the latch locking system, it can provide you more stability.
- 【2 ACCESS DOOR】 - The advantage of 2 access door is you can open the door according you request, more flexible than the one access door. When you need to check the status of foods, you just need to open the upper door. Open the other door, you can add charcoal or wood easier.
Hi All. I decided to get into smoking, so bought this cheap smoker, just to see if I'd like smoking. It's flimsy but it works, except I have ...
I'm a first time smoker, never done it before. Bought a cheap Realcook 17” off of Amazon. What do I need to know to get the most out of this?
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“Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker” · BBQ Grill for ...
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