10 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers 2020 Reviews

While there’s nothing quite like cooking slow ‘n’ low using a smoker, only the best vertical smoker will ensure your BBQs, steaks, pork, ribs, bacon, pizzas, vegetables and meats are juicy, tasty, smoky and well flavored. You won’t ever have to complain about uneven cooking or erratic temperature or any of the difficulties that come with other types of smokers.

While we acknowledge that there are many other products out there, you deserve the best and that is what you will get in this article. So, what are you still waiting for? Hop in and let’s take a ride to the smoky island!

Top 10 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers for the Money

After extensive research and a market survey by our team of experts, we were able to come up with not just one but ten amazing products. Here we will be reviewing these products with a view of helping you arrive at a good choice. They include:

1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

Features:

Fuel type: Charcoal
BBQ Material: Porcelain
Grate Material: Plated Steel
Warranty: 10 years on lid and bowl, 5 years on its plastic parts, 2 years on other parts
Dimension: 48.5 x 23 x 24 (H x W x D)
Model: 731001

Looking for a solid, long-lasting, and practical charcoal smoker? Then look no further than Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. This product not only has the backing of a good brand name behind it but also has an impressive warranty too. It is designed specifically to ensure smoking is easy and enjoyable and that the meals produced are those that will have everyone craving for more.

Besides, the product has a hard-wearing porcelain-enameled steel body along with an elongated kettle body featuring high-quality dampers that ensures that both smoke and temperature control are easy to operate. It features a separate fuel door that can be used to add wood pellets and charcoal chips into the smoker while the stainless-steel racks can be loaded with meat.

Also, Weber is compatible with the brand’s meat probe (called iGrill 2), this sends accurate temperature readings to your mobile device to alert you when your meat is ready. The product is available in three different sizes. It is not just a solid smoker, it can double as a compact barbecue too, thereby giving you more value for your money.

Pros:

It is durable with a 10-year warranty
It has a small footprint
High-quality dampers ensure accurate smoke and temperature control
It is compact

Cons:

Features no handy hook to place the lid
Smoke leak from the door

2. Camp Chef Vertical XXL Pellet Smoker

Features:

Fuel type: Wood pellets
BBQ Material: Stainless steel
Grate Material: Not stated
Warranty: 3 years
Dimension: 55 x 24 x 15.5 (H x W x D)
Model: PGVXXL

If you would rather have a pellet smoker than a charcoal smoker, then this is a good choice to consider. The XXL smoker has three jerky racks, four meat racks, a sausage rack, and twelve hooks; there is no doubt that its big and ideal for a large number of people.

The smoker being the latest 2020 model comes with all the latest technologies and improvements including digital temperature control, dual-meat probes, and smart smoke technology. Camp Chef Vertical XXL Pellet Smoker allows you to just set and forget it, giving you the freedom to do other things while your meat cooks perfectly.

While smoking can be considered fun, its clean-up process is nothing like that, this is why many dread using smokers. However, this product takes care of that for you. It features a grease and ash management system that ensures the smoker and its environment are clean and tidy in mere minutes.

Pros:

Precise temperature control
The internal fan circulates heat for even cooking
Easy cleanup system
Large cooking capacity

Cons:

May be considered too big for a small family
Smoke often leaks

3. Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker

Features:

Fuel type: Charcoal
BBQ Material: Gauge steel
Grate Material: Chrome-plated steel
Warranty: 1 year
Dimension: 50.2 x 35 x 21 (H x W x D)
Model: DGO1176BDC-D

Imagine having a high-quality, practical, and yet easy-to-use smoker with a low price-tag, impossible you say? Well, this and more is what Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Smoker offers you. As an offset smoker, you are sure to get a product with the unique slow ‘n’ low cooking that gives your meat just the right flavor, smokiness, and taste.

Additionally, the product is made of heavy-duty steel, this ensures it lasts long. Although it’s thinner than models with a high price tag, it’s still a product worth investing in. Furthermore, it’s 784 square inches which feature six grates that can accommodate 100lbs of food per time.

There is also minimal loss of heat loss owing to its dual door design. Also, it is versatile with an adjustable flue as well as a handy temperature gauge for precise control. It features a steel ash pan which is big enough to contain a sizeable amount of ash, hence preventing messy clean up at the end.

Pros:

It has a low price-tag
Offset design to give a traditional slow ‘n’ low cooking
Large ash pan for a minimal cleanup
Large cooking capacity

Cons:

Thinner steel box leading to greater heat loss
Often comes apart if the parts and joints are not reinforced

4. Pit Barrel Co.Cooker

Features:

Fuel type: Charcoal
BBQ Material: 18-gauge steel, porcelain-enameled
Grate Material: Regular or stainless steel
Warranty: 1 year
Dimension: 21 x 31.1 x 21 (H x W x D)
Model: Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package

If you look beyond the plain design of this barbecue smoker, you will discover a device that is super easy to use while offering the best-smoked meat you ever ate. Its vertical design shortens smoking time by creating a vertical shaft of smoke and heat that targets your meat just where and how you want it to. It’s a set and forget device, hence you are free to go about other business after firing it up.

Moreover, the full package comes with all the hooks and racks that enable cooking flexibility, this way you can cook your meat anyhow you want to. It also comes with some dry rubs that allow you to use it immediately without the need to season the device.

Also, Pit Barrel Co.Cooker features a coal basket which can contain just the right amount of charcoal to give a perfect cook. There are eight stainless steel hooks to hang your meat with a standard grate that is used for searing and grilling of meats.

Pros:

Can be used to smoke or grill
Ease of use
Has a faster cooking time than other models
Does not require a constant temperature check

Cons:

Burning due to non-availability of extra-long BBQ gloves
Some vital accessories missing

5. Backwoods Chubby 3400 Charcoal Smoker

Features:

Fuel type: Charcoal
BBQ Material: Stainless steel
Grate Material: Nickel-plated wire
Warranty: 1 year
Dimension: 29 x 21 x 20.5 (H x W x D)
Model: Chubby 3400

Backwoods Chubby 3400 Charcoal Smoker is one smoker you can’t afford to miss out on if you take smoking seriously. Not only will it meet up with your consistent demand and use, but it will also be your loyal servant and will never fail you for many years to come. Weighing only 130lbs, it can be taken on camping trips, beach outings, and tailgates. With this, you can cook a brisket, rack of ribs, leg, and thigh and a pork rub all at once.

Besides, it is versatile as it can be used as a smoker and a grill too, all you need do is remove the water pan, and just like that, the smoker becomes a grill or BBQ pit. We like that it requires no assembling; it is superbly insulated, making it ideal for use in cooler climates.

Pros:

It has a versatile use
Internal stainless steel makes it easy to clean after use
Requires no assembly
Quality latch to prevent smoke and heat leak

Cons:

Too short to stand on its own
Warranty is rather too short

6. Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker

Features:

Fuel type: Digital electric
BBQ Material: Stainless steel
Grate Material: Coated wire
Warranty: 1 year
Dimension: 17 x 14 x 31 (H x W x D)
Model: BTDS76P

Another product that made it to our list is the Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker. It is well-knitted and packed full of all the technological extras that make it the ideal smoker for every home. It has a stainless-steel cooking chamber; this makes it rust-resistant. It features an epoxy coated exterior wall, with a dual-layered smoker box that prevents heat dissipation while also making it easy to clean.

We love that it has automatic control features, all you need do is to set the temperature to your preferred temperature, load up your meat, and then forget all about it. There are two heating elements, one ensures the cooking temperature is well regulated while the other controls the level of smoke generated, this is a unique feature as it ensures you have greater control over how much smokiness your meat has.

Furthermore, it has an auto-feed briquette system, this way you never have to run out of a steady supply of wood chips. That’s not all, the product also has a remote control with an auto-off feature, this ensures you never have to overcook your meals.

Pros:

The product comes in 16 different flavors to provide a variety of options
Ash cleaner ensures easy cleanup
The auto-off feature prevents overcooking of meat
Dual heating element for more temperature and smoke control

Cons:

Bradley briquette is required to use the auto-feed feature
Does not hold heat

7. Masterbuilt Thermo Temp Propane Smoker

Features:

Fuel type: Digital electric
BBQ Material: Stainless steel
Grate Material: Coated wire
Warranty: 1 year
Dimension: 17 x 14 x 31 (H x W x D)
Model: BTDS76P

If you will rather have a gas smoker than wood pellets or charcoal, then ensure Masterbuilt Thermo Temp Propane Smoker doesn’t pass you by. The distinguishing factor between this product and the regular ones on the market is its amazing temperature control.

It features a patent-pending ThermoTemp technology, this allows the temperature sensor to regulate the burner, hence preventing fluctuations that may affect the outcome of your meat. Also, it features an in-built heat diffuser, this ensures that heat is evenly distributed.

While all these features are amazing, it gets even better; it comes with a safety valve that turns off the flame when there is no flame, hence you won’t ever have to run out of gas while it’s in use owing to its fuel level gauge which ensures users can see how much propane is left in the tank.

Moreover, it is made of sturdy material, with the wood chip tray having its door while the smoker, in general, has an impeccable design. It minimizes heat loss while maximizing the meat’s flavor and smokiness.

Pros:

Two sizes available to choose from
Nifty fuel gauge indicates propane level
Safety valve to prevent a gas explosion
Wood chips and water can be added mid-cook owing to its double door design

Cons:

The glass door becomes foggy when cooking starts
It is heavy

8. Dyna Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill

Features:

Fuel type: Charcoal/Wood
BBQ Material: Heavy gauge steel
Grate Material: Chrome-plated
Warranty: 1 year
Dimension: 45.2 x 24.9 x 58.8 (H x W x D)
Model: DGSS1382VCS-D

From the stables of Dyna comes yet another amazing product this time it’s the Dyna Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill. It’s an unconventional model, as the heat is offset from the meat, however, this is not necessarily a bad thing when smoking. It’s a well-equipped smoker with lots of nice perks such as its coiled steel door.

Besides, its offset heat box enables you to smoke in the main box while also barbecuing your meat, a nice feature if you ask me. The sensors are functional with the seals completely up to scratch. The ash pan can be easily taken out using its drawer handle and cleaned without much hassle. This cooking device has heavy-duty wheels that make it easy to move the unit around. Furthermore, it features many racks and several other hooks for hanging your utensils and other items.

Pros:

It is sturdy and well built
Compact design
Offset for even distribution of heat
Ease of maintenance

Cons:

Large footprint
High price-tag

9. Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Bandera Smoker and Grill

Features:

Fuel type: Wood/wood chips/charcoal
BBQ Material: Heavy-gauge steel
Grate Material: Porcelain-coated
Warranty: Not specified
Dimension: 42 x 28 x 66 (H x W x D)
Model: 15202020

Just before we round up our list, it’s important we also review this product. We like that it’s not just a smoker but a grill as well, making it the ideal choice for those looking to optimize their cooking options while also saving space. This smoker is so versatile that it can be used with wood, charcoal, or woodchips with the unit featuring 992 square inches of cooking space.

Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Bandera Smoker and Grill is large enough to cater for parties of 8 or more people and is a great option for those looking for a smoker/grill combination. It possesses 4 adjustable cooking grates, with two meat hanging hooks, and a rib rack set thereby making it not just versatile but easy to use.

Also, the ash removal is stress-free, this ensures that clean-up is easy and efficient. It also possesses a storage shelf; this gives you a place to store your grilling and cooking accessories while its two wheels are made sturdy and strong to bear the heavyweight of the unit and ensure good and efficient maneuverability.

Pros:

Large cooking surface
Efficient and stress-free ash removal
Grill and smoker combination
The different fuel source for versatility

Cons:

Paint peels off easily
Firebox rusts after sometime

10. Pit Boss Grills 77435 Vertical Lp Gas Smoker

Features:

Fuel type: Lp Gas
BBQ Material: Stainless steel
Grate Material: Porcelain-coated
Warranty: 1 year
Dimension: 21.5 x 23 x 47 (H x W x D)
Model: 77435

Having started on a high note, it’s only right we keep right at it and conclude on a high note too. Pit Boss Grills 77435 Vertical Lp Gas Smoker is everything you need in a vertical smoker and more. It’s neither fully powered by gas nor is a traditional smoker in any way, shape, and form, hence it is ideal for those who love innovation and great designs.

This product has a small cooking area hence it is only suitable for a small-sized family and not a large gathering. It features a big glass door; this helps you maintain the internal temperature without having to open it.

Besides, it features a dual valve/dual burner system that provides a temperature that is within 100 to 350^oF with three porcelain coated cooking grids, stainless steel burners, and external access to grease tray and wood chip drawer.

Pros:

Low price tag
Compact cooking area
Lightweight and easily moveable
Versatile and innovative

Cons:

Absence of charcoal flavor
Not suitable for a large gathering

Best Vertical Smokers – Buying Guide

Now that we are done reviewing not one but ten of the best products on the market, it’s time to look closely at vertical smokers themselves to discover more. In this buying guide, we will take you through the factors that will facilitate a good choice, but beyond that, we will also share some tips that will help you get the best of your vertical smoker.

Why You Should Purchase A High-Quality Vertical Smoker

There are many vertical smokers on the market no doubt, and I’m sure they all perform the same basic functions, but what differentiates one from the other is the quality of the product. A vertical smoker of high-quality features good, effective welds and seals. A high-quality smoker isn’t cheap, but will also not cost an arm and a leg to purchase.

Manufacturers who are looking to produce a smoker that is relatively affordable for those on a tight budget will reduce the number and the quality of the vents. However, it’s important to remember that smokers cook low ‘n’ slow, up to 16 hours and sometimes all through the night, hence the better the welds and vents, the better the results produced.

A poor-quality smoker may be cheap, but it will require more time and attention. You wouldn’t want to leave such a smoker and go about your duty as the fear of something going wrong will always be at the back of your mind, thereby robbing you of valuable time that could have been used doing something productive. A low-grade smoker will require the constant opening of the lid and turning of the meat which in turn will affect the juiciness, smokiness, and flavor of the meat.

A high-quality product ensures the inner smoking temperature is kept within the required 250^oF, this is owing to its good seals and vents. Thus, having a product of high quality is important as this way you are guaranteed of long-lasting use and good, tasty meats.

Factors to Consider When Buying A Vertical Smoker

With the many products available on the market, it’s easy to get confused or just go for the first product that catches your fancy. This is not a good way to select a product as you are bound to apply sentiments rather than practicality when making a choice. To avoid this from happening, we have put together some factors you ought to consider before making a choice. They include:

Weight and Dimension

A heavy smoker isn’t necessarily a bad thing, its probably because the unit is made of thick gauge steel, a feature that is great for heat retention and even distribution of smoke and heat. When a smoker is light, it probably means it’s made of aluminum, this is not ideal as it does not smoke as good as those made of heavier materials.

Hence, consider a heavy product rather than a light weighed one. However, it’s important that while the product is heavy, it should also have strong and sturdy wheels that can bear its weight as this makes it easy to maneuver, store, transport, and move around the home or anywhere else you want it.

Range of Temperature

This is another factor that will facilitate a good choice. If you are going to be searing a lot, then you need a product with a temperature as high as 500^oF while for poultry, a smoker with a temperature of 400^oF will do just fine. However, if you are going to be cooking slow ‘n’ low, then the temperature range does not matter.

Cooking Area & Number of Racks

The larger and bigger the smoker, the more cooking racks it can accommodate. If you are used to hosting large gatherings, then you may want to consider getting a product with enough room for everything you want to smoke. Its quite tedious cooking and smoking in bits, hence consider the size of your family and how often you host parties before making a purchase.

Warranty

The importance of product warranty cannot be overemphasized. A good warranty gives you the needed confidence to make a purchase. The longer the warranty, the better for you; even if the seal does fall off, break or crack, you can always get a replacement or even refund.

Most products have at least a one-year warranty while others have as much as ten years and even more.

FAQs on Best Vertical Smoker

Q: What good is a vertical smoker?

A: Vertical smokers produce meat with great flavor. They are easy to use with the fast and easy cleanup process after use, much easier than other types of smokers. They also do not bellow lots of smoke. This and more makes it worth investing in.

Q: Are vertical smokers better than horizontal smokers?

A: While vertical smokers can roast and smoke neatly, they cannot grill. Also, the source of heat is often far from the meat. On the other hand, horizontal pellet smokers can bake, grill, smoke, and even broil. However, vertical smokers tend to be more superior than horizontal smokers

Q: How do I clean my vertical smoker?

A: To clean your vertical smoker, simple trash the ash and pellets in the ashtray after use, and thereafter wash the racks using soap and water.

Q: How difficult is it to assemble a smoker?

A: Most vertical smokers are easy to assemble. They feature the instruction manual along with nuts and bolts to ensure assembling is easy and straight forward.

Conclusion

If asked to pick a favorite out of the products reviewed, we probably will spend all day at it. Not only are these products made of high quality, long-lasting materials, but they are also built to serve you well. The meals gotten from these grillers will have your family and friends commending your great culinary skills.

Rather than stop at the review, we went further to bring you buying guides and factors that will help you make a good choice; we also answered the frequent question you may have been asking. Now, you truly have no excuse anymore. So, go ahead and make a choice, you will be glad you did.

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