Outvita Vertical Charcoal Smoker Review: A Compact Powerhouse for BBQ Enthusiasts
I’ve been through my fair share of smokers over the years, and I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first unboxed the Outvita Vertical Charcoal Smoker. The compact size made me wonder if it could really deliver the smoky flavor I crave. But after spending several weekends putting it through its paces, I think I’ve found a surprisingly capable little smoker that might just earn a permanent spot on my patio.
This vertical charcoal smoker caught my eye initially because of its portability claims. As someone who occasionally likes to smoke meats at family gatherings or camping trips, I was intrigued by the possibility of taking my smoking game on the road. So I decided to test it out myself and see if this compact smoker could stand up to its bigger, more expensive counterparts.
- 【Multi-Layered Design】The main body of the smoker is divided into three layers, so the bottom can be used as a fire pit. With two different heights, it can be a BBQ roaster or a smoker according to your needs. An adjustable vertical barrel grill and two bbq charcoal grills for meats grilling, steaming, baking, roasting.
- 【Temperature Control】In order to better observe and control the temperature, this BBQ grill is designed with a built-in thermometer with detailed scale. Combined with the adjustable air outlet on the top, you can control the air flow to maintain a steady temperature for the best cooking experience.
- 【Large Cooking Space】This vertical smoker features 2 cooking racks with 400 square inches cooking surface, which can accommodate large pieces of meat & burgers. And the iron support with 2 sturdy hooks is high enough to hang large breasts, chicken legs, turkeys and other food inside the lid.
- 【Thoughtful Design】This BBQ smoker grill is equipped with 2 access doors to check the condition of the food and add charcoal in time. With the latch locking system, it can provide you more stability. In addition, the raised feet with triangular structure can also effectively enhance its stability.
- 【Easy to Install】 It is very easy to install. Our smoker is detachable, you can easily take them apart to clean. This portable smoker is a good choice for party, camping, seaside barbecue, backyard and more. Unlike the integral barrel smoker, it is easy to disassemble to store in the trunk of most cars.
Compact Yet Capable
The Outvita’s vertical design is honestly quite clever. It makes efficient use of limited space, which is perfect for my small patio. Standing at about 30 inches tall, it doesn’t dominate your outdoor area but still provides enough cooking capacity for family meals. The construction feels relatively sturdy, though perhaps not quite as robust as some premium models I’ve used.
I particularly appreciate the stainless steel components which seem like they’ll hold up well against the elements. The black finish gives it a sleek, no-nonsense appearance that won’t look out of place in most outdoor settings. There’s also something satisfyingly traditional about its barrel shape – reminds me of the old-school smokers my grandfather used to use, just in a more modernized, compact package.
Serious Smoking Power
This smoker surprised me with its performance. Despite its compact size, the temperature control is quite impressive. The built-in thermometer seems reasonably accurate – I checked it against my digital probe and found only minor variations. The vertical design creates good heat circulation, which resulted in consistently smoked meats, even when I filled multiple racks.
I’ve run it through several smoking sessions now, including a 6-hour brisket cook and a quicker 3-hour chicken smoke. The charcoal chamber holds enough fuel for about 5-6 hours of cooking before needing a refill, which is pretty decent for a smoker this size. Adding wood chips for flavor was straightforward through the front door, though it does release some heat when opened.
One thing I noticed is that it takes a bit of practice to maintain perfectly steady temperatures. There was some fluctuation on windy days, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it and adjust the vents accordingly. But once you get the hang of it, it performs reliably. I actually found the learning curve to be part of the fun – it made me feel more connected to the cooking process than some of the “set it and forget it” electric smokers I’ve used.
The Technical Stuff
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.7″D x 13.7″W x 31.5″H |
| Weight | Approximately 15 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel construction |
| Cooking Area | Multiple racks with approximately 400 square inches total |
| Temperature Range | 180°F – 350°F |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal and wood chips |
| Included Components | Built-in thermometer, multiple smoking racks, water pan |
The Good and The Not-So-Good
Pros:
- Truly portable at just 15 pounds – I’ve taken it to a beach cookout without hassle
- Compact footprint perfect for small patios and balconies
- Good heat retention for its size
- Effective smoking capability with nice smoke penetration
- Multiple racks offer decent cooking capacity
- Reasonable price point compared to larger smokers
- Simple assembly – took me about 20 minutes
Cons:
- Temperature can fluctuate, especially in windy conditions
- Limited capacity compared to larger smokers – not ideal for big gatherings
- Door seal could be tighter to prevent smoke leakage
- Requires more frequent monitoring than some higher-end smokers
- Charcoal chamber might need refilling during longer smokes
- Built-in thermometer is useful but not as precise as a digital probe
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking through the Amazon reviews, most users seem genuinely pleased with the Outvita smoker, particularly those with limited space or who want occasional portability. The smoker maintains a solid 4+ star rating, with many comments echoing my own experience.
One reviewer mentioned: “Perfect size for my small patio. I’ve smoked ribs, chicken, and even a small brisket with great results. The temperature control takes some practice but works well once you figure it out.”
Another customer wasn’t quite as enthusiastic: “Good little smoker but smoke leaks around the door. I added some high-temp gasket material which helped a lot. For the price, it’s a good starter smoker.”
Several reviewers specifically praised its portability, with one noting they’ve taken it camping multiple times: “We bring this on camping trips and it’s become a favorite among our friends. Surprisingly good results for such a compact unit.”
Who Should Buy This Smoker?
For Beginners: This is actually a great starter smoker. It’s affordable, simple to use, and teaches you the fundamentals of temperature control without a huge investment. The smaller size is less intimidating and perfect for learning the basics of smoking.
For Intermediate Users: If you have some smoking experience but limited space or want something portable, the Outvita offers good value. You’ll appreciate its efficiency while having the skills to manage its temperature fluctuations.
For Advanced Users: This probably isn’t your primary smoker if you’re a serious smoking enthusiast. However, many advanced users might appreciate it as a secondary, portable option for camping trips or beach cookouts when your main smoker can’t make the journey.
You Might Also Like
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Ready to Elevate Your BBQ Game?
If you’re looking for an affordable entry into the world of smoking or need a portable option that doesn’t sacrifice too much on results, the Outvita Vertical Charcoal Smoker deserves a spot on your shortlist. I’ve been genuinely impressed with what this little unit can do!
- 【Multi-Layered Design】The main body of the smoker is divided into three layers, so the bottom can be used as a fire pit. With two different heights, it can be a BBQ roaster or a smoker according to your needs. An adjustable vertical barrel grill and two bbq charcoal grills for meats grilling, steaming, baking, roasting.
- 【Temperature Control】In order to better observe and control the temperature, this BBQ grill is designed with a built-in thermometer with detailed scale. Combined with the adjustable air outlet on the top, you can control the air flow to maintain a steady temperature for the best cooking experience.
- 【Large Cooking Space】This vertical smoker features 2 cooking racks with 400 square inches cooking surface, which can accommodate large pieces of meat & burgers. And the iron support with 2 sturdy hooks is high enough to hang large breasts, chicken legs, turkeys and other food inside the lid.
- 【Thoughtful Design】This BBQ smoker grill is equipped with 2 access doors to check the condition of the food and add charcoal in time. With the latch locking system, it can provide you more stability. In addition, the raised feet with triangular structure can also effectively enhance its stability.
- 【Easy to Install】 It is very easy to install. Our smoker is detachable, you can easily take them apart to clean. This portable smoker is a good choice for party, camping, seaside barbecue, backyard and more. Unlike the integral barrel smoker, it is easy to disassemble to store in the trunk of most cars.
