Electric smokers offer a convenient and user-friendly way to smoke meats and other foods at home. These appliances provide consistent temperature control and smoke production without the need for constant monitoring or fuel management. Many models come with digital controls, built-in thermometers, and spacious cooking areas to accommodate various cuts of meat.
The best electric smokers of 2024 combine reliability, ease of use, and excellent smoking performance. Top models maintain steady temperatures, produce ample smoke, and yield delicious results across different types of food. When selecting an electric smoker, key factors to consider include cooking capacity, temperature range, construction quality, and additional features like smartphone connectivity or multiple rack positions.
1) Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker is a popular choice for both novice and experienced smokers. It offers 730 square inches of cooking space, providing ample room for various meats and vegetables.
This model features a digital control panel that allows precise temperature management. Users can set the desired temperature and cooking time with ease, ensuring consistent results.
The smoker comes equipped with four chrome-coated smoking racks. These racks are adjustable, allowing for flexibility when smoking different sizes of food items.
An 800-watt heating element powers the smoker, capable of maintaining temperatures between 100°F and 275°F. This range is suitable for most smoking needs, from low and slow cooking to higher temperature smoking.
The side-loading wood chip system is a convenient feature. It allows users to add wood chips without opening the main door, helping to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the smoking process.
Insulation in the smoker’s walls helps retain heat and smoke, contributing to efficient operation and consistent results. The unit’s compact size makes it suitable for patios or smaller outdoor spaces.
2) Bradley Smoker BTDS76P Electric Smoker
The Bradley Smoker BTDS76P is a digital electric smoker with four racks, designed for outdoor use. It features a vertical cabinet-style design and operates with natural draft ventilation.
This smoker offers straightforward setup and operation, making it accessible for users of various experience levels. The digital controls allow for precise temperature and time settings, enhancing cooking consistency.
The BTDS76P uses Bradley’s proprietary wood bisquettes for smoke generation. These bisquettes are automatically fed into the smoker, providing consistent smoke flavor throughout the cooking process.
With its four racks, this smoker offers ample space for smoking multiple items simultaneously. The interior is constructed with stainless steel, promoting durability and ease of cleaning.
Temperature control in the BTDS76P can be variable, with some users reporting fluctuations from the set temperature. Despite this, many find it produces flavorful smoked dishes when used correctly.
The Bradley Smoker BTDS76P is designed to enhance the smoking experience by focusing on flavor production. Its digital features and automatic feed system aim to simplify the smoking process for home cooks.
3) Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker offers a spacious 725 square inches of cooking area. This model features a double-wall insulated construction to help maintain consistent temperatures.
It comes equipped with a digital control panel for precise temperature management. The smoker includes four adjustable chrome-plated cooking racks to accommodate various food sizes.
A built-in meat probe allows for monitoring internal food temperatures without opening the door. The large capacity wood chip box provides extended smoking sessions without frequent refills.
The Char-Broil Deluxe boasts an insulated, glass door for easy viewing of the smoking process. Its removable water pan helps maintain moisture levels inside the cooking chamber.
This electric smoker operates at 750 watts, providing sufficient power for most smoking tasks. The unit’s blue LED display enhances readability in various lighting conditions.
While generally well-regarded, some users have reported issues with temperature consistency. It’s important to note that Char-Broil issued a recall for this model in February 2024 due to potential electrical current leaks.
4) Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker
The Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker offers a compact and efficient smoking solution for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. This 30-inch vertical smoker features a durable construction and easy-to-use design.
With its magnetic door latching system, the 30162E ensures a secure seal during the smoking process. The unit includes multiple chrome-plated cooking grids, providing ample space for various meats and vegetables.
Temperature control is straightforward with the adjustable thermostat. The smoker can maintain temperatures suitable for low and slow cooking, although some users report occasional fluctuations.
The side handles enhance portability, making it convenient for tailgating or camping trips. Its compact size of 16 by 14 by 30 inches allows for easy storage and transport.
Wood chip loading is simple, but some users note that the chips may not produce as much smoke as expected. This could affect the intensity of smoky flavor in the final product.
The 30162E is suitable for beginners and those with limited outdoor space. Its electric operation eliminates the need for constant monitoring of fuel sources, allowing for a more hands-off smoking experience.
5) Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker is a popular choice for those seeking an affordable and straightforward smoking solution. This compact 30-inch vertical smoker offers a user-friendly experience without complex features.
It provides consistent temperature control, which is crucial for achieving desired results when smoking meats and other foods. The smoker’s simplicity makes it particularly appealing to beginners in the world of electric smoking.
Despite its basic design, the COS-330 efficiently delivers authentic smoked flavors. It comes with 548 square inches of interior space, offering ample room for various smoking projects.
The Cuisinart model boasts high ratings from users who appreciate its reliability and ease of use. Its no-frills approach focuses on the essential task of smoking food effectively.
While it may lack advanced technology or extensive features found in pricier models, the COS-330 proves capable of producing satisfying results. It represents good value for those who prioritize functionality over extra bells and whistles.
6) Dyna-Glo DGU732SDE-D Digital Electric Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGU732SDE-D Digital Electric Smoker offers a convenient and technologically advanced smoking experience. This 30-inch model features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to control and monitor the smoking process through a smartphone or tablet app.
With 732 square inches of cooking space spread across four chrome-plated steel grates, this smoker provides ample room for various meats and foods. The digital control panel and integrated meat thermometer enable precise temperature management without opening the smoker door.
The unit includes a built-in thermometer and timer for accurate cooking. Its digital interface simplifies temperature and time adjustments, enhancing user convenience.
While the Dyna-Glo DGU732SDE-D boasts useful features, some users have reported issues with temperature consistency. In certain cases, the smoker struggled to maintain the set temperature, fluctuating between lower and higher readings.
Prospective buyers should note that some customers have experienced reliability concerns. Reports of heating element or control board failures have been documented, and replacement parts may be difficult to obtain.
7) Old Smokey Electric Smoker
The Old Smokey Electric Smoker offers a straightforward approach to smoking meats and other foods. This vertical smoker features a cylindrical design with a 15-inch diameter body, providing ample space for various cooking needs.
At its core is a powerful 1,250-watt heating element that generates consistent heat for smoking. The smoker includes two grill racks, allowing users to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.
The Old Smokey comes equipped with a wood chip tray and a drip tray, essential components for achieving that desired smoky flavor and maintaining cleanliness during use. Its analog temperature controller gives users manual control over the cooking process.
This electric smoker stands out for its simplicity and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a no-frills smoking experience without breaking the bank.
The Old Smokey’s basic design makes it easy to use and maintain. Its compact size also makes it suitable for those with limited outdoor space.
8) Pit Boss 3 Series Digital Electric Smoker
The Pit Boss 3 Series Digital Electric Smoker offers an enhanced smoking experience with its advanced features. This model builds upon the capabilities of the 2 Series, providing smokers with more precise control and convenience.
One standout feature is its large wood chip tray, which reduces the need for frequent refueling during long smoking sessions. This allows for more consistent smoke production and flavor infusion.
The smoker comes equipped with a digital thermostat control board and LED display. These elements enable users to easily monitor and adjust temperatures throughout the cooking process.
Its vertical design maximizes space efficiency while still offering ample cooking area. The smoker’s construction features a silver hammertone finish, giving it a sleek and durable appearance.
For those concerned about maintenance, the Pit Boss 3 Series includes a matching smoker cover. This accessory helps protect the unit from the elements when not in use, potentially extending its lifespan.
While the smoker excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that some users have reported the drip tray to be on the smaller side. This may require more frequent emptying during extensive use.
9) Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker
The Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker offers a convenient smoking solution for both novice and experienced barbecue enthusiasts. This compact unit provides 431 square inches of smoking area across three chrome-plated cooking grids.
Its space-saving design makes it ideal for those with limited outdoor space. The smoker features a 3-in-1 combo tray that serves as a wood chip box, water pan, and grease pan, maximizing efficiency.
The Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker comes equipped with a viewing window, allowing users to monitor their food without opening the door. This feature helps maintain consistent temperature and smoke levels throughout the cooking process.
Landmann’s electric smoker provides a user-friendly approach to smoking meats and other foods. It eliminates the need for constant monitoring of fuel sources, making it suitable for those new to smoking or those who prefer a more hands-off approach.
While electric smokers may not deliver the same depth of smoke flavor as traditional offset or charcoal smokers, the Landmann Smoky Mountain offers a reliable and accessible entry point into the world of smoked foods.
10) Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker
The Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker is a compact and efficient option for smoking enthusiasts. This stainless steel smoker is built to last, featuring 18-gauge 304 stainless steel construction.
The smoker comes with three stainless steel grilling racks, with space for a fourth if needed. Each rack measures 12 by 13 inches, providing ample cooking area for various meats and vegetables.
A 400-watt heating element powers the Smokin-It Model #1, ensuring consistent temperatures for optimal smoking results. The unit also includes fiberglass insulation to maintain heat efficiency during operation.
One standout feature is its ease of use. The Model #1 arrives fully assembled, eliminating the need for complicated setup. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners or those who prefer a hassle-free smoking experience.
Portability is another advantage of this smoker. It comes equipped with four heavy-duty 3-inch casters, allowing for easy movement around the patio or deck.
The Smokin-It Model #1 is designed for straightforward operation, focusing on essential features rather than complex controls. This simplicity contributes to its reliability and consistent performance.
Advantages of Using Electric Smokers
Electric smokers offer several key benefits for both novice and experienced barbecue enthusiasts. They provide convenience, precise temperature control, and eco-friendly operation compared to traditional smokers.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Electric smokers simplify the smoking process. Users can set the temperature and timer, then let the smoker do its work with minimal supervision. This hands-off approach frees up time for other tasks or relaxation.
Most electric smokers have user-friendly digital controls. These allow for easy adjustment of temperature and cooking duration. Some models even offer smartphone connectivity for remote monitoring and control.
Loading wood chips is straightforward in electric smokers. Many units feature side-loading trays that can be refilled without opening the main smoking chamber, maintaining consistent temperatures.
Temperature Control and Consistency
Electric smokers excel at maintaining steady temperatures. Their heating elements provide consistent heat, crucial for achieving perfectly smoked meats.
Precise temperature control allows users to smoke different types of food at ideal temperatures. This versatility accommodates various recipes and cooking techniques.
Many electric smokers come with built-in meat probes. These tools help monitor internal food temperatures without opening the smoker, ensuring optimal doneness.
The insulated design of electric smokers helps maintain consistent temperatures even in varying outdoor conditions. This feature is especially beneficial in colder climates.
Environmental Benefits
Electric smokers produce fewer emissions compared to charcoal or wood-burning smokers. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option for outdoor cooking.
They don’t require constant fuel replenishment like traditional smokers. This reduces the need for charcoal or wood, conserving resources.
Electric smokers can be used in areas with fire restrictions. They pose less fire risk than open-flame smokers, making them suitable for apartments or condos with strict regulations.
These units are energy-efficient. They use electricity only when heating, unlike charcoal smokers that continuously burn fuel. This efficiency can lead to lower energy costs over time.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting an electric smoker, size, capacity, and construction materials play crucial roles in performance and durability. These factors directly impact the smoking experience and the quality of food produced.
Size and Capacity
Electric smokers come in various sizes to suit different needs. Compact models are ideal for small families or occasional use, while larger units cater to frequent smokers or those who entertain often. Consider the available space in your outdoor area and typical cooking requirements.
Most electric smokers offer between 500 to 900 square inches of cooking space. This translates to 2-3 racks for smaller units and up to 6 racks for larger models. A 30-inch smoker typically accommodates 4-6 chickens, 2-3 turkeys, or 4-6 racks of ribs.
For versatility, look for adjustable or removable racks. This feature allows for smoking larger items like whole turkeys or briskets. Some models include hooks for hanging sausages or fish.
Construction Materials
The materials used in an electric smoker’s construction affect its heat retention, durability, and overall performance. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its corrosion resistance and easy maintenance. It withstands high temperatures and frequent use without warping.
Insulation is critical for maintaining consistent temperatures. Double-wall construction or thick insulation helps retain heat and smoke, improving efficiency and flavor. This feature is particularly important in colder climates or for year-round use.
Look for smokers with sturdy doors and tight seals. Good seals prevent heat and smoke loss, ensuring even cooking and rich flavors. Some models feature viewing windows, allowing monitoring without opening the door and losing heat.