With a large cooking area and a compact size, vertical pellet smokers are unbeatable. They are also famous for excellent airflow resulting in the even distribution of heat throughout the smoker. However, selecting the best vertical pellet smoker might not be as simple as you think.
Vertical smokers are one of the perfect choices for smoking and roasting. However, conventional pellet smokers are more efficient than vertical ones when it comes to grilling and searing at high temperatures.
Over the years, many high-end BBQ brands have started making these vertical smokers, given the widespread demand and convenience of usage. A huge competition means a careful analysis of choices is necessary before making any final decision.
6 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers for 2025
We have prepared a list of top-notch vertical pellet smokers after analyzing lots of potential choices and factors associated with them. You can select the best one that meets your requirements and personal preferences of design.
Let’s get started!
But stop…
If you are in a hurry, check out the comparison table first for a quick overview.
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick
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Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker77550
| Straightforward Operations, Easy-to-follow instructions, Highly efficient temperature control | Check Price |
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PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker
| 1 sq inches cooking space, Perfect for a large family of 5 to 6, Porcelain steel construction | Check Price |
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Louisiana Grills Vertical Pellet Smoker
| Remarkable weight to cooking space ratio, 60 lb hopper capacity, Cover included in the package | Check Price |
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Camp Chef Smoke Vault
| High-quality steel build, Snap ignition system Enhanced protection on burner drums for precise temperature control | Check Price |
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Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Smoker
| Bang for the Buck, Cooking space of 453 sq inches, Latch locking system enhances operational efficiency | Check Price |
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ASMOKE AS300 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
| Highly efficient, programmable meat probe, Reliable heat supply via the air duct system, Excellent versatility | Check Price |
1. Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker77550 – The Overall Best Vertical Pellet Smoker
The first on our list is the top-notch smoker from Pit Boss which outperforms every other in terms of reliability and smoking efficiency. Everything from a wide temperature range of 150 to 450 degrees to a spacious smoking area justifies this claim. Along with that, the device allows you to utilize a total cooking space of nearly 1550 sq inches and weighs only 131 lbs.
With a dimension of 28 x 29 x 53 inches, it provides a compact solution to meet the smoking needs of a large family. We also like a highly efficient temperature control mechanism that allows users to maintain the temperature well within the required range. Additionally, the 40 lb hopper capacity means less frequent refills and more enjoyment and relaxation.
Easy to Use
The complexity of the operation is one of the most common problems with many vertical smokers available on the market. Some have design flaws, while others do not have a build quality that can facilitate easy operation. Considering all the problems of a common user in this regard, Pit Boss has come up with this 77550 model that is famous for its ease of use and operation.
Everything from assembly to managing temperature settings on this machine is pretty straightforward. If you are a newbie, we would advise you to follow the instructions properly if you face any difficulty in operating the device.
Temperature Management
Temperature control is one of the most common factors we use to rank the best Pit Boss pellet smokers. When it comes to Pit Boss-77550 smokers, the company has provided a foolproof mechanism of efficient temperature management to facilitate users. Everything from the provision of a highly reliable temperature probe to a digital temperature monitor assists the user in this regard.
To begin with, a temperature range of 150 to 450 degrees means you can smoke almost anything on this beast utilizing heat intensity. Furthermore, the LED display on the exterior shows the exact internal temperature of the smoker. To complement the performance of the system, you have a reliable temperature probe to measure the quality of tenderness and the exact temperature of meat inside the smoker.
In addition to the included temperature probe, you can go for any other that is more convenient based on your experience with grilling and smoking. The appliance has a total cooking area of nearly 1550 square inches and weighs only 131 pounds.
Massive Hopper Capacity
Having a hopper with limited capacity means users have to refill the hopper again and again to ensure flawless working of the smoker. However, that is not the case with this giant from Pit Boss. One of the most impressive aspects of this vertical smoker revolves around its hopper capacity. Pit Boss went a step ahead of its competitors and included a massive 40 lb hopper capacity that facilitates users in many ways.
In general, a huge hopper capacity is desirable as it prevents users from a lot of hassle. They can fill it once to keep the smoker going for hours without any interruptions. However, it is pertinent to mention that the cooking area is also huge which means there will be more consumption. Still, when compared with other options on the market, this hopper’s capacity is impressively large in relation to its dimensions.
Read Also: Pit Boss vs Traeger Grills – Which is the best?
In our opinion, Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker77550 is the overall best option to consider in terms of the best vertical pellet smokers. This compact, yet reliable, smoker meets the smoking needs of larger families with its dimensions of 28 x 29 x 53 inches. Nevertheless, it is not recommended for families with two or three members where a more compact solution may be more suitable.
2. PIT BOSS PBV3P1 Vertical Pellet Smoker – Best Vertical Pellet Smoker for Professionals
Pit Boss PBV3P1 follows in the footsteps of its twin brother in terms of operational reliability and effective smoking experience. A combination of five cooking racks provides a total cooking space of 901 sq inches, which is pretty little than its predecessor. Still, you can depend on this machine to meet the smoking needs of a large family or small weekend party.
A relatively small cooking area results in reduced weight and compact dimensions. Its overall weight is less than 100 lbs and its dimensions are 26 by 22 by 53 inches. When it comes to the hopper capacity and temperature range, it is no different from the previous one on the list. It also boasts a 40-pound hopper capacity and enjoys a temperature range of 150 to 450 degrees.
Perfect for Professionals
The overall design and functionality of the smoker make it the best device for professionals. Everything from its perfect grease management to highly efficient heating elements enhances its capacity for professionals. For instance, it lets you get the most out of hanging sausages if you are a professional. That does not mean you cannot try it for shelving.
Everyone has their own preferences in terms of cooking style. The way it treats hanging sausages and produces reliable results impressed us. Despite this, we encourage you to try shelving as well to see how it works for you. However, preventing the pellets from getting wet is required for this device to work as desired. You better be careful with this thing if you’re afraid of it blowing up.
Reliable Build Quality
Another thing that makes this device stand out from its competitors is its impressive build quality. The porcelain steel construction throughout the body enhances the functional efficiency of the device in many ways. For instance, this device is highly effective at maintaining uniform temperatures even during winter, due to its unique design and dependable build.
You can frequently test it on anything you want, including salmon, turkey, ribs, chicken, sausages, steak, veggies, corn, etc. However, it is not something we would recommend for searing. The best pellet smoker for searing is one that is designed keeping in view the excessive heating requirements of searing.
Easy Assembly
There is something special about this grill’s assembly. Most of the machine comes pre-assembled, which means it saves users from a lot of hassle and complex assembly of multiple parts. However, some parts require assembly before you start using the smoker. For instance, you may have to install the base and attach the door as the package arrives before starting smoking.
The overall size and compact dimensions are other reasons why assembly is not a big issue with this model. It is relatively smaller than the giant smokers but still offers sufficient cooking space for catering to the needs of a large family. All in all, assembling this machine is straightforward, which makes cooking the first smoked dish even more enjoyable.
Read Also: Shoulder Roast vs Chuck Roast: Here is the difference
In our opinion, this model from Pit Boss makes the perfect choice for people who are uncomfortable with the hefty cooking area on the first one. There is a total cooking area of 901 sq inches with five cooking racks that can handle the smoking needs of a family of 5 to 6 individuals.
3. Louisiana Grills Vertical Pellet Smoker – Best Vertical Pellet Smoker for High-End Use
Louisiana is comparatively a new entrant in the category of vertical machines, yet it delivers one of the best vertical pellet smokers on the market. Price is the only factor that has decreased its ranking on the list. Otherwise, it would have been at the top of the list, given its remarkable build and ergonomic features.
The smoker offers a massive cooking space of more than 2,000 sq inches and weighs only 60 lbs. It is remarkable in terms of weight-to-cooking space ratio. Furthermore, a 60 lb hopper capacity ensures the machine gets going without any interruption involving the refilling of pellets. Lastly, high-end caster wheels facilitate easy mobility from one place to the other without any hassle.
Generous Cooking Space
The most important aspect of this machine from Louisiana is its massive cooking space. Weighing only 60 pounds, the machine offers a wide cooking space of 2059 sq inches that can help you feed a whole crowd of friends in a single go. With this much cooking area, you can simultaneously smoke multiple briskets, a couple of ribs, veggies, trout, briskets, and many other things at a time.
Space is not the only impressive thing about this beast. Yet, many other things need to be mentioned for a clearer understanding of its capacity to assist you. For instance, the smoker brings with it a couple of meat probes so that you can easily maintain the inside temperature of meat according to the recipe you are following.
Temperature Management Without Fluctuations
Maintaining a stable problem is a common problem for many smokers, including some high-end devices from Traeger and other brands. The problem is when the outside weather changes dramatically, it negatively affects the temperature management of the smoker. It becomes a headache in winter, more specifically, to maintain the temperature well within the range.
As a result, you will notice consistent temperature drops leading to unreliable cooking results. But that is not the case with this champ from Louisiana. The overall build quality of the smoker enables stable maintenance of the temperature throughout the day, regardless of the outside weather conditions. In addition, it doesn’t show flare-ups during high winds either.
Uniform Heating on Both Ends
It is indispensable for a high-end vertical pellet smoker to discharge uniform heat above and below the water pan. There are many unimpressive smokers on the market who fail to achieve this uniformity of temperature at multiple points within the smoking cabinet.
However, that is not the case with this giant from Louisiana. The machine successfully maintains an even temperature throughout the cabinet without any interruptions with a few exceptions. Notwithstanding, if you are using the smoker at its full capacity, you may notice a slight temperature difference because heat waves are interrupted.
Read Also: Blackened vs Grilled Meat – Here is The Difference
In our opinion, Louisiana’s vertical smoker makes the best possible choice for people looking for a high-end smoker, if they can afford its higher price. Despite its massive cooking surface of more than 2000 square inches, the smoker is only 60 pounds. Additionally, it outplays many of its competitors in terms of excellent temperature management and uniform distribution of heat.
4. Camp Chef Smoke Vault – Best Vertical Smoker for Newbies
The next on the list is the little champ from Camp Chef Grills which offers plenty of cooking space for newbies within a compact outlook. The dimensions of this little master from the company are 30.25 x 18.75 x 17 inches, and the overall weight is slightly greater than 60 pounds.
The smoker features high-quality stainless steel throughout the smoker for enhanced efficiency and cooking reliability. Snap ignition is a unique addition to this smoker that facilitates matchless startup of the smoker within seconds. In addition, there is a special design improvement that increases the capacity of the smoker in terms of heat control.
Perfect for Newbies
The overall design and build quality of the smoker enhance its convenience for newbies who do not have much experience with smoking and grilling. Everything from ease of use to straightforward assembly increases its desirability for novices.
The heat control mechanism prevents users from continuous babysitting. Instead, they can trust the smoker when it comes to maintaining the desired level of temperature well within the set range. In particular, you will see enhanced protection of the burner drum for relentless temperature control.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning the smoker is something every BBQ lover does not like, including me. This is even more challenging for some modern smokers where simple design flaws cost users hours of cleaning time. However, the opposite is true for this champ from Camp Chef.
Everything from removable porcelain trays to adjustable smoking racks facilitates users in terms of cleaning. You only have to follow the provided instructions to get the job done without wasting time.
Also Reviewed: Best Pellet Smokers For Beginners in 2025
In our opinion, you may consider buying this one from Camp Chef if you are a newbie who is looking to kick-start the journey of making restaurant-style BBQ at home. Its temperature control mechanism inhibits continuous babysitting. Moreover,
This smoker uses snap ignition to enable matchless startups within seconds. All in all, it’s a great vertical smoker choice as far as novices are concerned.
5. Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Smoker – Best Value Vertical Smoker
Realcook’s vertical steel smoker is famous for the ultimate value it offers. It provides nearly all the features of the best vertical pellet smoker at an affordable price tag. Everything from a cooking space of 453 sq inches to a highly efficient latch-locking system justifies its inclusion on the list.
There are certain unique points about the design of the smoker. Firstly, it comes in a rounded shape which is something new as far as vertical smokers are concerned. Other things such as a couple of access doors and heat-resistant handles on the outside further increase the efficiency of this smoker.
High Value for Money
Having a low-priced product does not mean you will not get the quality you desire from the best vertical pellet smoker. Instead, it boasts some impressive features such as an accommodating cooking area of 453 sq inches, unique, cylindrical design, sturdy construction, and easy assembly.
The smoker weighs less than 20 pounds and measures 22 x 17 x 35 inches. As far as build quality is concerned, you will notice quality construction from top to bottom. In particular, a sturdy leg design helps the smoker maintain balance during extensive use. Additionally, 3 highly reliable chromed grates and aluminum doors further increase its desirability.
Unique Design
The most significant factor that we like the most about this device is its unique design setup. The collapsible layers of the smoker are convenient for easy handling and effortless cleaning. The latch-locking system also facilitates users in terms of easy transportation and mobility.
Similarly, there are a couple of access doors on this champ that serve completely different purposes. You can utilize the one at the top for convenient handling of the food. The second one helps in monitoring and refilling the fueling source.
Read Also: How to clean a Traeger Grill?
In our opinion, Realcook’s vertical smoker makes the perfect choice for people looking for high value for money. Several features, including a large 453 sq. inch cooking area and an innovative latch locking system, make it a good pick. In addition, other things such as unique, cylindrical design, sturdy construction, and easy assembly further improve its overall scorecard.
6. ASMOKE AS300 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker – Best Vertical Pellet Smoker for Versatility
The last on the list is the top-notch item from Asmoke that is famous for its compact, yet highly efficient design and functional reliability. The total cooking area on this model is 256 sq inches, which seems sufficient for a small family of two to three members. Versatility is another thing that defines this beast from Asmoke. You can sear, smoke, bake, and grill on this smoker without involving any complexity.
In terms of temperature range and its control, the smoker displays satisfactory results in maintaining the temperature well within the range of 180 to 500 degrees. Additionally, there are 4 color choices available currently, which means you have a chance to buy a smoker that integrates with the kitchen interior.
Versatility
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution to your grilling needs without spending thousands of bucks, this smoker from Asmoke can be your choice. The overall design and build quality of the machine enable direct and indirect heating on the device increasing its overall functionality.
Consequently, you can use this smoker grill for searing, smoking, baking, roasting, and grilling. A couple of high-end cooking grids provide a cumulative cooking space of 256 sq inches which is sufficient to meet the grilling needs of any small family.
Air Duct System
Asmoke utilizes a highly reliable air duct system for the distribution of heat throughout the smoker. This advanced distribution mechanism prevents flare-ups and ensures an even supply of heat in every corner of the smoker.
Also Reviewed: 10 Best Indoor Smokeless Grills of 2025
In our opinion, Asmoke’s smoker makes the perfect choice for people looking for an inexpensive, yet highly versatile smoker. The unique design and dependable build of the machine enable users to use this smoker grill for searing, smoking, baking, roasting, and grilling.
Conclusion
We have reviewed the best vertical pellet smokers in this comprehensive guide. If you are still unsure about which one makes the best combination for you, take a look at the following concluding remarks about our top pick that will certainly help you decide.
Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker 77550 is the winner. It outperforms every other machine on the list in terms of reliability and operational efficiency. Everything from its easy assembly to a highly efficient, electronic ignition startup and massive cooking area to enhanced users’ convenience makes it stand out from the crowd.
The overall build quality enables extensive smoking pursuits so that users can cook low and slow continuously for hours. In comparison to its competitors, including Trager and GMG, this beast certainly gains the highest score on the scorecard, thanks to intelligent design and reliable build.
Primarily, it can smoke anything you throw at it, given the size and heftiness of the best vertical pellet smoker. However, patience is the key in this regard. You should set the temperature of the smoker below 200 degrees to get perfectly smoked dishes. By the end of it, you will undoubtedly enjoy the smoky flavor along with the tender, juicy meat.
FAQs
What is the newest pit boss vertical smoker?
Pit Boss is undoubtedly one of the market leaders when it comes to vertical smokers. Currently, the company is offering a diversified range of smokers with multiple designs and fueling sources.
In terms of newly arrived Pit Boss smokers, Pit Boss Grills Pellet Smoker 77550 and PIT BOSS PBV3P1 are potential choices with upgraded design and high-end build quality for a sturdy performance.
Are vertical pellet smokers any good?
In our opinion, vertical pellet smokers are the hallmarks of innovation and reliability. They have changed the concept of what a pellet smoker should be like.
In terms of size, they are quite compact compared to other traditional ones on the market offering an enormous cooking surface without compromising heat distribution.
Should I buy a vertical or horizontal pellet smoker?
Well, there is no definite answer to this question as it all comes to personal preferences and individual requirements. In general, we advise our audience to go for a vertical one if they are looking for something that can smoke and roast the meat perfectly.
On the other hand, traditional horizontal smokers are better if you are looking for something that can help you with searing and conventional grilling.