9 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers (October 2026)

The best vertical pellet smokers include the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker for digital vertical cooking, the EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors for probe-guided cooks, and the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker for simple analog control.

On this page (9 sections)

1. Which picks come closest to the best vertical pellet smokers?
2. Vertical smoker alternatives and pellet grill picks
3. How should you choose a vertical pellet smoker?
4. How much rack space do you need?
5. Which controls and fuel setup make sense?
6. How do you set up and use an upright smoker?
7. What care keeps a vertical smoker ready for the next cook?
8. What common buying and cooking mistakes should you avoid?
9. Which of the best vertical pellet smokers should you choose?

The best vertical pellet smokers would combine a tall cabinet, stacked racks and a hopper that feeds wood pellets. The options here separate those features: the Traeger Pro 22 and Pit Boss 500 FB2 burn pellets, while the upright cabinets use electricity, propane or charcoal.

Decide which feature matters most before comparing models. For a closer look at fuel trade-offs, read electric vs pellet smokers.

If pellet fuel is essential, consider a horizontal grill; if stacked racks are the priority, choose among the vertical alternatives and match their fuel to your cooking space. For another pellet-grill brand, see Camp Chef smokers.

A vertical smoker overview explains how cabinet shape affects cooking space and access. For the basics of pellet-fed heat and smoke, see what a pellet smoker is.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for digital vertical cooking

   Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for probe-guided cooks

   EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for simple analog control

   Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill

   Best for pellet-fired versatility
   Check it
5. 5

   PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker with Cover

   Best for propane-powered upright smoking
   Check it
6. 6

   EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker

   Best for large electric batches
   Check it
7. 7

   Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood Pellet

   Best for direct-flame searing
   Check it
8. 8

   RYHOFOUD Vertical 19Inch Round Charcoal Smoker Grill

   Best for a compact charcoal setup
   Check it
9. 9

   Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 4-Rack Outdoor Natural Draft

   Best for four-rack electric smoking
   Check it

Which picks come closest to the best vertical pellet smokers?

The right pick depends on whether you value pellet fuel or an upright rack layout more. The products below are ordered by score, and their fuel and shape are stated clearly so you can compare like with like.

Vertical smoker alternatives and pellet grill picks

These cookers cover different combinations of rack space, fuel and controls. Read each section for the buying trade-off that matters to you.

1

Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for digital vertical cooking

9.7/10Our score

• 710 sq in cooking area
• Four chrome racks
• Digital temperature and time controls
• Side wood chip loader

Four racks and digital temperature and time controls make this a practical upright option for buyers who value rack space and simple heat management. It uses electricity and wood chips, not pellets.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four racks
• Side chip loader
• Fully insulated body

Cons

• Not a pellet smoker
• Needs a power outlet

The Masterbuilt Digital suits cooks who want an upright cabinet with digital temperature and time controls. Four chrome racks provide 710 sq in of cooking space, and the side wood chip loader lets you add chips without opening the main door.

Its insulated body is designed to retain heat, and thermostat temperature control manages the cooking temperature. It runs on corded electricity and wood chips, so skip it if pellet fuel is a requirement.

Choose this model for a rack-first setup with digital controls and a power outlet nearby. If you prefer charcoal in a cabinet shape, compare our best vertical charcoal smoker picks.

2

EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors: Best for probe-guided cooks

9.6/10Our score

• 725 sq in cooking area
• Built-in meat probe
• Digital controls
• Side chip loader

The built-in probe and 725 sq in cooking area suit buyers who want temperature feedback and room for multiple cuts. This upright smoker uses electricity and wood chips rather than pellets.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Built-in meat probe
• 725 sq in cooking area
• Side chip loader

Cons

• Not a pellet smoker
• Requires a power source

The EAST OAK 30-inch Electric Smoker fits cooks who want a built-in probe and a large batch area. It has 725 sq in of cooking space, digital controls, a viewing window and a side chip loader.

The built-in probe tracks internal food temperature, and the smoker can stop automatically and switch to keep-warm mode when the target time is reached. It uses electricity and wood chips, so skip this pick if pellet feeding or a fuel-free setup is your priority.

Choose it for probe-guided cooking without opening the door to check food. For a connected-control option, keep our guide to the best vertical smoker with wifi nearby as you compare models.

3

Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for simple analog control

9.5/10Our score

• 535 sq in cooking area
• Three chrome racks
• Analog temperature dial
• Removable wood chip tray

Three racks and an analog temperature dial make this a straightforward upright choice for buyers who prefer a physical control. It smokes with wood chips and electricity, not pellets.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three racks
• Removable wood chip tray
• Removable grease tray

Cons

• Not a pellet smoker
• Analog control offers less precise setting steps

The Masterbuilt Analog is a fit for cooks who prefer a physical temperature dial over digital controls. It has three chrome-coated racks, 535 sq in of cooking area and a maximum temperature of 275°F.

A removable chip tray and water bowl support smoking, while a rear grease tray gives you a removable part for cleanup. Choose it for a straightforward electric cabinet; skip it if you need more than 535 sq in or want pellet fuel.

New smokers comparing cabinet options can also see our best vertical smoker for beginners.

4

Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill: Best for pellet-fired versatility

9.4/10Our score

• 572 sq in cooking area
• 18 lb pellet hopper
• Digital temperature control
• Grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ

The Pro 22 is the clearest pellet-fueled option here, with a digital controller and 18 lb hopper. Its horizontal grill layout differs from an upright cabinet with multiple stacked racks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Wood pellet fuel
• 18 lb hopper
• Six cooking functions

Cons

• Horizontal grill layout
• Needs electricity

The Traeger Pro 22 is the clearest choice here for cooks who specifically want wood pellet fuel. The Traeger Woodridge pellet grill review looks at another model from the brand.

Its 18 lb hopper feeds pellets, and the digital controller covers temperatures from 180°F to 450°F.

It has 572 sq in of cooking space and a meat probe, with six cooking functions: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ. Choose it if you want a pellet-fueled cooker for varied outdoor cooking; skip it if you need a narrow upright cabinet with stacked racks.

Measure for its 27 in by 41 in footprint and 49 in height before settling on a spot.

5

PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker with Cover: Best for propane-powered upright smoking

9.3/10Our score

• Three removable racks
• Adjustable rack rails
• Separate water and wood chip trays
• Cover included

This propane cabinet has three removable racks and trays that can be accessed without opening the main chamber. It offers an upright alternative for buyers who don't want an electric smoker.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three removable racks
• Adjustable rack rails
• Cover included

Cons

• Not a pellet smoker
• Uses propane

The PIQUEBAR Propane Smoker suits buyers looking for upright smoking without an electric heating element. It has three removable racks with adjustable rails, and separate water and wood chip trays can be accessed without opening the main cooking chamber.

The cover is included, and a thermometer sits on the front door. This model uses propane and wood chips, not pellets, so skip it if you want pellet flavor or an electric control system.

Use it only with the wood chip tray and water pan in place, and keep it away from grass, leaves, branches and other flammable materials.

6

EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for large electric batches

9.2/10Our score

• 725 sq in cooking area
• Four chrome-coated racks
• Digital 12-hour timer
• Side wood chip loader

Four racks and 725 sq in of space suit larger batches, while rear wheels help move the smoker around a patio. It uses electricity and wood chips, not pellets.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four racks
• Digital 12-hour timer
• Rear wheels and handle

Cons

• Not a pellet smoker
• Requires a power outlet

The EAST OAK 30-inch Outdoor Electric Smoker is designed for large upright batches with timed controls. Four chrome-coated racks provide 725 sq in of cooking area, with temperature control up to 275°F and a 12-hour timer.

Its side loader allows chip additions for 2–3 hours without opening the door, and rear wheels and a handle help move it around a patio. Choose it for large electric cooks; skip it if you need a pellet hopper or a compact, lightweight cabinet.

Plan a stable outdoor spot near a suitable power source, leaving room to open the door and roll the unit when needed.

7

Pit Boss 500 FB2 Series Wood Pellet: Best for direct-flame searing

9.0/10Our score

• 518 sq in cooking space
• Two-tier cooking surface
• 5 lb pellet hopper
• Flame broiler lever

The Pit Boss pairs pellet cooking with a two-tier surface and a flame broiler lever for direct searing. Its grill form is not an upright cabinet smoker.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two-tier cooking surface
• 5°F temperature increments
• Direct-flame searing

Cons

• Horizontal grill layout
• 5 lb hopper

The Pit Boss 500 FB2 fits cooks who want pellet smoking plus direct-flame searing. It has 518 sq in across a two-tier surface, a 5 lb hopper and digital temperature settings from 180°F to 500°F in 5°F steps.

The Flame Broiler Lever opens direct flame heat for searing, and the cooker includes one meat probe. Choose it if you want pellet-fueled grilling and searing in one cooker; skip it if the vertical cabinet shape is the reason you're shopping.

The 5 lb hopper is smaller than the Traeger's, so think about the length of your typical cook when comparing the two pellet options.

8

RYHOFOUD Vertical 19Inch Round Charcoal Smoker Grill: Best for a compact charcoal setup

8.7/10Our score

• Round vertical design
• Two grill grates
• Temperature gauge
• S-shaped hooks

This compact round cooker provides a vertical charcoal layout with two grates and hooks. Its fuel is charcoal, so it suits buyers comparing upright form more than pellet feeding.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Vertical round layout
• Two grill grates
• Temperature gauge

Cons

• Not a pellet smoker
• Charcoal requires fire tending

The RYHOFOUD is a round vertical charcoal cooker with two grill grates and S-shaped hooks. It has an embedded temperature gauge and measures 20 x 20 x 31.5 in.

Its charcoal fire makes it an alternative for buyers who value a compact upright shape and don't mind tending fuel. Skip it if you want automatic pellet feeding or a published cooking-area figure to plan around.

For more charcoal cabinet options, use the vertical charcoal smoker guide.

9

Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 4-Rack Outdoor Natural Draft: Best for four-rack electric smoking

8.0/10Our score

• Four racks
• Digital controls
• Natural draft design
• Stainless steel interior

The Bradley offers four racks in a digital electric cabinet. It uses bisquettes rather than wood pellets, making it an upright alternative rather than a vertical pellet smoker.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four included racks
• Digital controls
• Stainless steel interior

Cons

• Not a pellet smoker
• Bisquettes are a separate fuel format

The Bradley BTDS76P fits cooks who want four electric racks and digital controls. It has a stainless steel interior and natural draft design, with a 19 x 22 x 34 in body.

Bradley says it can smoke for up to 9 hours with bisquettes. Those are a separate smoke source from wood pellets, so choose this as an electric cabinet alternative, not as a pellet smoker.

How should you choose a vertical pellet smoker?

Start by deciding whether you need pellet fuel, an upright cabinet, or both. A vertical shape does not mean a smoker runs on pellets, and none of the listed picks combines a vertical cabinet with a pellet hopper.

See our vertical electric smoker guide for cabinet options.

If you want pellets, compare the two horizontal grills by temperature range, cooking area, hopper capacity and extra cooking uses. For another pellet option, compare our best Z Grills pellet smokers.

The Traeger has an 18 lb hopper and six functions, while the Pit Boss adds direct-flame searing and a 5 lb hopper.

If you want stacked racks, choose among the electric, propane and charcoal cabinets instead. Match the fuel to your space and routine: electric models need a power source, propane needs a gas setup, and charcoal asks you to manage a live fire.

How much rack space do you need?

Choose rack capacity based on the food you cook and how many people you serve. Multiple levels can keep smaller items organized, while broad cuts may be easier to place on a horizontal grill.

Our vertical vs offset smoker comparison explains the layout trade-offs.

Among the upright cabinets here, stated cooking areas range from 535 to 725 sq in. Treat the total as a comparison point, then consider rack dimensions, spacing and the size of the cuts you plan to smoke.

The Traeger and Pit Boss list 572 and 518 sq in, respectively, but their horizontal surfaces have different shapes from a cabinet's stacked racks. Leave enough clearance around any cooker to open doors or lids and work safely.

Which controls and fuel setup make sense?

Pick controls that match how involved you want to be during a cook. Digital temperature settings and timers help you set a target, while a built-in probe can show the food's internal temperature; a dial keeps the interface simple.

Fuel changes the routine as much as the controls do. Electric cabinets use electricity and wood chips, the PIQUEBAR uses propane and chips, the RYHOFOUD uses charcoal, and the pellet grills feed wood pellets with electric controls.

Don't assume all pellet cookers produce the same smoke or have the same cooking format. For help choosing fuel for a pellet grill, see how to choose wood pellets for smoking.

How do you set up and use an upright smoker?

Set up the smoker outdoors on a stable, level surface with clear space around it. Check the manual for assembly, first-use preparation, clearance and fuel instructions, and keep the cooker away from flammable materials.

Before the first cook, make sure racks and trays are in their correct positions. Add only the fuel and smoke material meant for that model, and keep the water bowl and chip tray in place when the instructions require them.

Arrange food so smoke and heat can move around each piece. Avoid packing racks tightly, and use a reliable food thermometer to check doneness rather than relying only on the cabinet's temperature gauge or a timer.

What care keeps a vertical smoker ready for the next cook?

Clean the cooking surfaces and removable grease parts after they cool, following the manufacturer's instructions. Remove grease and food residue before it builds up, and keep the interior dry between cooks.

Store wood pellets or chips in a dry place, since damp fuel can be harder to use. For electric pellet grills, follow the owner's directions for ash and fire-pot cleanup, and unplug the unit before maintenance.

A cover can help protect an outdoor cooker from weather, but let it cool completely first. The PIQUEBAR includes a cover; for broader advice, see how to clean a smoker.

What common buying and cooking mistakes should you avoid?

The biggest buying mistake is treating “vertical” and “pellet” as interchangeable. Confirm the fuel system and chamber layout separately, then choose whether your priority is stacked access or pellet-fed cooking.

Another mistake is choosing by total cooking area alone. A large number does not tell you whether your widest rack fits a brisket or whether the cooker will fit your patio, so check both food dimensions and the smoker's footprint.

During a cook, avoid opening the main door repeatedly to check progress. Use side loaders where included, a probe where available, and a separate food thermometer for doneness; don't treat an advertised timer as a substitute for checking the food.

Which of the best vertical pellet smokers should you choose?

For pellet fuel and broad cooking versatility, choose the Traeger Pro 22; choose the Pit Boss 500 FB2 if direct-flame searing matters more. Both are horizontal pellet grills, so neither is the answer if a tall rack cabinet is essential.

For upright cooking, choose the Masterbuilt Digital for digital controls and four racks, the EAST OAK probe model for probe-guided batches, or the PIQUEBAR if propane suits your setup. Compare the best vertical smoker for jerky if drying racks and smaller cuts shape your decision.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for digital vertical cooking

   Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for probe-guided cooks

   EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for simple analog control

   Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Are vertical pellet smokers different from pellet grills?

A vertical pellet smoker uses wood pellets and stacks food on racks inside an upright cabinet. Many pellet grills use a horizontal cooking chamber instead.

Check the cooker's layout and fuel system separately.

Can a vertical electric smoker replace a pellet smoker?

An electric vertical smoker can be an alternative if you want stacked racks and digital temperature controls. The electric models here use wood chips for smoke, while pellet cookers feed wood pellets.

Choose based on the fuel and cooking format you want.

What should I check before buying an upright pellet smoker?

Check that it uses pellets, then compare rack layout and cooking area. Compare temperature controls and power needs as well.

A horizontal pellet grill may still suit you if pellet fuel matters more than an upright cabinet.

Measure the place where you plan to cook and store it.