Vertical Reverse Flow Smoker: What Is So Special?
There are various varieties of vertical smokers available on the market, including vertical charcoal smokers and gravity-feed smokers. The vertical reverse flow smoker is an additional design worth mentioning.
The most unusual aspect of a vertical reverse flow smoker is its design, which enables heat and smoke to move through the chamber in the opposite direction.
Find out in this post how this unique pattern positively impacts the way your meat smokes.
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WHAT IS A VERTICAL REVERSE FLOW SMOKER?
A vertical reverse flow smoker is a type of vertical smoker used for cooking meat that is shaped like a tall cylinder or rectangle, with the firebox located on the bottom of the unit and the cooking chamber situated above the firebox.
Because these smokers are vertical, they take up less space and are perfect for small spaces. When compared to horizontal smokers, they leave smaller footprint.
There is an internal reverse flow plate that is typically situated inside the cooking chamber of a smoker in a vertical position. This plate helps to create a more even heat distribution within the cooking chamber.
What distinguishes the vertical reverse flow smoker from other models is its internal reverse flow plate. A smoker’s unique cooking method relies on the circulation of heat and smoke, which this plate helps to offer.
HOW DOES A REVERSE FLOW VERTICAL SMOKER WORK?
Unlike traditional offset smokers, the reverse flow smoker forces the heat and smoke to pass through an angled plate, which is the reverse flow plate, near the top of the cooking chamber. This makes the cooking results more consistent than with other types of smokers.
When smoke and heat are drawn into the firebox and flow upward into the cooking chamber, the reverse flow plate sends them back down and across the cooking surface.
As the smoke and heat travel through the plate and along the cooking chamber, they then rise again and exit through a chimney on the opposite side of the chamber.
The process of the heat and smoke flowing in the opposite direction helps to distribute the smoke and heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber. This keeps hot spots from forming and makes sure the meat is cooked evenly.
Also, vertical smokers take up less space than horizontal ones, which makes them popular among people who like to bbq but don’t have a lot of room.
VERTICAL REVERSE FLOW SMOKER VS. OFFSET SMOKE
At a glance, vertical reverse flow smokers and offset smokers may look similar, but they have some distinct differences that set them apart. If you’re curious about constructing one yourself, here’s a guide on how to build an offset smoker.
| Vertical Reverse Flow Smoker | Offset Smoker | |
| Shape | Vertical cylindrical shape with a door at the front | Horizontal cylindrical shape with a door at the front |
| Structure | Firebox located at the bottom, the cooking chamber located above the firebox. | Firebox located at one end, the cooking chamber is located next to the firebox. |
| Heat transfer | An internal reverse flow plate helps to distribute smoke and heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber | Rely on natural convection for heat. There are design variations, such as a baffle plate or tuning plates, to improve temperature distribution |
| Smoke flow pattern | Smoke and heat drawn into the firebox and flow upward into the cooking chamber, then redirects downward and across the cooking surface. They rise again and exit through thechimney. | Smoke and heat are drawn into the firebox and flow into the cooking chamber through a vent or opening. They then rise naturally up through the cooking chamber before exiting through the chimney located at the opposite end of the firebox. |
The patterns and functions of these two smokers are a bit different, and if you want the best of both worlds, there is even a model that is a cross between them. It is a reverse flow offset smoker.
A reverse flow offset smoker is different from an offset smoker because it has a signature baffle plate that lets you control the temperature better. As a hybrid of the conventional offset smoker’s user-friendliness and horizontal cooking area with the vertical reverse flow smoker’s superior heat and smoke distribution, the reverse flow offset smoker strikes a great balance.
But using the vertical reverse flow smoker will be more ideal when you are having these things as your top priorities:
- If you’re tight on space or prefer a compact unit, a vertical reverse flow smoker is your go-to.
- Also, due to its vertical structure, heat and smoke rise and fall, enveloping the food. The food’s all-around heat can intensify the smokiness and speed up cooking.
- Because it has vertical layers, it can be useful for smoking multiple items at once, like ribs or sausages, on different racks.
SOME VERTICAL REVERSE FLOW SMOKERS ON THE MARKET
In terms of vertical reverse flow smokers, some popular models include the Gateway Drum Smoker, the Backwoods G2 Chubby, and the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.
- Gateway Drum Smoker: The Gateway Drum Smoker is a vertical smoker that operates using a unique “hook and hang” cooking method. The smoker features a durable steel construction with excellent heat retention.
- Backwoods G2 Chubby: The Backwoods G2 Chubby is a compact vertical smoker that is perfect for backyard use. It also features a heavy-duty construction with excellent heat retention not to mention. With the ability to maintain steady temperature during long smoking sessions. The adjustable vents and a built-in thermometer are also big plus.
- Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker: The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a classic vertical smoker that is widely regarded as one of the best smokers on the market. It also comes with the durable steel construction and excellent heat retention.The smoker is available in many sizes, and also offers you with ample cooking space for many sources of meats.
- Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Vertical Offset Smoker: While not actually a reverse flow smoker, this vertical offset smoker is still right for those looking for a quality smoker at an affordable price. It features six adjustable cooking grates and a large charcoal chamber for optimal heat retention.
While these models are excellent choices, some enthusiasts take pride in creating their own smokers to fit their specific needs and preferences. Building your own smoker can be a rewarding project that allows for customization and perhaps even cost savings.
FAQS
1. Are the fuel source for a vertical reverse flow smoker the same as an offset smoker?
The fuel source for vertical reverse flow smokers and offset smokers is generally the same; they both use wood, charcoal, or a combination of both to create heat and smoke.
However, the design of the smokers is different, and this can affect how the fuel is used and how the smoke is circulated within the smoker.
2. Is a vertical reverse flow smoker the same as a drum smoker?
Not necessarily. While drum smokers and vertical reverse flow smokers are both vertical in design, and smoke and heat both flow upward, drum smokers do not have the same reverse flow feature that a vertical reverse flow smoker would have.
In a reverse flow smoker, the heat and smoke flow down and around a baffle plate before rising again towards the food being cooked. In a drum smoker, the heat and smoke rise directly to the meat being cooked.
So, while drum smokers are vertical, they are not typically considered a type of vertical reverse flow smoker.
BOTTOM LINE
Using a vertical flow smoker can be an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the art of smoking meats without the complexity of some other smoker types. Their even heat distribution, fuel efficiency, and ease of temperature control make them a valuable addition to any barbecue setup. To understand the variety available, you might want to explore the different types of smokers out there.
However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, available space, and cooking preferences before selecting a smoker type, as no single smoker is universally best for all situations.