Best Charcoal Vertical Smokers of 2025

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Charcoal vertical smokers are a popular choice among barbecue enthusiasts due to their efficient and traditional design. These smokers feature a tall and narrow shape that allows for maximum heat retention and smoke circulation. The charcoal is placed in a separate compartment at the bottom of the smoker, while the food is placed on racks above. The result is a slow-cooked and flavorful meal that is sure to impress. Charcoal vertical smokers come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them a versatile option for any backyard barbecue.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Charcoal Vertical Smokers
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.
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.
Broil King 923610 Charcoal Smoker
The Broil King 923610 Charcoal Smoker offers a total cooking surface of 770 sq. in. and 4 cubic feet overall cooking capacity, with 4 fully adjustable stainless steel cooking grids, a multi-purpose roast/rib rack, and Root-Draft damper technology. It also features an Accu-Temp thermometer, 16 stainless steel meat hooks, double walled construction, and a secondary door for easy access to the extra-large stainless steel water bowl and smoker box.
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.
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill
The Realcook Charcoal Smoker Grill is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that can be used as a fire pit, adjustable barrel grill, and smoker. Its multi-layered design allows for grilling, steaming, baking, braising, roasting, and smoking. With a special bottom vent design and built-in thermometer, you can easily control the airflow and maintain a steady temperature inside the smoker. The portable and easy assembly feature makes it convenient for parties, parks, beaches, and backyards. With a large cooking surface and two cooking racks, this smoker can accommodate large cuts of meat or even hang large turkeys and chickens. The two access doors provide flexibility in checking the status of food and adding charcoal or wood without losing heat. The porcelain-enameled water pan adds smoky flavor to your meat by capturing smoker and moisture.
GRILLBOSS 4 Tier Charcoal Smoker
The GRILLBOSS Charcoal Smoker is designed for versatile outdoor cooking with its innovative 4-tier system. You can easily prepare a variety of meats, thanks to the included chicken rack, rib rack, and hooks. The built-in temperature gauge allows you to monitor cooking temperatures precisely, ensuring your dishes come out just right. Plus, the smoker's removable middle ring lets you convert it into a portable grill, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. With easy access to add water during smoking and durable handles, this smoker simplifies your cooking experience.
Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors
The Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors is a versatile charcoal smoker that combines smoking and roasting. It has a large cooking capacity with two detachable grill nettings and an easy-to-read thermometer on the door. The double door design makes it easy to check on the food while reducing contact between the charcoal and air, ensuring food flavor and safety. With four air vents, you can adjust the firepower and control the smoking effect. The temperature resistant iron structure is durable and easy to operate, making it an ideal choice for outdoor barbecue enthusiasts.
VIVOHOME 3-in-1 Vertical Charcoal Smoker
The VIVOHOME Charcoal Smoker is a versatile 3-in-1 vertical smoker and grill. Effortlessly control the temperature with the built-in thermometer and adjustable air vent for delicious smoked food. Its large cooking capacity with multiple chambers and hanging hooks allows for efficient cooking of various foods. The thoughtful design includes a sturdy body, water pans, and easy access doors. Assembly is easy, and maintenance is a breeze with included grilling tools for a hassle-free experience.
Char-Broil 16" Bullet Charcoal Smoker
The Char-Broil 16" Bullet Charcoal Smoker offers 370 sq in cooking space across 2 porcelain-coated grates, with an innovative airflow control system that simplifies temperature regulation and numbered damper settings. Its porcelain-coated body and removable ash pan ensure lasting durability and easy cleanup, while chamber-lift handles, lid-mounted temperature gauge, and steel tube legs provide convenient access and height. This smoker is perfect for those who want to enjoy smoky and flavorful meats, vegetables, and more.
GasOne CSM-16 Vertical Smoker
The GasOne Vertical Smoker is a versatile 16-inch charcoal smoker and BBQ grill. It features a dual-function design, allowing you to smoke or grill as needed. The heavy-duty construction ensures durability with a rust-resistant steel body. The built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply maintain optimal cooking temperatures, providing even heat distribution. With double access doors for easy monitoring and assembly, this smoker is lightweight and portable, ideal for outdoor cooking and camping adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you use charcoal in vertical smoker?
A standalone vertical charcoal smoker is an upright device that features four core sections: The firebox: This is where you generate heat. The firebox is filled with coal; a standard 15-pound bag of charcoal can burn for upwards of 15 hours—more than enough time to smoke brisket.
2. Are vertical smokers any good?
Vertical smokers give you more rack space with a reduced overall footprint, making them ideal for a space-starved pitmaster. They also cook faster and can be reconfigured to fit a range of different foods. As you can see from our reviews, they also come in a range of fuel options.
3. Are charcoal smokers any good?
The success of the Smokey Mountain comes down to superior construction quality and ease of use at a price point almost anyone can afford. Bullet or water smokers like the WSM are easily the most popular type of charcoal smokers, due to their small footprint and ability to hold a steady temperature for hours.
4. How much charcoal do I need for vertical smoker?
Setting up a Vertical Water Smoker Place the metal charcoal pan inside the base and fill with about six to 10 pounds of charcoal. The more charcoal you use the longer the heat will last. Light the charcoal and let it burn uncovered until the coals are almost entirely white and the fire is producing a lot of heat.
During our charcoal vertical smoker research, we found 24 charcoal vertical smoker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,121 customer reviews through our big data system to write the charcoal vertical smokers list. We found that most customers choose charcoal vertical smokers with an average price of $125.35.
The charcoal vertical smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of charcoal vertical smokers, including Dyna-Glo, BIG HORN OUTDOORS, Broil King, Cuisinart, Realcook. 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.