You want to learn how to smoke meat so you can show off to all your friends. So you need to first pick out a smoker. The problem is you don’t know much about smokers.
You’ve done some looking around and now you know there’s two main types of Smokers. Vertical Smokers and Horizontal smokers. The next problem is you really don’t know the difference between them. In this article I’m going to go over what a vertical smoker is.
What Is A Vertical Smoker
A vertical smoker is sometimes also called a cabinet smoker and it gets it’s name because the smoke has to move vertically through the cooking chamber. Any smoker that operates in this manner is consider a vertical smoker.
A vertical smoker stands up right and has shelves in it so you can stack the meat vertical inside of it or even hang the meat inside of it. Some of these smokers are rectangular and look like a cabinet. That’s why some times you’ll hear them referred to as cabinet smokers. Others are round and look more like a drum standing on end.
These smokers can use a variety of fuel types from propane to electric or even charcoal or pellets. The only requirement for it to be a vertical smoker is that the smoke moves in a vertical manner.
Sometimes these smokers can be reverse flow and others even have a offset firebox. Any smoker that the smoke enters the cooking chamber and has to go vertically to exit is a vertical smoker.
Even if the smoke enters from the side and then rises into the cooking chamber. Or a reverse flow where the smoke settles into the cooking chamber from the top it’s still going to be a type of vertical smoker.
How Vertical Smokers Work
Not all vertical smokers work the same way. But the basic principle is always the same. They utilize the basic physics that heat will naturally rise. That makes vertical smokers more efficient than horizontal smokers that force the smoke and heat to move to the left or right.
Lets first look at a stander vertical smoker. Then we’ll take a look at offset vertical smokers and reverse flow vertical smokers.
Stander Vertical Smokers
In a stander vertical smoker the heat source is at the bottom directly under the cooking chamber. The wood chips are going to be added in this same area to make the smoke.
Right above the source of heat is going to be something to help deflect the heat off to the sides. A lot of smokers will use a pan of water but this isn’t always the best option. Other smokers will use a smoking stone, I feel these smokers do a better job then the ones that use a pan of water.
The problem with using a pan of water as a heat deflector is that water starts to boil at 212F and will start letting to much heat pass. Also sins it’s boiling it’s also evaporating. So if your doing a long smoke there’s a chance you could run out of water in the pan if your not keeping an eye on it.
If the smoker has a stone it’s much better at deflecting heat and doesn’t need to be watched. I’ve used both and found my smoker that uses a smoke stone was much easier to control the temperature in.
I did read some where that you can fill the water pan with sand and it will give the same effect as a smoke stone. I’m going to give this a try next time and see how well it works.
Offset Vertical Smokers
Offset vertical smokers get there name because the fire box, the source of heat, is off to the side of the cooking chamber. There’s a few benefits to moving the heat off to the side.
The biggest benefit to having the fire box on the side and not under the cooking chamber is you can burn larger pieces of wood in the fire box. In this kind of smoker it’s possible to use wood only as a fuel. It would be nearly impossible to do this in a stander vertical smoker.
Also there’s no need to have a heat deflector sins the heat isn’t directly under the meat. Most offset vertical smokers will still give you the option to use a water pan to help add moister to the cooking chamber.
Reverse Flow Vertical Smokers
In a reverse flow vertical or cabinet smoker there’s two chambers. There’s the fire box at the bottom, where the smoke is made. Then there’s the cooking chamber above the fire chamber. But unlike stander vertical smokers there’s no direct opening into the cooking chamber.
There’s normally two layers of steel and insulation separating them. Instead of the smoke rising straight into the cooking chamber it has to travel up the outsides of the cooking chamber. Then it can start to fill the cooking chamber from the top down.
After the cooking chamber is full of smoke there’s holes near the bottom for the smoke to start to exit out the exhaust vent. So the smoke has to rise a long the out side then spill over the top of the cooking chamber so it can get to the exhaust vent opening. Then it can rise again and exit the smoker.
Best Charcoal Vertical Smokers for Under 100$
Dyna-Glo Compact
The Dyna-Glo Compact Charcoal Bullet Smoker boasts versatile cooking options and thorough heat distribution in a compact space. The removable middle section offers grilling and smoking functionality. This smoker offers a maintenance free cooking experience with a high capacity galvanized steel charcoal and ash chamber. For easy internal access, simply open the stainless steel side door. Adjustable base and lid dampers and stainless temperature gauge provide the ability to read, control and adjust temperatures while cooking. So add this bullet smoker to your outdoor cooking repertoire today.
- Features two chrome-plated cooking grates and a total cooking space of 390 square inches
- Removable middle section converts the smoker into a portable charcoal grill.
- Stainless temperature gauge with “Smoke Zone” and “Grill Zone” indicators show ideal temperatures for smoking or grilling food
- High-capacity galvanized steel charcoal and ash chamber provides a maintenance-free cooking experience
- Stainless steel side door provides additional access to food and water bowl
- Adjustable lid damper and dual bottom dampers for fine tuning cooking temperature and smoke flavor
- Three stainless steel base latches secure the smoker for easy mobility
You can find it on Amazon by Clicking Here!
Americana 2-in-1 Charcoal Water Smoker and Grill
Chimney-like design with a loose-fitting, vented lid and tight-fitting doors creates a constant flow of new smoke for maximum flavor. Smoke flow may be minimized, without extinguishing the smoking source, by shutting all vents and only allowing smoke to vent around hood perimeter.
Slow cooking feature allows for maximum flavor and moisture, perfecting a juicy and tender product with less effort. Temperature gauge is for reference only. Extreme temperatures or high winds may shorten or lengthen the cooking process. A meat thermometer should always be used to determine doneness.
- Interlocking base and body converts to charcoal lock n go portable grill
- Features 351 sq. in. of usable cooking surface
- Includes 5.5 qt. stainless steel hydration pan
- Equipped with 2 chrome-plated cooking grids with handles for 2-level cooking
- Includes removable ash pan for no-hassle upkeep
- Outfitted with heavy duty reinforced steel legs for extra strength and durability
- Built-in heat gauge indicates warm, ideal and hot conditions
- Sliding access doors for checking and adding to the liquid and charcoal
- Fashioned with heat-resistant wooden side and hood handles for safe operation
- Flavor channels direct smoke for maximum food and flavoring as well as add structural strength to the smoker
- Loose-fitting lid and tight-fit doors allow optimal smoke flow
You can find it on Amazon by Clicking Here!
Best Vertical Smokers for Under 300$
Dyna-Glo Signature Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
Expand your outdoor cooking horizons with the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill. This multifunctional smoker converts into a grill and offers flexible cooking options for use as a charcoal grill or offset smoker.
This smoker is equipped with a removable offset charcoal grate and ash pan, which offers easy access to fuel and quick disposal of ash. The smoker and offset cooking grates provide maximum space for heat transfer and searing. Diversify your range of cooking options with this Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill.
- 1,382 sq. in. total cooking space
- 1098 sq. in. primary cooking space
- 284 sq. in. offset grill cooking space
- Heavy-gauge steel body construction
- Multifunctional offset smoker and grill offers flexible cooking options for use as a charcoal grill or offset smoker
- 5 chrome-plated cooking grates
- Removable offset charcoal grate and ash pan for easy access to fuel and quick disposal of ash
- Porcelain enameled steel offset cooking grates retain heat to sear food and lock in natural juices
- Professional grade temperature gauge with smoke zone indicates the ideal cooking temperature for infusing smoke flavor
- Pre-installed chrome plated sausage hooks offer additional cooking options
- Heat-resistant door and offset lid handle provides safer means of accessing food or fuel
You can find it on Amazon by Clicking Here!
Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 in. Propane Gas Smoker
While many smokers have just enough power to dry jerky, the Smoke Vault 24 inch creates a wide range of usable heat that can be used for smoking ribs, fish and turkeys as well as baking pies and breads. Infuse that tasty mesquite, hickory, apple – or your favorite smoked flavor – into your meat with the Camp Chef 24 in. Smoke Vault.
A simple, matchless-ignition system, fully adjustable heat-control dials and 18,000 BTUs of heat make smoking meat easier. Two adjustable racks and a jerky smoking rack allow you space to smoke to your liking. The 24 in. Vault is even roomy enough to smoke a full turkey in. Three damper valves help control internal temperature and smoke levels while a wood chip tray and water pan create smoke and keep meat moist. Cooking tips, ideas and recipes are included to help get you started.
- 2 adjustable smoking racks
- 1 jerky smoking rack
- Removable water pan
- Heavy-gauge wood chip tray
- Removable porcelain base tray for easy clean up
- 3 adjustable damper valves; one on top and one on each side
- Easy to read door thermometer from 50° to 550°
- Convenient matchless snap-ignition
- Cooking tips, ideas and recipes included
