8 Best Vertical Smokers in Electric, Gas and Charcoal (October 2026)
The best best vertical smokers include the EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker with Side Chip Loader for larger electric cooks, the Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker for simple electric controls, and the Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp Propane Smoker for high-capacity propane smoking.
On this page (5 sections)
The EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker with Side Chip Loader is the best vertical smoker for most backyard cooks, with 725 sq in of cooking area, digital controls and a side chip loader. For a larger propane cabinet, choose the Masterbuilt ThermoTemp.
For pellet fuel and app control, consider the Pit Boss Navigator.
Vertical smokers stack racks in a tall cabinet, so they use a narrower footprint than many horizontal cookers. Rack spacing and door access matter when you load large cuts or several racks of ribs.
For a broader overview of smoker styles, see BBQ smokers compared by fuel type. You can also browse our best smokers by use guide for picks based on the food and space you have.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for larger electric cooksEAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker with Side Chip Loader
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for simple electric controlsMasterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for high-capacity propane smokingMasterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp Propane Smoker
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itMasterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Smoker
Best for switching between propane and charcoal - 5
Best for long electric smoke sessionsCheck it - 6
Check itRoyal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker
Best for a smaller electric cabinet - 7
Check itPit Boss 4-Series WiFi Digital Vertical Smoker
Best for connected electric cooking - 8
Check itPit Boss Navigator 3-Series Pellet Vertical Smoker
Best for pellet-fed vertical smoking
The best vertical smokers for different cooking styles
The EAST OAK and Masterbuilt electric models suit buyers who want digital controls, while propane, dual-fuel and pellet designs serve different fuel preferences. Our scores weigh specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker with Side Chip Loader: Best for larger electric cooks
- 725 sq in cooking area
- Digital controls up to 275°F
- 12-hour timer
- Side chip loader
The EAST OAK combines a large cooking area with digital temperature and time controls. Its side chip loader lets you add chips without opening the door.
Pros
- 725 sq in across 4 racks
- 12-hour timer
- Side chip loader
Cons
- Needs an electrical outlet
- Temperature control tops out at 275°F
The EAST OAK is the leading all-around choice because it pairs 725 sq in of cooking area with a digital panel and a 12-hour timer. Four chrome-coated racks give you room to arrange several foods, and the side chip loader lets you add wood chips without opening the door.
EAST OAK says its insulated, double-layer steel body is designed to retain heat, and the unit uses an 800W heating element. The digital controls track temperature up to 275°F, so it fits low-and-slow cooking.
Rear wheels and a handle help move it around a patio or backyard. It needs an outlet, and the cabinet should be placed where the door and chip loader remain easy to reach.
Buy it for roomy electric smoking with digital time settings and fewer door openings during chip additions. If you want a side-by-side look at electric and propane operation, read our propane vs electric smoker comparison.
Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker: Best for simple electric controls
- 711 sq in cooking area
- Digital controls up to 275°F
- Side wood chip loader
- 4 chrome-coated racks
This Masterbuilt gives you digital time and temperature settings, plus a side loader for chips. Its 711 sq in cabinet is close in area to the EAST OAK.
Pros
- 711 sq in cooking area
- Side chip loader
- Removable rear grease tray
Cons
- Needs an electrical outlet
- Temperature control tops out at 275°F
The Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker is a close alternative for electric smoking, with 711 sq in of cooking space and four chrome-coated racks. Its digital panel sets cooking temperature and time up to 275°F, and the side wood chip loader keeps the main door closed when adding smoke.
A removable water bowl adds moisture, while the rear grease tray can be removed for cleanup. The EAST OAK has a slightly larger cooking area, but both cabinets offer a similar vertical format and chip-loading approach.
Choose this model if you want a digital electric setup with a removable grease tray. Our electric smoker guide covers more electric cabinet options and what to compare.
Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp Propane Smoker: Best for high-capacity propane smoking
- 960 sq in cooking area
- Temperature dial up to 375°F
- Push-button ignition
- 4 chrome-coated racks
The 40-inch cabinet offers 960 sq in of cooking space, the largest area among these models. Propane ignition and a temperature dial avoid dependence on an electric heating element.
Pros
- 960 sq in cooking area
- Push-button ignition
- Window and adjustable air damper
Cons
- Requires propane
- 53 in height needs a planned storage spot
The Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp Propane Smoker is the largest gas cabinet in this roundup, with 960 sq in of cooking area across four chrome-coated racks. It uses propane, push-button ignition and a temperature dial that adjusts up to 375°F.
A viewing window and adjustable air damper let you check food and manage airflow without opening the door. The removable water bowl catches drippings, and the lockable latch helps retain heat and smoke.
This is a sensible pick for large batches if you have room for a 53 in tall smoker and a propane tank. For setup and first-cook guidance, see our propane smoker walkthrough.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Smoker: Best for switching between propane and charcoal
- 717 sq in cooking area
- Propane and charcoal fuel
- Push-button ignition
- 4 chrome racks
This vertical smoker supports propane and charcoal, giving you a choice of fuel in one cabinet. It uses a built-in temperature gauge rather than digital controls.
Pros
- Propane and charcoal options
- 717 sq in cooking area
- Push-button ignition
Cons
- Temperature gauge is not a digital control
- Uses different fuel setups that need planning
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Smoker gives you propane and charcoal in one vertical smoker, with 717 sq in of cooking area. It has push-button ignition, a built-in temperature gauge and four chrome racks.
Its porcelain-coated wood chip tray and water pan are removable, while the locking door and air damper support heat and smoke control. The gauge is analog, so cooks who want a digital setting panel may prefer one of the electric models above.
Pick this smoker if having a choice between propane and charcoal matters more than digital controls. Our guide to charcoal smokers for backyard cooks explains what to expect from charcoal operation.
Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker: Best for long electric smoke sessions
- 4 included racks
- Electric operation
- Up to 9 hours of smoke per load
- Stainless steel interior
Bradley uses bisquettes for smoke and says a load can provide up to 9 hours of smoke. It suits buyers who prefer that fuel system over a standard wood-chip tray.
Pros
- Digital smoker
- Four included racks
- Up to 9 hours of smoke per load
Cons
- Uses Bradley bisquettes
- Rack area is 572 sq in
The Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker uses electric power and Bradley bisquettes rather than a standard wood-chip tray. Bradley says a load can provide up to 9 hours of smoke, which can reduce how often you need to reload during a long cook.
It includes four racks and has a stainless steel interior. The rack area is 572 sq in, so compare the rack dimensions with your food before relying on the larger total area figure.
Choose it if you want Bradley's bisquette system and digital operation. Our Bradley smoker guide covers the brand's models and fuel format.
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker: Best for a smaller electric cabinet
- 454 sq in cooking area
- 1350W heating power
- 3 chrome-plated racks
- Adjustable analog control
The SE2805 has less cooking area than the larger electric cabinets here, which can suit smaller cooks. Its adjustable analog control and built-in thermometer let you check and adjust the temperature.
Pros
- 454 sq in cooking area
- Three racks
- Built-in thermometer
Cons
- Less cooking area than the other listed electric cabinets
- Analog rather than digital controls
The Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker is a smaller electric cabinet, with 454 sq in of cooking area across three racks. Its analog controller adjusts heat, and a built-in thermometer helps you check the chamber temperature.
A 1,350W heating element works with an insulated chamber, removable water pan and chip box. The reduced area can suit smaller cooks, but compare its rack dimensions with your usual cuts if you often smoke whole poultry or multiple rib racks.
Choose this model when an analog control and compact cooking area fit your routine. You can also review our smoker accessories worth buying first for tools that help with temperature checks and handling hot racks.
Pit Boss 4-Series WiFi Digital Vertical Smoker: Best for connected electric cooking
- 1,320 sq in total cooking surface
- Six adjustable racks
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 100°F to 300°F range
This Pit Boss offers the largest stated cooking surface in the group and app-connected temperature control. Its electric heating element and 100°F to 300°F range suit cooks who want remote monitoring.
Pros
- 1,320 sq in cooking surface
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control
- Meat probe and dual ports
Cons
- Needs an electrical outlet
- Temperature range tops out at 300°F
The Pit Boss 4-Series WiFi Digital Vertical Smoker offers 1,320 sq in of cooking surface across six adjustable racks, the largest stated area here. Its electric controller supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a 100°F to 300°F range, and a meat probe with two ports.
The 1,650W heating element lets you add wood chips or pellets for smoke flavor. A removable grease cup, rear wheels and an easy-access grease tray address cleanup and movement, though the cabinet still needs a nearby outlet.
This model fits cooks who want a large vertical electric smoker and phone-based temperature control. See our Pit Boss vertical smoker guide to compare its fuel and control options with other models from the brand.
Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Pellet Vertical Smoker: Best for pellet-fed vertical smoking
- 1,118 sq in cooking area
- 50 lb pellet hopper
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 130°F to 420°F range
The Navigator uses pellets, digital temperature control and app connectivity in a vertical cabinet. Its 50 lb hopper supports longer sessions between refills.
Pros
- 1,118 sq in across 5 racks
- 50 lb hopper
- 130°F to 420°F temperature range
Cons
- Requires wood pellets
- 127 lb weight makes it a heavy unit to move
The Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series Pellet Vertical Smoker is the pellet choice, with 1,118 sq in of cooking area and five racks. Its 50 lb hopper feeds wood pellets, while the digital controller connects through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and offers a 130°F to 420°F temperature range.
A meat probe and three probe ports help you monitor food without opening the door. Chimney exhaust and convection airflow circulate heat and smoke through the cabinet.
Choose this model if you want pellet fuel, a larger temperature range and app monitoring in a vertical design. Its 127 lb weight makes placement worth planning before delivery.
Which vertical smoker fuel should you choose?
Electric is a good fit when you have an outdoor outlet and want set controls. Propane uses a separate fuel source, while charcoal requires attention to fire and airflow.
The EAST OAK and Masterbuilt 30 Digital both use electric heat with wood chips, and the Bradley uses bisquettes. The Masterbuilt ThermoTemp uses propane, while its dual-fuel counterpart also supports charcoal.
The Navigator burns pellets.
For a closer look at fuel tradeoffs, read charcoal vs electric smokers. If you choose charcoal, our first-time charcoal smoker guide explains the basics of managing a live fire.
How much cooking area do you need?
Match cooking area to your usual batch size and the food you cook. These models range from 454 sq in to 1,320 sq in, but rack shape and spacing determine what fits in practice.
The Royal Gourmet has the smallest stated area, while the Pit Boss 4-Series and Navigator provide the largest total spaces. The EAST OAK and Masterbuilt electric cabinets each offer about 700 sq in.
Look at the biggest item you expect to smoke, not just the total area. A whole turkey or large pork shoulder may need a full rack height, leaving less room for food above it.
Are vertical smokers easy to maintain?
Vertical smokers need regular ash, grease and rack cleanup, with the work depending on fuel type. Removable pans and trays make collection easier, but they do not remove the need to clean residue.
The EAST OAK and Masterbuilt electric models include removable grease components, and the propane ThermoTemp has a removable water bowl that catches drippings. Pellet and charcoal systems also leave fuel residue that should be handled after the smoker cools.
Follow the model manual for cleaning and storage steps. Our smoker cleaning guide covers a practical routine after a few cooks.
Which vertical smoker should you choose?
Choose the EAST OAK for a roomy electric cabinet with digital controls and a side chip loader. Pick the Masterbuilt ThermoTemp if propane and 960 sq in of cooking area matter most, or the dual-fuel model if charcoal flexibility is useful.
For app control, the Pit Boss electric and pellet models offer connected settings, with the Navigator adding a 50 lb hopper. If you are still comparing layouts, our offset vs vertical smoker guide explains which shape fits your cooking style.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for larger electric cooks
EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker with Side Chip Loader
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for simple electric controls
Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for high-capacity propane smoking
Masterbuilt 40-Inch ThermoTemp Propane Smoker
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best vertical smoker for beginners?
The EAST OAK 30 is a strong starting point if you want electric heat, digital settings and a side chip loader. It has 725 sq in of cooking area and a 12-hour timer.
If you prefer propane, the Masterbuilt ThermoTemp uses push-button ignition and a temperature dial.
Are vertical smokers better with electric, gas or charcoal?
Electric models use a heating element and need an outlet, while propane models use gas. The Masterbuilt dual-fuel cabinet supports propane or charcoal.
Choose based on the fuel you can store and tend comfortably.
How much cooking space should a vertical smoker have?
Match cooking area to your largest usual batch and the food shapes you cook. The picks here range from 454 sq in in the Royal Gourmet to 1,320 sq in in the Pit Boss 4-Series.
Rack count and spacing also matter for ribs, poultry and large cuts.
Can a vertical smoker use wood pellets?
Yes. The Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series is a vertical pellet smoker with a 50 lb hopper and digital control from 130°F to 420°F.
Other models here use electric heat with wood chips, propane, or propane and charcoal, so check the fuel system before choosing.
What should I check before buying a vertical smoker?
Check the fuel type, cooking area, temperature controls and space available for the smoker. Electric units need an outlet, propane models need a tank, and charcoal or pellet models need their matching fuel.
Also compare rack layout with the food you plan to cook.
