We hope you love the products we recommend. TheMeatHouseBlog.com may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from Amazon Associates or other vendors. Read more here.
Vertical smokers are ideal for infusing your meals with the delicious aromas and tastes of a traditional wood-fired BBQ. You can savor the flavors from the melt-in-your-mouth food long after the meal is over, and your guests will rave about their dinner for weeks.
There are numerous excellent models on the market, and you can choose the best vertical smoker that matches our requirements for size, aesthetics, power source, features, and budget.
We’ve reviewed a selection of the most effective and efficient vertical smokers so you can find the one that meets your needs.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Wide temperature range
- Easy clean stainless steel drip pan
- Proudly made in the USA
This enormous vertical smoker offers a generous 1,008 in² of cooking surface area, allowing you to prepare up to 50 pounds of food at once. Cook meat, fish, and vegetables simultaneously using the four durable nickel-plated shelves.
You can quickly move this unit into the shadiest or sunniest area of your backyard using the four lockable caster wheels for smoking in the most comfortable conditions. While there are several excellent rival models, for the best vertical smoker on the market, buy the Cookshack Amerique SM066 Electric Smoker.
Top 11 Best Vertical Smoker Reviews
This model arrives complete with everything you need to start smoking right out of the box. You can be confident you’ve prepared food thoroughly using the included meat thermometer, and the top-mounted LED panel allows you to monitor the unit’s performance.
Set the temperature as low as 140°F and spend a lazy afternoon in the backyard while your meal smokes to perfection, or fire it up to 300°F for rapid results. There’s no need to check on your vertical smoker if you’re busy, as it maintains the preset temperature to ensure your meat is moist and tender.
The four locking casters allow you to quickly wheel your vertical smoker to the best outdoor cooking location. You only require a seven amps/120V/1000W power supply to smoke your meals as soon as the delivery arrives at your door.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re ready to invest in the best vertical wood smoker available, look no further than this remarkable substantial-sized unit from Cookshack. It makes smoking large quantities of food easy and enjoyable.
Pros
- Extra-large cooking surface area
- LED panel displays the cooking temperature
- Meat probe for added food safety
Cons
- Quite an expensive vertical smoker
This feature-packed vertical smoker proves you can purchase a quality model at a budget price. The thermostat control has low, medium, and high settings, enabling you to cook various sized meats at the most suitable heat level.
The freestanding design and light 25 pounds weight allows you to position it anywhere in your backyard, while the 351 in² of cooking space is ideal for small batch smoking.
For the best results, it’s essential to keep the water and charcoal at optimum levels. The sliding access door means you have immediate access to the smoke chamber to ensure there is always a steady supply of fuel and water to keep your smoking process continuing throughout the day.
Who Should Get This?
This is the ideal model if you’re looking for a high-quality vertical smoker that provides powerful performance at an affordable price. It’s the perfect choice for anyone shopping on a budget.
Pros
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Uses a CUL-listed heating element
- Plugs into standard household electrical sockets
Cons
- May not be as robust as some rival models
Cookshack continues to produce exceptional outdoor smoking equipment with this effective vertical smoker. The stainless steel construction and 850°F and Spin-Glas insulation ensure a consistent temperature during the food preparation period. The 35 pound capacity means there is plenty of room for a variety of meats and vegetables.
There is plenty of space on top of the unit for holding snacks and beverages, while the Super Smoker Elite electronic controller provides precision control over the cooking temperature.
A commercial-grade meat probe is included in the package, enabling you to check your meal is ready before serving. The enclosed cookbook provides plenty of ideas so you can enjoy new recipes and shake up your BBQ repertoire.
You can serve your guests a different lunch or dinner recipe on every occasion and make your backyard the place to be during the outdoor cooking season.
Who Should Get This?
The secret to achieving the best outdoor smoking results is temperature control. This model allows you to precisely manage your internal vertical smoker’s temperature to produce delicious tasting results.
Pros
- Uses casters for improved portability
- Holds a consistent internal temperature
- Comes with handy electronic controller
Cons
- Requires connection to an electrical supply
This vertical charcoal smoker is especially useful when cooking for larger groups. If you enjoy inviting friends and family around for a succulent outdoor smoked meal, the four nickel-plated grills provide 1,023 in² of cooking surface area.
An integrated heat diverter plate allows for long and slow cooking, and you can use the stainless steel water pan to keep food moist during smoking. The slam latch style doors prevent excessive smoke or heat loss, while the 1” layer of insulation aids with fuel efficiency and temperature control.
The built-in side handles make it easy for 2 people to move this vertical smoker to different backyard locations. You can stay close to your guests and enjoy the conversation while your meal slowly smokes on this superb vertical smoker.
Who Should Get This?
A high-quality vertical smoker should last for many years. This robust unit can occupy its position in your backyard for endless days of smoking foods in glorious sunshine.
Pros
- Uses high-quality nickel-plated racks
- Lightweight design for improved maneuverability
- Durable powder-coated steel exterior
Cons
- Does not have NSF certification
This premium quality electric vertical smoker has a stainless steel construction, so all the components are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up after use. You can slow cook meats and vegetables at temperatures between 100°F and 250°F, and the double-walled design offers efficient insulation for excellent smoking results.
There is no need to monitor your smoker because the controlled heat system ensures food is juicy and tender after cooking.
This model comes with three cooking shelves included, and there are five shelf positions, so you can choose the best height depending on the size and thickness of your meats.
Because you can move the shelves during the smoking process, this model makes it easier to perfect your smoking technique, so all foods get equal levels of contact with the aromatic smoke.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re planning to use your vertical smoker in your backyard, there’s no need to invest in a larger model that can prepare food for a group of colleagues at the park. This compact model is ideal for home use.
Pros
- Offers no-draft cooking conditions
- All stainless steel construction
- Ideal for slow cooking
Cons
- Could have a larger cooking capacity
The Weber name is synonymous with high-quality outdoor smoking products, and when you use this model, you’ll understand the hype. It’s constructed from rugged stainless steel with a heat-retentive enamel interior. The unit comes with a cover so you can keep your smoker on the patio or in the yard regardless of the weather, minimizing the need to transport or store it.
The adjustable vents enable you to vary the cooking chamber’s air intake, allowing you to control the heat level throughout the smoking process.
This feature is superb for anyone who enjoys preparing foods without electronic assistance. The rust-resistant aluminum fuel door provides easy access for adding more charcoal, while the porcelain-enameled water pan keeps meat moist and tender for improved smoking results.
The silicone thermometer probe grommet is a useful appliance for checking on cooking progress without reducing the internal heat level.
Who Should Get This?
Not everyone likes to turn their vertical smoker to a preset temperature and return hours later. This model is superb if you want to experiment with heat levels while smoking your meal.
Pros
- Comes with a porcelain-enameled water pan
- Suitable for all types of meat
- Protective smoker cover included
Cons
- Not suitable for grilling
The 18,000 BTUs burner on this propane smoker model can produce temperatures measuring up to 350°F for more rapid meal smoking or as low as 160°F for more leisurely cooking. You can use the heavy-gauge steel wood chip tray to infuse your meats with delectable smoky flavors while heating to produce outstanding tasty results.
An included removable water pan helps to keep meat from drying out during cooking. The easy-to-read door thermometer makes it simple to monitor the internal cooking chamber temperature so you can be sure it’s safe to serve your meal to guests.
If you like your smoker to be a feature in your backyard, the stylish Smoke Vault branding on the front door is sure to impress.
Who Should Get This?
Some outdoor smoking aficionados swear by water smoking as the best way to infuse your meals with unique flavors. This model allows you to see what all the fuss is about.
Pros
- Quick start matchless snap ignition
- Ideal for cooking numerous meats and bread
- Easy to read thermometer
Cons
- Subject to California’s Proposition 65 warning
This vertical smoker’s innovative design allows you to change to smoke, steam, and use convection heat simultaneously. The entirely indirect heating system REDUCES COOKING TIMES more than most conventional smokers, enabling you to prepare meals more swiftly, ideal when you’re in a hurry. Cook a nine pound brisket in only 4.5 hours or six racks of ribs in just over an hour.
This model offers a substantial amount of cooking space with 3 stainless steel cooking grates, three rib hangers, and a poultry stand, making it straightforward to smoke different meat types.
After use, there is no need to worry about a messy clean-up because the removable drip pan makes it easy to restore your vertical smoker to pristine condition.
Who Should Get This?
If you enjoy having the ability to fire up your vertical smoker and prepare meals quickly, this model is a solid choice. The efficient and dependable system produces magnificent results.
Pros
- Robust stainless steel cooking grates
- Removable drip pan for an easy cleanup
- Backed by 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty
Cons
- Hood is not spring assisted
This vertical charcoal smoker comes with a top-mounted handle for easy transportation. Because it weighs a mere 24 lbs., it only requires one person to move this unit to a new location. This portability makes this model an excellent choice for camping or tailgating parties.
There is a total cooking surface area of 286 in², allowing you to smoke foods for several people simultaneously. The painted steel exterior is durable, and the adjustable airflow vent makes it easy to adjust the cooking heat level.
This model comes with 2 steel-plated cooking grates that can hold any meat and vegetable types, even allowing you to smoke a full-sized turkey. The porcelain-enameled water pan enables you to keep the meat moist during cooking for delicious results.
Who Should Get This?
If you enjoy spending hours outside in your backyard while using your vertical smoker, this model is easy to move around to find the best location to kick back and relax.
Pros
- Uses a dependable analog thermometer
- Robust painted steel exterior
- Convenient carrying handle
Cons
- May be too small for some smoking enthusiasts
Best Vertical Smoker For Your Money
We consider some elements essential in a vertical smoker, from precision control features to an easy-to-clean design, and our top pick ticks all the boxes. Providing a substantial sized cooking surface area, a wide temperature range, and easy-to-operate controls, it will impress any outdoor vertical smoking enthusiast.
While numerous models offer excellent results, there’s only one model going to be in our backyard this year. For the best vertical smoker available, look no further than the Cookshack Amerique SM066 Electric Smoker.
Read Also: Best Offset Smoker Under 500.
