Best Water Vertical Smokers of 2025

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Water vertical smokers are a popular choice for those who love to barbecue and smoke meat. These smokers feature a vertical design with a water pan at the bottom to help regulate the temperature and keep the meat moist. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small portable models to large, heavy-duty smokers for serious barbecue enthusiasts. Some models even have additional features such as multiple racks, built-in thermometers, and adjustable vents for precise temperature control. With a water vertical smoker, you can create delicious, smoky meats that are sure to impress your family and friends.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16" Charcoal Smoker Cover #TOP 1
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16" Charcoal Smoker
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill Cover #TOP 2
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors Cover #TOP 3
Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Water Vertical Smokers

BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16" Charcoal Smoker

BHCS16
Black
16 inch
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16" Charcoal Smoker Cover
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16 inch Charcoal Smoker, Vertical BBQ Grill, Heavy Duty 4 In 1 Fire Pit with Built-in Thermometer & Adjustable Vent System for Backyard Patio Camping

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.

What We Like
Versatile Multi-Functional Design
Adjustable Vent System
Spacious Grilling Area
#TOP 2

Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill

REALCOOK-20
20" Charcoal
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill Cover
Realcook Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill - 20 Inch Vertical Smoker for Outdoor Cooking Grilling

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.

What We Like
Versatile
Portable
Large capacity
#TOP 3

Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors

GT3927-PO
Black
Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors Cover
Giantex Outdoor Smoker with Double Doors, 2 Detachable Grill Netting Smoking Racks, Charcoal Pan & Water Pan, 4 Air Vents, Thermometer, Vertical Charcoal Smoker for Barbecue Camping Backyard Grill

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.

What We Like
Versatile charcoal smoker that combines smoking and roasting
Large cooking capacity with two detachable grill nettings
Double door design for easy access and added safety
#TOP 4

Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker

COS-118
Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker Cover
Cuisinart COS-118, Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18"

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.

What We Like
Large cooking space with two racks
Porcelain enamel water bowl
Dual air vent system for optimal temperature control
#TOP 5

GRILLBOSS 4 Tier Charcoal Smoker

GRILLBOSS
CBS24032M
Black
GRILLBOSS 4 Tier Charcoal Smoker Cover
Grill Boss 4 Tier Vertical Freestanding Charcoal Smoker Portable BBQ Grill with Temperature Gauge for Outdoors, 564 Square Inch Cooking Area, Black

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.

What We Like
Versatile 4-tier design
Built-in temperature gauge
Portable and easy to use
Convenient water access
#TOP 6

VIVOHOME 3-in-1 Vertical Charcoal Smoker

VH1410CA
Black
VIVOHOME 3-in-1 Vertical Charcoal Smoker Cover
VIVOHOME 3-in-1 Vertical Charcoal Smoker, BBQ Smoker Grill with Built-in Thermometer, Air Vent, and 2 Access Doors, Idea for Parties, Backyard, Barbecues

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.

What We Like
Versatile 3-in-1 Functionality
Effortless Temperature Control
Large Cooking Capacity
#TOP 7

Grill Parts For Less Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Water Pan PBV57P1-13

PBV57P1-13
Black
Grill Parts For Less Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Water Pan PBV57P1-13 Cover
Grill Parts For Less, Compatible Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Water Pan, PBV57P1-13

Grill Parts Water Pan is designed for Pit Boss Vertical Smokers. With dimensions of 21 ¾" in length, 14 ⅜" in width, and 2" in height, this water pan is compatible with various Pit Boss models, offering versatility for your smoking needs. The USA-based seller provides 7 days-a-week customer support, ensuring assistance whenever you need it. This water pan helps maintain moisture levels in your smoker, enhancing the flavor and tenderness of your smoked meats. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance for your smoking sessions.

What We Like
Versatile Compatibility
Moisture Retention
Durable Construction
#TOP 8

Char-Broil 16" Bullet Charcoal Smoker

18202075
Black
16''
Char-Broil 16" Bullet Charcoal Smoker Cover
Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker 16" - 18202075,Black

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.

What We Like
Easy temperature regulation with numbered damper settings
Durable porcelain-coated body and easy-to-clean ash pan
Convenient chamber-lift handles, lid-mounted temperature gauge, and steel tube legs

Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker

COS-244
Black
Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker Cover
Cuisinart 36” Vertical Propane Smoker, 4 Removable Racks, Spacious BBQ Smoker with Wood & Water Trays, 15,000 BTU Heat for Smoked Meat, Brisket, Jerky & Fish, Perfect for Tailgates, Backyard & Camping

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.

What We Like
Spacious 5.45 square foot interior for smoking a variety of meats and vegetables
Four removable stainless steel shelves for smoking whole birds or large cuts of meat
Built-in thermometer and total temperature and smoke control for easy monitoring and adjusting
Seal-tight twist-lock door and handle ensures a tightly sealed smoker
Porcelain enameled steel tray holds wood and water for easy cleanup

Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks

MB20070210
Black
30 inch
Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks Cover
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control, Chrome Smoking Racks and 535 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070210

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.

What We Like
Easy temperature control with analog dial
Effortless ash removal with slide-out wood chip tray
Even and consistent smoking with 1,500-watt heating element and three smoking racks
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a vertical water smoker?

All vertical water smokers, whether electric, gas, or charcoal, have a pan of liquid… water with seasonings, beer, wine, soda pop… positioned between the heat and the meat. The liquid slowly evaporates during the smoking process, adding to the flavor of the food while maintaining its moistness.

2. Are vertical smokers 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. Do vertical smokers need water?

Each kind is used a little differently. Whichever kind of water smoker you use, it's important that you use enough water and maintain a consistent temperature. By setting up your vertical water smoker the right way and giving your food enough time to smoke, you can easily smoke a variety of different foods.

4. Where do you put the water in a vertical smoker?

You want the water to be hot so that the burning coals don't have to heat the water for you. Place the water pan in the barrel (the tall part of the smoker) on the bottom hooks and fill with the hot water.

Editor's Notes

During our water vertical smoker research, we found 24 water vertical smoker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 55,468 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water vertical smokers list. We found that most customers choose water vertical smokers with an average price of $128.54.

The water vertical smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water vertical smokers, including BIG HORN OUTDOORS, Realcook, Giantex, Cuisinart, GRILLBOSS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 371 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

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.