Choosing the right vertical electric smoker can feel like navigating a maze of specs, prices, and promises, but don’t worry—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the top models, highlight what truly matters for flavor and convenience, and share real‑world insights from seasoned grill masters. Whether you’re a backyard rookie or a seasoned pitmaster, our trusted comparison will help you pick a smoker that fits your kitchen, budget, and smoky cravings for unforgettable meals.
Key Takeaways
- Top pick excels with Wi-Fi remote control for effortless monitoring and adjustments.
- Large vertical design maximizes cooking space while saving countertop area.
- Side chip loader allows easy smoke flavor addition without opening the chamber.
- Choose models with a water bowl to keep meats moist during long smokes.
- Prioritize chrome-coated racks for durability and easy cleaning.
Masterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker
WiFi Smart Smoker
- Wi‑Fi remote control
- Large vertical cooking space
- Side chip loader
- BEST FOR EXTENDED SMOKE TIME: EAST OAK 30″ Electric Smoker for Outdoors | Built-in Meat Probe & Up to 6× Longer Smokes on a Single Load | Side Chip Loader for Uninterrupted Smoking | Bigger Batches with 725 sq in Cooking Area Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ELEVATED VIEW: Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR WIFI SMART SMOKER: Masterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ERGONOMIC ELEVATED: EAST OAK Ridgewood Pro 30″ Electric Smoker Built-in Meat Probe & Elevated Stand for Outdoors Up to 6× Longer Smokes Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SIDE-LOADER SIMPLICITY: Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader Read More ↓
- BEST FOR WEATHERPROOF PRO: Vertical Electric Smoker with Cover & Meat Probe Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EXTRA-LARGE GATHERINGS: Large Vertical Electric Smoker Grill – 633 sq in | 4-Rack BBQ Smoker with Built-in Meat Probe Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PELLET POWERHOUSE: Vertical Electric Pellet Smoker with Cover & Meat Probe Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CLASSIC CUISINART CAPACITY: Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Vertical Electric Smoker
EAST OAK 30″ Electric Smoker for Outdoors | Built-in Meat Probe & Up to 6× Longer Smokes on a Single Load | Side Chip Loader for Uninterrupted Smoking | Bigger Batches with 725 sq in Cooking Area
The EAST OAK 30″ Electric Smoker delivers a massive 725‑sq‑in cooking chamber, letting you smoke full racks of ribs, whole birds, or several cuts in one go. Its six‑times longer chip life means fewer refills and uninterrupted flavor, while a side chip loader adds wood without losing heat.
A built‑in meat probe monitors internal temperature in real time and automatically switches to keep‑warm mode when you hit your target, preventing overcooking. Digital controls let you set time and temperature, then walk away and enjoy consistent, smoky results with minimal effort.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Huge 725‑sq‑in chamber
- Six‑hour chip life
- Built‑in meat probe
- Side chip loader
- Set‑and‑forget digital controls
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy steel construction
- No built‑in Wi‑Fi
- Higher price point
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421
The Masterbuilt 30‑inch Digital Electric Vertical Smoker offers 710 sq in of cooking space in a compact, upright design that fits up to seven chickens or multiple pork butts. Its digital panel lets you dial in temperature up to 275 °F and set a timer, while a patented side wood‑chip loader feeds smoke without opening the door, preserving heat and flavor.
Four chrome‑coated racks provide sturdy, easy‑to‑clean surfaces, and the optional leg kit adds stability for outdoor use. Ideal for low‑and‑slow enthusiasts who want consistent results without the hassle of charcoal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact vertical footprint
- Side chip loader
- Digital temperature control
- Four chrome racks
- Optional leg kit
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited max temperature
- No built‑in meat probe
- Plastic control panel feels cheap
Masterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker, Vertical Design, 711 Cooking Sq. Inches, 4 Chrome Coated Smoking Racks, Wood Chip Loader, Electric Fuel Source to Plug in and Start Cooking, Black Model MB20070924
The Masterbuilt 710 Wi‑Fi Digital Smoker combines a vertical layout with modern connectivity, giving you 711 sq in of cooking space for up to six chickens or four pork butts. Its digital panel and Masterbuilt app let you set temperature from 100 °F to 275 °F and monitor four meat probes from anywhere.
A patented side wood‑chip loader adds smoke without opening the door, while the removable water bowl injects moisture for juicy results. Chrome‑coated racks keep food from sticking, and the sturdy steel construction ensures durability for frequent backyard sessions.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wi‑Fi remote control
- Large vertical cooking space
- Side chip loader
- Water bowl for moisture
- Chrome‑coated racks
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- Heavy steel construction
EAST OAK Ridgewood Pro 30″ Electric Smoker Built-in Meat Probe & Elevated Stand for Outdoors Up to 6× Longer Smokes, Adjustable Side Chip Loader Smoke More with 725 sq in Cooking Area
The EAST OAK Ridgewood Pro 30\” electric smoker offers a spacious 725 sq in cooking chamber and an elevated stand that puts the grill at a comfortable height, eliminating the need to kneel. Its side chip loader allows you to reload wood chips without losing heat, delivering up to six times longer smoke sessions.
A built‑in meat probe monitors internal temperature in real time and automatically switches to keep‑warm mode when the target is reached. Ideal for family gatherings, the smoker handles full racks of ribs, multiple birds, and several cuts in one go.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Elevated ergonomic stand
- Long smoke duration
- Built‑in meat probe
- Side chip reload
- Huge 725 sq in chamber
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited temperature range
- No grill grates
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117
Masterbuilt’s 30‑inch digital vertical smoker blends modern convenience with classic wood‑smoked flavor. The intuitive digital panel lets you set temperature up to 275°F and timer, while the patented side wood‑chip loader continuously feeds smoke without opening the door, preserving heat and moisture.
A removable water bowl adds humidity for tender, juicy results, and you can experiment with flavored liquids for extra nuance. Its spacious vertical chamber offers 711 sq in of cooking space, fitting up to six chickens or four pork butts, and includes four chrome‑coated racks for versatile arranging.
Perfect for backyard pitmasters seeking consistent, hassle‑free smoking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Digital temperature control
- Side chip loader
- Spacious cooking area
- Four chrome‑coated racks
- Water bowl for moisture
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy unit to move
- Higher price point
Vertical Electric Smoker with Cover & Meat Probe, BBQ Smokers with 4 Cooking Grates, 633 Sq.in Cooking Space, LED Temperature Control for Outdoor Cooking,Smoke Ribs,Brisket,Chicken
The MAISON BACKYARDS vertical electric smoker delivers professional‑grade performance with user‑friendly features. Its LED digital display and precision knob maintain temperatures from 100°F to 400°F, while an automatic ignition system starts smoking with a single turn.
Four movable grilling racks and eight hooks provide 633 sq in of space, enough for 23 burgers or six whole chickens, and the built‑in meat probe alerts you when target internal temperature is reached. Constructed from rust‑resistant steel and supplied with a weather‑proof cover, it endures outdoor conditions for up to 20 hours of continuous smoking, making it ideal for weekend gatherings and overnight cooks.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Precise temperature control
- Large 633 sq in capacity
- Built‑in meat probe
- Durable weather‑resistant steel
- Automatic ignition system
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No side chip loader
- Limited temperature range
Large Vertical Electric Smoker Grill – 633 sq in | 4-Rack BBQ Smoker with Built-in Meat Probe, Wood Chip Loader &Weather-Resistant Cover – Perfect for Steak, Fish, Ribs (Black)
Meet the MAISON BACKYARDS Large Vertical Electric Smoker Grill, a 40‑inch powerhouse offering 633 sq in of cooking space. With four stainless‑steel racks you can smoke a 20‑lb turkey, twelve chickens, or several briskets at once—perfect for holidays or tailgate parties.
A built‑in meat probe and digital thermostat (100‑400 °F) let you track internal and chamber temperatures without opening the door, delivering consistent, juicy results. The weather‑resistant steel body includes a waterproof cover, removable drip pan, and easy‑clean interior.
Assembly takes under 20 minutes, and preset programs make it beginner‑friendly while still satisfying seasoned pitmasters.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Huge 633 sq in capacity
- Built‑in meat probe
- Digital temperature control
- Weather‑resistant construction
- Quick 20‑minute assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy and bulky
- Higher price point
- Requires electric outlet
Vertical Electric Pellet Smoker with Cover & Meat Probe, 4-Rack Digital BBQ Electric Smokers, 616 Sq.in, LED Temperature Control, Ribs, Brisket, Chicken
MAISON BACKYARDS Vertical Electric Pellet Smoker combines a massive 616 sq in cooking chamber with four adjustable racks, eight hooks, and a 3‑liter pellet hopper that can sustain up to 20 hours of continuous smoking. The LED digital display and knob provide precise temperature control, while the built‑in meat probe alerts you when your food reaches the target internal temperature.
Its vertical design circulates heat evenly, eliminating hot spots for consistent flavor across all levels. Constructed from rust‑resistant steel and shipped with a weather‑proof cover, it stands up to rain, sun, and dust.
Ideal for weekend gatherings, it delivers pit‑master quality without the need for charcoal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large 616 sq in capacity
- 3‑liter pellet hopper
- Precise digital control
- Even vertical heat flow
- Weather‑proof steel construction
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Pellet refilling required
- No built‑in Wi‑Fi
- Heavier than portable models
Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker, 3 Adjustable Racks, Large Capacity BBQ Meat Smoker, Water & Wood Trays for Smoked Meat, Brisket, Salmon & Jerky, Adjustable Temperature Control
The Cuisinart 30‑inch electric smoker offers a generous 548‑square‑inch vertical cooking chamber, perfect for tackling big roasts, whole fish, or a rack of ribs on a patio. Its 1500‑watt burner delivers 15,000 BTU and a temperature range from 100 °F to 400 °F, giving you precise control via a simple dial.
Three chrome‑steel racks slide out for easy loading and are dishwasher‑safe for quick cleanup. A built‑in front‑door thermometer lets you monitor heat at a glance, while stainless‑steel trays hold wood chips and water, streamlining setup and flavor infusion.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spacious vertical cooking area
- Three removable dishwasher‑safe racks
- Precise temperature dial control
- Built‑in front‑door thermometer
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Large vertical footprint
- No Wi‑Fi connectivity
- Frequent wood chip refills
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key features should I prioritize when choosing a vertical electric smoker?
Look for a reliable temperature control system, preferably digital, to maintain consistent heat. A spacious cooking chamber with multiple racks lets you smoke larger quantities or different foods simultaneously. Stainless‑steel construction and a removable water pan are also important for durability and easy cleaning.
How does a vertical electric smoker compare to a horizontal model in terms of performance?
Vertical smokers typically heat more evenly because the heat rises directly through the food, reducing hot spots. They often have a smaller footprint, making them ideal for limited spaces, while horizontal units may offer more rack space. However, horizontal models sometimes provide better smoke circulation for larger cuts of meat.
Is a digital temperature controller worth the extra cost?
Yes, a digital controller gives you precise temperature settings, which is crucial for low‑and‑slow cooking. It also often includes preset programs for common foods, reducing guesswork. While it adds to the price, the consistency it provides can improve flavor and reduce failed batches.
What should I consider about the smoker’s wood chip capacity and loading method?
A larger chip hopper means you can smoke for longer periods without refilling, which is handy for marathon sessions. Look for models with a tray or drawer that slides out for easy loading and cleaning. Some smokers also offer interchangeable chip trays for different wood flavors.
How important is the size of the cooking chamber for my needs?
The chamber size determines how much food you can smoke at once; a 4‑rack model can handle a whole turkey or multiple fish fillets. If you usually smoke for small gatherings, a compact 2‑rack unit may be more cost‑effective. Consider your typical serving size and storage space before deciding.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Beyond the purchase price, factor in electricity usage, which varies by wattage and cooking duration. Some models require replacement charcoal trays or additional accessories like grill mats. Also, regular maintenance such as cleaning the water pan and drip tray can add time and minor expense.
What value does a built‑in smoke generator add compared to a separate one?
An integrated smoke generator simplifies setup by eliminating extra equipment and reduces the risk of uneven smoke distribution. It often syncs with the temperature controller for automated smoke output. While it may increase the upfront cost, the convenience and consistent results can justify the investment.