What are Vertical Smokers?

Vertical smokers are devices for cooking proteins like chicken, turkey, etc. It is outdoor equipment that utilizes wood, charcoal, or electricity to grill the meat. A vertical smoker makes the process more automated and quicker, and keeps the good-old traditional wood-burned flavor unscathed. With this potent device, you can smoke meat in larger quantities than possible with a conventional grill. You can also have better control over the process and adjust the heat and smoke levels to your liking. The best part about the device is that it eliminates the need for constant monitoring.

How Does a Vertical Smoker Work?

A thoughtfully engineered vertical design ensures even heat distribution that guarantees optimal results. A firebox at the bottom holds the fuel and generates the heat. The smoke is then pulled through the top and circulated effectively to ensure even and consistent cooking. The cooking area is spacious, with multiple racks that allow you to roast different types of protein simultaneously. Vertical smokers are energy efficient as they require less fuel to cook food. It also does not require you to keep adding the wood in the middle of the process. Vertical smokers are durable and affordable. You can use them for up to twenty-four hours at one time.

Vertical smokers come in various types, each with its own unique way of functioning. These differences allow you to choose what best suits your needs and preferences. Some models offer WIFI or Bluetooth connection features, enabling users to navigate the device from a distance. Vertical smokers with control panels bring more convenience to the process as they allow you to adjust the fan settings. Let us discuss the different types of vertical smokers.

Types of Vertical Smokers

When it comes to vertical smokers, there is a wide range of options available, each with its unique operational style. However, there are a few types that have earned the love and trust of users everywhere. These models have consistently proven their reliability and performance, making them the top choices for barbecue enthusiasts.

Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal smokers, just like other vertical smokers, have the same operation. The only difference is that it uses charcoal briquettes as fuel to produce heat. Charcoal vertical smokers are sturdy and durable with cast iron material construction. These smokers are easy to operate and last considerably longer than gas smokers. Also, the classic barbecue flavor from charcoal is second to none. We need to put the charcoal into the barrel and let it ignite and release its smoke. Then place the meat or vegetables on the grill in the center, and cover it with a lid. Getting a perfectly grilled meal with a charcoal vertical smoker is that simple.

Propane Smokers

Vertical smokers that utilize propane as fuel are propane smokers. These come with a control panel through which you can control the heat levels inside the smoker. The smoker automatically shuts off the propane once it reaches your preferred temperature. Then, a fan blows air into the smoker to circulate the heat evenly through the food. Propane vertical smokers give your meat, fish, or vegetables a distinct flavor, all thanks to the smoke from wood pallets.

Pellet Smokers

Pellet smokers are the most energy-efficient because they use less electricity than other models. These utilize hardwood pellets as fuel source, and users prefer them for their higher temperature threshold and large hopper capacity. Pellet vertical smokers are suitable for beginners because they do not require constant monitoring while your food is cooking. A pallet smoker keeps the temperature stable and self-feeds the fuel when it needs to increase the heat. Vertical pallet smokers come in a few variations in design, like standard, offset, reverse flow, etc.

Electrical Smokers

Electrical vertical smokers operate solely on electricity. These have fans and ventilators to support consistent airflow within the smoker. It is an easy-to-use device with a dial to adjust the temperature and cooking time. An electric vertical smoker is versatile with an extensive heating capacity. You can also use it as a steamer and a cold smoker. The operation is easy; it has a heating element to be placed below the shelves to obtain the wanted smoking effect.

It was not easy to decide and start the testing. Our team considered all the factors like Top Smoker Brands, Power Source (Charcoal, Wood, Electrical), Flavor, Ease of Use, Temperature Control, Budget, Cooking Capacity, Portable, User Friendly, Cleaning and indoor and outdoor use.

Best Vertical Smokers

Weber Smokey is one of the best vertical smokers using charcoal with wood chips as fuel. It has a generous cooking space (481 square inches) sufficient to hold large amounts of meat. The Weber Smokey Mountain has a robust construction of porcelain-enameled steel. It comes in three sizes (14", 18", and 22"), you can choose whichever best suits your space. This incredible charcoal water smoker is beginner-friendly & easy to use with three sections (a firebox, a cooking section and Weber domed lid). The bottom has a fuel pan for inserting charcoal and wood.

You can place your food and the water pan at the center to keep the cooking temperature stable. It has two separate vents at the top and the bottom that control and maintain the airflow together. It also has a heat-resistant glass-reinforced nylon handle. The Weber Smokey has a good reputation among barbecue enthusiasts, and we also found that it is easy to assemble (15 to 20 minutes), easy to use and best fit for the beginners. What we missed in WSM is that wheels are absent. Dome thermometer is not helpful and there is need to get the probe.

For those who are using Kettle grill, shifting towards Weber Smokey Mountain is a good option because:

• More stable temperature.
• More Cooking space.
• Better meat smoker.

We tested various vertical smokers and Dyna-Glo impressed us the most with its performance, flavor, and ease of use. The propane vertical smoker serves a number of purposes. What we loved the most about this smoker is its large cooking capacity and excellent smoky flavor.

Operating the device is easy with an electronic temperature gauge and heat-resistant handles. It is beginner-friendly and offers a seamless grilling experience. If you love hosting parties and events, the Dyna-Glo is perfect for you. It can accumulate meats with different cuts, and you can cook large meals in less time. It has an innovative door thermometer divided into smoke and grill sections. Reaching the ideal temperature range will be super convenient for novices. The bottom of the smoker has oversized wheels that make moving the smoker around easier.

Cos-116 is an incredible device that offers several features at an affordable price. The cooking capacity is perfect with two racks. The operation is simple- light the charcoal, fill the water bowl, and adjust the air vents to regulate the temperature. We assembled easily and it required minimal time and effort, and reaching the water bowl and fuel grates is simple with a vertically hinged door.

We loved how easy it is to maintain. You'll need a good amount of charcoal to fill the coal grate and ring (depending on the length of the cook time). Keep the coals in the middle to burn out. It takes about 20 minutes for those hot coals to get ready in the chimney. After dumping the coals into your shape, take the top cylinder off the base and let it sit for 20 minutes with the bottom vent wide open.

Put the cylinder in place, wait 20 minutes, add some wood chunks, tighten up the bottom air intake and you're good to go. Using this smoker, we made pork shoulders and kept it at 225 grate temp for over 8 hours without adding any charcoal, so it can last for a while.

Wood chunk coal burns too fast and ash out too quickly, so save it for quick cooks like burgers and steaks and use Kingsford briquets for long cooks.

An easily removable ash cup makes it easier to clean the device. Separate vents at the top and bottom ensure the temperature remains consistent throughout the cooking process. The water bowl protects the food from direct heat and keeps the juiciness of the meat intact. The Cuisinart Cos-116 can be an excellent choice for beginners as it is cheaper than other vertical smokers and has all the advanced features of a high-quality smoker.

With three stainless steel racks and a cooking space of 548 square inches, we found Cos-339 a potent electric vertical smoker. The plates are movable, so you can create extra space when need be. For many skilled barbecuers, high temperature is a desired quality in a smoker. The Cos-330 is perfect for such users as it can produce temperatures up to 400 degrees. The water pan and woodchip tray are movable; you can clean the device easily.

The intuitive built-in thermometer allows easy temperature monitoring and offers a seamless grilling experience. It is a multi-functional device that facilitates you to roast, grill, and smoke your meats and vegetables. Feeding the woodchips to the smoker is easy, and the woodchips give the food an excellent flavor. The Cos-330 is an ideal outdoor grilling equipment. It can even serve as an outdoor oven.

Whether it is a Christmas family reunion or a weekend party, barbecue is a hit. The Pit Boss Grill 77550 pellet smoker is ideal for users who live hosting big events and gatherings. It has a cooking space of 1548 square inches and can hold a generous amount of food. Features like a digital LED readout and meat probe make this investment worthy. You can cook your food to perfection and give it an exquisite flavor.

A good hopper capacity is a quality expert barbecuers look for in smokers- this pellet smoker has a hopper capacity of 40+lb, which allows up to 24 hours of continuous cooking. The Pit Boss Grill 77550 has a diverse temperature range from 150 F to 450F. A diverse temperature range helps cook various types of food and recipes. We found it a friendly device that needs some effort to clean and maintain. You can watch your food while cooking from the viewing window to ensure everything is to your liking.

The Camp Chef Smoke Vault has a cabinet-like design with enough space inside to cook different cuts simultaneously. It has three adjustable racks, so you can create more space when required. For a reasonable price, the device offers decent cooking capacity, durability, and excellent smoky flavor. It comes with a south-after feature, a WIFI controller, that you can connect with your phone through an app.

The device has three adjustable valves to control the temperature. Also, you can monitor the process via a readable door thermometer. It has a wide temperature range from 60 to 350 degrees F. The Smoke Vault comes in two different sizes; you can choose according to the availability of your space. It is an easy-to-use device and is easier to clean and maintain. Also, the smoking performance is pretty impressive. However, we did feel the need for a viewing window, which could have been an added advantage.

What we experienced is that the Realcook charcoal smoker is a sturdy, reliable equipment at a low price point. We loved that the device delivers a satisfying barbecue experience at a reasonable cost. It is lightweight and portable; you can carry it to parks, beaches, camping, etc. The Realcook smoker can grill, roast, bake, smoke, steam, and braise. Also, you can use both charcoal and wood pallets as fuel sources. You can check the food while cooking or add more fuel through the functional access doors.

One of the features we appreciate about the smoker is the catch clamps system. You can remove or add sections depending on how much cooking capacity you need. It has porcelain-enameled, heat-resistant charcoal and water trays that are easy to clean. You can monitor the inner heat through a built-in temperature gauge and adjust the temperature and moisture through the lid air vents.

This smoker is ideal for those seeking an alternative to traditional charcoal or propane smokers. It offers convenience and safety without compromising the flavor. You can enjoy worry-free cooking because you do not have to monitor it. We heard praises from professional smokers about the Bradley Smoker and we added it to our listing for testing. We witnessed, this device delivers the perfect taste without constant monitoring.

The Bradley Smoker has a cooking space of 2,288 square inches and includes four racks, which allows for cooking a large amount of food. It is a digital smoker, which means that it is fully automatic. The professional-grade machine has a stainless steel interior, which will not rust in the long run. Also, you can select the temperature through the advanced digital temperature controller. The device also allows you to adjust the fluid, which enhances the flavor.

The Pit Boss PB7000SP has a high-quality, sturdy construction but is still easy to move around. It requires less space for a device offering a generous cooking capacity with six adjustable racks. Four caster wheels at the bottom make the smoker easily movable from one place to another. The smoker can accumulate a large amount of pellets. You can have prolonged smoking sessions without adding fuel repeatedly.

It is an easy-to-use device with a control board that guides you through the entire process. The PB7000SP offers a wide temperature range from 150 to 420F. From cutting delicate meats to grilling thick cuts of beef, this device can help you with everything. You can use this incredible machine for baking, roasting, smoking, grilling, and even braising meat. It is a reliable device manufactured to last for years. Adjusting and maintaining the temperature and clean up is hassle-free.

Barbecuers love the Pro version of Bronco Drum Smoker due to its fast cooking ability. We also found that it maintains the temperature well. The charcoal basket is big enough to hold 17 pounds of fuel. You can cook continuously for up to fifteen hours. It has a compact design that makes it easy to move around.

A sizeable 21.5-inch cooking grate, makes it ideal for grilling and barbecuing while traveling. It offers precise temperature control due to its one-of-a-kind airflow control system. The meat hooks and hangers inside facilitate a smooth cooking process. This vertical smoker has an added convenience that sets it apart from others.

An attached side table, with this unique feature, you won't have to worry about searching for a separate table to keep your tools and ingredients within reach while you smoke your favorite meats. A large ash pan and easy-to-access drain cup make cleaning the device more convenient. It has a built-in thermometer that tells you whether you are in the grill or smoke range. It also glows in the dark, so you can easily read it at night. Oversized wheels at the bottom allow for easy transferring.

The Bradley 4-rack electric smoker is an easy-to-use smoker that utilizes wood briquettes as fuel. These briquettes come in various flavors- you can choose according to your taste. Smokers that use wood briquettes are easy to use as all you have to do is load them in the chimney, and you are good to go.

However, it is critical to mention that these wood briquettes are not cheap. With four racks, this vertical smoker provides enough space to smoke decent amounts of meats and vegetables. The smoker collects ashes in the water pan at the bottom; it keeps the food moist and simplifies the cleaning process.

You can control the temperature and load the fuel through the smoke generator attached to the side of the smoke cabinet. The control panel on the smoke generator has a temperature settings dial that gives you complete control of the process. It is one of the smaller Bradley smokers with a cooking area of 572 square inches.

It is the largest pellet smoker you can get your hands on! Its cooking capacity is enough to put together a feast. It has four racks- you can put all your meat, vegetables, and other stuff together. This pellet smoker checks all the attributes one needs in a smoker. A hopper capacity of 40 lbs allows cooking for 24 hours straight.

It offers flexibility in terms of what you can smoke and cook with its wide temperature range of 150 to 450F. The Pit Boss PVB3P1 smoker gives a perfect blend of convenience, ease of use, quality, and durability. A large viewing window is a bonus, as taking a quick peak at your food while it’s cooking is always nice and safe. The grease tray and the ash pan are easy to access and pull out, so the cleanup will be smooth.

There is a control panel right below the firepot that helps you operate the device conveniently. We love the product for the succulent flavor it gives to the food and high-quality, porcelain-enameled cooking grates.

The Char-broil digital smoker has an impressive cooking space of 725 square inches with four adjustable racks. You can check up on your food through the glass window and insert the meat probe to confirm whether or not the meat has cooked to your desired temperature. A double-wall construction keeps the inner temperature stable, while a digital controller makes setting smoking temperatures stress-free.

You can easily modify the heat settings with an easily-legible blue LED display. It has a large smoke box that can hold enough fuel to last up to seven hours of cooking. The Char-broil combines the flavorful taste of traditional wood chip smoke and the ease of use of digital controls. It is a long-lasting machine with a rust-resistant base. Also, it has a good enough temperature range for both cold and hot smoking. Our favorite feature of this smoker is that it keeps the food warm once it’s cooked, so you can serve it piping hot.

The Masterbuilt MB20070421 gives precise temperature control that facilitates consistent smoking. The fuel loader is on the side, so you can add fuel without opening the smoker. An intuitive digital control panel allows the ability to adjust cooking temperature and time and makes the device user-friendly. It has a generous cooking space of 711 square inches.

The product boasts four smoking racks, each with a chrome coating, so you will have abundant space to fit multiple food trays and smoke various dishes simultaneously. This electric smoker shines with its exceptional performance, rivaling even the most high-end vertical smokers on the market.

It comes with useful accessories that facilitate and expedite the smoking process, such as a slow smoker kit, a smoker cover, a Masterbuilt fish and vegetable mat, a smoker leg kit, and food gloves. The machine is designed with full insulation to ensure optimum heat retention.

Masterbuilt MB20051316 is an easy-to-use device suitable for novices and experts alike. It does not require electricity, and Masterbuilt’s thermostat makes cooking on gas easier. It adjusts the gas burner and effectively controls the gas flow. The device has a good temperature range of 175 to 350F; you can achieve the perfect balance for low and slow cooking.

We loved that the machine showed consistent temperatures and excellent performance in testing. Setting up and getting started with the product is a breeze. Fill the water pan, activate the gas, and adjust the temperature to your desired level. It has an impressive cooking space of 792 square inches with four racks. You can find the wood chip tray below the smoking chamber so the heat and smoke will not escape while you refill the fuel. It has a sturdy stainless steel construction and a practical and handy design.

Vertical Smokers vs Horizontal Smokers

Vertical and horizontal smokers have their own advantages and limitations. They have different designs, operations, fuel sources, and cooking capacities. Here’s a quick comparison of the two that will explain the pros and cons of each.

Particulars	Vertical Smokers	Horizontal Smokers
Design	The main difference between horizontal and vertical smokers, as evident from their names, is their orientation. Vertical smokers stand upright with multiple cooking racks. You can cook various types of food at the same time.	Horizontal smokers look like traditional BBQ grills. These are particularly good for cooking larger cuts of meat.
Smoking capacity	Vertical smokers have good cooking capacity due to their longer designs and multiple racks. However, it cannot match the potential of a horizontal smoker. But it allows you to cut different types of cuts simultaneously.	Horizontal smokers take precedence over vertical smokers when it comes to smoking capacity.
Price	Vertical smokers are affordable. You can get a high-quality smoker for under $1000. However, the fuel they require is expensive.	Horizontal smokers have a high initial cost but are more cost-effective in the long run.
Ease of use	Vertical smokers are more user-friendly than horizontal smokers. They don’t require constant monitoring and work on the ‘set and forget’ principle. They are also more beginner-friendly.	Horizontal smokers are not as digitally advanced as vertical smokers. You must be glued to them to adjust and maintain the temperature, and check if your food is cooking perfectly. They are suitable for expert barbecuers- beginners might struggle to handle the device.
Versatility	Some vertical smokers are equally versatile as horizontal smokers. You can grill, roast, bake, and smoke meat, veggies, or cheese.	Horizontal smokers are more versatile than vertical smokers. Their grilling potential extends beyond smoking. They can grill, roast, fame boil, and even bake.
Footprint	Vertical smokers are compact, space-saving, and more practical. Some models are portable; you can even carry them while traveling for on-the-go cooking.	Horizontal smokers are large and heavy and require a lot of space.
Smoky flavor	Vertical smokers give an incredible smoky flavor.	Horizontal smokers deliver a juicy, classic BBQ flavor.
Energy efficiency	More energy efficient. Vertical smokers require less fuel to heat than horizontal smokers due to their compact, cabinet-like design.	Less energy efficient. These cook slower than vertical smokers and require significantly more fuel.
Heat Maintenance	Heat maintenance on some vertical smokers can be tricky.	Heat maintenance on horizontal smokers is easier.

Horizontal and vertical smokers are both helpful equipments. Which one is better for you depends on several factors. Horizontal smokers are more appropriate if you need to smoke and grill for a large group of people. But, if you cook for intimate gatherings of friends and family, a vertical smoker would be sufficient.

For beginners on a budget, vertical smokers are hands down a better choice. They are affordable and more digitally advanced and intuitive. Horizontal smokers cost more and require serious configuring. Vertical smokers are also more suitable for users with space constraints. They have a small footprint and need much less space than horizontal smokers. 

Critical Features to Evaluate While Buying a Vertical Smoker

Looking for a product that suits your needs while purchasing a vertical smoker is imperative. Before you invest in a vertical smoker, here is a list of features you need to evaluate:

Cooking Space

How much cooking capacity you want is a crucial consideration. Usually, all vertical smoker models offer generous cooking space with several racks that allow cooking multiple types of dishes at once. If you need your cooking grate to be spacious, removable cooking racks are an absolute must-have. Not only do they provide great convenience, but they also offer remarkable capacity to accommodate all your culinary needs. You can find the cooking space measured in square inches in the product descriptions, so you can compare different smokers and acquire one according to the cooking space you need.

Portability

Barbecueing outdoors is a fun experience, and many users like to take their smokers along when going to picnics or road trips. If mobility is a concern, look for compact models that are easy to carry around. Also, choosing a smaller design is wise if you have a small backyard or other space limitations. However, if you have enough space to accommodate a bigger vertical smoker and need massive cooking capacity, you can opt for heavier, bulkier models.

Heat Source

When purchasing a new vertical smoker, considering the type of heating element it uses is crucial. The fuel type it utilizes must be available where you live and should ideally not be too expensive. The choice of heating element can influence your cooking and smoking experience. Wood pellets, charcoal, propane, and electricity are the heat elements commonly used for vertical smokers. Each of these heat sources has a notable impact on flavor, so if you don’t like a particular taste or have a liking for something specific, make sure the model you choose is in line with that.

Cleaning and Maintenance

It can be concerning if a device is difficult to clean and maintain. If a smoker has a removable ash pan and grease management system, you will need much less time and effort to clean it. The models on our list have all been easier to clean after the smoking process. You can choose any of them without worry!

Cost

The goal should be to acquire the best product at the best price. The amount you are willing to spend on a smoker can narrow or expand your choices. Vertical smokers are generally affordable; you can get a quality machine from $300 to $1000. Our list contains several reasonable smokers that deliver excellent cooking performance and taste, and are easy to use. You can easily find a product in your budget with research. If you are a beginner, you can opt for a cheaper smoker, but if you have been using one for a while and want to upgrade, you can go for smokers that cost more.

Hopper Capacity

Having a big hopper size is a desirable quality in a vertical smoker. Especially if you have to cook a large quantity of food every now and then. With a spacious hopper, you can conveniently load up enough fuel to keep the smoker running efficiently through prolonged hours of cooking sessions. Many vertical smokers have generous hopper capacities that eliminate the need for frequent fuel refills. However, it should not be a significant concern if you do not have to cook large quantities of food.

Versatility

The smoker becomes highly convenient and versatile if the heat source is at the bottom. You can use different types of meat concurrently and place the ones needing slow cooking on top and others needing quick cooking at the bottom. Also, if a smoker can grill, bake, and sear, it can be an additional benefit. You can use a machine for multiple purposes.

Temperature Control and Range

Temperature control is the key factor in achieving excellent smoky and juicy flavor. Most vertical smokers offer precise temperature control and maintenance, but some beat others. Electric and pallet smokers have simple and efficient digital temperature controllers. You can generate as much heat as you want and adjust it for different varieties of meals. Some modern pellet smokers offer an app and Bluetooth or WIFI technology for easy configuring. A wide temperature range is also beneficial for making different variations of dishes. Being able to cold and hot smoke meat and cook food at different temperatures is an advantage.

Convenience

Smoking meat can be tricky for beginners. It takes a lot of practice to master the art of smoking and grilling. Intuitive vertical smokers that are easy to configure and offer simple temperature settings and adjustments are perfect. Look for ease of use and digital control panels if you are a beginner.

Build Quality

When investing in a top-notch vertical smoker, the importance of durable stainless steel construction is inevitable. Not only does it offer robustness and longevity, but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent temperature control throughout the cooking process. A smoker produces substantial heat during the cooking process. That is why a durable build is so crucial. Cheaper construction materials can result in rusting and damage after just a few uses. Seek out a smoker with superior build quality that will stand the test of time. By investing in such a product, you can enjoy its benefits for an extended period without any worries about wear and tear.

Vertical Smoker Maintenance & Cleaning Tips

Vertical smokers need regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure you get the best results each time you use them. Here are a few care and maintenance tips that could help you maximize the machine’s benefits.

• Keep your smoker in a dry place away from water to prevent it from rust.
• Clean the unit thoroughly after every use. It may take time, but it ensures the longevity of your machine.
• After using the smoker, activate the flame and let it burn for around an hour to eliminate residual oil accumulated in the smoker from cooking meat. 
• Care while cleaning the smoker is essential. Harsh detergents can be damaging, so choose gentler alternatives like lime juice or vinegar. These mild cleaners are effective at keeping your smoker clean without causing any harm.
• Clean the smoker gently with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Rub the walls with gentle hands to remove the sticky residue.
• You can wash the removable accessories with warm water and soap. Rinse them thoroughly after the wash; make sure the components are dry before reassembling them.

Final Word

For true barbecue enthusiasts, there is no better investment than a vertical smoker. These smokers are preferable for their top-notch flavor, even heat distribution, and precise temperature control. Vertical smokers offer digital temperature regulation and sufficient cooking space to satisfy your smoking needs. With an abundance of products available in the market, it can be tough to settle for one product.

We hope this comprehensive guide will help you find a quality product that matches your needs within your budget. Remember to identify your needs before you go smoker hunting, such as how much space you have, how much cooking and hopper capacity you need, how many persons you need to cook for often, etc., so you can get the best product fitting your requirements.