The Pit Boss Vertical Smoker Reviews 5 Series Models Of 2024

Since there are so many options available, selecting the pit boss vertical smoker reviews 5 series models could take some time…April

Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker Review

OVERALL PIT BOSS 5 SERIES

With The Pit Boss 5-Series Vertical Pellet smoker, achieving real-wood flavor has been so easy and accessible using our 5-in-1 cooking technology.

1,513 square inch cooking area

  • Control Board: Dial-in Digital
  • Fan forced convection cooking
  • Temperature range of 150°F – 420°F
  • Four caster wheels
  • 60-pound hopper capacity
  • Automatic Start-Up and Cool Down
  • Ash management system with easy clean tray included

The Pit Boss 5-Series Wood Pellet Vertical Smoker is a cabinet-style smoker that runs on wood pellets. The pellets add smoke and heat to the cooking area. It has a large working area of 1,513 square inches spread out over five racks, and the hopper can hold up to 55 pounds. It is made so that you can easily cook a lot of food at once. The sealed cabinet keeps the temperature pretty even throughout the cooking area and works best when it’s cold outside.

The inside of the unit can be set up in a lot of different ways thanks to its five porcelain-coated, 26-inch-by-13-inch, height-adjustable, and removable food racks. Just take out one or two grates if you need more room between them for a big beef or turkey. Ten racks of ribs to smoke? Not a problem.

REVIEW OF PIT BOSS 5 SERIES VERTICAL SMOKER

Does it have the best pellet grill I’ve ever used? Not the best, but I think it’s a great deal for newbies at this price.

Most Prominent Characteristics

Cooking Area

One of the most appealing features of the Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker is its generous cooking area. If you have a small to medium sized family, then I would say that this vertical pellet smoker is a good option for you. With four racks, you should have enough room for several smaller racks of ribs, a chicken, and even a turkey if you wish.

For larger cuts like brisket, you may need to remove one or more racks to make space for the meat. The vertical design not only maximizes space but also ensures even heat distribution, allowing for consistent cooking results across all levels.  Still, for this price point, I would say that this vertical pellet smoker has plenty of room for what you need.

Hopper Size 

The hopper size on the Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker is noteworthy, and I like that the hopper is quite big. This is designed to support extended smoking sessions without the need for constant refills.

When it comes to pellet smokers, one of the more annoying things is running out of pellets. This feature is particularly beneficial for slow and low cooking methods, which are essential for achieving the perfect smoke ring and tender, flavorful meats. 

With this vertical pellet smoker, though, the hopper is large enough for an 18-hour cook! This means that you can easily smoke a brisket through the night without checking pellet levels with the Pit Boss smoker.

Temperature Control and Range

When you smoke, accuracy is very important. This smoker has the ability to smoke between 150°F – 450°F which is fairly standard. The Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker does a great job of providing precise temperature control and a large temperature range. 

Moreover, this smoker is equipped with an advanced digital control panel that allows for easy adjustments and monitoring of the cooking temperature. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this vertical pellet smoker from Pit Boss could be set as low as 150 F!

Levels of temperature can be changed by 25°F. While some pellet grills can get as hot as 550°F, I found the Pit Boss’s temperature range to be perfect for cooking slowly. As I tried out the vertical smoker, I found that this Pit Boss model was prone to temperature fluctuations.

Smoking Capability

This Pit Boss vertical smoker has plenty of features that make it great for smoking. This smoker envelops food in a rich, flavorful smoke that penetrates deep into the meat, imparting complex tastes that are the hallmark of traditional smoking. 

The smoker is designed so that smoke stays where it’s supposed to and moves around easily. This way, every piece of meat gets the same amount of smoke exposure, which makes for evenly smoked meals that are juicy, soft, and full of flavor. 

Convenience Characteristics

There are numerous outdoor cooking gadgets, but the Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker is simple to operate, clean, and well-built. 

Easy to Use

I know that vertical smokers can be a bit tricky for some to use which is why a lot of people shy away from them. With the Pit Boss vertical smoker, though, this isn’t a problem. It is known that the Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker is easy for cooks of all levels to use because it has a simple design.

To begin with, you have the automatic start up and cool down, requiring minimal effort on your part. Also, I have found that the digital control panel allows for precise temperature settings and real-time monitoring, and you will be able to easily use the temperature dial to choose your desired temperature.

The Cleanup System

Another significant feature about the Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker is that it has an easy-to-clean setup. In order to keep a pellet smoker in good shape, you need to clean it out properly. The smoker features a removable ash tray and grease management system, this clever design not only cuts down on cleanup time, but it also makes the smoker cleaner overall. 

I have to say that this maintenance method works especially well for those who are just starting out with Pit Boss, or smokers in general. Also, the smoker’s parts, like the racks and water pan, are easy to take apart and clean.

This way, there is no waste that could affect how well the smoker works or how future smoked foods taste. Due to this, you will find it easy to keep your pellet smoker in good shape.

Quality and Construction 

I would give the build quality 4 out of 5 stars. Crafted from high-grade materials, the heavy-duty steel construction not only provides excellent heat retention and distribution. I have used this smoker quite a bit now, and it is holding up well. Most things seem to be well made, sturdy, and a bit on the heavy side.

Every part of the smoker’s design shows care and attention to detail, from the strong door seals that keep smoke out to the sturdy racks that can hold a lot of weight without breaking.

A QUICK SUMMARY OF PIT BOSS 5 SERIES VERTICAL SMOKER

We are going to talk about the Pit Boss 5 Series features that users love as well as some places where it might not meet everyone’s needs.
What I like
The massive size and capacity of this pipe has revolutionized my smoking habits. The 40-pound hopper allows me smoke for 24 hours without adding pellets. This depends on food temperature. I can smoke a lot of food with the 1,659-square-inch cooking area and porcelain-coated racks. This smoker is large enough for me to cook for a large gathering or a weekend.
I’ve also noticed that the Pit Boss 5 Series is easy to change. Thanks to the adjustable rack system and wide temperature range, it’s now easy to smoke almost anything. The Prime Button has been especially helpful; it’s been great for temporarily increasing smoke or quickly bringing the warmth back up inside after the door has been opened. This feature makes the smoker easier to use and more efficient, and it’s now easier to keep the perfect cooking environment.

What I don’t like


The changing warmth inside is one problem I’ve seen. For example, when I set the temperature control knob to 225°F, I saw the temperature inside drop to 215°F and then rise to 250–260°F. Even though these changes didn’t last long and didn’t seem to have a big effect on the meat’s quality, they were still strange and should be noted while cooking.
The big hopper lets you smoke for longer, but the water pan size hasn’t quite caught up. The hopper can cook continuously for up to 24 hours, but the water pan needs to be refilled every 4 hours or so because it can only hold up to a gallon of water. Because of this difference, I had to check and replace more often than I would have liked. This stopped the set-and-forget ease of use I was hoping for in such a strong user.

FINAL TAKE POINTS

I’ve mostly had good experiences with the Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker. It has a huge volume and can be adjusted to fit a lot of different smoking needs. Even with these problems, the Pit Boss 5 Series Vertical Smoker is still a great choice because it works well, lasts a long time, and is easy to use. 

  • Miguel Castillo

    After graduating, Miguel became a certified outdoor leader, obtaining various qualifications, including Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and American Canoe Association Paddling Instructor. Miguel decided to follow his dreams and become a full-time outdoor activities leader and writer. He has been a member of numerous camping and outdoor adventure groups, leading trips and workshops to share his knowledge and passion for the outdoors with others.