9 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers (November 2026)
The best vertical electric pellet smokers include the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker for simple digital control, the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker for straightforward analog control, and the EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors for probe guided cooking.
On this page (6 sections)
The best vertical electric pellet smoker for most cooks is the Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker, with digital time and temperature controls, four racks and a side wood chip loader. If you prefer a pellet grill format, see the Traeger Pro 575 review.
These picks are upright smokers with stacked racks, but most use wood chips or bisquettes rather than pellets, so check the fuel type before choosing one.
If you specifically want a pellet cooker, compare its fuel system and layout with your cooking needs. Our guide to vertical pellet smoker vs pellet grill explains how the cabinet style differs from a typical pellet grill, while Is A Pellet Grill A Smoker? covers what pellet cookers can do.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for simple digital controlMasterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for straightforward analog controlMasterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for probe guided cookingEAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itEAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker
Best for rolling patio setup - 5
Check itAmazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor
Best for charcoal flavor in a compact cooker - 6
Check itMasterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker
Best for app based control - 7
Check itRoyal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker
Best for a smaller electric cabinet - 8
Check itBradley Smoker BTDS76P 4-Rack Outdoor Natural Draft
Best for automatic bisquette feeding - 9
Check itPit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker
Best for propane heat and broad temperature range
Which vertical electric pellet smokers stand out?
The strongest upright choices pair stacked racks with controls that fit your preferred level of involvement. For a cooker with a separate firebox, compare side firebox smokers.
The electric models use wood chips, and the Bradley uses bisquettes, so none of those should be mistaken for a pellet-burning cooker.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for simple digital control
- Digital time and temperature controls
- Four chrome-coated racks
- Side wood chip loader
- 710 cooking sq in
Digital controls set the cooking temperature and time, while four racks create room for stacked smoking. The side wood chip loader lets you add chips without opening the door.
Pros
- Digital time and temperature controls
- Four racks
- Side wood chip loader
Cons
- Needs a power outlet
- Uses wood chips rather than pellets
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is the clearest fit for cooks who want an upright cabinet with straightforward digital settings. Its panel controls power, cooking temperature and time, and the four chrome-coated racks provide 710 square inches of cooking space.
A side wood chip loader lets you add smoke flavor without opening the main door. The fully insulated body retains heat, and a thermostat controls temperature for even smoking.
This is a wood-chip electric smoker, not a pellet smoker. Choose it if the tall cabinet and digital controls matter more than feeding pellets, and make sure you have a suitable outlet near the cooking spot.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for straightforward analog control
- Analog temperature dial
- Three chrome-coated racks
- 535 cooking sq in
- Removable wood chip tray
The analog dial gives you a direct way to set the smoking temperature. Three racks and a removable wood chip tray make it a simple upright option for smaller batches.
Pros
- Simple temperature dial
- Three racks
- Removable wood chip tray
Cons
- No digital time control
- Uses wood chips rather than pellets
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker keeps the control setup simple with an analog temperature dial. It has three chrome-coated racks and 535 square inches of cooking space, a smaller layout than the digital Masterbuilt above.
A removable wood chip tray adds smoke, and the removable water bowl is designed to add moisture during cooking. The dial sets smoking temperature up to 275°F, making this a fit for cooks who prefer a manual control rather than digital time settings.
This model is also electric with wood chips, not pellets. Consider it for modest batches where you want an upright cabinet and fewer controls to manage.
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors: Best for probe guided cooking
- Built-in meat probe
- Digital time and temperature controls
- 725 cooking sq in
- Side chip loader
The built-in meat probe tracks internal temperature, and the smoker can stop and switch to keep-warm mode when the target time is reached. Four removable racks and 725 square inches suit larger batches.
Pros
- Built-in meat probe
- 725 sq in cooking area
- Side chip loader
Cons
- Needs a power outlet
- Uses wood chips rather than pellets
The EAST OAK 30-inch Electric Smoker suits larger batches and cooks who want a probe to track meat temperature. It provides 725 square inches of cooking area, digital time and temperature controls, and a side chip loader.
The built-in probe tracks internal temperature, and the smoker can stop automatically and switch to keep-warm mode when the target time is reached. Its four removable racks stack the cooking space vertically, while the glass door gives a view into the chamber.
The fuel is electricity with wood chips. Choose this one when the probe and capacity matter more than a pellet feed system.
EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for rolling patio setup
- 725 cooking sq in
- Four chrome-coated racks
- Digital timer up to 12 hours
- Rear wheels and handle
Four racks and 725 square inches provide room for larger smoking sessions. Rear wheels and a handle help you move it across a patio or backyard.
Pros
- Four racks
- 12-hour timer
- Rear wheels and handle
Cons
- Needs a power outlet
- Uses wood chips rather than pellets
The EAST OAK 30-inch Outdoor Electric Smoker offers the same stated 725 square inches of cooking area, with four chrome-coated racks and a digital control panel. Its timer runs up to 12 hours, and the side wood chip loader allows chip additions without opening the main door.
Rear wheels and a handle help move the smoker across a patio or backyard. The body has double-layer steel and internal foam insulation, and the maker describes the setup as beginner friendly.
It burns wood chips, not pellets. Choose it when the rolling setup and roomy cabinet match your outdoor space.
Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor: Best for charcoal flavor in a compact cooker
- Two-layer design
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable air supply
- Charcoal fuel
This compact vertical smoker uses charcoal and has two layers for cooking food. A built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply help you monitor and adjust heat.
Pros
- Charcoal fuel
- Built-in thermometer
- Two-layer design
Cons
- No digital controls
- Not an electric or pellet smoker
The Amazon Basics 16-inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor Smoker is the compact fuel alternative in this group. For another charcoal format, see drum smoker kits.
Its two-layer design provides space for multiple foods, while a built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply help you check and adjust heat.
The water and charcoal pans are porcelain-enameled, and the smoker has a secure locking system. Since it uses charcoal, it needs a different routine from the electric cabinets and isn't a match for someone seeking plug-in temperature control.
Pick it if you want an upright charcoal smoker and can manage the airflow and fuel. It is not a pellet cooker.
Masterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker: Best for app based control
- WiFi app controls
- Four chrome-coated racks
- 711 cooking sq in
- Side wood chip loader
WiFi controls let you set cooking time and temperature through the Masterbuilt app and receive alerts. Four racks and a side wood chip loader support stacked cooking.
Pros
- WiFi app controls
- Four racks
- Side wood chip loader
Cons
- Needs a power outlet and WiFi for app features
- Uses wood chips rather than pellets
The Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker is the app-connected option for cooks who want to monitor a session remotely. You can set time and temperature on the digital panel or through the Masterbuilt app, receive alerts and monitor up to four meat probes.
It has four chrome-coated racks, about 711 square inches of cooking space and a side wood chip loader. The stated temperature setting range is 100°F to 275°F.
This is an electric wood-chip smoker, not a pellet smoker. Choose it if app control adds value to your routine and you have a reliable WiFi connection where you cook.
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker: Best for a smaller electric cabinet
- 454 cooking sq in
- Three chrome-plated racks
- Analog temperature controller
- Built-in thermometer
Three racks and 454 square inches create a smaller electric cabinet for modest smoking batches. The analog controller and built-in thermometer keep the controls direct.
Pros
- Three racks
- Built-in thermometer
- Analog temperature controller
Cons
- Less rack area than the larger cabinets
- Uses wood chips rather than pellets
The Royal Gourmet SE2805 is a smaller vertical electric cabinet with three chrome-plated racks and 454 square inches of cooking area. Its analog controller adjusts heat, and a built-in thermometer provides a quick temperature check.
A removable water pan and chip box add moisture and smoke, while the insulated chamber supports even heating. This model has less cooking area than the larger Masterbuilt and EAST OAK picks, which can be useful when you don't need a wide batch capacity.
It runs on electricity and uses wood chips. Consider it for smaller outdoor smoking sessions with direct analog controls.
Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 4-Rack Outdoor Natural Draft: Best for automatic bisquette feeding
- Four included racks
- Digital smoker
- Natural draft design
- Bisquettes load for up to 9 hours
This vertical digital smoker uses bisquettes and includes four racks. Bradley says it can smoke for up to 9 hours before a refill, which may suit cooks who want fewer interruptions.
Pros
- Four racks
- Digital controls
- Up to 9 hours of smoke per refill, per Bradley
Cons
- Uses bisquettes rather than pellets
- Rack area is divided across four smaller grates
The Bradley BTDS76P uses electricity and bisquettes in a four-rack vertical design. Bradley says the smoker can run for up to 9 hours before a refill, which may appeal if you want fewer stops to reload smoking fuel.
Its digital controls and natural draft design set it apart from the simpler electric cabinets. The stainless steel interior is described as easy to clean, and the rack area is divided across four grates.
This isn't a pellet smoker, but it is an upright option for cooks who want a different smoke-feed setup. Confirm that bisquettes suit the flavor and refilling routine you have in mind.
Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker: Best for propane heat and broad temperature range
- Four racks
- 880 cooking sq in
- 100°F–320°F temperature range
- Propane fuel
The Pit Boss is a vertical propane smoker rather than an electric pellet model. Its four racks and stated 100°F–320°F temperature range make it a useful alternative if you want gas heat.
Pros
- 880 sq in cooking area
- Four racks
- External wood chip and ash removal
Cons
- Uses propane rather than electricity or pellets
- Requires propane fuel
The Pit Boss 3-Series is the propane alternative for cooks who want a vertical cabinet and a wider stated temperature range. Compare more propane smokers with temperature control if propane is your preferred fuel.
It has four racks, 880 square inches of cooking area and a range from 100°F to 320°F.
A dual valve and burner system runs on propane, with a separate burner dedicated to wood chips. External wood chip and ash removal, a front-access grease drawer and two rear wheels shape the maintenance and moving routine.
Choose it if propane fits your outdoor setup. It isn't electric or pellet fueled, so it's best treated as a separate fuel choice.
How do you choose a vertical electric pellet smoker?
Choose by fuel first, then compare rack layout, controls and capacity. For help comparing smoker styles, see what type of smoker is best.
The phrase “vertical electric pellet smoker” can describe a search for an upright smoker, but the listed electric models here use chips rather than pellets.
Does the smoker use pellets, chips or bisquettes?
The electric Masterbuilt, EAST OAK and Royal Gourmet models use wood chips. Bradley uses bisquettes, the Amazon Basics model uses charcoal, and Pit Boss uses propane with wood chips.
If you want pellet fuel, verify that the cooker has a pellet hopper and feed system. A tall cabinet or stacked racks alone don't make a smoker a pellet model.
How much rack space do you need?
Compare total cooking area and rack count with the foods you plan to smoke together. The EAST OAK electric models offer 725 square inches across four racks, while the Masterbuilt WiFi model gives about 711 square inches across four racks.
Rack dimensions and shelf spacing matter as much as the total. Measure bulky cuts and allow space for airflow rather than planning around the largest advertised number alone.
Which controls suit your cooking style?
Digital controls let you set time and temperature, while an analog dial keeps adjustments direct. The Masterbuilt WiFi smoker adds app settings and alerts, and the EAST OAK with probe can track internal meat temperature and switch to keep-warm mode.
A built-in thermometer, meat probe and controller do different jobs. Decide whether you want to track chamber heat, internal food temperature or both.
What should you check before setting up an upright smoker?
Check the footprint, power or fuel access, and the clearance around the cabinet before you settle on a location. Vertical smokers can save horizontal cooking space, but their height and door swing still need room.
Electric models need an appropriate outlet, while charcoal and propane units require their own fuel setup. Keep the smoker outdoors and follow the manufacturer’s placement and operating instructions.
For a wider look at upright models, start with our Best Vertical Smoker guide. If ease of access and controls are priorities, see our Best Vertical Smoker For Seniors picks.
Are vertical pellet smokers good for smoking food?
Yes, an upright pellet cooker can be a practical fit when you want stacked racks and pellet fuel in one cabinet. Compare rack spacing, hopper setup and temperature controls with the foods you cook most.
A dedicated vertical smoker emphasizes a tall cabinet and shelves, while pellet grills often provide a broader grilling surface. For another fuel comparison, read Which Is Better Pellet Grill or Offset Smoker Which Is Better?.
How we chose these vertical smokers
We compared the fuel type, rack count, cooking area and controls for each model, then matched those details to different outdoor cooking needs. The scores reflect how well each option fits shoppers seeking an upright smoker with stacked cooking space.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. We did not treat different fuel types as interchangeable: the electric picks use chips or bisquettes, while the charcoal and propane models offer alternatives.
Which vertical smoker should you choose?
Choose the Masterbuilt Digital if you want an electric cabinet with four racks, digital settings and a side chip loader. Pick EAST OAK if you value a built-in probe or rolling mobility, and consider the Masterbuilt WiFi if app control fits your routine.
If pellet fuel is essential, confirm the hopper and feed system before buying. If another fuel works, use the best vertical propane smoker guide to compare a dedicated gas option.
| Product | Best for | Cooking area | Controls | Fuel | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker | simple digital control | 710 sq in | Digital time and temperature | Corded electric with wood chips | 9.7 |
| Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker | straightforward analog control | 535 sq in | Analog temperature dial | Electric with wood chips | 9.6 |
| EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors | probe guided cooking | 725 sq in | Digital with built-in meat probe | Electric with wood chips | 9.6 |
| EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker | rolling patio setup | 725 sq in | Digital temperature and timer | Electric with wood chips | 9.5 |
| Amazon Basics 16 inch Vertical Charcoal Outdoor | charcoal flavor in a compact cooker | Built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply | Charcoal | 9.3 | |
| Masterbuilt®710 WiFi Digital Smoker | app based control | 711 sq in | Digital panel and WiFi app | Electric with wood chips | 8.9 |
| Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker | a smaller electric cabinet | 454 sq in | Analog controller and thermometer | Electric with wood chips | 8.2 |
| Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 4-Rack Outdoor Natural Draft | automatic bisquette feeding | Digital | Electric with bisquettes | 8.1 | |
| Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker | propane heat and broad temperature range | 880 sq in | Single control knob | Propane gas | 7.9 |
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for simple digital control
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for straightforward analog control
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for probe guided cooking
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Is a vertical electric pellet smoker the same as a pellet grill?
No. A vertical electric smoker uses electricity for heat and commonly adds smoke with wood chips, while a pellet grill burns pellets.
Some pellet cookers have upright cabinets and stacked racks, so check the fuel and cooking layout before you buy.
Our guide to vertical pellet smoker vs pellet grill explains the tradeoffs.
Can an electric smoker use wood pellets?
Only if the model is designed for pellets. The electric smokers in this guide use wood chips or bisquettes, while the charcoal and propane alternatives use different fuels.
Check the fuel system before buying, and don't put pellets in a chip tray unless the manufacturer says it's suitable.
Why choose an upright smoker with stacked racks?
Stacked racks let you place several foods in a tall cabinet, which can suit ribs, poultry and batch cooking. Compare the usable area on each rack as well as the total cooking area, since a larger total may be spread across smaller shelves.
Also measure your patio space and the clearance around the smoker.
What should I choose if I want a vertical smoker but not electric?
Choose by fuel and the amount of heat control you want. The Amazon Basics pick uses charcoal, while the Pit Boss uses propane and has a stated range from 100°F to 320°F.
For more gas options, see our guide to the best vertical propane smoker.
