One thing to keep in mind with a vertical. It can limit you when you are cooking multiple meats and maybe a side like mac and cheese. If you are doing poultry and beef or pork you don't want the poultry dripping down on other meats. You don't want anything dripping down into your mac and cheese or a potato dish you are smoking. . At least I don't. A horizontal gives you more flexibility when doing multiple meats and sides.