Looking for the ideal vertical pellet smokers to step up your BBQ skills? You’ve landed in the perfect place. Vertical pellet smokers are quickly becoming the preferred choice for those who prioritize accuracy and taste in their barbecue endeavors, offering solutions to the issues found in traditional pellet smokers. Generally, pellet smokers are categorized into two types: vertical and horizontal. Here, our discussion will be solely centered around the top vertical pellet smokers available today.
Vertical pellet smokers are built to be much smaller in terms of space than horizontal models, meaning they are an ideal choice for those with limited outdoor space. They usually have many racks for smoking, which enable you to make different types of food at a time.
Following the research and testing of various models, our team was able to single out the best vertical pellet smokers available. With these smokers, you are getting not only quality but durability and ease of use as well, which is perfect for every outdoor cooking setup.
Top 3 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers
- PIT BOSS Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker
- Pellet Pro® 2300 Vertical Pellet Smoker
- Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker
We have poured over the market to provide you with the best vertical pellet smokers of today. These smokers are a different way of cooking your meals with the rich and smoky flavor of wood pellets. Their vertical construction made them an ideal option for those who do not want to spend a lot of time tending to a traditional flat smoker. We offer a variety of options that cater to individuals with different budgets and needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, we have every necessity to suit your needs.
1. PIT BOSS Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker
If you are searching for a vertical pellet smoker with a high capacity, the PIT BOSS Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker should be at the top of your list. This smoker provides you with a large cooking area and a fully programmable digital controller, allowing you to smoke large cuts of meat or multiple items together.
Pros
- The digital LED readout and meat probe make it easy to monitor internal temperatures.
- With five porcelain-coated cooking grids and a 1548 sq in cooking area, this smoker has plenty of space for smoking multiple items at once.
- The 40+ lb hopper capacity with pellet purge allows for over 24 hours of use, making it perfect for long smoking sessions.
Cons
- Assembly can take some time, and the smoker may arrive with cosmetic damage due to shipping.
- Some users have reported issues with the smoker shutting off unexpectedly or displaying error codes.
- The smoker may require some trial and error to find the perfect temperature for smoking different types of meat.
In our experience, the PIT BOSS Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker was an excellent piece of machinery. The smoker is simple to use, with a digital control for temperature setting and monitoring. We liked the way they introduced the meat probe, which helped us not to stress about the internal temperature of our smoked meats.
Among the top qualifications of this smoker is its large cooking space. Offered with five porcelain-coated cooking grids and a total cooking area of 1548 sq in, there’s enough space for smoking several items at the same time. We smoked the racks of ribs and brisket at the same time, not feeling limited in our space.
Another great feature is 40+ lb hopper capacity and over 24 hours of use without refilling pellets. The pellet purge feature was great because we didn’t have to empty the hopper each time we changed between types of wood pellets.
The smoker did occasionally stop functioning abruptly, however, in general, we were satisfied with its efficiency. Featuring a large cooking surface, convenient digital controller, and long-lasting hopper, the PIT BOSS Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker is an excellent choice if you want to smoke big cuts of meat or multiple food items at the same time.
2. Pellet Pro® 2300 Vertical Pellet Smoker
If you’re searching for a trustworthy and roomy vertical pellet smoker, the Pellet Pro® 2300 will certainly catch your eye. The heavy-duty vertical smoker unit comes with ample cooking area.
Pros
- The 10cu feet of cooking space is more than enough for large cuts of meat and even whole hogs.
- The included 21″ x 20″ stainless steel grates and 7-section rib rack make it easy to cook a variety of meats at once.
- The exclusive PID controller helps maintain a consistent temperature within 5-10°, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection.
Cons
- The 200-pound weight makes it difficult to move around, so it’s best to find a permanent location for it.
- The price point is higher than some other vertical pellet smokers on the market.
- The grate frames can be a bit slippery and potentially dangerous if not handled with care.
Pellet Pro® 2300 has two layers of steel construction with a convection fan that helps regulate the temperature and cook the meats consistently. The big cooking area lets us cook many dishes in one go, so we use it for family gatherings.
One important thing to remember is the weight of the smoker – it’s definitely not the easiest to move, so please make sure you have found a permanent place for it. On the other hand, the price may be a little expensive for some, though we are sure the quality and performance are worth it.
3. Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker
If you are in search of an inexpensive vertical pellet smoker, the Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker will be worth considering.
Pros
- The machine can control temperature precisely, and it can cook your food quickly.
- The temperature of this grill pellet can be adjusted by the panel of the machine.
- The Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker is environmentally friendly, it runs on electricity rather than charcoal which produces a lot of smoke.
Cons
- The machine is made of iron, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The power cord of this machine is long, which may be inconvenient if you use it over short distances.
- The Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker does not include meat needles, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.
Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker is user-friendly; you are able to cook your food evenly as it is done precisely. The temperature displayed on the screen which covers also other presets lets you know what the machine status is. Yet, this machine is made of iron, and maybe other materials will be more endurable.
The Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker is environmentally friendly since it runs on electricity rather than charcoal which emits lots of smoke. The long power cord of this machine may cause inconvenience if used over a short distance. Also, remember that the machine does not come with meat needles, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.
So, if you want a budget-conscious vertical pellet smoker, the Yellulu Vertical Pellet Smoker is worth evaluating. Nevertheless, if you are seeking a more sturdy machine, you may have to pay more to buy a heavy model.
4. Pit Boss 1077-Sq in Black Sand Pellet Smoker
If you prefer to achieve a quality taste from real wood with simplicity, then Pit Boss 1077-Sq in Black Sand Pellet Smoker is your best bet. Thanks to the WiFi and Bluetooth features of the Pit Boss Smoke-it application, you can quickly adjust temperature settings, view smoker meat probes, and a lot more from your phone. It has four wheels for easier maneuvering which means it can be used at any party.
Pros
- The 65lb hopper provides enough fuel to cook even the lowest and slowest dishes.
- The digital PID control board is fully programmable, allowing you to reach temperatures from 150° – 420°F.
- With 1,077 square inches of adjustable porcelain-coated steel grids, you don’t have to worry about running out of cooking space.
Cons
- Only produces a “smoke” flavor at low temperatures. When you turn it up, it’s like baking in an oven.
- The door sags ¼” on the right side and only fits right when pulled up. The door has a big dent.
- Assembly is required and may take some time.
The smoker has a large view window so you don’t have to do the peek-a-boo type of cooking. Smoker is equipped with two meat probe ports to track and perfect the desired temperature. We provide one meat probe with each grill purchase, and the additional second probe port can be added with an additional probe purchase as an optional accessory.
The smoker is designed with a fan-forced convection cooking system and safety features like the auto cool down. The 4 porcelain-coated cooking racks stack together, offering more than 1,000 square inches of adjustable cooking space. The smoker also has four wheels, and is easy to transport.
5. Pellet Pro® “Double D” Double Door Vertical Cabinet Pellet Smoker with Stick Burning Capability and PID Controller
If you are in search of a large and multi functional pellet smoker, the Pellet Pro® “Double D” Double Door Vertical Cabinet Pellet Smoker with Stick Burning Capability and PID Controller is the way to go.
Pros
- The extra-large size of this smoker allows for plenty of space to cook for large gatherings or events.
- The Pellet Pro PID controller ensures stable temperature control, making it easy to maintain your desired temperature.
- The heavy insulation of the cabinet works great in cold climates and helps retain heat for efficient smoking.
Cons
- The size of this smoker may not be practical for those with limited outdoor space or who only smoke for small groups.
- While the stick burning capability is a great feature, it may require some additional effort and time to set up and use.
- The price point of this smoker may be higher than some other options on the market.
The other day we got to put the Pellet Pro® “Double D” Double Door Vertical Cabinet Pellet Smoker with Stick Burning Capability and PID Controller to test during a small backyard BBQ gathering. The big smoker was a blessing for us. It could be used to cook various racks of ribs, brisket, and chicken at the same time without any problem. The versatility of the Pellet Pro PID controller helped with temperature control, and we kept the temperature consistent all through the day.
The heavy insulation of the cabinet was also a great feature for us as we could smoke our meats even in colder weather without any problems. Our experience also confirmed that a stick burner needed more effort and time to set up and use, but the results were excellent. However, the only caveat for this smoker is its size, which may not be practical for those who have limited outdoor space or only smoke for a small group.
6. TFCFL Vertical Pellet Smoker
If you are looking for a functional and economical way to have a wonderful BBQ meal, the TFCFL Vertical Pellet Smoker is what you need.
Pros
- The machine can control temperature precisely, so your food won’t be overcooked.
- The temperature of the grill pellet can be adjusted by the panel of the machine.
- The machine runs on electricity rather than charcoal, which produces a lot of smoke, and does little harm to the environment.
Cons
- The meat needles are not included, so you need to prepare them yourself.
- The machine is made of iron, so it’s not very lightweight.
- The machine has a high temperature, so it’s not suitable for outdoor use on hot summer days
After using the TFCFL Vertical Pellet Smoker, we believe that it is an ideal product for anyone who enjoys grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and BBQ. The iron of the machine gives it strength and high-temperature resistance. With the temperature setting of the appliance, you can rest assured that your food will not be overcooked.
The machine will cook your food well and evenly, so you can have a good meal even though you are not a professional cook. The temperature of this grill pellet can be adjusted using its digital panel, so you do not have to worry about your food being overcooked.
The TFCFL Vertical Pellet Smoker is eco-friendly due to it being electricity-powered instead of having smoke-producing charcoal. It is suitable for grilling, smoking, baking, broiling, braising, and grilling. You can apply it to your yard, garden, or anywhere else.
Buying Guide
When purchasing the most suitable vertical pellet smoker there are several things to take into account in order for you to make sure that the product you choose suits your needs best. In this guide, we will discuss the important features to consider, thereby making your choice an informed one.
Size and Capacity
The first decision to make is the size and volume of the vertical pellet smoker. You should decide in advance how much food you want to cook at a time and how much room you have for a smoker. Try to pick a smoker that is the right fit for you without using too much space in your house.
Temperature Range
Another important feature is the temperature range of the smoker. Make sure that there is a smoker that can get a high temperature to sear meat and a low temperature for smoking. A broader temperature range will give you the opportunity to cook with various types of food.
Pellet Hopper Size
Pellet hopper size is another point to consider as well. The bigger the hopper, the longer the smoker lasts without the need for replenishment. This is even more important in long smoking sessions as you would not like to be in a situation where you have to keep monitoring and reloading the hopper.
Construction and Durability
Moreover, the construction and sturdiness of the smoker must be taken into account. Find a smoker made from high-grade materials that will stand the test of time. The corrosion and rust resistance of stainless steel are the main reasons for choosing this material.
Additional Features
In the end, think of other features that can be relevant for you as well. Some smokers have been designed with features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in thermometers, and removable ashtrays. However, these attributes are not indispensable, but can rather make your smoking experience more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the recommended vertical pellet smokers under $500?
If you are on a tight budget and need a really good vertical pellet smoker, we suggest the Pit Boss Pro Series 4 Vertical Pellet Smoker or the Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker with a pellet conversion kit. Both are inexpensive choices that would offer excellent bang for one’s buck.
2. What are the differences between the vertical pellet smoker and the pellet grill?
The primary distinction between a vertical pellet smoker and a pellet grill is the design. A vertical pellet smoker is made for smoking and slow cooking, while a pellet grill is made for grilling and smoking. Typically, a pellet grill is larger and can attain greater temperatures than a vertical pellet smoker.
3. Is the Camp Chef XXL vertical pellet smoker a good choice for competition smoking?
Of course, the Camp Chef XXL vertical pellet smoker is the best choice for competition smoking. It features a large cooking surface, an accurate temperature control, and a robust build that is designed to stand up to extreme conditions and high temperatures during competition cooking.
4. Is a vertical pellet smoker a better deal than a traditional smoker?
Yes, vertical pellet smokers will be a great investment if you are the kind of person who values convenience and ease of use. They provide accurate temperature regulation, and exact smoke emission and require less care than traditional smokers. On the other hand, they are always more expensive than the traditional smokers.
5. Does the Masterbuilt Vertical Pellet Smoker have WiFi?
No, the Masterbuilt Vertical Pellet Smoker is not WiFi enabled. Nevertheless, the Bluetooth connectivity feature enables you to operate the smoker via your smartphone.
6. What are the pros and cons of the Pit Boss electric pellet smoker?
The Pit Boss electric pellet grill comes with some advantages, which include an affordable price, a large cooking surface, and precise temperature control. Cons are that it can be confusing to assemble and it might not be as efficient as more expensive models.
