Vertical pellet smokers are a great choice for people who prioritize space saving design and ease of use.
We have carefully curated a refined list featuring the Top 3 Vertical Pellet Smokers. Our selection process considered factors such as build quality, pricing, brand reputation, and insightful real-user reviews.
This guide is everything you need to know about vertical pellet smokers. We’ll explain how they work and help you pick the perfect one for you, so you can be a smoking pro in no time!
Best Vertical Pellet Smokers of 2024 – At a Glance
Understand Vertical Pellet Smokers
Vertical pellet smokers are a modern take on traditional smokers.
Unlike offset smokers that require constant monitoring and fire management, vertical pellet smokers are electric-powered and utilize wood pellets to generate heat and smoke.
These smokers feature a vertical chamber where the food sits on racks, and a hopper at the bottom that feeds pellets into an auger.
The auger automatically feeds pellets into a burn pot, where they ignite and produce smoke that infuses your food with rich, smoky flavor.

Advantages of Vertical Pellet Smokers:
- Ease of Use: Vertical pellet smokers are incredibly user-friendly. Simply load the hopper with pellets, set the desired temperature and let the smoker do its magic. No need for constant fire tending or charcoal management.
- Space-Saving Design: Their vertical structure allows for a large cooking capacity without taking up much space.
- Consistent Temperature Control: These smokers excel at maintaining consistent temperatures, making them ideal for low and slow smoking.
- Better Airflow: The vertical design provides better airflow, which enhances smoke distribution inside the cooking chamber for an even cook and great flavor.
- Versatility: Can cook a wide range of foods such as brisket, ribs, chicken, salmon and vegetables.
Limitations of Vertical Pellet Smokers:
- Less Intense Smoke Flavor: Vertical pellet smokers might not give as strong a smoke taste as offset smokers because of how they’re made. However, many models come with extra features like a smoke box to help increase the smoke flavor.
- Higher Cost: Vertical pellet smokers tend to be more expensive than traditional charcoal or electric smokers.
- Reliance on Electricity: These smokers require an electrical outlet to operate, limiting their portability compared to charcoal smokers.
If you want to understand more about different types of smokers, I did a comparison in a previous post. Check it out!
Best Vertical Pellet Smokers of 2024
Pit Boss Copperhead 5-Series Vertical Pellet Smoker

- Cooking space: 1,548 sq in
- Pellet hopper capacity: 40 pound
- Temperature range: 150°F – 450°F
- Digital controls with smartphone app
- Super smoke technology for enhanced smoke flavor
- Double-walled insulated construction with a porcelain-coated interior for easy cleaning
Pros
- Large hopper capacity, less time refilling
- Ease of Use: The digital controls are straightforward, making it easy to manage temperature and cooking times.
- Richer Smoky Flavor
- Consistent temperature control
Cons
- Requires a learning curve to make them work properly
- Might not work well with high temperature (higher than 300°F)
Camp Chef XXL Pro Vertical Smoker

- Cooking space: 1,806 sq in
- Pellet hopper capacity: 18 pound
- Temperature range: 150°F to 350°F
- Digital controls with Wi-Fi connectivity and Camp Chef app
- 3 meat racks, 3 jerky racks, and a 12-hook sausage rack
- Double-walled insulation for heat retention
- Meat probes
- Ash Cleanout for easy ash removal
Pros
- Durable double-walled construction
- Versatile smoking options with added accessories including racks and hooks for hanging
- Smoke box produces nice smoky flavor
- Consistent temperature control
Cons
- Max temperature of 350°F, not suitable for searing
- Thinner steel construction compared to more expensive smokers
Pellet Pro 2300 Vertical Double Wall Cabinet Pellet Smoker

- Cooking space: 2,940 square inches of cooking space
- Pellet hopper capacity: 35 pound pellet hopper capacity
- Temperature range: 160°F to 450°F
- Digital controls with smartphone app connectivity for remote monitoring
- Double-wall insulated construction for heat retention
- Meat probes and a cover
- Pellet Dump on the hopper for easy pellet removal
Pros
- High build quality and durable
- Easy to use with accurate PID controller*
- Versatile temperature range, can be used for low and slow, hot and fast cooking, and searing
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other models mentioned here but the superior build quality and features can justify the investment
Note: A PID controller for a smoker is a device that helps maintain a consistent smoking temperature. It does this by controlling the flow of pellets in a pellet smoker, ensuring that the temperature stays within a narrow range of the setpoint. This results in more precise temperature control, which is crucial for smoking meat perfectly.
Comparing the Top 3 Smokers

Considerations Before Buying a Vertical Pellet Smoker
- Size and Capacity:
- How much food do you plan to smoke at once?
- Consider the number of people you typically cook for and choose a smoker with adequate capacity.
- Temperature Range:
- Do you want a smoker solely for low and slow smoking, or do you desire the versatility of grilling, searing, and baking at higher temperatures?
- Choose a smoker with a temperature range that suits your cooking preferences.
- Features (e.g., wifi, digital controls):
- Do you want Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring? Are digital controls a must? How important are smartphone app compatibility or super smoke technology?
- Consider the features that are important to you.
- Build Quality and Warranty:
- Invest in a smoker built with high-quality materials for long-lasting durability.
- A longer warranty signifies manufacturer confidence in the product’s quality and provides peace of mind.
- Price:
- Vertical pellet smokers range in price depending on size, features, and brand.
- Determine your budget and choose a smoker that offers the features you need at a price point you’re comfortable with.
- Ease of Use and Cleaning:
- Look for features that simplify operation and cleaning, such as digital controls, porcelain-coated racks and removable ash tray.
How to Use Your Vertical Pellet Smoker
Getting Started
- Read the manual thoroughly before operating your smoker for the first time.
- Season your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare it for smoking.
- Choose the right wood pellets for the type of food you’re smoking. Different wood types impart unique flavor profiles.
Types of Foods Best Suited for Vertical Pellet Smokers
Vertical pellet smokers are perfect for a variety of foods, including:
- Brisket: Achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness with low and slow smoking.
- Pork Shoulder: Create melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork for delicious sandwiches or tacos.
- Ribs: Smoke ribs to perfection for a backyard BBQ classic.
- Chicken: Smoke whole chickens for juicy and flavorful results.
- Salmon: Impress your guests with smoky and flaky salmon.
- Vegetables: Add smoky depth to vegetables like corn on the cob, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean your smoker after each use. This includes wiping down the interior with a damp cloth, removing and cleaning the racks, and emptying the ash cup.
- Perform a deep clean periodically. This may involve removing the grease tray and hopper for a more thorough cleaning. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning procedures.
FAQs
1. Are vertical pellet smokers suitable for beginners?
Yes, vertical pellet smokers are generally considered suitable for beginners. They are appreciated for their beginner-friendly controls and efficient cooking performance, which make them a great choice for those new to BBQ smoking. Additionally, some models are specifically recommended for beginners due to their ease of use and straightforward maintenance
2. Can I use any brand of wood pellets in my vertical pellet smoker?
Most vertical pellet smokers are compatible with a variety of wood pellet brands, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using high-quality pellets ensures better flavor and more efficient smoking.
3. Do vertical pellet smokers require a lot of maintenance?
Vertical pellet smokers are relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning of the ash and grease tray, along with occasional checks of the hopper and auger for any pellet jams, will keep your smoker in top condition
4. How long can I smoke meats in a vertical pellet smoker without refilling the pellets?
This depends on the hopper size and the temperature setting. Some models can run for up to 24 hours without needing a refill, making them ideal for long smoking sessions.
5. Are vertical pellet smokers safe to use on wooden decks?
Yes, they are generally safe to use on wooden decks, but it’s important to follow safety precautions like using a grill mat and maintaining a safe distance from any flammable materials
We hope this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and confidence to embark on your vertical pellet smoking journey. Remember, smoking is both an art and a science. Experiment with different techniques, wood flavors, and recipes to discover your personal smoking style.
Wow, this is a fantastic resource for anyone considering a vertical pellet smoker! I’ve been thinking about getting one for a while now, and this guide has broken down everything I needed to know. The breakdowns of the smokers you reviewed were super helpful – especially seeing the pros and cons laid out clearly. Love the comparison among 3 models as well.
Now I am thinking if I should go with Camp Chef Pro now or save for the Pellet Pro.
Definitely bookmarked for future reference! Now I’m hungry for some smoked ribs…
Thank you! Be sure to share your smoking moments with us!
Your article is so clear and easy to follow. I’m convincing my husband to buy the Pellet Pro. Will send him this.
Thank you! Have a wonderful smoking journey!
Thanks for the recommendations. Can you suggest some good vertical pellet smokers below $500?
Are the racks removable? Can I fit a brisket inside the Pitboss Vertical Pellet?
Yes you can fit a brisket inside the Pitboss Vertical Pellet. The racks are removable so if you need more space, just rearrange the racks. Hope this helps.
Is vertical pellet or horizontal pellet smoker better? I am having an old horizontal, don’t know if I should switch to vertical.