Barbecue smokers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to impart that delicious, smoky flavor to your meats and vegetables.
For the discerning barbecue enthusiast, a battle line is drawn between two distinct smoker designs – horizontal smoker vs vertical smoker. The choice between the two types is more than just orientation—it’s about finding a smoker that aligns with your cooking technique, space, and the flavors you want to achieve.
This guide will go into the characteristics, pros and cons of each type, helping you make an informed decision that suits your smoking style.
What Is A Horizontal Smoker?
For those who are serious about the art of smoking, horizontal smokers are the way to go. Unlike vertical smokers, horizontal smokers use a fuel source separate from their smoking chamber to allow for low temperatures and even smoke distribution over an extended period of time.
The most popular horizontal smokers are offset smokers. This type of horizontal smoker utilizes a horizontal chamber with a separate firebox attached on one side, creating a barrier between direct heat and the main smoking chamber. This type of smoker requires a lot of space compared to their more compact vertical counterparts.

Pros and Cons of Horizontal Smokers
Pros
- Horizontal smokers have large cooking chambers with several grates, making them suitable for large chunks of meat such as briskets, whole turkeys, and racks of ribs.
- The offset firebox design in a horizontal smoker creates a longer smoke path. This allows the smoke to mingle with the food for a more extended period, resulting in a deep, robust smoke flavor.
- Easier to add fuel. Fuel is added from a side chamber, allowing you to maintain a consistent cooking temperature without disturbing the cooking process.
- Offers a traditional smoking experience. Ideal for those who appreciate the authentic flavor and cooking process of offset smokers.
Cons
- Generally larger and heavier, requiring more space
- Requires more attention and experience to maintain consistent temperatures
- The larger cooking chamber of a horizontal smoker may require more fuel to maintain the desired temperature over long smoking sessions.
Best Horizontal Smokers for Beginners
What Is A Vertical Smoker?
Vertical smokers cook food using indirect heat. This is often done by placing meat above the water pan near the bottom of the smoker. The water adds humidity and traps the heat from the burning wood chips below, slowing down the cooking process so your meats or vegetables can take on a delicious smoky flavor.
The main difference between an horizontal smoker and a vertical smoker is that one has horizontal cooking racks for smoking while the vertical has multiple racks that go up and down in a straight line.

Pros and Cons of Vertical Smokers
Pros
- Vertical smokers has a vertical orientation, which is better for small spaces and portability
- Many vertical smokers come equipped with digital control for precise temperature control for consistent results.
- Some vertical smokers offer features like hanging racks and multiple shelves, making them suitable for a variety of smoking applications, from sausages to fish.
- Vertical smokers require less fuel compared to horizontal smokers, making them more economical to operate.
Cons
- Due to their vertical design, vertical smokers typically have a smaller cooking capacity compared to horizontal smokers. They might not be ideal for large cuts of meat.
- Potential for heat loss. Some models do not a separate door for fuel. Opening the door to add fuel or check on the food can lead to heat loss and fluctuations in cooking temperature.
Best Vertical Smokers for Beginners
Interested in Vertical Pellet Smokers? Read our post here.
Key Differences Between Horizontal and Vertical Smokers
The key differences between Horizontal and Vertical smokers are summarized in the table below:

Design: The most striking difference lies in the design. Horizontal smokers have a long, rectangular shape with a separate firebox, while vertical smokers take a more compact, upright form with the heat source typically integrated within the main chamber.
Ease of Use: Vertical smokers generally require less babysitting thanks to a digital control or temperature gauge. For horizontal smokers, it may be challenging to keep the cooking chamber’s temperature constant throughout, depending on the model.
Space requirement & Portability: Horizontal smokers, with their long shape and side firebox, demand a larger footprint, making them more suitable for expansive outdoor areas. In contrast, vertical smokers has a more space-efficient design, standing tall rather than wide, which makes them easier to transport and ideal for limited outdoor space, such as small patios or balconies.
Smoking Capacity: Horizontal smokers reign supreme when it comes to accommodating large cuts of meat due to their spacious chambers. Vertical smokers, while offering some versatility with multiple shelves, might struggle with significant quantities.
Cost: Horizontal smokers, particularly high-quality offset smokers, can be a significant investment. Vertical smokers often come at a more budget-friendly price point, especially electric models.
Fuel Efficiency: Horizontal smokers tend to use a little bit more fuel than vertical smokers.
Cooking Versatility: Horizontal smokers are suitable for low & slow, hot & fast cooking and even grilling. Horizontal smokers might be slightly better suited for hot and fast smoking techniques due to their ability to reach higher temperatures. Some vertical smokers are not good at handling high heat (usually seen in electric smokers).
Smoke Flavor and Smoke Ring: Horizontal smokers, with their longer smoke path and use of wood or charcoal fuel, deliver a more robust and noticeable smoke flavor. Charcoal vertical smokers can create intense smoke flavor with smoky rings too. On the other hand, it it is less likely for an electric or gas smoker to develop deep smoke flavor and smoke ring.
Final Thoughts: Is Horizontal or Vertical Smokers Better for Beginners?
For beginners, vertical smokers are often considered the better choice. They’re typically easier to operate because they require less attention to maintain a consistent temperature. The design of vertical smokers naturally manages the heat and smoke flow, making it more straightforward for those who are new to smoking. Plus, they usually take up less space and can be more budget-friendly, which is great for those just starting out on their BBQ journey.
However, not all smokers are the same, whether they are vertical or horizontal. These factors can vary model to model. You can also refer to our post about how to choose the best smoker for beginners to select a model that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
FAQs About Horizontal and Vertical Smokers
1. How long does it take to smoke a brisket on a horizontal smoker?
Smoking times can vary depending on the size of the brisket, smoker temperature, and desired level of doneness. Generally, a whole brisket on a horizontal smoker can take anywhere from 12 to 18 hours to smoke low and slow.
2. Do I need to buy different smoker accessories depending on whether I choose horizontal or vertical?
Both smoker types benefit from similar accessories, such as meat thermometers, water pans, and wood chips/chunks (for horizontal smokers). However, some vertical smokers might come with built-in water trays or wood chip feeders.
3. Are there any advantages to using a vertical smoker over a horizontal smoker?
Advantages of vertical smokers include their compact size, user-friendliness, precise temperature control, and fuel efficiency (with electric models). They are also generally easier to clean and maintain.
4. Can I convert my horizontal smoker into a vertical smoker?
No, converting a horizontal smoker into a vertical smoker is not practical or recommended. Their designs and functionalities are fundamentally different.
5. Can vertical smokers be used for grilling as well?
Some vertical smokers offer grilling capabilities with a designated grilling grate. However, horizontal smokers generally offer more versatility for grilling.
As someone who has a vertical smoker, I recommend horizontal to those who want to cook different meat at once. It really sucks to have the juice from one kind of meat to drip on another.
Very informative post. I guess the biggest difference is the size.
Thank you so much for the information. Can I use your comparison table in my post with credit to your website?
Sure!
Can a beginner use a horizontal smoker? I don’t mind the size, I have a quite large back yard. I like to use the smoker to grill too so I think horizontal smoker will be a better choice for me.
So informative. Everything is clearly explained. Thank you so much!
My vertical pellet works fine for me, I’m satisfied with the convenience and flavor. But my husband has another idea 😆. He likes it traditional, he loves working with the fire. We’re now in an argument if we should buy a charcoal. We have a backyard but quite small, im afraid my neighbors would not like the smoke. What do you think?
Hard decision. One of you got to compromise.
Who cooks with the smoker more? If it’s you, pellet it is, otherwise he should have his dream smoker.
That’s a common dilemma for many people! Vertical pellet grills offer great convenience and flavor, but there’s something undeniably satisfying about grilling with charcoal.
Since you have a smaller backyard, I’d suggest considering a few factors:
– Ventilation: If you have a way to direct the smoke away from your neighbors’ properties, such as a chimney or a strategic placement of the grill, that might mitigate the issue.
– Neighborly Relations: Have a chat with your neighbors beforehand. They might be more understanding if you explain your situation and assure them you’ll take precautions.
– Compromise: Perhaps you could try using both methods. You could use the pellet grill for quick weeknight meals and the charcoal grill for special occasions or when you want that classic smoky flavor.
Ultimately, the best decision is the one that works for both you and your husband. Maybe a compromise could be the perfect solution.