Amazon Basics Outdoor BBQ Smoker

Is the Amazon Basics Outdoor BBQ Smoker worth buying?

Yes, the Amazon Basics Outdoor BBQ Smoker is worth buying if you want to try charcoal smoking on a small scale for £44.15, and 195 owners give it 4.1. It suits someone with a balcony, a small patio or a camping trip, because it weighs 7.26 kg and leaves a small footprint.

It is not for a family of six or for anyone who wants brisket for a crowd. The two cooking layers are modest, and you will want a bigger grate the moment more than two people sit down to eat.

What does 16.8 square inches of grate mean in practice?

The total cooking surface is 16.8 square inches, which is about 108 cm². That is roughly the area of a slice of bread, so plan for two burgers, a small chicken or a single rack of ribs cut in half.

For comparison, the SUNLIFER 3-in-1 at £56.99 offers 2,923 cm² of grate, which is 27 times more cooking space for £12.84 more. The Amazon Basics is a taster smoker, not a feeder.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Amazon Basics Outdoor BBQ Smoker?

It measures 53.3 cm deep, 43.2 cm wide and 78.7 cm high, and it weighs 7.26 kg. That makes it easy to shift between the shed and the patio, and it stands free without needing to be bolted down.

The unit arrives as two layers with porcelain-enamelled water and charcoal pans, a locking mechanism and a built-in thermometer. You will need to buy charcoal and wood chips separately, and assembly is required before the first cook.

Where does the Amazon Basics Outdoor BBQ Smoker fall short?

The small grate is the main limitation: 16.8 square inches means one chicken or a couple of burgers at a time, so it cannot handle a party. It also has no offset firebox, so you cannot cook with the fire beside the food for a long, indirect smoke.

The assembly takes time, and the 4.1 rating from 195 owners is the joint lowest in its group. It is a starter unit, and it shows when you try to cook for more than two people.

How does the Amazon Basics Outdoor BBQ Smoker compare to other smokers?

Against the SUNLIFER 3-in-1 at £56.99, the Amazon Basics costs £12.84 less but gives 2,923 cm² less grate. The SUNLIFER also has 819 ratings at 4.4, and it is the better buy for a family that wants to cook a full meal.

The Warmiehomy Round Smoker at £37.99 costs £6.16 less and offers 3,168 cm² across two tiers, so it beats the Amazon Basics on both price and area. Choose the Amazon Basics only if you want the specific 7.26 kg build and the Amazon Basics name, otherwise the Warmiehomy is the smarter small smoker.