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Pellet Grills

Pit Boss Copperhead 5 Series Vertical Pellet Smoker

★★★★☆ 4.3/5 · 759 reviewsby Pit Boss
8.6OUT OF 10
The GrillHearth verdict

The Pit Boss Copperhead 5 Series Vertical Pellet Smoker is an excellent choice for backyard pitmasters who need substantial cooking capacity without sacrificing floor space. Its vertical design, digital PID controller, and five cooking racks make it ideal for smoking large batches of ribs, brisket, or poultry with consistent results. While minor issues like auger jams and cold-weather pellet feed can occur, the overall value, build quality, and ease of use make this smoker a strong contender in the mid-range vertical pellet smoker category.

Key Features

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5 chrome-plated smoking racks with 1,764 sq in total cooking space

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Digital control board with PID temperature management

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Meat probe included for precise internal temperature monitoring

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Porcelain-coated steel construction for durability and heat retention

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Rear grease and ash cleanout system for easy maintenance

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Side-mounted pellet hopper with 18 lb capacity

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Temperature range from 150°F to 400°F

Full Specifications

Cooking Space1,764 sq in
Hopper Capacity18 lbs
Temperature Range150°F - 400°F
Number of Racks5 chrome-plated racks
ConstructionPorcelain-coated steel

What we liked

  • Vertical design maximizes cooking space in small footprint
  • Consistent temperature control thanks to PID technology
  • Easy to clean with rear access ash/grease removal
  • Great for smoking large quantities of food at once
  • Solid build quality with double-wall insulated construction
  • Digital display simplifies temperature and timer adjustments

Worth noting

  • Pellet hopper can struggle in extreme cold temperatures
  • Some users report auger jams with certain pellet brands
  • Door seal may degrade over time, causing heat loss
  • Heavier and bulkier than horizontal pellet smokers
  • Limited color/finish options compared to competitors

The Full Review

The Pit Boss Copperhead 5 Series Vertical is a wood pellet smoker built for anyone who wants the deep, smoky flavor of traditional low-and-slow cooking without babysitting a fire all day. Its vertical cabinet design maximizes cooking capacity while keeping a relatively small footprint, making it a smart choice for backyard cooks who want to smoke multiple racks of ribs, whole turkeys, or a spread of sausages and jerky all at once. The digital control board allows you to set your desired temperature and let the auger and fan system do the work, feeding pellets automatically to maintain consistent heat throughout the cook. This hands-off approach appeals to both beginners who are intimidated by traditional offset smokers and experienced pitmasters who want more reliable results without constant monitoring. Inside the Copperhead 5 Series, you'll find multiple chrome-plated cooking racks that provide ample vertical space, letting you layer different proteins and vegetables at once.

The heavy-gauge steel body and porcelain-coated interior are built to retain heat efficiently, helping the unit hold steady temperatures even in cooler outdoor conditions. A rear-mounted heat diffuser and grease management system channel drippings away from the fire pot, reducing flare-ups and making cleanup considerably easier after a long smoking session. The see-through, sealed door design helps trap smoke and heat inside the cabinet while still letting you keep an eye on your food without constantly opening the unit and losing valuable heat. Fueled by hardwood pellets, the Copperhead 5 Series delivers that authentic wood-fired taste that pellet grill enthusiasts crave, with the ability to experiment with different pellet blends like hickory, applewood, or mesquite to customize the flavor profile of your meats. The hopper is designed to hold a substantial supply of pellets, reducing the need for frequent refills during extended smoking sessions like brisket or pulled pork that can take upward of ten hours. Overall, this vertical smoker combines the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it technology with the rich, smoky results traditionally associated with charcoal or wood smokers, making it a versatile addition to any grilling and smoking lineup for those who want big flavor with manageable effort.

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