9 Best Dyna Glo Vertical Smoker (November 2026)
The best Dyna Glo vertical smokers include the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal for fuel flexibility, the Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal for large charcoal batches, and the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker for mid-size charcoal cooks.
On this page (4 sections)
The best Dyna Glo vertical smoker for most large charcoal cooks is the Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D. Its 1,890 square inches of cooking space and 6 height-adjustable grates give you the most room in this group.
That space suits cooks who regularly smoke more than one food at a time.
You can separate ribs, poultry and vegetables by rack instead of stacking them in a single layer.
It also suits cooks who want room to adjust grate height for thicker cuts.
For propane, the Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP offers 784 square inches, 4 adjustable racks and a 15,000 BTU cast iron burner.
That is a smaller cabinet, but it removes charcoal fire management from the routine.
Propane suits cooks who want to set a burner and focus on timing and food.
If you want both fuel types, the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel model is the most flexible pick.
It gives you propane and charcoal capability in one vertical smoker.
That flexibility suits households where different cooks prefer different fuels.
A vertical smoker keeps food above the fuel, so heat and smoke rise through the cabinet.
Our guide to What Is a Vertical Smoker? explains how this layout differs from a horizontal smoker.
The difference matters for rack use and for how you add fuel or water.
Cooking space should be matched to your usual batch size, while fuel choice should match your routine and patience for fire control.
Charcoal asks for more attention, while propane asks for less.
Footprint and weight also matter before you order, so measure the outdoor space and the path to it.
This roundup compares fuel, cooking space, rack layout and footprint to help you narrow the choice.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for fuel flexibilityMasterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for large charcoal batchesDyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for mid-size charcoal cooksDyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itMasterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ
Best for easy propane control - 5
Check itAmazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor
Best for compact charcoal cooking - 6
Check itDyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker
Best for propane rack flexibility - 7
Check itCuisinart 18” Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Best for smoker and grill use - 8
Check itSophia & William Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
Best for large group cooks - 9
Check itGasOne Vertical Smoker with Thermometer
Best for simple charcoal versatility
The best Dyna Glo vertical smokers by cooking style
The DGO1890BDC-D is the best Dyna Glo vertical smoker for large charcoal batches, while the DGO1176BDC-D fits buyers who want similar rack flexibility in a narrower cabinet. The DGY784BDP is the better match for propane cooks.
We compared cooking space, fuel type, rack layout, fire controls, access doors and footprint. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal: Best for fuel flexibility
- Propane and charcoal fuel
- 717 square inches of cooking space
- 4 chrome smoking racks
- Push-button ignition
This vertical smoker gives you both propane and charcoal fuel options, along with 4 racks and push-button ignition.
Pros
- Two fuel options
- 4 smoking racks
- Push-button ignition
Cons
- Less cooking space than the largest cabinet smokers
- 59 lb unit
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel model is the best choice when you don't want to commit to one fuel type. It uses propane and charcoal, so you can choose propane for simpler temperature changes or charcoal when you want a more traditional fire.
Four chrome smoking racks provide 717 square inches of cooking space. That gives you a useful middle ground for family cooks, but it is smaller than the 960 square inches in the 40-inch Masterbuilt and far smaller than the largest Dyna-Glo cabinet.
Push-button ignition reduces the steps needed to start propane cooking. The smoker also has a temperature gauge, a porcelain-coated wood chip tray and a water pan.
Its 20.5 x 28.5 x 43.5 inch size and 59 lb weight make it easier to plan around than the 83 lb DGO1890BDC-D or 101 lb Sophia & William smoker. Measure the cooking area and the path to your outdoor cooking spot before ordering.
Choose this model if fuel flexibility matters more than maximum capacity. It is also a strong option for cooks who want a vertical cabinet with both a stainless steel burner and charcoal capability.
Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal: Best for large charcoal batches
- 1,890 square inches of cooking space
- 6 height-adjustable grates
- 25 lb capacity per grate
- Adjustable smoke-stack flue
The wide-body Dyna-Glo is the largest cabinet here, with 6 adjustable grates and an offset charcoal chamber for indirect cooking.
Pros
- Largest cooking area
- 6 adjustable grates
- Ash management system
Cons
- Wide and tall footprint
- 83 lb unit
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D is the largest charcoal smoker in this roundup, with 1,890 square inches of total cooking space. Six height-adjustable grates can hold up to 25 lb of food per grate, giving you room to separate different foods or cook for a large group.
Its vertical offset design keeps direct heat away from the food. The porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes stacked tightly, while the charcoal and ash management system helps handle ash during long cooks.
The adjustable smoke-stack flue gives you another way to manage smoke and temperature. A built-in stainless steel thermometer includes a Smoke Zone marking for the temperature range intended for infusing smoke flavor.
If it needs replacement, compare Dyna-Glo smoker thermometers.
This smoker measures 21 x 43.3 x 50.2 inches and weighs 83 lb. Its wide 43.3 inch dimension needs a firm, open cooking area, with enough room to access the doors and ash pan.
Pick it for large charcoal batches, multiple racks of ribs or several food types at once. If you need a narrower cabinet, the DGO1176BDC-D keeps the 6-grate layout with 1,176 square inches of space.
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker: Best for mid-size charcoal cooks
- 1,176 square inches of cooking space
- 6 height-adjustable grates
- 25 lb capacity per grate
- Adjustable smoke stack
This Dyna-Glo keeps the 6-grate vertical offset layout while taking up less width than the wide-body model.
Pros
- Large cooking area
- 6 adjustable grates
- Removable steel ash pan
Cons
- Charcoal requires active fire control
- No cover included
The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D is the best Dyna Glo vertical smoker for a mid-size charcoal setup. It has 1,176 square inches of cooking space across 6 height-adjustable grates, and each grate holds up to 25 lb of food.
The offset design keeps direct heat away from the food while smoke moves through the vertical cabinet. That layout suits slow cooking when you want the food above the charcoal chamber instead of directly over the fire.
Its porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber is designed to keep briquettes tightly stacked. The removable steel ash pan helps with cleanup after a longer cook, while the adjustable smoke stack gives you a manual temperature and smoke-control point.
At 20.2 x 34.52 x 47.03 inches, it is narrower than the DGO1890BDC-D. It still needs a stable outdoor location and clearance around the cabinet, but its smaller width may work better on a tighter patio.
Choose this model if you want Dyna-Glo's 6-rack charcoal format without the wide-body footprint. For more charcoal comparisons, see our Best Vertical Charcoal Smoker guide.
Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ: Best for easy propane control
- 960 square inches of cooking space
- Adjustable temperature dial up to 375°F
- 4 chrome-coated racks
- Window and lockable door
The 40-inch Masterbuilt suits propane cooks who want a large vertical cabinet, a temperature dial and 4 racks.
Pros
- Propane temperature control
- 960 sq. in. cooking space
- Food-monitoring window
Cons
- Tall 53 in cabinet
- 92 lb unit
The Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp is the best alternative for propane cooks who want 960 square inches of cooking space. Its 4 chrome-coated racks and tall vertical body can fit up to 16 chickens, 6 turkeys, 8 pork butts or 8 racks of ribs.
The adjustable temperature dial reaches up to 375°F. Push-button ignition starts the fuel, and the smoker includes a removable water bowl, woodchip tray and adjustable air damper.
A window lets you monitor food during smoking without opening the door. The lockable latch helps retain heat and smoke inside the insulated smoker body.
This model measures 22.8 x 28.7 x 53 inches and weighs 92 lb. The 53 inch height matters if you cook beneath a roof, shelf or low outdoor structure.
Pick it when propane convenience and larger capacity are more important than charcoal flavor. New smokers can also compare it with our Best Vertical Smoker For Beginners guide.
Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor: Best for compact charcoal cooking
- 2-layer design
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable air supply
- Porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans
This compact charcoal smoker fits smaller outdoor cooking areas and uses 2 layers with adjustable air supply.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Built-in thermometer
- Locking system
Cons
- Much less cooking area than cabinet smokers
- 2-layer design
The Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor Smoker is the compact pick for smaller outdoor spaces. Its 2-layer design provides a cooking area of 16.8 square inches, so it is better for modest batches than large holiday cooks.
A built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply help you manage the charcoal fire. The porcelain-enameled water and charcoal pans are designed for the smoker's cooking system, and a secure locking system keeps the compact cabinet closed.
The smoker measures 21 x 17 x 31 inches. That footprint is easier to place than the wide Dyna-Glo cabinets, but the shorter 2-layer layout limits how much food you can spread out at once.
Use it when your priority is a small charcoal smoker with a thermometer and simple vertical design. Check the actual cooking area against the size of your usual ribs, poultry or pans before choosing it.
Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker: Best for propane rack flexibility
- 784 square inches of cooking space
- 4 adjustable steel wire racks
- 15,000 BTU cast iron burner
- Double-door design
The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP offers propane cooking, 4 adjustable racks and separate upper and lower access.
Pros
- 15,000 BTU burner
- 4 adjustable racks
- Separate access doors
Cons
- Less space than the 960 sq. in. Masterbuilt
- Temperature control is manual
The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP is the best Dyna Glo vertical smoker for propane users who want 4 adjustable racks and separate access doors. It provides 784 square inches of cooking space in a 36 inch vertical cabinet.
Its 15,000 BTU cast iron burner uses electronic push-button ignition. A large control dial helps you adjust the burner, while sliding air dampers at the top and sides give you additional smoke and heat-control points.
The upper and lower doors make it possible to reach food, water or wood chips without opening the entire cabinet. The porcelain-enameled steel wood chip box and water bowl are part of the smoking setup.
This model measures 19.2 x 27 x 46.46 inches and weighs 54 lb. It takes less width than the Dyna-Glo wide-body charcoal smoker, so it may suit a smaller patio.
Choose it when propane is your preferred fuel and 784 square inches is enough for your regular cooks. If jerky is your main use, compare rack spacing and batch size with our Best Vertical Smoker For Jerky guide.
Cuisinart 18” Vertical Charcoal Smoker: Best for smoker and grill use
- 510 square inches of cooking space
- 2 chrome-plated steel grates
- Dual air vents
- Removable body converts to a charcoal grill
This Cuisinart combines a 2-grate vertical smoker with a removable main body that converts into a compact charcoal grill.
Pros
- Smoker and grill use
- Dual air vents
- Hinged access door
Cons
- Only 2 grates
- Smaller cooking area
The Cuisinart 18 inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker is the best choice here when you want a smoker that can also become a compact charcoal grill. It has 2 chrome-plated steel grates and 510 square inches of cooking space.
A porcelain-enameled water bowl adds moisture during smoking. Dual top and bottom air vents help regulate the charcoal fire, and a hinged door provides access to charcoal, smoking chips and water.
The removable main body converts into a compact charcoal grill for steaks and burgers. That makes the Cuisinart more flexible for a small outdoor cooking setup than a cabinet designed only for smoking.
It measures 22 x 24 x 43 inches and weighs 32 lb. The 2-grate design is easier to manage but gives you less vertical separation than the 4-rack and 6-rack models above.
Pick it if you want smoker and grill use in one charcoal unit. It is not the best fit for large batches or cooks that need many rack levels.
Sophia & William Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker: Best for large group cooks
- 961 square inches of total cooking area
- 5 chrome-plated levels
- 106 square inch offset box
- Push-out ash tray
This heavy-duty vertical offset smoker provides 5 grate levels, an offset box and a push-out ash tray for larger outdoor cooks.
Pros
- 5 grate levels
- Offset cooking design
- Push-out ash tray
Cons
- Large 101 lb unit
- Wide footprint
The Sophia & William Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker suits large group cooks that need 961 square inches of total cooking area. Five chrome-plated levels provide 855 square inches, with another 106 square inches in the offset box.
The removable grates let you change the height for brisket, ribs, wings or jerky. Hanging racks add another way to use the vertical space for ribs, sausages and whole birds.
Its sealed door uses adjustable latches, and a side water-filling door lets you add moisture without opening the main chamber. The push-out ash tray helps with cleanup after a charcoal cook.
This is a large 27 x 43.8 x 51.5 inch smoker that weighs 101 lb. Large wheels and thickened legs are part of the design, but you still need a planned outdoor location before assembly.
Choose it for group cooking and a large offset layout. Consider our Best Vertical Smoker For Small Business guide if you need to compare larger-capacity smoking setups.
GasOne Vertical Smoker with Thermometer: Best for simple charcoal versatility
- 2-layer vertical design
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable air supply
- 2 independent access doors
The GasOne CSM-16 is a compact charcoal smoker that also works as a barbecue grill, with 2 cooking grids and 2 access doors.
Pros
- Compact design
- Smoker and grill use
- 2 access doors
Cons
- Smaller 2-layer layout
- Charcoal-only fuel
The GasOne CSM-16 is the smallest straightforward charcoal alternative in this group. It has a 2-layer vertical design, 2 cooking grids and a built-in thermometer with adjustable air supply.
Its all-in-one design works as a vertical smoker or barbecue grill. That dual use suits cooks who want one compact unit for slow smoking and for shorter grilling jobs.
Two independent access doors let you reach the food and charcoal areas separately. That can reduce the need to open the full cabinet during a cook.
The built-in thermometer helps you track heat without guessing from the outside. The adjustable air supply gives you a way to raise or lower the charcoal fire.
The smoker measures 18.5 x 16.34 x 32.28 inches and weighs 8.37 kg. That makes it easier to plan for a small outdoor cooking space than the taller, wider offset smokers.
Its compact size suits patios, camping setups and other tight outdoor areas. It also suits smaller batches where 2 layers are enough for the food you cook.
The 2-layer layout is better for smaller batches than large brisket or party cooks that need many rack levels. Choose it for basic charcoal smoking and grilling in a compact footprint.
Check the grid size against your usual ribs, poultry or pans before ordering. A compact smoker works best when the food fits with space around it.
How to choose a Dyna Glo vertical smoker
Choose the DGO1890BDC-D if you need the most cooking room, the DGO1176BDC-D if you want a narrower charcoal cabinet, and the DGY784BDP if propane control fits your routine.
Charcoal or propane?
Charcoal gives you a direct role in building and adjusting the fire. The DGO1890BDC-D and DGO1176BDC-D use offset charcoal chambers, porcelain-enameled charcoal chambers and adjustable smoke stacks.
Propane simplifies the heat source. The DGY784BDP uses a 15,000 BTU cast iron burner, while the Masterbuilt 40-inch model uses an adjustable temperature dial that reaches up to 375°F.
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel model gives you both options.
How much cooking space do you need?
Cooking space should match your usual food, not just the cabinet's outside height. The DGO1890BDC-D has 1,890 square inches, while the DGO1176BDC-D has 1,176 square inches and the DGY784BDP has 784 square inches.
Those numbers describe usable cooking area inside the cabinet. They help you judge whether several foods can cook at once without crowding.
A larger area suits mixed menus and larger gatherings. It also gives you more choice about spacing food for even smoke exposure.
More space helps when you cook several foods at once, but a larger cabinet also needs more room around it. Measure your patio, door path and storage area before choosing a 43 or 53 inch smoker.
The door path matters because racks and pans need to come out for loading and cleaning. A cabinet that fits in place can still be awkward if you cannot open it fully.
Storage matters in the same way, especially for wider models. You need a place where the smoker can sit without blocking walkways or doors.
Rack count matters too. Six adjustable grates give you more ways to separate foods than 2 fixed layers, while 4 racks provide a middle option for family cooking.
Adjustable grates help with tall and short foods on different levels. You can raise a grate for a large cut or lower it for smaller items.
Fixed layers are simpler, but they limit how you arrange mixed foods. That trade-off suits smaller batches where the menu is simple.
Think about your normal cook first, then the occasional large cook. The right size is the one that fits most of your meals without wasted space.
Also think about how you will load the smoker. A layout you can reach easily is easier to use every time.
Fuel and rack layout work together in daily use. More racks help only if the fuel system can hold a steady temperature.
A large cabinet with poor heat control can be harder to manage than a smaller one. Match space, racks and fuel to the kind of cooking you do most.
What should beginners look for?
Beginners should focus on a clear fuel system, a readable thermometer and a layout that is easy to reach. Propane models remove much of the charcoal-fire management, while charcoal models teach you to control heat through fuel and airflow.
The DGY784BDP has push-button ignition, a control dial and separate upper and lower doors. The Masterbuilt 40-inch model adds a window, an adjustable temperature dial and 4 racks.
If you're still learning the basics, read Is a Vertical Smoker Good for Beginners? before choosing between propane and charcoal.
Setup and care for a vertical smoker
Place the smoker outdoors on a stable surface with room to open every door and remove the ash pan.
Keep the cabinet away from low roofs, flammable materials and areas where smoke can collect.
A stable surface helps the cabinet stay level during loading and cooking.
Leave clearance around the smoker for safe movement while it is hot, so you can handle racks, pans and doors without reaching over the cabinet.
Before the first cook, follow the included instructions for assembly and any required preparation.
Confirm that racks, pans, doors and dampers move correctly before adding fuel or food.
Check each grate or rack for a secure fit in its position, since an uneven rack makes loading food more difficult.
Check that doors close fully and that latches hold as intended.
A door that does not close well can let heat and smoke escape during a cook.
Check dampers and vents so they open and close without sticking, as airflow control is part of how you manage temperature and smoke.
Charcoal smokers need ash removal after the fire is fully cold.
Empty the ash pan and clear loose ash from the charcoal chamber before the next cook, since ash build-up can restrict airflow.
Handle ash only when it is fully cold to avoid burns.
Propane smokers need attention to the burner, hose, regulator and ignition system.
Turn the fuel off when the smoker is not in use, and inspect the visible connection points before cooking.
Inspect the hose and connections for visible damage before each use.
Do not use the smoker if a connection looks damaged or does not sit correctly.
Keep the burner area clean so it can light and burn as intended, since food residue and debris can interfere with ignition and heating.
Clean grates and pans after they cool.
Remove grease and food residue so the next cook starts with a clear cooking surface.
Wash or wipe pans according to their material and the instructions for your model.
Dry racks and pans before storing them when possible, since moisture left on metal parts can cause rust over time.
Store a cover where the smoker's design supports one, and protect the cabinet from prolonged exposure when possible.
Store the smoker in a dry place if you can, to help protect metal parts.
Keep the area around the smoker clear between cooks to make setup faster.
Good care is mostly about checking parts, clearing ash or residue and storing the cabinet properly.
Which Dyna Glo vertical smoker should you buy?
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D is the best Dyna Glo vertical smoker for large charcoal batches because its 1,890 square inches and 6 adjustable grates give you the most room.
That room suits cooks who smoke several foods at once or cook for a group.
It also suits cooks who want to separate foods by type or size across different levels.
Its charcoal and ash management helps during longer cooks.
Pick the DGO1176BDC-D when you want a smaller charcoal cabinet with 6 grates and 1,176 square inches.
It keeps the same general vertical offset layout in a narrower form.
That narrower width can suit a tighter patio or a smaller cooking area.
Choose the DGY784BDP for propane, 4 adjustable racks and separate upper and lower doors.
Separate access can make it easier to reach food, water or wood chips.
Propane suits cooks who want a burner they can adjust without managing charcoal.
Buy the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel if you want propane and charcoal in one vertical smoker.
That flexibility suits buyers who want to switch fuels by meal or by mood.
It is a useful middle option if maximum space is not your main need, with 4 racks for family cooking without a wide-body footprint.
For compact charcoal cooking, the Amazon Basics model takes up less space than every large cabinet here.
Its 2-layer design suits smaller batches and smaller outdoor areas.
Choose size by your usual food first, not by the largest cook you might make.
Also choose by fuel before you compare rack counts, since charcoal and propane call for different levels of attention during a cook.
If you cook large charcoal batches most often, the DGO1890BDC-D remains the top pick.
If space is tighter, the DGO1176BDC-D is the next charcoal option, and if propane fits your routine better, the DGY784BDP is the Dyna-Glo to consider.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for fuel flexibility
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for large charcoal batches
Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for mid-size charcoal cooks
Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Dyna Glo vertical smoker?
The Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D is the strongest choice for large charcoal cooks because it has 1,890 square inches of cooking space, 6 adjustable grates and an offset charcoal chamber. Choose the DGO1176BDC-D if you want a smaller Dyna-Glo cabinet with the same 6-grate layout.
Is a Dyna-Glo vertical smoker good for beginners?
A Dyna-Glo propane model is usually easier for a beginner because you adjust a burner instead of managing a charcoal fire. The DGY784BDP has push-button ignition, a control dial and 4 adjustable racks.
Charcoal Dyna-Glo models offer more fire-control practice and smoke flavor.
What is the difference between the Dyna-Glo DGO1890 and DGO1176?
The DGO1890BDC-D has 1,890 square inches of cooking space and measures 21 x 43.3 x 50.2 inches. The DGO1176BDC-D has 1,176 square inches and measures 20.2 x 34.52 x 47.03 inches.
Both use charcoal, 6 adjustable grates and an offset design.
Are vertical smokers good for brisket?
Vertical smokers can work well for brisket when the chamber has enough rack room for the cut and the smoker can hold a steady low temperature. Check the grate dimensions, allow space around the meat and use the smoker's thermometer or a separate thermometer to monitor the cook.
