Vertical smokers are a unique type of smoker used for barbecuing and smoking meat and other foods. They have a vertical design that allows heat and smoke to efficiently circulate around the food for even cooking and maximum smoke absorption. Some key features of vertical smokers include multiple racks to allow large-scale smoking, a water pan for moisture and temperature regulation, and advanced temperature controls. The vertical design and tight seals lock in smoke and moisture. Many pitmasters prefer vertical smokers because the vertical airflow ensures consistent results every time. With proper seasoning and temperature control, vertical smokers can produce competition-quality smoked meats, vegetables, cheeses and more. Models from top brands like Weber, Bradley and Masterbuilt provide high-quality construction for years of backyard barbecue enjoyment. Vertical smokers are worth considering by any backyard chef looking to take their smoking game to the next level.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
Versatile charcoal smoker and grill with 1382 sq in cooking space, heavy gauge steel construction, multiple chrome cooking grates, cool touch handles, and temperature gauge with smoke zone indicators.
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D is the ultimate backyard cooker for smoking and grilling enthusiasts. This heavy-duty vertical offset charcoal smoker features a spacious 1382 square inch cooking capacity with multiple adjustable chrome-plated cooking grates, allowing you to smoke large quantities of food or grill up a feast for the whole family. The smoker’s vertical design circulates heat and smoke efficiently for slow cooking, while the offset side box allows for direct grilling at higher temperatures.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Large 1382 square inch total cooking space with 5 chrome-plated cooking grates
- Heavy-gauge steel body construction for durability and heat retention
- Cool-touch spring lid grip and handles for safe access to food
- Stainless steel temperature gauge with smoke zone indicators for ideal smoking temps
- Oversized steel wheels and side shelf for easy mobility and extra workspace
- Offset charcoal grate and removable ash pan for charcoal and ash management
- Pre-installed sausage hooks for additional cooking options
With its versatile design, spacious capacity, and quality construction, the Dyna-Glo Signature Series vertical offset charcoal smoker is the ultimate backyard cooker for grilling, smoking, roasting and more. Its customization options and heavy-duty build make it a long-lasting smoker and grill that will provide years of mouthwatering BBQ.
Pit Boss PB7000SP Wood Pellet Smoker
The Pit Boss PB7000SP is a large, vertical wood pellet smoker with 1853 sq. in. of cooking space across 6 adjustable racks. It features a dial-in digital control board and meat probe for precise temperature monitoring and control from 150-420°F. The heavy-duty stainless steel construction and large 55 lb. hopper provide durability and long, slow smoking capacity.
The Pit Boss PB7000SP Wood Pellet Smoker is an excellent choice for the serious barbecue enthusiast. This high-capacity vertical smoker provides ample cooking space to smoke large quantities of meat, fish, jerky, or other foods low and slow.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 1853 sq. in. of cooking area across 6 adjustable racks provides plenty of room for smoking multiple items
- Dial-in digital control board allows easy setting and monitoring of temperatures from 150-420°F
- Included meat probe helps monitor doneness without opening the smoker
- Durable stainless steel construction built to last
- Large 55 lb. pellet hopper for long, slow smoking times
- Smooth-rolling locking casters make it easy to move the smoker around
With generous cooking capacity, precise temperature control, and sturdy construction, the Pit Boss PB7000SP Wood Pellet Smoker is ideal for effortless smoking and true wood-fired flavor. Its vertical design helps maximize space and smoking efficiency.
Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker 18"
The Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker 18″ is a durable, portable charcoal smoker from the trusted Cuisinart brand. It has 510 square inches of cooking space across two steel racks and features dual adjustable air vents for temperature control.
The Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker 18″ is an excellent option for smoking meats, fish, vegetables, and more in your backyard. This vertical smoker is made by Cuisinart, known for quality grills and outdoor cooking appliances.
Key features and benefits:
- 18” stainless steel vertical barrel with porcelain enameled steel bowl to hold water for moisture
- 510 square inches of cooking space across two steel racks
- Dual adjustable air vents provide temperature control
- Porcelain-enameled steel water bowl for moisture and flavor
- Latching base and top for easy access to charcoal and water bowl
- Portable and space saving vertical design
- Sturdy steel construction built to last
With generous cooking capacity and easy temperature control, the Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker 18″ makes it simple to smoke a variety of foods. Its vertical design helps maintain consistent heat while taking up less space. Built by a leading brand, this charcoal smoker is an excellent addition for backyard barbecues and smoking.
Realcook Vertical Charcoal Smoker Grill
The Realcook 20-inch vertical charcoal smoker grill is a versatile 3-in-1 unit that can be used for smoking, grilling, and as a firepit. Features adjustable vents, water pan, thermometer, and porcelain-enameled steel construction.
The Realcook 20-inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker Grill is a high-quality, multifunctional backyard cooker. This 3-in-1 unit can be used as a traditional charcoal smoker, a grill, or even a firepit, making it extremely versatile for all your outdoor cooking needs. Constructed from porcelain-enameled steel, it is durable and designed to withstand high heat.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Multi-Layered Design: Can be used for smoking, grilling, steaming, baking, braising, and roasting with adjustable vents to control temperature. The catch clamp system allows for easy configuration.
- Dual Door Access: Convenient access doors on two levels allow you to check on food and add charcoal or wood chips without losing heat.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable air vents and built-in thermometer help maintain steady low temperatures inside for infusing smoke flavor.
- Large Capacity: 636 square inches of cooking surface on two chrome-plated cooking grates can accommodate large cuts of meat. Lid has four hooks for hanging.
- Portable & Easy to Assemble: Breaks down into four parts for compact storage and transport. Straightforward assembly takes 30-45 minutes.
The Realcook Vertical Charcoal Smoker Grill is the ideal backyard cooker for infusing your meats, vegetables and more with delicious smoky flavor. Its versatile design and quality construction make it a smart investment for years of outdoor cooking enjoyment.
Pit Boss 3 Series Digital Electric Vertical Smoker
The Pit Boss 3 Series Digital Electric Smoker is a high-quality electric smoker with 684 square inches of cooking space across 4 adjustable racks. It has a 1650 watt heating element and reaches temperatures from 100°F to 350°F for versatile smoking. The digital control panel makes it easy to set and monitor temperatures.
The Pit Boss 3 Series Digital Electric Smoker delivers premium smoking performance with innovative features. This electric smoker has ample 684 square inches of cooking space spread across 4 porcelain-coated racks that can be adjusted to multiple positions. It is powered by a 1650 watt heating element that allows you to precisely control smoking temperatures between 100°F to 350°F using the digital control panel.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Large front window provides easy monitoring without needing to open the door and lose heat and smoke.
- Elevated stand design makes loading and unloading easy.
- Oversized front load wood chip tray offers up to 2 hours of smoke per filling.
- Blanket insulation allows both low and high-temperature smoking up to 350°F.
- Comes with meat probe for monitoring internal food temperature.
- Locking caster wheels provide portability.
With innovative features and precise temperature control, the Pit Boss 3 Series Digital Electric Smoker takes your smoking game to the next level. Its superior insulation and heating power let you achieve perfect smoke at any temperature. Monitoring and loading are made easy with the front window and elevated stand. Overall an excellent electric smoker for beginners and experts alike.
Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D is a vertical offset charcoal smoker with 1890 square inches of cooking space across six adjustable cooking grates. This smoker features an offset firebox design for indirect heat and smoke flavoring.
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is an excellent option for smoking meats, vegetables and more. This smoker provides ample cooking space with its six height-adjustable cooking grates that offer a total of 1890 square inches.
Key Features:
- Offset firebox design keeps heat and smoke away from food for even cooking and enhanced smoke flavor.
- Porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber designed for heat efficiency and easy ash removal.
- Adjustable flue on stainless steel smokestack allows temperature control.
- Built-in thermometer with adjustable “Smoke Zone” indicator helps achieve perfect smoked foods.
- Pre-installed door seals retain heat and smoke for improved cooking efficiency.
- Removable rib racks and sausage hooks provide versatility.
- Large steel ash pan makes ash removal fast and simple.
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D smoker provides high-quality smoking performance and ample cooking capacity for the passionate barbecue enthusiast. Its offset firebox promotes indirect heat for infusing foods with delicious smoky flavor.
Bradley Smoker BS611 4-Rack Electric Smoker
The Bradley Smoker BS611 is a digital electric smoker with 4 removable smoking racks and over 500 sq inches of cooking space. It uses Bradley’s patented bisquette wood fuel system for up to 8 hours of controlled, even smoking. The insulated smoker body is designed for energy efficient smoking.
The Bradley Smoker BS611 4-Rack Electric Smoker is an excellent choice for effortless smoking at home. This digital electric smoker features Bradley’s unique bisquette wood fuel system, which automatically feeds pre-measured wood pucks into the smoker box for clean, controlled smoke flavor.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 4 removable smoking racks provide over 500 sq inches of cooking space to smoke large quantities of food
- Digital controls allow you to easily set the desired temperature and smoking time
- Insulated double-wall metal body is extremely energy efficient for electric smoking
- Automatic bisquette advance system provides up to 8 hours of continuous, even smoking
- Uses Bradley flavor bisquettes made from real wood for authentic smoke flavor
- Large capacity water bowl prevents meats from drying out
With generous cooking capacity and Bradley’s patented bisquette fuel system, the Bradley Smoker BS611 makes it easy to achieve delicious smoked flavor at home. This electric smoker takes the guesswork out of smoking so you can relax and tend to your guests.
Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt 30-inch digital electric smoker is an easy-to-use smoker with ample 711 sq in cooking space to smoke food for the whole family. It has a digital control panel to set temperature and time, four chrome-coated smoking racks, and a patented side wood chip loading system.
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker makes smoking food easy for beginners and experts alike. This electric smoker features digital controls to set the cooking temperature and time, so you don’t have to constantly monitor it. The ample 711 square inches of smoking space can accommodate food for the whole family.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Digital Panel: Easily set your desired smoking temperature and time with the digital control panel. No need to constantly monitor the smoker.
- Large Capacity: 711 sq in of smoking space accommodates food for the whole family. Fits multiple racks of ribs, brisket, and more.
- Four Chrome-Coated Racks: The four smoking racks are chrome-coated for easy cleaning and durability. Provides ample space to smoke a variety of foods.
- Side Wood Chip Loader: The patented side loader lets you add wood chips without losing smoke or heat. Experiment with different smoke flavors easily.
- Adjustable Smoke Damper: Control the smoke levels by adjusting the damper. Keep just the right amount of smoky flavor.
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker takes the guesswork out of smoking with its digital controls and ample space. Both beginners and experts will find this smoker easy and convenient to use for smoking a variety of delicious foods.
Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical LP Gas Smoker
The Pit Boss PBV3G1 vertical gas smoker is a high-quality smoker from a leading brand, offering 684 sq inches of cooking space, a dual burner system for temperature control, and convenient features like a viewing window and external ash tray.
The Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical LP Gas Smoker is an excellent choice for backyard barbecue enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use and versatile smoker. This smoker from the popular Pit Boss brand provides ample cooking space along with great temperature control and convenient design features.
Key Features:
- 684 sq inches of cooking area with 4 porcelain-coated cooking grids
- Dual stainless steel burner system with one dedicated to the wood chip tray
- Temperature range of 100°F – 320°F
- Large viewing window and exterior access smoke and ash trays
- 12,500 BTU burner with piezo ignition for fast and reliable lighting
- Durable stainless steel construction with hammered red finish
This vertical gas smoker from Pit Boss Grills offers exceptional smoking performance and convenience that makes it easy to achieve competition-quality BBQ right in your own backyard. The ample cooking space and precise temperature control allow you to smoke a variety of foods from brisket to ribs and more.
CUE WAY K1 Vertical Charcoal Smoker Combo
The CUE WAY K1 is a versatile 14-inch vertical charcoal smoker and grill combo. It features a triple-layered design for smoking, a built-in thermometer, and adjustable vents for temperature control. The compact size is great for small backyard gatherings.
The CUE WAY K1 Vertical Charcoal Smoker Combo is an excellent choice for beginners looking to add smokey barbecue flavor to meats, fish and more. This mid-sized smoker combo unit comes fully loaded with several handy features to help you master the art of smoking.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Triple-Layered Design: Bottom layer holds charcoals, while the two upper racks provide ample space to smoke a variety of foods. Includes a water pan for moisture.
- Built-in Thermometer: Monitor internal temp without having to open the lid.
- Adjustable Air Vents: Easily control air flow and temperature during the smoking process.
- Compact 14.5″ Size: Perfect for smaller backyard gatherings and apartment patios. Easily portable.
- 2-in-1 Design: The base removes to become a standalone 14″ charcoal grill. Versatile for all your outdoor cooking needs.
- Quality Materials: Durable stainless steel construction designed to last.
The CUE WAY K1 Vertical Charcoal Smoker Combo packs versatility and quality into one compact unit. The perfect addition for backyard chefs looking to elevate their barbecue game.
