9 Best Electric Smokers

Keeping a fire going in the rain to smoke meat doesn’t sound like much fun, but you still want to do it?

If you’re looking for a smoker that you can set and forget, an electric model is a great option. This convenience of use as well makes them a great choice for newbies, especially if you’re looking to progress from playing with your pot grill to something more permanent and reliable.

Electric smokers, like gas smokers, use wood chips to provide a smokey flavor, and because there is no flame, only a warming element, you won’t need to monitor your fuels before starting. As a result, they don’t necessitate constant supervision of different types of smokers such as pellet, charcoal, and offset smokers.

Choosing from among the many available electric smokers might be difficult, but the best-rated models offer a variety of good characteristics, such as simple controls, long-lasting construction, and reasonable pricing. If you want the best electric smokers, go no further than our list.

Top Electric Smoker

When it comes to smoked meat, there’s nothing quite like it.

Smoky flavors are a must-have in any dish, whether it’s slow-cooked brisket or seared fish.

Smoking, on the other hand, is a difficult habit to break.

Charcoal and wood are also required, as is a significant amount of time.

What do you think?

The fact of the matter is that electric smokers have significantly reduced the difficulty associated with smoking.

Before you dismiss the idea of an excellent electric smoker generating flavors comparable to those of charcoal smokers, keep in mind that this type has gone a long way. Several of them have been currently producing smoked flavors that are comparable to those produced by more traditional ways.

Best Electric Smokers Reviews

If you’re searching for the best electric smoker on the market, look no further. We’ve compiled a list that includes everything from low-cost models to high-end options. If you’re considering purchasing the best smoker, continue to read for a detailed look at some of the best possibilities.

1. PIT BOSS PBV3D1 Digital Electric Smoker

Pit Boss, this Digital Electric Smoker’s revolutionary design enhances the benefits of a traditional smoker by including a raised platform for ease loading and unloading, as well as a multi-position racking system that assures you’ll have ample area to smoke whatever your heart wants.

The improved, from-the-ground-up engineering design enables you to achieve greater heights and lower lows. You can smoke at temperatures ranging from 100°F to 400°F because of the blanket’s double-walled insulation.

While this isn’t really useful for smoking, it does permit your smoker to act as a secondary burner in a pinch, which makes it ideal for cooking quick meals on the grill.

This is a great place to start if you’re new to smoking and want something that’s both reliable and affordable.

Structures:

Its double-walled, insulated stainless steel rack construction provides excellent heat retention, which is only slightly diminished by the presence of a glass front; however, the ability to see how well the meat is smoking inside without having to open the chamber more than compensates for this minor flaw.

The four-wheeled design, while making it difficult to pick up and move around, makes it simple to travel around it and set up where you need it, and afterward relocate it to storage when you’re finished.

Temperature:

Aside from being precise and simple to use, the temperature gauge sensor controls also provide a multitude of choices and the potential to manually process control the dampers in terms of controlling the flow of air and smoke thickness as needed. The wood tray, like the four pretty sizable shelves that add approximately 760 sq. inches of overall cooking area, is simple to load.

Performance:

Priced at somewhere between the mid-and low-end of the price range, this device delivers incredible performance for an extremely reasonable cost. This option is well worth considering for easy batch smoking; fast smoking and cold smoking are also possible, with a range of temperature of 150 to 400 degrees F, making this smoker comparable to an electric oven.

Although this isn’t extremely effective for smoking, it does permit the smoker to double as just a 2nd oven in a pinch, making it ideal for quick meals.

2. Smokehouse Little Chief Smoker

The Little Chief smoker, along with a brand of smoking wood chips, was introduced to the Pacific Northwest sportfishing market in 1968. When it came to smoking salmon, trout, and steelhead, the Little Chief soon gained popularity among serious fishermen as the product of choice. 

Aside from being ridiculously simple to operate, this front-loading smoker has a large capacity and delivers reliable performance. The slender and small design of this big chief electric smoker, which is made possible by the several removable racks available, allows it to keep its roomy interior while weighing only 12 lbs., making it incredibly portable and able to transport around the house. 

Given the combination of its portability and inexpensive cost, these electric smokers are an excellent alternative for individuals who wish to smoke on the road or only need to smoke on occasion, as it is very simple to store after use. Electric Smokers of all levels of skill will find this to be an excellent option.

Effortless portability:

If portability is important to you or if space is limited, you’ve come to the right place. There are still grills available that are tiny enough to fit your needs in terms of size and smoking. Despite its diminutive size, the Little Chief is 24 inches tall and is only a shade under 12 inches broad. As a consequence, it is one of the most compact grillers available on the market.

Area for Cooking:

Smokehouse Products claims that the Little Chief could smoke up to 25 pounds of flesh at a time, which is rather astounding considering the small size of the equipment in question.

The cost is as follows:

There is a very wide variety of prices for electric smokers; however, this one is far more affordable than our winner, costing roughly a fourth of the cost of our winner and nearly half the typical price for an electric smoker

Temperature Preferences:

It is interesting to evaluate the Little Chief to be “beginner-friendly,” yet all of the characteristics that contribute to this are also characteristics that make it “enthusiast-unfriendly.”

Due to the lack of temperature adjustment, it is hard to smoke objects at extremely low temperatures or at slightly higher temperatures, which makes certain smoking projects impossible to complete using this smoker.

Construction:

Aluminum is excellent for keeping your product lightweight and economical, but it is not the best material for maintaining the temperature range of withstanding abuse. If you’re not careful, you can end up with dents and scratches, as well as potential temperature gauge regulation issues.

3. Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker

Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is an excellent choice for smokers, grillers, and cooks who enjoy spending time outside. 

In addition to having 725 sq. inches of internal cooking area distributed across four adjustable smoking shelves, these digital electric smokers do have the capacity to prepare a wide variety of meats for a small or large group of people. 

With the huge capacity smokebox, you’ll be able to smoke for 4 to 7 hours before you’ll need to refill it. Simply wait patiently for your delectable dinner to be prepared.

There is a lot of space in this smoker, and it has a wonderful glass door that allows you to observe your meat without risking anything.

This is a great option if you require the 1000 square-inch capacity at a reasonable price.

This Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker has quite a fairly large capacity, despite the fact that it is oddly little.

Digitization:

It has a clear and simple digital temperature reading that is very easy to read, as well as buttons that are simple to understand and press. With this, it’s simple to see what you’re doing at a glance and to cycle between the different thermal readouts to see if you need to change either your expected cooking process or the temperatures of your smoker.

Window at the entrance:

Even though it may be a question of personal opinion, I like the electric smokers that have a front glass, which most of them do not. Some things can only be known by viewing them, which for most people means completely opening the door.

In most cases, a flesh thermometer is useful until it has been forced out of the flesh by contraction and is no longer capable of providing an appropriate core temperature measurement.

Outstanding Design:

Almost everything about the structure’s design and construction is excellent, from the front glass to the double-insulated walls and door lock, and even the location and security of the greased pan, which was previously stated. There is only one genuine exception, which I’ll discuss further on.

The following is a breakdown of the height:

This item is quite small, especially in comparison to its capacity. It’s only about 3 feet high, which makes it difficult to get things in and out without risking dropping them. There are at least six more inches of height that might be gained by adding some legs to this monstrosity.

To make life a little bit easier, consider placing this on a temporary platform you won’t be concerned about it tumbling off of.

4. Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D 30″ Electric Smoker

A 30-watt Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D is available for purchase “Designed to provide a convenient smoking experience, the Digital Electric Smoker includes a number of functions that make the cooking process more convenient.

The use of digital push-button controls makes it simple and quick to set and monitor preferred cooking times and temperature settings.

Digital meat thermometers allow you to see the food’s inside temperature with just a push of a button! In order to make the purpose of adding water and wood chips as simple as possible while avoiding smoke and heat loss, this digital electric smoker is fitted with a side-access wood pellet loader. A 30-watt Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D is available for purchase “You will have a spectacular outdoor cooking experience with the Digital Electric Smoker!

The primary difference is that it is substantially heavier and costs approximately twice as much as our winner. As a result, depending on your requirements, it may be a riskier alternative. Purchase this item if the immense size is quite well valued to you; nonetheless, it could be overkill for certain people’s requirements.

There are numerous settings for customizing this huge electric smoker.

Effortless portability

Because of its aluminum structure, it weighs only 12 lbs, making it extremely portable and easily handled in one hand.

The cost:

When it comes to pricing, electric smokers are available in a wide range of options, and this one is significantly more affordable than our winner, costing around a quarter the cost of our winner and half the usual rate of an electric smoker. This suits it a suitable choice for folks who just smoke every now and then and want an inexpensive and easy-to-store option on hand

Utilization is straightforward:

In addition to having a straightforward loading pan, it comes with a generous supply of high-quality hickory wood chips and operates with a single switch flick. Previously, it was stated that this was a good choice for newbies.

Construction:

The use of aluminum can make your product lighter and more economical, but it is not the best material for retaining heat or withstanding punishment. If you’re not careful, you can end up with dents and scratches, as well as temperature-control issues. 

5. Bradley BTDS76P Electric Smoker

Digital Food Bradley Digital Smoker The Smoker is ideal for those who wish to enjoy great smoked foods and do not have the time or energy to tend to live fire. Ample cooking space is provided by the use of four different cooking grates, which provides more than enough space to prepare meals for a group of eight or more people!

It is possible that your cooking requirements go beyond the typical family gathering, and that you will require a commercial-grade cooker.

This is a huge, heavy-duty type designed to feed a large group. This Bradley smoker has six to four adjustable racks and almost 800 sq. inches of cooking space, allowing it to gradually cook meats and other meals for up to eight hours at low temperatures.

A fantastic capacity and a really unique design are unfortunately held in check by a ridiculously weak piece of the design.

Feeder made of wood :

Only Bradley makes use of these, but they’re a very important factor in maintaining the wood flowing so that you may enjoy a consistent smoke without having to worry about it. While competing units allow for the use of wood pellets, Bradley’s continual supply of firewood to the smoker greatly aids in the creation of a genuinely smoked flavor and aroma.

Control:

This device has an “oven setting” as well as a “smoking configuration,” in addition to a digital control panel that is easy to read and adjust (it goes up to 280 degrees F) and controls that are nicely labeled.

Retention of heat:

This smoker appears to be in good condition on the surface, however, it is a weak machine. Only 500 watts are used, which is approximately half the normal power used by an electric smoker.

This implies it already has a hard time heating up the interior, and it will have even more trouble maintaining the temperature after it arrives.

6. Char-Broil Electric Smoker

A total of 544 square inches of cooking space is provided by the Char-Broil electric smoker, which is divided into three chrome-plated grilling grates. Dual exhaust ports aid to ensure consistent smoke production and enhanced airflow when the double insulated construction helps to retain smoke and heat. 

The temperature is displayed on the door, and the unit is protected by dual door latches. The grease cup is located on the opposite front of the device, while the wood chip tray and water tray are located on the inner front. 20.7 inches wide, 33.5 inches high, and 15 inches deep.

An extremely affordable electric smoker, it is ideal for those who want to take a low-risk step into the world of electric smokers for their entire smoking needs.

This is an excellent all-around model, but it is far heavier than it should be for its size, and it is hindered by a few odd design choices.

Effortless:

With double-insulated walls and a door, this stainless steel construction of a smoker provides excellent heat retention. Having a latch on the door not only keeps it from opening accidentally if it is jostled or knocked open, but it also makes it a little more child-safe than some other models because it is more difficult for children to open it if they attempt to play with it alone.

Temperature:

With an adjustable temperature and an easy-to-read (fog-resistant) temperature indicator front and center on the door, this is a superb, energy-efficient smoker. This device features a 1200 watt element, which makes it extremely effective for healing.

Trays:

In addition to the load wood chips tray, the drip trays and integrated moisture pan are securely fastened to the bottom of the smoker but are readily removed for dumping and cleaning. It is even possible to access the grease tray from the outside, allowing you to dispose of it without releasing any smoke, although the hard wood chip and dampness trays must be accessed through the front door only.

Knob for setting the temperature:

The temperature knob, which is a fairly normal item for electric barbecues or griddles, works quite well and can be set to any temperature within the element’s temperature range. The problem is that the element is located at the bottom of the smoker, right close to where all the plug feeds into it, which is where the problem occurs.

7. Masterbuilt 30-Inch Electric Smoker

Barbecue Tools and accessories made by Masterbuilt are well-known for their exceptional quality. In terms of quality and performance, the 30” electric digital smoker from the company is not an exception.

This budget-friendly smoker has four chrome-coated inside racks with a total size of 530 sq in, which can hold two entire turkeys, six large chickens, four racks of the ribcage, or four hog shoulders.

It is exceedingly simple to operate the Masterbuilt digital electric smoker, making it a great choice for anyone who is just getting started with smoking meat or for anyone who wants to churn out barbecue without the hassle of charcoal or offset smoker.

Internal temperatures can be regulated anywhere between 100 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit using the digital control panel that is incorporated into the oven. You can also control the cooking time from this panel, which also contains both the on and off switches. The integrated meat thermometer is in charge of the rest of the process.

Excellent insulation for smokers’ bodies

The Masterbuilt is more insulated than many other low-cost smokers, which helps protect and preserve internal temperature and lowers operating expenses, extremely cold or windy weather.

Size to cost ratios that are extremely generous

Almost as huge as the largest Weber Smokey Mountain 22′′, the 30 ′′ digital model offers a spacious 730 square inches of cooking space.

Easy-to-use technique for storing wood chips

Adding more chips to the chip tube way without having to open the door is a convenient technique to acquire extra smoke without having to open the door.

Useful in the cold-smoking

With the purchase of a cold smoking add-on kit, you may convert your digital Masterbuilt smoker into a cold-smoking machine.

The wood chip tray is quite small.

The chip tray will need to be refilled, or you can easily add an inexpensive pellet tube to the smoker to increase the amount of smoke it produces.

The width is narrow.

It is not possible to roast enormous blocks of ribs or a large brisket without chopping or rolling them, because the grilling racks are not large enough.

8. Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 30″ Electric Smoker

Aside from the fact that they’re the cheapest, electric smokers are the most convenient. In several of our other recommendations, the top and runner-up selections are already less expensive than the budget pick.

For those looking to get the most bang for their buck, the Smoke Hollow 30′′ is perhaps the best budget electric smoker available. It can be had for a fraction of the price of the Masterbuilt or Char-Broil while offering many of the same benefits.

Despite the fact that it only has three chrome-coated movable grill racks, the Smoke Hollow is a similar size and configuration.

Two turkeys, three pork butts, or three racks of ribs should all fit without difficulty.

Set your desired temperature using the digital control panel, and the smoking temperature is controlled by an inbuilt thermostat.

Excellent insulation for the price:

The build quality is surprisingly decent for a budget smoker, especially considering the price.

Simple to construct:

Given that it comes well-packaged and mostly completed, putting it together shouldn’t take you longer than 15 minutes.

To replenish the wood chip tray, open the main door:

If possible, a chip feed system such as the Masterbuilt Digital would be beneficial, as opening and closing the door too frequently can create temperature fluctuations.

Even if it doesn’t come with a remote control such as the Char-Broil, and the insulation isn’t quite as good as the best of the best (this may not be the best electric smoker for extreme cold), at this price, it’s hard to find anything wrong with it.

9. Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker

To perfect anything, you need the correct equipment, and this is true whether you’re a novice or a backyard BBQ ace.

Monitoring your masterpiece with Bluetooth Smart technology and achieving exact outcomes with the constructed meat probe thermometer are both possible with the 40-in Digital Electric Smoker. 

To use a number of wood chips in the innovative sides wood chip loading system, you may experiment with different flavors and combinations. With four chrome-plated cooking grates like racks, you can smoke up to 16 birds, four turkeys, eight racks of ribs, or eight pork butts. With Masterbuilt, you can learn to smoke like a pro.

Construction:

Construction of corrosion resistance and chrome plating, a tight-sealing door, a digital controls center, a Bluetooth remote monitoring app, and a side pull-out wood pellet tray

In order to step up your smoker game, the Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker is a high-end device that is built to survive a lifetime of usage. This professional smoker features a sleek chrome finish, a large 970-square-inch capacity, and a glass door so you can see the meat cook in all of its smokey glory.

A cutting-edge digital controls center makes it simple to set the desired temperature and smoke density. Its Bluetooth compatibility, though, is its standout feature. You may use your smartphone to check on what’s going on in the electric smoker at any time.

Four inside chrome-coated stainless steel racks and a side-loader for wood chips are included. There is an inside light for low light settings if your food takes longer than intended. If you need to move it, it also has a back handle and wheels.

Warranty

Only a 1-year warranty is provided by Masterbuilt, that is a little negligible than many of its closest competitors, who provide warranties that last for three years or more. Despite the fact that there are still some online manufacturers who offer reasonably priced three- or four-year added protection plans.

Customer Service at its worst

In cold weather, heat elements will not be able to maintain the desired temperature. Smoke is particularly bad at low temperatures. Because the front control system is not water-resistant, you’ll want to keep it covered if it starts to rain at any point. It’s a little difficult to clean up after yourself.

Things To Consider Before Buying The Electric Smoker

Choosing the best electric smoker, especially if you’ve never used one before, can be half of the battle.

There is a lot to choose from when it comes to the best smoker reviews on the market. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to both price and features–whether you want something simple and inexpensive or something extravagant and high-end.

Who are these intended for?

To determine whether or not an electric smoker seems to be appropriate for you, you’ll really like to ask yourself the following questions:

The convenience of using an electric smoker is one of the most appealing aspects of using one. Many people find that the effort and time required for wood smoking are simply too much for them. A traditional smoker with propane and the preparation and use of the smoker can take the better part of a day to properly cook a cut of meat.

When using an electric-powered smoker, you can save a lot of time compared to traditional smoking because it requires less preparation time and doesn’t require as close monitoring; for example, you’ll be following fewer steps when using an electric smoker.

You can Also Read: How to Clean an Electric Smoker?

What Are These Features?

When it comes to smokers, we prefer models such as the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker, which allows you to access the wood chip tray without having to open the main door that permits heat from the fire and smoke to leave the premises.

Wood tray manufactured by Masterbuilt (MB20071117)

In order to keep track of the internal temperature and the doneness of your meat, you’ll want to double-check that the unit comes with temperature and meat probes.

No probe isn’t a deal-breaker, you can invest in a much better quality third-party thermometer that can measure your food and your smoker’s temp at the same time.

In addition, pay close attention here to the control system panel and the options that are available. While most models only let you choose the internal temperature, a few models also let you select the cooking time.

The other important feature to look for is Bluetooth, as well as any level of remotely controlled capability.

To be sure, it’s a convenient feature to have; however, the last several generations of traditional smokers have been plagued by poor Range of the network and disassociation issues.

The landscape, on the other hand, is constantly shifting, so I recommend downloading the manufacturer’s app from the app store and reading some of the most recent reviews.

Possibility of Relocation

Electric smokers aren’t really meant to be taken on the go because of their dependence on electricity from the mains.

Granted, pellet grills require an electrical outlet, but they appear to have received the most technological advancements whenever it arrives at portability and convenience of use.

Managing the Temperature

Adjustable Temperature control is an important consideration when purchasing a smoker. One of the very first things you’ll look for is the ability to regulate the temperature of the unit.

Temperatures can be set anywhere from 100 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit using the digital or analog controls found on the majority of models. Some basic smokers, on the other hand, only smoke at a single temperature.

Other, more advanced models permit you to integrate a thermometer directly into the meat, the user can control the temperature control or setting where it matters.

Chose the Appropriate Size

Smoker devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

It is possible to get as much space as you need in a variety of sizes, ranging from small, portable units with only enough area for such a small family to big, commercial-sized units. Smokers typically range in size from 500 to 700 sq inches, that is ample capacity for most items such as brisket, rib cage, or a turkey to be cooked.

Possibility of incorporating firewood or charcoal

Electric smokers can be used with wood chips or charcoal, which may seem counterintuitive. Using this method, consumers can infuse the meat with an additional, authentic smoky flavor.

Even though electric smokers are capable of producing excellent results, they fall short when it comes to injecting authentic smoke flavor into the meat itself.

You’ve Set a Budget

An additional consideration while researching electric smokers is the amount of money you have available to spend.

Electric smokers range in price from around $100 to well over $500 for home models. Prices for commercial smokers can obviously be significantly higher.

Between $200 and $300 is a reasonable price to spend for a nice digitally controlled unit.

In Terms of Quality

When purchasing a smoker, the most crucial consideration is how effectively it performs.

Maintaining a steady temperature is one of the most important aspects of smoking meat successfully. When the temperature is continually fluctuating, it is difficult to cook the meat to the desired tenderness and flavor.

Pre-purchase research should include determining whether or not the compact smoker you’re considering are well-insulated and capable of maintaining the proper temperatures for the items you want to smoke.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Purchasing An Electric Smoker

So you’ve studied everything there is to carefully observe the best electric smokers on the market and are nearly ready to make a purchase, but you’ve also read some negative reviews.

One thing is guaranteed when you purchase an electric smoker. Expect to hear a lot of ridiculous statements from your mates about just how much wonderful charcoal flavors (unless your friends don’t eat meat, in which instance they will praise about your cuisine and proclaim it to be the best thing they’ve ever tasted).

Generally speaking, we agree that food prepared in such a charcoal smoker by a professional pitmaster will have a greater flavor.

However, 95% of people will not be able to recognize the distinction, and the minimal percentage of flavor you will be giving up will be more than compensated for by the ease with which it may be done.

Even more compelling is the fact that going electric means that you can BBQ every weekend rather than just twice a year, making it a no-brainer.

Rather than simply informing you which is the finest electric smoker to purchase, we’ve provided a full analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of using an electric smoker:

Benefits of using an electric smoker:

“Set it and leave/ forget it” is how electric smokers describe it. Based on what you appreciate and dislike about barbecuing, this may or may not be a positive or a drawback to you.

Fish and sausage can be easily smoked on an electric grill, as can a wide variety of other foods. As a bonus, you can easily turn them into cold smokers for bacon and cheese making

Using an electric smoker may be your only option if your apartment or unit prohibits the use of a charcoal grill.

The environmental impact of electricity is less than that of charcoal burning. Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from charcoal burning have been demonstrated to be detrimental in studies such as those conducted by Iowa State University.

The drawbacks of an electric smoker:

Even though the name suggests otherwise, you’ll need an easily accessible power source or impermeable extension cord for this one.

Many electric smokers contain more parts than conventional smokers, which means you’re more likely to experience problems that necessitate pricey maintenance work. Although not as serious as pellet smokers, it is still something to consider.

A smoke ring will not exist. Electric smokers should be used exclusively as a smoking devices. In contrast to other types of smokers, which can be adequate in a hurry, an electric smoker is incapable of producing the high temperatures required for crisp skin when roasting a bird or grilling meat.

Compromise is the name of all about when it comes to electric. A little flavor is sacrificed, but you gain a lot in the simplicity of use. Other varieties of smokers, while as capable of producing delectable meals, can achieve even greater results.

It’s possible that electric cooking is the best option for you if you’re willing to make a tiny compromise in taste (to be honest, most people won’t notice the difference).

In the meantime, if you’re like us and have a collection of smokers the way some people collect shoes, you may always experiment with coals or pellets in the future…

Final Verdict

Making a choice of the best electric smoker can be difficult.

When there are so many excellent options available, it will be far more challenging to restrict your selection down to a specific item or brand.

It’s difficult to go incorrect with the Smokehouse Brands Little Chief Smoker if you’re looking for a reliable performer that’s also loaded with useful features. It features computerized controls as well as a large amount of cooking surface area. There’s also an inbuilt meat thermometer and an easy-to-use wood chip feeding system.