8 Best Vertical Electric Smokers (October 2026)
The best vertical electric smokers include the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker for digital control, the EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors for probe monitoring, and the Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker for fish and jerky.
On this page (6 sections)
- How we chose vertical electric smokers
- How do the best vertical electric smokers compare?
- The best vertical electric smokers for different cooks
- What should you check before buying an upright electric smoker?
- Is an electric cabinet smoker the right type for you?
- Which vertical electric smoker should you choose?
The best vertical electric smoker for most cooks is the Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker, with digital time and temperature controls, an insulated body and a side wood chip loader. For a built-in meat probe, consider EAST OAK; for fish and jerky at a steady low temperature, the Smokehouse Big Chief is a more focused option.
An upright electric smoker arranges food on stacked shelves inside a heated cabinet. That format can fit several cuts in a modest footprint, though the shelf spacing and total cooking area matter as much as the rack count.
This roundup compares cabinet smokers for cooks who want electric heat and cooking space spread across multiple levels. If you're comparing a broader range of electric designs, start with our Best Electric Smoker 2026 guide.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for digital controlMasterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for probe monitoringEAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for fish and jerkySmokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itMasterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
Best for simple analog control - 5
Check itEAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker
Best for rolling patio setup - 6
Check itRoyal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker
Best for analog temperature checks - 7
Check itEAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker
Best for raised working height - 8
Check itBradley Smoker 6-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker
Best for six-rack capacity
How we chose vertical electric smokers
The picks focus on cabinet-style electric smokers with shelves, racks or a tall upright form. We compared their published controls, cooking area, rack count, chip access and extra features to match different cooking needs.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. We gave more weight to useful controls and cooking space for general barbecue, while retaining specialized options for low-temperature foods and larger batches.
A vertical cabinet works best when its racks fit the foods you make. For a smaller format, compare tabletop electric smokers.
Measure a typical rack of ribs, bird or brisket before choosing, and check the smoker's dimensions against your patio or storage space.
How do the best vertical electric smokers compare?
The Masterbuilt digital model balances controls and chip access, while the other smokers trade between rack area, monitoring and simplicity. If connected controls matter, compare vertical smokers with WiFi.
For a different brand's smoker lineup, compare Camp Chef smokers. Use the table to narrow your choices, then compare the details for your cooking style.
| Product | Best for | Cooking area | Controls | Chip access | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker | digital control | 710 sq in | Digital time and temperature | Side wood chip loader | 9.7 |
| EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors | probe monitoring | 725 sq in | Side chip loader | 9.6 | |
| Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker | fish and jerky | 9.5 | |||
| Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker | simple analog control | 535 sq in | Analog temperature dial | 9.5 | |
| EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker | rolling patio setup | 725 sq in | 9.2 | ||
| Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker | analog temperature checks | 454 sq in | Adjustable analog controller | 9.1 | |
| EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker | raised working height | 725 sq in | 8.8 | ||
| Bradley Smoker 6-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker | six-rack capacity | 8.2 |
The best vertical electric smokers for different cooks
The right upright electric smoker depends on what you cook and how much control you want. These eight choices range from digital cabinet models to a fixed-temperature smoker for fish and jerky.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for digital control
- Digital time and temperature controls
- Side wood chip loader
- 710 cooking sq in
- 4 chrome-coated racks
Digital controls handle time and temperature, while the side loader lets you add wood chips without opening the main door.
Pros
- Digital time and temperature controls
- Side wood chip loader
- Insulated body
Cons
- No built-in meat probe listed
- Four racks may be more than small cooks need
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is the best fit for cooks who want digital control and easy chip access. Its panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time, so you can set a cook without using a separate dial for heat.
The side wood chip loader lets you add chips without opening the smoker door. That can help limit heat loss during a cook, while the fully insulated body is designed to retain heat.
It has 710 sq in of cooking area across four chrome-coated racks. That gives you several levels for ribs, poultry or pork, though you'll still need to plan shelf spacing around bulky cuts.
Pick this Masterbuilt for a well-rounded cabinet with a timer and temperature controls. If your priority is the brand's range of cabinet models, compare our best Masterbuilt electric smoker picks.
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors: Best for probe monitoring
- Built-in meat probe
- 725 cooking sq in
- Side chip loader
- Automatic keep-warm mode
A built-in meat probe tracks internal temperature, and the smoker switches to keep-warm mode when the set time is reached.
Pros
- Built-in meat probe
- 725 sq in cooking area
- Side chip loader
Cons
- No stand or wheels specified
- Digital controls may be more than a basic cook needs
The EAST OAK 30-inch Electric Smoker suits cooks who want a built-in meat probe alongside digital controls. The probe tracks internal food temperature, and the smoker can stop automatically and switch to keep-warm mode when the target time is reached.
Its 725 sq in cooking area gives you room for several cuts or multiple birds. A side chip loader lets you add wood chips without opening the main door, and the clear viewing window gives you a way to check the cook without opening it.
This model is a strong choice if you want temperature monitoring built into the cabinet. The probe does not replace checking that it is placed correctly in the food, so follow the included instructions for positioning.
Choose it for probe monitoring and larger batches. If metal finish is part of your decision, see our guide to the best stainless steel electric smoker options.
Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker: Best for fish and jerky
- Steady 165°F temperature
- Five racks
- Front-loading design
- Removable wood chip pan
Its steady 165°F temperature and five racks suit fish, sausage, cheese and jerky more than cooks who need adjustable heat.
Pros
- Steady 165°F temperature
- Five racks
- Chip pan can be accessed without opening the door
Cons
- Temperature is fixed at 165°F
- No digital time or temperature controls
The Smokehouse Big Chief is best for fish, sausage, cheese and jerky that benefit from a steady low temperature. It maintains 165°F, so it is a specialized option for cooks whose recipes work with that fixed heat.
The front-loading cabinet has five racks and is described as holding up to 50 lb of meat or fish. Its removable wood chip pan can be accessed without opening the door, which helps keep the cabinet closed while you add chips.
There are no complicated controls to set, but the fixed temperature limits flexibility for recipes that call for a hotter cook. Consider that tradeoff before using it as your only smoker.
Choose Big Chief for low-temperature batches and straightforward operation. For adjustable heat and barbecue cuts, one of the digital or analog cabinets above is a better fit.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for simple analog control
- Analog temperature dial
- Up to 275°F
- 535 cooking sq in
- 3 chrome-coated racks
A temperature dial and three racks keep the setup simple for cooks who don't need a digital timer.
Pros
- Analog temperature control
- Three chrome-coated racks
- Removable water bowl
Cons
- No side chip loader specified
- Smaller cooking area than the top pick
The Masterbuilt analog vertical smoker suits cooks who prefer a simple temperature dial over digital settings. The analog control adjusts up to 275°F, and three chrome-coated racks provide 535 sq in of cooking area.
A removable water bowl adds moisture, while the wood chip tray holds the chips used for smoke. The rear grease tray is removable for cleanup, which is useful after cooks that leave drippings behind.
This model has less cooking area than the digital Masterbuilt, but its simpler controls may be all you need for occasional smoking. It does not list a side chip loader, so adding chips may require more access to the cabinet.
Pick it if you want an upright electric smoker with an analog dial and a water bowl. If you want automatic time control or a probe, compare the digital options instead.
EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for rolling patio setup
- 725 cooking sq in
- 12-hour timer
- Rear wheels and handle
- Side chip loader
The large cooking area, timer and rolling wheels suit cooks who want to move a cabinet smoker around a patio.
Pros
- 725 sq in cooking area
- 12-hour timer
- Rear wheels and handle
Cons
- No built-in meat probe specified
- Side loading reduces the need to open the door, but chip refills are still needed
The EAST OAK 30-inch Outdoor Electric Smoker is a useful choice for larger patio batches with easier movement. It has 725 sq in across four chrome-coated racks, plus rear wheels and a handle for rolling the cabinet across a patio or yard.
Its digital panel includes temperature tracking up to 275°F and a built-in 12-hour timer. The side wood chip loader supports smoking for 2–3 hours without opening the door to add chips, according to EAST OAK's stated use.
The double-layer steel body has internal foam insulation, and the 800W heating element is designed to help retain heat. The smoker's size and 52.3 lb weight mean you should plan a stable place to use and store it.
Choose this version when wheels and timer control matter more than a built-in meat probe. Check the available space around the cabinet before setting it up.
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker: Best for analog temperature checks
- 454 cooking sq in
- 1350W heating power
- Analog controller
- Built-in thermometer
This vertical cabinet pairs an analog controller with a built-in thermometer for checking and adjusting chamber temperature.
Pros
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable analog controller
- Removable water pan
Cons
- 454 sq in is the smallest cooking area here
- No side chip loader specified
The Royal Gourmet SE2805 is a good fit for cooks who want an analog controller with a built-in thermometer. Its adjustable controller lets you set heat, while the thermometer provides a quick check of the chamber temperature.
The smoker has 454 sq in of cooking area across three chrome-plated steel racks. Its 1350W heating power works with an insulated chamber, and a removable stainless steel water pan and chip box support smoky cooking.
This is the smallest stated cooking area in the group, so it may suit modest batches better than a gathering-sized cook. Its analog controls keep the setup direct for people who don't need a timer or a meat probe.
Choose the SE2805 if you value a simple temperature check and moderate rack space. For more capacity, consider one of the 725 sq in EAST OAK models.
EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for raised working height
- 725 cooking sq in
- Built-in meat probe
- Raised mobility stand
- Side chip loader
The included raised stand and built-in meat probe suit cooks who want a raised working height and temperature monitoring.
Pros
- Raised mobility stand
- Built-in meat probe
- 725 sq in cooking area
Cons
- Taller 42 in profile needs placement planning
- No keep-warm mode specified
The EAST OAK model with the mobility stand is best for a raised working height. Its stand brings the smoker up, and rear wheels and a handle help move it around the yard.
The built-in meat probe tracks internal food temperature, while digital controls let you set a target temperature and timer. It also switches to keep-warm mode when the timer finishes, and the side wood chip box allows refills without opening the main door.
Four adjustable racks provide 725 sq in of cooking area. The 42 in overall height calls for checking clearance under eaves or storage shelves before you choose a spot.
Pick this model if a raised setup and probe monitoring matter more than a compact cabinet. Confirm where it will sit and roll before loading the smoker.
Bradley Smoker 6-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for six-rack capacity
- Six racks
- Stainless steel interior
- Up to 9 hours of smoke per load
- Smoke diffuser system
Six racks and a smoke diffuser system make this a fit for larger cooks who value long smoke sessions.
Pros
- Six included racks
- Stainless steel interior
- Smoke diffuser system
Cons
- Uses bisquettes
- Largest stated height in this group
The Bradley Smoker suits cooks who want six racks and longer smoke sessions. It can accommodate six included racks, and Bradley says its bisquette system can provide up to 9 hours of smoke before a refill.
Its stainless steel interior and smoke diffuser system are designed to keep smoke flowing through the cabinet. Bradley lists dimensions of 19 x 22 x 41 in, so check both floor space and height before choosing a spot.
The Bradley uses bisquettes, which differ from the loose wood chips used by several other picks here. That makes it a better match for cooks who want its specific fuel setup and rack count.
Choose it for six-rack capacity and the bisquette system. For a conventional chip-loading cabinet, one of the Masterbuilt or EAST OAK models may fit better.
What should you check before buying an upright electric smoker?
Check rack area, food fit, temperature controls and chip access before choosing a vertical electric smoker. The cabinet shape can save floor space, but a tall body still needs safe clearance and a stable outdoor location.
Does cooking area tell you how much food fits?
Cooking area is a useful comparison, but it doesn't tell you the shape or spacing of the racks. A wide brisket, whole turkey and a stack of ribs all use shelf space differently.
Measure your common cuts and compare them with the usable rack dimensions when available. Leave room for smoke circulation, and avoid stacking food directly against the cabinet walls.
Should you choose digital or analog controls?
Digital controls are useful when you want to set time as well as temperature. Some models add a meat probe or automatic keep-warm mode, while an analog dial may be enough if you prefer a basic temperature adjustment.
A built-in chamber thermometer and a meat probe measure different things. The chamber thermometer checks the smoker environment, while a probe placed in food tracks internal temperature.
How much does chip access matter?
A side chip loader lets you add chips without opening the main door. That can help the cabinet hold heat and smoke, though you still need to refill based on the smoker and the length of the cook.
Other designs use a removable chip pan or box. Check how each smoker is meant to be refilled, since access differs across vertical electric models.
Where can you use a vertical electric smoker?
Use an outdoor electric smoker in a well-ventilated outdoor space, away from structures and combustible materials. Follow the manufacturer's clearance and electrical instructions, and keep the unit on a stable surface.
Before buying, check that the body fits your patio and storage area. Leave access for the door, cord and chip-loading area, and account for added height when a stand is included.
Is an electric cabinet smoker the right type for you?
An electric cabinet smoker suits cooks who want powered heat and stacked shelves, while other smoker types may better match a different fuel or cooking style. Our guide to types of electric smokers explains the main formats and tradeoffs.
A vertical electric unit is one way to use an upright cabinet, but vertical smokers also come in other fuel types. If you prefer charcoal, compare the Best Vertical Charcoal Smoker options.
Which vertical electric smoker should you choose?
Choose the Masterbuilt digital model for balanced controls and a side chip loader, EAST OAK for probe monitoring and larger cooking area, or Big Chief for low-temperature fish and jerky. The best vertical electric smoker for you is the one that fits your food, control preferences and available space.
For an everyday cabinet, start with the Masterbuilt digital smoker. Pick an EAST OAK model if its probe or mobility setup solves a specific need, and choose analog controls if simplicity matters most.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for digital control
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for probe monitoring
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for fish and jerky
Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a vertical electric smoker?
A vertical electric smoker is an upright, powered cabinet with food arranged on shelves or racks. Its stacked layout uses height for cooking space, and an electric heating element provides heat.
See our guide to what a vertical smoker is for more on the format.
Are vertical electric smokers good for brisket?
They can smoke brisket if the cut fits on a rack and the smoker reaches the temperature your recipe needs. Check rack dimensions and temperature controls before choosing a cabinet.
A wide brisket may need to be trimmed or placed diagonally, depending on the cooking area.
Do electric smokers need wood chips?
Many electric smokers use wood chips or another wood smoking material to add smoke flavor. Check the fuel and loading design for the specific model, since some smokers use bisquettes instead.
A side loader can let you add chips without opening the main door.
How many racks should a vertical smoker have?
Choose enough racks for the amount and shape of food you usually smoke. Three or four racks can suit smaller cooks, while six racks offer more levels for batches.
Leave space between foods so smoke can circulate, and remove racks you don't need if the design allows it.
Is a vertical electric smoker easy to use?
Electric heating and built-in controls can simplify temperature management compared with tending a live charcoal fire. Digital models may add timers or probes, while analog models use a dial.
You still need to monitor food temperature and manage wood chips according to the smoker's instructions.
