9 Best Vertical Gas Smokers (November 2026)
The best vertical gas smokers include the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal for flexible fuel options, the EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors for low-refill smoking, and the PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker with Cover for covered patio storage.
On this page (3 sections)
The best vertical gas smoker for most buyers is the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal. It gives you 717 square inches of cooking space, 4 chrome racks, push-button ignition and the choice of propane or charcoal.
This pick suits cooks who want one cabinet for different smoking styles at home. Propane gives steady heat with less preparation, while charcoal gives different smoke character when you have more time to manage the fire.
A vertical cabinet stacks food across several racks to save floor space. Plan rack placement around the height of ribs, poultry and larger cuts, and leave clear space above taller pieces for airflow.
The built-in temperature gauge helps you track cabinet heat without opening the door often. Removable water and wood chip trays make setup and cleanup more practical.
The locking door and cool-touch handle help hold heat inside during checks. Safe gloves are still wise when you lift racks or move trays.
The format works well for pork, chicken, beef and seafood. Think about how many people you usually feed, then leave room for food to cook evenly.
If you are new to gas cooking, compare these picks with our guide to the Best Gas Smoker For Beginners. For a larger patio setup, see the Best Gas Smoker For Backyard, and use the Best Gas Smoker For Tailgating if portability matters.
Measure your space before you choose any cabinet. A tall smoker needs a stable surface, clear working room and safe distance from walls and fences.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for flexible fuel optionsMasterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for low-refill smokingEAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itMasterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ
Best for large family batches - 5
Check itMasterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker
Best for app-based control - 6
Check itDyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker
Best for adjustable rack layouts - 7
Check itEAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker
Best for stand-height cooking - 8
Check itPit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker
Best for broad temperature control - 9Check it
Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker
Best for simple propane smoking
The best vertical gas smokers by use
The best vertical gas smoker depends on your fuel preference, batch size and control style. Some cooks want simple propane heat, while others want digital controls, a meat probe or app alerts.
Capacity shapes the choice as much as fuel does. A bigger cabinet helps with family meals and mixed loads, but it also needs more floor space and storage room.
Rack layout matters for the foods you smoke most often. Ribs lie flat, poultry needs height, and large cuts need both width and clearance.
For a DIY gas-oven project, see turning an old gas oven into a smoker. That route can suit handy cooks, while a made-for-purpose cabinet gives purpose-built racks, trays and controls.
The first 4 picks are gas or dual-fuel cabinets, while the electric models are included as useful alternatives for shoppers who want digital controls or meat probes.
Electric models remove the need for propane, but they need an outdoor outlet. Gas models run without power, but they need safe fuel storage and a clear setup area.
Use the shortlists below by priority rather than brand alone. Start with fuel, then check cooking space, rack count, access for chips and water, and the size you can store.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal: Best for flexible fuel options
- Propane and charcoal fuel
- 717 sq in cooking space
- 4 chrome smoking racks
- Push-button ignition
This vertical cabinet gives you propane convenience with the option to cook with charcoal. Four racks, a temperature gauge and removable trays suit regular backyard smoking.
Pros
- Two fuel options
- Push-button ignition
- Built-in temperature gauge
Cons
- Heavier than some smaller cabinets
- Fuel setup needs more planning than electric models
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal is the best all-around choice when you do not want to commit to only one fuel. Its 4 chrome smoking racks and 717 square inches of cooking space give you room to stack several foods in a vertical cabinet.
The stainless steel burner, type 1 regulator and hose support propane use. Push-button ignition reduces the steps needed to light the burner, while the built-in temperature gauge gives you a direct cabinet reading.
You can also use charcoal with this model, which changes the way you approach heat and smoke. The porcelain-coated wood chip tray and water pan are removable, so routine filling and cleanup are simpler.
The locking door helps keep heat and smoke inside. A cool-touch wire handle is useful when you need to check the cook, although you should still use safe handling practices around a hot smoker.
Choose it if fuel flexibility matters. It is the strongest fit for a backyard cook who wants propane convenience on some days and charcoal cooking on others.
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors: Best for low-refill smoking
- 725 sq in cooking area
- Built-in meat probe
- Side chip loader
- Digital controls
This is an electric alternative for shoppers who want vertical cabinet space, a built-in meat probe and side loading without propane.
Pros
- Built-in meat probe
- Side chip loader
- Digital controls
Cons
- Needs an outdoor power source
- Not a gas smoker
The EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors is the strongest non-gas alternative for buyers who value fewer chip refills. Its 725 square inch cooking area and 4 removable racks suit larger batches without using propane.
The side chip loader is the key convenience for long cooks. You can add chips from outside the main door, so the cabinet keeps more heat and smoke inside.
A built-in meat probe tracks internal temperature in real time. That helps you judge doneness by the food temperature instead of guessing from the cook time alone.
The digital controls let you set time and temperature, then let the smoker run. When the target is reached, it can switch to keep-warm mode to protect the result.
The clear viewing window lets you check bark and color without opening the door. It is a small detail, but it reduces heat loss during longer sessions.
This model suits ribs, poultry and mixed batches when you have an outdoor power source nearby. Plan for a stable surface and a route for the power cord.
Care is mostly a matter of emptying the grease tray, washing removable parts and keeping the cabinet dry when stored. The side loader also needs periodic clearing of ash and chip residue.
Choose it when consistent digital operation matters more than gas fuel. If you specifically need propane, move to the Masterbuilt, PIQUEBAR, Dyna-Glo or Pit Boss picks instead.
PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker with Cover: Best for covered patio storage
- 3 removable smoking racks
- Cover included
- Separate water and wood chip trays
- Adjustable rack rails
The compact propane cabinet includes a cover and adjustable rack rails. Its separate water and wood chip trays can be accessed without opening the main cooking chamber.
Pros
- Cover included
- Compact footprint
- Adjustable rack rails
Cons
- Only 3 racks
- No cooking-space figure is supplied
The PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker with Cover suits buyers who want a compact propane cabinet with storage protection included. Its 3 removable smoking racks and 19.7 D x 16.5 W x 40.9 H in dimensions fit smaller patios or decks better than larger cabinets.
Three racks still give useful vertical space for ribs, chicken pieces or mixed items. The trade-off is less room than 4-rack models when you cook for a crowd.
Adjustable rack rails help you change shelf positions for different food sizes. Raise a rack for a tall cut or lower it to bring food closer to the heat source.
The separate water and wood chip trays can be accessed without opening the main cooking chamber. That access helps limit heat loss when a long cook needs refills.
The included cover is useful when the smoker is stored outdoors. Keep the smoker away from grass, leaves, branches and other flammable materials during use.
The door thermometer helps you watch cabinet temperature during a cook. A separate food thermometer is still better for checking whether meat has reached a safe internal temperature.
Choose this model if the compact footprint and cover matter more than having 4 racks. Its stated data does not include a total cooking-space figure, so compare the rack layout with your usual cuts before buying.
Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ: Best for large family batches
- 960 sq in cooking space
- 4 chrome-coated racks
- Analog temperature control
- Adjustable temperature up to 375 F
The 40-inch cabinet offers the most stated cooking space among the gas picks here. Its temperature dial, window, water bowl and woodchip tray support larger smoking sessions.
Pros
- Largest stated cooking space
- Temperature dial
- Window for checking food
Cons
- 92 lb weight
- Largest footprint in the group
The Masterbuilt 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ is the best pick for large family batches. Its 960 square inches of cooking space and 4 chrome-coated racks give it the largest stated capacity among the gas models here.
That space suits holiday meals, game days and weekend prep when several foods go on together. You can spread racks of ribs, poultry and other cuts across the shelves instead of running back-to-back cooks.
The analog temperature dial adjusts up to 375 F. A simple dial is easy to learn, and it keeps the controls familiar for cooks who prefer manual heat settings.
Push-button ignition starts the fuel without matches. The water bowl adds moisture and catches drippings, while the woodchip tray supplies smoke flavor.
The window lets you monitor the food without opening the door. That helps the cabinet hold temperature during the middle of a cook.
The vertical design is tall at 53 in and weighs 92 lb. Measure the intended location, doorway and storage area before choosing it, especially if you will move the smoker between cooks.
A larger cabinet also needs a level spot and clear space around the door. Plan where propane will sit and how you will reach the racks when the food is hot.
Choose this cabinet when batch size is the priority and you have room for its larger footprint. It is less suited to small patios or frequent transport.
Masterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker: Best for app-based control
- 711 cooking sq in
- WiFi app control
- 4 chrome-coated racks
- Side wood chip loader
This electric vertical smoker suits people who want digital controls, app alerts and remote monitoring. It uses a side wood chip loader instead of gas.
Pros
- WiFi control
- App alerts
- Side wood chip loader
Cons
- Not gas powered
- Needs an AC power source
The Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker fits buyers who want app-based monitoring more than gas fuel. It has 711 cooking square inches, 4 chrome-coated racks and a side wood chip loader.
The digital controls and compatible app let you set cooking temperature and time, receive alerts and monitor up to 4 meat probes. That setup suits cooks who want updates without standing beside the smoker.
Its stated temperature range is 100 F to 275 F. That range covers low and slow smoking for many backyard foods, and the digital panel makes changes simple to enter.
The side wood chip loader lets you add wood chips without opening the main door, helping you keep heat, smoke and moisture inside. It is a practical feature for long cooks.
The removable water bowl adds moisture to the cabinet. You can keep it plain or experiment with other liquids for a subtle change in flavor.
This is an electric model with an AC power source. Place it near a suitable outlet and think about cord routing before the cook starts.
Four racks give room for mixed loads, from burgers and sausage to whole birds and larger cuts. The listed capacity examples help you judge whether it matches your usual batch size.
Choose it if remote alerts and digital control are worth planning around an outlet. If you want a propane burner, the Dyna-Glo or Pit Boss offers a better match.
Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker: Best for adjustable rack layouts
- 784 sq in cooking space
- 4 adjustable steel wire racks
- 15,000 BTU cast iron burner
- Double-door design
Dyna-Glo gives you 4 adjustable racks, separate upper and lower doors and a 15,000 BTU burner. It suits cooks who change rack positions for different foods.
Pros
- Adjustable racks
- Double-door access
- Porcelain-enameled water bowl and wood chip box
Cons
- Cover sold separately
- No window listed
The Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker is the best match for cooks who adjust rack height often. Its 4 adjustable steel wire racks and 784 square inches of cooking space make it easier to change the cabinet layout for different foods.
Adjustable racks help when one cook includes tall and short items. You can move shelves to fit poultry, ribs or thick cuts without crowding the cabinet.
A 15,000 BTU cast iron burner uses electronic push-button ignition. The burner size supports steady heat for LP gas cooking across the cabinet.
The double-door design separates food access from the lower water and wood chip area, so you can refill those trays without opening the upper cooking chamber. That separation can save heat during a long smoke.
Sliding air dampers on the top and sides give you control over airflow. More airflow can change smoke intensity and temperature, so small adjustments are worth making slowly.
The porcelain-enameled steel wood chip box and water bowl are designed for repeated smoking use. Their coated surfaces are easier to clean than bare metal after a cook.
The temperature gauge includes a smoke zone to guide you toward heat levels suited to smoke flavor. It reads cabinet temperature, so use a food thermometer for final doneness.
A custom-fit cover is sold separately. Choose this model if adjustable shelves and double-door access matter more than a viewing window.
EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for stand-height cooking
- 725 sq in cooking area
- Mobility stand
- Built-in meat probe
- Side chip loader
The included mobility stand raises the smoker to a more comfortable working height. Digital controls, a meat probe and side chip loading reduce the need to open the door.
Pros
- Mobility stand
- Built-in meat probe
- 4 adjustable racks
Cons
- Electric rather than gas
- 58 lb smoker weight
The EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker with Built-in Meat Probe & Mobility Stand suits buyers who want a raised working height. Its 725 square inch cooking area, 4 adjustable racks and included stand give you a practical setup for backyard cooks.
Working at waist height makes loading racks and checking food less tiring. That matters on long cooks when you lift trays, move racks or adjust food more than once.
The built-in meat probe monitors internal food temperature, while digital controls handle the target temperature and timer. You can rely less on opening the door to guess when food is ready.
The side chip loader supports refills without opening the main door. That helps hold heat and smoke while you add chips during a session.
The mobility stand includes rear wheels and a handle for moving the smoker across a yard. Roll it into position before loading food, then keep it on a stable spot while it runs.
Because this model is electric, you still need a suitable outdoor AC power source near the cooking area. Plan the outlet location and cord path before you set up.
Heavy-duty construction and insulation are aimed at steady heat in cool weather. The 800W heating element is part of that all-weather setup.
Choose it if bending over a lower smoker is a concern and propane is not required. The stand adds convenience, but it also means you should plan a stable storage location.
Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker: Best for broad temperature control
- 880 sq in cooking area
- 100 F to 320 F range
- Dual valve and burner system
- 4 racks
Pit Boss combines 880 square inches of space with a 100 F to 320 F temperature range. External wood chip and ash access, a grease drawer and rolling wheels add practical convenience.
Pros
- Wide stated temperature range
- External chip and ash access
- Viewing window
Cons
- Heavier than compact cabinets
- No electric controls
The Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker is the best gas pick for a broad stated temperature range. It offers 880 square inches of cooking area, 4 racks and a range from 100 F to 320 F.
That range gives flexibility for low smoking and hotter cabinet cooking. You can start with gentle heat for delicate foods, then raise the setting when the recipe calls for it.
Its dual valve and dual burner system uses 12,500 BTU, while piezo ignition starts the propane gas system. The two-burner layout separates cabinet heat from the wood chip burner.
The large viewing window and heat indicator let you check the cabinet without opening the door. The window shows color and bark, while the indicator gives a quick heat reference.
External wood chip and ash removal reduce the need to open the main cooking area. That access is useful when a long cook needs more chips or a tray cleanup.
A front-access grease drawer keeps drippings contained and easier to empty. The high-temperature door seal also helps the cabinet hold heat around the door.
Two rear rolling wheels make short moves easier on a patio. Lock the position and use a level surface before you light the smoker.
Choose it if you want more stated cooking space than the 717-square-inch Masterbuilt while keeping a propane setup. Its 63 lb weight makes it less compact than the smaller cabinets.
Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker: Best for simple propane smoking
- 30-inch cabinet
- 4 chrome-coated racks
- 15,400 BTU stainless-steel burner
- Push-button ignition
This 30-inch propane smoker keeps the control layout simple with a built-in gauge, push-button ignition and 4 racks. The removable water bowl and wood chip tray let you change moisture and smoke inputs.
Pros
- Simple propane setup
- Push-button ignition
- 15,400 BTU burner
Cons
- No stated cooking-space figure
- No viewing window listed
The Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker is a straightforward choice for buyers who want a 30-inch propane cabinet with simple controls. It has 4 chrome-coated smoking racks, push-button ignition and a built-in temperature gauge.
Simple controls suit cooks who want to focus on food rather than settings. You light the burner, set the heat and watch the gauge during the cook.
Its 15,400 BTU stainless-steel burner supplies the heat source. A stainless burner is a practical choice for repeated outdoor use.
The porcelain-coated flame disk bowl lets the flame reach the wood chips while shielding the burner from grease. That helps protect the burner and keeps smoke production steadier.
The removable water bowl and wood chip tray let you change moisture and smoke inputs between cooks. You can also remove them for washing after grease builds up.
Masterbuilt also states that the cabinet can smoke up to 8 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 racks of ribs or 4 pork butts. Those examples give a useful sense of batch size for family cooking.
The built-in gauge reads cabinet temperature, not the temperature inside the food. Use a separate food thermometer when you need to confirm doneness.
The product data does not state a total cooking-space figure. Choose it if the rack count, burner and simple propane controls fit your needs, and compare your largest cuts with the cabinet dimensions before ordering.
| Product | Best for | Cooking space | Racks | Fuel | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal | flexible fuel options | 717 sq in | 4 chrome smoking racks | Propane and charcoal | 9.7 |
| EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors | low-refill smoking | 4 removable racks | 9.6 | ||
| PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker with Cover | covered patio storage | 3 removable smoking racks | Liquefied petroleum gas | 9.3 | |
| Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ | large family batches | 960 sq in | 4 chrome-coated racks | 9.3 | |
| Masterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker | app-based control | 711 sq in | Electric | 9.1 | |
| Dyna-Glo DGY784BDP 36" Vertical LP Gas Smoker | adjustable rack layouts | 784 sq in | 8.9 | ||
| EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker | stand-height cooking | 4 adjustable racks | 8.8 | ||
| Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker | broad temperature control | 8.4 | |||
| Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker | simple propane smoking | 4 chrome-coated racks | Propane | 8.2 |
How to choose a vertical gas smoker
The best vertical gas smoker starts with the right fuel setup. Propane models work without an AC outlet, while electric alternatives need outdoor power but may offer digital controls, probes or app monitoring.
How much space do vertical gas smokers need?
Measure the smoker's full width, depth and height, then leave room to open the door and work safely around the cabinet. The picks here range from compact 30-inch designs to the 53-inch-tall Masterbuilt ThermoTemp.
A tight corner can make rack removal awkward, even if the smoker itself fits. Leave space for gloves, trays and a safe path to the fuel connection.
Cooking space also needs a closer look. A larger total number does not show the shape of each rack, so check rack dimensions when available and compare them with your largest food cuts.
Think about the foods you cook most often. Ribs need flat width, whole birds need height, and large roasts need both space and clearance from the heat source.
Rack count shapes how you plan a mixed load. Four racks spread food more than three, but only if shelf spacing leaves room for each item.
Fuel setup should match your space as well. Propane models need fuel storage and a clear area, while electric models need an outdoor outlet within reach.
Access points can save time during a cook. Side chip loaders, double doors and external trays reduce door openings and help hold heat.
Price is only one part of the choice. Also weigh footprint, weight, storage and cleanup.
The right pick is the one you can place, use and store without hassle. A cabinet that fits your patio and habits will get more use than a larger model that stays boxed.
What controls matter on a vertical gas smoker?
Push-button or piezo ignition makes lighting simpler. A built-in gauge helps you read cabinet temperature, while a dial or control system determines how precisely you can set the heat.
The Masterbuilt ThermoTemp has an adjustable temperature dial up to 375 F. The Pit Boss gives a stated 100 F to 320 F range, while the Dyna-Glo uses a large control dial and air dampers.
Do you need a window or side access?
A window lets you check food without opening the door, but it does not replace a separate food thermometer for judging doneness. Side chip loaders and double-door designs reduce the need to open the main cooking chamber during a smoke.
The Dyna-Glo uses upper and lower doors. The EAST OAK electric models and Masterbuilt 710 use side chip loaders, while the Pit Boss provides external wood chip and ash removal.
How should you set up a gas smoker?
Place the smoker outdoors on a stable, nonflammable surface with clear space around it. Connect the fuel system according to the instructions, inspect the hose and regulator before use, and keep the door and vents operating as designed.
Keep water and wood chip trays in place when the smoker requires them. The PIQUEBAR specifically warns not to use the smoker when its wood chip tray or water pan is removed.
How do you care for a vertical gas smoker?
Let the cabinet cool before handling racks, trays or grease. Empty removable trays, wipe away grease and keep the air openings clear so smoke and heat can move as intended.
A cover can help with storage when the smoker is not operating. The PIQUEBAR includes one, while the Dyna-Glo custom-fit cover is sold separately.
Best vertical gas smoker verdict
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal is the best vertical gas smoker for most backyard cooks because it combines 717 square inches of space, 4 racks, push-button ignition and two fuel choices.
That mix covers most needs without forcing you into one style of cooking. Use propane for steady, simple heat, or switch to charcoal when you want a different fire and smoke profile.
Pick the Masterbuilt ThermoTemp for the largest stated gas cooking space. Its 960 square inches and 4 racks suit bigger family batches, but the 53-inch height and 92 lb weight need real storage room.
Pick Dyna-Glo for adjustable racks and double-door access, or choose Pit Boss for 880 square inches and a 100 F to 320 F range. Each suits a different cooking priority, from shelf flexibility to heat range.
If you prefer digital controls, meat probes or app alerts, the EAST OAK and Masterbuilt electric models are better fits even though they are not gas smokers. They trade propane freedom for easier monitoring and fewer door openings.
For a smaller patio, the PIQUEBAR is worth a look because of its compact size and included cover. Its 3 racks are the main trade-off against larger cabinets.
Before you buy, measure your cooking and storage space. Also list the foods you cook most, then match rack size and height to those items.
For a different stacked-cabinet fuel setup, compare the Best Vertical Charcoal Smoker and learn What Is a Vertical Smoker?. Those guides help you decide whether gas, charcoal or electric power fits your routine best.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for flexible fuel options
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for low-refill smoking
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best vertical gas smoker for most people?
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal is the strongest general pick here because it combines propane and charcoal fuel, 717 square inches of cooking space, 4 racks, push-button ignition and a built-in temperature gauge.
Choose a larger Masterbuilt ThermoTemp if batch size matters more than footprint.
Are vertical gas smokers good for beginners?
Yes. A vertical gas smoker can be easier to manage than a charcoal cabinet because the burner starts with an ignition control and the fuel does not need a charcoal bed.
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Dual Fuel and Masterbuilt MPS 230S both use push-button ignition.
You still need safe outdoor placement and regular temperature checks.
What is the difference between a vertical gas smoker and an electric smoker?
A vertical gas smoker uses propane or liquefied petroleum gas to heat the cabinet, while an electric smoker uses an electric heating element and needs an AC power source.
Gas models suit buyers who want fuel independence from an outlet. Electric models often add digital controls, probes or app features.
How much cooking space should a vertical gas smoker have?
Choose cooking space by the foods you smoke at the same time. The picks here range from 717 square inches to 960 square inches, with several models using 4 racks.
Measure the rack dimensions when available, since total square inches do not show the shape of each shelf or the clearance between racks.
