What is the Best Electric Smoker? — High-Caliber Models and Guide (2022)
Having the best electric smoker/s can prove to be handy, especially if you want to level up your grilling experience. It's easy to control and stores heat pretty well.
Today, we'll list down some of the best electric smokers you need to check out. It'll make your whole grilling experience a lot better.
Reviews of the Best Electric Smokers
1. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt is ideal for both a beginner and professional. It's so easy to use and comes with unique features.
One of this smoker's main selling points is its ability to retain internal temperature, perfect as a cost-saving mechanism.
The inside sports four chrome plater cooking racks, making it one of the best electric smokers for cooking large batches. All you have to do is set your digital control panel to the desired temperature and go!
You'll also find the wood chip tray system very convenient. You don't have to open the main door anymore to add more chips to your smoker.
2. LANDMANN MCO Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker
This is one of the best portable electric smokers you can find today. It can accommodate a ton of meat while still cooking it to perfection.
If you want to check how your meats are cooking, all you have to do is take a peek through the window. You don't have to open the door anymore!
The interior of this smoker retains heat and internal temperature control well. It can handle temperatures ranging from 100 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough for your smoking needs.
3. Char-Broil Deluxe Stainless Steel Digital Electric Smoker
Functionality and affordability come hand in hand in the Char-Broil Deluxe Stainless Steel Smoker. You can cook as many meats as you want, thanks to the 275 square inches cooking space inside. Impressive!
Just set your desired temperature with the push-button control panel, and you're all set.
Once you've found your desired temperature, trust that it can maintain the heat inside until such time you've selected.
You don't have to worry about a laborious clean-up session after using this smoker. This smoker is effortless to clean [1], thanks to the grease drip trays, chrome-coated racks, and cooking grates.
4. Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
Another noteworthy smoker from Char-Broil is their analog electric smoke. It's very affordable and comes with excellent features you'd find on the digital variants.
It has your standard temperature gauge, grease cup, water pan, latches, and more.
This electric smoker is also very portable because of its small size and lightweight.
All you have to do is pull up the side handles, pack it on your trunk, and go. You can also cook as much meat as you want, thanks to its large cooking capacity.
The body sports dual exhaust posts, providing an even distribution of heat and airflow around your smoker.
5. Bradley Digital 4 Rack Smoker
The Bradley Smoker looks very sleek and beautiful, thanks to its polished stainless steel finish.
Not only is it beautiful, but the material is also highly durable in itself. You've got an electric smoker you can use for a lifetime!
On the inside, you'll find four racks of pretty decent size. You can cook meats like chicken, beef, and fish separately without worrying about the flavor.
You can trust that this electric smoker will exceed your expectations whenever you're up to some excellent cookout sessions.
Electric Smokers Buyer's Guide
Design
An electric smoker comes in different designs, and at the end of the day, it's a matter of preference for the buyer.
Regardless of which design you choose, always remember it should never compromise durability and quality. There are many stunning smokers out there, but to say that they come with excellent quality is a different matter.
When we talk of design, we also need to consider whether it lives up to the functionality a watt heating element should have. And if the answer is no, then you'll end up wasting a ton of money in the long run. Yikes!
Now, an electric smoker has several design features you need to look for. Doing so makes sure you get the best deal for the best price.
Exhaust Ports
It's only normal you'd want to contain the heat inside your electric smoker. After all, it provides a stable heating element on the inside.
But once your smoker has reached its maximum heat capacity, there need to be exhaust ports for it to release the excess heat and smoke out of its system. This is an essential design element, which a novice usually makes.
The absence of such exhausts can cause your smoker to overheat, explode, and even burn your food.
Heat and Smoke Retention
Once all the excess heat and smoke are out of your smoker, the interior should have enough heat and smoke levels to maintain your meat's cooking rate.
Having a temperature control panel will help make sure you have a consistent temperature range on the inside. Nothing would be worse than having uneven or uncooked meat.
Today, most electric smokers have a digital control panel that lets you monitor the internal temperature. You don't have to keep opening your smoking racks anymore, like how people used to do it.
Cooking Capacity
An electric smoker can come in different sizes. You've got small to large smocking racks, depending on how much you plan to cook.
When it comes to cooking capacity, there are two crucial questions you need to ask yourself: "WHAT and WHERE do you plan to cook?"
When it comes to finding the best electric smoker in terms of cooking capacity, we highly recommend checking out the size of the smoking racks inside.
If you only plan to cook a few pieces simultaneously, buying a large smoker is impractical and expensive.
And the same goes for buying a small watt heating element when you need to cook tons of meat at a time.
On the outside, the smoker might look large. But once you've opened it up, you'll find only a few racks measuring at the smallest square inches of cooking space possible.
Imagine how much chaos and money you'll have to waste if you make this wrong choice.
In reality, it takes some trial and error for people to find the best size for their electric smoker. It usually depends on their experience with using the equipment itself and the number of people they feed.
Performance
The most crucial factor you should always consider is the performance of your electric smoker. It's no secret that the performance varies from one brand to another. Some are better, while others aren't.
On average, an excellent basis to check whether your smoker provides outstanding performance is if it combines productivity and results.
You'd want to make sure that your equipment can cook at desired temperatures for an expected time. And this isn't an expectation that's too much for a consumer. If at all, it's what customers typically look for.
Now, you may have a piece of equipment that can cook. But does it deliver great results? Yes, an electric smoker can cook, but can it live up to what an electric smoker stands for?
Temperature Range
The beauty of having an electric smoker is that you can speed things up a little bit with a few clicks and twists of the controls. You can up and lower the temperature settings, depending on what you want.
But this power of control isn't enough in an electric smoker. What's more crucial is the presence of a diverse temperature range that can accommodate your cooking style and preference.
Having good food requires preparation, and part of it is setting your equipment to the right setting. If not, then you'll risk ruining your dish!
Controls
Like most appliances, an electric smoker comes with a wide range of controls. Whether it's a digital or analog smoker, expect it to have control for added convenience.
Today, some are so advanced that you can connect them to your phone via Bluetooth and access the controls from there! Wherever you are at home, you can switch things up with your phone thanks to the Bluetooth function.
As to which type of controls should you get? Well, it's a matter of preference!
Ease of Use
All you want to do is cook with your equipment.
But imagine if you've got ten more steps to worry about before you can finally cook. Not only will it discourage a beginner, but it might even discourage a pro cook.
As much as possible, let go of all the unnecessary complications and controls in an electric smoker. You want your equipment to be straightforward to use and nothing more.
Today, there are several types of equipment that have some fancy mechanisms that are genuinely complicated. It's hardly considered easy to use!
Connectivity
With the advent of technology and innovation, it shouldn't surprise you that connectivity has become an essential factor in choosing the best electric smokers.
Today, you've got the choice of Bluetooth or wifi connectivity for your control settings. And truth be told, Bluetooth connectivity provides more convenience than your standard equipment.
All you have to do is switch your Bluetooth on, pair your devices, and go! You've got the power right on your hands.
Do note that having Bluetooth and wifi connectivity affects the price of your electric smoker. It tends to be way more expensive than your usual electric smoker.
Portability
In general, an electric smoker needs to be near a power source to enjoy its use, which is why most people tend to secure their equipment in one spot.
But if you're someone who's always up for an adventure, having portable equipment can come in handy. Simple design changes can make this possible.
With the addition of side handles and sturdy wheels, you can bring your equipment to your outdoor adventures!
Customer Support
In case something goes wrong with your equipment, having a reliable customer support service is essential. Luckily, most brands offer this to encourage customers to get their products.
You've got a reliable service to turn to in case something happens to your smoker. That's great!
Price and Warranty
Regardless of how much you pay for your equipment, make sure it's worth it. You don't want to blow your money on one piece of equipment that barely comes with features.
Luckily, you can easily avoid this by doing some research of your own.
Now, whenever it's finally time to decide which equipment to choose, always make sure your selection comes with a warranty.
Doing so lets you enjoy your smoker for years to come, having peace of mind that you've got a fallback when something goes wrong with it.
The manufacturer can even repair it free of charge or even replace it!
Advantages of Using an Electric Smoker
If you aren't familiar with an electric smoker yet, know that they come with a ton of advantages. Each and one of them reasonable enough for you to get and enjoy its use.
Safe and Effective
One of the primary reasons you should get an electric smoker is that it's flameless. Unlike your traditional smokers, you don't have to worry about setting your home to fire whenever you use it.
Traditional smokers come with a ton of hazards, especially if you have kids around. An electric smoker makes an excellent alternative for keeping you and your surroundings safe.
Inexpensive and Low Maintenance
Buying smokers itself can get expensive. But once you've bought it, you don't have any costly maintenance costs to think about.
Whereas you'll need to allocate a budget to maintain your traditional smokers, especially for fuel and charcoal.
With an electric smoker, you've got nothing to worry about. All you have to do is plug it on a power source and go. Once down, wipe your chrome-plated racks, and that's it!
Convenient and Easy to Use
The best way to describe an electric smoker is "set it and forget it." Set the temperature gauge to your desired setting, and leave your meat to cook. And voila! Those are the two main steps you'll have to worry about.
Once in a while, you can take a peek at the viewing window and check how your gas smoker is going. And once done, pull open your glass door and enjoy.
How to Maximize Your Electric Smoker
Getting the most out of your electric smoker is key to getting your money's worth. We've got a few tips to help you maximize the use of your smoker, even before you start with cooking.
Following these tips makes sure you get the best results and flavor on your meat. Yum!
Season Your Smoker
Seasoning your cooking racks isn't usually the first thing most people would consider. If at all, many would place their meat straight into the smoker and go. And there's nothing wrong with that!
But if you want to get the best flavors out of your meat, we highly recommend seasoning your smoker. Doing it is so easy and straightforward!
Use Quality Wood Chips
Quality wood chips come hand in hand with smoking meat. Believe it or not, but finding the best wood chips for your type of meat can make a ton of flavor difference.
In general, make sure to load up your wood chip tray before starting the smoking process. Even without placing the meats in yet, you can already tell the difference if you use wood chips.
Some smokers today give you access directly to the wood chip tray without having to pop open the smoker door. This adds a lot of convenience to how you use your smokers.
Preheat Your Smoker
Similar to how you use an oven or grill, you'd want to preheat your smoker first. Give it enough time to reach your desired temperature before placing your meats in.
Get a Meat Probe and Dual Probe Thermometer
It's inevitable that there are some portions inside your smoker that might have a different temperature reading. And sometimes, this could be problematic for serious cooks out there.
To avoid this, we highly recommend getting a dual probe thermometer, so you've got two temperature readings. You don't have to rely on the built-in temperature reading and strive for perfection each time. (We have recommended smoker thermometers here.)
Having a meat probe in hand can also come in handy. Once in a while, you can stick your meat with a meat probe to check if it's reached the desired temperature!.
Clean it Right After
After a delicious meal, the last thing you probably want to think of is clean-up. And it's completely understandable!
But, to achieve great results each time, you'll need to keep the inside of your smoker clean.
Each smoker has removable parts, which you can clean individually. You've got your drip tray, chrome-plated cooking racks, water tray, among others.
Want to make your grill easier to clean? Go ahead and invest in some of the best grill mats!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Electric Smokers on the Market?
- Char-Broil
Char-Broil has a very diverse line when it comes to smokers. They offer both digital and analog electric smokers, depending on what you're looking for. And when it comes to size, you have more than enough options to choose from in their line/
They've got different square inches of cooking space for your small to large cooking needs.
What more can you expect from a brand that's considered a pro in the industry? Their grilling equipment remains to be one of the best today, and their line of smokers is no different.
- Masterbuilt
Masterbuilt also has a wide range of selections for their digital electric smoker. So much so, they already have various models that can host wifi and Bluetooth connectivity.
If you want convenience and ease of use, some Masterbuilt models' connectivity functions will come in pretty handy. While it's still a digital electric smoker, you can at least have the power in your hands.
You can easily switch the temperature control and time to whatever you want.
Plus, Masterbuilt also comes with different square inches of cooking space.
Learn how to use Masterbuilt electric smokers here.
- Smoke Hollow
Not to be outdone, Smoke Hollow has some tricks up its sleeves. They've stood the test of time, selling some of the best and most durable grills in the market.
Their digital electric smokers are no exception! Like most smokers, they've got different square inches of cooking space to choose from.
Plus, you can safely say they can keep the internal temperature well. It gives an equal distribution of heat for that perfect smoked meat. Delicious!
Are Electric Smokers Any Good?
Electric smokers work just as well as your traditional smokers out there. The only difference is the heating element other smokers have.
Simple set your equipment to the desired temperature and go! Set the timer on, go about your day, and enjoy your juicy meats later on.
Even though electric smokers use a different heating element, that doesn't mean the flavors aren't as great as others.
If at all, it's nearly the same. And if taste is your concern, trust that the insulation of electric smokers works wonders. It keeps heat well regulated inside for that juicy roast.
With the addition of wood chips, you can already enhance the flavor of your meats!
Just like how you would with a different heating element. Pop open the smoker door and inhale the fragrant fumes of your meat. You can almost taste the smokey flavor!
What Should I Look for When Buying an Electric Smoker?
Of all the considerations you have to make when choosing the best electric smoker/s, cooking capacity is the most important.
Make sure to select a smoker that provides X amount of square inches of cooking, depending on your cooking needs. Doing so helps you get the most out of your smoking experience with the least amount of time possible.
Now, as to what size your smoker should be exactly is a matter for you to decide. But in doing so, consider the following:
- Where do you plan to use it?
- How much do you usually cook?
- For how many people are you cooking the food?
New to smokers? See the best smokers for beginners here.
Our Top Pick For a Propane Grill Under 300: Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
Of the five products we've mentioned, the Masterbuilt stood out because of its excellent features.
This watt heating element can maintain an even temperature setting inside and keep that perfect smoke. And the results? A juicy cut of meat ready to be devoured.
The stainless steel chrome-plated cooking grates, water tray, wood chip tray, and temperature control are definite plus points for convenience.
Coupled with the stainless steel material, and we've got ourselves a durable masterpiece.
See more of your options for grills! We also compared Primo vs Kamado Joe here.
Learn more about grilling with our resources below:
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