Vertical pellet smokers, as the name suggests, are pellet smokers shaped vertically.
This allows these pellet smokers to not only occupy less space but also have better airflow. This then causes the heat to be spread evenly on the meat, also resulting in better fuel efficiency.
Cooking space: 1548 sq. in
Item weight: 131 pounds
Cooking Space: 2,059 sq. in
Item weight: 60 pounds
Cooking space: 2,400 sq. in
Item weight: 136 pounds
Why Should I Buy a Vertical Pellet Smoker?
Vertical pellet smokers are known to be superior to any conventional forms of pellet smokers.
This is because they ensure an even smoke exposure to the food being cooked, better than any other conventionally used vertical pellet smoker, as the food sits directly on the pellet fire.
However, most vertical pellet smokers are only good enough for smoking, and at best roasting food. They cannot grill, bake, etc., unless specified otherwise. To help you narrow down the best vertical pellet smoker for money, we’re here with 6 of our favorite picks!
1. 5.5 Pellet Smoker (77550) By Pit Boss Grills
Vertical pellet smokers are popular for their even heat and smoke distribution, and Pit Boss Grills has earned a top name even in that job.
The model number 77550 under the 5 series distributed by the Pit Boss Grills is a 131-pound vertical pellet smoker with 5 cooking grids, all coated with 5 layers of porcelain. Even the water pan and heat deflector are porcelain-coated.
This smoker has a wide temperature range, falling between 150 to 450 degrees fahrenheit.
This range can easily be monitored by the included meat probe or thermometer, which then displays the temperature on a digital LED readout
It’s better to remember that the meat probe is not always completely accurate for this model of a vertical pellet smoker.
This vertical pellet smoker also offers a large hopper capacity for more than 40 pounds of pellets. This further ensures a usage period of over 24 hours at a time.
The 5.5 pellet smoker by Pit Boss Grill is fuel-efficient and has good insulation. It has a double-walled construction with an insulation blanket. However, sometimes extreme eternal temperatures still end up impacting the internal temperature of the smoker.
With an auto-start feature with a 300-watt ignitor, and also auto-shutoff, this pellet smoker has been made as user-friendly as possible.
| Specifications | Features |
|---|---|
| Item Dimensions – 28 x 29 x 53 Inches | Monitors internal temperature |
| Item Weight – 131 Pounds | Includes a meat probe or thermometer to measure temperature |
| Material – Porcelain | Displays internal temperature on an LED readout |
| Color – Brown, and Black | Has a wide temperature range, from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Fuel Type/Power Source – Wood Pellets | Features auto-start and auto-shutoff |
| Has a 300-watt igniter | |
| Includes a 40+ pound hopper capacity with pellet purge | |
| Can be used for more than 24 hours | |
| Has its cooking grids coated with 5 porcelain coats | |
| Has its water pan and heat deflector also coated with porcelain | |
| Takes up 1548 square inches of cooking space | |
| Includes double-walled construction with blanket insulation |
Also Read:
2. Smoker and Vertical Pellet Grill (PGVXXL) By Camp Chef Store
When it comes to delivering vertical pellet smokers, the Camp Chef Store makes sure that it makes great value out of the money you put into purchasing their product.
The model number PGVXXL in the vertical pellet smoker and grill by the Camp Chef Store is an electric smoker that weighs 136 pounds. Although it uses wood pellets, and sometimes chips as its fuel source, it still uses electric cords to power it.
This pellet smoker features 4 smoking grill plates, 3 jery racks and a hanging rank that further has 12 sausage hooks attached to it. These features are personally convenient to us.
The PGVXXL has a temperature range varying between 150 to 350 degrees fahrenheit. It includes 2 meat probes or thermometers, the readings of which can easily be seen on a digital LED.
With a hopper capacity for more than 18 pounds of pellets, this smoker can last up to 12 hours in one smoking period.
What makes this vertical pellet smoker our favorite is the additional features that it offers. With this product, you never have to worry about ash, since it has an inbuilt system that ensures proper ash disposal. It also features a grease management system which makes it even easier to maintain.
It even includes an additional bottle opener and a pellet hopper window. But you might have to struggle a little trying to close its door, as it gets stuck at times for some people.
The pellet smoker is also compatible with a PGXXLSH deluxe collapsible side shelf.
Although vertical pellet smokers themselves ensure an even spread of heat throughout the food being smoked, there is a fan attached to this smoker that further assists the heat and smoke to be evenly present throughout the cooking process.
Specifications
- Item Dimensions – 18 x 38 x 54.5 Inches
- Item Weight – 136 Pounds
- Color – Black
- Fuel Type – Wood Pellets or Chips
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Brand Name – Camp Chef Store
- Model Number – PGVXXL
Features
- Includes 4 smoking grill plates
- Includes 3 jerky racks along with a hanging rack
- Has 12 sausage hooks
- Temperature can be measured through 2 meat probes or thermometers
- Displays temperature digitally
- Has a wide temperature range, from 150 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Has an 18 pounds pellet hopper capacity
- Features smart smoke technology
- Has a proper ash cleanout system inbuilt
- Features a grease management system
- Includes a fan that ensures even smoke and heat distribution
- Compatible with the PGXXLSH deluxe collapsible side shelf
3. Pellet Vertical Smoker (7 Series) By Louisiana Grills
Louisiana Grills offers one of the best pellet vertical smokers that we have used.
The 7 series by this brand is a durable vertical pellet smoker of 143.3 pounds, constructed out of steel, cast iron, aluminum, plastic, and even porcelain and glass. Of course, this just adds to the sturdiness of the product.
The product is coated with porcelain mostly, including 6 adjustable and removable racks, 4 of such racks are also coated with chrome. The product is finished with a fine coating of high-temperature powder-finishing.
Now that’s nice and all, but what about the actual numbers? Believe it or not, the Smoke Hollow’s dimensions are 16.5 x 19 x 35.5 inches, with a weight of 35 pounds.
Along with that, you’ll find a full range indicator on the front, which will help you control the temperature. Speaking of temperature, the Smoky Hollow can handle a range from 175ºF up to 325ºF.
The inside has two chrome-coated cooking grids that you can adjust in height. You’ll also find the heat source sitting at the bottom, along with a water tray and a wood chip tray.
Both of these trays are porcelain-coated for increased durability and protection from heat. In addition, the wide temperature range and concise form give us one way to describe this smoker: versatile!
These features alone make Smoke Hollow one of the best deals you’ll find in electric smokers.
Specifications
- Item Dimensions – 28.9 x 28 x 57.8 Inches
- Item Weight – 143.3 Pounds
- Material – Steel, Porcelain, Cast Iron, Glass, Aluminum, and Plastic
- Color – Black
- Fuel Type – Wood pellets
- Power Source – Wood Pellets
- Brand Name – Louisiana Grills
- Model Number – 7 series
Features
- Has a wide temperature range, from 100 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit
- Includes 2 meat probes or thermometers for measuring the internal temperature at any time
- The dual meat probes are easy to program and user friendly
- The temperatures are displayed digitally
- Grid is constructed of porcelain-coated steel
- Finished with high-temperature powder-coating
- Includes 6 racks coated with porcelain
- Includes 4 racks coated with chrome
- Has a 60 pounds smoker capacity
- Covers a cooking area of 2059 square inches
- Can be used for more than 35 hours
Also Read:
4. Digital Vertical Smoker (3 Series) By Pit Boss Grills
Like most of the vertical pellet smokers designed by Pit Boss Grills, the mode number 77232 in their 3 series is also a strongly built smoker that has been coated with porcelain for most of its part.
It has 5 adjustable and removable racks, all coated with porcelain. The water pan included is also porcelain coated.
This product only weighs as much as 55 pounds and is also very budget-friendly. Both of these pros come from the pellet smoker’s small size.
This also means that it has a slightly smaller smoker capacity for about 39 pounds of pellets, compared to the previously mentioned smokers. This allows a continual usage of 18 hours.
However, it offers great features for the price that it comes in. It is a lightweight and highly portable vertical pellet smoker that features double-walled insulated steel.
With features such as the auto-start and auto-shutoff, this pellet smoker has been made very user-friendly. However, it has complicated assembly that could potentially become a hassle for you.
Although the model number 77232 under 3 series has been made pretty durable by the Pit Boss Grills, it is still suggested that you cover the smoker with a protective cover to save it from any potential environmental damage.
Specifications
- Item Dimensions – 20.2 x 20.8 x 47.3 Inches
- Item Weight – 55 Pounds
- Material – Porcelain
- Color – Black, and White
- Fuel Type – Wood Pellets
- Power Source – Wood Pellets
- Brand Name – Pit Boss Grills
- Model Number – 77232, 3 series
Features
- Internal temperature can be measured
- Includes a meat probe or thermometer for taking temperature
- Has a wide temperature range, from 150 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit
- Displays temperature on a digital LED readout
- Features double-walled insulated steel
- Lightweight and portable with easy transportation
- Features auto-start and auto-shutoff
- Racks can be adjusted and removed
- 5 racks are coated with porcelain
- Water pan is coated with porcelain
- Large pellet capacity for about 39 pounds of pellets
- Can be used for more than 18 hours
5. 7.0 Pellet Smoker (77700) By Pit Boss Grills
Pit Boss Grills never delivers a product that falls short. In fact, we greatly believe that it is one of the most reliable brands to purchase smokers from.
However, we recommend that you explore all your options in smokers before settling on the best-suited one. The 7.0 pellet smoker, model number 77700 is just another great example of their quality consistency.
This 142-pound vertical pellet smoker, like most others, uses wood pellets as a fuel source, making sure it does so efficiently, causing little to no fuel wastage.
The hopper capacity for this product is about 40 pounds of pellets. This means it can also be used for up to 24 hours without any interruption or break.
This vertical pellet smoker has been coated with porcelain for most parts to ensure its durability. It has 6 grids, all of which have been coated with porcelain. The water pan and heat deflector are also coated the same way.
The 77700 model in the 7 series of vertical pellet smokers by Pit Boss Grills also has features like auto-start and auto-shutoff. There is a 300-watt ignitor included with the auto-start feature.
You can control this product’s temperature from 150 to 450 degrees fahrenheit. This internal temperature can easily be measured with the included meat probe or thermometer, the reading of which is conveniently displayed on a digital LED readout.
This vertical pellet smoker is easy to maintain and clean, has only 1% ash at any time, is low maintenance, and also has double-walled construction with blanket insulation!
Although it is pricey, it rewards you for all the money you spend on it.
Specifications
- Item Dimensions – 28 x 29 x 58.5 Inches
- Item Weight – 142 Pounds
- Material – Porcelain
- Color – Brown, and Black
- Fuel Type – Wood Pellets
- Power Source – Wood Pellets
- Brand Name – Pit Boss Grills
- Model Number – 77700, 7 series, 7.0 pellet smoker
Features
- Internal temperature can be monitored
- Temperature can be measured with an included meat probe or thermometer
- Temperature can be read on a digital LED readout
- Has a wide temperature range, between 150 and 450 degrees fahrenheit
- Includes 6 porcelain-coated cooking grids
- Includes porcelain-coated water pan and heat deflector
- Takes up a cooking area of 2196 square inches
- Has a hopper capacity of over 40 pounds
- Can be used for more than 24 hours
- Features auto-start and auto-shutoff
- Includes a 300-watt igniter
6. Pellet Smoker (MB20250218, MWS 340B) By Masterbuilt
This is a great example of what a good vertical smoker pellet should be like.
This 111.25 pounds pellet uses wood pellets as its fuel source but is powered by an electric cord, covering a cooking area of 1830 square inches.
The internal temperature of this smoker pellet can easily be taken through the meat probe or thermometer that is included in the purchase. The reading of this probe can be easily seen on a digital LED readout.
Not only that, but this vertical smoker pellet also features digital panel controls for the on and off buttons, as well as setters for cook times, smoke times, and cook cycles, etc., all adding to the user convenience of this product.
The MB20250218 by Masterbuilt Store has a wide temperature range, from 180 to 350 degrees fahrenheit. It can monitor the cabin temperature and also adjust the auger speed.
Although the hopper capacity of this product is a little small, the 12 pounds of pellets can make the smoker work for up to 8 hours.
4 racks of this vertical pellet smoker are chrome-coated. It also includes a removable ash container, hence helping in the easy disposal of ash.
Specifications
- Item Dimensions – 24.61 x 36.22 x 52.76 Inches
- Item Weight – 111.25 Pounds
- Color – Black
- Fuel Type – Wood Pellets
- Power Source – Corded Electric
- Brand Name – MAsterbuilt Store
- Model Number – MB20250218
Features
- Covers a cooking area of about 1830 square inches
- Measures internal temperature
- Includes a meat probe or thermometer to measure the temperature easily
- Has a wide temperature range from 180 to 350 degrees fahrenheit
- Temperature can be read off a digital LED readout
- Includes digital on and off buttons to improve user convenience
- Includes digital panel controls cook times, smoke times, cook cycles, etc.
- Peller hopper has the capacity to hold about 12 pounds of pellets
- Can be used for about 8 hours
- Has 4 racks that are coated with chrome
- Monitors the cabin temperature
- Adjusts the auger speed
- Includes a removable ash container, making disposing it off easier
7. Sportsman Elite Pellet Smoker (20250918) By Masterbuilt
Covering a cooking space of 1980 square inches, the Sportsman Elite Pellet Smoker is yet a great example of vertical pellet smokers.
Designed by the Masterbuilt Store, the model 20250918 of pellet smokers can contain up to 17 pounds of pellets, working for about 10 hours in a single run.
This version of vertical pellet smokers by the Masterbuilt Store features 6 chrome-coated racks, an integrated flavor tray, a removable ash container and a removable grease pan.
The internal temperature of this product can be taken with the help of 2 meat probes that come along with it. The temperature can be read from a digital LED readout. To generally improve the user convenience of the pellet, it also features an easy-to-use control knob.
The smoker has dual doors. The purpose behind this design is to control the heat from escaping better than before.
Specifications
- Item Dimensions – 27 x 47 x 19 inches
- Item Weight – 40 Pounds
- Color – Black
- Fuel Type – Wood Pellets
- Power Source – Wood Pellets
- Brand Name – 20250918
- Model Number – Masterbuilt Store
Features
- Covers up a cooking space of about 1980 square inches
- Measures internal temperature
- Includes 2 meat probes or thermometers for measuring temperature
- Displays temperature readings on a digital LED readout
- 6 of its racks are coated with chrome
- Features an easy-to-use control knob
- Has a hopper capacity of 17 pounds of pellets
- Can be used for about 10 hours
- Includes a dual-door, making heat escaping hard
- Includes an additional integrated flavor tray
- Features a removable ash container and grease pan
What Should I Know About Vertical Pellet Smokers?
Although we have already provided you with a list of all of our favorite options in vertical pellet smokers, it’s still important that you understand what you are looking for and why you should prefer one smoker over another.
For this reason, we came up with a list of all the essentials you should remember before choosing a vertical pellet smoker for yourself.
Working of a Vertical Pellet Smoker
These smokers get their name because their cooking chamber is shaped vertically, forcing the heat and smoker movement upwards.
This causes the smoke to be more evenly spread as compared to other smokers. This is because the smoke itself rises upwards naturally and a vertical pellet smoker uses that phenomenon to its benefit.
Whereas in any other smoker, the smoke is forcefully spread in right or left directions, which is never as evenly done as a vertical smoker.
Types of Vertical Smokers
Vertical smokers don’t just come in one standard design. In fact, there are 3 main types of BBQ smokers that you should be considering before settling for one.
Stander Vertical Smokers – These vertical smokers have their heat source present right under the cooking chamber, which means your wood pellets go under the cooking chamber.
The stander vertical smokers also need a heat deflector that is to be present over the heat source, in order to deflect it off to the sides. Common deflectors include heat stones and water pans.
Offset Vertical Smokers – The offset vertical smokers get their name because their cooking chamber isn’t placed directly over the heat source and is present slightly away from it.
This is essentially better than a stander vertical smoker’s phenomenon because it allows more fuel to be burnt without the risk of ruining the food.
This also means that since the heat source isn’t as direct, you won’t be needing a heat deflector for this vertical smoker.
Reverse Flow Vertical Smokers – The reverse flow vertical smokers have a design similar to the stander vertical smokers.
The difference is that unlike stander vertical smokers, their cooking chamber isn’t directly placed over the heat source, rather there are two layers of steel and a layer of insulation separating them.
This separation prevents the smoke from rising straight up to the cooking chamber, and instead forces it out. The smoke then eventually reaches the cooking chamber in a top down motion.
We’ve explained it further here.
Things to Consider in Your Vertical Pellet Smoker
Size – Vertical pellet smokers are comparatively heavier than gas or electric smokers. An average vertical pellet smoker will weigh somewhere between 70 to 100 pounds. This means that they are harder to carry around.
However, although they have decreased portability, they have higher cooking capacity and can last long cooking hours.
Hopper Capacity – A hopper is a container that keeps the wood pellets in it, so that they can be automatically made to feed the fire instead of having to manually do the job.
Of course, larger hopper capacity means that you can place a large number of wood pellets in it. This removes the inconvenience of having to fill it up again and again.
An average hopper has a capacity of 40 to 45 pounds of pellets, and can last up to 20 hours.
Material – Most high quality vertical pellet smokers have a thick steel body. Their internal section usually has stainless steel. The racks of these smokers are coated with porcelain, and in some cases chrome.
It’s important for a good quality smoker to have a tight door. This ensures that the door does not allow much heat to escape through it.
Temperature – Good vertical pellet smokers will always have a wide temperature range, usually within 100 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should expect your smoker to give accurate temperature details at any point. Most smokers include a meat probe as well. The readings are usually present on a digital LED readout.
User Convenience – Your vertical pellet smoker is only as good as its usefulness to you. The easier a smoker is to use, the better control you will have over it.
A lot of smokers have a digital control panel that allows you to set its cooking time, smoking time, cooking cycles, etc.
Most of them also have castor wheels resting under them in order to increase their portability.
Such additional features increase user satisfaction.
Foods That Can Be Cooked in a Vertical Pellet Smoker
Any food that needs to be smoked can be cooked in a vertical pellet smoker – salmon, turkey, brisket, pies, you name it! As it goes unsaid, meat is your best choice here.
Just remember that foods that need to be grilled can’t be grilled, hence cooked, in a vertical pellet smoker.
Wrapping it Up
It’s only fair to conclude that vertical pellet smokers are of great value to the money spent on them.
If you’re looking to save space, yet smoke your food the best possible way, they are your best choice.
As long as you know exactly what you are looking for in a vertical pellet smoker, and purchase the rightful smoker with those qualities, you will get the flavorful and thickly smoked food that you wanted all along.
Happy smoking!
