VEVOR KY9072 Charcoal Offset Smoker: features, specs and who it suits

The VEVOR KY9072 is a charcoal offset smoker: a main cooking chamber with a smaller firebox attached to the side. It is built for backyard barbecue, where meat is cooked slowly with smoke at low heat, and it is sized for gatherings where several dishes cook at the same time.

How an offset design works

In an offset smoker, charcoal burns in the side firebox and the heat and smoke travel across into the main chamber. Because the fire is separate from the food, the cooking chamber isn't opened up every time fuel is added. VEVOR says this reduces temperature swings and smoke loss when you refuel, and gives richer smoke flavour. The vents control airflow: the bottom and top vents let you draw more or less air through the fire and out of the chamber, which is the main way to adjust temperature.

Cooking space

The smoker has six adjustable cooking grates, each 14 x 13.4 inches. The grates can be placed at different heights, which makes room for a tall item, such as a whole bird, or several flat items like ribs on different levels. VEVOR presents this as a way to cook multiple foods at once and reduce the number of batches.

Steel build and finish

The body is heavy-duty coated steel. VEVOR says it conducts heat well and that the high-temperature powder coating resists heat, rust, peeling and deformation. Thicker steel generally holds heat more steadily, though the listing doesn't give a wall thickness.

Temperature gauge, vents and cleanup

A built-in temperature gauge shows the chamber temperature, so you can adjust the vents while it cooks. Gauges mounted on the lid read the air at that spot, which may differ from the temperature at the grate, so many cooks check with a separate probe.

Cleanup features include a sliding ash tray that pulls out for disposal and a grease cup that collects drippings. VEVOR notes this smoker is for charcoal only and not for burning firewood directly.

Size and mobility

Overall it measures 21.3 x 35.0 x 52.8 inches and weighs 72.3 lb. Wheels help you roll it around a patio or yard. Keep it on level, non-flammable ground, well away from walls, fences and overhanging branches, and follow the manual and local rules for charcoal cooking.

Who it suits

It suits backyard cooks who want to try low-and-slow smoking with charcoal, and who like managing a fire by adjusting vents. It also suits those who host and want a lot of grate space.

What to check before you buy

• Space: check the 21.3 x 35.0 x 52.8 inch footprint against your patio, and leave room to open the lids.
• Fuel: it's meant for charcoal only, so confirm you're comfortable with that.
• Capacity: compare the six 14 x 13.4 inch grates to the cuts and quantities you cook.
• Assembly: check what assembly is needed and what tools are used.
• Upkeep: empty ash after cooking, clean the grease cup and protect the finish from moisture, as the manual describes.
• Local rules: some buildings and areas restrict charcoal fires, so check yours.

The short version

• A charcoal offset smoker with a side firebox, built from heavy-duty coated steel.
• Six adjustable grates, each 14 x 13.4 inches.
• Top and bottom vents, a built-in temperature gauge, a sliding ash tray and a grease cup.
• Wheels for moving it; 72.3 lb.
• Charcoal only, not for direct firewood burning.

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