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Top 8 Best Vertical Smokers: Comparison Chart
Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker
Weber Charcoal Smoker 14-Inch
Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker
Masterbuilt 30'' Electric Smoker
Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker
Weber Charcoal Smoker 14-Inch
Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker
Masterbuilt 30'' Electric Smoker
Dyna-Glo 36'' Charcoal Vertical Smoker
Cuisinart 30'' Electric Smoker
Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker Grill
Char-Broil Double Wall Electric Analog Smoker
Dyna-Glo 36'' Charcoal Vertical Smoker
Cuisinart 30'' Electric Smoker
Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker Grill
Char-Broil Double Wall Electric Analog Smoker
Best Overall: Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker Review
We are presenting one of the best vertical electric smokers available on the market. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker has 4 racks, which can accommodate lots of meat cuts of all sizes. The racks are coated with chrome; it allows to maintain a consistent temperature. If you want to feed the smoker with wood chips while working, you don’t need to open its door due to the unique side-loading system. The smoker will keep heat well because it is insulated. This model features a convenient panel with time and temperature control. The panel has an intuitive interface, so you’ll learn fast how to operate it.
If you are looking for a high-quality, durable, easy to operate vertical wood smoker, this unit meets your needs.
Why We Like It
- Ideal for slow smoking
- Puts out much smoke
- Has durable body
- Easy to clean
Sale
Runner-Up: Weber Charcoal Smoker 14-Inch Review
This best vertical charcoal smoker features non-peel and anti-rust lid, bowl and middle section - they are made of porcelain enamel, which retains heat well. Cooking grates are made of steel, they are large enough to grill 2 big items at once. This device allows you to smoke or grill, depending on your preference. You can add charcoal while the grill is working; it’s easy due to the removable fuel door. Top it off, there are dampers and a thermometer on the lid so that you can control the temperature easily.
This vertical barrel smoker has a compact design, but inside it’s large enough to cook meat for a big family (about 8 people).
Why We Like It
- Durable
- Portable
- Efficient burning due to pooled fuel
- Made in the USA
Sale
Best Construction: Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker Review
It is the best vertical offset smoker thanks to lots of great features. Its steel body is durable and built to last long; enjoy grilling and smoking on it. This model has 784sq inches of the cooking area - give a big party, no one will be hungry! There are 2 adjustable grates, so you can cook multiple meals, e.g. meat and veggies. The vertical offset charcoal smoker comes with a chamber where you can put chunks of wood to add flavor. The double door facility helps to maintain the temperature, there will be less heat loss.
Need to cook for a big hangout? This large vertical smoker is the right choice for you!
Why We Like It
- Removable ash-pan
- Cast-iron burner
- Quick ignition due to the electronic system
- Stainless steel temperature gauge
The Easiest To Use: Masterbuilt 30 Electric Smoker Review
We like that this vertical water smoker has 3 racks so that you can cook multiple meals at a time. The analog dial will help you to control the temperature; due to this feature, you’ll be able to smoke low and slow. Plus, there is a temp measurer outside the machine - it shows the device’s internal temperature. The air dampers are adjustable, use them to control the level of smoke this unit puts out. If you’d like to add moisture and flavor, take advantage of the removable water bowl.
According to the customer reports this model is one of the best vertical smokers for the money.
Pros
- 3 racks are chrome-coated
- Slide-out tray for ash removal
- Access dripping tray
- Great customer service
Cons
- Several complaints on issues with setting/regulating the temperature
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The Easiest To Clean: Dyna-Glo 36 Charcoal Vertical Smoker Review
Dyna-Glo is a trusted manufacturer of grills and smokers, and this is another great model. This vertical charcoal smoker offers to cook on the 4 cooking grates, the cooking area is 784 sq inches. The great height is adjustable, which is convenient if you want to smoke multiple foods. This model is one of the easiest to use and clean. It comes with a good ash and charcoal management systems: there is an ash pan for easy cleaning and charcoal chamber, which keeps charcoal away from the cooking area.
If you want to buy a charcoal smoker but don’t want to bother with cleaning much, this machine is the right choice for you.
Pros
- Double door
- Water pan
- Stainless steel temperature measurer
Cons
- The smoke can leak out of the door
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The Most Convenient: Cuisinart 30 Electric Smoker Review
This insulated vertical smoker is a real catch for those who don’t like much hassle around a device. It’s simple and convenient to use, both beginners and experienced users will appreciate this machine. All you need is to plug it in, put your meals on the racks (there are 3 of them), adjust the temperature, then chill out with your friends until the meat is ready. There is a thermometer on the door so that you can check the internal temperature anytime you need it. Top it off, this model is lightweight and has side handles for good mobility.
Overall, this vertical smoker has great size, good temperature control and is easy to use.
Pros
- Temperature range is from 100 to 400°F
- Well built
- Low maintenance
Cons
- The combination wood chip-water tray isn’t convenient
Sale
The Best Combo: Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker Grill Review
This model is a vertical smoker grill combo, that’s why we like it! It allows grilling and smoking at the same time - spoil yourself and your family with different tastes! The cooking area is huge - 1382sq inches on the 5 grates. The grates are chrome-plated for better durability and temperature maintenance; this stainless steel vertical smoker boasts a heavy-gauge body and is built to last long. Despite this unit being big enough, it’s quite mobile due to its steel wheels, so you can easily move it around your backyard.
If you want to feed a big company, why not give a try to this vertical smoker with an offset firebox?
Pros
- Durable
- Smoke zone temperature control
- Handles are always cool, they are safe to touch even when the machine is working
Cons
- Several complaints on the poor temperature control
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Insulated Construction: Char-Broil Double Wall Electric Analog Smoker Review
This rather cheap vertical smoker offers excellent features for the price. The first thing that must be mentioned is the double-wall insulated build, which prevents smoke leaks. The door has latches to keep it tightly sealed, plus, there is a temperature measurer - all these characteristics help to maintain the right temperature. This char-broil analog electric smoker is easy to use, just plug it in. There are 3 adjustable chrome-plated racks on the 544sq inches of the cooking area; it features a wood chip tray and a water pan for deliciously infused meat.
This vertical smoker is a good device for an occasional user.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- High-quality materials
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Several complaints that the device doesn’t heat up quickly
BUYER’S GUIDE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BEST VERTICAL SMOKER
Benefits Of The Vertical Smoker
- Relatively small size
- Require less fuel
- Easy to operate for newbies
- They are cheaper to buy and own
To sum up, vertical smokers are perfect for new or occasional smokers and for those who don’t have much space in their backyard or patio. So, just take the best meat to smoke and a vertical smoker will do the job excellently.
Offset Smoker Vs Vertical Smoker
In our opinion, vertical smokers are better than horizontal offset smokers because they come with a water pan that moisturizes the air inside and prevents the meat from over-roasting. Plus the temperature control is better in vertical models. If you hesitate between 2 machines, you can choose a combo: vertical smokers with side fire box, e.g Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker Grill.
Can You Use A Smoker As A Grill?
No, you can’t, they perform different tasks. Smoker cooks low and slow, while grill cooks high and fast. However, you can buy a smoker grill combo and enjoy various meals. Before purchasing, get to know how to use a smoker box on a gas grill.
How To Choose The Best Vertical Smoker
Size
Almost all vertical smokers are relatively compact. However, consider how many people you are going to cook for. If it’s not a big company, there is no sense in buying large competition vertical smokers because you’ll only waste the resources (money, electricity, charcoal, pellets, etc.)
Weight
Weight matters if you are going to move it around your garden, and especially if you want to take it somewhere out (hunt, fishing, camping, etc.). Check the weight in these terms, you don’t want to carry too heavy machine.
Portability
If you need better portability, check for wheels, or handles on the sides. Otherwise, it’ll be too difficult to move it.
Temperature Control
All vertical smokers have temperature control gauges. Unfortunately, they often fail; if you need to know the exact temperature, we recommend using a smoker meat thermometer. Plus, before purchasing, check customers’ reports, they often tell how temperature control works within a certain model.
Material
Don’t forget to check the material in the product description. If the device is made of heavy-gauge steel, it means it’s durable and will last long; also, hunt for the non-rust finish.
Durability
Durability depends on the material which a mode is made of. As it was mentioned above, if you choose heavy-gauge steel, your machine will be durable.
The majority of vertical smokers are pretty basic. However, some of them can boast additional features, for example, you can consider vertical reverse flow smoker, which offers better control over the flame. Also, you can search for a computer or electronic control systems, they will definitely ease your life!
Price
The price range is wide, it starts from $50 and goes up to $10.000. If you are a beginner don’t go for expensive devices, you might not need the complexity they offer.
Best Vertical Smoker Types
Charcoal/Wood
The best charcoal smoker is a real space-saver. It is loaded with charcoals/wood at the bottom, a water pan in the middle, and the smoker is placed at the top.
Pellet
The best pellet smokers are often digitalized and are easy to use; you don’t have to babysit the device. A drip injection system automatically feeds pellets into the firebox to keep the temperature. The best vertical pellet smoker works the same principle.
Gas
Gas vertical smokers are easy to operate, and they have a simple design: a burner is connected to a gas line or a propane tank placed at the bottom of the smoker. In the middle section, there is a water pan, and the smoking chamber is at the top. Gas smokers often feature multiple trays for meat.
Electric
This type is the easiest to operate – all you need is to plug it in, push the button, set the temperature and put the meat to smoke. As the name implies, the device works from electricity.
VERDICT AND OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR 2023
When you have the right device in your backyard, you can cook such meals that your family and friends won’t forget – mouth-watering, tender and juicy meat. The key question here is what unit to pick? Our post must come in handy! All devices deserve their places on our list. However, we, at mykitchenadvisor.com, consider Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker the best vertical smoker 2023. It has 4 racks, which can accommodate lots of meat cuts of all sizes. The racks are coated with chrome; it allows to maintain a consistent temperature. This model features a convenient panel with time and temperature control. The panel has an intuitive interface, so you’ll learn fast how to operate it. This vertical smoker is ideal for slow smoking; it has a durable body and is easy to clean.