You’re in the right place if you’re looking for the best electric smoker.
Electricity may be frowned upon by charcoal purists.
Even so, the best electric smokers can produce tender, smoky food with lesser effort.
Rather than wood pellets, propane, or charcoal, electric smokers rely on electricity to heat and cook meat. These smokers typically use a thermostat to control the temperature, heating up a coil inside the chamber to smolder a bowl of wood chips typically placed at the bottom. – Professional Writer
Amy Schulman – Professional Writer
Let’s hear a story from Denise…
I enjoy smoked meat.
While I’m trying to achieve that amazing flavor without an electric smoker,
it’s definitely a hassle.
Therefore, I asked my husband to buy us an electric smoker.
We can’t wait to smoke meat together
with the whole family and eat amazing briskets.
In this article, we’ll show you how a smoker works…
…and what features you should look for when you shop for one.
Now…
Here we review and recommend some of the top models in several categories…
…from the largest to the most portable…
…and from the most advanced to some of the more affordable ones.
Obviously, we name our favorite, since everyone loves a good winner!
Let’s jump right in!
Top Electric Smoker Reviews
According to our extensive research…
…we have identified the following five products…
…as the best electric smokers available at various price points…
..to suit different needs and budgets.
Throughout this review, we discuss each model’s strengths…
…and weaknesses as well as the things we and previous owners like and dislike…
…to help you choose the smoker that suits your needs best.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker, 30", Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 30162E 30-Inch Electric Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control, Black | Prime | Buy Now | |
| Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker, 30", Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Bradley Smoker BTDS108P 990223 Bradley Digital 6 Rack Smoker, 11.50" L x 33" H x 15" W, Silver | Prime | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller
- 730 sq. inches of cooking space with 4 chrome-coated racks and 800 watt heating element
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Masterbuilt is known for its extensive, varied..
…and respected product range in this niche…
…and you can’t talk about electric smokers without mentioning it.
As their brand was built on this product…
…they are naturally high on our list of the top-rated electric smokers.
This Masterbuilt digital electric smoker is one of their older models…
…and it is available in three colors – black, silver, and stainless steel…
…and is a classic and bestselling favorite. For beginners, it’s a good smoker.
Featuring a vertical cabinet of powder-coated steel…
…this backyard smoker will not take up a lot of space…
…in your yard while cooking delicious smoked treats during any season.
There is an 800-watt heating element to heat the 730 square inches…
…of cooking space on four chrome-plated cooking racks.
A smoker can achieve internal temperatures between 100 …
…and 275 F, the ideal range for all types of smoking…
…from delicate fish and vegetables at the low end…
…to briskets and ribs at the high end.
Within the lid is a removable dual-purpose pan…
…which is used as a water pan to add moisture to the cooker…
…as well as a drip pan to collect fats when they fall from the lid.
The drip tray makes cleaning easy.
Take it out and wash it. If you have ever used a smoker…
…without a pan to collect drippings…
…you know how grimy it can get as it accumulates over time…
…and how difficult it is to clean once it’s baked on.
The top of this unit includes a damper for regulating airflow…
…and a push-button control panel with an easy-to-read, blue-lit…
…digital LED display to let you know when the food is smoky.
Cooking temperatures and times can be set with the digital pushbuttons…
…on the control panel. With programmable temperature…
…and cooking time, it’s easy to use with no learning curve.
A side loader makes it convenient to add wood chips during cooking…
…so you don’t have to open the door and lose heat to add smoke…
…and you avoid all the issues of “if you’re lookin’ you ain’t cookin’.”
A great combination of build quality, efficiency, ease of use…
…and affordability makes this Masterbuilt electric smoker a great buy.
While there are better models if you’re willing to pay a higher price…
…there are a few in this guide…
…but this is the best balance of greatness and price.
Therefore, it is our top pick for the best electric smoker for the money.
Pros:
- Built with durable materials. Designed to withstand the rigors of being permanently outdoors.
- It is well insulated for efficient heat retention.
- The top vent can be adjusted to control the amount and flavor of smoke.
- A digital temperature control panel with a 24-hour timer is easy to use.
- An adjustable rack system allows for flexible cooking options and is easy to clean.
Cons:
- There is no meat thermometer probe, which many models include nowadays (although many third party wireless meat thermometers are available.)
- The 800W heating element isn’t the most powerful on the market, so it may take a while to heat up. Despite this, it’s more than enough for successful cooking.
- It would be great if the warranty was longer than 90 days.
Masterbuilt 20077515 Front Controller Electric Smoker with Window and RF Controller
- Digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A wireless RF control and monitoring system sets this product apart.
You can monitor and control the smoker temperature…
…meat temperature, internal light, and turn the unit on and off from a distance…
…so you are no longer tied to the cooker.
With the meat probe, you can remotely monitor the cooking temperatures of the meat.
Four adjustable chrome-plated cooking plates provide 730 square inches…
…of cooking surface, allowing for a variety of food configurations.
A front-access drip tray makes grease removal and cleanup easy after cooking.
The unit measures 20.3″ x 19.7″ x 32.1″, weighs 53.35 pounds…
…and has on top a blue-lit LED digital display…
…with a digital control panel you can use to set the smoker temperature…
…and the cooking time.
Featuring an 800-watt heating element…
…that can reach up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit…
…foam insulation for better heat retention…
…and a locking door with a viewing window to let you see how the meat is smoking.
By using the convenient side-loading system…
…wood chips can be added easily…
…eliminating the need to open the smoker’s door to refill with chips…
…and enhance the cooking process with smoke.
Its top and side exhaust ports provide full control over airflow…
…and smoke generation, plus a handle and wheels on the rear make it portable…
…allowing you to move it to where you want to cook in your yard and store it easily.
Pros:
- Small footprint but provides a large cooking area that can serve a crowd.
- A rear handle and wheels make it more maneuverable.
- An easy-to-read LED screen and a user-friendly digital control panel for setting the temperature.
- The front-access drip pan and side-loading wood chips make this unit easy to use and easy to clean.
- The remote RF monitor and control system enables you to manage your cook away from the smoker.
- This is a good-looking piece of kit.
Cons:
- The 800W heating element isn’t the most powerful, so it may take up to 45 minutes to reach the highest cooking temperature.
- It has been reported the assembly has many steps and would be easier if it came in fewer parts or was partially assembled at the factory.
- There is only a 90-day warranty period.
This might be the best electric smoker for those seeking a high-quality…
…feature-packed high end digital electric smoker…
…with a premium feel and plenty of room for cooking for large crowds.
Keep reading…
Smoke Hollow 26142E 26-Inch Electric Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control
- Electric smoker for outdoor cooking of meat, vegetables, and more
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This budget electric smoker is compact and functional.
It measures 35.5″ x 19″ x 16.5″ and weighs under 40 pounds.
There is a 26-inch difference between the height and width of the cooking space;
…this limited interior space may not be appealing to some…
…since it may require halving large pieces of meat.
With a 1500-watt heating element, this electric smoker generates heat…
…and smoke quickly, has an internal temperature range of 175°F to 325°F…
…and heats quickly.
It has two chrome plated cooking racks, four sturdy-looking legs…
…and a cool-touch door handle.
It has an analog temperature control, a porcelain-coated water pan…
…and an easy-to-fill chip tray that can be removed and cleaned.
An extension cord is included.
It’s one of the best electric smokers for those on a budget…
…happy to accept that it’s an entry-level model and not a premium model.
If you prefer something more ‘premium,’…
…or if you want a smoker that can handle whole packer briskets…
…rather than having to halve them, then another model may be a better fit.
Pros:
- Instructions that are detailed and easy to follow
- An efficient heating element for a smaller unit, so it gets up to temperature quickly and stays there.
- Ease of use is right up there with the simplest.
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- It is possible for grease to leak if there is no catch pan. Keep this in mind if you don’t want to stain your patio!
- You have to cut very large cuts in half, such as a whole packer brisket, because of the narrowness.
Go on…
Masterbuilt MB20073716 2 Portable Patio Smoker
- Digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Introducing another favorite of ours from Masterbuilt smokers, the mini-marvel.
In spite of its size, it has two chrome plated racks that allow you…
…to smoke 4 x medium chickens, 2 x racks of ribs, or 2 x pork butts…
…which is easily enough to feed a medium gathering.
The main appeal of this product, however, is its portability.
With dimensions of 15.9 x 23.6 x 23.3 inches – under two feet tall…
…and folding metal legs, this is a compact unit that folds into a square shape…
…so it can easily fit inside your trunk, or store in your RV for long road trips.
It can be used anywhere there is electricity.
Its compact size makes it an excellent option for apartment dwellers…
…or those without much space for an outdoor smoker.
Despite its size, this model comes with a 1,400-Watt heating element…
…which is more powerful than many much larger models from the same manufacturer!
As a result, it can quickly reach cooking temperature…
…and can cook between 100 and 275 degrees F.
On the door is a built-in temperature gauge…
…and the temperature is controlled via a dial labeled low, medium, and high.
Since analog temperature controls are vague…
…they are less intuitive than digital models with precise temperature control.
Using the dial, you will have to guess the temperature…
…then use a smoker thermometer to measure…
…and make fine adjustments after the temp settles…
…to the desired internal temperature.
It has a temperature gauge, but it’s not the most accurate.
The water and wood chip trays are located at the bottom, above the heating element.
They are easy to load with wood chips, top them up, or remove them.
However, the doors must be opened to access them.
It does mean that heat will escape if you need to top it off…
…but this is to be expected in a portable model of this size.
If you can look past the lack of features compared to larger units…
…you will not be disappointed with this little beauty.
Pros:
- As the portable category’s top pick, this model stands out for its portability features.
- Square and compact, great for packing and traveling.
- Small but with a capacity to cook for a crowd.
- Simple to use with minimal features, and quick and easy to clean.
Cons:
- The analog controller has no temperature scale, just low, medium, and high.
- A 90-day warranty period can be considered short.
Last, but not least…
Bradley Smoker BTDS108P 990223 Bradley Digital 6 Rack Smoker
- Made of highest quality material
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This digital electric smoker from Bradley is one of the largest…
…and most expensive in this review.
This 17″ x 14″ x 39″ x 60 pound, powdered epoxy steel smoker..
…comes with an interior made of polished stainless steel.
780 square inches of cooking space is provided…
…by six removable chrome plated smoking racks.
It features separate burners for smoking and baking, each rated at 125 watts.
Together, they can generate cooking temperatures up to 280°F.
A digital control panel controls the temperature and the amount of smoke.
On the side of the smoker is a pellet feeder that feeds the right amount of fuel…
…and an alarm sounds if the feeder jams.
After the jam is cleared, the power must be reset.
Easy to assemble and use. It is only necessary to insert the cooking racks…
…and connect the smoke generator.
On average, wood pellets burn for 20 minutes…
…but this unit can generate smoke for up to 8 hours with an automatic feeder.
A 20-minute preheat time is recommended by the manufacturer.
This is one of the best electric smokers if you are looking for a large cooking capacity.
If you won’t be cooking large quantities of food…
…you may be better off with another choice.
Some of the other smokers in this list have better heating elements…
…easy-to-use controls and would be better choices for you.
Since most of the cons can be easily fixed…
…buying this isn’t a problem if you need capacity…
…so our pick for the best large electric smoker is this one.
Pros:
- This unit is large enough to cook for a large group.
- Cooking options are incredibly flexible with 6 cooking racks. You can fit just about any cut inside this smoker – except maybe whole animals!
- Easy to operate with a push-button start, stop, timer and temperature control. It couldn’t be easier.
- Bradley offers nine different flavors of wood for their bisquettes. There is a good variety of flavors.
- Racks, drip pan, and bowl are dishwasher-safe.
Cons:
- For a smoker of this size, the heating elements aren’t exactly powerful.
- It is so tall that there is a temperature gradient from top to bottom, with the bottom closest to the heating elements being hotter. The racks must be rotated to ensure an even cooking experience.
- Max of 9 hrs 40 min timer, so has to be reset for long smokes.
Sum Up!
The electric smoker is a great tool for anyone…
…who wants to enjoy smoked foods at home.
You don’t need to have any special skills to set it up or maintain it…
…and it always produces consistently good results.
This may be just what you’re looking for if you want something simple and reliable!
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with an electric smoker! Without much fuss or effort…
…they produce tender, smoky goodness. Simplicity at its best.
Our top pick among the 5 products reviewed…
…in this list is the Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Digital Smoker.
It is sturdy, simple to use, has a lot of useful design features, is well-insulated…
…easy to clean, and has great customer support.
The design is aesthetically pleasing.
Maybe another model will be more to your taste…
…but the Masterbuilt is an investment worth making for us.
Have you ever used an electric smoker?
Would you like to add anything to the above, or ask a question or two?
We look forward to hearing from you in the comment section…
…and will reply to each and every one!
Let’s toast to years of tasty, smoky, and electrically powered experiences!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
