If you love the smell of smoked meat, the best electric smoker is one of the most significant additions to your barbecue equipment.
Compared to regular wood chips, it will speed up the process, and you can have something that takes an entire day, ready in just a couple of hours. You will also avoid the constant need to check up on the food.
Since electric smokers can be some of the more expensive items that one can buy, we have decided to help you with this process. Instead of having to do all the research on them, we have done it for you, and you can use this information.
Now, you can find all you need to know about some of the top electric smokers.
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The Best Electric Smokers for You in 2021
Not all electric smokers have been designed equally. Some of the smokers have unique features that set them apart from one another.
Before we look into these intricacies, we would like to look at the top electric smokers that you can buy. If you still need more info, the buyer's guide will help you understand the fundamental features.
What's so special about this best smoker? Well, read below to find out.
As you might find, the unit is excellent, as it allows you to moderate the temperature and heat as you like. In addition, as you will see, there is a digital control panel with on or off controls; therefore, you can regulate them according to your needs. This way, the food won't be over or undercooked, and it will preserve its taste, flavor, and quality.
Additionally, you will find a thermostat to control the temperature and regulate the heat to achieve better grilling results. Thus, there won't be burnt food, and it will be perfectly prepared.
Moreover, the Masterbuilt MB20071117 product includes the maximum temperature range, which goes up to 275°F degrees, and a massive inner capacity, suitable for more food at once. Hence, you could cook or smoke chicken, rack of ribs, pork butts, or turkey at once and enjoy delicious meals.
Thanks to the patented side wood chip loading design system technology, it will be effortless for you to add extra wood chips without the need to open the door. Thus, you could avoid and prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries and finish the grilling tasks effortlessly.
Due to the whole body and construction insulation, the Masterbuilt MB20071117 unit will retain and endure maximum heat and highest temperatures without any obstacles. Moreover, it won't break or damage as it includes the sturdiest and most durable materials to last for an extended period.
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Temperature control
- Heat output and distribution
- Quality issues
We love our electric smoker, thanks to its design features. Namely, it includes a built-in temperature gauge for better and more effortless temperature control to avoid overcooked, undercooked, or even burnt food. And, you could moderate it manually, as you like.
What is more, an analog dial ensures you control the temperature as you need to, and the process is effortless; you need to follow the process and regulate when you see the inconveniences. Thus, the progress is quick and easy, and it won't create additional problems for you.
Furthermore, you might observe the removable wood chip tray sliding in and out for effortless ash removal, and the maintenance process is a piece of cake. You don't need any additional tools or devices to keep it clean and ready for more robust use. Thus, it will always be prepared for instant action.
Thanks to the three chrome-coated smoking racks, the Masterbuilt MB20070210 smoker will provide the ultimate smoking experience, and you could preserve the food's quality. Consequently, you could quickly finish the grilling task and prepare more meals at once.
If you want an even, consistent and uniform smoking process, you need to apply a 1500-watt power source. It will best adjust to the smoker's need and provide enough energy for the maximum potential and ability.
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Durable
- Temperature and heat control
- Poor customer support
The following electric smoker will wow you thanks to various benefits. Let's sort them out!
You might notice the massive cooking surface. It includes 548 square inches of inner part, which means it will serve the most significant room for the enormous piles of food at once. Besides, the vertical footprint makes it an excellent product for your patios, decks, or BBQ kitchens.
Moreover, the three removable stainless steel shelves are easy to clean and perfect for cutting large pieces of meat. They're also dishwasher-safe and make the cleanup and maintenance process effortless. Thus, they don't take either your energy or time, and you can keep them ready for immediate use.
If you want to follow and regulate the inner temperature and follow the grilling process on the front door, you will notice the easy-to-read thermometer. Thus, you could select the desired degrees and then find the correct ones for your cooking needs.
Of course, the CUISINART COS-330 unit works at a total capacity with a 1500-watt power source since it includes the heat-resistant coil. This way, the team easily ranges between 100 and 400°F degrees in no time, and you control it with a dial. Thus, your food will preserve the original taste, the full flavor, and the best quality.
Due to the stainless steel trays, the unit is perfect for keeping the wood chips and water; hence, the cleaning process is an effortless one after use. However, when you grill, it requires wood chips.
- Warranty period
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy
- Not convenient for lower temperatures
With the 544 square inches of cooking surface, the Char-Broil smoker offers a wide variety of possibilities! As you will see, the area is big enough to place abundant food inside at once and arrange them on the three chrome-coated cooking racks. This way, your wood will receive the same cooking features, remain tasty and quality.
With a double-wall insulation system and construction, the unit contains dual-exhaust ports. Therefore, the unit will provide a supreme cooking or grilling experience, and you can finish everything quickly and effortlessly.
Moreover, the grates are easy to clean and maintain, as you could clean and support them with soapy water. All you should do is put the grates into the water, rinse, and dry them thoroughly and completely. The process won't take too much of your time or energy, and you can maintain it ready and clean until the subsequent use.
To keep the door sealed shut, you will notice the dual latches, along with the door-mounted temperature gauge. This way, the product will offer you the best insight into the inner part and temperature and the easiest way of following the grilling or cooking process. The door will also prevent potential risky accidents and severe injuries.
Additionally, the removable trays for wood chips, water, and grease are in the front part, again, to avoid accidents and severe injuries. Thus, the Char-Broil unit is safe for use and moderation.
To use it properly, you will need a 1000-watt power source.
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean and assemble
- Temperature issues
As a newbie, you might not have the know-it-all of the smoking meats to perfection. However, the Smokehouse Products Big Chief Smoker has been designed to help beginners learn some fundamentals while smoking. You can experiment with new flavors or tastes while you improve your skills.
The smoker is available in three different sizes, and this makes it hard to pick one with the right surface area for everyone. The smaller one is perfect for smaller families, but the large version can even be used commercially. It includes a water bowl that will catch some of the sauce from the meat, which can be used to flavor it again.
Certification of these units is becoming more important nowadays. However, the Smokehouse smoker has been certified by almost all the valid bodies for smoking meals. Additionally, you will receive a recipe book and explicit instruction on what type of wood chips work the best.
As for the price, it can be hard to determine, but the general cost is quite affordable. The larger version is more expensive than some of the smaller options, but this is expected with the additional size. Insulation is also at a premium, and you will have a limited 2-year warranty to give you peace of mind when cooking.
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- Certified by all bodies
- Available in multiple sizes
- Double insulation
- Includes a cookbook
- Limited 2-year warranty
- The door handle is not comfortable to use
The following ASMOKE smoker will preserve the food's quality and full taste because it uses all-natural applewood pellets. Thus, it provides the best versatility, and you could use it for various cooking and grilling options. This way, your food will always be delicious.
Additionally, the design includes the 8-in-1 options; therefore, you can select the proper one for your needs and start grilling instantly. Finally, the unit will allow you to grill directly or indirectly, with various modes, to achieve perfection.
Thanks to the two tiers of porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids, the ASMOKE unit provides you 256 square inches of grilling surface. Thus, it's versatile and allows you multiple functions and massive piles of food at once.
Of course, the temperature ranges from 180 to 500 degrees, and you can select all cooking or grilling modes, from low and slow to hot and fast.
On the other hand, the brilliant color LED digital temperature control will allow you to effortlessly set the degrees and track when the meat is ready for removal.
Due to the design system technology, its construction, and air duct system, the ASMOKE unit is safe and secures more excessive use, and prevents accidents and potential danger or possible severe injuries. It will also save the wood pellet up to 20% and reach 500 degrees 15% faster.
Although the warranty period is a limited one, you will still get five years of guarantee, and all additional tools necessary for the grilling process are in the package.
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Design
- Minor performance flaws
The Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker is probably not the most popular of electric smokers on the market today. However, it is loaded with some great features for cooking the perfect meals.
The smoker is made from stainless steel and looks like a box. This low-profile design makes it ideal for hiding the smoker somewhere while not cooking.
The model might seem small, but it can still give you more than 600 square inches of cooking space, which equates to about 22-pounds of meat being cooked at the same time. Another addition is the ability to reach 250-degrees Fahrenheit in temperature. With so much heat, cooking is sped up.
Looking at the construction, we find that it has been insulated to avoid any loss of heat. The unit also includes four wheels that will enable you to move it around as you need to when cooking.
Finally, it has been NSF Certified for safe use in most commercial restaurants if you happen to be a restaurateur reading this.
While this Smokin-It unit is not as expensive as many of the larger smokers, it does have one drawback. Unfortunately, it does not cook as evenly, and we have noticed that the bottom rack cooks much faster. You might need to give the upper rack an additional 30-minute to get the same temperature on meats.
- Reasonably priced
- Includes wheels for portability
- NSF Certified
- Well insulated
- Does not cook evenly
Next off, this ASMOKE AS660N-1 smoker is unique for its versatility.
Namely, the unit is convenient as it offers an 8-in-1 design; therefore, you could use it for smoking, grilling, BBQ, braising, roasting, char-grilling, broiling, or baking. Thus, you will get the food's full flavor, quality, and taste.
Thanks to the large cooking area, 700 square inches in total, the unit is perfect for a larger group of people, between three and twelve people at once. However, to work appropriately, consistently, and effectively, the unit requires 25.8 hopper capacity for more continuous and convenient smoking.
The product maintains different temperatures between 180 and 500 degrees of the temperature range with advanced heating fans and the upgraded automatic pellet feed system technology. Of course, you will find an LCD controller to keep the accuracy and precision within - or + 10 degrees and display the accurate temperatures.
Due to the patented stainless steel internal design and parts and the slide-plate flame broiler, the grill is perfect for either direct or indirect heating, safe and secure grilling, and even consistent heat output and distribution.
The ASMOKE AS660N-1 unit is built to withstand and endure all the external and internal conditions or pressure, as it provides the heavy-duty stainless steel with a UCL verification and certificate, along with the porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates. Thus, the grill resists rust and is weather-proof for an extended period.
Also, you'll get a five-year warranty period.
- Easy to use
- Easy to install
- Durable
- The gap in the heat shield
This one will blow your mind, as it contains the best system technology. As you will see, the Masterbuilt MB20073519 smoker is perfect due to the innovative Bluetooth technology, allowing you to follow the grilling or cooking process effortlessly. So, you won't need to babysit the unit anymore.
The technology allows you to control and moderate the temperature, monitor meat temperature, lightning, or power the smoker on or off effortlessly. Thus, you can regulate the whole process without obstacles and do something else as well.
Due to the four chrome-plated cooking racks, the unit offers an extensive cooking and grilling surface, so it's convenient to place massive piles of meat inside at once. Thus, you could serve more meals and dishes at once and enjoy delicious food with your family or friends.
As the unit contains the patented side wood chip loading system, you could add more wood chips without the need to open the front smoker's door and lose the heat necessary for a successful grilling or cooking. Awesome!
For the most convenient and best results, every time you use it, you will find a built-in meat probe thermometer, and you could regulate and operate the unit as you like, without any complications, additional devices, or tools.
Moreover, the Masterbuilt MB20073519 product includes a thermostat for temperature control and more convenient, even, and consistent smoking. This way, your food will preserve the flavor, taste, and quality for the best results.
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Temperature control
- Even heat distribution and output
- Poor customer service
Char-Broil has been widely known for the quality of their smokers. The brand has been around for many years, and now, you can find the Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker to help you cook those perfect meals. The walls are some of the most impressive things, and they feature a double layering of stainless steel. It makes them more durable and provides more insulation.
Users will get around 725 square inches of cooking space, which has also been broken up into multiple different racks. It includes a food-specific thermometer that can be placed inside or used on your grill when having a barbecue. The glass door is the real kicker and allows the chef to monitor the meals as they cook.
As one would expect with a great smoker, you will only need to add the wood chips from the side, without opening the door. This retains heat and cooks the food more evenly.
If you need mobility, Char-Broil 17202004 has included wheels and a handle on the finished design. This will make the 50.2-pound weight easier to move.
As you might have noticed, it has some of the many features that only some of the elite options generally have. Fortunately, this product comes at a massive bargain, and you won’t need to break the bank to buy it.
You will also have a 12-month limited warranty to test out the features and look for any defects that should be rare.
- 725 square inch cooking space
- Double insulated design
- Wood chips are added from the side
- Reasonably priced
- Includes wheels and a handle
- The controls are a little frustrating to figure out
If you need something that looks great, while being backed by a top brand, the LANDMANN MCO 32954 Smoky Mountain electric smoker will be one of the best additions to your home. It is almost the same as the Masterbuild but has a smaller window for looking at the food as you are grilling.
It has a lot of cooking surface and is in the same class as what you would find in most restaurants. The smoker has a cooking chamber that is non-insulated, a removable temperature controller, a double-walled door, and a 3-in-1 combination tray.
In total, it can give you around 8-hours of cooking on one set of wood chips without replacement needed.
The unit can reach up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit once you hit the highest level of temperature. All of this can be controlled from the outside, and you don’t even need to start it.
The thermometer is exceptionally accurate, allowing you to cook the meals to the recipe. The addition of the ash catcher makes it much easier to clean up once you are done.
Without any wheels, you need to find a fixed location to set it up, or you need some additional help to move it. Overall, you get great value and the added 1-year limited warranty for some peace of mind.
- Chrome-plated cooking racks
- Reasonably priced
- Non-insulated cooking chamber
- Includes a limited 1-year warranty
- Must be placed in a fixed location
As you might observe, the unit is remarkable for its upgraded analog controls and system technology. How so?
Well, it doesn't require any plugging or unplugging components, and you have everything you need in one place. Thus, it will make the grilling or cooking process more convenient.
The Pit Boss 77220 model comes with a massive cooking surface, containing 593 square inches, in the form of the three porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids; therefore, you could store huge food piles at once and serve more people.
You will also observe the wood pan and porcelain-coated water pan for a more suitable cleaning and cooking process.
When speaking about the cooking process, the pans and system will help you retain the food's primary quality, full taste, and flavor and prevent overcooked, undercooked, or burnt food. This way, your food will be delicious, and you'll enjoy it with your family or friends.
Additionally, the analog meat probe comes with the analog smoker; hence, you can regulate the smoking, grilling, or cooking process efficiently, avoid potential problems and retain the meat's taste, juiciness, and flavor.
You will also find external access to the wood pan tray and fuel box without the need to open it or move around. Thus, it will be safe and secure for more excessive use, and you could use it without worries about potentially dangerous accidents and severe injuries.
Once you regulate the temperature, you could select the desired one in a range between 150 and 325 degrees.
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Durability issues
The penultimate product will satisfy your grilling needs due to the full-frame and construction.
As you will notice, the Bradley Smoker BS611 smoker is impressive as it provides a stainless steel interior for more excessive and robust use, better durability, and sturdiness. Thus, it will last for an extended period, and you could adjust it to various conditions, pressure, and even the highest temperatures. Nothing will destroy it!
When you pull out the racks, rack support holds them together; therefore, it doesn't change their condition or position, and you could quickly moderate them, and they won't tip over and cause trouble. So, forget about worries!
When speaking of dimensions, it's crucial to remember that the inner part contains a drip tray positioned at nineteen inches above the regular pieces so that the food will have enough room, and you could place abundant food inside at once. Standard proportions measure 34 x 20 x 18 inches, and maximum weight measures 25 kilograms.
They're switched and connected to the smoke generator that effectively eliminates moisture, preserving food' flavor, taste, and quality regarding heat control and temperature regulation. This way, you could easily prepare your favorite meals and dishes and serve more people.
As the Bradley Smoker BS611 unit is a versatile one, you could use it for smoking, grilling, or cooking various meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, and other food effortlessly. It will be perfectly cooked, without any additives or lost flavor.
- Easy to use
- Easy to assemble
- Temperature control
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Heating problems
- Poor customer service
Not all of us need something too large for cooking. Occasionally, you will be fine with a smaller option if you have a smaller family.
The Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow SH19079518 digital electric smoker is the perfect option for these smaller gatherings. It features a load of great features that will help you cook excellent meals.
It is slightly smaller than most with a 415 square inch cooking surface. However, this has been broken up into different racks that will look like sections for cooking meals. It has a new drip pan added to help catch all the grease while allowing you to use the wipe approach when you need to clean it and save time.
An 800-watt element is what will be powering this unit, and this can reach up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit when you are cooking. The heat is perfect for preparing most meals, but things like beef might take a little longer.
The adjustable air damper is one of the best initiatives that allow you to control the smoke coming out.
Since this is not a high-tech option, the price is also much lower than some of the others. Many might even consider it a budget option, but when you use it, it does not perform like a budget option. It performs much better.
Much like the other advanced options, the 1-year limited warranty should keep you protected.
- It has a decent cooking space of 415 square inches
- Easy to control the smoke
- Affordable
- Reaches a respectable 275 degrees Fahrenheit
- Includes a 1-year limited warranty
- The main door must be opened to reload wood chips
The ultimate smoke is terrific as it offers multiple modes for use and various possibilities. Therefore, you could use it for grilling or cooking mixed seafood, fish, meat, vegetables, and other food types effortlessly and with full taste, flavor, or juiciness.
Furthermore, you will love the Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 30162E smoker due to the inner and outer parts and their design. Thus, you will observe the inner painted steel wood chip box for additional fuel and a better smoking process.
But, that's not all, as you might find the porcelain-coated steel water pan that effortlessly contributes to the cooking and grilling process.
Another big plus is the magnetic door-latching system. This way, they won't open easily, creating additional problems, causing incidents and severe injuries.
Moreover, you will notice three temperature settings and modes; thus, you could select the right one for your needs and prepare tasty food in no time. Then, the food can be placed inside the large cooking area, with two cooking grids, and prepared instantly to serve more people.
When you want to move it around or transport it, you could use two side handles for more convenient transportation and regulation. This way, the Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 30162E unit is highly adjustable and follows your commands.
Additionally, we love the unit since it includes an instructions manual and an easy assembly for instant use. Of course, you could place it everywhere due to the .91 x 22.49 x 37.79 inches of its dimensions.
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Easy to install and use
- Quick assembly
- Serious design issues
Essential Features to Consider When Buying the Best Electric Smoker
Not all electric smokers have been designed as equals. While there are many available, only a few of them stand out. We have decided to show you some of the most important features we used to find the top 15.
Now, you can also be an expert in the world of electric smokers when searching for one.
1. Cooking Area
The cooking area is probably the most crucial aspect. When smoking meals, you don’t want to use the unit continually.
If you can smoke as much meat as possible, it becomes much easier to do everything at the same time. However, you should also make sure that all the racks you are using have the same temperature consistency.
2. Insulation
All the units that we selected have no insulation problems. However, we did see a couple of units that do not fully insulate the doors. Double insulation is the best to look for, and this will ensure that the temperature is consistent.
Additionally, you can also look for the temperature potential to speed up the cooking process.
3. Portability
It is no secret that all of these units will be massive. Since you need a lot of space, you also need some stainless steel to make up the construction.
However, the addition of wheels can make a massive difference and ensure that the unit can be moved.
FAQs
What brand of a smoker is the best?
All of the listed brands are excellent; they just differ in minor details.
However, we recommend Masterbuilt as the top one, as it really produces the most quality, best performance and design, and most solid and durable smokers.
What might be the best electric smoker for beginners?
The best one for beginners is undoubtedly the Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker.
It offers the most convenient and most straightforward operations for newbies and provides the best way to satisfy their needs.
Do you need wood chips for an electric smoker?
It depends on your needs. For example, electric smokers don't generally need the wood chips; however, you can add them for more smoke and flavor of the meat.
Also, they're designed to accommodate wood chips, so you might use them if you like.
Is an electric smoker better than a pellet smoker?
No, it's actually vice versa. Pellet smokers are far better than electric models when it comes to the meat's flavor.
This is why they're more expensive than electric models; however, they're cheaper to moderate.
Is it safe and secure enough to use an electric smoker in the garage?
It can be helpful; however, it's not recommendable. It could cause severe accidents and injuries, as well as smoke damage if you're not careful enough.
Even if you have optimal airflow and circulation, everything will smell like smoke as the space is closed or limited.
Which Smoker Is the Best?
Judging on the three features we mentioned above, almost all of the units can potentially be considered as the best.
However, we highly recommend the ultimate Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker, as it provides supreme advantages and benefits for everyone's needs. So, try it, and find out the qualities!
- DIGITAL CONTROLS - Set your desired smoking temperature and cooking time on the digital control panel for seamless smoking experience up to temperatures of 275°F
- PATENTED SIDE WOOD CHIP LOADER - Patented side wood chip loader to continually add smoke flavor without having to open the smoker door, locking in heat, smoke, and moisture for delicious and juicy...
- WATER BOWL TO ADD MOISTURE – The removable water bowl allows for optimal amount of moisture, resulting in juicy and tender meats. Experiment with different juice flavors for hints of various flavor...
- SPACIOUS VERTICLE DESIGN with 711 cooking square inches that fits up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs, 4 Chrome-coated smoking racks
- FOUR chrome coated smoking racks included
Wrap-Up
An electric smoker is a real asset to any grill master. Whether you are entering a cooking competition or you want to treat the family, it will be great to have one.
Many of you might not agree with all of them, and we would love to hear some of your thoughts. You can also recommend some of your favorites that you think we missed.