10 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers & Buying Guide
A vertical pellet smoker will be a good option if you want to advance your BBQing skills and gain the best smoking experience. Although this unit lacks a grilling ability, it’s excellent when it comes to flavor and overall portability. We researched and then created a list of the 10 best vertical pellet smokers this year.
| Smoker Image | Smoker Name | Main Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker 77550 5.5 |
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 | Louisiana Grills Vertical Pellet Smoker |
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 | PIT BOSS Pellet Smoker 77700 7.0 |
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Runner Up  | Masterbuilt MB20250118 Pellet Smoker |
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Third Best  | Camp Chef Vertical Pellet Grill/Smoker |
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| Cookshack Eddy's Pellet Grill |
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 | Pellet Pro Vertical Pellet Smoker |
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 | PIT BOSS PB7000SP Wood Pellet Smoker |
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 | PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker |
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 | Masterbuilt MB20250618 Pellet Smoker |
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1. Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker 77550 5.5
With a 1548 square inches of cooking area, the Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker 77550 5.5 allows you to cook enough food for your family and friends. It’s a perfect option if you like smoking foods often or whenever you have visitors in your house.
Its heat deflector and porcelain-coated water pan make your cooking experience efficient and hassle-free. The unit is equipped with a 40+ pounds hopper capacity and pellet purge, which allow you over 24 hours of smoking.
Additionally, you’ll be able to monitor the internal temp using a meat probe and digital LED readout. That means you’ll get the precise temperature, eliminate the guesswork in your cooking to achieve the best professional results. To enjoy a customized smoking experience, this unit includes a fully programmable temperature range from 150 to 450 degrees F.
When it comes to cleaning this unit, it’s simple and convenient. That’s because, the smoker’s cooking grids are porcelain-coated, which prevents food from sticking. The 300W auto-start igniter makes lighting this unit up easy and quick. Its auto shut-off feature comes in a handle when you need the unit to go off.
Key Features
- Over 40 pounds hopper capacity
1548 square inches cooking area
Meat probe and LED readout
Porcelain-coated grills & water pan
Heat deflectors
300W auto-start igniter & auto shut-off
Pros
Cons
Uses pure natural hardwood pellet
Produces less amount of ash
Large cooking space
Can hold up to 40 pounds of pellets
Produces great flavor
Easy cleaning
Reported case of water getting into the hopper
2. Louisiana Grills Vertical Pellet Smoker
Louisiana Grills Vertical Pellet Smoker allows you to enjoy the experience of a tender and real-wood flavor. It utilizes 100% natural wood pellets with advanced convection for quick and efficient smoking of your food.
With its 2000+ square inches of cooking space, this unit is a perfect choice for cooking a large amount of food. Whether you’re throwing a party for your kid’s birthday or want to welcome your guests in style, this smoker won’t let you down.
Just like the above unit from PIT BOSS, this tool offers you customized temperature control, where you can set from low (150-degrees F) to high (450-degree) F. With such a temperature range, you’ll surely achieve the perfect results everyone will be happy about.
What’s more, this unit comes with a 60-lb hopper capacity. That means it can accommodate enough pellets to take you for up to 365 hours of hassle-free cooking time. Also, that allows you to go as slow and low as your cooking demands.
Its 6 cooking racks that have porcelain-coated grids ensure that food doesn’t stick and makes the cleaning as easy and quick as possible. This smoker is user-friendly and can be used by anyone from a bigger to a seasonal smoker.
Key Features
- 300W auto igniter
150 to 450-degree F temp range
60Lb hopper capacity
Cooking space is 6.2 feet cubed
Pros
Cons
Easy cleaning
High-quality construction with a classic finish
User-friendly unit
Generously large cooking surface
Large-capacity hopper
Reported cases of ‘fan stopped working’
3. PIT BOSS Pellet Smoker 77700 7.0
When you want a good-quality product that performs excellent with maximum efficiency, PIT BOSS Pellet Smoker 77700 7.0 is one of the units to consider. Coming from a reputable brand, this unit serves you like none other.
Its 2196 square inches of the cooking area is enough to cooking food sufficient for your guests or large family. The unit is perfect whether you want to use it at a household or professional level. The 6 porcelain-coated cooking grids provide a clean and smooth cooking surface and make it easy for you to clean the unit once you’re done cooking.
Additionally, lighting up or shutting it off is a breeze thanks to its 300W auto-start igniter and shut-off feature. When you’re smoking your meat, you get full control of the temperature ranging from 150-degree F to 450-degree F.
The 40 pounds hopper capacity means that it can accommodate enough pellets to provide slow-and-low cooking energy for up to 24 hours. What’s more, you’ll be able to easily monitor the internal temp with its convenient meat probe and get the results from the digital LED readout.
Key Features
40-pound hopper capacity
Meat probe & LED digital readout
300W auto-start igniter & auto shut-off
2196 sq. in. cooking surface
6 porcelain-coated cooking grids
150 to 450-degree F temp range
Pros
Cons
Large capacity hopper
Reliable & precise temp reading
Able to prepare a large amount of food
Easy cleaning
In case it catches fire, it’s hard to put it off
4. Camp Chef Vertical Pellet Grill/Smoker
Camp Chef Vertical Pellet Grill/Smoker stands out for its top-notch construction and performance. Its ease of use is also a big plus, especially for beginners or those advancing in their skills in smoking.
The digital smoke and temperature control with two meat probes allow you to get rid of the guesswork and enjoy a precise temp reading of the cooking. This unit’s temperature ranges from 150 to 350-degree F. Though it doesn’t go as high as in other units on our list, it’s able to produce up to 33K BTUs per hour, which is enough heat to get your food ready without a problem.
Your cleaning experience is made easier with features like the convenient ash cleanout system. Additionally, the digital temp display makes the reading of temp quick with just a glance. This unit utilizes sophisticated smoke technology in providing the best restaurant-like smoking results.
Key Features
Adjustable shelves, jerky racks & hanging hooks
Castor wheels with swivel
Integrated temp gauge
Ash cleanout & grease management systems
Smart smoke tech
Pros
Cons
Large capacity hopper purge
Easy cleaning experience
Four smoking grill grates
Highly portable unit
The door doesn’t close well when hot
Conclusion
Camp Chef Vertical Pellet Grill/Smoker is reliable and will get the job done without any issues. The only problem that a few customers have complained about is the hard-to-close door when it gets hot. But, that’s not a big deal considering what’s this unit offers in terms of smoking efficiency.
5. Masterbuilt MB20250118 Pellet Smoker
Though Masterbuilt MB20250118 Pellet Smoker doesn’t offer as much as other units, it’s still a money-worth product. The 12 pounds hopper capacity holds enough amounts of wood pellets to take you for up to 4 hours of smoking without reloading.
Its 4 smoking racks are chrome-coated to ensure that you have a nice cooking area and easy to clean. Additionally, this unit features a digital control panel with on and off keys, temperature key, cook and smoke cycles, cook and smoke time-preset, and auto pellet smoking process.
The auger does a great job of moving the pellets from the unit’s hopper to ensure even and consistent cooking. Also, the temperature of this unit ranges from 180-degree F to 350-degree F, which is enough to provide a pleasant cooking experience.
You’ll also find the probe thermometers very helpful as you won’t have to guess the temperature of your meat at any particular time. Eliminating guesswork will help you get the perfect results.
Key Features
180 to 350-degree F
Thermometer probe
- Digital control panel
4 smoking racks chrome-coated
12 pounds hopper capacity
Pros
Cons
Fair large hopper
Nice temperature range
Thermometer probe helps get precise temp readings
Convenient cooking experience
No window to check food from outside
6. Cookshack Eddy’s Pellet Grill
When durability is one of your top considerations, then you should try the Cookshack Eddy’s, Pellet Grill. Its pure stainless steel and riveted assembly give it a sturdy body that can withstand the pressure and mistreatment of constant use.
Additionally, the stainless steel grates also enhance durability and make the unit a great value for money. The 784 square inches of cooking area means that you can comfortably cook food enough for a small group of people. Cookshack Eddy’s Pellet Grill is an ideal unit for you if you don’t intend to prepare food for many.
The temperature is controlled electronically, which eliminates a lot of guesswork and a lot of heat fluctuations in your cooking, hence delivering good results. Other features like the auto-start make the unit light up quickly while the draft fan helps to enhance your cooking experience.
Key Features
36K BTU Burner
784 square inches cooking area
Stainless steel construction
Stainless steel rod grate
Electronically controlled temp
Pros
Cons
Durable and sturdy construction
The stainless steel body is easy to clean
Automated temp control
Smooth cooking experience
Lacks insulated for better temp maintenance
Conclusion
If you’re just starting or learning to smoke and all you want is a unit that can help enhance your skills, investing in Cookshack Eddy’s Pellet Grill won’t be a bad choice. It’s a great unit that will get the job done. The unit is also a nice pick for one who doesn’t need to prepare a lot of food at once.
7. Pellet Pro Vertical Pellet Smoker
If you don’t want a unit with a small or too big cooking area, then you can try Pellet Pro Vertical Pellet Smoker. This one offers you 1680 square inches of cooking area. Although this surface isn’t as big as what others offer, it’s still enough to cook food for your family or friends.
The 21 x 20 inches stainless steel grates allow you to prepare your food and make it easy to clean after the cooking session. The exclusive PID controller helps to maintain the temperature at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Durability is a priority with this unit. The 18-gauge double-walled steel body means that this unit is durable and strong enough to handle the pressures of constant cooking. It will serve you for a long time.
The storage area at the bottom comes in handy during your cooking as you’re able to store the essentials you’ll need in the process. Moreover, its adjustable vent at the top, the reverse flow side vent, and the heat-proof door seals help to conserve energy and make this unit as efficient as possible.
Moving the unit from one point to another won’t be an issue thanks to its heavy-duty casters. They offer a smooth rolling experience so that you can transport the unit with a simple push. Lastly, the bonus cover further enhances the durability of this unit.
Key Features
Heavy-duty casters
Heat-proof door seals
Exclusive PID controller
1680 square inches cooking area
Stainless steel grates
Pros
Cons
Convenience storage area
The unit is energy efficient
Heavy-duty construction makes the unit durable
Easy cleaning and portability
- Cooks great but doesn’t smoke very well
8. PIT BOSS PB7000SP Wood Pellet Smoker
PIT BOSS PB7000SP Wood Pellet Smoker offers you power and efficiency in cooking. And if you love the outdoors, this unit is the one for you. It’s designed for real outdoor enthusiasts. When you want to experience that real-wood flavor that comes with smoking fish, jerky, game, or any other meat, this is the unit to invest in.
As one of the best pellet vertical smokers, it’s a highly versatile unit that helps you roast, smoke, braise, and barbecue. This 5-in-1 versatility makes it a great value for money and a perfect choice for both households and commercial use.
The 1970 square inches of cooking areas means that you can prepare a lot of food enough to feed everyone around. Its cooking racks are adjustable to let you adjust them as your cooking demands.
What’s more, the high-quality stainless steel body makes it a durable unit that will serve you for a long time. The 55 pounds hopper capacity is great for holding wood pellets enough to give you many hours of smoking without reloading.
The PIT BOSS PB7000SP Wood Pellet Smoker features a digital control panel from where you can control the temperature without opening the door. Monitoring the temp is easy with the use of the convenient meat probe.
Key Features
150-degree F to 420-degree F temp range
1970 square inch cooking area
6 adjustable smoking racks
4 lock caster wheels
Digital temp control panel
55 pounds hopper capacity
Pros
Cons
Durable construction
Meat probe offers precise temp readings
Easy temp control
5-in-1 versatility
Suitable for household and commercial use
No cons yet
9. PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker
When convenient, power and performance are what you’re looking for, then PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker is the unit for you. The meat probe and the digital LED readout give you the most convenient and precise way of monitoring and reading the internal temperature for a guess-free cooking experience.
With a fairly large 901 square inches of cooking area, you know you can cook enough food for your needs at once. Additionally, the more than 40 pounds hopper capacity allows you to feed enough pellets that will serve you for over 24 hours without reloading.
Lighting this unit is a breeze thanks to its 300W auto-start igniter with an auto shut-off feature for increased convenience. The temperatures range from 150 to 450 degrees F, which allows you a customized cooking experience.
This unit includes a heat deflector, porcelain-coated water pan, and 4 porcelain-coated smoking grids all meant to give you that perfect cooking and professional results.
Key Features
901 square inch cooking area
Non-stick cooking surface
Over 40 pounds of hopper capacity
Produces a small amount of ash
Delivers immense real-wood flavor
Pros
Cons
Auto-start igniter eases lighting up
Auto shut-off features increase convenience
Porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean
150 to 450 degree F temp range
Lacks more accurate temp control
10. Masterbuilt MB20250618 Pellet Smoker
Masterbuilt MB20250618 Pellet Smoker offers a great deal of convenience, especially when it comes to cleaning it. Its grease and pellet ashtrays make the cleaning process a breeze and set the unit ready for the next cooking session without breaking a sweat.
Additionally, the 4 smoking racks are chrome-coated, which further means that cleaning them is easy and fast. To ensure a consistent cooking experience, this unit delivers a temperature range of 180 degrees F to 350 degrees F. The auger also gets rid of the pellets from the hopper to enhance even and consistency in the cooking.
Moreover, the unit is designed to ensure an even heat distribution throughout the inside of it. That’s with the help of the heat diffuser. The air damper is also put in place to ensure smooth smoke and moisture control.
The unit includes about 8 pounds of hopper capacity. Yes, it’s not as generously large as others but it can hold enough wood pellets for several hours of cooking without reload. Monitoring and controlling the temperature is easy with the help of the meat probe thermometers. They allow you to get precise temp readings for the perfect results.
The user-friendly digital control panel has all the control keys you need to operate the unit like a pro and experience a smooth smoking session with restaurant-like results.
Key Features
Digital control panel
Probe thermometers
Heat diffuser
180 to 350 degrees F
Grease and ashtrays
Pros
Cons
Easy cleaning process
Precise temp reading
- Better temp monitoring
4 smoking racks are chrome-coated
Customer service is poor
Things to Consider Before Buying
Is the Unit Durable?
You’ll be spending hundreds of dollars to acquire a vertical pellet smoker, which is not small money. Having said that, you need to ensure that the unit you purchase can put up with the pressures of constant use and still serve you for a long time.
If you’re buying a smoker for outdoor uses like camping, you will need to ensure that its construction can withstand the elements. Some of the best vertical pellet smokers are constructed using heavy-duty materials that resist rusting and corrosion.
Additionally, the type of finish that the unit has is also a factor to consider. Though a classic finish can be appealing, it should also be very protective so that your unit can stand the test of time. Some of the common finishes include stainless steel, chrome, and porcelain coating. A durable unit is a great value for money. Don’t invest in a cheaply made smoker.
What’s the Size of the Cooking Surface?
The area of cooking is another thing you must consider before buying the right vertical pellet smoker for you. How big or small do you want it to be?
That will mainly depend on how much food you intend to be cooking. It can also depend on where you’ll be using your smoker.
For example, if you’re buying a smoker for commercial use, then a unit with 2000+ of the total cooking area can be the perfect choice for you. The same can be good for household uses if you intend to entertain your guests at home or you have a large family.
However, if you just want a unit for preparing food for two or three at home, a small cooking area of about 500 or more square inches can be ideal.
You should also be aware that the size of the cooking surface is affected by the hopper capacity. A bigger unit with a generous cooking surface should come with a large-capacity hopper of at least 40 pounds.
With such a capacity, it will be able to accommodate enough pellets to take you several hours of cooking without reloading. On the other hand, if you’re buying a small unit for your personal use, a small hopper capacity will just be fine.
How User-friendly Is It?
Where you’re a starter who wants to learn and take your smoking skills to the next level or a seasonal smoker who wants to entertain guests and family by preparing delicious food with that real-wood flavor, you’ll need a unit that’s easy to use.
Many features contribute to a unit being user-friendly. One is the meat probe feature that helps you get precise temperature readings instead of guesswork that can affect your overall results. With such a feature, you’ll be able to know the internal temperature of the food without opening the smoker.
The best vertical pellet smokers also come with digital control panels where you can have full control of your unit without any hassle. From the panel, you can control the temperature and everything in between for a smooth and convenient cooking experience.
The unit should also be easy to clean. Generally, the smoker will be getting dirty and require cleaning after every cooking session. If it’s hard to clean, then you can imagine the hassle you’ll have to go through to make it ready for the next cooking session. Some of the features that enhance cleaning include an ashtray and grease tray systems, the coating on the cooking grates, and the finish of the unit.
Your unit must be easy to transport. The best vertical pellet smoker is equipped with caster locking wheels that aid in its movement. If the unit is especially big and doesn’t have the means to facilitate portability, then you’ll require the help of another person to be able to move it. That can be very inconvenient.
How Versatile Is It?
Versatility matters whether it’s a unit for household or commercial use. Generally, you want a smoker but it won’t hurt if you have a unit that can do something more than just smoking.
The best vertical pellet smokers offer you other conveniences like roasting, baking, braising, and barbequing. Pellet smokers are poor when it comes to grilling but if you could find a unit that can also grill, the better.
A versatile vertical pellet smoker is a valuable unit for households with many family members who have different tastes and preferences. While some members would prefer their meals smoked, others would prefer baked ones.
Additionally, some meals are better braised than baked or better smoked than roasted. Sometimes, you may want to roast some foods like maize or barbeque some types of meats, and if you could do all that in one unit, then you can realize how convenient the whole thing is.
A versatile smoker is economical even though the initial buying price would be higher. That’s because you may not require purchasing another unit for doing other types of cooking at home. Therefore, before you buy the most ideal unit for your needs, ensure you consider this factor.
FAQs
Who makes the best vertical pellet smokers?
Some of the well-known vertical pellet smokers’ manufacturers and brands include PIT BOSS, Masterbuilt, Camp Chef, and Louisiana Grills.
Are vertical pellet smokers worth it?
Vertical smokers are good for beginners and those who are advancing their smoking skills. That’s because they are user-friendly and perform excellently on a host of meats.
Are horizontal or vertical pellet smokers better?
Horizontal pellet smokers can smoke, grill, bake, and some even provide the user with direct flame broiling capability. On the other hand, vertical smokers are made to roast and smoke foods but are poor at grilling.
Are pellet smokers or electric smokers better?
Pellet smokers are far much better when it comes to the meat flavor than electric smokers. With that in mind, pellet smokers are most costly than electric smokers.
Are pellet smokers as good as charcoal smokers?
Charcoal smokers are good for cooking at constantly lower temperatures. But, it’s harder to reach and maintain higher temperatures with pellet smokers. That’s because pellets tend to burn quicker than charcoal.
Final Thought
The above was our 10 best vertical pellet smokers. We also went through some useful factors to consider before buying a vertical pellet smoker. Now that you’re more informed, we hope that you’ll make the right buying decision.
