Top 8 Best Vertical Pellet Smoker In 2022 [Expert’s Choices]

For wood pellet-fueled cookware, there’s one sort of smoker that may get overlooked: the vertical pellet smoker.

The best vertical pellet smokers are a brilliant piece of cookware that integrates some of the great attributes of vertical smokers and pellet grills. 

Battersby has compiled a list of the top-rated vertical pellet smokers available and evaluated each one; then, you can make a comparison side by side.

You will also discover some helpful hints and information for the best cooking experience. Let’s get started!

In-Depth Vertical Pellet Smoker Reviews In 2022

#1. Pellet Pro 2300 – Best For Overall

Product’s highlights

This Pellet Pro 2300 pellet vertical smoker is large, with a cooking space of 10 cu ft, which has four cooking grates. Each of these steel grates is 21 x 20 inches. 

You’ll get a total of 1680 square inches of cooking capacity. Each grate has a 7 1/2-inch clearance between them, allowing ample room for air to pass through. 

This pellet smoker’s construction is robust and long-lasting. It’s made of 18-gauge double-walled steel that’ll last for years. It includes two heavy-duty latches and heat-resistant lid seals. 

This feature implies that the heat generated by smoking will not escape. Moreover, the air will circulate to the smoker by a convective fan.

It has three temperature sensors to monitor what is going on in various sections of the pellet smoker. There is also a PID controller that keeps the temperature within 5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It includes a partition to create two independent cooking surfaces. Why not prepare your veggies in one area while your meat is ready in another? There are also dual meat probes for checking the heat of your meal. 

The probes feature two access holes, so you do not have to open the front lid and escape the hot air. You can control the airflow with a flexible top vent and a secondary flow rear vent.

It burns longer before you need to add additional pellets because the hopper holds 35 pounds of pellets. Consider how much time you could save by allowing your meal to burn for 20 hours without doing anything. 

These vertical smokers also have heat-resistant lids, and an intelligent relight if the heat drops below 150F. When opening the door, your hands will be safe from being burned.

Pros

• Sufficient cooking space
• Double-walled steel build quality
• Easy to take the greasy pan
• Durable casters
• Come with 2 meat probes and 3 temperature gauges 

Cons

• Hefty price tag

Bottom line

Although this product comes in an expensive price tag, it features all you need in the best vertical pellet smoker. So, put it into your wishlist and enjoy a relaxing cooking experience.

#2. Louisiana Grills – The Runner Up

Product’s highlights

Louisiana built this smoker with such a black heavy-gauge powder-coated steel body for longevity and rust resistance. The smoker also comes with porcelain coated cooking grids that are durable and simple to clean after each use. 

Furthermore, the grill includes a big front-facing viewing window that eliminates opening the doors to watch the food. Again, the double-walled insulation keeps smoke from leaking and ensures accurate temperature regulation.

Thanks to four robust lockable caster wheels, you can easily carry the smoker from anywhere to your garden. Its cupboard comes with six sturdy cooking grates with 2059 square cooking space inches. 

Therefore, you can prepare for a massive crowd with just one piece of equipment. The Louisiana Grills Pellet Smoker features a 60-pound hopper that can smoke for roughly 35 hours simultaneously. 

As a result, you won’t have to bother about filling the container during the cooking process. It cooks tender meat with a 100-420°F temperature and almost 40000 BTU of heat. 

With digital temperature monitoring, you can choose the heat you want and let the vertical smokers handle the rest. Aside from that, the twin meat sensors precisely detect interior temperature and show it on a LED screen.

Pros

• Massive cooking capacity
• Wheels with locking casters for mobility 
• Accurate meat dual-probes
• A wide range of cooking temperature
• Durable

Cons

• Lack of sausage racks
•  Hefty price tag

Bottom line

This Louisiana Vertical Pellet Grill has a lot of excellent characteristics, such as a big cooking capacity and a rugged body. 

View more: Best Gas Grills Under $500

#3. Pit Boss Grills 77550 – Best For Temperature Control

Product’s highlights

The Pit Boss 77550 smoker is 24 x 26 x 47 inches and features a high-quality painted steel frame with a beautiful copper coating. The cast-iron porcelain-coated grates appear to last a lengthy period. 

Their solid and rust-resistant structure provides exceptional longevity, allowing them to endure high temperatures quickly. Furthermore, the entire container is insulated with a double wall to keep the heat in. 

If that wasn’t enough, Pit Boss has included a huge front window for you to see the dish without having to open its doors. As a result, even in snowy circumstances, the smoker preserves the temperature. 

In its cooking chamber, the grill has six cooking plates, that’s more than enough to grill for a significant number of people with only one piece of equipment.

Therefore, you’ll have plenty of room to cook your ribs, hamburgers, turkey, and kebabs with a large square cooking surface. 

A huge pellet hopper is on the rear and bottom of this pellet smoker. The smoker can store more than 55 lbs of pellets and can continue running for 24 hours. 

As a consequence, you won’t have to bother about constantly reloading the hopper. This vertical pellet smoker can smoke slowly and low for hours at a time, thanks to its 20700 BTU of heat. 

It has comprehensive digital control, featuring ten preset options and the ability to configure it to your preferences.

The smoker features a maximum temperature of up to 420°F and a handy LED panel at the base that displays the interior temperature. 

Moreover, a high-quality igniter which is 300-Watt, automatically begins and stops the pellet smoker. 

Pros

• Massive cooking area
• Double-coated insulation
• Durable
• Large window
• Accurate temperature monitor
• Automatic function

Cons

• Hefty price tag
• Challenging to transport

Bottom line

The Pit Boss vertical pellet smoker from the 7-series is among the largest on the market, with accurate digital temperature monitoring. These vertical pellet smokers have a tiny footprint because they are vertical. 

#4. PIT BOSS PBV3P1 – Best For Budget

Product’s highlights

This vertical smoker’s chamber has a 800 square inches of cooking size, divided among four movable racks. A heat deflector and water pan are also available, mainly responsible for improving the tastes you create on it. 

Thanks to a bright LED readout and simple control panel, tuning up and maintaining your cook is effortless.

This Pit Boss pellet smoker is straightforward to operate no matter how much expertise you have had with vertical pellet smokers.

The temperature gradient is also excellent; you may go as low as 150°F or as high as 450°F. You can effortlessly get into roasting and baking temperatures with that heat range, which gives up many possibilities for whatever you can prepare. 

Its hopper is one of the most outstanding features available; it has a capacity of 35 pounds, which is pretty substantial considering the compact size. You can also see when to fill your pellets thanks to a side glass into the hopper.

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• Easy to use
• Smart control panel
• A wide range of cooking temperature
• 5 years of warranty
• See-through window
• 35 lbs hopper capacity

Cons

• Small cooking area

Bottom line

The Pit Boss 3-Series vertical pellet smoker earns our recommendation if you are on a budget. It is the most cost-effective option on the list while still providing enough cooking capacity and power. 

#5. PIT BOSS 77435 – Best For Saving Space

Product’s highlights

With a narrow design, this Pit Boss vertical smoker is ideal for placing in the corner of your small garden. So, those who want to save space can opt for this one.

Featuring stainless steel heaters that generate 12500 total BTU, the double burner valve system heats up to 800 square inches of cooking area. The entire installation of these red vertical smokers takes less than two hours.

You will not have to continuously check the development of your food or worry about it being too hot because the heat is relatively steady. 

Yet, the temperature adjustment knob is quite challenging to use, and this device operates best at a lower temperature, which is ideal for sluggish and low smoke. 

The observation glass in the front of this gas smoker is its best feature, allowing you complete visibility to the progression of the food within the smoker. It is also simple to have the plates in and out due to their vertical shape. 

Wheels and handles are also included on the outside to allow for easy movement of the smoker. The wood pellet plate and grease tray are accessible externally. Its wood pellets last roughly an hour and a half once the shelf is full. 

The smoke tray is challenging to remove when it gets heated. It is worth noting that although this device runs on propane, you will have to buy an extra propane tank separately. 

Pros

• Extensive viewing window
• Narrow design for saving space
• Stainless steel dual-burner
• Sufficient temperature range
• Three porcelain-coated plates
• Large total cooking surface
• Accessible greasy tray and pellet drawer

Cons

• Insufficient for cooking large brisket

Bottom line

With a lower heat range from 100 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the Pit Boss 77435 Vertical Smoker has a moderate and sluggish heat focus. This smoker has a beautiful red appearance and three detachable porcelain-coated moveable racks on the inside.

Related: Best 2 Burner Gas Grill

#6. Z GRILLS ZPG 450A – Best For Value 

Product’s highlights

Z GRILLS divided the cooking area of this 450A model into two sections, the main grilling area, and a warming rack. Its cooking temperature varies between 160 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Its hopper weighs roughly 15 pounds. So you can take up smoking whenever or anywhere by filling the hopper with complete pellets. 

This pellet grill also has a cooling fan to assist you in keeping your cooking process consistent, so your meat cooks evenly, which aids in the start-up process. It also allows you to select a temperature range of 180-475°F.

The cost of this grill is relatively reasonable. Z GRILLS kept the price down to half of what comparable pellet grills with similar features cost despite incorporating premium amenities. 

Because of Z GRILLS for making this pellet smoker affordable while yet providing good characteristics. The compact, mid-size pellet grill competes with top-of-the-line Camp Chef barbecues. 

This pellet smoker’s setup instructions are pretty straightforward. As a result, you can have it up and running in a matter of hours.

Unfortunately, many people complained about a 30°F temperature difference from the initial temperature. So, we hope Z GRILLS investigates the temperature control problem.

Pros

• Reasonable price tag
• Easy to install
• Lightweight hopper
• Large cooking area
• Built-in cooling fan

Cons

• Temperature fluctuation problem

Bottom line

The Z-450A grill is among the most excellent pellets available, with 450 square inches of cooking capacity. 

#7. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18” – Best For Busy Cooks

Product’s highlights

Although this smoke vault’s cooking space (320 square inches) is the tiniest among our list, its hanging rack measurements (15 x 14 inches) are the largest. 

A second cooking shelf, and a utility rack, provide you additional alternatives when it comes to your smoking pleasure. 

It comes with a tremendous heavy-gauge wood pellet tray and weighs roughly 65 pounds. There are thermal diffuser plates on the vertical pellet smoker to provide a consistent cooking process. 

It has the highest temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit and a BTU outcome of 18000, the lowest on our list. There is a door thermometer and three adjustable valves so you can check the temperature. 

With the acquisition of an adaptor, you can use this vertical pellet smoker with gas. Because of the product’s simple installation, you may start smoking right away, especially with the unmatched ignition. 

Despite the lack of wheels, it is pretty lightweight and portable. It features an extensive water pan, so you can cook for extended periods without stopping and replenishing – perfect for busy cooks! 

You’ll love the adjustable cooking racks since they provide you with additional options for the foods you are cooking.

Pros

• Extended cooking area
• Dishwasher-friendly
• Affordable price tag
• Save space

Cons

• Lack of digital control and internal temperature control
• Unsatisfied thermostat

Bottom line

Overall, this vertical smoke vault is durable, well-made, and large enough to meet your demands. For the performance of smoking this item delivers, it is well worth the cost.

#8. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ – Best For Ease Of Use

Product’s highlights

This vertical pellet smoker’s build quality is what you’d expect for the budget; it’s high-grade and durable. 

The body is composed of sheet metal, while the inside components, such as the water pan, pellet holder, and rack, are made of higher-quality metals such as thick gauge steel. 

The unit is 75 pounds, which is lighter than its previous version, the Camp Chef XXL vertical pellet smoker (136 pounds) and is 24 x 16 x 30 inches. 

The  rack is 21.5 x 14 inches on the inside. There is also a secondary cooking rack and a utility rack, giving you a lot of flexibility when it comes to cooking. 

The device heats up rapidly and keeps a consistent temperature. It has a maximum temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit and a 18000BTUs output.

The temperature diffuser plates prevent cold and hot areas in the vertical pellet smoker, while the fan and three damper valves keep the temperature consistent. Although there is no inside thermometer, there’s a door temperature sensor; nevertheless, this can be incorrect. 

Therefore it may be worth acquiring an extra thermometer. This Camp Chef smoke vault also comes with the option of using natural gas if you have an adaptor. 

This 24-inch vertical smoke vault is simple to put up and is quite portable despite the lack of wheels. It has matchless lighting, making it much easier to get started cooking.

Pros

• Portable
• Easy to use and maintain
• Durable build quality
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• Lack of internal thermostat

Bottom line

Altogether, this item is a fantastic first vertical pellet smoker, which is ideal for a newbie! It’s simple to set up and use, and maintaining a consistent temperature is a snap.

Buying Guide Of The Best Vertical Pellet Smokers

How To Choose The Best Vertical Pellet Smoker?

When searching for an upright pellet smoker, keep these factors in mind. So, while comparing items, this guide will assist you in making the right decision possible when purchasing the best vertical pellet smoker. 

Temperature Control

It is crucial to think about temperature range and control when selecting a vertical smoker. Ensure the heat range you’re using is suitable for the sort of cooking you’re performing. 

Temperature fluctuations will affect some foods more than others. You’ll need the one that can control the heat at a lower setting if you want to slow cook for a lengthy time.

Hopper Size

The goal of the best vertical pellet smoker is to make delicious food slowly and steadily. Your vertical pellet smoker’s fuel is in the hopper. Pellets are a kind of fuel. So, pellet burners featuring tiny hoppers must be refueled regularly. 

At smoking temps, vertical pellet smokers generally burn about one pound and a half of pellets each hour. If you intend to cook continuously for ten hours, your hopper must be able to handle ten pounds of smoker pellets. 

Heating Elements

You have a variety of heating components from which to select. When searching for the best vertical pellet smokers, you’ll have to decide between a gas and an electric heating element. 

Typical pellet smokers usually include an electric component that can be readily regulated digitally. You can use pellets that may be on nearly any burner. 

If you want an easy-to-use alternative with constant temperature adjustments, a vertical pellet smoker, including an electric element, is an attractive choice. 

Warranty

When there are electrical components in a vertical pellet smoker, you will face the danger of crashing. The best method to safeguard your investment is to get a warranty. 

The usual industry guarantee lasts between two and three years. If you can’t decide among these two models, choose the one with better warranty service. 

Material

Decent vertical smokers will have a robust steel frame and good seals surrounding the doors to reduce heat loss. A tempered, thick glass pane should be put on the front lid to check what’s cooking. 

The inside of a vertical pellet smoker is generally made up of stainless steel frames and porcelain-coated steel racks. It is more resistant to rust than those constructed of corrosive materials like cast iron. Moreover, porcelain-coated metal is easy to clean up after each use since it is nonstick. 

Many vertical pellet smokers have casters for portability. These casters, which are usually constructed of metal or strong plastic, can sustain the load of a heavy smoker.

Water Pan Capacity

Pellet cookers may dry meat more quickly than conventional methods. A remedy for this is using a water container. Water evaporates to keep the meat juicy, so opt for a container that can hold more. 

Remember that the more you open it up to change the liquid, the more heat changes you’ll notice within. At the very least, the best vertical pellet smoker has to store three liters of pellets.

Portability

Although you don’t believe your vertical pellet smoker to be transportable, it may be responsible for significant events like neighborhood get-togethers or picnics. Nevertheless, you will most likely want to move it about on your patio area. 

Your pellet smoker’s casters or wheels must be sturdy and easy to maneuver. They should include a locking mechanism to prevent your pellet smoker from moving during usage. You’ll also require electricity to operate the fan, control system, and drill.

FAQs

Pellet Smoker Is A Must-Have Item If You Enjoy BBQs

Here are some frequently asked questions we have collected while researching this field.

What Can You Cook With A Vertical Pellet Smoker? 

On a vertical pellet smoker, you can smoke all of the conventional meats for BBQ. Ribs, brisket, chicken, and a variety of other meats are popular choices. Based on your smoker’s range of temperature, you can roast and bake on it as well.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Vertical Pellet Smoker?

A vertical pellet smoker is more compact than a horizontal one, making it more straightforward to store. This characteristic also means minimal clean-up, allowing you to smoke although you live in a flat with a bit of deck or balcony! 

A 45-degree angle on a vertical pellet smoker offers great smoke control and easy access to the meat while cooking, allowing you to regulate how much smoke goes into it without opening the doors.

It also offers good circulation, preventing cold spots on the meats caused by venting holes or water and food accumulation in chambers beneath lower shelves.

Gas Vs Pellet Smoker: Which Is Better?

Well, it depends on users’ preferences.

Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Gas has a mild smokey smell, yet it is simple to use. Wood pellets are more ecologically friendly than charcoal. 

What To Notice When Using Vertical Pellet Smokers?

Compared to other pellet grills, many vertical pellet smokers do not have the most comprehensive temperature range, so you cannot roast or sear; thus, you lose some adaptability. 

Many lower-end vertical cabinet-design pellet smokers might have problems maintaining a consistent temperature regularly.

Pellet smokers that are genuinely dependable and maintain a constant temperature may be rather costly. 

Due to the lack of insulation, it is not ideal for usage in cold conditions. Because vertical pellet smokers depend on electronics to function, they are more likely to cause problems if they are poorly constructed.

Where Do Pellets Come From?

Biomass, wood chips, sawdust, and bark are among the resources used to make them.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering the best vertical pellet smokers and have chosen one that suits your needs among our selections. The Pellet Pro 2300 smoker is still our top pick. 

It features a thermometer and a digital temperature indicator so you can be sure your food is cooked at the correct temperature. You’ll have 1680 square inches of cooking area, which means you’ll be able to treat a crowd. 

Although there are only a few of you, this pellet smoker still delivers impressive results. We wish you a wonderful summer of smoking a variety of meals.

Thank you for reading!