Vertical pellet smokers are a preferred option for enthusiasts of grilling and smoked dishes. The unique flavor these smokers give to meals is due to their use of wood pellets for fuel. They differ from regular smokers with their tall, slim design which makes them perfect for places with limited outdoor room. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance and are easy to use.
5 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers
1. Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical Smoker MB20071117
We’ve had a great time using the Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Smoker, especially for weekend cookouts. It’s incredibly easy to use, even if you’re new to smoking. The digital controls take the guesswork out of temperature regulation, which means we can focus on prepping our meats rather than babysitting the smoker. Plus, with four spacious racks, we managed to fit in everything from brisket to ribs without running out of room.
That said, it’s not perfect. On colder days, we noticed some heat loss, which could affect the consistency of the smoke. Also, cleaning it can be a bit of a hassle—grease tends to build up in hard-to-reach places. Still, for the convenience and performance, it’s a solid choice.
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2. Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker
We’ve really enjoyed cooking with the Cuisinart COS-244. The propane setup heats up quickly, and once it’s at the right temperature, it stays there with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for those who want a no-nonsense smoker. The four adjustable shelves give us the flexibility to smoke different types of meat at the same time, which is a big plus for family gatherings.
However, there are a couple of downsides. The water tray is smaller than we’d like, so we found ourselves refilling it more often during long smokes. Also, the door seal isn’t the tightest, which can let some smoke escape. But overall, it’s reliable and easy to manage.
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3. Bradley Smoker BS611 Original
The Bradley BS611 offers a unique smoking experience that we really appreciated. Its automatic wood puck feeder is a game-changer, making the process almost hands-free. We didn’t have to constantly check on it, which allowed us to enjoy our day while the smoker did its thing. Plus, the consistent smoke generation and solid insulation meant great results, even when the weather wasn’t ideal.
On the downside, it’s a bit bulky and takes up more space than we expected. Also, those wood pucks, while convenient, add up in cost if you’re smoking frequently. Still, for the ease of use and reliable performance, it’s a fantastic option.
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4. Masterbuilt MB20051316 Thermotemp Propane Smoker
We were really impressed with the Thermotemp feature on this Masterbuilt propane smoker. It automatically regulates the temperature, which means we didn’t have to constantly adjust the propane flow. That alone saved us a lot of hassle. The large cooking space is another highlight—we smoked everything from chickens to pork shoulders in one go. And the built-in thermometer is a nice touch, giving us an easy way to keep track of things.
But there are a couple of things to keep in mind. This smoker is on the heavier side, so moving it around can be a bit of a workout. Also, we noticed the propane connection could be a little sturdier. Overall, though, it’s a reliable, hands-off smoker that delivers great results.
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5. Pit Boss Grills 77550 Pellet Smoker
The Pit Boss 77550 has been a fantastic addition to our smoking setup. Its large hopper means we can set it and forget it for hours, making those long smokes much more manageable. We also loved how consistent the temperatures stayed throughout the cook, which made our briskets and ribs come out perfectly tender. Plus, the rich, smoky flavor from the wood pellets is just unbeatable.
However, it’s a pretty big unit, so you’ll need some space to store it. Cleaning out the pellets afterward can also be a bit of a chore. But if you’re serious about smoking and want something reliable with great flavor, this one’s a winner.
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Buying Guide
Size
Size is one of the first things you’ll want to think about when considering which vertical pellet smoker to pick. You also want to make sure that the smoker will be large enough to fit the amount of food you’ll be cooking for the duration of your cook. Think about how many people you are going to be smoking food for and what types of food you are going to be smoking. Smaller smokers will have larger limitations on the size of cuts of meat and the amount of food.
Temperature Range
Another important feature to consider is the temperature range. Search for a smoker that can reach high temperatures for searing and low temperatures for smoking. The good temperature range is 180°F to 500°F.
Pellet Hopper Capacity
The other key design consideration is pellet hopper capacity. The bigger the hopper, the longer you can smoke without having to re-fill the hopper. For best results for a hopper, look for a hopper capacity of at least 15 pounds.
Construction
The smoker's construction is also important. We chose a smoker made of high-quality, long-lasting materials. Durability and easy cleaning allow stainless steel to be used.
Ease of Use
At last, think about how easy it is to use the smoker. Search for easy-to-use controls with a digital display. Wi-Fi-compatible smokers are also available, some of which have Wi-Fi and allow you to check on or even control your smoker from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best vertical pellet smokers for under $500?
There are several good options for vertical pellet smokers under $500. The Pit Boss Pro Series Vertical Pellet Smoker provides four cooking racks and has a total cooking area of 1,322 square inches, which makes it one of the best. If you would rather have a larger viewing window and digital thermostat for precise temperature control, another great option would be the Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D 30" Digital Electric Smoker.
What are people saying about the Masterbuilt Vertical Pellet Smoker?
The Masterbuilt Vertical Pellet Smoker is popular among consumers. Its ease of use and consistent performance are many people’s cup of tea. The Masterbuilt Vertical Pellet Smoker has been consistently reported as having some issues with WiFi connectivity, but generally, it is a very reliable and well-thought-of pellet smoker.
How does the Camp Chef vertical pellet smoker compare to other brands?
The Camp Chef vertical pellet smoker is justifiably high quality and lies close to the top end of the price banding now. Nevertheless, it provides great, precise temperature control and a generous cooking area, making it perfect for even the beginner or expert smoker.
What are the advantages of using a vertical pellet smoker over a pellet grill?
The pellet grills vs. vertical pellet smoker argument is old, but it’s important for good reasons. Pellet grills generally have a larger cooking area, which is perfect for cooking for bigger crowds. Pellet grills are also more efficient, taking less fuel than the average. On top of that, depending on what you're focusing on, vertical pellet smokers are usually chosen for smoking, so they provide more precise temperature control and additional features geared towards allowing you to smoke.
Is the WiFi feature on vertical pellet smokers worth the investment?
Vertical pellet smokers have a WiFi feature, which can be helpful for monitoring your smoker remotely and adjusting the temperature as you please when needed. But that’s unnecessary, and many users get good results without it. The question is, is the WiFi feature worth the investment?
Should I season my vertical pellet smoker before use?
While it may be a good idea to season your vertical pellet smoker before its first use, it definitely doesn’t have to be done. Removing manufacturing residue from the smoker will help it perform at its best. If you have a smoker, you can cut the interior of the smoker with a very thin layer of vegetable oil and heat it to 250 degrees for 2 hours in a season.
