Best Vertical Smokers of 2025
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Vertical smokers are a great addition to any outdoor cooking setup. These smokers are designed to cook meat and other foods using indirect heat, which allows for a slow and even cooking process that results in tender, flavorful dishes. Unlike traditional grills, vertical smokers have a tall, narrow design that maximizes the cooking space while minimizing the amount of fuel needed. They typically feature multiple racks for cooking different types of food at once, and some models even have built-in temperature gauges for precise control. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner cook, a vertical smoker is a must-have tool for creating delicious, smoky meals.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Vertical Smokers
Masterbuilt MB20070421 Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker is a great addition to any kitchen. With a temperature that reaches up to 275˚F and a thermostat-temperature control, you can achieve consistent smoking every time. The digital panel controls the on/off, cooking temperature, and time, making it easy for anyone to use. The smoker also features 711 sq. in. of smoking space, perfect for feeding the whole family. Additionally, the four chrome-coated smoking racks allow for plenty of room to smoke a variety of meats. The patented side wood chip loader lets you experiment with flavor without opening the smoker door, making smoking even more convenient.
Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks
The Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks features a built-in temperature gauge and analog dial for easy temperature control. The wood chip tray slides out for effortless ash removal. With three chrome-coated smoking racks and a 1,500-watt heating element, the smoker allows for even and consistent smoking.
Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker
The Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker offers a 720 square inch cooking area with 4 porcelain coated cooking grids and a 100°F – 320°F temperature range. The dual valve/dual stainless steel burner system provides 12,500 BTU of heat, while the external wood chip and ash removal simplifies maintenance. The front access grease drawer and large viewing window with professional heat indicator add convenience.
Dyna-Glo 36" Charcoal Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker Black features 4 cooking grates, a total cooking area of 784 square inches, and a charcoal & ash management system. It also comes with a stainless temperature gauge that indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor. Use the custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover (sold separately) to protect your smoker.
Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker
The Cuisinart Vertical 36" propane smoker is perfect for smoking a variety of meats and vegetables with its spacious 5.45 square foot interior and four removable stainless steel shelves. The built-in thermometer and total temperature and smoke control make monitoring and adjusting the smoker's internal temperature easy. The seal-tight twist-lock door and handle ensures a tightly sealed smoker. The porcelain enameled steel tray holds wood and water for easy cleanup. With its ease of use and multiple cooking racks, this propane smoker is perfect for parties or even traditional meals during the week.
Vertical Propane Smoker by PIQUEBAR
The PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker is a solidly built vertical gas smoker perfect for smoked food enthusiasts. Its large smoking chamber and compact design make it ideal for any patio or deck. The sturdy door seals in smoke, while the wide racks ensure ample airflow around the meat. Conveniently, the water and wood chip trays have roomy capacity, reducing the need for frequent refills during smoking. Additionally, the wider racks and tightly sealing door trap smoke inside for optimal flavor. The adjustable cooking grates are easy to slide out, providing versatility for different food sizes.
EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker
The EAST OAK Electric Smoker offers a side wood chip loader for continuous smoking without heat loss, ensuring rich smoked flavors. With an 800W heating tube, it guarantees tender meats. The 30-inch smoker includes 4 racks for versatile cooking. Its glass door and meat thermometer allow easy monitoring. The digital control panel and remote make temperature control effortless, providing a seamless user experience.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16" Charcoal Smoker
Big Horn Charcoal Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking solution that offers a multi-functional design. With its adjustable vent system and built-in thermometer, you can easily control the temperature for optimal smoking or grilling. The heat-resistant handles and visual windows provide convenience for monitoring food without lifting the lid. Its spacious grilling area with crossbars and food hooks ensures even cooking. The sturdy construction and portable design make it perfect for backyard gatherings, camping trips, and beach barbecues.
Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker is a user-friendly, lightweight, and convenient appliance that can help you smoke meats, fish, vegetables, and more. Its 548 square inches of interior space with three removable smoking shelves make it perfect for patios and barbecue kitchens. The built-in thermometer ensures accessible monitoring of the internal temperature, while the stainless steel trays hold the wood chips and water for easy clean-up. Additionally, the smoker's 1500-watt heating element can produce a temperature range from 100°F to 400°F, controlled with a dial.
Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker
The Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker offers 510 square inches of cooking space with two stainless steel racks. It features a porcelain enamel water bowl and a dual air vent system with top and bottom vents. The latching base ensures secure closure during cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a vertical smoker better?
Vertical smokers have the advantage of greater surface area on the smoking racks, allowing you to fit more food into a confined space. They also offer larger cooking real estate compared to their small footprint, like the Camp Chef XXL Pro.
2. Which is better vertical or offset smoker?
Vertical smokers are better in terms of floor space requirements, while offset smokers excel in heat efficiency. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.
3. What is a vertical smoker used for?
Vertical smokers, also known as 'bullet smokers,' are popular due to their ease of use, making them suitable for beginners. These compact smokers are perfect for smoking or BBQ sessions on the patio.
4. Why do vertical smokers need water?
Vertical smokers use a water pan to help stabilize the internal temperature. Water takes longer than air to change temperature, so the water pan helps regulate and radiate heat upwards if the grill temperature starts to fall.
5. Where is the hottest part of a vertical smoker?
In most vertical smokers, the hottest spot is typically in front of the exhaust. As heat is drawn closer to the exhaust, it funnels into a smaller area, creating a hot spot.
6. How do you keep a 225 on an offset smoker?
To maintain a temperature of 225 degrees on an offset smoker, you can adjust the airflow through the smoker using the flue damper. Closing the damper further reduces airflow and lowers the temperature, while opening it up and adding more wood to the firebox can increase the temperature.
7. Can you smoke ribs in a vertical smoker?
Yes, vertical smokers are a great way to smoke ribs. Hanging the ribs in the smoker can help achieve an amazing smoke ring and tons of flavor without sacrificing moisture or texture. It also eliminates the need to maneuver around the heat source or wrap the meat.
During our vertical smoker research, we found 24 vertical smoker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 114,204 customer reviews through our big data system to write the vertical smokers list. We found that most customers choose vertical smokers with an average price of $256.99.
The vertical smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of vertical smokers, including Masterbuilt, PIT BOSS, Dyna-Glo, Cuisinart, PIQUEBAR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.
Vertical Smokers Comparison Table
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| Brand | Masterbuilt | Masterbuilt | PIT BOSS | Dyna-Glo | Cuisinart | PIQUEBAR | EAST OAK | BIG HORN OUTDOORS | Cuisinart | Cuisinart |
| Power Source | Electric | charcoal | Gas Powered | Charcoal | Propane | gas_powered | Electric | fuel_powered | Corded Electric | Charcoal |
| Item Weight | 50.3 Pounds | 49.86 Pounds | 63 Pounds | 56 Pounds | 40 Pounds | 33 Pounds | 62 Pounds | 19 Pounds | 59 Pounds | 37 Pounds |
| Inner Material | Alloy Steel | stainless_steel | stainless_steel | stainless_steel | stainless_steel | stainless steel | Aluminized Steel | Alloy Steel | stainless_steel | Stainless_steel |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Liquefied Petroleum Gas | Charcoal | Propane | Liquefied Petroleum Gas | Wood Chips | Charcoal | Electric | Charcoal |
| Model Name | 30-inch Digital Electric | Analog Electric Smoker | PBV3G1 | DG784GSC | COS-244 | - | PES23001 | BHCS | COS-330 | COS-118 |
| Color | Black | Black | Red Hammertone | Black | Vertical Propane Smoker, 36" | - | Night Blue | Black | Electric Smoker, 30" | Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18" |
| Outer Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel | Alloy Steel | Stainless,Stainless Steel,Steel | - | Powder Coated Steel | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00094428276642 | 00843706100328 | - | 00872076001690 | 00817096013308 | - | 00850045162399 | - | 00817096014459 | 00817096013216 |
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