This is our review of the best vertical pellet smokers.
Are you looking for the best vertical pellet smoker?
If you’re a BBQ enthusiast, then you know that smoking meat is an art form. And a vertical pellet smoker is a great way to achieve that perfect smoky flavor.
We found the best overall vertical pellet smoker to be the Pit Boss 5 Series. But with so many on the market, it can be hard to choose which one is right for you.
In this article, we have put together this comparison review of the 5 best vertical pellet smokers available.
We made this list based on personal experience and hours of research. They are listed based on quality, popularity, and user opinion. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, read on and find the smoker that best suits your needs.
So without further ado, check out our comparison review now to find your perfect vertical pellet smoker!
Contents
Our Best Vertical Pellet Smokers
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Check Price On Amazon | ||
Runner-Up  | Check Price On Amazon | ||
Best for Beginners  | Check Price On Amazon | ||
Best Premium Smoker  | Check Price On Amazon | ||
Best Portable Smoker  | Check Price On Amazon |
Understanding Vertical Pellet Smokers
So you’re thinking about joining the vertical pellet smoker club, but what exactly is it, and how does it work? No worries, we’ve got you covered.
Related – Review of the Best Drum Smokers: A List of the Top 5
What is a Vertical Pellet Smoker?
Vertical pellet smokers are unique, standing tall rather than spreading wide, making them an excellent choice for those with limited outdoor space. But don’t be fooled by their compact footprint – these vertical beauties can accommodate a fair share of ribs, briskets, and poultry, all at one time.
Let’s break it down. A vertical pellet smoker combines elements of charcoal smokers, gas grills, and kitchen ovens.
How so, you ask?
Well, it’s all about the fuel. These bad boys use small pellets made from compressed hardwood sawdust, which gives your food that traditional smoky flavor we all love, with the convenience of gas or electric cooking. That’s pellets, not charcoal, as some reviewers suggest!
When we say “vertical,” we’re talking about the design. These smokers stand upright, with the heat source located at the bottom, and the cooking chamber sitting atop. It’s this vertical design that makes them super efficient at smoking – the hot, smoky air rises naturally, enveloping your food and giving it that divine, smoky taste.
As for functionality, they are super versatile. You can grill, bake, roast, or smoke a variety of foods, from juicy steaks to crispy pizzas, and yes, even desserts!
Imagine serving a smoked apple pie at your next barbecue – your guests won’t know what hit them!
Now, let’s take a look under the hood and see what makes these smokers tick:
- Pellet Hopper: This is where you load the wood pellets, your smoker’s fuel. The size of the hopper determines how long you can cook without refilling, so size does matter here!
- Auger System: This is the magic conveyor belt that transports the pellets from the hopper to the fire pot. It’s controlled by a digital controller, ensuring the right amount of pellets are delivered for precise temperature control.
- Fire Pot: The heart of the smoker, where the actual burning happens. The auger delivers the pellets here, and an electric igniter starts the fire.
- Heat Diffuser: This sits over the fire pot, spreading out the heat evenly across the cooking chamber. It also catches any drippings, preventing flare-ups.
- Cooking Racks: These are where your food goes. The vertical design means you get multiple racks, allowing you to cook different foods at the same time.
- Digital Controller: This is your command center, controlling the auger speed and, therefore, the cooking temperature. Some even come with Wi-Fi so you can control your smoker from your smartphone. Talk about smoking in style!
- Fan: It circulates the heat and smoke around your food for even cooking and that smoky flavor.
One very important thing to remember is although these are not electric smokers, they DO require an electrical power source to operate. This power is necessary to fuel the auger system and power the digital controller.
Power is needed to run the fan, which also helps maintain consistent and precise temperature control.
Benefits of Vertical Pellet Smokers
Alright, now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about the cool perks that come with owning a vertical pellet smoker.
Space Efficiency
First off, we’ve got to address the elephant in the room – or rather, the lack of one. These vertical beauties are designed to go up, not out, which means they take up a lot less space than their horizontal counterparts.
This makes them perfect for smaller patios, decks, or backyards. But don’t let the size fool you – their vertical design means they still offer plenty of cooking space across multiple racks. It’s like having a skyscraper in your backyard, but for meat!
Heat Distribution
In cooking, even heat is king. Nobody wants a steak that’s charred on the outside but raw on the inside, right?
Well, thanks to their vertical design and fan-assisted convection cooking, these smokers deliver heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber, ensuring that every bit of your food is cooked to perfection. Plus, the vertical design means heat and smoke naturally rise, enveloping your food for that authentic smoky flavor.
Versatility in Cooking
With a vertical pellet smoker, you’re not just getting a smoker – you’re getting a full-on outdoor cooking station!
These machines allow you to grill, bake, roast, and of course, smoke. So whether you’re craving a smoky brisket, grilled veggies, roasted chicken, or even a baked apple pie, your smoker has got you covered.
Smoke Control
We all love that smoky flavor, but too much of it can overpower your food. That’s where the beauty of pellet smokers really shines. They allow you to control the amount of smoke by adjusting the cooking temperature.
Lower temperatures produce more smoke, while higher temperatures produce less. Plus, you can experiment with different types of wood pellets to find the smoke flavor that suits your palate.
5 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers Reviewed
These pellet smokers are are some of the best on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these smokers are sure to elevate your barbecue game.
- Cooking Area (in2): 1513
- Temperature Range (°F): 150 - 420
- Hopper Capacity: 60 lbs
- Item Dimensions (D x W x H): 28 x 29 x 53 inches
- Warranty: 5 year limited
The Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Pellet Smoker is a spacious, easy-to-use smoker. It is perfect for both beginners and seasoned grill masters.
With over 1500 in2 of cooking space you just might be able to feed the whole neighborhood.
This baby can smoke for 35 hours on a full load too. That’s about 3 continuous smoking sessions!
What sets this smoker apart is its user-friendly digital controller. The LED readout is straightforward and easy to read.
It also comes with a built-in meat probe. This allows you to monitor your meat’s internal temperature while it cooks. Perfectly done, juicy smoked meats are the result.
One more thing that you’ll love about the Series 5 is the large viewing window. No more opening the door and letting out all the precious smoke just to check on your meat. You can keep an eye on things without disturbing the cooking process.
Pros
- 5 porcelain-coated cooking racks
- Built-in meat probe
- Large viewing window
Cons
- some users report inconsistent temperature control
Based on all the information we gathered, the Pitt Boss Series 5 is the best overall vertical pellet smoker. It has all the features you need for great tasting food and a great user experience.
- Cooking Area (in2): 1815
- Temperature Range (°F): 150 to 420
- Hopper Capacity: 55 lbs
- Item Dimensions (D x W x H): 28.8″L x 27.8″W x 57.8″H
- Warranty: 5 year limited
The Pit Boss Sportsman 7 Series Vertical Pellet Smoker is a feature-rich appliance designed for the BBQ enthusiasts.
One of its standout features is a large pellet hopper that can hold 55 lbs of pellets (24 hr cook time). This means you can enjoy uninterrupted, lengthy smoking sessions without the need to continually refill the hopper.
The cooking space is massive. With a total of 1,815 square inches, you’ll have more than enough room to accommodate large quantities of food. You can smoke multiple racks of ribs, several whole chickens, or a large turkey.
The Series 7’s digital control board provides precision temperature management. This means you get delicious, perfectly smoked results every time.
Pros
- simple and straightforward to use
- 2 meat probes included
- 6 cooking racks and 6 stainless steel meat hooks (6 sausage hooks?)
- large hopper
- heavy-gauge stainless steel construction
Cons
- assembly can be tricky due to lack of clear instructions
- controller located at the bottom of the unit
The Series 7 is a beast of a smoker with all the features it has. But that is what makes it easy to use. It is perfect for beginners.
- Cooking Area (in2): 572
- Temperature Range (°F): Up to 280
- Hopper Capacity: 9 hour smoke time
- Item Dimensions (D x W x H): 19 x 24 x 35 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
If you’re looking for a high-quality electric smoker that is perfect for smoking turkey, chicken, ribs, or brisket, the Original Bradley Smoker is a great choice. It offers generous cooking space spread over four different cooking grates, more than enough space to cook for a party of eight or more.
The insulated double-wall construction makes this electric smoker ten times more efficient than leading smokers when filled with Bradley Smokers bisquettes. So you can fill the box just once, compared to refilling it 10+ times, and still get the same amount of smoke.
With the Bradley Smoker smokebox, you get up to nine hours of smoke before needing to refill. This gives you more time to get other things done.
The smoke diffuser system keeps the smoke flowing, eliminating dirty smoke and preventing “black rain” from dripping on your delicious smoked food.
Pros
- automatic feed of bisquettes provides a consistent smoke flavor
- straightforward design makes it easy to use, even for those new to smoking
- suitable for a variety of foods, from meats to cheeses and nuts
- easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- can be challenging to maintain a consistent temperature
- Cooking Area (in2): 2940
- Temperature Range (°F): 160 - 450
- Hopper Capacity: 35 lbs
- Item Dimensions (D x W x H): 26 x 42 x 54 inches
- Warranty: 7-year limited
The Pellet Pro® 2300 Vertical Pellet Smoker is a standout choice for BBQ enthusiasts.
This smoker is praised for its sturdy build and efficient design. It’s perfect for smoking large cuts of meat, like brisket or summer sausage, thanks to its spacious interior.
Users appreciate the smoker’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures, which is crucial for perfect smoking results.
The smoker’s quick smoke generation and responsive temperature control are also highly regarded.
Pros
- quick smoke generation and responsive temperature control for ease of use
- suitable for a variety of meats and smoking styles.
- excellent build quality
Cons
- its large size might not be suitable for those with limited space
- Cooking Area (in2): 120
- Temperature Range (°F): NA
- Hopper Capacity: NA
- Item Dimensions (D x W x H): 12 x 10 x 20 inches
- Warranty: 1 year limited
If you’re in the market for a professional portable smoker, the EasyGoSmoker by Ziv’s smoker is an excellent option to consider.
With its compact carrying bag, you can take it anywhere you go, whether you’re camping, fishing, hiking, or tailgating.
It’s an easy-to-carry meat smoker that will always be a handy addition to your BBQ gear.
Constructed from a stainless steel tray and galvanized iron panels, this vertical smoker is built to last and ensure excellent durability over the years.
With approximately 120 square inches of cooking space you can enjoy a flavorful meal anywhere you go.
Setting up this vertical smoker is a breeze and can be done in just two minutes with a few simple steps.
It features easily removable trays and panels for quick grease clean-up with just a swipe.
The built-in thermometer reads both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales, and the convenient handle provides easy access to the top of the smoker.
The pellet measuring spoon allows you to fine-tune your flavor by adding pellets through a side loader door, eliminating the need to open the smoker during the cooking process.
Pros
- easy to assemble and disassemble for hassle-free smoking on the go
- built-in thermometer for precise temperature monitoring in Fahrenheit or Celsius
- hut-shaped design adds a unique touch to outdoor cooking
Cons
- may not be suitable for larger gatherings due to its size.
Buying Guide for Best Vertical Pellet Smokers
Size and Cooking Capacity
Size matters – in more ways than one!
The size of the smoker affects where you can put it. Got a big backyard with lots of room? Go crazy and get the largest model available.
Working with a small patio or balcony? You’ll want to look for something more compact. Remember, these smokers are designed to be space-efficient, but they still need a bit of room to breathe (and smoke!).
Also consider the cooking capacity. How much food you can fit in your smoker at one time depends on the size of the cooking chamber.
Do you regularly host big backyard parties? Or maybe you like to meal prep for the entire week? Then you’re going to need a smoker with lots of rack space.
On the other hand, if it’s just you and a couple of others, a smaller model should do the trick.
But here’s a pro tip: when in doubt, go a little bigger. It’s better to have a bit of extra space than to find out too late that you can’t fit that second rack of ribs in.
And don’t forget about the pellet hopper size. A larger hopper means longer cook times without refilling. So if you’re into slow-and-low smoking, make sure your hopper can handle the heat.
Temperature Control
In the world of smoking, this is a biggie. Because when it comes to smoking meat to perfection, it’s all about low and slow, and maintaining that perfect temp is crucial.
Now, with a vertical pellet smoker, you’re not just guessing the temperature or eyeballing a dial. Oh no, you’re in the driver’s seat, controlling the temperature with precision of digital control panels.
Digital temperature control means you can set your smoker to the exact degree you want. Want to smoke a brisket at 225°F? Done. Need to crank it up for a crispy pizza? No problem.
But here’s the real kicker. These systems can also automatically adjust the smoker’s temperature. They monitor the heat and tell the auger how many pellets to feed into the fire pot, keeping the temperature steady and your stress levels low.
Build Quality and Durability
It’s tempting to snag that budget smoker with all the bells and whistles, but hold your horses! When it comes to smokers, what you pay for is often what you get.
High-quality materials matter. They can handle the heat and stand up to the elements, especially if you’re planning to keep your smoker outdoors.
Think heavy-duty steel construction, high-quality grates, and a sturdy pellet hopper. These materials won’t rust or break down easily, which means your smoker will stay smoking for the long haul.
High-quality often means higher price. But consider this an investment, not an expense.
A well-built, durable smoker will save you money in the long run. No constant repairs, no replacement parts every few months. .
A good smoker is like a good friend – reliable, strong, and there when you need it most.
Additional Features
Alright, let’s wrap things up by talking about the cherries on top – the extra features. These are the things that can turn your smoking experience from great to downright awesome.
WiFi Control: Ever wished you could control your smoker from your couch, without having to miss that crucial football play? Well, dream no more! Some smokers come with WiFi control, meaning you can monitor and adjust the temperature, check the pellet levels, and even receive alerts when your food is ready, all from your smartphone. Talk about smoking in the 21st century!
Meat Probes: Want to know the exact internal temperature of your steak? A meat probe has got you covered. Just stick it in, and you can monitor the temperature without opening the smoker (and letting all that precious heat and smoke escape).
Ash Cleanout System: Let’s face it, nobody likes cleaning up after a long day of smoking. But with an ash cleanout system, it’s a breeze. Just pull a lever, and the ash is swept out of the firebox into a removable cup. It’s so easy, you’ll almost look forward to cleaning!
Maintaining Your Vertical Pellet Smoker
Alright, now let’s switch from the fun part of smoking to something a little less glamorous, but just as important: maintenance. Yep, your smoker might be a beast at cranking out mouthwatering meals, but it also needs a little TLC to keep doing its thing.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Why Clean Your Smoker?
First things first, why should you clean your smoker? Well, over time, grease, ash, and soot can build up in your smoker. This not only messes with your smoker’s performance (and your food’s flavor), but it can also become a fire hazard.
Regular cleaning helps keep your smoker in tip-top shape, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want their food tasting its absolute best?
When Should You Clean Your Smoker?
A good rule of thumb is to give your smoker a deep clean every 50 hours of cooking time or after you’ve burned through a 40lb bag of pellets. But, if you notice a buildup of soot or your smoker isn’t maintaining its temperature like it used to, it might be time for a clean.
How to Clean Your Vertical Pellet Smoker:
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to cleaning your smoker:
- Unplug and Cool Down: Safety first, folks. Make sure your smoker is completely cool before you start cleaning.
- Remove the Components: Take out the racks, drip tray, heat baffle, and any other removable parts.
- Scrape Off the Gunk: Use a plastic scraper or a brush to scrape off any residue from the components. Be careful not to damage the surfaces.
- Vacuum the Interior: Get in there with a shop vac and vacuum out any ash or leftover pellets from the fire pot and the bottom of the smoker.
- Clean the Components: Give the components a good scrub with warm, soapy water. Dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the smoker.
- Wipe the Interior: Using a damp cloth, wipe down the interior walls of the smoker. Avoid using harsh chemicals – you don’t want those flavors in your food!
- Check the Seals: Make sure the door seals are intact and clean. If they’re damaged, they might need replacing.
- Empty the Grease Bucket: Don’t forget to empty and clean the grease bucket. That stuff can become a fire hazard if left for too long.
Proper Storage
Alright, so you’ve got your smoker all shiny and clean. Now, let’s talk about how to store it when you’re not using it, like during those chilly off-season months.
The Role of Covers
First up, let’s chat about covers. Now, you might think, “Eh, it’s just a bit of rain, my smoker can handle it.” Sure, it might handle it, but it’s not going to love it. Constant exposure to the elements can cause your smoker to rust or deteriorate faster.
That’s where a good cover comes in. It keeps your smoker dry, blocks out dust and debris, and generally helps it weather the off-season in style. Look for a cover that’s waterproof and heavy-duty. You want it to be snug, but not too tight – you don’t want any moisture getting trapped inside.
The Right Storage Environment
Next up, let’s think about where to store your smoker. An ideal spot would be a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. Think a garage, shed, or even under a covered patio.
But wait, you might say, what if I don’t have any of those fancy storage options? No worries! Just make sure your smoker is on a flat, stable surface and well-covered. If possible, try to put it in a spot that’s shielded from the worst of the weather.
Is a Vertical Pellet Smoker Better than Horizontal?
When comparing vertical and horizontal pellet smokers, it’s important to consider your cooking style and needs. Vertical smokers are great for smoking larger cuts of meat or multiple items at once, thanks to their spacious interior and multiple racks. They also tend to have better temperature control and airflow, resulting in more consistent cooking.
On the other hand, horizontal pellet smokers are more versatile, allowing you to grill, smoke, and even bake using different cooking zones. They are also easier to access and tend to have larger cooking surfaces, making them suitable for feeding a crowd.
Ultimately, the choice between vertical and horizontal pellet smokers depends on your preferences and cooking goals. If you prioritize space, consistent smoking results, and ease of use, a vertical smoker may be better for you. However, if you value versatility and the ability to cook different types of food simultaneously, a horizontal smoker could be the way to go.
Final Thoughts
After extensive research and personal experience, we have identified the Pit Boss 5 Series as the best overall vertical pellet smoker.
Its ample cooking space, user-friendly digital controller, and large viewing window make it an ideal choice for BBQ enthusiasts.
Vertical pellet smokers offer a unique combination of convenience and traditional smoky flavor. Consider factors like size, cooking capacity, temperature control, and build quality when selecting the right smoker for your needs.
Now is the time to elevate your BBQ skills and enjoy the authentic taste of smoky meat. Choose the best vertical pellet smoker that suits your requirements and start creating mouthwatering dishes that will impress your family and friends.
