6 Best Vertical Electric Smokers (November 2026)
The best vertical electric smokers include the EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker for family weekend cooks, the Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker for beginners who prefer panel controls, and the Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker for small batches with a dial.
On this page (9 sections)
- How we chose the best vertical electric smokers
- The 6 best vertical electric smokers in detail
- How much smoker capacity will you actually use?
- Which controls and smoke features are worth choosing?
- Where should a vertical electric smoker go?
- How should you set up the first cook?
- Which mistakes make electric smoking harder?
- How do you keep a vertical electric smoker ready for next time?
- Which best vertical electric smoker should you choose?
The EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker is the best vertical electric smoker for most homes because it combines meat-temperature monitoring, side chip loading and room for family batches. Choose a different model when you need simpler controls, phone alerts or space for frequent crowd cooking.
A vertical cabinet lets you spread food across several levels without using a wide cooking surface. The useful question is whether your usual meal fits with room for heat and smoke to move around it.
For a broader comparison of cooking systems, start with our guide to electric and pellet smokers. Our guide to choosing an electric smoker by size, controls and power explains the main buying choices.
Our picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for beginners who prefer panel controlsMasterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for small batches with a dialMasterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itMasterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker
Best for cooks managing several cuts - 5
Check itMasterbuilt 40 Digital Electric Smoker
Best for frequent crowd cooking - 6
Check itPit Boss 3-Series WiFi Electric Smoker
Best for connected cooks wanting hotter finishes
How we chose the best vertical electric smokers
We favored features that reduce routine interruptions: accessible chip loading, clear controls and a way to follow meat temperature. Capacity mattered most when it gave a buyer useful room for their normal meals.
The order reflects overall usefulness for a home cook, rather than a ranking by cabinet size or the number of connected features. A lower-ranked smoker can still be the better choice for a specific routine.
For example, the analog Masterbuilt suits someone who wants to turn a dial and stay nearby. The larger Masterbuilt suits a host who regularly needs several racks, even though that extra cabinet would be unnecessary for many households.
We compared the supplied specifications and features without assuming that a larger heating element means faster cooking or that app controls improve food quality.
| Product | Best for | Cooking area | Controls | Chip loading | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker | family weekend cooks | 725 sq in | Digital time and temperature | Side loader | 9.0 |
| Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker | beginners who prefer panel controls | 711 sq in | Digital time and temperature | Side loader | 8.4 |
| Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker | small batches with a dial | 535 sq in | Analog temperature dial | Removable wood chip tray | 7.9 |
| Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker | cooks managing several cuts | 711 sq in | Digital panel and WiFi app | Patented side wood chip loader | 7.3 |
| Masterbuilt 40 Digital Electric Smoker | frequent crowd cooking | 970 sq in | Digital time and temperature | Side loader | 7.0 |
| Pit Boss 3-Series WiFi Electric Smoker | connected cooks wanting hotter finishes | 880 sq in | LCD digital controller with WiFi and Bluetooth | 6.9 |
The 6 best vertical electric smokers in detail
Start with the EAST OAK for routine family meals, then move down the options according to the job you need the smoker to do. Each pick has a clear reason to buy it and a reason to choose something else.
EAST OAK 30 Electric Smoker: Best for family weekend cooks
- 725 sq in cooking area
- Built-in meat probe
- Side chip loader
- Digital time and temperature controls
A built-in probe helps you follow a roast's progress, while side chip loading keeps refills separate from food access. A useful combination for family smoking sessions.
Pros
- Included probe monitors meat temperature
- Refill chips without opening the main door
- Viewing window for checking food arrangement
Cons
- No phone control included among its features
- Timer-based keep-warm mode still requires checking food doneness
EAST OAK: the best vertical electric smoker for family routines
Choose the EAST OAK when you want to follow a roast's internal temperature without opening the cabinet for every check. Its built-in meat probe makes that task part of the smoker's normal controls.
The 725 sq in cooking area suits meals with several cuts or side dishes, provided you leave gaps around the food. A viewing window helps you check placement and surface color, though it can't tell you whether the center is done.
EAST OAK claims 6 times longer smoking per load. Plan chip checks around the manual and your cooking conditions rather than expecting one refill schedule to work for every meal.
Its automatic stop and keep-warm feature responds when the target time is reached. Check the probe before relying on that change, since a cooking timer cannot decide whether a thick cut is ready.
Skip this model if phone control is essential or if you strongly prefer a temperature dial. Its appeal is a useful set of controls at the cabinet, with fewer reasons to open the door during a family cook.
Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker: Best for beginners who prefer panel controls
- 711 sq in cooking area
- Digital controls up to 275°F
- Side wood chip loader
- Four chrome-coated racks
Choose this model for a straightforward routine built around the smoker's control panel. Side chip loading and removable cleanup parts cover the main jobs during and after a cook.
Pros
- Set cooking time and temperature at the panel
- Refill chips through the side loader
- Removable water bowl and rear grease tray
Cons
- No app control
- 275°F ceiling limits higher-temperature cooking
Masterbuilt 30 Digital: for a panel-based cooking routine
Choose this Masterbuilt if you want to set time and temperature at the smoker and keep your phone out of the cooking process. Four chrome-coated racks provide 711 sq in of cooking area.
Its side loader is especially useful on longer cooks, when you may want to replenish smoke without disturbing the food. The removable water bowl and rear grease tray give you separate parts to empty and clean afterward.
The controls reach 275°F, which fits low-and-slow meals but leaves limited room for hotter finishing. Plan a separate finishing step when your recipe needs more heat than the smoker provides.
This is a sensible starting point for cooks who want digital settings without connected features. Build your routine around preheating, checking meat temperature and keeping the door closed between necessary tasks.
Skip it if remote alerts or an included probe are central to your plan. The EAST OAK and Masterbuilt 710 offer meat monitoring as part of their feature sets.
Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker: Best for small batches with a dial
- 535 sq in cooking area
- Analog temperature control up to 275°F
- Three chrome-coated racks
- Removable wood chip tray
The dial-based controls suit cooks who want a simple way to adjust heat. Its smaller cooking area works best when several large cuts aren't part of the usual menu.
Pros
- Direct temperature adjustment with a dial
- Three removable cooking racks
- Removable water bowl and rear grease tray
Cons
- Smallest cooking area in this roundup
- Chip tray rather than side chip loading
Masterbuilt 30 Analog: for smaller batches and dial controls
Choose the analog Masterbuilt if you prefer adjusting a temperature dial and checking progress near the smoker. Its 535 sq in cooking area across three chrome-coated racks is the smallest here.
That layout makes sense for a household that usually smokes one main dish rather than filling several levels for guests. Leave space around that dish instead of adding food simply because another rack is available.
The removable chip tray calls for a different refill routine from the side-loading models. Organize wood and heat-resistant gloves before starting so any access needed during cooking is brief.
A dial also calls for patient adjustments. Give the cabinet time to respond before turning it again, and use a separate chamber thermometer if you want another reference for cooking temperature.
Skip this model if digital time settings, side chip loading or phone access are priorities. Also, don't assume its smaller cooking area means it needs the least patio space; usable rack area and outside dimensions measure different things.
Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker: Best for cooks managing several cuts
- 711 sq in cooking area
- WiFi app control
- One included meat probe
- Four chrome-coated racks
App alerts and support for up to four meat probes suit meals with cuts that finish at different times. One probe is included.
Pros
- App controls for time and temperature
- Supports up to four meat probes
- Side loader allows chip refills with the door shut
Cons
- Additional probes needed to monitor several cuts separately
- Phone features add connection setup to the first cook
Masterbuilt 710 WiFi: for meals with different finish times
Choose the Masterbuilt 710 when probe monitoring and phone alerts would help you manage a mixed batch. It supports up to four meat probes, with one included.
That matters when you're cooking cuts of different thicknesses or several dishes that won't finish together. Additional probes let you follow those foods separately instead of treating one reading as a measure of the entire cabinet.
The Masterbuilt app lets you adjust time and temperature, receive alerts and monitor probes. Its digital panel also provides controls at the smoker.
Cooking space is 711 sq in across four chrome-coated racks, and the temperature range is 100°F to 275°F. Choose it for its monitoring options rather than expecting more room than the standard digital Masterbuilt.
Check the connection at your intended outdoor cooking spot before planning a meal around alerts. Phone access helps you follow progress, but chip refills and physical checks still need someone nearby.
Skip it if you'll use only the cabinet panel and a separate thermometer. In that routine, the connected features add little practical value.
Masterbuilt 40 Digital Electric Smoker: Best for frequent crowd cooking
- 970 sq in cooking area
- Four chrome-coated racks
- Digital controls up to 275°F
- Side wood chip loader
The largest cooking area here suits hosts who regularly prepare several cuts together. Allow enough outdoor space for the cabinet, door swing and chip-loading access.
Pros
- Most cooking area among these picks
- Window for viewing food without opening the door
- Removable water bowl and rear grease tray
Cons
- Largest cabinet dimensions among these picks
- 72.1 lb weight makes frequent moving less appealing
Masterbuilt 40 Digital: for hosts who regularly fill the racks
Choose the larger Masterbuilt when batch capacity is a recurring need, rather than something you might use once a year. Its 970 sq in cooking area is the largest in this comparison.
The cabinet measures 23 in deep, 28 in wide and 50 in tall. Mark that space outdoors, then add the clearances required by the manual and working room for the door and side loader.
Four chrome-coated racks let you divide a larger meal across levels. Tall foods may require removing racks, so plan the actual arrangement before assuming every level will be usable.
The viewing window helps you check food without opening the main door, while removable water and grease parts support cleanup after larger batches. Digital controls reach 275°F.
Skip it if most cooks involve one small roast or you must move the smoker frequently. More room creates value when you use it, but a larger cabinet also needs a practical storage and cleaning plan.
Pit Boss 3-Series WiFi Electric Smoker: Best for connected cooks wanting hotter finishes
- 880 sq in cooking area
- WiFi and Bluetooth
- Temperature range from 100°F to 300°F
- Meat probe with dual ports
Connected controls and a higher heat ceiling suit cooks who want more finishing flexibility. Rear wheels also help when moving the cooled smoker between cooking and storage spots.
Pros
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Included meat probe and dual probe ports
- Rear wheels and removable grease cup
Cons
- Conflicting rack counts require confirmation before ordering
- 300°F maximum still doesn't provide searing heat
Pit Boss 3-Series: for connected cooking with more finishing room
Choose the Pit Boss if you want WiFi and Bluetooth controls plus a temperature range of 100°F to 300°F. That higher ceiling offers more finishing flexibility than the Masterbuilt picks, though it still isn't searing heat.
Its 880 sq in cooking area gives you room for batch cooking, and an included meat probe works with dual probe ports. Pit Boss allows wood chips or pellets for smoke flavor.
The adjustable racks help you arrange foods of different heights. Confirm the included rack count before ordering, because Pit Boss gives conflicting counts of four and six.
Rear wheels help with moving the cooled smoker, while a removable grease cup handles collected drippings. Plan a level route between the cooking spot and storage rather than expecting wheels to solve steps or uneven ground.
Skip this model if you mainly want basic panel controls or need a clear rack count before choosing. Pit Boss backs it with a 3-year warranty, but fit and cooking routine should drive the decision first.
How much smoker capacity will you actually use?
Choose capacity around your usual largest meal, including space between foods. Total cooking area adds all the rack surfaces together, so it doesn't describe the size of one usable shelf.
Plan the food arrangement before choosing cabinet size
Write down a realistic cook: one pork shoulder, several rib portions or a whole bird with sides. Consider each food's width and height, plus room to insert probes and lift it out safely.
Long foods can be harder to fit than compact roasts, even when their total weight is similar. A cabinet with enough total area may still require cutting ribs into sections.
Tall foods use space above the rack as well as on it. Removing a rack for clearance reduces the number of levels available for other dishes.
Leave room for airflow and handling
Don't pack food against the walls or cover every gap between pieces. Heat and smoke need paths through the cabinet, and crowded food is harder to inspect and remove.
Plan for a tray or gloves to reach the food without dragging it across another rack. Usable capacity is the amount you can cook and handle comfortably, not the most you can squeeze inside.
Buy for recurring gatherings
A larger cabinet makes sense if you often cook several main dishes together. If your biggest gathering happens rarely, decide whether cooking in stages would serve you better than storing a larger smoker all year.
Which controls and smoke features are worth choosing?
Prioritize easy refills and dependable temperature checks before adding phone features. Those tasks affect nearly every cook, while the value of connectivity depends on your routine.
Separate cabinet temperature from food temperature
The control setting tells the smoker how hot to run the cooking chamber. A meat probe measures a different job: progress inside the food.
Place the probe in the thickest part of the cut, away from bone and large fat pockets. When cooking several pieces, check each one rather than assuming they all finish together.
Use current food-safety guidance for minimum internal temperatures. For cuts cooked until tender, the safe minimum and the texture you want can be different milestones.
Choose side loading for longer cooks
A side chip loader lets you replenish wood without opening the food chamber. It is useful when a recipe calls for more smoke during a long session.
You don't need to open the door every time the visible smoke changes. Check the manual's loading guidance and avoid adding wood solely to keep a thick cloud coming out.
Our guide to wood chips for electric smokers helps you choose suitable wood and avoid using fuel your smoker doesn't accept.
Treat phone access as a convenience
App controls are useful when you want alerts while preparing other parts of the meal nearby. They don't refill wood, clear a grease problem or inspect the cooking area.
Check connectivity with the smoker in its planned position. Walls and distance can affect a wireless connection, so set up the app before guests arrive.
Where should a vertical electric smoker go?
Put the smoker outdoors on a stable, level surface, with the clearance and electrical supply required by its manual. A vertical shape saves cooking footprint, but it still needs open working space.
Measure door swing, chip-loader access and the path to the grease tray. A cabinet that fits between two objects may still be awkward to refill or clean.
Keep smoke away from open windows and doors. Don't use an outdoor smoker inside a garage, even with the garage door open.
Arrange a suitable outlet before choosing the final spot. For the Masterbuilt 40, the operating guidance calls for a direct wall connection without an extension cord.
Keep cords away from hot surfaces and walking routes. Follow the model's weather precautions, and never improvise a cover around a hot smoker.
Wind and cold can change how a cook progresses. Read our guide to using an electric smoker in winter before planning a cold-weather meal.
How should you set up the first cook?
Start with assembly, seasoning and a simple meal before attempting a full cabinet for guests. Learn the controls and refill process while the cooking plan is easy to manage.
Prepare the smoker and work area
Remove packing materials and follow the manual for installing racks, trays, handles and any legs. Check that the door closes properly and that removable parts sit in their intended positions.
Complete the model's seasoning procedure before adding food. This initial heating step follows the manufacturer's instructions, rather than a general time and temperature that may not suit your smoker.
Set out wood, heat-resistant gloves, a food thermometer and a clean tray. Keeping these nearby reduces door-open time when you need to work quickly.
Choose one manageable main dish
Use a forgiving cut with enough space around it, and allow more time than the recipe's estimate. Meat size, starting temperature and outdoor conditions can all affect the finish.
Preheat as directed, then load the food and place the probe carefully. Add water only as instructed, and avoid filling a hot bowl in a way that could splash water onto electrical parts.
Record the setting, food size and any useful timing notes. Our beginner's guide to using an electric smoker walks through the cooking sequence in more detail.
Which mistakes make electric smoking harder?
The most avoidable problems come from crowding, frequent door opening and rushing the finish. A steady routine helps more than repeatedly changing settings.
- Opening the door to watch progress: Use a probe or viewing window where available, and combine necessary checks into one brief visit.
- Adding too much wood: Follow the manual's quantity guidance rather than packing the tray tightly for more visible smoke.
- Chasing every temperature change: Give the chamber time to recover after loading food before making another adjustment.
- Cooking only by the clock: Use the recipe's time as a planning estimate, then check food temperature and the required texture.
- Expecting a water bowl to prevent dry meat: Water affects the cooking environment, but it doesn't protect food from overcooking.
- Promising an exact serving time: Leave room in the schedule for a slower cook and any resting period your recipe requires.
Plan the finish before starting. If a recipe needs a hotter final step than your smoker allows, have that cooking method ready instead of turning the smoker beyond its stated range.
How do you keep a vertical electric smoker ready for next time?
Clean food-contact surfaces and collected grease after each cook, once the smoker is cool and unplugged. Removable parts make those jobs easier, but electrical components need separate care.
Empty the chip tray only when the wood residue is fully cold. Remove grease before storage, and wash racks, bowls and trays using the methods allowed in the manual.
Keep vents, drains and the door's closing surfaces clear of buildup. A dirty window mainly affects visibility, while grease around working parts can interfere with normal use.
Don't spray water into the cabinet controls or heating components. Dry cleaned parts before putting them back, then store the cooled smoker as its instructions recommend.
For a fuller routine, follow our electric smoker cleaning guide. Regular cleanup is easier than dealing with several cooks' worth of hardened drippings before the next meal.
Which best vertical electric smoker should you choose?
The best vertical electric smoker is the one that fits your normal meal, outdoor space and preferred way of checking progress. Use those needs to narrow the choice before comparing extra features.
Choose the EAST OAK for family cooks where an included probe and convenient refills will get regular use. Choose the Masterbuilt 30 Digital if you want a straightforward panel-based routine, or the Analog if you prefer a dial and smaller batches.
Pick the Masterbuilt 710 for tracking several cuts through connected controls. Choose the Masterbuilt 40 when you regularly need the most cooking room here, or the Pit Boss when connected controls and a higher heat ceiling matter more.
Before the first meal, read our guide to seasoning an electric smoker. Preparing the cabinet correctly is the next useful step after choosing it.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for beginners who prefer panel controls
Masterbuilt 30 Digital Electric Smoker
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for small batches with a dial
Masterbuilt 30 Analog Electric Smoker
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What makes a vertical electric smoker a good choice?
A vertical electric smoker suits cooks who want several cooking levels in one outdoor cabinet; electricity supplies heat, while wood provides smoke flavor. Choose by the foods you actually prepare, the space between racks and access for refills, rather than assuming a tall cabinet will fit every large cut.
Is a 30-inch or 40-inch electric smoker better?
A 30-inch smoker suits routine family batches, while a larger cabinet makes sense for frequent crowd cooking; the size label doesn't tell you rack width or usable clearance around a turkey. Our 30 vs 40 inch smoker size guide explains how to compare your menu with the space available.
Do vertical electric smokers need wood chips?
These electric smokers use wood chips for smoke flavor, and the Pit Boss also accepts pellets; electricity provides the cooking heat. Use the wood type and quantity allowed in your smoker's manual, and don't keep adding fuel simply to maintain a thick cloud throughout the entire cook.
Should I choose digital or analog controls?
Choose digital controls for setting cooking time and temperature on a panel, or analog controls if you prefer adjusting a dial; connected models add phone access and alerts. Either way, check food temperature separately because the cabinet setting measures a different part of the cook from the center of the meat.
