Which Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Should You Actually Buy?
6 models comparedSeptember 22, 202610 min read
Specs below are quoted from each Amazon listing. Scores are the average rating Amazon buyers left. Nothing on this page was handled or measured by us.
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Choosing the right vertical smoker comes down to how you prefer to generate heat and smoke in your backyard. Vertical cabinets excel at maximizing usable rack space over a compact footprint. Unlike horizontal barrel grills that spread food across wide single grates, vertical smokers stack cooking racks directly above the heat source, allowing convective airflow to gently wrap ribs, pork butts, and briskets in smoke. Finding the right fit requires understanding the practical differences between wood pellet augers, digital electric heating elements, and dual-burner propane systems.
This guide breaks down six Pit Boss vertical items to help you make an informed purchase. We examine two wood pellet Navigators, two digital electric cabinets, a dual-valve propane cabinet, and a tailored protective cover. These models differ in fuel type, operating temperatures, hopper capacities, and digital app connectivity, allowing you to choose the exact design that matches your cooking routine and patio space.
Which Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Should You Buy
Dedicated low-and-slow wood pellet barbecue: Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series WiFi & see 1 of 6
High-volume crowd cooking and marathon smoking sessions: Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series WiFi & see 3 of 6
Large-capacity electric smoking with low-temperature precision: Pit Boss 4-Series WiFi & Bluetooth
Compact patio spaces needing set-and-forget electric cooking: Pit Boss 3-Series WiFi & Bluetooth
Outdoor weather protection for existing 5-Series pellet cabinets: Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical see 5 of 6
Cord-free outdoor smoking with independent burner controls: Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker see 6 of 6
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Marathon smoking sessions for big crowds
Pros
Massive 2,224 sq in area
75 lb hopper with cleanout
Fits two full foil pans per shelf
Cons
Heaviest cabinet at 173 pounds
Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series WiFi &
Best for Backyard cooks wanting low-and-slow pellet flavor
Pros
50 lb hopper capacity
130°F to 420°F range
App monitoring and control
Cons
Heavier footprint than electric cabinets
The Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series WiFi & is a dedicated wood pellet vertical smoker designed for cooks seeking authentic wood fire flavor. Offering 1,118 square inches of cooking space across five porcelain-coated steel racks, this cabinet accommodates multiple pork butts, brisket flats, and racks of ribs. Its digital controller runs from 130°F to 420°F, providing the versatility to smoke jerky low and slow or roast poultry at higher temperatures.
Convection airflow and a chimney exhaust distribute heat and smoke evenly throughout the heavy-gauge stainless steel cabinet. The massive 50 lb hopper supports long cooks without constant refilling, making it an ideal choice for backyard pitmasters wanting true pellet performance. If you are shopping for a pit boss vertical pellet smoker, this model provides the right balance between cooking area and patio footprint.
Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connect to the Pit Boss Grills app for mobile temperature tracking and adjustments. The unit features three meat probe ports and includes one probe to monitor internal meat temperatures through the large viewing window without opening the sealed door.
1,118 square inches of cooking space across five porcelain-coated racks
50 lb hopper designed for long low-and-slow smoking sessions
Wide 130°F to 420°F digital temperature range with convection airflow
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth app control with three probe ports and one included probe
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Catering large gatherings on electric power
Pros
1,320 sq in cooking area
1,650-watt heating element
Wood chip and pellet tray
Cons
Capped at 300°F maximum temperature
The Pit Boss 4-Series WiFi & Bluetooth provides large-scale cabinet smoking powered by an electric heating element. Built with a 1,650-watt element, this 42-inch vertical cabinet delivers 1,320 square inches of cooking area with adjustable porcelain-coated racks. It maintains steady temperatures between 100°F and 300°F, catering to cooks who prioritize consistent low-and-slow heat.
Rather than using wood pellets as primary fuel, this electric smoker features a dedicated hardwood boost tray. You can add wood chips or pellets to generate flavor cues while the 1,650-watt element provides balanced heat. This setup suits cooks who prefer simple plug-in operation over managing a pellet auger, though its 300°F maximum temperature gives way to pellet models when higher roasting heat is needed.
Mobile monitoring is simple with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The cabinet includes dual meat probe ports with one meat probe included, rear wheels for easy patio relocation, a removable grease cup, an easy-access grease tray, and a 3-year warranty.
1,320 square inches of cooking space with adjustable rack positions
1,650-watt heating element operating from 100°F to 300°F
Hardwood boost wood chip tray accepting wood chips or pellets
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with dual probe ports and included meat probe
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
The Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series WiFi & is the largest wood pellet vertical smoker in the lineup, built for high-volume barbecue. Weighing 173 pounds, it provides 2,224 square inches of cooking area across five porcelain-coated steel racks. Each shelf measures 25.7 inches by 17.3 inches, allowing you to place two full-size foil pans on a single rack for large family gatherings or catering events.
To support this massive interior, Pit Boss equipped the 6-Series with a 75 lb hopper featuring an integrated cleanout chute. This large fuel capacity handles marathon overnight cooks without requiring refills. The digital controller maintains temperatures from 130°F to 420°F using convective chimney exhaust airflow. Anyone evaluating a pitt boss smoker for maximum capacity will find this model built specifically for crowd-sized feasts.
The cabinet features heavy-gauge stainless steel construction, a high-temp door seal, and a large viewing window. Mobile app control works over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while three probe ports and one included meat probe let you track multiple cuts of meat accurately.
Massive 2,224 square inches of cooking space holding two foil pans per shelf
75 lb pellet hopper with cleanout chute for extended cooks
Versatile 130°F to 420°F digital temperature range with convection airflow
Heavy-gauge stainless steel build with Wi-Fi control and three probe ports
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Propane cooking without needing electrical cords
Pros
Dual burner 12,500 BTU system
External wood chip and ash tray
Independent chip and cabinet heat
Cons
Requires managing propane tanks
Best for Patio cooks wanting plug-and-play convenience
Pros
Even 1,650-watt element
Compact 880 sq in capacity
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
Maximum temperature limited to 300°F
The Pit Boss 3-Series WiFi & Bluetooth delivers the benefits of digital electric smoking in a compact 30-inch cabinet. Offering 880 square inches of cooking surface across adjustable porcelain-coated racks, it fits smaller decks and townhome patios with ease. It shares the same 1,650-watt heating element found in the larger 4-Series, operating smoothly from 100°F to 300°F.
This model suits backyard cooks who want set-and-forget convenience without maintaining an auger or storing large bags of pellets. Its slide-out hardwood boost tray accommodates wood chips or pellets to infuse smoke aroma, while the electric element provides balanced heating. Because it lacks a protruding pellet hopper, it occupies minimal floor space.
The unit features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for app-based temperature monitoring. Cleanup and maintenance are streamlined with an easy-access grease tray, removable grease cup, sealed door construction, rear wheels, dual probe ports with one meat probe included, and a 3-year warranty.
Space-saving 880 square inches of cooking space with adjustable racks
1,650-watt electric heating element running from 100°F to 300°F
Wood chip tray that accepts wood chips or pellets for smoke flavor
App control via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, dual probe ports, and rear wheels
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Owners shielding 5-Series vertical smokers outdoors
Pros
Heavy-duty polyester with PVC backing
Drawstring closure prevents wind lift
Wipe-clean surface maintenance
Cons
Fits specific 5-Series models only
The Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical smoker cover is a protective accessory tailored specifically for vertical smokers. Designed to fit Pit Boss model PBV5P1 and compatible with grill model 75953, this heavy-duty cover protects outdoor equipment from rain, snow, UV damage, and airborne debris.
Moisture protection is critical for vertical pellet smokers because wet pellets expand and cause auger jams. Constructed from heavy-duty polyester with a durable PVC backing, this 2.8-pound cover repels water effectively. A heavy-duty bottom drawstring ensures a secure fit, preventing strong winds from lifting the cover off the cabinet during storms.
The cover features a large Pit Boss logo and cleans easily with water or a damp cloth and mild detergent. For backyard cooks who leave their 5-Series smoker outdoors year-round, this tailored cover safeguards sensitive electronics and keeps the pellet hopper dry between cooks.
Custom-tailored fit designed for Pit Boss 5-Series model PBV5P1
Durable polyester construction with protective PVC backing
Bottom drawstring closure to keep the cover secure in windy weather
Lightweight 2.8-pound design with simple wipe-clean maintenance
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
The Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker provides propane-powered cooking in an eye-catching red hammertone finish. Offering 880 square inches of cooking area across four porcelain-coated racks measuring 14.75 inches by 12.25 inches, this smoker operates across a temperature range of 100°F to 320°F.
The standout feature of this cabinet is its 12,500 BTU dual valve and dual burner system. Two porcelain-coated stainless steel burners separate smoke generation from cabinet temperature: one burner smolders wood chips while the second regulates cooking heat, both managed by a single control knob. If you want outdoor smoking independence without needing an electrical cord unlike a pitboss portable pellet grill, this propane cabinet offers off-grid reliability.
The unit includes a piezo push-button ignition, an external wood chip and ash drawer for easy replenishing without losing heat, and a front-access grease drawer. A large glass viewing window with a heat indicator lets you check food easily, while rear wheels simplify transport.
Dual burner 12,500 BTU system with independent heat and smoke control
880 square inches of cooking area across four porcelain-coated racks
External wood chip and ash drawer to reload wood without opening the door
Piezo ignition, front grease drawer, and glass window with heat indicator
What Sets These Models Apart
The Pit Boss vertical lineup spans distinct fuel sources, capacities, and intended applications. Understanding how cooking surface, temperature boundaries, and fuel systems differ helps identify the right cabinet for your cooking routine.
Model
Fuel Type
Cooking Area
Temperature Range
Fuel Capacity / Feature
Pit Boss Navigator 3-Series WiFi &
Wood Pellet
1,118 sq. in.
130°F – 420°F
50 lb. pellet hopper
Pit Boss 4-Series WiFi & Bluetooth
Electric (1,650W)
1,320 sq. in.
100°F – 300°F
Hardwood boost chip tray
Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series WiFi &
Wood Pellet
2,224 sq. in.
130°F – 420°F
75 lb. hopper with cleanout
Pit Boss 3-Series WiFi & Bluetooth
Electric (1,650W)
880 sq. in.
100°F – 300°F
Hardwood boost chip tray
Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical
Smoker Cover
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Heavy-duty polyester and PVC
Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker
Propane Gas
880 sq. in.
100°F – 320°F
12,500 BTU dual burners
Figures in this table are copied from the Amazon listings for these models.
Buying Tips for Pit Boss Vertical Smokers
When selecting between pellet, electric, and gas models, focus on your preferred fuel management. Pellet smokers like the Navigator series burn genuine hardwood pellets to deliver bold wood smoke and reach 420°F for roasting versatility. Electric models provide consistent low-temperature stability from 100°F to 300°F using a 1,650-watt heating element and a wood chip tray, ideal for sausage and jerky. Propane models offer off-grid freedom without cords, relying on dual burners to balance heat and smoke.
Evaluate your cooking space and capacity requirements before buying. If you smoke whole briskets or large trays, the Navigator 6-Series fits two full-size foil pans per rack and stores 75 pounds of pellets for uninterrupted cooks. For smaller patios, 880-square-inch models like the 3-Series electric and gas units deliver ample capacity for family meals while taking up minimal deck space.
Pay attention to digital connectivity and outdoor protection. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth app controls on the Navigator and electric models let you monitor meat probes without opening the door and losing heat. In addition, using a tailored cover like the 5-Series cover protects your investment from rain, preventing moisture from entering hoppers and causing auger jams.
FAQ
How does a Pit Boss vertical pellet smoker differ from an electric vertical smoker?
A vertical pellet smoker burns compressed hardwood pellets via an auger and firepot, creating wood-fired convective heat up to 420°F. An electric vertical smoker uses a 1,650-watt heating element to reach up to 300°F, using an internal tray where wood chips or pellets smolder to create smoke.
Can you use wood pellets in Pit Boss digital electric smokers?
Yes, the hardwood boost wood chip tray in the 3-Series and 4-Series digital electric smokers accommodates both wood chips and wood pellets, allowing you to produce wood smoke while the electric element regulates heat.
What hopper capacities do Pit Boss Navigator vertical smokers have?
The Navigator 3-Series vertical pellet smoker features a 50 lb hopper, while the larger Navigator 6-Series includes a 75 lb hopper with an integrated cleanout chute for extended smoking sessions.
Does the Pit Boss 3-Series gas smoker require an electrical outlet?
No, the Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker operates entirely on propane and uses a push-button piezo ignition, making it completely independent of outdoor electrical outlets.
Which Pit Boss vertical smoker fits full-size foil pans?
The Pit Boss Navigator 6-Series features large 25.7-inch by 17.3-inch racks designed to hold two full-size foil pans side by side on each of its five shelves.