Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker Review

Char-Broil Vertical 14201677 Electric Smoker

The Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker features double-wall insulated construction, designed to retain both heat and smoke for consistent cooking and rich smoky flavor. Its 1,500-watt heating element provides adjustable temperature control, giving you the flexibility to smoke a variety of foods with precision.

With 544 square inches of smoking space spread across three adjustable chrome-plated cooking grates, this smoker offers plenty of room for preparing ribs, brisket, poultry, fish, or jerky. You control the temperature, the smoke level, and ultimately the flavor of the finished meal.

Smoking foods such as salmon, turkey, or beef jerky becomes simple and enjoyable with this easy-to-use electric smoker. Different wood chips can also be used to customize flavor—mesquite works well for ribs and brisket, while apple or cherry wood provides a milder smoke for fish, poultry, and pork. For something unique, you can even try smoking foods like cheddar cheese. With a little experimentation and creativity, you can develop your own signature smoked flavors right in your backyard.

UPDATE: There is a newer version of this Electric Smoker. Click image below for more information and NEW price!

Chrome-Coated Cooking Grates

The three adjustable chrome-coated cooking grates make it easy to customize the smoker’s interior to fit different sizes of food. With a total of 544 square inches of cooking space, you can adjust the rack height to accommodate thicker cuts of meat or multiple items at once.

Using a single rack gives you enough room to smoke a large brisket or roast, while all three racks allow you to prepare multiple slabs of ribs, bacon, fish, or jerky at the same time. The chrome coating also helps make cleanup easier and protects the grates from corrosion, so your smoker is ready for the next cooking session.

Sturdy and Well Insulated

Despite weighing only about 50 pounds, this smoker is built with a sturdy design that makes it durable yet easy to move when needed. The double-wall insulated construction helps retain both heat and smoke inside the cooking chamber, improving efficiency and flavor during the smoking process.

Because it’s an electric smoker, it’s also a great option for apartments or condos where gas or charcoal smokers may not be permitted. Its compact footprint allows it to fit neatly on a patio or balcony, making it convenient for those with limited outdoor space while still delivering authentic smoked flavor.

Features and Specifications

  • 544 Square Inches of Cooking Surface
  • 37.8 x 20 x 17.5 Inches
  • Chrome-Plated Cooking Grates
  • Chrome-Plated Handle
  • Lid-Mounted Temperature Gauge
  • Insulated, Double Wall Construction
Pros
  • The three adjustable shelves make it easy smoke various sizes
  • Easy cleanup, just wipe it down with a wet rag
  • Good smoker for the price
  • Easy to setup and operate
Cons
  • Door doesn’t always close, you must check it
  • Cord could be a little longer

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker offers 544 square inches of cooking space with three adjustable chrome-coated cooking grates, allowing you to customize the interior layout to accommodate a variety of meats and smoking styles. Despite its generous capacity, the smoker remains compact and lightweight, making it suitable for patios, decks, and even apartment or condo balconies.

Many users appreciate how much food can be prepared at once—from ribs and brats for weekend gatherings to brisket, turkey, or jerky for longer smoking sessions. Cleanup is also fairly simple, making the smoker convenient for regular use rather than only special occasions.

When evaluating customer feedback, we found over 1,200 verified Amazon reviews, with an average rating of approximately 4.5 out of 5 stars. Around 89% of reviewers rated the smoker four or five stars, showing strong overall satisfaction among buyers.

A few reviewers noted that the door may require careful closing to ensure a tight seal, but once properly latched, the double-wall insulation helps retain heat and smoke effectively.

Here are a few comments from satisfied buyers:

  • “Good quality smoker!”
  • “Produces excellent food at a great price.”
  • “Cooked a 7-lb brisket my first time and it came out great.”
  • “Solid, inexpensive smoker. Perfect for beginners.”
  • “Worked like a charm—can’t wait to smoke again!”

Overall, customer feedback suggests the Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker is a popular and dependable choice, especially for beginners or those looking for an affordable electric smoker with good capacity.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker is simple to set up and easy to operate, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced BBQ enthusiasts. If smoking is your passion, this compact electric smoker can quickly become a centerpiece of your backyard or patio cooking setup.

With its solid construction, adjustable cooking racks, and consistent temperature control, it provides an enjoyable way to experiment with different meats, flavors, and smoking techniques. Whether you’re preparing ribs, brisket, fish, or jerky, this electric smoker makes it easy to produce delicious results while keeping the process convenient and stress-free.