Purchased the Cuisinart 118 nearly four years ago to learn the basics of smoking and to figure out if it was really my jam, before unloading on a more expensive model in a year or two. Smoking is now my jam and this unit is responsible.
Pros:
- Easy to maintain and set up. Fill the coal grate and ring with a decent amount of charcoal (depending on cook time) and ensure the shape you've created looks more like an ant lion larva's conical sand trap, rather than a pile, keeping the prepped coals in the middle to slowly burn out and down. The chimney takes about 20 minutes to get those hot coals ready. Leave the top cylinder off the base after dumping the prepped coals into the shape you've made for another 20 minutes with the bottom vent wide open. Latch the cylinder in place and allow the unit another 20 minutes get to temp, toss on some wood chunk, tighten up the bottom air intake (I've never needed to open it more than 1/4 of the way) and you're good to go. I've made pork shoulders and been able to keep the smoker going at a 225 grate temp for over 8 hours without needing to add more charcoal, so this thing can go for quite some time when properly used. It just takes time to figure it out and you may use more charcoal than you need early on. Wood chunk coal tends to burn too fast and ash out in an unreasonable amount of time, so save that for quick use cooks like burgers / steaks and use Kingsford briquets for long haul cooking.
- Holds up to the elements. Mine sits on an exposed back porch with only the cover to protect it. I keep saying I'm getting that better smoker this summer... but why, when there is nothing wrong with my current rig?
Cons:
- Kind of thin. On cold, windy days, a barricade is needed to allow the unit to stay up to temp without burning through fuel.
Tips and Mods:
- That water pan? Meh, I don't fill it. I put a flat sheet of foil over it, like a drum, to keep fats and drippings from burning in the bottom and giving food an off-putting flavor. Put it in before the grates and certainly before attaching it to a hot base...
- Use a probe for accurate grate temps. No dial thermometer should really be trusted, especially after you've put the meat on. It will appear cooler than it is.
- I added another shelf between the two provided. I didn't like my bottom layer that close to the pan's heat.
- The side vent leaks. LEAKS! A gasket for grills and smokers will fix that when applied to where it overlaps the body. For a while, I moved another grill I own against the handle to keep it closed tighter.
- Smoking in the winter or in cold temps (20's-40's) can burn through fuel and it's hard to keep the smoker up to temp. I use a cheap welder's blanket wrapped around the unit (but not the base or legs) and 3 heavy duty clips to hold it in place to keep it hot. This uses very little charcoal and you may even need to fully close the bottom vent to keep the heat from running away on you.
- Look stuff up! Other people have been doing this a while and have webpages dedicated to ensuring you become an AMAZING cook
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Fuel Type: Charcoal
Brand: Cuisinart
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From the brand
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GET A TASTE FOR THE OUTDOORS.
Our products are thoughtfully designed to help you make the most of your outdoor living space, extending your time outside year-round.
From gas and charcoal grills to smokers and pizza ovens, our products cater to every type of griller.
Because there’s just something about getting outside that makes you feel something inside.
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Customer Review: Great little smoker!
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From the manufacturer
A versatile smoker with plenty of room to smoke the foods you love
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Ideal For Smoking All FoodsNow you can smoke all of your favorite foods, including cheese, vegetables and meats with the Cuisinart 18-inch Charcoal Smoker. It’s easy to set up and includes everything except charcoal and wood chunks. It has a porcelain enameled steel bowl that holds water, and features a vertical side door for easy access to water and fuel. |
Features Two Air VentsIt's easier than ever to control the amount of heat and smoke in the Cuisinart 18-inch Charcoal Smoker. The two vents can be opened or closed in order to manage the amount of heat and smoke leaving the chamber. Lift the lid for easy access to foods as they smoke. It's simple to maintain and clean-up is easy. |
Two-Tiers Of Steel Smoking RacksThe Cuisinart 18-inch Charcoal Smoker includes two steel wire racks that can be stacked inside the 3.45 square foot smoking chamber. There's enough room to smoke fish, meats, vegetables, or even a whole chicken. It's a great addition to an outdoor grill kitchen and ideal for making your guests a deliciously smoked meal. |
Start Enjoying This Portable Smoker Today
It's easy to use
Cooking with the Cuisinart 18-inch Charcoal Smoker is easy. Light the charcoal, add some wood chunks, fill the water bowl, and load fresh foods on the two interior racks. The vertical barrel design distributes the heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber, and with small adjustments to the air vents you can control the temperature and the amount of smoke.
From the brand trusted by more chefs
The Cuisinart 18-inch Charcoal Smoker is portable enough to take everywhere. It's designed for professional chefs, cooks, and grilling enthusiasts who appreciate the quality that Cuisinart is known for.
Features
- Stands 45 inches tall
- 3.54 square feet (512 square inches) of cooking space
- Porcelain enameled steel bowl holds water
- Steel housing
- More control over heat and smoke
- Easy to maintain and clean
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| Smoker Mats | Aluminum Drip Trays | 7-piece BBQ Pit Kit | Sauce Pot & Basting Brush Set | |
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| Customer Reviews | 937
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| Price | — | $8.95 | $24.44 | $13.50 |
| More Essential Tools from Cuisinart | A non-stick fine mesh mat that prevents meats from sticking, and prevents smaller foods from falling through the cooking grate. | Handy recyclable pans will catch drippings and prevent flare-ups. Filling them with water will help stabilize the temperature of the smoker. | Set includes the essential tools a barbecue master needs for managing foods in a smoker or directly on the flames of a grill. A great value. | Integrated lid and basting brush with a removable silicone brush head. Durable stainless steel pot holds 16 oz. of sauce. |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Cuisinart COS-118, Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18" |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -16% $135.00 List: $159.99 | -10% $189.99 List: $211.99 | $239.99 | $79.95 | $109.99 | -28% $179.99 List: $249.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it Apr 5 - 9 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it Apr 5 - 10 | Get it Apr 5 - 9 | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Easy to assemble | ||||||
| Temperature Control | ||||||
| Flavor | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | PHI VILLA | CUEWAY | XFMOTO | ACE-H | Pit Barrel Cooker Co., LLC |
| size | 18" | 35 in | — | — | 17-Inch Grill & Smoker | 16.5" diameter |
| fuel type | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal |
| power source | charcoal | fuel powered | — | charcoal | charcoal | — |
| material | Steel | Steel | Ceramic | Steel | porcelain-enameled,powder-coated | High temperature painted steel |
| weight | 37 pounds | 37.5 pounds | 36.2 pounds | 12.43 pounds | 23.25 pounds | 34.33 pounds |
Reviews with images
SMOKIN'
This is my first smoker. I've used it 5 times so far and I am very pleased.The operating instructions where clear and easy to follow. Doing the heat regulation with the vents worked fine for me. I read others complained about it, but you just have to pay attention. After a little trial and error, I can keep it between 200 and 225 degrees pretty easily.One aspect of working this smoker is it takes a bit of babysitting. I check the temp every 15-20 minutes, adding hardwood, charcoal and adjusting vents. So, you kinda have to be near it the whole time. But it's an entry level smoker and it is what it is. I read up on how to smoke a particular cut of meat and this smoker does exactly what it is supposed to do.I gave it 4 stars. The reason is the temperature gauge was junk out of the box. It's a standard 2-inch gauge.You can buy a good replacement for about $20+. Also, the locking hinges that lock the main body on the grill seem a bit flimsy and I can see them failing in the future. You can still use it without locking the hinges, you just wouldn't be able to move it while in use if you need to.Overall, I am happy with my purchase and would recommend it to a friend.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2021
Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18"Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2022
Don’t assume the bad reviews on workmanship are reviews from people who are familiar with assembly (even just a little).
Don’t assume the complaints about the usability are from regular backyard smoker dads and moms. No, this isn’t going to smoke enough for the neighborhood, and you aren’t going to be selected for the next season of Smokey Pete’s Competition Smoker Cook Offs.
But, if you’re looking for a smoker that uses charcoal and won’t shutoff while you’re away for any one of 600 electrical causes (pellet smoker) and you want to create a mouthwatering main course for your friends and family, this unit will perform.
Pros
-stupid easy assembly
-decent size for a good quality cook
-attractive finish
-water pan and charcoal pan are good sized
-door handle is quality and won’t take your skin
-the lower clasps are handy for access
-extremely cost effective
-the unit breathes well
Cons
-it isn’t perfect
-there are some paint perfection issues
-the handles aren’t amazing
-there are gaps at the door for smoke to escape
-also at the thermometer for smoke escape
(It does need to breathe and this works)
-it’s not going to take a full rack of ribs
-the door mechanism leaves something to desire
All in all, this is a no brained and I’m happy it came, despite my desire to cancel based upon some bad reviews.
Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 16"Verified Purchase
Bad Reviews Should Be Considered Carefully
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2022
I didn’t want to review this, I didn’t even want it after I ordered it. I tried to cancel it because of the horrible reviews that I somehow missed on first glance. But, I was too late and it still showed up. I decided to open it and give it a chance. Here’s my pros cons list and advice.Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2022
Don’t assume the bad reviews on workmanship are reviews from people who are familiar with assembly (even just a little).
Don’t assume the complaints about the usability are from regular backyard smoker dads and moms. No, this isn’t going to smoke enough for the neighborhood, and you aren’t going to be selected for the next season of Smokey Pete’s Competition Smoker Cook Offs.
But, if you’re looking for a smoker that uses charcoal and won’t shutoff while you’re away for any one of 600 electrical causes (pellet smoker) and you want to create a mouthwatering main course for your friends and family, this unit will perform.
Pros
-stupid easy assembly
-decent size for a good quality cook
-attractive finish
-water pan and charcoal pan are good sized
-door handle is quality and won’t take your skin
-the lower clasps are handy for access
-extremely cost effective
-the unit breathes well
Cons
-it isn’t perfect
-there are some paint perfection issues
-the handles aren’t amazing
-there are gaps at the door for smoke to escape
-also at the thermometer for smoke escape
(It does need to breathe and this works)
-it’s not going to take a full rack of ribs
-the door mechanism leaves something to desire
All in all, this is a no brained and I’m happy it came, despite my desire to cancel based upon some bad reviews.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2023
Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 16"Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Daniel M
Excelente producto y buen tamaño.
Reviewed in Mexico on November 30, 2023Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 16"Verified Purchase
Marcio A Opromolla
Ótimo produto
Reviewed in Brazil on February 9, 2022Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 16"Verified Purchase
Petra C.
Easy to put together and use
Reviewed in Canada on July 4, 2020Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18"Verified Purchase
Josee McDonald
Perfect for first time user. Excellent quality.
Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2021Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 16"Verified Purchase
Raul
Esta excelente lee el manual
Reviewed in Mexico on January 31, 2023Color: Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18"Verified Purchase
Raul
Reviewed in Mexico on January 31, 2023
Images in this review
