8 Best Vertical Electric Smokers (November 2026)
The best vertical electric smokers include the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker for all-around backyard smoking, the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker for simple analog control, and the EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors for monitored large batches.
On this page (3 sections)
The best vertical electric smoker for most backyards is the Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker. It combines digital temperature and time controls, 710 cooking square inches, four chrome racks and a side wood chip loader.
That mix usually suits a household that smokes ribs, chicken or pork a few times a month and wants a set temperature without tending a fire. The side loader also helps when a long cook needs more smoke partway through.
Choose an EAST OAK model when you want 725 sq in of cooking space, a built-in meat probe or easier patio movement. Those cabinets are a better fit for bigger family batches or for cooks who like to check food temperature without opening the door.
The Smokehouse Big Chief is a better fit for a compact setup and a fixed 165°F smoking temperature. Its smaller cabinet suits fish, jerky and sausage, while larger digital models suit mixed menus and whole birds.
If you prefer a charcoal smoker with a separate firebox, compare smokers with a side firebox. That style puts fire management back on you, so it suits cooks who want that hands on control.
If you are still comparing cabinet styles, start with our guide to types of electric smokers. A vertical cabinet saves floor space, but rack layout and height still matter for storage.
For a simpler first setup, see our picks for best electric smokers for beginners. Those picks focus on basic controls and easier clean up for new users.
Before you decide, match cooking area to your usual batch size and check cabinet height against your storage space. A model that is too tall or too wide can be hard to cover and store between cooks.
Also check where the cord will run and how you will reach the chip loader or door. Good daily use starts with a spot that is level, sheltered from wind and close enough to power.
In short, the Masterbuilt digital model is the safest all around start, and the other picks win on size, monitoring or simplicity. Use your food, space and control style to narrow the choice.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for all-around backyard smokingMasterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for simple analog controlMasterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for monitored large batchesEAST 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 use - 5
Check itEAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker
Best for waist-height loading - 6
Check itSmokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
Best for low-temperature smoking - 7
Check itRoyal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker
Best for high-wattage heating - 8
Check itBradley Smoker 6-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker
Best for six-rack capacity
The best vertical electric smokers for different cooking needs
The best electric smoker vertical cabinet depends on your preferred controls, batch size, chip-loading method and available floor space. For a broader look at smoker styles, see what type of smoker is best.
Controls change how you cook day to day. Digital panels make timed low and slow sessions easier, while analog dials keep the setup plain and direct.
Batch size changes the cabinet you need. A compact model can handle a few racks or birds, while a larger cabinet leaves room for a crowd.
Chip loading matters during long cooks. A side loader limits heat loss, and a removable tray is simpler to reach but usually means opening the cabinet.
Floor space matters more than the headline size. Measure width, depth and height, then leave room for the door, controls and safe access around the smoker.
These picks are ordered by score, with the strongest overall match first. The order reflects how well each model balances the needs in this roundup.
We compared the stated cooking areas, controls, rack layouts, heat systems, chip systems and mobility features. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Use the score as a starting point, then check the trade offs for your kitchen and patio. A lower scored model can still suit a small space or a fixed temperature routine.
Care and set up also affect daily use. Racks, water bowls, chip trays and grease trays should be easy to reach, wash and put back in place.
That focus helps you avoid a cabinet that looks roomy on paper but feels awkward in use. Pick the layout you will actually enjoy using each weekend.
| Product | Best for | Cooking space | Size | Controls | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker | all-around backyard smoking | 710 sq in | 19.8 D x 20.9 W x 33.3 H in | Digital temperature and time controls | 9.7 |
| Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker | simple analog control | 535 sq in | 20 D x 22 W x 40 H in | Analog temperature dial | 9.6 |
| EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors | monitored large batches | 725 sq in | 15.35 D x 17.32 W x 32.2 H in | Digital controls with meat probe | 9.6 |
| EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker | rolling patio use | 725 sq in | 15.35 D x 17.32 W x 32.2 H in | Digital controls up to 275°F | 9.5 |
| EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker | waist-height loading | 725 sq in | 15.5 D x 17 W x 42 H in | Digital controls with timer and meat probe | 9.4 |
| Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker | low-temperature smoking | 12 D x 18 W x 24.5 H in | 9.3 | ||
| Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker | high-wattage heating | 454 sq in | 19.09 D x 21.26 W x 37.01 H in | 8.2 | |
| Bradley Smoker 6-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker | six-rack capacity | 19 D x 22 W x 41 H in | 8.1 |
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for all-around backyard smoking
- Digital temperature and time controls
- 710 cooking square inches
- Four chrome racks
- Side wood chip loader
Digital controls, four chrome racks and a side wood chip loader give this Masterbuilt a useful balance of space and day-to-day convenience.
Pros
- Largest Masterbuilt cooking area here
- Side chip loading
- Fully insulated body
Cons
- Corded electric placement required
- Heavier than the compact Smokehouse
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is the strongest all-around pick because it gives you 710 cooking square inches without moving into the tallest cabinet in this group.
Its digital panel controls power, cooking temperature and time. That makes it easier to set a low-and-slow session than an analog dial, especially when you want repeatable settings from one cook to the next.
The fully insulated body is designed to retain heat, while thermostat temperature control supports even smoking. The side wood chip loader lets you add chips without opening the main door.
Four chrome racks divide the cabinet for different foods. The included setup also has a water bowl, wood chip tray, drip pan, grease tray and adjustable screw legs.
At 19.8 D x 20.9 W x 33.3 H in and 45.9 lb, it needs a stable outdoor location near power. Its corded electric design is convenient, but you still need to plan around an outlet and safe operating space.
Pick this model if you want digital control, strong capacity and side chip loading in one upright electric smoker. It is the best starting point for many buyers who want more control than a fixed-temperature cabinet.
For more digitally controlled models, see digital electric smokers.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker: Best for simple analog control
- Analog temperature control up to 275°F
- 535 cooking square inches
- Three chrome-coated racks
- Removable wood chip tray and water bowl
This taller Masterbuilt keeps the setup simple with an analog dial, three racks, a removable chip tray and a water bowl.
Pros
- Simple dial control
- Three smoking racks
- Water bowl included
Cons
- Less cooking space than the digital Masterbuilt
- Tall 40 in cabinet
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker suits buyers who want a straightforward dial instead of a digital control panel. Its 535 cooking square inches provide useful room for smaller family batches.
The analog controller sets the smoking temperature up to 275°F. Three chrome-coated racks divide the 20 D x 22 W x 40 H cabinet, and the removable wood chip tray gives you a direct way to add smoke.
A removable water bowl helps add moisture during cooking. The removable rear grease tray also gives cleanup a defined place, which matters when you use the smoker often.
The cabinet is 40 in high, making it taller than the digital Masterbuilt despite having less stated cooking space. Measure your storage area from floor to top and leave room to operate the door.
Choose it if you prefer simple analog temperature control and don't need the largest cooking area. If you want more help managing a turkey cook, compare it with our guide to the best electric smoker for a turkey.
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors: Best for monitored large batches
- 725 cooking square inches
- Built-in meat probe
- Clear viewing window
- Side chip loader
The EAST OAK combines the largest stated cooking area here with a built-in meat probe, a viewing window and side chip loading.
Pros
- 725 sq in of cooking space
- Built-in meat probe
- Compact depth and width
Cons
- Wood-chip fuel system
- 52.3 lb body
The EAST OAK 30-inch Electric Smoker is the best fit when you want large batches plus food-temperature monitoring. It provides 725 cooking square inches, four removable racks and a built-in meat probe.
Digital controls let you set cooking time and temperature. The meat probe tracks internal food temperature, and the stated controls stop cooking and switch to keep-warm mode when the target time is reached.
Its clear viewing window gives you a way to check the food without opening the door. The side chip loader also lets you add wood chips without disturbing the main chamber.
The cabinet measures 15.35 D x 17.32 W x 32.2 H in and weighs 52.3 lb. That is a compact footprint for the stated cooking area, though the smoker still needs a firm outdoor position near power.
The outer material is powder-coated steel, with an aluminized steel interior. Included parts are a grease tray, smoker assembly, smoker box, water bowl and back handle.
Choose this EAST OAK if your priority is big cooking space with a built-in probe. It is also a practical option when patio depth matters more than total cabinet width.
EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for rolling patio use
- 725 cooking square inches
- Digital 12-hour timer
- Side chip loader
- Rear wheels and handle
This EAST OAK shares the 725 sq in layout with the windowed model but adds rear wheels and a handle for moving it around a patio.
Pros
- Large batch capacity
- 12-hour timer
- Rolling mobility
Cons
- No built-in meat probe in the stated features
- Requires room for wheel movement
The EAST OAK 30-inch Outdoor Electric Smoker is the best choice for buyers who want 725 sq in plus rolling mobility. For more mobile models, compare electric smokers with wheels.
Rear wheels and a rear handle make it easier to move across a patio than a cabinet without those features.
Its digital control panel tracks temperature up to 275°F and includes a 12-hour timer. The side wood chip loader supports smoking for 2 to 3 hours without opening the main door, according to the stated feature description.
Four chrome-coated racks divide the 725 sq in cooking area. The model is described as holding up to 6 whole chickens, 2 large turkeys, 8 racks of ribs or 32 burgers, so it suits large family gatherings.
The double-layer steel body has internal foam insulation, and the stated heating element is 800W. The cabinet measures 15.35 D x 17.32 W x 32.2 H in and weighs 52.3 lb.
This model is close in size to the windowed EAST OAK, but its standout difference is movement. Pick it when you need to roll the smoker between storage and cooking areas.
EAST OAK 30" Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for waist-height loading
- Built-in meat probe
- Mobility stand
- 725 cooking square inches
- Side chip loader
The Night Blue EAST OAK adds a mobility stand and a 42 in height, so it suits buyers who prefer waist-level loading and rolling movement.
Pros
- Raised stand
- Built-in meat probe
- Large four-rack capacity
Cons
- Tallest cabinet here
- Smoker weighs 58 lb
The Night Blue EAST OAK 30-inch Outdoor Electric Smoker is best for waist-height loading and monitored large batches. Its mobility stand raises the cabinet, while the built-in meat probe helps track internal food temperature.
The model has 725 cooking square inches across four adjustable racks. Its stated capacity includes up to 6 whole chickens, 2 large turkeys, 8 racks of ribs or 32 burgers.
Digital controls set the target temperature and timer. The auto-shutoff timer switches to keep-warm mode when cooking is complete, and the side-loading wood chip box supports up to 4 to 6 hours of continuous smoke on one load.
The heavy-duty double-layer steel construction includes dense internal foam insulation. An 800W heating element is listed for the model, and the smoker has rear wheels and a handle.
At 15.5 D x 17 W x 42 H in and 58 lb, this is the tallest EAST OAK here. Choose it when the stand's working height matters more than compact storage.
Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker: Best for low-temperature smoking
- Steady 165°F temperature
- Five racks
- 50 lb capacity
- Removable wood chip pan
The compact Big Chief focuses on a steady 165°F smoking temperature, five racks and a stated 50 lb capacity for fish, jerky and sausage.
Pros
- Smallest footprint here
- Five racks
- Simple plug-in operation
Cons
- Fixed 165°F temperature
- Less control than digital models
The Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker is the best compact option for fixed-temperature smoking. It maintains a steady 165°F and has five racks for fish, sausage, cheese, jerky and other low-temperature foods.
The 12 D x 18 W x 24.5 H cabinet is shorter and lighter than every other pick here at 17.6 lb. That makes it easier to place in a small outdoor cooking area, though you still need a suitable outlet and safe clearance.
Its front-load design uses a removable wood chip pan. The simple electric setup does not ask you to manage a charcoal fire or adjust a digital menu.
The stated capacity is up to 50 lb of meat or fish. That number describes a large batch, but the food still needs enough room for smoke to move around the racks.
Choose the Big Chief if 165°F matches the foods you smoke most often. Pick another model if you need adjustable temperatures for different recipes or want a built-in probe.
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Electric Smoker: Best for high-wattage heating
- 1350W heating power
- 454 cooking square inches
- Three chrome-plated steel racks
- Analog controller and built-in thermometer
Royal Gourmet gives you 454 sq in, three racks, a built-in thermometer and a 1350W heating element in a 28-inch smoker.
Pros
- Highest stated wattage here
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable analog controller
Cons
- Smallest cooking area among the tall cabinet picks
- Analog rather than digital controls
The Royal Gourmet SE2805 is the best match for buyers who want 1350W heating power and analog control. It offers 454 cooking square inches across three chrome-plated steel smoking racks.
A built-in thermometer helps you check the chamber, while the adjustable electric analog controller lets you change the heat. The bottom heating tube works with a removable stainless steel water pan and chip box.
The model measures 19.09 D x 21.26 W x 37.01 H in and weighs 42.1 lb. Its 28-inch size is slightly shorter than the 30-inch cabinets, but the cabinet still needs a stable outdoor position.
Royal Gourmet describes this smoker for smoking barbecue, firewood grilling, steaming and drying. Those uses do not change the need to match your food size with the 454 sq in rack area.
Choose it when higher stated wattage and a built-in thermometer matter more than maximum cooking space. For a simpler learning path, compare it with our best vertical smoker guide.
Bradley Smoker 6-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker: Best for six-rack capacity
- Six included racks
- Stainless steel interior
- 19 x 22 x 41 in dimensions
- Up to 9 hours of smoke
Bradley spreads food across six racks and gives the cabinet a stainless steel interior, with up to 9 hours of smoke before a refill.
Pros
- Most racks in this group
- Stainless steel interior
- Long stated smoke time
Cons
- Heaviest smoker here at 60.5 lb
- Bisquette-based smoke system
The Bradley Smoker 6-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker is best for spreading food across six racks. Its 19 D x 22 W x 41 H cabinet gives you a tall layout for turkey, chicken, ribs or brisket.
The included six racks each measure 11 x 13 in. Bradley states that the smoker can produce smoke for up to 9 hours, which suits longer cooks where frequent refilling is inconvenient.
The stainless steel interior is designed for easier cleaning, and the smoke diffuser system keeps smoke moving through the cabinet. This model uses electric heat with Bradley bisquettes rather than a standard loose-chip tray.
At 60.5 lb, it is the heaviest smoker in this group. Its 41 in height also needs a planned storage space, especially if you want to keep it covered between cooks.
Pick Bradley if six racks and a long stated smoke time fit your cooking routine. If you want a side chip loader or standard wood-chip setup, choose one of the Masterbuilt or EAST OAK models instead.
How to choose an upright electric smoker
Choose an upright electric smoker by cooking area first, then check the cabinet height, rack count and control style. A compact smoker can work well for small batches, while a 725 sq in cabinet gives you more flexibility for family gatherings.
How much cooking space do you need?
The models here range from 454 to 725 cooking square inches. The Royal Gourmet works for smaller loads, the Masterbuilt digital model sits in the middle, and the EAST OAK models offer the most stated space.
Look at the shape of your usual food, not only the total number. Whole birds need vertical clearance, while ribs may need enough rack width to lie flat.
Digital or analog controls?
Digital controls make it easier to set time and temperature directly. The Masterbuilt digital model and EAST OAK models suit buyers who want timed cooking, while the analog Masterbuilt and Royal Gourmet keep the controls more basic.
A fixed-temperature smoker such as the Smokehouse Big Chief is simpler still. Its 165°F setting works best when it matches the foods you smoke most often.
Does a side chip loader matter?
A side chip loader lets you add wood chips without opening the main door. That can reduce heat loss during a long smoke, especially when the smoker's design supports several hours between refills.
The Masterbuilt digital model and EAST OAK models use side-loading systems. The Smokehouse uses a removable chip pan, while Bradley uses bisquettes, so fuel format should be part of your choice.
What should you check before setup?
Measure the smoker's width, depth and height against the space where you plan to use it. Leave enough room to open the door, reach the controls and move models with wheels or handles.
Check the height in storage as well as in use. A tall cabinet can fit under a patio cover in one spot and block a shed door in another.
Measure the door swing and the space you need at the racks. You will bend, reach and carry hot trays, so a tight corner can make a long cook feel cramped.
Place the smoker outdoors near a suitable power source. Keep the cord away from foot traffic and away from water that can collect near the cabinet base.
Choose a level spot with some shelter from strong wind. Steady heat is easier to hold when gusts do not hit the door and vents all afternoon.
Before the first cook, read the model instructions, check that racks and trays are seated correctly, and confirm that the chip, water and grease areas are installed as intended.
Run a short test cook with simple food if you are new to the model. That first session shows you how the controls respond and where smoke escapes.
Keep the interior clean after each cook. Empty grease and ash or chip residue when the smoker is cool, wipe food-contact surfaces with suitable materials, and protect the cabinet from weather when it is not in use.
Wash racks and trays separately so grease does not build up on the cabinet walls. A clean grease tray also lowers the risk of flare ups on the next cook.
Store the smoker dry and covered when possible. Let it cool fully first, then check the cord, legs and wheels for wear before the next use.
Which vertical electric smoker should you buy?
Choose the Masterbuilt digital model if you want the best balance of controls, rack space and side chip loading. Its 710 cooking square inches and four chrome racks suit many backyard batches.
Pick the EAST OAK windowed model for a built-in probe and 725 sq in, or the EAST OAK model with wheels if moving the smoker matters more. Those choices trade a little extra size for monitoring or mobility.
Choose the Smokehouse Big Chief for a compact 165°F smoker. It suits small patios and foods that cook best at a steady low temperature.
The Bradley makes more sense when six racks and up to 9 hours of stated smoke time fit your cooking plan. That layout suits cooks who load several levels and want to refill less often.
If you want simple dial control, look at the analog Masterbuilt or the Royal Gourmet. Those models keep the interface plain, though they give up some timed features.
If cooking area is your top need, the EAST OAK models at 725 sq in lead this group. Check rack fit for whole birds and ribs before you buy, since shape matters as much as total area.
For a cabinet designed around older cooks or easier access, compare our Best Vertical Smoker For Seniors guide. Waist height loading and easy rolling can matter more than a few extra square inches.
If automatic feeding is your priority, read which electric smokers have an automatic feeder before you decide. That feature changes how often you tend the cook.
Match the final pick to your space, food and routine. The right smoker is the one you can place, reach and clean without hassle.
That test keeps the choice practical after the first few cooks. A cabinet that fits your patio and habits will get used far more often.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for all-around backyard smoking
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for simple analog control
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for monitored large batches
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best vertical electric smoker?
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is the best all-around choice here because it combines digital temperature and time controls, 710 cooking square inches, four chrome racks and a side wood chip loader.
Choose an EAST OAK model if you want 725 sq in of space or a built-in meat probe.
Are vertical electric smokers good for beginners?
Yes. Vertical electric smokers remove charcoal fire management from the process, and several picks here use digital or analog controls instead.
The Masterbuilt digital model is the easiest starting point for set temperature and time controls.
The Smokehouse Big Chief is simpler, but its temperature is fixed at 165°F.
How much food can a vertical electric smoker hold?
Cooking space varies from 454 sq in on the Royal Gourmet to 725 sq in on the EAST OAK models in this group. Rack count also matters because vertical cabinets divide food across levels.
For the biggest stated batches, choose an EAST OAK 725 sq in model and check that your racks, birds or cuts fit without crowding.
Do electric smokers need wood chips?
Most models here use wood chips or a dedicated chip system to create smoke, while electricity supplies the heat. The Masterbuilt and EAST OAK models use side or removable chip-loading systems.
Bradley uses bisquettes, so match the smoker's smoke system with the fuel you plan to keep on hand.
Can a vertical electric smoker cook a turkey?
Yes, several models are sized for whole birds. The Masterbuilt digital model has 710 cooking square inches, while the EAST OAK models have 725 sq in and list space for whole chickens and turkeys.
Measure your bird and compare it with the rack layout before cooking a large turkey.
