Looking at the multiple options of vertical smokers in the market and getting confused about which one best suits you? Then the first thing you have to do is to familiarize yourself with all the aspects linked to the best vertical smoker.
Here are the ultimate guide and reviews for choosing the most appropriate appliance for you as you plunge into the world of vertical smokers.
Vertical smokers are liked by most of the professional chefs, along with beginners for their versatility and long-lasting performance. They are classified into different categories based on the type of fuel source. They can be electric, propane, or gas smokers. Wood chips are used to instill that alluring smoky flavor in the meat. You can also find best electric smoker brands on our blog.
10 Best Vertical Smoker Reviews
Without keeping you waiting any further, here are the best vertical smokers.
| S.No. | Product Name | Smoker Brand | Our Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COS-244 | Cuisinart | 4.9 | Check Price |
| 2 | 711001 | Weber | 4.9 | Check Price |
| 3 | BTDS76P | Bradley Smoker | 4.9 | Check Price |
| 4 | Vertical XXL | Camp Chef | 4.7 | Check Price |
| 5 | DGO1176BDC-D | Dyna-Glo | 4.7 | Check Price |
| 6 | 30164G | Smoke Hollow | 4.6 | Check Price |
| 7 | Smoke Vault 18 | Camp Chef | 4.5 | Check Price |
| 8 | 32954 | LANDMANN MCO | 4.3 | Check Price |
| 9 | 20051311 | Masterbuilt | 4.3 | Check Price |
| 10 | 77435 | PIT BOSS | 4.1 | Check Price |
1. Cuisinart COS-244 – The Best Vertical Propane smoker
For convenience, compatibility, and felicitous barbeque meals trust Cuisinart COS-244 vertical propane smoker. As quality is it’s highlighted aspect, this propane smoker has so much for you.
- Powerfully-built frame
- In-built thermometer
- Integrated water-pan and wood-chip tray
Design
An assembly of cooking racks, wood-chip tray, water-tray, propane burner are arranged in a well-built and durable frame. This frame is supported by four sturdy legs. This smoker guarantees insulation as the door is tightly sealed with a twist-lock and handle.
A thermometer is installed on the front door that shows the accurate temperature inside. A 40-inch hose along with the regulator connects it with a propane tank.
Construction
This vertical smoker weighs 40 pounds with dimensions of 20x 20 x 46 inches. The cooking chamber is 5.45 square feet. This area is enough to fit in turkeys, rib racks, chicken, steaks and sausages as well. Four cooking grates measuring 14 x 14 inches, each with an area of 196 sq inches, provide a total area of 784 sq inches.
These racks are totally adjustable, and you can arrange them according to your requisites. Beneath these cooking grates is a porcelain-coated integrated wood-chip tray and water tray. This dual-chamber tray, where the water tray surrounds the wood-chip tray, is heated up by the propane burner. In this manner, an equal amount of heat and smoke smears the meat cuts.
A bonus factor for your feasibility is the adjustable gas supply which lets you control the heat approaching the meat. An air vent at the rear side paves the way for smoke and air roaming in the chamber and then escaping the chamber.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The pan and the tray detaches from its location so you can dispose-off the excess food drippings and ash effortlessly. The cooking grates can be drawn out and scrubbed with a normal dishwasher.
Warranty
The Cuisinart comes with a warranty of three years. So if your smoker wears off or damages then you can contact the company to set the defects right. You can check best electric smokers as well 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 – The Best Upright Smoker
Serve your diners with the finest BBQ cuisine smoked in the Weber Smokey Mountain cooker and charcoal smoker. Let’s unroll to see its features.
- Silicon grommet
- Steel-plated cooking grates
- Compact size
- Five-year warranty
Design
This vertical smoker powered by charcoal has an elliptical compact design. Weber has introduced three different sized models in this series. They are 14”, 18” and 22” sized models, among them this 14” is compactly designed which occupies less space. However, it can still smoke large pieces of meat at a time.
The peripheral surface of this smoker is black and is coated with porcelain. So forget that it is going to corrode or the coating is going to wear off. Not only are the lid and bowl rust-proof, the metal legs on which the main chamber stands, are also sturdy and resistant to rust.
The lid is equipped with an analog thermometer along with this. The interesting feature is the silicone grommet. This silicon grommet is there to monitor the internal temperature of the chamber. Thus providing accuracy for attaining perfection in the smoked bbq.
The fuel door on the front is detachable and comes off completely so you have direct access to the charcoal and wood. You can add more chips or remove the excess charcoal as per your requirements.
Construction
Weber smokey mountain vertical smoker comes with a quick set up and effortless assembly, it would take an hour or so to set it up and get it ready. Once ready, you can smoke ribs (cut in pieces), chicken, steaks, and much more.
This vertical smoker weighs around 23 pounds and its dimensions spread across 31.4 x 14.8 x 14.8 inches. It is light-weight yet a stalwart vertical smoker. Although it is compact in design but the credit goes to the capacious cooking grates. The two cooking grates measure 14 inches in diameter and are arranged in an area of 308 sq inches.
The three dampers at the basal body and one damper installed on the lid allow you to adjust the amount of air and smoke across the smoker. The mighty water pan imparts moisture and retains the heat inside the chamber for even a whole day.
When it comes to insulation and heat retention Weber got it covered. The lid, when closed, seals tightly and prevents any heat loss. Appealingly the silicon grommet also indicates the internal temperature so you don’t have to open the lid again to check what’s brewing inside.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning this vertical smoker requires an effort from you. The drippings are collected in the water-pan and the cooking grates can be removed and wiped off. However, removing the ash from the chamber could be a hassle for you. You have to reach down to the base and clear the ash by scooping it out.
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. Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker – Vertical BBQ Smokers
This herculean styled vertical smoker from Bradley is an automated kitchen appliance that would be a fantastic addition to your kitchen
- Fully automated system
- Durable performance
- Compliant for beginners
- No need to tend to smoker frequently
Design
Bradley 4-rack digital electric smoker is a smartly designed automatic smoker. Contrary to others it generates smoke on its own following a program. Constructed with the finest quality steel this vertical smoker ensures durability and long-lasting performance. Moreover, this smoker has a super-strong insulation system that retains the heat inside the chamber.
With its exterior dimensions measuring 17” x 14” x 31” with a 24” attached generator on the side. This box at the side entails a digital control system and a bisquette loader. As you set time and temperature on the smoker, the automated system will do the rest. When required these bisquettes are automatically loaded on to the smoker to generate more smoke. You can leave it for up to 8 hours. Also, if you’re looking for offset vertical smoker then check our review based article on best offset smoker reviews.
Construction
The interior of the Bradley vertical smoker is magnanimous. 4 chrome-plated racks are arranged in an area of 572 sq inches. The interior chamber is 15 inches wide, has a diameter of 11.5 inches and reaches 25.5 inches in height. If you’re a beginner then read our review on best electric smoker for beginners.
The smoker employs a 500-watt heating element. This produces enough heat to smoke rib-racks, chicken NY strips, and turkeys. The drippings from the food are collected in the drip-pan below the shelves. However the bisquettes also fall into the drip-pan after burning. To protect the base from the drippings a tray is placed at the bottom.
Pros
- Fully automated system
- Durable performance
- Compliant for beginners
- No need to tend to smoker frequently
Cons
- Digital system may get faulty
- Generators need to be covered
4. Camp Chef Vertical XXL – The Best Vertical Pellet Smoker
Smoking demands skills and attention, but with this smoker, get a happy-go-lucky experience. Read further to know what this relates to!
- Portable due to attached casters
- Huge space of 1952 sq inches
- Meat probe
- Digital display
Design
You might have seen vertical smokers with a tremendous cooking space, but the Camp Chef Vertical XXL pellet smoker has a king-size cooking chamber. To your surprise with this mighty cooking capacity it still has a small footprint which is evident from 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. Attached with the cooking chamber is the 18 pound pellet hopper. This pellet hopper works straight for more than 10 hours and the window in the pellet hopper will tell you when you need to refuel it. Moreover, if you’ve tight budget but still want something good then check our article on best smokers for the money.
The temperature control of this vertical smoker is automatic and the temperature is displayed digitally on the screen.
Interior
What would be more fascinating than a gigantic cooking area of 1952 sq inches. This is something that allows you to smoke large pieces of meat, sausages, fish, smoked jerky, chicken and briskets. In this chamber 4 standard racks, 3 jerky racks, 1 hanging rack and 12 hooks for sausages are arranged. The racks are removable and adjustable.
The Camp Chef Pellet smoker works brilliantly under Smart Smoke technology. A convection fan installed in the chamber along with this technology, the flow of smoke and heat remains consistent throughout the chamber. The smoker shows versatility as it allows you to smoke and bake food at temperatures ranging from 150ºF – 350ºF .
Another amazing feature in this smoker are the meat-probes that show you internal temperatures with accuracy and precision.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Camp Chef makes cleaning quick and easy for you. The Ash cleanout system followed by the Grease Management system makes cleaning no problem at all. A drip bucket is present to collect food drippings.
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
5. Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D – Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Dyna-Glo is the brand the kitchen enthusiasts trust the most. This vertical charcoal smoker from the Dyna-Glo is recognized for its generous space and affordability.
- Affordable and cost effective
- Cleaning without any mess
- Wide-cooking area
- Accurate temperature gauge
Design
This vertical smoker from the Dyna-Glo is built up of heavy-duty steel construction that is furnished with a powder-coated finish. This powder-coated finish makes the smoker withstand heat and high temperatures.
The smoker consists of two side-handles, and sturdy legs to hold the chambers. The in-built thermometer is fixed on the front door. The temperature control, flavor and air-flow is facilitated by the dampers alongside an adjustable chimney on the top of the smoker. You can also find here good smokers under $500 budget.
Construction
The primary cooking chamber is of 784 sq inches and features an offset smoker design. Through this the direct heat stays away from the food. The heat from the charcoal-box reaches the cooking chamber and provides even and consistent heat.
Six adjustable racks can be arranged according to your preference as the holding capacity of the chamber is upto 100 pounds.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The ash-pan in the offset box collects and gathers the ash, while the grease is managed by the drip pan. Hence cleaning is simply effortless in this smoker.
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
6. Smoke Hollow 30164G 30-Inch – Vertical Wood Smoker
Among the appropriate propane smokers for the professionals as well the freshman, Smoke Hollow 30164G propane smoker is considered a top-choice.
- Easy-to-use
- Economical
- Effortless cleaning
- Quick set up
Design
One of the significant features of propane smokers is the quality of the material used, and Smoke Hollow will never disappoint you at this facet. Constructed from high-quality steel and then coated by the powder-steel finish guarantees durability. The smoker weighs 45 pounds and has dimensions of 19.7 x 22 x 39.1 inches.
The front door embossed a built-in thermometer. It shows the internal temperature of the cooking chamber. Moreover, the handle of the door is cool-to-touch so you may not face any injury. The chamber stands on 18 feet deep legs The two handles at the sides are there to move from one place to another.
Interior and working
Lighting up is now not a problem because of the push-button ignition system. With the one-touch system you can simply ignite the 10,000 stainless steel tube burner. You can control the intensity of heat with the adjustable knob outside.
The cooking chamber of this vertical smoker fits in 3 chrome-plated racks, which can be arranged at different levels based on what you want to smoke in it. Since the wood-chips are used in the propane smoker for infusing flavor in the meat. So the powder-coated steel wood chip pan is placed in the smoker.
Cleaning and Maintenance
As the chrome-plated racks are customized to resist rust, they can be washed without any hassle. The drip-pan or the water tray are coated with porcelain, so they are suitable for longer periods of time.
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Economical
- Effortless cleaning
- Quick set up
Cons
- A little bit of heat loss
7. Camp Chef Smoke – Vault 18 Gas Smoker
This mighty vertical smoker is an appropriate choice for you if you arrange gatherings or bbq parties frequently so you can prepare a feast for them.
- High-temperature range
- Wide cooking area
- Stalwart construction
- 18000 BTU burner
Design
Although this vertical smoker has an antique and sophisticated design we cannot underrate the job it can do for you.This vertical smoker is 18” wide, 16” in diameter and 44” inches in height with the legs. The smoker weighs 65 pounds.
An analog thermometer is installed on the front door with its maximum reading till 500℉. You can adjust the heat and temperature with the adjustable knob fixed on the front.
Construction
The Camp Chef smoke vault is recognized for its heavy-duty construction material. The wood-chip tray consists of heavy gauge steel as its building unit. The cooking chamber can adjust in three racks. These racks can accommodate large pieces of meat and ready a delicious feast for the diners.
Three valves in this vertical smoker maintain the flow of smoke and air so that the heat reaches each and every cut of the meat and manifests the flavor.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning this smoker is a hassle-free task. Dismount the drip pan and the wood-chip tray and clean them up and the job is done.
Pros
- High-temperature range
- Wide cooking area
- Stalwart construction
- 18000 BTU burner
Cons
- Nothing
8. Landmann MCO 32954 – Best for Front View
Landmann has been manufacturing competition-ready smokers for smoked food lovers. This electric smoker is one of the smokers that have made the world acknowledge its performance.
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Compact design
- Dampers for controlling air flow
Design
This smoker on the very first look gives the vibe of decency and elegance. The 30lbs heavy smoker has two wrought-iron handles at the sides that assist in portability. The front of the smoker has a windowpane which grants you an insight of the cooking chamber. Though this way you can check the on-going smoking without having to open the door and as a result loose heat.
Interior
The interior is capacious. In an area of 442 sq inches three chrome plated racks are arranged and their position can be changed if you desire.The cooking chamber gets the heat from a powerful 1500 watt heating element.
It heats the chamber upto 275℉ and smokes the food in a low and slow way. The result is a savory feast with a sensational aroma. At the base is a 3 in 1 tray where a wood chip tray, drip-pan and water-pan are integrated as one unit.
Cleaning and Maintenance
As the 3 in 1 tray collects all the excess drippings and ash residues of wood-chips, so wash it after you dismount it from its location. Similarly the adjustable racks do become sticky, you can scrub and clean them with a regular dishwasher.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Compact design
- Dampers for controlling air flow
- Front view window
Cons
- No patented side wood chip loader – heat loss may occur
9. MasterBuilt 20051311 – Vertical Propane smoker
If the smoker is from Masterbuilt then be sure that it is going to last long. The products from Masterbuilt are renowned for their efficiency, durability, and long-lasting performance.
- Efficient consumption of propane
- Two doors on the front
- Large cooking space
CHECK PRICEDesign
The Masterbuilt 2001311 Propane smoker weighs around 58.6 pounds and has its dimensions spread across 21.1 x 21.4 x 43.5 inches. This smoker has two front doors. One locks the cooking chamber while the second one gives you access to the wood-chip tray and water-pan. Both these doors are made safe to touch with coiled spring wire.
A built-in temperature gauge is loaded onto the front door which indicates the internal temperature. Along with this it has the push-button system which ignites the tube burner with one touch. This vertical smoker is powered by propane, and it utilizes the fuel very efficiently. Moreover, a type 1 regulator and hose are present, which connect the smoker to the propane tank.
Interior
Like all the vertical smokers which follow the principle of heat rising from the base and spread across the chamber to smoke the meat, this also follows the suit. In an area of 717 sq inches four adjustable chrome-plated racks are present which accommodate different types of meals. You can smoke and cook a variety of recipes in this cooking chamber.
Cleaning and Maintenance
As this smoker has a dual door system, it means you have the direct approach to the wood-chip tray and the water-pan. After you have done smoking, remove them and clean them.
Pros
- Efficient consumption of propane
- Two doors on the front
- Large cooking space
Cons
- Lacks portability
10. PIT BOSS 77435 – Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Review
This Pit Boss 77435 vertical gas smoker proffers you quick setup, sturdy metal construction, and convenience.
- Dual burners
- Huge cooking space
- In-built thermometer
Design
This vertical gas smoker has a red exterior surface. The front door has a large viewing pane to show you a glance at what’s happening inside besides an in-built thermometer. The smoker weighs approximately 52 pounds along with this it is 21.5” wide, 23” in diameter and has a height of 47 inches.
Beneath the door, on the front is a temperature adjusting knob and a push-button for igniting the smoker. The ignition of this gas smoker is not anymore an issue with this push-button piezo ignition system.
Construction
Although the design of this smoker is compact yet it has a lavish cooking area of 800 sq inches. This area occupies three porcelain-coated racks.
The dual burner or the dual valve system gives you an ideal temperature range for smoking food. One of the stainless steel burners with 3500 BTU is for burning the wood chips. Furthermore, the second burner of 10,000 BTU is to heat up the primary cooking chamber.
The wood-chip tray is accessed from the front. So reloading the wood-chips is simpler for you when working with the Pit Boss smoker.
Cleaning
The cooking chamber entails the drip tray and the water pan. You can remove them from the smoker and throw-off the excess drippings. When cleaning the porcelain-coated racks, here is a tip, keep them in warm water for a few minutes and then wipe them gently.
Pros
- Dual burners
- Huge cooking space
- In-built thermometer
Cons
- The window gets covered with oil, hence obstructing the view.
We will now explore what prospects you have to foresee and the options of vertical smokers you have from which you can choose. So let’s begin
Buying Guide for Vertical smokers
Here is a tip for you! Smoking food demands attention and patience so jot down your expectations from a vertical smoker and go for an in-depth exploration of specs and features in it. Here are the prominent features you can check out.
Fuel source
Based on the powered source used there are different types of smokers. Usually, they can be given gas, electric or charcoal supply.
Gas vertical smokers: They are famous for being economical and for maintaining a steady temperature in the cooking chamber. These smokers are also known as propane 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 is considered the traditional source for smoking food. They are cost-effective, easy to use, and have simple techniques.
Construction
The vertical smoker must have a well-built sturdy construction. So that it works for you for a considerably long period of time. For its smoking performance to remain steady and consistent, it is necessary that the manufacturers have employed a high-quality material in it.
A heavy-duty vertical smoker would withstand the external environment, the paint won’t wear off and it would be resistant to corrosion. Moreover, it will keep on smoking magnificent food for you for years to come.
Temperatures
Smoking is a low and slow cooking process, so the temperatures of the vertical smokers don’t go beyond 350℉ to 400℉. The temperature ranges in a vertical smoker are between 100℉-350℉. The thermometers mounted on the top or front of the vertical smokers indicate the internal temperature. Make sure the one you buy has an accurate temperature gauge.
Some vertical smokers, mostly the electric smokers feature an integrated meat probe. This gadget shows the temperature of the meat while it is being smoked.
Control Panel
Vertical smokers can be equipped with either a digital control panel or an analog control panel. It’s up to you what sort of system suits you. However, both have their own pros and cons. Go for the one where the pros outweigh the cons.
Innovation comes with the use of technology. An advanced feature in various vertical smokers is the RF remote control. Through this remote, you can control the temperature, time, and switch on/off from a distance.
Vents and Dampers
These two are the essential components in any smoker. They regularize the flow of smoke and air through the smoker. When buying a vertical smoker check whether it has adjustable and properly working vents and dampers.
Insulation
Stronger the insulation, greater the heat retention. A vertical smoker with a robust insulation system will prevent any disruption while smoking as it will retain the heat. An adjustable latch lock system and a patented side wood-chip loader also contribute to increased insulation.
Dimensions and cooking space
Measure and estimate the area of your kitchen, backyard, or patio where you would set the vertical smoker. Compare it with the dimensions of the vertical smoker. You will mostly find them written on the amazon link of the particular vertical smoker.
Along with that, buy a vertical smoker that matches your demands of preparing smoked food. For this purpose review the cooking space of the smoker. There are smokers with a colossal cooking chamber and more than 5 to 6, wide cooking racks for cooking large slabs of meat. Contrary to it, there are smokers with moderate cooking chambers, to smoke meals for fewer servings.
Cleaning
Many of us get worried about cleaning the smoker and its components afterward. A smoker proffers you easy cleaning when it has a removable drip-pan and ashtray. Cleaning the ash is necessary because it affects the performance of the smoker. Moreover, the cooking racks must be detachable so you can easily draw them out and wash them
Portability
Effortless maneuvering of the vertical smoker is a bonus point. To move the smoker from one place to another, the heavy-duty durable wheels and casters play the main role. If you prefer a portable smoker then check out the one with wheels, side handles, and casters.
Affordability
You can buy a top-notch vertical smoker at a reasonable cost. However, if you are planning to invest heavily to buy a premium smoker, then choose the one with innovative features, durability, and sturdiness. So that it is worth your investment.
FAQs about Vertical Smokers
Are offset smokers better than vertical?
Vertical smokers offer you more control of temperature, smoke flow, moisture content as compared to the horizontal offset smokers. In addition to that, they are compact and occupy less space. So we can say that the vertical smokers are considerably better than offset smokers.
What is an upright smoker?
A vertical smoker that has its orientation vertical or upwards in the air. There are different types of vertical smokers based on the source of power, fuel, and the functions they perform. It works on the principle that heat and smoke from the base rise vertically and smoke the food.
Which is the best vertical smoker?
The Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane smoker is the best vertical smoker. It has excellent quality and construction, is economical, and is easy to use.
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