This is our review of the best indoor smokers.
Barbecue smoking is normally done in an outdoor space, but with indoor smokers, you can now enjoy the same delicious smokey flavor from the comfort of your own home.
Indoor smokers come in many different types and sizes. They are specifically designed for indoor use. Smoke is generated by burning wood chips or pellets, and then circulated throughout the food to be smoked. The smoke infuses the food with flavor, and the result is a delicious, smoky taste that is hard to resist.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best indoor smokers on the market and help you find the perfect one for your needs. Based on our research, we found that the Weston Indoor Smoker and Slow Cooker is the best indoor smoker overall.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | WESTON Indoor Electric Smoker & Slow Cooker |
| Check Price |
Best Stovetop  | Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker, Red |
| Check Price |
Budget Pick  | Camerons Large Stovetop Smoker |
| Check Price |
Best Handheld  | Homia Smoking Gun Wood Smoke Infuser |
| Check Price |
Types of Indoor BBQ Smokers
When it comes to indoor smokers, there are three main types of smokers to consider: stovetop smokers, handheld smokers, and electric smokers.
Stovetop Smoker
A stovetop smoker is a compact appliance that can be used on your stovetop. It’s a great option if you don’t have a lot of space but still want to smoke your food indoors. Stovetop smokers come in different materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum. They use wood chips or pellets to produce smoke and can be used to smoke a variety of foods such as fish, meat, and vegetables.
Handheld Smoker
A handheld smoker is a small, portable smoker that can be used to smoke food indoors or outdoors. It’s a great option if you want to add a smoky flavor to your food without investing in a larger smoker. Handheld smokers use wood chips or pellets to produce smoke and can be used to smoke a variety of foods such as cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Electric Smoker
An electric smoker is a larger, more expensive option that can be used indoors or outdoors. It’s a great option if you want to smoke a lot of food at once and have more control over the temperature and smoke level. Electric smokers use electricity to heat up wood chips or pellets and produce smoke. They can be used to smoke a variety of foods such as brisket, ribs, and chicken.
No matter which type of indoor smoker you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use it in a well-ventilated area.
Best Indoor Smokers Reviewed
If you’re looking to add a smoky flavor to your food without having to go outside, an indoor smoker is the perfect solution.
- Quickly Infuses authentic smokehouse flavor
- Has a 6-qt. nonstick cooking vessel
- 3 smoke settings and 2 slow cook settings
- Some smoke may leak out through lid
The Weston 2-in-1 Indoor Smoker & Slow Cooker is a versatile indoor smoker that also doubles as a slow cooker.
This indoor smoker is perfect for those who want to smoke their favorite foods quickly and easily year-round right in their kitchen. It infuses meat, cheese, and vegetables with authentic smokehouse flavor without the long wait. Besides smoking foods with the cooking vessel removed, you can easily slow cook a variety of foods in the nonstick cooking vessel. It holds up to 6 quarts and fits a 6 lb. chicken or a 4 lb. roast.
- High dome cover allows for maximum capacity.
- Comes with base pan, water pan, nonstick smoking rack, thermometer, recipe booklet and wood chips
- Not suitable for cooking on high heat.
- Some parts may rust over time.
If you’re looking for an indoor smoker that can transform your everyday food into delicious meals, the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker is a great option.
This indoor smoker is perfect for putting smoke flavor into meats, seafood, game, pizza, and more. The high-dome cover allows you to impart smoky goodness into whole chickens and whole ducks without having to sacrifice room. You can even do a dry smoke for items like pizza or a more jerky tasting chicken.
It comes with a 5-year warranty and is made in the USA with imported handles and a thermometer.
- Can be used on any heat source
- Doubles as a steamer, poacher, or roasting pan
- Dishwasher safe for easy clean up
- May be too small for larger items
If you’re looking for a versatile indoor/outdoor smoker, the Camerons Large Stovetop Smoker is a great option.
This smoker is perfect for smoking meat, fish, vegetables, and more right on the stovetop or BBQ. The smoking box is designed to keep food moist while smoking and the lid keeps smoke inside to infuse food with rich wood flavors.
It is easy to use. Just line the tray with any flavor of Camerons Fine Smoking Chips, add your ingredients to the cooking rack, and place it over heat for a perfectly smoked meal.
Some users report that the drip pan is too small, which can lead to a mess on the stovetop. However, many find this smoker to be a great addition to their kitchen or outdoor cooking setup.
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- Professional smoking gun with metal burning chamber and metal fan
- Regularly updated online recipes
- Bubble mixture is not included
- Batteries are required
The Homia Smoking Gun Wood Smoke Infuser Birner PRO – Starter Kit is an easy-to-use and versatile indoor smoker.
This smoking gun is designed to be ergonomic and easy to use. There is a wide burn chamber that helps to quickly light wood chips. It’s portable and convenient, making it a great choice for adding a smoky flavor to virtually any food or cocktail.
Plus, it comes with a starter kit that includes 11 pieces, so you have everything you need to get started right out of the box.
The metal burning chamber and metal fan make it easy to clean and maintain. The intense cold smoke generated by the fan is easily absorbed into food and drinks for that tender smoky flavor. It’s also can be used to smoke meat, fish, cheese, pasta, whiskey, cocktails, and more.
Buying Guide
When shopping for an indoor BBQ smoker, there are a few key features to consider before making a purchase. By considering these factors, you can choose the best indoor smoker for your needs and enjoy delicious smoked meats and vegetables from the comfort of your own home.
Size
Consider the size of the smoker you need. If you plan on smoking large cuts of meat or cooking for a crowd, a larger smoker may be necessary. However, if you have limited space or only plan on smoking smaller items, a smaller smoker may be more appropriate.
Temperature Range
The temperature range of the smoker is also an important factor. Look for a smoker that can reach high temperatures for cooking meats quickly, as well as lower temperatures for smoking fish and vegetables.
Material
Choose a smoker made from high-quality materials that will last for years. Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
Features
Look for additional features that can make the smoking process easier and more convenient. Some smokers come with digital controls, built-in thermometers, and even Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring.
Cost
Finally, consider the cost of the smoker. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a higher-quality smoker can save you money in the long run.
How Do Indoor Smokers Work
Indoor smokers are a great way to enjoy smoked food in the comfort of your own home, regardless of the weather outside. But how do they work? Let’s take a closer look at the mechanics behind indoor smokers.
Difference between hot and cold smoking
There are two main types of smoking: hot smoking and cold smoking. Hot smoking involves cooking the food while it’s being smoked. Cold smoking is done at a lower temp and doesn’t cook the food.
Most indoor smokers use the hot smoking method, which involves heating up wood chips to produce smoke, and then using that smoke to cook the food.
Indoor smokers typically have a heating element or burner that heats the wood chips to produce smoke. Some indoor smokers also have a water pan, which helps keep the food moist while it’s being cooked.
Limitations of indoor smoking
There are pros and cons to smoking food indoors.
One of the biggest limitations is the size of the smoker. Indoor smokers are typically smaller than outdoor smokers. So, you may not be able to smoke larger cuts of meat or larger quantities of food.
Another limitation is the type of wood chips you can use. Some indoor smokers are designed to work with specific types of wood chips, which can limit your options when it comes to flavor.
Keep in mind that indoor smokers can produce a lot of smoke. This can be a problem if you don’t have proper ventilation in your home.
Indoor smokers are a great way to enjoy smoked food in the comfort of your own home. By understanding how they work and their limitations, you can make an informed decision about whether one is right for you.
What Type of Wood is Recommended for Indoor Smoking?
When it comes to smoking food indoors, choosing the right type of wood is important. The type of wood will affect the taste and aroma of your food.
Here are some types of wood that are recommended for indoor smoking:
1. Applewood
Applewood is a popular choice for indoor smoking. It has a mild, sweet, and fruity flavor that goes well with pork, poultry, and fish. It also produces a pleasant aroma that will make your home smell great.
2. Hickory
Hickory is a classic choice for smoking meat. It has a strong, smoky flavor that goes well with beef, pork, and poultry. However, it can be overpowering if you use too much of it, so be careful.
3. Mesquite
Mesquite is a popular choice for smoking beef and pork. It has a strong, earthy flavor that can be a bit bitter if you use too much of it. However, it can add a nice smoky flavor to your food if used in moderation.
4. Cherry
Cherry wood is a mild and sweet wood that goes well with poultry, pork, and fish. It gives a reddish color to your food and produces a pleasant aroma.
5. Alder
Alder wood is a mild wood that goes well with fish and poultry. It has a light, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor that won’t overpower your food.
When choosing wood for indoor smoking, it’s important to avoid using wood that has been treated with chemicals or pesticides. Stick to natural, untreated wood for the best results.
Wrapping it up
Indoor smokers are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. They bring the rich, smoky flavors of outdoor cooking right into the comfort of your home. Whether you choose a stovetop, handheld, or electric smoker, each one offers a unique way to enhance your meals.
It’s important to consider the size, type of wood, and features that suit your cooking style. Do you want to smoke large meals or just add a touch of smoky flavor to your dishes? There’s an indoor smoker for every need. And remember, using the right wood like applewood or hickory can make a big difference in taste.
We recommend the Weston Indoor Smoker and Slow Cooker to turn your kitchen into an indoor smokehouse.
Are you ready to transform your cooking with delicious smoky flavors? Choose the perfect indoor smoker for your home today.
