Feeling confused about which vertical smoker is the best for you out of the abundance of choices on the market? Hence, before you buy a vertical smoker, you need to familiarize yourself with all aspects related to it. As you dive into the world of vertical smokers, here are the ultimate guides and reviews for selecting the most suitable appliance for your needs.
The vertical smokehouses are widely used by both professionals and beginners because of their versatility and performance, as well as their tendency to last for a long time. They can be divided into several categories based on their fuel source.
Electric, propane, and gas smokers all use wood chips to impart that delicious smoky taste to the meat. You can also read more about the best electric smoker brands on our blog.
Top 10 Best Vertical Smoker Review
- Cuisinart COS-244 Best Vertical Propane smoker
- Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Best Upright Smoker
- Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Charcoal Smoker
- Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18 Gas Smoker
- MasterBuilt 20051311 Vertical Propane Smoker
- Landmann MCO 32954 Best for Front View
- PIT BOSS 77435 Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Review
- Smoke Hollow 30164G 30-Inch Vertical Wood Smoker
- Camp Chef Vertical XXL Pellet Smoker
- Bradley 4-Rack Digital Vertical BBQ Smokers
We have compiled a list of the best vertical smokers for your convenience.
1) Cuisinart COS-244 Best Vertical Propane Smoker
- Powerfully-built frame
- In-built thermometer
- Integrated water-pan and wood-chip tray
You can trust Cuisinart’s COS-244 vertical propane smoker for convenience, compatibility, and delightful barbeque meals. As quality is its most prominent feature, this propane smoker has so much for you.
Sturdy Design
It is constructed of a sturdy frame, inside of which there are cooking racks, a water pan, a wood-chip tray, and a propane burner. The frame is supported by four sturdy legs. This insulated smoker is provided with a waterproof door with a tight twist lock feature. The temperature is shown by a thermometer attached to the door. A 40-inch hose and regulator are attached to the tank of propane.
Construction
There are two cooking grates that measure 14×14 inches and provide a total cooking area of 784equivalent square feet. This vertical smoker weighs forty pounds and has dimensions of twenty by twenty by forty-six.
A porcelain-coated integrated wood-chip tray and water pan are found below these cooking grates. They are totally adjustable, and you can arrange them according to your needs and requirements.
Heat is offered to the dual-chamber tray by the propane burner, which surrounds the plastic pan containing wood chips. In this way, every slice of meat will be equally heated and smeared with smoke.
An advantage for your design is the adjustable gas supply that lets you control the amount of heat to the meat and the vent at the back of the device allows smoke and air to escape.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cooking grates can be disposed of easily by pulling them out and washing them with a dishwasher. The pan and tray detach from their location so you can throw away excess food drippings and ash in the kitchen instantly.
Warranty Support
This Cuisinart smoker is sturdy and lasts three years. So if anything breaks, you can contact the manufacturer to have it fixed for you. We also offer the best electric smokers on our blog.
Pros:
- Powerfully-built frame
- In-built thermometer
- Integrated water-pan and wood-chip tray
Cons:
- The hose is short in length
2) Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Best Upright Smoker
- Silicon grommet
- Steel-plated cooking grates
- Compact size
- Five-year warranty
Let Weber Smokey Mountain cooker provide you with the finest barbecue cuisine served in the finest grilling location. Let’s turn it over and discover its characteristics.
Compact Design
The Weber vertical smoker powered by charcoal has an elliptical compact design. There is a 14”, 18”, and 22” sized model in this series; this 14” one has the smallest footprint. It is also effective in smoking large pieces of meat at the same time.
The outer surface of this weed smoker is coated with porcelain, so, therefore, it is invulnerable to corrosion or wears off its coating. Not only are the lid and bowl corrosion-resistant, but the metal legs on which the main chamber rests are also invulnerable to rust.
It is equipped with an analog thermometer alongside this. The interesting feature is a silicone grommet that will monitor the temperature inside the compartment. This silicon grommet will provide accuracy so you can achieve the perfect smoke BBQ.
You can remove the fuel door from the front and get straight to the charcoal and wood by removing the front door. You can add more chips or remove excess charcoal as required.
Easy to Setup
The Weber Smoky Mountain Vertical Smoker combines easy setup and effortless assembly. It requires about an hour to set up once it has been assembled. Once ready, you can smoke ribs, chicken, steaks, and much more. Weighing around 23 pounds, this vertical smoker’s dimensions are 31.4 X 14.8 X 14.8 inches, making it a lightweight yet sturdy vertical smoker.
The kitchen is compact in design, but the stainless steel cooking grates hold a lot of food. With a diameter of fourteen inches and an area of thirty-eight square inches, the cooking grates are very large.
One damper at the lid along with three at the body of the smoker allows you to adjust the amount of air and smoke per square inch of the chamber. The large water pan imparts moisture and keeps the heat within the chamber for even a whole day.
Despite its low weight, this Weber grill doesn’t sacrifice heat retention. When closed, the lid seals tightly and keeps heat in. The grommet also indicates the internal temperature so that you don’t have to open the lid to check what’s happening.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Getting the ash out of the chamber can be complex since you have to reach down to the bottom and remove it by scooping it out. The drippings are collected in the water pan, while the cooking grates can be removed and wiped down.
Pros:
- Silicon grommet
- Steel-plated cooking grates
- Compact size
- Five-year warranty
- Strong insulation system
Cons:
- Cleaning the ash could be a hassle
- Partially leaky side fuel door
3) Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Charcoal Smoker
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Cleaning without any mess
- Wide-cooking area
- Accurate temperature gauge
It is regarded as the most trusted brand by kitchen enthusiasts. This vertical charcoal smoker from the Dyna-Glo is characterized by its generous space and affordability.
High-Quality Material
These vertical smokers from Dyna-Glo are built from heavy-gauge steel that is finished with a powder-coated finish. This powder-coated finish enables the smoker to withstand heat and high temperatures.
In the smoker, you will find two side handles, sturdy legs, and an inbuilt thermometer. The temperature control, flavor, and airflow throughout the smoker are controlled by the dampers along with an adjustment chimney on top. You can also get good smokers under a $500 budget.
Smoker Design
This primary cooking chamber of 784 square inches features an offset smoker design. Direct heat from the charcoal box stays at a distance from the food during cooking. The charcoal heats the entire cooking chamber evenly and consistently. As the holding capacity of the chamber is up to 100 pounds, six adjustable racks can be arranged to your preferences.
Easy Maintenance
Clean-up is a straightforward process in this smoker since the ash is collected by the ash pan in the offset box and the grease is collected by the drip pan.
Pros:
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Cleaning without any mess
- Wide-cooking area
- Accurate temperature gauge
- Porcelain-coated charcoal box
Cons:
- The insulation system is not very effective
4) Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18 Gas Smoker
- High-temperature range
- Wide cooking area
- Stalwart construction
- 18000 BTU burner
When you arrange gatherings or BBQ parties frequently, this vertical smoker is an appropriate choice so you can prepare a feast for them. Although this vertical smoker has a sophisticated yet antique design, we can’t underestimate the job it can do for you.
It’s 18″ wide, 16″ in diameter, and 44″ in height with the legs and the weighs 65 pounds. You can adjust the heat and temperature with the adjustable knob fixed on the front door. The thermometer has a maximum reading of 500°F.
Antique Product Design
Camp Chef smoke vaults are recognized for their heavy-duty steel construction. The wood-chip tray is made of heavy gauge steel as its main building unit. The cooking chamber can be adjusted in three rack positions.
There are plenty of racks that can accommodate the meat and prepare a great feast for everyone. This vertical smoker has three valves set at an angle that direct smoke and air into the meat so the flavor reaches each cut of meat.
Easy to Maintain and Clean Up
Cleaning this smoker is a hassle-free task. It is only necessary to clean up the drip pan and the wood-chip tray after they have been dismounted.
Pros:
- High-temperature range
- Wide cooking area
- Stalwart construction
- 18000 BTU burner
Cons:
- Not Found
5) MasterBuilt 20051311 Vertical Propane smoker
- Efficient consumption of propane
- Two doors on the front
- Large cooking space
As long as the smoker is constructed by Masterbuilt then you can be certain it is going to last. Masterbuilt products are built for performance, durability, and efficiency.
Materialistic Design
In its dimension, the 1999311 MasterBuilt smoker weighs around 58.6 pounds and has two front doors. One secures the cooking chamber while the other gives you access to the wood-chip tray and water pan. Both these doors are made safe with spring wires.
In addition to this, a built-in temperature gauge is built into the front door that indicates its own internal temperature. Additionally, the tube burners are ignited by pushing a button.
Propane has been used to run this vertical smoker, and it uses fuel efficiently. Moreover, a type 1 regulator and hose are present at the smoker’s base to connect it to the propane tank.
Racks in Interior
Like other vertical smokers who follow the principle that heat rises from the bottom and spreads across the chamber to smoke the meat, this also follows suit. There are four chrome-plated racks that accommodate different types of meals. You can smoke and cook a variety of recipes in it.
Simply Washable
This smoker has double doors, so you can access the wood chip tray and the water bath directly. When you’re ready to smoke, remove the door and clean the compartments.
Pros:
- Efficient consumption of propane
- Two doors on the front
- Large cooking space
Cons:
- Lacks portability
6) Landmann MCO 32954 Best for Front View
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Compact design
- Dampers for controlling airflow
This Landmann electric smoker is one of the smokers that has made the world acknowledge its excellence. Landmann has been manufacturing competition-ready smokers for barbecue lovers for 20 years.
Elegant Design
At first glance, the 30lbs smoker gives off the aura of decency and elegance. The two wrought-iron handles on the sides allow for portability. There is a windowpane on the front which provides an insight into the cooking chamber. Through this, you can see how the smoke is progressing without opening the door and temporarily wasting heat.
Stylish Interior
Three chrome-plated racks are arranged in an area of 442 square inches, and their position can be changed if you wish. The cooking chamber is heated with a 1500-watt element.
With 275°F heat, smoke is made at low and slow temperatures, yielding a tantalizing feast with a lovely aroma. This machine’s base has a wood chip tray, drip pan, and water pan integrated together as one unit.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The 3 in 1 tray collects all the excess ash and dripping from the chips, so you will need to clean it after you unmount it from its position. Likewise, the adjustable racks do become sticky, you can scrub and clean them with a regular dishwasher.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Compact design
- Dampers for controlling airflow
- Front view window
Cons:
- No patented side wood chip loader – heat loss may occur
7) PIT BOSS 77435 Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Review
- Dual burners
- Huge cooking space
- In-built thermometer
Providing quick setup, durable construction, security, and convenience the Pit Boss 77435 vertical gas smoker is a great invention from the makers of the Pit Boss. In addition to the thermometer built into the front door, this vertical smoker has a red exterior surface. The large viewing window at the front allows you to see what is happening inside.
Design and Dimension
Along with the 52 pounds it weighs, the smoker also measures 21.5 inches in width, 23 inches in diameter, and is 47 inches in height. Below the door, the smoker has a temperature control knob and a push-button for ignition. The ignition of this gas smoker is no longer an issue with the piezo ignition system.
Stainless Steel Material
Even though the design of this smoker is compact, it has a generous cooking surface of 800 square inches. This area is spread over three porcelain-coated racks.
A dual-burner or a dual-valve system creates an ideal temperature range for smoking food. A stainless steel burner with 3500 BTUs is used for burning the wood chips, while a second burner with 10,000 BTUs is used to heat up the primary cooking chamber. Reloading the wood chips is much easier when using the Pit Boss smoker since the wood chips tray is accessible from the front.
Cleaning Ease
To clean the porcelain-coated racks, here’s a tip: Do not touch them lightly when cleaning. If you wish to remove them from the smoker, remove the drip tray and water pan and throw away the excess drippings.
Pros:
- Dual burners
- Huge cooking space
- In-built thermometer
Cons:
- The window gets covered with oil, hence obstructing the view.
8) Smoke Hollow 30164G 30-Inch Vertical Wood Smoker
- Easy-to-use
- Economical
- Effortless cleaning
- Quick set up
For beginners and for professionals, Smoke Hollow 30164G is considered the best choice among propane smokers. In order to maintain the quality of the smoker, the construction must be top-quality steel and then be finished with a powder-coated steel finish to ensure durability. The Smoke Hollow smoker weighs 45 pounds and has dimensions of 19.7 x 22 x 39.1 inches.
The main door embossed a thermometer showing the internal temperature of the cooking chamber. Additionally, the door handle is cool to the touch for your safety. It stands on 18 feet tall legs. The two handles on the sides make it simple to move from one place to another.
Interior and Working
It’s now easier than ever with the push-button ignition system. Simply press the button and you’re good to start the 10,000 stainless steel tube burner. The adjustable knob outside lets you control the intensity of heat.
A vertical smoker’s cooking chamber fits in three chrome-plated racks that can be stacked to the side to suit the kind of meat you want to smoke. Since the wood chips are added to infuse flavor into the meat, the wood chip pan is placed in the smoker.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
Having chrome-plated racks that resist rust, your dishes will remain clean for a longer amount of time. On the other hand, drip pans and water trays coated with porcelain will store water for a longer period.
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Economical
- Effortless cleaning
- Quick set up
Cons
- A little bit of heat loss
9) Camp Chef Vertical XXL Best Pellet Smoker
- Portable due to attached casters
- Huge space of 1952 sq inches
- Meat probe
- Digital display
If you smoke, you need skills and attention to detail, however, the smoker in this video gets super-happy. Read further to find out what this means! Furthermore, if you want something good on a budget, we recommend checking out the best smokers for the money. With the digital display on the screen, the temperature of this vertical smoker can be dynamically controlled.
Cooking Area Design
The Camp Chef Vertical XXL Pellet Smoker has a king-size cooking chamber with a tremendous cooking area. However, despite this large cooking area, the smoker still has a very compact footprint because of its compact design.
This pellet smoker is constructed with 22-gauge, powder-coated steel, accompanied by a stainless steel door. This protective shield makes the smoker resistant to rust and corrosion.
The cooking chamber is attached to an 18-pound pellet hopper. This pellet hopper is able to work continuously for longer than 10 hours without refueling, and the window indicates when it should be used again.
Chamber Interior
The cooking area is 2,040 sq inches, making it great for smoker use. The chamber includes 4 standard racks, 3 jerky racks, 1 hanging rack, 12 sausage hooks, and a removable and adjustable rack for sausage.
With a convection fan built into the chamber along with Smart Smoke technology, the heat and flow of smoke remain consistent throughout the chamber. This smoker shows versatility as it allows you to smoke and bake food from temperatures ranging from 150°F – to 350°F. This smoker’s other amazing feature is the meat probes that really show you the internal temperature.
Cleaning and Maintenance
With a grill made from stainless steel, Camp Chef grills are incredibly easy to clean. A grease management system, together with ash cleanout, makes it easy to clean. A drip bucket separates food from the grill’s ash.
Pros:
- Portable due to attached casters
- Huge space of 1952 sq inches
- Meat probe
- Digital display
- Ash clean out a system
- Grease Management system
Cons:
- Partial leakage at the door
10) Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker Vertical BBQ Smokers
- Fully automated system
- Durable performance
- Compliant for beginners
- No need to tend to smoke frequently
An automated vertical smoker with a herculean form, this Bradley model is a fantastic addition to your kitchen
Constructive Design
In contrast to other automatic smokers, Bradley 4-rack digital electric smokers generate smoke on their own following a program. Constructed with the most superior quality steel, this vertical smoker ensures long-lasting performance.
Additionally, the cooling system in this smoker is designed to keep the heat inside the chamber for hours. On its side is a 24” box that entails a digital control system and a bisquette loader with exterior dimensions measuring 17” x 14” x 31”.
You set the temperature and time on the smoker and the automated system takes over. Whenever needed, the banquettes are loaded automatically into the smoker to produce more smoke. The offset smoker is suitable for up to 8 hours. If you are looking for a vertical offset smoker, check out our review-based article on the best offset smokers.
Automatic Grease Drip
The interior of the Bradley vertical smoker is spacious. The interior chamber measures 15 inches wide, 11.5 inches in diameter, and 15 inches in height. It measures 572 square inches. Check out our guide on the best electric smoker for beginners if you’re just starting out.
Heat is provided by a 500-watt heater which prepares foodstuff to be smoked, including ribs, chicken NY strips, and turkeys. The resulting grease drips automatically into the drip pan underneath the shelves. Burning bisquettes can lead to drippings landing on the base, so it is necessary to place a tray at the bottom of the burner to protect the base.
Pros:
- Fully automated system
- Durable performance
- Compliant for beginners
- No need to tend to smoke frequently
Cons:
- Digital systems may get faulty
- Generators need to be covered
Buying Guide for Vertical Smokers
Here we will examine what prospects you can expect and the options you have from which to choose vertical smokers. So let us begin
You need to pay special attention and patience in smoking food so that you can achieve satisfactory results, so when looking for an appropriate vertical smoker pay attention to the specifications and features it offers. Here are the features you need to check out.
Source of Fuel
Smokers are usually powered by gas, electric, or charcoal supply. Different types of smokers are made for different powered sources.
Gas Vertical Smokers: They are also known as propane smokers. Famous for their economy and for maintaining a constant temperature inside the cooking chamber, these smokers are also known as gas vertical smokers.
Electric Vertical Smokers: They consist of a heating element that is powered by an electric supply. Equipped with many features they are pretty efficient smokers.
Charcoal Vertical Smokers: Charcoal smokers have been used traditionally for smoking. They are cost-effective, easy to use, and have simple techniques.
Built-in Material and Design
The vertical smoker must be sturdy and made with quality materials so that it works well for you for an extended period of time. In order for it to work well, it must possess a consistent smoking performance.
This heavy-duty vertical smoker will withstand the external environment, the paint will not wear off and it will be resistant to corrosion. Furthermore, it will continue to smoke delicious food for you for years to come.
Temperatures Bearing
The temperature of a vertical smoker rarely exceeds 350°F to 400°F because smoking is a slower preparation process. The temperature ranges in a vertical smoker are also between 100°F and 350°F. If you intend to use vertical smokers, make sure you buy a model with an accurate temperature gauge that can be mounted on the top or front of the smokers.
There are vertical smokers, mostly electric smokers, that provide their users with an integrated meat probe. This gadget shows the temperature of the meat while smoking it.
Control Panel
Vertical smokers can be equipped with either a digital control panel or an analog control panel. It’s up to you to figure out what works for you. Each has its pros and cons, so choose the one that outweighs the cons.
A revolutionary method of controlling the temperature, time, and lighting a fire comes from the use of technology. An advanced tool in the vertical smoker is the remote control. You can control the temperature, time, and light from a distance.
Vents and Dampers
These two components are essential to any smoker’s functionality since they control the smoke and airflow through the smoker. When buying a vertical smoker, always check whether the vents and dampers are adjustable and effectively working.
Heat Retention Insulation
Increased insulation means better heat retention. A vertical smoker with a robust insulation system will keep the heat in while smoking as it will retain the heat. An adjustable latch lock system and a patented side wood-chip loader contribute to improved insulation as well.
Dimensions and Cooking Space
You can calculate the area in your kitchen, basement, or patio where the vertical smoker will go by comparing the dimensions of the smoker with the dimensions that you will most likely find on the amazon link of the vertical smoker you are considering.
Additionally, review the size of the cooking space on the smoker and buy a vertical smoker that meets your demands for preparing smoked foods.
A smoker with a large cooking chamber and more than five to six wide cooking racks is usually used to smoke large slabs of meat. Contrary to it, there are smokers with a small cooker chamber that is used to smoke meals for a small number of people.
Easy To Clean
People tend to worry about cleaning the smoker and its components afterward. If the smoker comes with a removable drip pan and ashtray, it presents easy cleaning. In addition, you must be able to easily remove the cooking racks so they can be washed. Cleaning the ash is crucial since ash causes the smoker to suffer.
Portability and Affordability
To move the smoker from one place to another, the heavy-duty durable wheels and casters take on the main role. If you prefer a portable smoker, then check out the one with wheels, side handles, and casters.
A high-quality vertical smoker can be found at a great price. However, if you intend to invest a lot to buy a high-quality smoker, look for the one that excels in features, durability, and sturdiness.
FAQs About Vertical Smokers
In addition to that, vertical smokers offer greater control of temperature, smoke flow, and moisture content when compared to horizontal offset smokers. So we can say that vertical smokers are superior to offset smokers. Hence, vertical smokers are better than offset smokers.
A vertical smoker is one that is oriented vertically (or upwards) in the air. Different kinds of vertical smokers exist based on their power supply, fuel, and the functions they perform. It operates by rising heated and smoked air vertically from the base.
Among all vertical smokers, Cuisinart’s COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker is the best. This model features excellent quality and construction, is economical, and is easy to use.
