A stand up smoker is a vertical cooker where the heat source sits low and the food rides on racks above it. The design takes up little patio space and works well for ribs, sausages, chicken and brisket. Choosing between charcoal, electric and propane mostly comes down to how much effort you want to put in.
The six smokers below cover bullet-style charcoal models, an electric cabinet and propane options. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm fuel type, rack count and size on the current listing before you buy. Smokers are bulky, and some of these arrive with partial assembly, so check the shipping details too.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Charcoal gives classic flavor, electric is easiest, propane is a middle ground |
| Rack space | More racks let you cook for a crowd, but taller units need more clearance |
| Temperature control | Vents or a thermostat help keep steady heat over several hours |
| Water pan | A pan helps stabilize temperature and keeps meat moist in some designs |
| Door access | A door lets you add wood or check food without lifting racks |
| Build | Heavy steel holds heat better, while thin walls lose it faster |
Specs at a Glance
| Smoker | Fuel | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Mountain 18 | Charcoal | Vertical bullet | Water pan; two grates |
| Pit Barrel Cooker Classic | Charcoal | Vertical barrel | Hooks and basket; check the listing |
| Masterbuilt MB20071117 | Electric | Vertical cabinet | Digital panel; chip loader |
| Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 | Propane | Vertical cabinet | Multiple racks; check the listing |
| Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D | Charcoal | Vertical cabinet | Several racks; door access |
| Cuisinart COS-244 | Propane | Vertical cabinet | Stacked racks; check the listing |
The 6 Best Stand Up Smokers
1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch
A classic bullet smoker in porcelain-enameled steel with a charcoal chamber, a water pan and two cooking grates. It has a long record among backyard cooks.
Suits: charcoal fans who like to tend a fire. Strengths: steady heat and proven design. Weaknesses: takes some practice to master. Skip it if you want push-button cooking.
View Weber Smokey Mountain 18 on Amazon
2. Pit Barrel Cooker Classic
A barrel-style smoker where meat hangs from hooks over a charcoal basket. It has no water pan and few moving parts, which keeps the process simple.
Suits: simple hanging cooks. Strengths: a minimal setup and good flavor. Weaknesses: less flexible for large racks. Skip it if you want shelf racks.
View Pit Barrel Cooker Classic on Amazon
3. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
A vertical electric cabinet with a digital control panel, a side wood chip loader and several racks. You set a time and temperature and let it run.
Suits: beginners and busy cooks. Strengths: simple control and a chip loader. Weaknesses: weaker smoke ring than charcoal. Skip it if you want a fire-tended cook.
View Masterbuilt MB20071117 on Amazon
4. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24
A vertical propane smoker with a tall cabinet and multiple racks. The design aims at steady heat for longer cooks without a lot of fuss.
Suits: propane users. Strengths: adjustable heat and strong build. Weaknesses: requires a gas tank. Skip it if you prefer electric.
View Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 on Amazon
5. Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D Vertical Charcoal Smoker
A tall vertical cabinet that uses a charcoal tray and several racks. Dyna-Glo designs it for larger cooks, and a door allows access to the coals.
Suits: large cooks with charcoal. Strengths: roomy cooking space. Weaknesses: needs tuning to hold heat. Skip it if you cook small meals.
View Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D on Amazon
6. Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker
A mid-size vertical propane smoker with a dial control and stacked racks. It offers an approachable setup for small gatherings.
Suits: small gatherings. Strengths: a simple dial and a modest size. Weaknesses: less cooking room than big cabinets. Skip it if you cook for a crowd.
View Cuisinart COS-244 on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Let the smoker cool fully before cleaning.
- Season the interior with a light coat of oil if the maker recommends it.
- Empty ash and drip trays after each use.
- Cover the smoker between uses to keep out rain. A fitted cover also keeps leaves and pests out of the vents.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Opening the door too often and losing heat.
- Using too much wood and getting bitter smoke.
- Skipping a meat thermometer.
- Placing the smoker on a wooden deck without protection.
Stand Up Smoker FAQ
Is a vertical smoker better than an offset?
Vertical models use less space and are easier for beginners. Offsets need more tending but give a classic fire-managed cook.
Which fuel is easiest?
Electric is the simplest because you set a temperature and let it run. Charcoal takes more attention but adds flavor.
Do I need a water pan?
Many designs use one to steady heat and add moisture, but some barrel models skip it. Follow the maker guidance.
How much wood should I use?
A small handful at a time is usually plenty. Too much produces bitter smoke. Dry, seasoned chunks tend to burn cleaner than damp ones, and they make it easier to hold a steady temperature over a long cook.
The Short Version
For classic charcoal, the Weber Smokey Mountain. For simple hanging cooks, the Pit Barrel. For easy electric, the Masterbuilt. For propane, the Camp Chef. For a roomy charcoal cabinet, the Dyna-Glo. For a modest propane unit, the Cuisinart.