Best Vertical Smokers Of 2023
After spending hours researching we recommend:
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black
What We Liked
- Can be easily assembled
- Delivers amazing results
- Works well as a smoker
- Features a five-year warranty for essential parts
- Features a two-year warranty for excluded parts
- Vents are easily accessible
- Vents grant more control overheat and smoke output
- The small size cannot be easily noticed
Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
What We Liked
- The door seal is safe, so the smoke remains the same
- It can handle a consistent temperature
- You can add more smoke chips without having to lose warmth or heat
Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
What We Liked
- Simple to maintain and clean
- Can be easily used by beginners
- Very cheap
- Makes use of high-quality materials
- Features a compact design
Best Vertical Smokers Of 2023
The prices for vertical smokers vary greatly, and so does the quality. One of the main factors to consider when searching for the best vertical smokers for the money is that it has to be one that has good seals and welds in other to be effective.
One way to know how good the smoke is going to be is the cost, to a large extent. To maintain and effectively control temperature, you need to have the best options about welds and seals, and even vents.
Apart from this, one of the first cost-cutting exercises a manufacturer will turn to when creating a budget smoker is reducing the number of, and quality of vents.
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Buying Guide for Best Vertical Smokers
Temperature range
This would depend on how flexible you want your smoker to be. If you’re going to need it to sear the odd steak as a part of your Super Bowl gathering, then you need to go for something that can get to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, then the temperature range should be an issue that you need to consider well.
Warranty
Warranty is always a must-have feature for any smoker. The more extended the warranty, the better off you’ll be in case a seal fails or something cracks or breaks.
A more extended warranty is a good sign that significantly refers to how much confidence the manufacturer has in their product too.
And warranty length is mostly proportional to how excellent the after-sales service is. A great warranty is always a good thing, so you still need to consider this before you decide to spend a big chunk of cash
Dimensions and weight
Heavy is ideal, primarily because it means that your smoker is designed using thickly gauged steel, which is perfect for heat retention and an even distribution during the process of smoking.
Smokers that are manufactured from lighter-weight metals like aluminium don’t smoke as well as the heavier ones.
Top 8 Best Vertical Smokers
1.
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black is designed in three distinct sizes, and each user has his/her preference based on the number of folks they plan to cook for.
What We Liked
- Can be easily assembled
- Delivers amazing results
- Works well as a smoker
- Features a five-year warranty for essential parts
- Features a two-year warranty for excluded parts
- Vents are easily accessible
- Vents grant more control overheat and smoke output
- The small size cannot be easily noticed
What We Didn't Like
- No built-in method of storing the hood when using meats
- The built-in thermometer is not so accurate
- The door is not so rust-proof, and it can be improved on
Detailed description
For a single user, one pork butt could be easily handled on the 14-inch grill. For other users, the 14-inch rack was a bit small because they prepared turkey or spatchcock full pork belly. Once they found the ideal sizes for them, the actual cooking or grilling was very okay for practically everyone.
The grill can be easily used and cleaned. Some users in the past tried to win BBQ competitions while making use of it since it heats up fast and can quickly light a fire.
This comes in three different sizes, i.e., there is the 14-inch grill which has been designed for small gatherings and the 18-inch grill designed for more significant groups, and finally the 22-inch grill that can be used for mainly commercial purposes.
There is virtually a size for almost any type of meeting you have planned. It features two steel grates that provide for enough room for preparing a lot of food at a go.
It comes with an in-built thermometer that helps to monitor the temperature inside and also easily change it if the need arises. It has a porcelain coating to aid in preventing any occurrence of rusting. You would also find that adding fuel is relatively easy.
2.
Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
You don’t exactly need a soothsayer to tell you that the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is one of the best insulated electric smoker choices available on the market today.
What We Liked
- The door seal is safe, so the smoke remains the same
- It can handle a consistent temperature
- You can add more smoke chips without having to lose warmth or heat
What We Didn't Like
- The heating element can be cycled better
Detailed description
This smoker comes with a digital control panel. This offers you enough space to switch on the unit or switch it off, while you still check the time, as you keep an eye on the temperature.
You would find that there are about four chrome-coated racks, which can be quite easy and straightforward to clean. This also makes sure that there is improved durability so that they would last for a while.
You can load on the wood chips without needing to open the door, which leads to the smoker. This helps to keep and maintain the smoke inside during the space of the cooking. The smoker body comes fully insulated.
This, in turn, makes it much easier to keep a temperature whenever you are trying to cook consistently. You would also be able to enjoy more consistent smoking basically because of the temperature control, which has already been integrated.
You need to make sure that you cut the racks of ribs in half to make sure that they are fitted in the smoker. However, the ribs tend to cook more evenly and fall off the bone once they are done cooking.
This smoker is a bit smaller when you compare it to some other models. This makes it quite ideal when you have limited outdoor space, as this can be easily fitted onto your patio or porch.
3.
Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
The Dyna-Glo Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker is a perfect little unit that offers you a fair amount of bang for the buck.
What We Liked
- Quite durable
- Amazing features
- Has a unique design which aids even cooking
What We Didn't Like
- Bigger footprint
- Not for people who want just a vertical smoker
Detailed description
This is a perfect smoker from a renowned manufacturer, and you won’t go wrong here if you’re seeking to get a dependable unit that has useful stable features and the capacity to cram in a lot of food.
This model offers you about 1900 square inches of cooking space, and that’s not so bad when you consider some factors. You get access to enamelled trays with this model and lots of grates, to make different cooking types of vegetables and meats a breeze.
The design of this unit is not the same as traditionally made smokers, simply because the heat is offset, although not in the average proportion of what you get with using proper offset units.
This example is somewhat a hybrid because it is very functional and also a good move since it offers you that extra space to smoke, while still avoiding the problems of food cooking at the bottom of the unit, the way you get that with different smokers that have their heat in line with food.
This design of this vertical smoker would go well for a lot of people, and it certainly looks authentic, with the heavy powder coat that’s proofed to function against relatively high temperatures.
4.
Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill
Another vertical smoker on this review is the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill.
What We Liked
- It is well-built
- Quite portable
- Offset for even cooking
What We Didn't Like
- It has a bigger footprint
Detailed description
This is one unconventional unit of a smoker because the heat is offset from the food, but like we explained earlier, that it is not even a bad thing with smoking.
This is a very well equipped vertical smoker, and you get to enjoy lots of nice touches, for instance, the coiled steel door handle which is safer to use than going for a solid steel handle, every time. The offset heat box infers that you can make BBQ items while you still smoke in the main table, which is a great feature that you don’t get every day.
The sensors work incredibly well, and all the seals are entirely up to date on this unit as well. The ash pan on the offset box is designed in the form of a handy drawer so that you can clean this out easily between cooks without having any issues at all, thus ensuring that everything is so lovely and dust-free.
The unit also comes with some steel wheels that make this vertical smoker very easy to move around or inside to get it out of the rain and wind. Again, this is not exactly a traditional vertical smoker, but it does a lovely job of making any type of outdoor food that you could ever want.
There are so many racks and even different meat hooks inside, and we can guarantee to the best of our knowledge that you would have an enjoyable experience with the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill.
5.
Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is a great smoker primarily because of the 505 square inches of cooking surface it offers you, among others.
What We Liked
- Simple to maintain and clean
- Can be easily used by beginners
- Very cheap
- Makes use of high-quality materials
- Features a compact design
What We Didn't Like
- Analogue controls can be a bit difficult to use
- The power cord is short. Hence you need an extension cord
- Door lock system doesn’t function properly
Detailed description
This smoker can easily take in chickens and full turkeys, as well as smaller foods. The smoker has up to three chrome-plated racks which can be easily adjusted so that you can switch things up the way you need to cook the meals that you like and enjoy.
Although it does not feature digital temperature controls, the Char-Broil Vertical is quite durable, and it also comes with double-wall construction. What this can be interpreted to mean is that it has been insulated to help you keep heat inside, thus making the smoking process easier and faster.
The temperature needs to be very consistent to ensure that your food gets cooked evenly, no matter what you have inside. There is also a water pan plus a wood chip box which is included with the product so that after you pop them on, you can then commence smoking your most preferred foods.
About the cleaning process, this smoker has an above-average rating when you compare it with other competitors. You could also take the racks out to wash or wipe down after taking out your leftovers. It comes with a grease trap which can be effortlessly and quickly removed to clean once you’re done using it.
Apart from that, the inside of the smoker could be wiped down by making use of a cloth to remove oil, dirt, or even debris which is left from the food. As an intending user, you would find that the Char-Broil Vertical Smoker offers a perfect way for you to smoke different types of food, as it has a massive smoking chamber which allows you to smoke bigger meat chunks.
There are three cast-iron cooking grates which offer you the space to prepare different types of meat all at once.
The 1500 W heating element and front-mounted temperature gauge both guarantees that the heat produced stays constant. In summary, this is a solid unit which is best suited for someone who is trying to figure out if smoking foods is the next thing for them.
6.
Pit Boss Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker
The Pit Boss Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker is a perfect unit, as it is designed entirely by the prestigious and well-renowned Pit Boss brand.
What We Liked
- Quite affordable
- Small cooking area
- Lightweight and small
What We Didn't Like
- Has no charcoal flavour
Detailed description
This is a gas-powered vertical smoker, and it’s not in any way traditional, as the shape and form are modern as well.
So, if you’re an old fashioned meat smoker and you’re not a fan of innovations or different design, then you would need to move on since there’s nothing for you to see here.
This unit offers a small cooking area for a vertical smoker. It only gives you the capacity of a domestic sized offset barrel smoker, which is not bad for feeding the family, indeed. Although, you would struggle a bit with trying to cook for a more massive party when you use this model, so note that before going ahead to purchase.
If you like hosting big gatherings, you’ll need to have alongside you a traditional BBQ on the go, to ensure that your people don’t go hungry.
There is a big glass door on this unit that is an excellent idea because if you do not have to open it often to be able to see what’s going on inside, so that’s going to help you keep to a stable temperature than when you have to open the door frequently, and it’s a classy touch if a bit unusual.
Summarily, this is an ideal option if you do not plan on cooking massive amounts of food and you would prefer not to be stuck with cleaning up after charcoal. It is a bit small, but it’s immaculate and helps bring smoking to smaller yards.
7.
Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow SH19079518 Digital Electric Smoker, Black
The Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker is one of the most portable, best and durable outdoor electric smoker options that you have available on this list.
What We Liked
- The unit can be heated up fast
- Controlling the temperature is simple and very easy
- Sufficient insulation and spacious inside
What We Didn't Like
- The heater element does not work well
Detailed description
This unit features a digital control panel which gives you the room to turn the unit on and off easily and quickly. This element also enables you to monitor the time and cooking temperature efficiently. The body of the smoker is fully insulated.
This ensures that the heat can enjoy consistency. It also keeps the smoke inside the chamber to afford you the chance of experiencing the power and full cooking flavour of the wood chips. You can easily control how much smoke you use for preparing your food.
You can accomplish this easily by adjusting the air damper. If you would want to add moisture to your meats, then you would find that the removable water bowl can be quickly filled. This unit can be cleaned and maintained easily.
The drip pan tends to slide out in a way that you can quickly pour out the grease while it’s still on. When you go through different electric smokers reports, you would, in turn, see and know what the real customers have to say about this product.
People who don’t make use of smokers often have noted that this particular product is simpler even to use and assemble. The temperature can be set easily, thus making sure that you enjoy consistency whenever you cook.
8.
Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe's Bandera Smoker and Grill
The Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Bandera Smoker and Grill are another smart addition by the Char-broil brand as this combination of grill and smoker have left so many enthusiasts drooling all over.
What We Liked
- Large cooking space
- Combination smoker and grill
- Hassle-free ash removal
What We Didn't Like
- Firebox starts rusting after years of constant usage
- The paint tends to peel
Detailed description
The Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Bandera Smoker and Grill are, just like the name suggests, a combination of a smoker and a grill, thus making it a perfect choice for consumers who are seeking to maximize their cooking alternatives in such limited space.
This smoker can make use of wood, charcoal, and woodchips for fuel, as the unit provides an incredible 992 square inches of cooking space, plus about 738 square inches of which can stay in the smoker alone. And the user can choose between cooking on either surface separately, and even both at the same time.
The combination smoker/grill can conveniently cook for parties of 8 or more individuals, so it is thus a perfect choice for consumers who are looking for a smoker or large grill. However, some users have noted that the paint on the grill peeled off after just the first use.
This does not always affect the usability of the appliance, as it is just its appearance, and many users just opted to repaint it with high-temperature paint to ensure it still looks nice. Some customers have noted that their firebox had to be replaced because of rust after a while, although a lot of people liked this cold smoker.
This smoker has about four adjustable cooking grates plus a rib rack set as well as two meat hanging hooks, which thus makes it quite versatile and easy to use. It is also important to mention that the ash removal is hassle-free, which therefore makes it simple to keep clean, and it works efficiently.
You would find that there is also a storage shelf that is designed to help you keep your grilling and smoking accessories close by.
Finally, it comes with two wheels that aid better manoeuvrability, which is lovely and splendid because this beast weighs up to 192 pounds.
Conclusion
The Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker, Black is one of the best vertical smokers in this review.
For a single user, one pork butt could be easily handled on the 14-inch grill. For other users, the 14-inch rack was a bit small because they prepared turkey or spatchcock full pork belly. Once they found the ideal sizes for them, the actual cooking or grilling was very okay for practically everyone.
The grill can be easily used and cleaned. Some users in the past tried to win BBQ competitions while making use of it since it heats up fast and can quickly light a fire.
This comes in three different sizes, i.e., there is the 14-inch grill which has been designed for small gatherings and the 18-inch grill designed for more significant groups, and finally the 22-inch grill that can be used for mainly commercial purposes.
There is virtually a size for almost any type of meeting you have planned. It features two steel grates that provide for enough room for preparing a lot of food at a go.
It comes with an in-built thermometer that helps to monitor the temperature inside and also easily change it if the need arises. It has a porcelain coating to aid in preventing any occurrence of rusting. You would also find that adding fuel is relatively easy.