An Electric Smoker makes the task of smoking meat look like a walk in the park sans the harmful effects of gas or charcoal smokers. A high-end electric smoker pretty much automates the entire process as it lets you set a timer and certain temperature.

There are both advantages and disadvantages of electric smokers as compared to charcoal ones. Let’s start with the disadvantage, the smoky flavor that comes in meat, pork ribs and turkey smoked on charcoal is difficult to achieve in electric ones, because it’s the gases and charcoal that give it the unique smoky taste although high-end smokers replicate this flavor pretty closely. But fish, bacon, and steaks are excellent when smoked on electric smokers.

Best Electric Smokers – Comparison Table!

But honestly, the advantages of an electric smoker over charcoal one outweigh the disadvantages hands down. Firstly, they are more cost-effective, secondly they are more convenient as you can set a particular time and temperature, thirdly they do not require too much space unlike large gas smokers and lastly, they are extremely safe to use.

Detailed and Unbiased Review of Best Electric Smokers

There are a lot of factors that you should consider before buying your smoker. For example, make sure the size is right for your use if you have a bigger family or love to throw frequent barbeque parties you would want to go for a bigger machine with at least 4-6 racks.

So if you are ready to buy your smoker but are baffled by the choices almost 50 odd brands provide (yep you read that right!), you have come to the right place. Our list of best electric smokers and their detailed reviews are below:

#1 Masterbuilt 20075315

Masterbuilt 20075315 is one of the most popular electric smokers out there because it has the features of some of the high-end products yet costs significantly lesser than them. The machine has a LED lights that do the work of illuminating the food when the door is opened in low light.

It has 4 chrome plated racks that are removable; the chrome coating protects the racks from corrosion. One of our favorite features of this machine is that you can make smoke rings; this feature is not there in most electric smokers.

Most of the parts are removable; hence it can be cleaned up pretty easily. It is 40 inches long and has a 975 square inches cooking area, which makes it large enough to smoke 100 lbs. of food in one go.

It comes with a 5 in 1 RF remote control. Now, this is an addition you only see on products priced over 500 dollars. The remote control allows you to switch on and off, control timer, set temperature, control internal light and lastly check the temperature of the meat.

One of the drawbacks is that the front controller is not waterproof and once the machine is in use it can get a bit smoky.

This smoker does not burn the wood chips too fast. The chips have to load from the side, so you will not have to open the door to add it. This prevents loss of heat inside the smoker.

It has a built-in meat probe thermometer, so you have perfectly cooked meat without worrying about overcooking. Additionally, the integrated thermostat temperature control ensures even cooking.

To conclude, this smoker is easy to operate and can be used by both beginners and pros.

#2 Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker

Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker is a great buy for beginners because it’s fully assembled and has easy controls. Its 18 gauge stainless steel body is made to last for a long long time. With its side handles and 4 rolling wheels, the machine is very easy to move around as well. Additionally, it comes with a sample hickory wood for you to use in your smoker immediately.

The grill weighs approximately 86 pounds and has a 12-foot long power cord. This machine uses way less wood than most of its contemporaries.

The smoker is well insulated with fiberglass in order to prevent heat loss. Not only this, it also has an 800-watt heating element that is NSF certified for restaurant use. It can heat up to 35 pounds of meat in one go.

One of the biggest drawbacks of this machine is that it cannot be controlled remotely like Masterbuilt models.

It has 4 removable racks and caster of 3 inches in diameter that need to be attached. Its drip pan easily drips slides under the smoker. The rheostat lets you take control of the temperature from 100 degrees F to 250 degrees F.

Overall, the machine has a very modern design and classy look. It is worth every penny if you absolutely love barbequed food.

#3 Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker

Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker is one of the most popular models in the less than 200 dollars category. Most of the low-end models either have issues producing adequate heat or cannot hold it up for too long.

One of the issues of this machine is that it has a magnetic door because of which when it heats up it has a tendency to pop up.

The machine has 505 square inches cooking area and 3 adjustable grates which are chrome plated. This makes it easy to clean the grill after use.

The temperature gauge on the door lets you monitor your heat settings. Its wood chip tray and water pan are made of porcelain making it durable.

Unlike most grills in this range, it has a strong 1500 watt heating element. Its wood tray though is really small and placed awkwardly. Likewise, the grease catcher is small because of which it needs to be frequently emptied.

Its double-walled steel outside is not very durable, but honestly, you can’t even expect anything much in this budget.

Overall the grill requires frequent tweaking here and there, it is not very suitable for beginners.

#4 Bradley Digital 4 Rack Electric Smoker

Bradley Digital 4 Rack Electric Smoker uses proprietary smoking bisquettes to produce the smoke. You need to add these in the smoke production unit placed on the side of the grill having a separate heating element. These chips get added automatically to the burner every 20 minutes. Each of these cost around 40 cents.

Since the heating element of the smoke chamber is different, you can run this grill at way lower temperatures than most of its contemporaries. Additionally, you can add a cold smoke adapter to this grill and experience true cold smoking.

The grill has a digital display that lets you see the cooking time and temperature. Its stainless steel body makes it easy to clean and also works as an insulator preventing heat loss. There is no window for you to view your meat cook.

The most popular feature of this machine is that it can run up to 8 hours unattended because of its fully controllable smoking system. The cooking temperature goes up to 320 degrees F without a sweat.

One of the drawbacks of this grill is that the cost of running it is a bit higher as compared to other products in this price range.

The 500-watt heating element is evidently not the strongest one available in the market and needs to be frequently replaced. So it really is a sucker during the winter days.

#5 Masterbuilt 20077515 Electric Smoker

Masterbuilt 20077515 Electric Smoker comes with a blue LED display which makes it easier for you to monitor cooking time and temperature even in direct sunlight.

It comes with a 5 in 1 RF remote control. The remote control allows you to switch on and off, control timer, set temperature, control internal light and lastly check the temperature of the meat.

Its 800-watt heating element comes with full foam insulation for protection. With its handle and rear wheels, the machine is very easy to move around as well.

It has 4 chrome plated racks that are removable; the chrome coating protects the racks from corrosion.

It comes with a built-in meat probe that lets you check the temperature of your food while the grilling process is on.

The grill has a redesigned front access drip pan and has a new feature called the drip deflector. This essentially does the job of entrapping the moisture and aroma inside the smoke chamber itself. This moisture along with the smoke adds a natural smoky fragrance to the food.

This smoker does not burn the wood chips too fast. The chips have to load from the side, so you will not have to open the door to add it. This prevents loss of heat inside the smoker.

Its internal light allows you to monitor the food while you are grilling and thus avoid over-cooking.

To conclude, its heating space stretches over 730 square inches so you have enough space to cook for all your friends and family over a weekend barbeque party.

#6 Old Smokey Electric Smoker:

Started in early 1923, Old Smokey is one of the oldest brands of electric smokers in the market today. You do not need to add water to this grill. To create smoke you simply put the wood chips on the heated plate and put the food on top of the drip pan.

I think it’s the simple and minimalist design of this smoker that makes it a winner. The smoker is durable and can be used for years with minimum maintenance.

One of the drawbacks of this smoker is that it tends to get really hot when in use because of its aluminum body. So make sure your kids and pets are not running around loosely around it.

Its heat thermostat allows you to have various cooking times and style. The Old Smokey Electric smoker has 2 grills, each with their own handles that make it easy for you to both insert and remove them.

It has a 1250 Watt of heating element, which is meant for low-temperature grilling. The drip pan makes it easy to clean up after use. The lid tightly seals the top and does not let the heat get out.

The best part about this smoker is its flat top that makes the juices drip right back into the food.

Why Should You Choose an Electric Smoker Over Conventional Pellet and Charcoal Grill?

#1 Harmful Emission

Traditional smokers using charcoal as the heating element produce harmful carbon monoxide. Electric smokers do not release such harmful emissions and are therefore substantially safer to use.

This is especially an important factor if you have kids or pets in your household. A traditional smoker has a risk of catching a fire and proving fatal.

#2 Saves time

While traditional smokers need constant monitoring and longer hours of cooking, electric smokers work on a set it and forget it, model. In a lot of higher end models, you can control the entire process with an RF remote control.

The remote control allows you to switch on and off, control timer, set temperature, control internal light and lastly check the temperature of the meat.

#3 Suitable for Cold and Windy Areas

Unlike charcoal based smokers, electric ones can be used in windy and colder areas. As these smokers are well insulated, they do not let the heat produced in the chamber pass away.

#4 Low Cost

In the longer run, electric smokers cost less than charcoal ones because they don’t need a constant refill of wood. They consume less electricity and the wood chips run for long periods.

#5 Can be Used Indoor

Unlike charcoal based smokers, these can be used indoor easily. This is because they don’t release emissions. So you can easily place it in your kitchen.

What are the Disadvantages of Electric Smoker?

#1 Complicated Components

While charcoal based traditional smokers are a simple piece of metal, the electric ones have a lot of working parts in them. It takes a while for most users to get a hang of the controls completely. Also you will have to replace some parts frequently.

#2 The Vintage Feel

Electric smokers can obviously not match up to the vintage flavor and feel of charcoal-based smokers. For a lot of home chefs, smoking meat is a fun activity. They really are not looking for an option where they set it and forget it. They like to spend their time actually monitoring the whole cooking process and do not want to leave their meat unattended.

What are the factors one should consider before buying an electric smoker?

#1 Cooking space

Depending on the number of people you would usually grill for, you can choose between a 4 rack and a 6 rack smoker. It is also better if you go with a smoker that has removable racks, to give you more cooking space to comfortable grill even a turkey. Most of the lower end smokers have just 2-3 racks.

Most smokers have 700 square inches of cooking space, but you can go for a bigger one according to your usage.

#2 Experience and Usage

I, usually suggest beginners use a higher model where a lot of features are automated and can be monitored easily. For those who have experience in grilling and are comfortable with tweaking the griller for their custom settings can go for a relatively cheaper model.

Although if you are a frequent griller, I suggest you can for a high-end model. They last longer and give you flavors at par with a charcoal based griller.

#3 Ease of adding wood chips

It’s important to see that you can easily add wood chips in the smoker and at what rate does it burn. If you have a smoker that uses up the wood chips too quickly, you will have to open the smoker and refill it time and again.

Make sure the box for adding it is of adequate size and can be removed easily. Alternatively, you can go for a smoker that has a wood chip box or rack on the side of the unit.

#4 Mobility

If you are going to frequent move your smoker around make sure you buy one with handles and wheels. You don’t want to keep cursing yourself, every time when you will have to pick it and move it.

Also, do not go for a very heavy model if you will frequently grill outdoor and then store the smoker inside later.

#5 Temperature Control

I suggest you should buy a model that comes with a rheostat as it lets you have complete control of the temperature inside the chamber. It usually comes with a digital display or a simple knob. This is a must-have feature for any decent smoker.

#6 Ventilation System

A smoker with installed caveats allows the smoke chamber to release heat and smoke. This helps to maintain a steady temperature inside the chamber. This ensures the meat is cooked consistently and steadily, making it juicier.

#7 Heat Flow

The heat flow is how the heating is moving inside the chamber. The higher-end models have the heat moving downwards and sideways. This flow of the heat helps your meat cook significantly faster.

#8 Rack structure and Type

There are both vertical and horizontal smokers available in the market. Although vertical ones are more popular, you can go for a horizontal one depending on the kind of meat you will likely cook. For example, if you will be grilling longer slabs, a horizontal one is a better option.

The racks are either stainless steel or chrome plated. Even though it doesn’t make a significant difference in your buying decision, the chrome plated ones protect the racks from corrosion and give it a longer life.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Your Electric Smoker for a Great Grilling Session?

#1 Instruction Manual

Before you start using the smoker, make sure you have read the complete user manual in detail. Different brands differ in their workings here and there so you want to be sure that you are following all the instructions given by the brand.

# 2 Season the racks

Make sure the racks are seasoned well with oil before use. Make sure you have added the adequate amount of water in the pan and added wood chips of your flavor. You can choose from various options like cherry, plum, cedar or apple wood. Always keep extra wood chips handy, in case your cooking time exceeds your expectation.

#3 Maintaining Moisture

There is nothing worse than dry meat for anybody who loves smoked food. Make sure you have added enough water to the pan. This water turns into moisture due to the heat inside the chamber, which keeps the heat from drying. You can also add flavors to your water pan like beer, citrus peels or spices.

#4 Monitoring the Meat

Electric smokers try to maintain a steady heat inside the chamber. In fact, some higher-end models even have auto turn off system to stop the heating process once the required temperature is achieved.

Nevertheless, it’s important you monitor your meat using a meat probe thermometer. Some models like Masterbuilt 20075315 have a built-in meat probe thermometer, so you have perfectly cooked meat without worrying about overcooking.

Wrapping Up

I hope by now you have decided the best model for your need. Buying the right electric smoker would be absolutely fantastic for those who swear by a juicy piece of smoked meat, but it can also be a nightmare and something that’s put away in the corner of your garage if bought without putting in thoughts while buying.

Our favorite model hands down is Masterbuilt 20077515. The smoker comes with a blue LED display which makes it easier for you to monitor cooking time and temperature even in direct sunlight.

Its 5 in 1 RF remote control allows you to switch on and off, control timer, set temperature, control internal light and lastly check the temperature of the meat.

To conclude, its heating space stretches over 730 square inches so you have enough space to cook for all your friends and family over a weekend barbeque party.

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