10 Best Insulated Vertical Smokers | Reviews
One of the best ways to cook a perfectly smoked dish is by using an insulated vertical smoker like Cuisinart COS-116. It helps cook the food at a consistent temperature, resulting in the dish being more tender and flavorful. An insulated smoker is one of the best ways to cook grilled meat and vegetables if […]
One of the best ways to cook a perfectly smoked dish is by using an insulated vertical smoker like Cuisinart COS-116. It helps cook the food at a consistent temperature, resulting in the dish being more tender and flavorful.
An insulated smoker is one of the best ways to cook grilled meat and vegetables if you’re aiming for that rich smoky flavor.
Plus, insulated smokers are rather durable as they can withstand harsh weather conditions such as snow, rain, intense sun rays, and many more. But choosing an appropriate vertical charcoal smoker for your backyard can be tricky.
As such, we have compiled this guide to help you make the right decision.
Best Insulated Vertical Smoker Options
Here is the list of the 10 best insulated vertical smokers that you can use to craft amazing, flavorful smoked meals in your own backyard.
1. Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker – Best Portable Insulated Smoker
- Two 16" stainless steel racks provide 402 square inches of...
- Porcelain enamel water bowl
What we like
- Easy to install and assemble
- Dual air vent system provides sufficient airflow
- Ideal for smoking all types of foods
- Two-tier rack system creates plenty of space for cooking
What we don’t like
- Doesn’t have a built-in thermometer
The Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal smoker is one of the most versatile vertical smokers since it can smoke all types of foods. For instance, you can cook different types of meat, vegetables, and cheese on the grill. In fact, it doesn’t take long to set up since it has an easy installation process. But you will need to buy the wood chunks and charcoal separately since it doesn’t come included with the packaging.
Another interesting feature of this product is the porcelain enameled steel bowl which comes with a vertical side door. This allows the users to access the fuel and water section without any hassle. Also, the dual air vent system ensures that the smoker receives the right amount of heat and smoke by controlling the airflow within the cooking chamber. The air vents also prevent cool air from entering the chamber.
Besides, the charcoal smoker comes with two steel wire racks that can be stacked within the smoking chamber. This allows the users to fit any amount of food within the smoker since there is plenty of space. You can even smoke an entire turkey within the chamber.
Moreover, the vertical barrel design helps to distribute the heat evenly within the cooking chamber. This makes the smoker more energy efficient since it requires less fuel to cook the food. Once you are done with cooking or smoking, you can easily disassemble the smoker and clean the different components. However, this smoker doesn’t come with a built-in thermometer, so you must be more cautious while cooking.
Cooking Space: 402 square inches | Power Source: Charcoal | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 2 | Outer Material: Stainless Steel
2. Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker – Best Height-Adjustable Vertical Smoker
- Six height-adjustable cooking grates accommodate various...
- Porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber is designed to...
What we like
- Built-in stainless steel thermometer
- Six height-adjustable cooking grates for better space accommodation
- Charcoal and ash cleanout system
- Offset design keeps direct heat away from the food
- Easy temperature control
What we don’t like
- Installation process is a bit complicated
Next on our list is the Dyna-Glo vertical offset smoker. One of the most innovative features of this product is the six height-adjustable cooking grates which allow the users to adjust the cooking space according to their preferences. As such, you can cook any dish to perfection without worrying about the cooking capacity of the pellet smoker.
The porcelain-enameled steel charcoal chamber has a unique design that allows its stack of briquettes to be more efficient.
Additionally, the insulated pellet smoker comes with a charcoal and ash cleanout system, which makes it easy to remove residual ash and coal. Simply slide the grate and remove the steel ash pan whenever you want to clean the cooking chamber. It is also capable of collecting a large amount of ash. So, you don’t need to clean it often.
Moving on, the vertical offset smoker design ensures that heat naturally rises during the cooking process, which helps the dish attain that rich smoky flavor. Apart from that, the offset design helps to keep direct heat away from the food. This way, you don’t have to worry about the food getting burned while cooking.
Another feature worth mentioning about this smoker is its built-in stainless steel thermometer. As such, you can easily adjust the temperature of the food to get the right amount of tenderness and smoky flavor.
Cooking Space: 1890 square inches | Power Source: Charcoal | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 6 | Outer Material: Stainless Steel
3. Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker – Best Multi-Functional Design
- 【QUALITY PROTECTION】 - Build-in thermometer with...
- 【COOKING SPACE】 - 2 pieces cooking grids provide total...
What we like
- 2-access door provides more flexibility while cooking
- Easy to assemble and install
- Easy to learn and use
- Has a built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply system
- Mult-functional
What we don’t like
- A bit more expensive than other models
The Realcook Vertical Steel charcoal smoker is a heavy-duty BBQ smoker which is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions easily. It comes with a built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply system, which helps in better temperature control within the cooking chamber. Moreover, the adjustable air supply system prevents external air from entering the chamber. This allows the food to cook at the desired temperature you want.
The porcelain-enameled charcoal and water pan help in creating a more stable cooking temperature by providing the right amount of steam and smoke. In addition, the heat-resistant bakelite handles make it easy to transport, cook, and fast food without any hassle. The 2-piece cooking grid provides a total of 453 square inches of cooking space which is more than enough for cooking large portions of meat.
We were also impressed by the latched locking system, which makes the assembling and installation process simple and easy. In fact, this is the best vertical charcoal smoker for beginners since it doesn’t take too long for users to get the hang of all the features. The smoker also comes with a two-layer design allowing users to choose between the grilling and smoking techniques.
Unlike most brands that offer a single access door, this brand offers two access doors with this unit. As such, you can open whichever door is closer to you while cooking. The upper door is best suited for checking the status of the food and seeing if it is cooking properly. Similarly, you can use the lower door to add wood chips, wood pellets, and charcoal to the smoker.
Cooking Space: 453 square inches | Power Source: Charcoal, Wood Pellets| Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 2 | Outer Material: Steel
4. Pit Boss Vertical Lp Gas Smoker – Most Stylish Option
- Dual valve/dual burner system provides 100-350 temperature...
- Three porcelain coated cooking grids, 800 sq in
What we like
- Easy access to grease tray and wood chip draw
- Large cooking capacity
- Large viewing window
- Dual valve burner system
- Push-button ignition mode button
What we don’t like
- Takes a while to learn all the features
Pit Boss Vertical Lp Gas Smoker relies on gas, so it can easily reach an internal temperature of 100°F to 350°F. At the same time, you can use wood chips and other combustible materials to fuel the cooking chamber in case you are out of gas.
This smoker also comes with large front windows, allowing users to monitor the food easily while it is cooking. As such, you don’t have to open the smoker each time you want to check the condition of the food. Another interesting feature is the elevated frame design which makes it easy to transfer food from the smoker to the table.
The smoker also comes with a dual valve burner system which provides a 3500 BTU stainless steel burner for wood chip cooking purposes and a 10,000 BTU burner for cabinet cooking purposes. In fact, you can control both valves with a single knob since it is capable of controlling high and consistent temperatures. If you are running out of time, you can take advantage of push-button ignition mode, which instantly lights up the smoker.
The brand also offers four porcelain-coated racks, which provide an average cooking space of 884 sq. This is more than enough for cooking a giant turkey or a nice cut of meat. You are also given easy access to the wood chip drawer and grease tray, which makes the smoker extremely convenient for cleaning and maintaining.
Cooking Space: 884 square inches | Power Source: Propane | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 3 | Outer Material: Stainless Steel
5. Bradley Digital Outdoor BBQ Smoker – Best Rust-Resistant Option
- Large Capacity Smoker: Our digital smoker is specially...
- Professional-Grade Design: Perfect for professional chefs...
What we like
- Comes with nine different flavors of hardwood
- Full digital temperature controls
- Easy to clean
- Large cooking capacity
What we don’t like
- Expensive
Next on our list is Bradley, a brand specializing in making the best insulated electric smokers. Out of all its products, the Bradley Digital Outdoor BBQ Smoker is one of the best electric smokers since it is made from high-quality insulated double-wall carbon steel construction. It also has a stainless steel interior which is easy to clean and maintain since it doesn’t corrode.
When it comes to accommodation, this digital smoker is designed to accommodate six racks easily at one go. In fact, it has a cooking area of 3432 sq. inches which is more than enough for feeding a large crowd at a party or a special event.
Moreover, the smoke diffuser system provides a smooth and consistent flow of smoke within the cooking chamber while it gets rid of old smoke.
The smoker is also capable of preventing “black rain.” Black rain is usually formed when smoke condenses and forms water droplets in the cooking chamber. These water droplets have a bitter aftertaste, so you should never let them fall on your food. As such, the smoke diffuser system does an excellent job of providing a decadent flavor to the food while not overpowering it.
Cooking Space: 3432 square inches | Power Source: Electric | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 6 | Outer Material: Carbon Steel, Powder Epoxy
6. Dyna Glo Heavy-Duty Vertical Charcoal Smoker – Best Vertical Smoker for Mobility
- Features three chrome-plated cooking grates and a total...
- Heavy-Gauge Steel Body Construction
What we like
- Stainless steel temperature gauge
- Heavy-gauge steel body construction
- Cool-touch spring door grip
- Efficient charcoal and ash management
- Ample cooking space
What we don’t like
- You might struggle to move it around easily
The Dyna Glo Heavy-Duty Vertical smoker is designed for outdoor purposes since the heavy-gauge steel body protects it from harsh weather conditions. As such, it can easily prevent rain, snow, and external temperatures from interfering with the cooking process. This design also helps the smoker to last for a long time, but you might struggle to move it around since it is a bit heavy.
The vertical smoker comes with three chrome-plated cooking spaces, which provides a total cooking space of 681 square inches. Thus, you can sear your favorite steaks, veggies, burgers, and many more without worrying about space shortage. The cool-touch spring handle makes it easier to access and transfer food since it remains cool throughout the cooking process and prevents accidental burns from happening.
Further, the coal and ash management system makes it super easy to organize and handle large amounts of ash and coal for hours. This way, you don’t have to spend too many hours maintaining the ash and coal tray while cooking.
Simply place the coal in the correct department, and the system will collect the ash during the smoking process. Similarly, the analog temperature gauge is another convenient feature since the indicators reveal the ideal temperature for grilling and smoking a dish.
Also, this vertical smoker has a high-capacity steel water bowl, which is designed to provide optimum cooking temperature within the chamber. It also ensures that the smoker doesn’t cause excess evaporation while smoking the dish. Hence, we highly recommend this smoker if you are looking for something durable and multi-functional.
Cooking Space: 681 square inches | Power Source: Charcoal | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 3 | Outer Material: Steel
7. Captiva Outdoor Vertical Smoker – Best Integrated Smoking Chamber Design
- 【Professional Vertical Smoker】There are two large...
- 【Integrated Smoking Chamber】As a professional outdoor...
What we like
- Integrated smoking chamber
- Reliable customer service
- Easy to add wood chunks and charcoal
- Built-in air ventilation system
- two-level smoking area
What we don’t like
- Take a while to set up the entire smoker
The Captiva Outdoor Vertical Smoker immediately caught our attention with the large smoking floors within the smoking chamber. This way, the smoker offers plenty of space for cooking meat dishes since the first floor has a height of 6.7 inches while the second is 7 inches tall.
In addition, this smoker is designed for professional cooking since the advanced integrated cooking chamber is more efficient than a traditional segmented smoker design.
The advanced integrated chamber also ensures that heat and smoke conditions are perfectly balanced so that food tastes more delicious. Apart from that, the chamber has a door that allows users to add wood chunks and charcoal while cooking.
Another valuable feature is the charcoal grill convertibility option which converts the smoker into a charcoal grill. You simply need to place the charcoal bowl on the first floor, and it will turn into an outdoor smoker grill. In addition, the charcoal grill, charcoal grate, smoking grates, and water bowl are made from enamel material. This makes them resistant to high temperatures and acid.
The smoker also comes with built-in air vents on the lid, which provides sufficient airflow while cooking. This design also prevents unwanted air from entering the chamber and altering the internal temperatures.
Moreover, the lid can be hung to the side if you prefer to use the charcoal grill mode while cooking the meat. The smoker’s feet have flat caps for added protection. If you face any problem while using the product, you can instantly contact the customer service team, and they will solve all your queries within 24 hours.
Cooking Space: 941 square inches | Power Source: Charcoal, Wood Pellets | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 2 | Outer Material: Stainless Steel
8. Broil King – Best Smoker for Beginners (Easy Assembly)
- 770 sq. in. total cooking surface/4 cubic feet overall...
- 4 fully adjustable 5 mm stainless steel cooking grids
What we like
- Large cooking space
- Double-walled construction with secondary doors
- Accu-temp thermometer
- Multi-purpose roast and rib rack
- Easy to move around
What we don’t like
- Has an expensive price tag
The Broil King 923610 is one of the most durable smokers on the list since it has a double-walled construction design that prevents the external temperature from affecting your food. It also protects the chamber from snow, dust, rain, and foreign particles that can ruin or interrupt the cooking process. Apart from that, the smoker has a secondary door that provides easy access for removing the food or adding wood chips to the chamber.
Another feature that caught our attention is the multipurpose rack which is designed to smoke and grill food more efficiently. The smoker also comes with a built in- Accu-Temp thermometer which provides exact readings of the internal temperature. This way, you can monitor the food and prevent it from getting burned or overcooked.
In addition, the smoker has a total cooking space of 770 sq inches which is more than enough for roasting and smoking large cuts of meat. It also comes with 16 stainless steel meat hooks which allow the users to hang small cuts of meat for better space management. This way, you can use the racks to smoke larger cuts of meat while the hooks can smoke smaller and medium-sized meat cuts.
To provide better grease management, the smoker has a stainless steel fold-down grease catcher that collects all grease and prevents it from escaping the smoker. As such, you don’t have to worry about accidental burns from the hot oil.
The smoker also has an extra large stainless steel water bowl which provides the right amount of vapor required for the smoking process. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to move the smoker wherever you want.
Cooking Space: 770 square inches | Power Source: Charcoal | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 4 | Outer Material: Stainless Steel
9. Hakka Vertical Charcoal Smoker – Best Charcoal Vertical Smoker With Integrated Thermostat
- 16-inch smoker size L46.5xW42.6xH101cm,With cooking grill...
- Offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast,...
What we like
- 6-in-1 multi-function design
- Built-in thermometer
- Extremely portable
- Easy to assemble and install
- Ample cooking space
What we don’t like
- Takes a while to get used to all the functions
Coming next on our list is Hakka vertical charcoal smoker since it offers a wide range of functions and features. For instance, the 6-in-1 multi-function design allows the appliance to offer various cooking options such as braising, roasting, grilling, baking, and many more.
As such, you can cook all types of dishes and cuisines on the same smoker. The smoker also comes with an integrated thermostat that provides accurate readings of the cooking temperatures within the chamber.
This way, you can easily monitor the whole cooking process and achieve the right balance between heat and smoke. The barrel shape design is one of a kind since it offers a chimney-like effect while cooking. This ensures that the food doesn’t come in direct contact with heat which can cause it to overcook or burn. Besides, the cooking chamber has a special coating that prevents it from rusting.
For better vapor management, the smoker comes with a large porcelain-enameled bowl for carrying water. This bowl also comes with a lid that helps to control the amount of vapor present within the chamber. Another feature worth mentioning is the two-layer design which makes it easy to assemble and set up.
You can also take apart the two layers and carry the unit wherever you want. Hence, it is ideal for family picnics since you can easily store it in the back of your car trunk. Similarly, cleaning and maintaining the smoker is relatively easy and simple, thanks to the design.
The latch locking system further provides the smoker with the right amount of stability and support, which prevents it from shaking or moving while cooking. This way, you don’t have to worry about the smoker falling whenever it gets accidentally pushed.
Cooking Space: 18.3 x 16.7 x 34.25 inches | Power Source: Charcoal | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 2 | Outer Material: Stainless Steel
10. Titan Great Vertical Smoker – Best Reverse-Flow Electric Vertical Smoker
- REVERSE FLOW TECHNOLOGY: Cook meats like never before,...
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: This smoker box includes a removable...
What we like
- Comes with accessories
- Extra large cooking space
- Ideal for outdoor parties and events
- Durable
- Removable ash tray pan for easy maintenance
What we don’t like
- Very expensive
- Bulky
If you are looking for something extremely durable, then the Titan Great Vertical smoker is just the right option for you. This vertical smoker has a heavy-duty steel construction which ensures that the cooking chamber is fully insulated. As such, you don’t have to worry about external temperature or harsh weather affecting the internal temperature.
The smoker also comes with wheels at the bottom, which makes it easier to move the appliance whenever you want. In addition, the locking casters prevent the wheels from moving while cooking.
When it comes to accessories, the smoker comes with a removable water pan which makes it easy to collect grease and oil. You can simply take out the pan whenever it is saturated with oil and grease.
Additionally, the chamber has a heat deflector coating which helps to distribute heat more evenly while cooking. As such, the food doesn’t take long to prepare, and you can save a lot of money on fuel.
Besides, the product features four removable grilling racks in the upper chamber. This way, the smoker is able to offer 4665 cubic inches of cooking area, which is more than enough for cooking for a large crowd. Thus, we highly recommend this smoker if you plan to make grilled and smoked dishes for outdoor parties and events.
Furthermore, the reverse flow technology ensures that the right amount of smoke circulates within the chamber at the right temperature. This helps the food to cook faster and taste more juicy and tender. It also prevents the food from overcooking or undercooking.
Cooking Space: 4665 cubic inches | Power Source: Charcoal, Wood Pellets | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers: 4 | Outer Material: Stainless Steel
Best Insulated Vertical Smoker Comparison Table
| Product | Cooking Space | Power Source | Number Of Wire Racks/Tiers | Outer Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker | 402 square inches | Charcoal | 2 | Stainless steel |
| Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker | 1890 square inches | Charcoal | 6 | Stainless steel |
| Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker | 453 square inches | Charcoal, wood pellets | 2 | Steel |
| Pit Boss Vertical Lp Gas Smoker | 884 square inches | Propane | 3 | Stainless steel |
| Bradley Digital Outdoor BBQ Smoker | 3432 square inches | Electric | 6 | Carbon steel, powder epoxy |
| Dyna Glo Heavy-Duty Vertical Charcoal Smoker | 681 square inches | Charcoal | 3 | Steel |
| Captiva Outdoor Vertical Smoker | 941 square inches | Charcoal, wood pellets | 2 | Stainless steel |
| Broil King | 770 square inches | Charcoal | 4 | Stainless steel |
| Hakka Vertical Charcoal Smoker | 18.3 x 16.7 x 34.25 inches | Charcoal | 2 | Stainless steel |
| Titan Great Vertical Smoker | 4665 cubic inches | Charcoal, wood pellets | 4 | Stainless steel |
Buying Guide For the Best Insulated Vertical Smoker
Selecting an insulated vertical smoker can be a rewarding yet daunting task, especially with the vast number of models in the market today. The ideal model should be a balance between the quality of insulation, size, ease of use, and budget. However, there are other intricate factors that you need to consider for an in-depth understanding of what would make the perfect smoker for your needs.
Determine Your Purpose
Begin by identifying what you need the smoker for. The purpose significantly influences the smoker that you choose. If you’re a recreational cooker who enjoys the occasional barbeque, a casual smoker would be suitable for you. However, if you often host big gatherings or intend to use it for commercial purposes, then a heavy-duty smoker would be more appropriate. The frequency of use should also inform your decision.
Size and Capacity
Your choice of a smoker should also rely heavily on its capacity, especially if you usually cook for large groups. Therefore, before buying, consider the smoker’s size and the amount of food it can accommodate at once. The kind of food you intend to smoke also factors in. Some smokers might be suitable for larger cuts of meat, while others might be best for smaller ones. Therefore, choose a model that aligns with your capacity needs.
Material of Construction
An excellent smoker should be made of robust and long-lasting material. Most premium models are made of high-quality stainless steel, known for its resistance to rust and corrosion. This resistance is essential, especially when dealing with smoke and high heat over long periods.
Insulation
Insulation depends on the material used and the smoker’s structure in maintaining a consistent temperature inside the cooker. Besides saving on fuel, well-insulated smokers ensure that you get well-cooked meat, with uniform penetration of smoke leading to superior flavors.
Temperature Range and Control
Consider smokers with a wide temperature range to accommodate different kinds of foods. Furthermore, a smoker with easy-to-use and precise temperature controls is a bonus. Some modern smokers come with digital temperature controls, making it easy to set your cooking temperature.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is typically not the most exciting part of a cookout. However, it’s a task that cannot be avoided. To make the process less cumbersome, some smokers have features to aid in cleaning. Look for such features; it might make your smoker more desirable.
Additional Features
Although not necessary, additional features might give one smoker an edge over another. Such functions include cooking racks, viewing window, water, and wood chip pans, and adjustable vents. Some smokers also come with a built-in meat probe to help you monitor your cook.
Price
The cost of a smoker varies depending on the size, type, insulation quality, and additional features. Evaluate your budget against the smoker’s offering to find the perfect match.
Insulated Vertical Smokers FAQs
Generally, yes. The insulation helps retain heat more efficiently, which often results in reduced fuel consumption.
Yes. The main advantage for beginners is that the insulated vertical design makes temperature management relatively straightforward, which is one of the larger challenges when learning to smoke food.
The size you should choose depends on how much food you plan on smoking regularly. If you frequently cook for many people, you’ll want a larger model with more rack space.
Yes, one of the key benefits of the insulated vertical smoker is that it can maintain consistent internal temperatures regardless of the external temperature, making it ideal for use in colder climates.
No, like all smokers, insulated vertical smokers should not be used indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They should be used in a well-ventilated outdoor space.
Most insulated vertical smokers are designed to be used with charcoal and wood. The choice of wood can be personalized based on the flavor profile you’re after.
Yes, with the vertical arrangement of cooking racks, you can smoke different types of food simultaneously. However, you have to consider the cooking times and temperatures required for each type of food.
Smoking time varies greatly depending on the type of meat, the specific cut, and the temperature you’re smoking at. For example, smoking a whole turkey might take 4-6 hours at 225°F, while ribs might only take 3-4 hours.
After each use, it’s important to clean the cooking grates and the interior to remove ash and grease. Occasionally, you may need to reseason your smoker by applying a layer of cooking oil and letting it heat in the smoker. Check the manufacturer’s manual for specific care instructions.
Conclusion
With that, we have finally reached the end of our informative guide. Before signing off, we would like to share our top three recommendations on the list.
The Cuisinart COS-116 Vertical Charcoal Smoker is our top favorite since it is affordable and durable. In addition, the dual air vent system ensures that the cooking chamber receives the right amount of air for consistent temperature control.
Our second favorite choice is Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker as it can smoke all types of food regardless of their size and shape. It also comes with a built-in stainless steel thermometer which allows you to check the internal temperature while cooking.
Lastly, the Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker is another impressive option since the latch-locking system makes it easy to assemble and set it up.
That said, it’s a wrap. See you next time!
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