Best Water Vertical Smokers of 2026

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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

Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker Cover #TOP 1
Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker Cover #TOP 2
Cuisinart 36" Vertical Propane Smoker
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks Cover #TOP 3
Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Water Vertical Smokers

Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker

COS-330
Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker Cover
Cuisinart 30" Electric Smoker, 3 Adjustable Racks, Large Capacity BBQ Meat Smoker, Water & Wood Trays for Smoked Meat, Brisket, Salmon & Jerky, Adjustable Temperature Control

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.

What We Like
Consistent temperature control
Easy assembly and use
Solid exterior build
Good smoke output
Affordable price

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 and 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
Easy assembly process
Consistent temperature control
Compact, space-saving design
Great smoke flavor results
Beginner-friendly operation
#TOP 3

Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Smoking Racks

MB20070210
Black
30-inch Analog
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
Sturdy build quality
Easy assembly and cleaning
Affordable price
Excellent customer service
Spacious cooking area
#TOP 4

Realcook 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker

REALCOOK-17
17" Charcoal
Realcook 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker Cover
Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Black

The Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker offers quality protection with a build-in thermometer and adjustable air supply, while the porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans provide stability. With 453 square inches of cooking space, 2 access doors, and multi-functional cooking options, this smoker is flexible and easy to use. Transport, basting, and cooking are made easy with heat-resistant handles and a latch locking system.

What We Like
Even heat distribution
Ample cooking space
Easy temperature control
Simple assembly
Good value for beginners

Char-Broil 16" Bullet Charcoal Smoker

Charbroil
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

Masterbuilt 40-Inch Propane Smoker with Thermostat Control

MB20051316
Black
40 inch
Masterbuilt 40-Inch Propane Smoker with Thermostat Control Cover
Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316

The Masterbuilt MB20051316 propane smoker with thermostat control has a temperature sensor that controls the burner to maintain the desired temperature. The safety valve shuts off the burner if the flame is extinguished, and the tank fuel level gauge indicates the amount of propane in the tank. It comes with four chrome-coated smoking racks and a 15,750 BTU stainless steel burner. This smoker is perfect for anyone who wants to smoke meat or fish with precision and ease.

What We Like
Excellent temperature control
Spacious cooking area
Quick heating and smoking
Impressive packaging
Easy to clean racks
#TOP 7

Vertical Propane Smoker by PIQUEBAR

DJ55130W
Black
Standard
Vertical Propane Smoker by PIQUEBAR Cover
Propane Smoker with Cover, Vertical Meat Gas Smoker Grill Outdoor Heavy Duty 3 Removable Smoking Racks, Black

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.

What We Like
Easy to clean
Good temperature control
Compact size
Produces great smoke
Affordable price
#TOP 8

Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker

COS-118
Cuisinart 18" Vertical Charcoal Smoker Cover
Cuisinart 18” Vertical Charcoal Smoker, Integrated Thermometer, Water Bowl and Dual Vents Perfect for Smoked Brisket, Chrome Plated Grates Smoker Grill for BBQ, Camping, Tailgates

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
Compact and easy to store
Good temperature maintenance
Easy to set up
Durable under elements
Great for beginners
#TOP 9

ATSENT Vertical Propane Smoker

DJ55130W-US
Black
Regular
ATSENT Vertical Propane Smoker Cover
Propane Smoker, Vertical Smoker with Three Removable Shelves,Outdoor Grills & Smokers with Thermometer for BBQ, Backyard,Black…

The ATSENT Propane Smoker is designed for smoked food enthusiasts, featuring a spacious smoking chamber that fits well on patios or decks. You’ll appreciate the convenience of removable water and wood chip trays, which minimize the need for frequent refills and help maintain temperature. The sturdy construction ensures a tight seal, trapping smoke effectively for optimal flavor. Wide racks promote airflow, accommodating larger cuts of meat, while the ingenious design of the cooking grates allows easy access, even when loaded with food. This smoker combines functionality and ease of use for a satisfying BBQ experience.

What We Like
Spacious smoking chamber
Removable trays
Sturdy construction
Wide cooking racks
Easy access grates
#TOP 10

Royal Gourmet SE2805 Analog Electric Smoker

SE2805
Black
28-Inch
Royal Gourmet SE2805 Analog Electric Smoker Cover
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Cooking Grates, Outdoor Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control & 454 Sq. In. Cooking Area for Outdoor Backyard BBQ, Black

The Royal Gourmet Electric Smoker offers more cooking possibilities with its chrome-plated hook rod and 3 S hooks for hanging meats and veggies. The built-in thermometer and adjustable electric analog controller allow quick and precise temperature control. It enhances smoked flavor with a bottom heating tube, stainless steel water pan, and chip box. The 1350-watt heating power and insulated chamber ensure outstanding heating performance. Cleanup is a breeze with the external removable grease cup.

What We Like
Adjustable Temperature Control
Enhanced Smoked Flavor
Even Heating Experience
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 130,108 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 $188.89.

The water vertical smokers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water vertical smokers, including Cuisinart, Masterbuilt, Realcook, Charbroil, PIQUEBAR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.