3 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers in 2026
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Last updated: September 30, 2026 · Specs checked against manufacturer pages
Quick answer
The best vertical pellet smoker is the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical: 2,224 sq in of rack space, a 75 lb hopper and a 130 to 420°F range. For app control and six adjustable racks, the Pit Boss Sportsman 7-Series Vertical. For a smaller footprint, the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical (PBV3M).
Vertical pellet smokers stack racks inside a tall cabinet, so you get a lot of cooking space in a small footprint. They’re ideal for jerky, sausage, ribs and big batches. We checked what’s actually on sale in 2026, and the current lineup is smaller than it used to be.
Editor’s Top Picks
Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical
- 2,224 sq in of rack space
- 75 lb hopper for very long cooks
- Low 130°F setting
Pit Boss Sportsman 7-Series Vertical
- Six adjustable racks
- App-connected controller
- Viewing window
Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical (PBV3M)
- Big hopper for long cooks
- Smaller footprint than the 6-Series
- Low 130°F setting
How We Chose These Pellet Smokers
We didn’t run hands-on tests. We checked which vertical pellet smokers manufacturers are currently selling, then compared rack space, hopper size, temperature range and controls using the brand’s own product pages. Several models on the old list, including the Louisiana Grills vertical, Pit Boss PBV3P1, Realcook and ASMOKE AS300, are no longer on current manufacturer lineups. The Camp Chef Smoke Vault is a propane smoker, not a pellet smoker. All have been removed.
3 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers
Here’s how they compare.
| # | Model | Best for | Cooking area | Max temp / searing | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical | Best overall | 2,224 sq in | 420°F | See listing |
| 2 | Pit Boss Sportsman 7-Series Vertical | App connected | 2,015 sq in | See listing | App connected |
| 3 | Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical (PBV3M) | Compact | 1,118 sq in | 420°F | See listing |
1. Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical – Best Overall Vertical Pellet Smoker
Huge capacity
2,224 sq in across its racks handles big batches of ribs, jerky or sausages.
75 lb hopper
Enough pellets for very long, low cooks without refilling.
Pros
- 2,224 sq in of rack space
- 75 lb hopper for very long cooks
- Low 130°F setting
Cons
- 420°F max, not for searing
- Large and heavy
Who should skip it: you want to sear; it tops out at 420°F.
2. Pit Boss Sportsman 7-Series Vertical – Best App-Connected Vertical Smoker
Six adjustable racks
2,015 sq in, with racks you can move for tall items.
App-connected controller
Check on the cook from your phone; the window lets you look without opening the door.
Pros
- Six adjustable racks
- App-connected controller
- Viewing window
Cons
- Pit Boss doesn’t list hopper size or temp range in the product text
Who should skip it: you want Pit Boss to list the hopper size and temperature range up front; the product text doesn’t.
3. Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical (PBV3M) – Best Compact Vertical Pellet Smoker
Smaller footprint
1,118 sq in in a narrower cabinet than the 6-Series.
Big hopper for its size
A 50 lb hopper, per Pit Boss.
Pros
- Big hopper for long cooks
- Smaller footprint than the 6-Series
- Low 130°F setting
Cons
- 420°F max
Who should skip it: you smoke for big crowds often.
Other Vertical Pellet Smokers You May See
Camp Chef’s XXL vertical pellet smokers still show up at some retailers, but they’re no longer on Camp Chef’s own website, which currently lists only the Woodwind 24. Pit Boss also sells a 5-Series vertical as a Walmart exclusive. We left both off the ranked list because we couldn’t confirm current specs on the manufacturer’s site.
Vertical vs Horizontal Pellet Smokers
| Vertical pellet smoker | Horizontal pellet grill | |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | Small footprint, lots of rack space stacked up | Wider, fewer racks |
| Best for | Jerky, sausage, ribs, fish, big batches | Brisket, steaks, all-round cooking |
| Temperature range | Pit Boss verticals: 130 to 420°F | Typically 180 to 500°F; some go higher |
| Searing | Not designed for it | Some models, with direct flame or 600°F+ |
| Whole packer brisket | Fits on some racks; check width | Fits easily on most full-size grills |
What to Look For in a Vertical Pellet Smoker
- Rack space and adjustability: adjustable racks let you fit tall items like turkeys or hanging sausage.
- Hopper size: vertical smokers often have big hoppers (50 to 75 lb on the Pit Boss Navigator models) for long, low cooks.
- Low temperature setting: 130°F is useful for jerky and gentle smoking.
- Window and app control: a viewing window saves opening the door; app control helps on overnight cooks.
- Wind and weather: tall cabinets catch wind, so place them sheltered, but never in an enclosed space.
Best Foods for a Vertical Smoker
Vertical smokers shine when you need lots of rack space at low temperatures: beef jerky, snack sticks, sausages, ribs, whole chickens, salmon and smoked cheese. See how to make snack sticks and how to smoke cheese on a pellet grill.
FAQs
What is the newest Pit Boss vertical pellet smoker?
Pit Boss’s current vertical pellet lineup includes the Navigator 3-Series and 6-Series and the Sportsman 7-Series. Check Pit Boss’s site for new releases.
Are vertical pellet smokers any good?
Yes, for low-and-slow smoking in a small footprint, especially jerky, sausage, ribs and fish. They aren’t built for searing.
Should I buy a vertical or horizontal pellet smoker?
Choose vertical if you want lots of rack space for smoking in a small area. Choose horizontal if you also want to grill, sear or cook large flat cuts like whole packer brisket easily.
Conclusion
For most people, the Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series Vertical is the best vertical pellet smoker thanks to its capacity and 75 lb hopper. Pick the Pit Boss Sportsman 7-Series Vertical for app control or the Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Vertical (PBV3M) for a smaller space. Want a grill that also sears? See our best pellet smokers list.
How This Guide Was Put Together
Specs come from each manufacturer’s current product pages, checked September 2026. We don’t claim hands-on testing. Reviewed September 2026.
Sources: pitboss-grills.com
