In the world of classic cooking techniques, many options never fail to impress guests but most often topping this list is smoking meat and vegetables. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with an offering that has been slowly and carefully prepared over the course of several hours in a fine dining setting or you prefer a little more of a rustic outdoor option, the versatility of this way of preparing delicious food really can’t be beaten! However, when it comes to the world of smokers, many experts will claim there is a clear winner for the horizontal vs. vertical smoker, yet it is not quite so simple when making your purchase choice. With many different issues to consider when making the big decision, it begs the question, what is the best type of smoker for you? In this guide, we will reveal the key differences between the two.
This is part of a series of articles where we compare different types of smokers:
Table of Contents
What Is A Horizontal Smoker?
A horizontal smoker, also known as an offset smoker, is a barbecue grill that consists of a main cooking chamber and a separate firebox attached to the side. The heat and smoke from the firebox flow into the cooking chamber, indirectly cooking the food.
What Is A Vertical Smoker?
A vertical smoker, also called a bullet smoker or charcoal smoker, is a grill that features a cylindrical design with a firebox at the bottom and several cooking racks stacked vertically above it. The heat and smoke rise through the food, providing consistent and even cooking.
What’s the Main Difference Between A Horizontal And Vertical Smokers?
On the face of it, the main difference between a horizontal smoker and a vertical smoker is what it says on the tin. The first has a horizontal orientation, while the latter smoker stands upright. The two different visual presentations may seem simple to choose from- but it is, in fact, those specific styles that create a large list of feature differences that will split the smoking community.
Pros And Cons Of Horizontal Smokers
Horizontal smokers, including offset smokers:
Pros Of Horizontal Smoker
- Easier to add fuel- Added from a side chamber, meaning you do not have to disturb the cooking process when you need to add more fuel.
- Suitable for smoking & grilling- Therefore, when considering the space needed, although it is a larger size than a vertical smoker, it often cuts out the requirement for an additional grill if you are looking for more than one outdoor cooking option.
- Accommodates a larger volume of food- With a large cooking capacity, it can accommodate a huge volume of meat as well as large cuts that you can lay across the grate due to the very style of the horizontal smoker.
- More expensive but cost-effective once owned- Offering a choice of fuel to use (charcoal or wood), allowing you to choose a cheaper heat source option once purchased.
Cons Of Horizontal Smoker
- Not portable- The size of the grill usually means that this cooking option is not portable. If you are looking to travel away from home to cook, this will not be possible.
- Complicated to work with- You will need a lot more time and effort to use this style of smoker. It requires frequent management and handling to keep an even heat source.
- Requires more fuel than vertical smokers- Due to a more heavy-duty setup, there is a requirement for more fuel to be used throughout the cooking process.
Horizontal Smoker Recommendation for Beginners
Pros And Cons Of Vertical Smokers
Pros Of Vertical Smoker
- Cheaper to purchase- Due to size and setup, they are more often cheaper to purchase.
- More portable- Due to size, they are easier to move from site to site and can be set up anywhere.
- Less Monitoring Needed- A lot less time and attention is needed. It can be left for long periods without monitoring.
- Uses less fuel: Saving money due to the smaller heating area required means a lower cost of fuel.
Cons Of Vertical Smoker
- Limited room for large pieces of meat- Due to the narrow width of the virtual smoker, there is a smaller surface area to cook pieces of meat.
- Heat loss is a possibility- When adding more fuel, you will need to open the door, which automatically will allow some of the heat that your fuel has been building up to escape.
- Requires a dual door design- If you do not have a dual door design, you will need to move the meat cooking when adding additional fuel when in use.
Vertical Smoker Recommendation for Beginners
Dyna-Glo DGX780BDC-D 36" Vertical Charcoal Smoker Black
| Binding | Lawn & Patio |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dyna-Glo |
| Color | Black |
| Manufacturer | GHP Group Inc. |
| Model | DGX780BDC-D |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | DGX780BDC-D |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
| Size | Standard |
How To Choose Whether To Buy A Vertical And Horizontal Smoker?
All these facts are fantastic, yet they can still cause confusion when making your own personal choice. Although there will be features of both smokers that you may feel are important, let’s see if we can advise that little more.
If you are a beginner in smoking or wish for your smoker to be portable because of travelling or wish to cook at different locations, the vertical smoker is probably the most sensible choice for you. With a cheaper start-up cost and a much simpler option to transport, this style of smoker gives a great flavor and an enjoyable cooking experience.
For smoking experts and those that know already that they want their smoker to be set up in one area and not moved around, the horizontal smoker is a perfect choice. Offering a wider area for cooking, a grilling area as well as smoking, and an easier process for adding additional fuel, this option offers a much more involved process and experience for cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you now feel you are armed with the knowledge to make your decision, make sure you take into account these three main factors:
- Budget
- Capacity
- Space
These three points will help you make the correct decision.
What is the best type of smoker? When it comes to horizontal vs. vertical smokers, there is no simple, clear-cut way to tell which is the perfect choice for you. As you can see from the comparisons above, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration, as well as looking at the type of meat you wish to prepare. Regardless of your skill level or smoking style preference, make sure you head to our product pages to select a smoker made with high-quality material, not only making sure safety is a top priority but also offering quality insulation offering the best possible results in all choices.
Q: Which Type of Smoker Is Better for Beginners?
For beginners, vertical smokers are often recommended due to their ease of use and consistent heat distribution. They are generally more forgiving and require less attention compared to horizontal smokers.
Q: Can You Use Both Types of Smokers for the Same Recipes?
Yes, you can use both types of smokers for the same recipes. However, you may need to make some adjustments in terms of cooking times and techniques to account for the differences in heat distribution and capacity.
Q: Which Type of Smoker Is Better for Smoking Large Cuts of Meat?
Horizontal smokers are better suited for smoking large cuts of meat, such as whole briskets or pork shoulders, due to their larger cooking capacities. The spacious cooking chamber provides ample room for the meat to cook evenly.
Q: Are Vertical Smokers Suitable for Grilling or Searing Food?
Vertical smokers are primarily designed for low and slow smoking, and they may not be ideal for direct grilling or searing. However, some vertical smokers offer additional features like adjustable grates or grill attachments that allow for grilling at higher temperatures.
