Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker
Score: 80/100
Realcook 17-inch Steel Charcoal Smoker
Score: 75/100Rankings
The Cuisinart COS-244 is a 36-inch vertical propane smoker offering a generous 784 sq in cooking area and solid temperature control. Its heavy weight and the need for a separate propane tank make it less portable. Ideal for beginners to intermediate smokers who prioritize capacity over mobility.
The Realcook 17-inch vertical smoker provides a portable, lightweight design with 453 sq in of cooking area and precise temperature control via a built-in thermometer. It does not include a protective cover and is limited to charcoal fuel. Best for campers and tailgaters needing a compact smoker.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5.45 sqftbest | 3.15 sqft | |
15,000 BTU/hbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 40 lb | 18.6 lbbest |
| ↓ lower better | 38.6 in | 35 inbest |
| ↓ lower better | 19.3 in | 17 inbest |
| ↓ lower better | 18.1 inbest | 22 in |
4best | 2 | |
3 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Cooking Area (Total) (sqft) | 5.45 sqft | 3.15 sqft |
Fuel Type | Propane | Charcoal |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (lb) | 40 lb | 18.6 lb |
Height (in) | 38.6 in | 35.0 in |
Width (in) | 19.3 in | 17.0 in |
Length (in) | 18.1 in | 22.0 in |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Racks | 4 | 2 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors emphasize the COS-244's straightforward propane hookup, large cooking capacity, and convenient dual-door design, noting it delivers reliable temperature control and ample space for party-size smoking sessions.
Everyday users appreciate the smoker's ability to impart a wonderful smoky flavor, its ease of use for beginners, and the flexibility to handle both short and long smoking sessions, while recurring concerns focus on its heavy weight and the need to purchase a propane tank separately.
