Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Smoking is one of the healthiest and most flavorful ways to cook: think succulent smoked salmon, tender smoked turkey breast and luscious smoked brisket. But mastering a traditional wood-powered smoker has quite the learning curve.

For cooks new to smoking, or people who are simply too busy to tend to their food for hours on end, electric smokers are a great option. With the push of a button, they cook meat, fish and vegetables to perfection and require very little babysitting by the cook.

Cooking with an electric smoker is also very healthy since you don’t need to use butter or oil to infuse flavor.

If you’re interested in investing in an electric smoker, read on to learn about the important features to look out for, in our best electric smoker reviews on the market.

(And to get a better understanding of these appliances in general, check out our explanation of how electric smokers work).

What to consider when buying an electric smoker

Smoker capacity

The smoker capacity you need depends on how many people you plan on cooking for on a regular basis. In general, you want to be cooking 1 pound of raw meat per person.

Keep in mind that you can’t use every square inch of cooking space because there needs to be enough air circulation for even cooking. Take note of the number of racks included in the smoker.

Are they adjustable or removable? Removable shelves are easier to clean as well.

Temperature control

There are two types of temperature control: rheostats and thermostat controllers. Rheostats control the amount of electrical power the heating element gets and has no temperature feedback.

This type of control is not very accurate. Thermostat controllers have temperature feedback that allows the smoker to regulate the temperature internally.

Vents make it easier to control the cooking temperature.

Maximum temperature

Generally speaking, the smoking process is a long one using relatively low temperatures.

However, to cook poultry well, you will need a smoker that has the capacity to heat up over 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Insulation

With any good smoker, you want good insulation around the smoking compartment. Less than ideal insulation results in heat loss, which affects how efficiently your meat cooks.

Well-insulated smokers are handy in winter months when cold weather tends to affect temperature control. 

Door access

Because opening the smoker will result in loss of heat and smoke, you want one that has a small access door where you add wood chips or water to the water pan.

This will minimize heat and smoke loss.

Viewing window

Beginner smokers will be tempted to open the machine to look at how your meat is turning out.

This will result in significant heat loss so if this sounds like you, try purchasing a smoker with a viewing window.

Meat probe

If you want the ability to check the temperature of the meat internally while it’s smoking without opening the door, you need a model with an included meat probe.

Protection

When the smoker is not being used, you need to protect it from the elements; ideally, you should avoid getting an electric smoker wet for prolonged periods of time.

Does the smoker come with a cover? Or is there an option to buy one? If covering the machine isn’t an option, does the smoker have attached wheels for easy storage? Make sure you can push it easily over your home’s terrain – deck, pavers, or lawn.

Now that you have an understanding of what features to look for in an electric smoker, read on for our roundup of the best electric smoker reviews.

The Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Smokehouse Products Little Chief

The Smokehouse Products Little Chief is a front-loading electric smoker that features a non-adjustable heating element that operates at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, easy-slide chrome-plated grills, a maximum capacity flavor fuel pan and a dishwasher-safe drip pan.

The Smokehouse Products Little Chief is made of durable embossed aluminum and, like all electric smokers, should only be used outdoors. It has a convenient front-loading design and can smoke up to 25 pounds of food at a time.

A consistent low temperature setting (165 degrees Fahrenheit) so you know that you’re smoking food at the low temperature you need and not cooking and ruining your expensive and well earned batch of salmon or sausage.

Engineered for premium smoke ventilation including smoke circulation and proper dehydration. This ensures you get that deep smoke flavor and just the right texture when you’re ready to take your food out of the smoker.

Pros	Cons
Budget-friendly price.	Temperature is not adjustable.
Easy to clean.	Not for heftier cooking projects like brisket or pork shoulder.
Ready to go right out of the box.	Thin aluminum construction won't insulate contents from cold weather.
Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker

The Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker features a washable and removable food thermometer, intuitive controls that alerts you when your food is done and keeps it warm until you are ready to eat.

A functional interior with easy to adjust cooking grates and an easy to clean grease tray, a lid-mounted temperature gauge to track preheat status and monitor the inside temperature of the grill, and wheels for easy transport and storage.

It also has a remote control that can set and change the desired cooking temperature and cook time and can also be used to monitor the temperature.

This smoker holds up to four cups of food. It is well-built and airtight, so the temperature is efficiently regulated.

This brand has been America’s favorite grill brand. Yet somehow, it feels like Char-Broil is still only getting started. Perhaps it’s because they know that making their products better also makes the cookouts better.

And as long as that’s true, it’s all the motivation needed to continue innovating and improving what they make.

Pros	Cons
Convenient remote control.	Higher price tag.
Adjustable cooking temperature.	Can't be used for cold-smoking.
Wheels for easy transport.	Glass door tends to fog up.
Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Smoke Hollow 26142E 26-Inch Electric Smoker

With four smoking racks, the Smoke Hollow 26142E 26-Inch Electric Smoker has a total cooking area of 730 sq. in. It features a top air damper for better control and a push-button design for easy operation.

It is made of powder-coated steel for durability and has an 800-watt heating element and thermostat temperature control so your meat cooks evenly.

This smoker also has a digital control panel, a convenient side-loading wood chip tray, and a removable drip pan for easy cleanup. It takes up almost 20x34x21 inches and weighs just over 52 pounds.

This is a solid smoker that is well-insulated with minimal chances of heat loss. This smoker is easy to operate with its electronic control panel, thermometer, top air damper, 24 hour timer function and side-loading wood chip tray.

It has enough space to cook just about anything and is quite easy to clean.

Pros	Cons
Budget-friendly price.	Some buyers complain of quality control issues.
Well-insulated for minimal heat loss.	Requires significant assembly.
Fits enough food for 6 people.	Not well-insulated.
Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker

The Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker allows you to smoke a wide variety of foods, all at the same time.

The stainless steel interiors are easy to clean and won’t rust, and the smoke diffuser system keeps the smoke flowing, eliminating dirty smoke and preventing “black rain” from dripping on the deliciously smoked food.

The smoke generators are designed for easy maintenance and cleaning and can be effortlessly removed for safe storage.

The unique, automatic feed system enables you to load up your smoker with nine hours of Bradley Flavor Bisquettes.

The Bisquettes are designed to burn for a precise amount of time, and are extinguished before they turn to ash, delivering pure smoke taste every time.

Setting up your Bradley is super easy, and will have you smoking your favourite meal in a matter of minutes.

Pros	Cons
Adjustable cooking control.	Some buyers complain of quality control issues.
Easy to clean	Higher price tag.
Stainless steel interior.	Smoke generator issue.
Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Dyna-Glo 30″ Digital Electric Smoker

The Dyna-Glo 30’’ digital electric smokers feature digital push-button controls to make setting and monitoring desired cooking time and temperatures quick and easy.

With the digitally-controlled, integrated meat thermometer, you can keep an eye on the food’s internal temperature without opening the door.

This digital electric smoker is equipped with a side access wood chip loader to facilitate the process of adding wood chips while minimizing smoke and heat loss.

Designed for easy access and a simplified process, this smoker will have you serving up ribs, sausages and more in no time. The digitally controlled meat thermometer displays the internal temperature of food at the push of the button.

This digital electric smoker is equipped with a side access wood chip loader to facilitate the process of adding wood chips while minimizing smoke and heat loss.

Pros	Cons
Provides abundant cooking power even in colder climates.	Temperature issue.
Side access wood chip loader.	Wood chip loader is too small.
Removable tray.
Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker

The Masterbuilt MES 440S Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker features innovation both a novice and a pro will appreciate. Perfect slow-smoked flavor with five different smoke settings of the patent-pending custom smoke system.

With bluetooth smart technology, control the cooking experience from your smart device or digital control panel. There is plenty of room to smoke your favorite foods on four chrome-coated racks, and a meat probe thermometer for perfect results every time. 

The handle and wheels add an extra convenience to make moving the smoker easy. Master the art of smoking with Masterbuilt.It believe that given the right tools, anything can be mastered.

That’s why they design products to help the consumer along the way, whether you’re a novice or a backyard BBQ pro. Masterbuilt builds products to make their buyers proud.

Choose your fuel source and start the journey. Try out different wood flavors and seasonings, and create signature dishes that become family traditions. Perfecting slow-cooked ribs has never been easier.

Pros	Cons
Consist of 5 smoke settings.	Higher price tag.
Meat probe thermometer included.	Glass doors tend to fog up.
Accessory-ready ports .	Temperature issue.
Best Electric Smoker Reviews

Benefits Of Electric Smokers Vs Other Types Of Smokers

Propane smokers

With propane smokers, you have to carefully watch their propane levels. When you’re running low on fuel, you’ll need to switch out the empty tanks for full ones.

With electric, there’s no need to keep vigil over your propane — just plug it in and cook. For more on this, see our detailed comparison of propane and electric smokers.

Charcoal smokers

When it comes to smoking with charcoal, beginners can have a hard time figuring out how to regulate the temperature inside their smoker.

Burning charcoal also makes quite a mess and many people believe that inhaling charcoal fumes is dangerous, particularly the easy-lighting ones.

Electric smokers do not emit as many harmful fumes and are comparatively easy to clean. (However, keep in mind that even an electric smoker should not be used indoors due to the smoke produced in the cooking process.)

Wood smokers

With wood smokers, you need a large amount of wood and it can be challenging to maintain an even temperature.

Electric smokers require a relatively little amount of wood and self-regulate their cooking temperature.

Ready to buy your first electric smoker?

Electric smokers are great for beginners or those who are too busy to tend to a traditional smoker. They do not require fuel, are easy to clean, don’t emit harmful toxins, and generally have self-regulating temperature controls.

Before buying one, you should consider smoker capacity, temperature control, maximum temperature, insulation, door access, viewing window, meat probe and protection from the elements.

Now you’re armed with everything you need to know in order to pick the best electric smoker for you! Not yet convinced? Check out ten advantages of using an electric smoker.