We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

5 Best Vertical Gas Smoker 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker, Red Hammertone - 10773

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,344
Temperature Range
Ease of Use
Portability

Most important from
377 reviews

Temperature Range
Bought this for my husband, a beginner, and it has done really well! It's easy to use, and the food tastes great. However, it's hard to get the right temperature in cold weather, which is common with any smoker. Overall, great buy!
Ease of Use
After 25 years of competition championship BBQ cooking, I'm pleasantly surprised by this smoker. It's small, safe, and suits my retirement perfectly. Easy to operate and doesn't get as hot as a grill.
Portability
After 25 years of competition championship BBQ cooking, I'm pleasantly surprised by this smoker. It's small, safe, and suits my retirement perfectly. Easy to operate and doesn't get as hot as a grill.

The Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker offers a decent cooking capacity with its 720 square inches of cooking area spread across four porcelain-coated cooking grids. This should be sufficient for most home smoking needs, making it a good option for family gatherings and small parties. The temperature range of 100°F to 320°F is suitable for various smoking techniques, though it may fall short for those who prefer higher temperatures for certain recipes.

The dual valve and dual stainless steel burner system help regulate the temperature efficiently, ensuring consistent results. The build quality is robust with its stainless steel construction and high-temperature door seal, which helps retain heat and smoke. Portability is another plus with this smoker, thanks to its two rear rolling wheels, making it relatively easy to move around your backyard or patio. Fuel efficiency is reasonably good given the 12,500 BTU burner, but make sure to have enough propane on hand, especially for longer smoking sessions.

Ease of use is enhanced by features like the large viewing window, external wood chip and ash removal, and front access grease drawer. However, some users might find the hand-wash-only maintenance a bit cumbersome. The red hammertone finish adds a stylish touch to your outdoor cooking setup. While the weight of 63 pounds might make it a bit challenging to move for some, the wheels help mitigate this issue. The Pit Boss Grills PBV3G1 Vertical Smoker is well-suited for those looking for a reliable and stylish smoker with good capacity and ease of use, but it may require a bit more effort in maintenance and fuel management.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,344
Temperature Range
Ease of Use
Portability

Most important from
377 reviews

Temperature Range
Bought this for my husband, a beginner, and it has done really well! It's easy to use, and the food tastes great. However, it's hard to get the right temperature in cold weather, which is common with any smoker. Overall, great buy!
Ease of Use
After 25 years of competition championship BBQ cooking, I'm pleasantly surprised by this smoker. It's small, safe, and suits my retirement perfectly. Easy to operate and doesn't get as hot as a grill.
Portability
After 25 years of competition championship BBQ cooking, I'm pleasantly surprised by this smoker. It's small, safe, and suits my retirement perfectly. Easy to operate and doesn't get as hot as a grill.
#2

Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker, 30" , Black

Rating
9.6
Cooking Capacity
Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
425 reviews

Cooking Capacity
Holds a lot of meat and works great without presoaking the chips.
Build Quality
Masterbuilt is good quality. I recommend it.
Ease of Use
The design is safe and easy to use.

The Masterbuilt MPS 230S Propane Smoker is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy smoked foods with ease. Its four chrome-coated smoking racks offer ample cooking capacity, allowing you to smoke a variety of meats and vegetables at once. The built-in temperature gauge helps monitor the cooking process, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection.

The push-button ignition is user-friendly and lights the burner quickly, making it convenient to start cooking without hassle. The porcelain-coated flame disk bowl is a smart feature that allows the flame to reach the wood chips while protecting the burner from grease, enhancing the efficiency of the smoker.

With a powerful 15,400 BTU stainless-steel burner, it provides consistent heat for reliable smoking results. However, it's worth noting that the smoker weighs 66.5 pounds, making it less portable than some other models. Additionally, it runs on propane, which might require regular refills if you use it frequently. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Masterbuilt MPS 230S offers a balance of ease of use and effective performance, making it a good option for both beginners and seasoned smoking enthusiasts.

Rating
9.6
Cooking Capacity
Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
425 reviews

Cooking Capacity
Holds a lot of meat and works great without presoaking the chips.
Build Quality
Masterbuilt is good quality. I recommend it.
Ease of Use
The design is safe and easy to use.
#3

Cuisinart 36” Vertical Propane Smoker, 4 Removable Racks, Spacious BBQ Smoker with Wood and Water Trays, 15,000 BTU Heat for Smoked Meat, Brisket, Jerky, Fish, Perfect for Tailgates, Backyard, Camping

Rating
9.4
Cooking Capacity
Temperature Range
Build Quality

Most important from
2576 reviews

Cooking Capacity
The added water pan addresses concerns about the original water reservoir's size, enhancing the smoking experience.
Temperature Range
Seasoning the smoker before use is a must, as it helps get accustomed to temperature adjustments without risking any food.
Build Quality
Some adjustments, like using gasket tape to seal the door, can significantly improve smoke retention and overall performance.
Ease of Use
A seamless upgrade for those moving from a side box smoker, offering simplicity in design and efficient propane usage.

The Cuisinart 36” Vertical Propane Smoker offers a spacious cooking capacity with its four 14" x 14" chrome-steel racks, providing 785 square inches of space. This makes it well-suited for smoking a variety of foods like brisket, ribs, or even vegetables. It delivers reliable temperature control through its 15,000 BTU burner and a rear vent, allowing for precise heat adjustments to achieve consistent smoking results. The integrated temperature gauge helps in easy monitoring, adding to its user-friendly features.

Build quality is a notable strength with its stainless steel construction, offering durability suitable for regular use. The removable chrome-steel racks are dishwasher-safe, which simplifies cleaning, and the porcelain-enamel tray for wood chips and water further eases the post-cookout cleanup process.

In terms of portability, the smoker is relatively lightweight at 40 pounds, making it feasible for tailgates, backyard parties, or camping trips. However, its dimensions (18.1"D x 19.3"W x 38.6"H) might pose some challenges in tighter spaces or for those looking for a more compact option. Fuel efficiency is decent, using propane as the power source, which is generally convenient and cost-effective for long smoking sessions.

The smoker excels in providing ample space and efficient cooking, even though it may not be as portable as some smaller models. Additionally, while it ranks decently among outdoor smokers, some users may seek higher-end options with more advanced features. Nevertheless, its balance between price, functionality, and ease of use makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile vertical gas smoker.

Rating
9.4
Cooking Capacity
Temperature Range
Build Quality

Most important from
2576 reviews

Cooking Capacity
The added water pan addresses concerns about the original water reservoir's size, enhancing the smoking experience.
Temperature Range
Seasoning the smoker before use is a must, as it helps get accustomed to temperature adjustments without risking any food.
Build Quality
Some adjustments, like using gasket tape to seal the door, can significantly improve smoke retention and overall performance.
Ease of Use
A seamless upgrade for those moving from a side box smoker, offering simplicity in design and efficient propane usage.

Buying Guide for the Best Vertical Gas Smoker

Choosing the right vertical gas smoker can greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. A vertical gas smoker is a great tool for smoking meats and other foods, providing a consistent temperature and a smoky flavor. When selecting a vertical gas smoker, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the key specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Cooking CapacityCooking capacity refers to the amount of food you can smoke at one time. This is important because it determines how much food you can prepare in a single session. Cooking capacity is usually measured in square inches or the number of racks. Smaller smokers (under 500 square inches) are suitable for small families or occasional use. Medium smokers (500-700 square inches) are good for regular use and small gatherings. Larger smokers (over 700 square inches) are ideal for large families or frequent entertaining. Choose a capacity that matches your typical cooking volume.
Temperature RangeThe temperature range of a smoker indicates the minimum and maximum temperatures it can maintain. This is crucial because different foods require different smoking temperatures. A wider temperature range offers more versatility. For example, a range of 100-350°F is good for smoking a variety of foods, from fish to brisket. If you plan to smoke a wide range of foods, look for a smoker with a broad temperature range. If you have specific needs, such as cold smoking, ensure the smoker can maintain those lower temperatures.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the smoker. This is important for durability and heat retention. Smokers made from heavy-gauge steel or stainless steel are more durable and retain heat better, leading to more consistent cooking results. Look for features like double-walled construction and high-quality seals. If you plan to use your smoker frequently or in various weather conditions, investing in a well-built model will pay off in the long run.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how user-friendly the smoker is, including features like ignition systems, temperature controls, and maintenance. This is important because it affects your overall smoking experience. Look for features like push-button ignition, easy-to-read temperature gauges, and adjustable dampers. If you are a beginner, choose a smoker with straightforward controls and clear instructions. For more experienced users, advanced features like programmable settings might be beneficial.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the smoker around. This is important if you plan to take your smoker to different locations or need to store it when not in use. Features like wheels, handles, and a manageable weight contribute to portability. If you need to move your smoker frequently, look for a model with sturdy wheels and ergonomic handles. If it will stay in one place, portability may be less of a concern.
Fuel EfficiencyFuel efficiency indicates how effectively the smoker uses gas. This is important for cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. A more fuel-efficient smoker will use less gas to maintain the desired temperature, saving you money in the long run. Look for models with good insulation and efficient burners. If you plan to use your smoker often, a fuel-efficient model will be more economical over time.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now