In this article, we will review the best electric smokers on the market today.
Electric smokers are a convenient way to cook meat, fish, and vegetables with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
As the name implies, they use electricity as a fuel source.
During the cooking process wood chips are heated and create smoke that infuses your food with delicious smoky flavors.
Compared to gas or charcoal smokers, electric smokers are easier to use, making them a popular choice for home cooks.
We found the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker, to be the best electric smoker overall.
This comes as no surprise to me. My family has been using an old Masterbuilt electric smoker for years to cook some good barbecue!
But there are several worthy choices. So, keep reading to find out more!
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
| 9.7 | Check Price |
Overall Runner-Up  | Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best Pellet-Style  | Original Bradley Vertical Smoker
| 9.1 | Check Price |
Best for Beginners  | Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker
| 8.8 | Check Price |
Budget Pick  |
| 8.6 | Check Price |
Contents
5 Best Electric Smokers Reviewed
Going electric is not a bad thing to do. These smokers produce great tasting food that rivals that of gas and charcoal smokers.
1. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker (30-inch)
The Masterbuilt Digital Smoker is an excellent electric smoker.
The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is a top choice for those new to smoking or who don’t want to spend a lot on a smoker. It’s simple to use: just plug it in, add wood chips, water, set temperature, and you’re ready to go.
The patented wood chip loader is a standout feature, allowing you to add chips without opening the smoker door, minimizing temperature loss. This smoker maintains steady temperatures with only mild swings, mainly when adding additional wood chips.
One of the top features of this Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is its digital control panel, which makes it easy to set the cooking temperature and time. This allows you to achieve consistent results every time you smoke meat.
Another benefit of this electric smoker is its large capacity, which allows you to smoke a variety of meats at once.
However, its build quality reflects its low cost, with a plastic controller and thin aluminum walls. Also, the timer must be set for the smoker to work, which can be a minor annoyance.
Despite these points, its ease of use and low price make it an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a budget-friendly option. It’s perfect for small gatherings.
It has plenty of room for smoking up to 4 racks of ribs (cut in half), up to 6 chickens, 4 brisket flats, or 4 medium pork butts.
The flavor it imparts is subtle yet adequate, comparable to any pellet grill.
Pros
- Easy to use and control with digital controls
- Maintains a consistent temperature for competition-ready results
- Large capacity to smoke a variety of meats
Cons
- Lacks smoke flavor compared to charcoal or propane smokers
- Requires electricity to operate
2. Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker is a popular choice, known for its simplicity and effectiveness.
It features a sleek matte black design and comes with three chrome-coated racks, a removable water pan, and a wood chip tray.
The smoker has a spacious cooking area of 548 square inches of cooking space and a temperature range of 100°F to 400°F. The built-in thermometer and dial control make it easy to set the internal temperature to the exact degree you need.
However, there are some drawbacks.
The smoker lacks a feature to add wood chips without opening the door, leading to heat loss.
Also, the thermostat is not digital, making it challenging to set precise chamber temperatures. To ignite the wood chips, the smoker needs to be heated to at least 275°F, which can be inconvenient for lower temperature cooking.
Despite these issues, the smoker performs well, maintaining temperature with minimal variation. It is capable of handling a variety of foods, including a 9-pound brisket. The smoke flavor is present but not overpowering, although it may lack the intensity found in other smokers.
Cleaning is straightforward, involving a simple wipe-down with a vinegar-water mix.
In comparison to its competition, like the Masterbuilt 30″ , the Cuisinart COS-330 lacks some bells and whistles like a wood chip loader.
However, it remains a good value smoker, especially for those new to BBQ or seeking a basic, easy-to-use setup.
Pros
- Large cooking space of 548 square inches
- Easy to set up and use with a simple dial control
- Removable shelves make it easy to clean and accommodate different sizes of meat
Cons
- Prone to rusting if not properly maintained
3. Bradley Original BS611 Electric Smoker
The Bradley OriginalBS611 Electric Smoker is a great choice for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to smoking.
It is known for its unique automatic wood bisquette feeder system, which adds bisquettes to the smoker at set intervals. Similar to a pellet smoker you get consistent smoke without the need the need for constant manual intervention.
The BS611 has four racks. It provides ample space for a variety of meats and other foods. Its unique design makes it easy to use and produces consistent smoke for up to 9 hours
It’s designed for both hot and cold smoking, giving you versatility in smoking dishes from cheese to brisket.
The Bradley Smoker is praised for its ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced smokers.
However, some users have reported issues with parts needing replacement and difficulties when it comes to temperature control.
One of the biggest downsides of this electric smoker is that it is more expensive than some other models on the market. Additionally, it requires proprietary bisquettes for smoking, which can be more difficult to find than other types of wood chips.
Pros
- Large cooking space for feeding a crowd
- Professional-grade design for consistent smoke production
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior
Cons
- Requires proprietary bisquettes for smoking
4. Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker is an excellent choice for those starting their meat-smoking journey.
It’s an affordable option, making it accessible for beginners who are not yet ready to invest heavily in smoking equipment.
Key features of this smoker include its ability to maintain a steady heat temperature, crucial for consistent smoking. It’s capable of holding a temperature of 225 degrees, ideal for a range of smoking needs.
The smoker also produces a good amount of smoke, ensuring that the meat gets that desired smoky flavor.
A pro tip for using this smoker is to soak your wood chips for about 30 minutes before use. This prevents them from burning too quickly and ensures a steady smoke supply.
The smoker is well-suited for smoking various meats, demonstrated in the video with pork shoulder and chicken wings.
Overall, the Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker is a solid, budget-friendly option for those new to smoking meat. It’s easy to use and performs well, making it a recommended choice for beginners in the smoking hobby.
5. Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
The Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker is a standout choice for home smoking enthusiasts. This smoker is user-friendly, perfect for both novice smokers and experienced BBQers.
Its spacious interior, with five chrome-plated grates, offers ample room for up to 50 pounds of meat, fish, or vegetables, making it ideal for backyard BBQs or large gatherings.
One of its key advantages is the ability to maintain a consistent temperature of 160 to 170 degrees, ensuring a low-maintenance smoking experience.
Its durable construction, made of corrosion-resistant aluminum, ensures longevity and consistent performance.
The Big Chief excels in imparting a consistent smoky flavor, thanks to its specially designed heating element and wood chip pan.
It’s not just for meats; you can smoke cheese, vegetables, or nuts, expanding your culinary horizons.
Cleanup is easy with removable grates and drip pan, and the aluminum exterior is simple to wipe clean.
Safety is a priority with this smoker, featuring a reliable heating element that reduces the risk of flare-ups. It’s also an excellent cold smoker, a rare find in electric smokers, perfect for foods like fish and smoked cheese.
Operating costs are low due to its energy efficiency, making it a budget-friendly option. As part of the Smokehouse Products family, it benefits from a legacy of quality and innovation.
Pros
- smokes up to 50 pounds of meat or fish
- easy to use
- smoker comes with UL and cUL certifications
Cons
- Limited capacity: not suitable for large or thick cuts of meat.
Buying an Electric Smoker
When it comes to finding the best smoker for your needs, there are several factors to consider. You’re looking find a smoker that;
- is the right size for your cooking needs,
- has a good temperature control,
- is constructed of durable material
- is easy to use
- fits your budget, and
- has a good warranty.
Size
If you plan on smoking large cuts of meat or entertaining large groups of people, you’ll want to choose a smoker with a larger cooking surface. However, if you have limited space or only plan on smoking for a few people, a smaller smoker may be more suitable.
Temperature Control
Some smokers have better temperature control than others. It is a little harder to dial in the exact chamber temperature on smokers without a digital temperature control system.
Construction Material
Look for a smoker made of high-quality materials that will last for years. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to clean.
Ease of Use
Look for a smoker with simple controls and easy access to the cooking area. Some smokers also come with features like removable racks and drip pans, which make cleaning up after use much easier.
Budget
Electric smokers can range in price from under $100 to several thousand dollars. While a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better quality, it’s important to choose a smoker that fits your budget and has the features you need.
Warranty
Look for a smoker with a warranty that covers both the smoker and its parts. A good warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
Getting the Most Out of Your New Electric Smoker
With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can create delicious smoked meats and vegetables at home with ease.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new smoker.
Preparing Your Smoker
Before you start smoking, make sure your smoker is properly set up and ready to go. This includes:
- Cleaning the smoker: Make sure your smoker is clean and free of debris before you start smoking. This will help prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your food.
- Seasoning the smoker: “Seasoning“ your smoker means running it empty for a few hours to burn off any chemicals or residues from the manufacturing process. This will help prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your food.
- Adding wood chips: Make sure you have plenty of wood chips on hand. Different types of wood chips will give your food different flavors, so experiment to find your favorite.
Smoking Your Food
The following list contains some tips to help you get the best results when smoking your food:
- Preheating the smoker: Preheat your smoker to the desired temperature before adding your food. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent any temperature fluctuations.
- Adding your food: Make sure your food is properly prepared before adding it to the smoker. This may include marinating, seasoning, or trimming off excess fat.
- Monitoring the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of your food. This will help ensure it is cooked to the proper temperature. Bluetooth meat thermometers with meat probes are excellent options for this.
- Adding more wood chips: If you want a stronger smoke flavor, add more wood chips halfway through the smoking process.
Cleaning Your Smoker
After you’re done smoking, it’s important to properly clean your electric smoker. This includes:
- Emptying the ashtray: Make sure the ashtray is emptied and cleaned after each use.
- Cleaning the racks: Electric smokers get a little nasty. Remove the racks and clean them with warm, soapy water.
- Wiping down the interior: Wipe down the interior of the smoker with a damp cloth to remove any remaining debris.
Our Verdict
We have reviewed the best electric smokers and summarized what we found in this post.
Using an electric smoker is a convenient and easy way to create delicious smoked foods at home. From brisket or pork to fish or cheese, electric smokers are a good option compared to other types of smokers.
Based on consumer feedback and extensive research, we found the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker to be the best overall electric smoker.
That’s to take nothing away from the remaining smokers on the list. They all are highly rated options.
So, start smoking in style and get your smoker today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric smokers?
Electric smokers have several advantages over traditional smokers. They are easy to use, require less maintenance, and can be used indoors. However, they may not provide the same smoky flavor as traditional smokers, and they may not reach the same high temperatures.
What are the best wood chips for electric smokers?
The best wood chips for electric smokers depend on the type of meat you are smoking. Hickory is a popular choice for pork and beef, while apple wood is a good choice for poultry. Mesquite is a strong flavor and should be used sparingly.
How long does it take to smoke meat in an electric smoker?
The length of time it takes to smoke meat in an electric smoker depends on the type and size of the meat. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours per pound of meat. However, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches a safe temperature.
How do I know when my meat is done in an electric smoker?
The best way to know when your meat is done in an electric smoker is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meat should reach a safe temperature, which varies depending on the type of meat. For example, pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F, while chicken should reach 165°F.
How do I add more smoke flavor to my meat in an electric smoker?
To add more smoke flavor to your meat in an electric smoker, you can use wood chips. You can also use a smoke generator or add a smoke tube to your smoker.
