Backyard barbecue aficionados are always on the lookout for the next big thing in smokers. For many pitmasters, the next big thing is the vertical offset smoker. This unique style of smoker is rising in popularity for good reason.
What is a Vertical Offset Smoker?
A vertical offset smoker is a barrel-shaped smoker that stands upright. It gets its name from the offset firebox attached to the bottom or side of the main chamber. This offset firebox allows for indirect cooking. The heat and smoke travel from the firebox upwards into the main chamber.
Unlike horizontal offset smokers, vertical smokers take advantage of the rising heat and smoke. This vertical design brings some major advantages compared to traditional horizontal offset smokers or other types of smokers.
Benefits of Vertical Offset Smokers
There are several key reasons why vertical offset smokers are trending right now.
Temperature Control
The vertical configuration makes managing temperature much easier. Since heat rises, it creates an even temperature from the bottom to the top of the smoker. With horizontal offset smokers, it can be challenging to maintain an even temp across the entire chamber.
With a vertical smoker, the temperature stays consistent at each grate level. This allows you to cook different foods that require different temps by using multiple grates.
Space Efficiency
Vertical smokers have a smaller footprint than horizontal ones. You can produce the same amount of delicious smoked meat but with a design that takes up less space. This makes them perfect for small outdoor patios or balconies.
Their vertical shape also means you can add multiple cooking grates to increase total cooking capacity. More grates = more food!
Convection Cooking
The vertical column shape allows hot air to keep circulating as it rises up and out the top vent. This convection effect helps circulate smoke and heat evenly everywhere inside.
With horizontal offset smokers, it’s harder to maintain convection cooking. The design elements of vertical smokers naturally promote consistent convection.
Easy to Operate
Thanks to the natural air flow, maintaining a clean steady fire is simpler with a vertical offset smoker. The indirectly heated vertical chamber also prevents hotspots.
With both of these benefits, a vertical smoker doesn’t require constant adjustments like dampers or needing to move food around. Once you dial in the right temperature, you can mostly “set it and forget it”.
Better Smoke Flavor
The vertical shape also locks in smoke extremely well. As the smoke rises, it swirls around the food several times before exiting the smoker.
This increases contact between the smoke and food, leading to better smoke absorption and more intense smoky flavor. The enclosed vertical chamber acts like a flavor amplifier!
Types of Vertical Offset Smokers
While all vertical smokers have the same general shape, there are some design differences that impact their use.
Cabinet Style
The most common design is the cabinet style. It looks similar to a typical refrigerator or freezer. These have doors on the front that provide easy access to the cooking chamber.
Cabinet vertical smokers usually have 3-5 adjustable cooking grates inside. Many also have hooks on the doors for hanging sausages or ribs.
Drum or Barrel Style
As the name suggests, some vertical offset smokers are made from 55 gallon drums or barrels cut in half lengthwise. These tend to be less expensive but also have less temperature control.
Some drum smokers have sealed tops while others are open. The open top models allow more smoke to escape but also make it easier to add more wood or water as needed during smoking.
DIY Vertical Smokers
Many barbecue enthusiasts try making their own vertical smokers from scratch. This requires some metalworking skills but allows full customization.
Common DIY builds transform old propane tanks or filing cabinets into smokers. The benefit is getting exactly the design you want for a fraction of the cost.
Key Features
When shopping for a vertical offset smoker, there are some important features to keep in mind based on your needs:
- Total cooking area – How much food do you want to smoke in one batch? More grates = more cooking capacity.
- Shelves – Look for models with shelves to provide extra prep and serving space.
- Insulation – Insulated vertical smokers hold heat better on cold days.
- Number of vents – Multiple adjustable vents allow better temperature control.
- Ease of fueling – Some designs make adding more wood or charcoal easier than others.
- Portability – Cabinet vertical smokers with wheels are easier to move around your patio.
Going Tall for Delicious BBQ
Backyard barbecue experts and amateur pitmasters alike are reaching new heights with vertical offset smokers. Their space efficiency, better temperature control, and ease of use make them an appealing choice.
The vertical configuration enhances convection cooking and smoke flavor too. For your next smoker, look beyond the traditional horizontal offset and go vertical! Your taste buds will thank you.
Conclusion
The vertical design of these smokers provides significant advantages over typical horizontal offsets or other smokers. Temperature control, smoke retention, and convection cooking lead to better end results. With the rising popularity of backyard smoking, vertical offset smokers let you take your culinary skills to the next level. Any grill-master looking for their next smoker would do well to go tall with one of these trendy vertical offset smokers.
