Vertical smokers, also known as upright or barrel smokers, were first created as an adaptation of the traditional horizontal smoking techniques. The exact origin of vertical smokers is not well-documented, but they have been used in various forms for centuries.
Smoking food as a preservation method has been practiced for centuries. Indigenous people from various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia, have used smoke to preserve meat and fish. This involved hanging the food over an open fire or in a smokehouse, where the heat and smoke would slowly cook and preserve it.
The modern vertical smoker is believed to have evolved from these traditional smoking techniques. Over time, people started experimenting with different designs and materials to improve the smoking process. One of the key milestones in this evolution was the invention of the kamado-style cooker in Japan, which dates back more than 3,000 years. The kamado is a dome-shaped, ceramic oven that uses charcoal for heat and can be used for smoking, grilling, and baking. The design of the kamado has influenced the development of other smokers, including vertical smokers.
In the United States, the emergence of barbecue culture and the popularity of smoked foods led to further innovation in smoker designs. It is likely that the first vertical smokers were created by DIY enthusiasts and pitmasters who were driven by the desire for several improvements and advantages over traditional horizontal smokers:
The development of vertical smokers can be understood as a combination of practicality, efficiency, and innovation in cooking methods.
- Traditional smoking techniques: Smoking has been a food preservation and cooking method for thousands of years. Traditionally, people would hang meat or fish in a smokehouse or a pit, allowing the smoke to flow around the food to cook and preserve it.
- Practicality: As populations grew and urbanization increased, the need for space-efficient cooking methods became apparent. Vertical smokers addressed this issue by utilizing a compact, vertical design, which maximized the use of available space.
- Efficiency: Vertical smokers allowed for better heat distribution and retention compared to horizontal smokers. The heat and smoke rise naturally from the bottom to the top, ensuring an even cooking temperature throughout the smoker. This design also minimized the amount of heat loss, making the cooking process more efficient.
- Innovation: Over time, various materials and designs were used to build vertical smokers. One early innovation was the use of metal drums or barrels, which were repurposed and converted into smokers. These early barrel smokers were relatively simple, with a heat source at the bottom and a cooking rack.
- Customization: DIY enthusiasts and pitmasters wanted the flexibility to customize their smokers to suit their specific needs and preferences. Vertical smokers offered the opportunity to experiment with different heat sources and materials.
Some of the best vertical pellet smokers available on the market are:
- The Pit Boss Sportsman Series 7-Series Vertical Wood Pellet Smoker : This vertical pellet smoker from Pit Boss offers a large cooking area, multiple adjustable cooking racks, and a user-friendly digital control system. Its double-walled insulation ensures consistent temperatures for better cooking results.
- Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone Prime Plus: Although not a strictly vertical design, the Daniel Boone Prime Plus offers ample vertical cooking space, precise temperature control, and Wi-Fi connectivity. This smoker is great for those who want a versatile and feature-rich pellet smoker.
- Camp Chef XXL Vertical Pellet Smoker: Camp Chef’s XXL vertical pellet smoker offers a large cooking area, adjustable cooking racks, and a dual meat probe system for monitoring cooking progress. Its digital control system and ash cleanout system make it easy to use and maintain.
- Weber SmokeFire EX6: This model, while not a strictly vertical design, offers ample vertical cooking space, precise temperature control, and Weber’s reputation for quality and durability. The SmokeFire series is suitable for those who want a versatile and feature-rich pellet smoker from a well-established brand.
Make sure to research the latest reviews and compare features to find the best vertical pellet smoker for your needs.
