For any meat eater, there's nothing that compares to the intense aromas and flavors of smoked chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. The practice of smoking meat dates back thousands of years to the prehistoric ages, and not just because it creates unparalleled flavor. In addition to optimizing flavors, smoking meat is easier than ever - as long as you invest in an electric smoker.
In the past, smoking meat was a lengthy and difficult process, but all that has changed thanks to modern technology. Now you'll be able to smoke your meats like a pro with the help of one of the best electric smokers. This comparison guide not only covers the best electric smokers on the market but also goes in-depth into the entire buying process.
One distinct advantage of investing in an electric smoker is that you'll have easy access to all the smoked protein products you could ever want. As you chow down on your smoked Thanksgiving turkey or lean beef jerky, you'll wonder why you didn't make the purchase sooner. Here are several additional benefits that come along with the best electric smoker:
Electric Smoker Comparison Table
Image | Product | Grill Size | Temperature Range | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Smokin-It | 12.5" W x 13.5" D x 16" H | 100 - 250 °F | ||
Traeger TFB42LZBC | 42” W x 22” D x 49” H | Up to 450 °F | ||
Masterbuilt MB20073519 | 19.88” W x 20.66” D x 33.46” H | 100 - 275 °F | ||
Old Smokey | 15.5" W x 15.5" D x 29" H | Up to 250 °F | ||
Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO | 49” H x 53” W x 27” D | Up to 450 °F | ||
Cookshack | 16" W x 17.5" D x 30.625" H | 100 to 250 °F | ||
Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E | 48.5” W x 22.5” D x 51.2” H | 180 to 475 °F | ||
Char-Broil Vertical | 20" W x 17.5" D x 37.8" H | 150 to 400 °F |
Buying a Good Quality Electric Smoker
Material & Durability
The very first consideration for buying a good quality electric smoker is how it was built. Construction and materials do matter, especially when it comes to the construction of the unit's heating element. Most modern electric smokers use a convection heater that is electrically controlled and easy to use, even for someone new to smoking meat.
The main thing to remember is that the construction of the smoker's interior is more vital than the unit's exterior. Of course, you want a smoker that looks good, but the more important aspect is finding one that gets the job done. Stainless steel is one of the best materials for the interior of a smoker since it is highly durable, heat resistant, and easy to clean.
Smoking Consistency
Because all meat is different, it is essential to find a smoker that is consistent at doing its job. Consistency is mainly related to temperature - a unit’s temperature control should be highly accurate and easy to use. Controlling the temperature shouldn’t be difficult; the best digital electric smoker will feature a rheostat, which comes with a digital display or knob, which makes choosing the exact temperature easier than ever.
Size & Capacity
A smoker’s capacity determines how much meat it can smoke at one time. Most smokers are designed to be used outdoors, so they can be as large or small as you’d like. But before you decide to go all out with a massive smoker, remember that the more interior space, the longer it will take to heat and smoke your meats. Consider the amount of meat you plan on smoking and decide on a smoker capacity accordingly.
Other than size and capacity, you must consider the unit's layout. Not only do smokers come in all different sizes, but the same goes for shape. More specifically, a smoker typically comes with either a vertical or horizontal design. Horizontally-designed smokers are ideal for laying out long racks of ribs or large meat slabs. Vertical smokers are the better choice if you plan on hanging your meats as they smoke.
Temperature Adjustment
Adjusting the temperature is something that will have to be done throughout the entire smoking process. Make sure that you feel comfortable with how to control the unit's temperature before making a purchase. Temperature control should be pretty straight-forward, and you should look for a heating range from at least 100 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many basic models have just one temperature setting, but the best electric smokers will give a user complete temperature control. The main reason to opt for an electric smoker is to take all the guesswork out of temperature control, especially if you choose one with a built-in rheostat. This digital temperature display makes it possible to choose exact smoking temperatures by pushing a few buttons.
Damper & Installed Caveats
A smoker's damper controls the amount of oxygen (smoke) that is allowed into the chamber. When a damper is fully closed, this means that most of the smoke will be infused into the meat, giving a robustly smoky flavor. An entirely open damper allows most of the smoke to escape from the chamber so that the meat won't contain much smokiness. Look for a smoker that has a damper with several positions, like half-closed and quarter-closed, rather than just fully open or fully closed.
Installed caveats have to do with a smoker’s ventilation system, and they're designed to release some of the heat and smoke throughout the smoking process. This prevents burning and charring, and it is an essential step for properly smoking meats. Caveats also play a crucial role in temperature management, keeping your smoker from overheating.
Work Surfaces, Storage & Footprint
Every smoker’s work (cooking) surface is different depending on the unit’s internal size and rack space. If you plan on smoking lots of meat at once, you’ll need to find an electric smoker that isn’t short on work surfaces. Large smokers often come with four racks for laying meat, which offers as much as 700 square inches of smoking space.
Keeping your smoker in a safe place when not in use is the best way to ensure that you get years of use out of it. Choose a smoker that is large enough, but also one that is portable enough to store away neatly. Wheels are a nice addition for upping a smoker's ease of portability. That way, you can pull the smoker out of storage and start smoking your meats in a matter of minutes.
Ease of Use & Easy Cleaning
A major perk of choosing one of the best electric smokers in 2019 is that they are all extremely easy to use. Even if you've never smoked meats before in your life, you should have no trouble figuring it out when you choose a modern smoker that has received high marks from reviewers. The main thing to consider for ease of use is finding a smoker with temperature control that you're comfortable with.
Electric smokers are easy to clean by nature since the cooked meat doesn't tend to stick to the interior of the smoker, and it creates essentially no residue. Electric smoker manufacturers often use stainless steel for the construction of the smoking chamber. This is because stainless steel is straightforward to clean. Choose a smoker that has removable trays, which should be easy since almost all of them do.
Extra Accessories
These days, the best rated electric smokers come with tons of extra features and accessories. If you want to go all out with your meat-smoking routine, look for a smoker that comes with Bluetooth capabilities. This might not seem necessary to some, but choosing a Bluetooth electric smoker allows a user to control temperature and timing, even from the next room.
Another cool feature to look for is a glass window display. This allows you to check on the progress of the meat without needing to open the smoker’s door. Simply glance through the glass window to make sure your rack of ribs isn’t charring. Some manufacturers provide customers with extra accessories, like a smoker cover and internal temperature probe, while others require you to purchase them separately.
Warranty Coverage & Support
Choosing a smoker within budget is a top priority of the buying process, as is choosing a product with solid warranty coverage and customer support. Cheap models won’t last you very long, and they also won’t come with an outstanding warranty policy. Your best bet is to spend a bit more on an electric smoker and choose a model that is covered for several years under warranty.
8 Best Electric Smokers Reviewed
1. Smokin-It
Best Electric Smoker (Top Pick)
Weight | 58.8 lbs |
Grill Size | 12.5" W x 13.5" D x 16" H |
Temperature Range | 100 - 250 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 22 lbs |
Warranty | 3 years |
Not only is Smokin-It’s smoker model the best electric smoker under 400 dollars, but it's also the best-rated electric smoker of all the models we'll cover here. There are a few reasons why we've chosen this as the top pick, the main one being the heavy-duty stainless steel construction. The Smokin-It smoker is made from 18-gauge stainless steel, and it's even NSF certified for restaurant use.
Another loved feature of this smoker is that it can hold up to 22 pounds of meat during each smoking session. Inside the smoking chamber, there are 3 removable shelves, but there is enough space to add a fourth shelf for even more surface space. All food is smoked efficiently with the 400-watt heating and 8-amp 120-volt single phase.
Temperature is easy to control thanks to the rheostat located on the front side of the smoker. Temperatures can be set between 100 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for smoking any type of meat. The smoking chamber is insulated with fiberglass to prevent heat loss. To top it all off, the Smokin-It smoker is highly portable with the addition of the new side handles. This portability is enhanced even further with the 4 heavy-duty caster wheel attachments.
“I have owned this smoker for 9 months and have smoked quite a bit with it (brisket, pork butt, spare ribs, chicken, poppers, and my favorite, chuck roasts). Every time I am so pleased with the taste and ease of cooking,”
says a Smokin-It reviewer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a pulled pork electric smoker or a smoked chicken electric smoker, the Smokin-It model will get the job done.
Pros
Cons
2. Traeger TFB42LZBC
Best Electric Pellet Smoker
Weight | 98 lbs |
Grill Size | 42” W x 22” D x 49” H |
Temperature Range | Up to 450 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 418 sq. in. |
Warranty | 3 years |
If you’re sick and tired of buying propane or charcoal for your at-home smoker machine, it’s time to find the best electric smoker grill that uses pellets instead. The best electric pellet smoker 2019 has to offer is the Traeger TFB42LZBC. The Traeger company specializes in pellet grills, but they also have a decent selection of pellet smokers to choose from, the most popular being the TFB42LZBC.
Traeger says that this model does everything you could ever need: "Versatile barbecue cooking: hot and fast, or low and slow, the Traeger Lil' Tex Elite 22 pellet Grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to juicy perfection." So if you're looking for more than just a smoker, this is the perfect solution for you. Meat is grilled, smoked, roasted, or braised to perfection every time.
The TFB42LZBC is easy and predictable. It comes with an integrated digital Elite controller that works to keep temperatures within 20 degrees of the desired setting. It offers consistency you can trust, “allowing you to craft amazing wood-fired creations time and time again with the ease of set it and forget it.” It’s the perfect size for at-home cooking, even if you plan on entertaining friends and family members.
Pros
Cons
3. Masterbuilt MB20073519
Best Digital Electric Smoker
Weight | 40 lbs |
Grill Size | 19.88” W x 20.66” D x 33.46” H |
Temperature Range | 100 - 275 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 971 sq. in. |
Warranty | 90 days |
Not many of the best electric smokers under 300 dollars are digital. Masterbuilt electric smoker MB20073519 is less than 300 bucks, but it is also digital. According to Masterbuilt electric smoker reviews, this model is the best of the best. It's not often that you can come across a digital electric smoker with such an affordable price tag.
Masterbuilt is one of those names you can trust. Their products are built on tradition, and the company “leads the way in our industry with quality and innovation of products.” This machine, in particular, is Bluetooth smart, so you can power the machine on and off, control cooking temp and time, and keep track of progress from your smart device.
Masterbuilt customers love that this smoker comes with a built-in meat probe thermometer, which allows for perfect results with each smoking session. The smoker is made up of two elements, or compartments, one meant for grilling and the other perfect for finishing off the meat by broiling. In the smoking chamber, there is space for 4 chrome-plated racks.
What we love most about the MB20073519 is the patented side wood chip loading system. This allows you to add more wood chips without ever needing to open the smoker door. All in all, this is an amazing choice if you’re looking for a digital smoker, and you can’t beat that price.
Pros
Cons
4. Old Smokey
Best Cheap Electric Smoker
Weight | 24 lbs |
Grill Size | 15.5" W x 15.5" D x 29" H |
Temperature Range | Up to 250 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 14.5” & 12.5” diameter cooking racks |
Warranty | 1 year |
Are you looking for the best electric smoker for the money? Look no further than a brand that has been around for nearly a century: Old Smokey. Old Smokey manufacturers some of the best electric smokers for sale, offering the best electric smoker under 200 dollars. The Old Smokey Electric Smoker is a fairly basic smoking device, but it offers the best value for cost on the market.
Old Smokey says that “the Electric Smoker is controlled by a variable heat control to allow a wide variety of cooking times and styles. You'll want one of our temperature gauges too. Buy one as an add-on, and we'll install it for you.” Investing in an Old Smokey temperature gauge is great advice. Purchasing this isn't a significant expense, but it will certainly make your life easier.
This electric smoker is controlled by a heat thermostat that allows for a wide variety of cooking times and styles. With such a low price tag, you can't expect this machine to come with tons of high-tech features. It's extremely basic, and there are a few features we wish we could change, but for the low price, it's difficult to complain too much.
One thing that we don’t love about the Old Smokey electric smoker is the top-load design. There is no door to the smoking chamber. Instead, there’s a lid that is removed from the top where meat is loaded in. Another thing to be aware of is that this smoker does get hot to the touch after running for several hours. If you have little kids or pets running around, you might want to find a more heat-safe model.
Pros
Cons
5. Traeger Grills TFB88PZBO
Best Electric Smoker Under 1000
Weight | 136 lbs |
Grill Size | 49” H x 53” W x 27” D |
Temperature Range | Up to 450 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 884 sq. in. |
Warranty | 3 years |
It's not difficult to find electric smokers for sale, but when you're on the hunt for the best electric smoker under 1000 dollars, things become a bit more complicated. There are tons of highly-rated models for less than $1000, but each one comes with its own set of features and smoking performance. The main thing to look for is a highly versatile smoker, like the Traeger electric smoker TFB88PZBO.
When you invest in the Traeger model, it means you'll never be needing gas or charcoal again. This is a highly versatile BBQ cooker that cooks however you prefer, no matter if that means hot and fast or low and slow. It offers 6-in-1 cooking capabilities, including smoking, roasting, grilling, baking, braising, and barbecuing. For each cooking feature, you can count on the fact that your meat is cooked to juicy perfection.
What we love most about the Traeger TFB88PZBO is the amazingly precise temperature control. "The Digital Pro Controller rocks Advanced Grilling Logic, which maintains a +/- 15 degrees F temperature control to guarantee precision grilling," says Traeger. There's no guesswork when it comes to setting and maintaining the temperature of this smoker.
To top it all off, the Traeger has a fantastic cooking capacity. At any given time, it can hold 8 whole chickens, 7 racks of ribs, or 40 burgers. It's fueled by 100% hardwood pellets that have been proven to enhance the flavor of smoked meats. The main downside is that this isn’t the most portable smoker; although it does come on wheels, the steel construction makes it extremely heavy.Pros
Cons
6. Cookshack
Best Small Electric Smoker
Weight | 74 lbs |
Grill Size | 16" W x 17.5" D x 30.625" H |
Temperature Range | 100 to 250 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 588 sq. in. |
Warranty | 2 years |
This list of the best electric smokers in 2019 compares models of all shapes and sizes. A large smoker means a higher cooking capacity, but this isn't the best choice if you're limited on space. In this case, you’ll want to invest in the best small electric smoker, which is without a doubt the Cookshack Oven Model SM009-2. It might look small at first glance, but it actually has an impressive cooking capacity.
The Cookshack resembles a mini-fridge. It features a 500-watt heating element, 588 square inches of cooking space, and temperature controls ranging from 100 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its small size, the Cookshack can fit just about anywhere. It comes with everything you'll need to get started, including an aluminum drip pan, 5 pounds of hickory hardwood, and a Smoking at Home cookbook.
Cookshack has a lot to say about their leading model: “Smoking delicious food is as easy as loading the Smokette with wood and meat and setting the cooking temperature just as you do on your kitchen oven. It is easy to clean and maintain and gives great results every time. It is energy efficient and easy to move on its four lockable casters.” The lockable casters make this smoker one of the most portable on our list.
Pros
Cons
7. Z GRILLS ZPG-7002E
Best Portable Electric Smoker
Weight | 132.2 lbs |
Grill Size | 48.5” W x 22.5” D x 51.2” H |
Temperature Range | 180 to 475 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 700 sq. in. |
Warranty | 3 years |
The Cookshack we just reviewed is a small electric smoker, which means it ranks reasonably well in portability features. But if your priority is portability, no smoker compares to the Z Grills ZPG-7002E. This model is quite a bit larger than the Cookshack, but it comes with portability features that not all smokers have, like a sturdy handle and set of durable caster wheels.
The real draw of this smoker, though, is that it comes with 8-in-1 cooking capabilities. Aside from smoking your food, you’ll have the option to grill, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill. Z Grills says that it can “go from 180°F to 475°F with an upgraded digital control board that auto ignites the grill. Its automated electric feed system maintains the heat for you — no more babysitting the grill!”
The convection cooking method used by the ZPG-7002E eliminates the need for a rotisserie. Simply place the food on the large cooking racks, set the temp, and wait patiently as your food smokes to perfection. This smoker does it all - you can find a long list of recipes on the company’s website if you’re at a loss on how to start using the machine.
The only negative feedback surrounding the Z Grills smoker is that assembly is challenging. But as long as you follow the user manual to a T, you should have no trouble getting the smoker up and running. Once assembled, you’ll love the easy operation. It comes with an electric auto-start ignition, digital auto temperature control, and a waste oil collector for easy cleanup and maintenance.
Pros
Cons
8. Char-Broil Vertical
Best Vertical Electric Smoker
Weight | 53.47 lbs |
Grill Size | 20" W x 17.5" D x 37.8" H |
Temperature Range | 150 to 400 °F |
Cooking Capacity | 505 sq. in. |
Warranty | 1 year |
Out of all the electric meat smokers, the Char-Broil electric smoker is the best model featuring a vertical design. Char-Broil electric smoker reviews all say the same thing about the company's vertical smoker, and that is that it's one of a kind. Whether you plan on cooking baby back ribs in an electric smoker or you're more inclined to rotisserie chicken, you'll love what Char-Broil has to offer.
This smoker features an insulated, double-walled construction that is better able to maintain a consistent temperature than any other smoker on this list. The smoking chamber fits 3 adjustable chrome-plated cooking grates that offer up to 505 square inches of cooking capacity. It comes equipped with a water pan, wood chip holder, and lid-mounted temperature gauge for easy temp control.
Char-Broil says that "this electric smoker features a 1,500-watt variable temperature heating element to heat wood chips and water for smoking, front-mounted temperature gauge, water and wood chip pan, convenient porcelain ash pan and grease cup." The porcelain material is easy to clean, and the same goes for the stainless steel chamber, so cleaning the smoker is as easy as wiping it down after every use.
Some reviewers feel that just over 500 square inches of space isn't enough. When compared to other electric smokers on this list, 500 is on the low-end, but it is still perfectly suitable for most people. The small size of the machine doesn't take away from its performance in any way, but if you're looking for more cooking space, you might consider another choice.
Pros
Cons
Types of Electric Smokers
There are two main types of electric smokers: vertical water and electric cabinet. It’s impossible to say that one is better than the other since each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Vertical Water
The more affordable type of electric smoker is the vertical water unit. This functions by placing a water bowl between the burning wood and the smoking chamber. As the smoke burns, the water evaporates, and this helps to maintain a consistent heated temperature within the chamber. The vaporized water adds to the flavor and taste of the smoked meat.
Electric Cabinet
An electric cabinet smoker works by heating an electric element and the unit’s base. It works similarly to a hotplate or stovetop. The unit is shaped like a small refrigerator - open the door, place the meat inside, and choose a heat setting between low and high. This is the better option for controlling the exact temperature, but it costs more on average than a vertical water smoker.
Electric Smoker Accessories
Smoker Comparisons
Electric vs. Gas-Powered
A gas-powered smoker uses propane fuel to heat the chamber. Before using the smoker, you'll need to ensure that there is propane left within the tank and that there is enough to complete the task at hand. Because they are powered by propane rather than electricity, gas smokers are capable of reaching higher temperatures. But the advantages stop there.
Although a gas-powered smoker can get hotter than an electric one, an electric smoker is better for the environment and more economical. Electric smokers are much easier to use, the temperature is more comfortable to control, and they are considered to be the safer option of the two. When comparing gas vs. electric smoker, the electric version wins hands-down.
Electric vs. Charcoal
When comparing an electric vs. charcoal smoker, there's not much argument over which one is better. Charcoal smokers are more difficult to use, they take more time, and they require much more attention. They do, however, create a smoky flavor that an electric smoker is unable to compete with. But this one perk isn’t enough of a reason to choose a charcoal smoker since an electric smoker is much easier to use and maintain.
Tips for Using an Electric Smoker
The main benefit of going electric is that this is the easiest type of smoker to use. Instead of having to constantly check on your meats as you would with a gas or charcoal smoker, you can leave them to smoke to perfection. It’s extremely convenient and easy to use, but the process for how to use an electric smoker will be made even more comfortable if you follow these smoking tips.
Before Smoking
If this is the first time using your smoker, be sure to "season" it. This means running it while it's empty to eliminate dust, odors, and residues before any food items come in contact with it. To season a smoker, simply rub the unit's interior with cooking oil of your choice, turn the power on, and let it run at a set temperature of 250 to 275 °F for 2 or 3 hours.
During Smoking
There's not much to be done during the smoking process other than remembering that patience is a virtue. Smoking meat can take a while, and all meats cook differently. The best advice to follow while your meat is smoking it to be patient. Aside from that, be sure to check on the wood chips every 3 hours or so - these need to be replenished at regular intervals.
The type of wood chips you use determines the flavors of the smoked meat. Wood chips come in a variety of flavors, such as mesquite, apple, birch, and hickory, so try to spice things up with your wood chip selection. Remember that for most meats, the ideal smoking temperature is between 200 and 225 °F, but always read your smoker guidelines before setting the temperature.
After Smoking
After smoking your meat, allow them to rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before eating. Remove them from the smoker and set them aside on a separate surface to cool down. It will be tempting to dig right in, but remember that the meat has been cooking for a matter of hours, so it will be VERY hot. When stored properly, the smoked meat should keep for about 4 days before it should be tossed.
Best Electric Smoker Recipes
Whether you're looking for the best brisket recipe with an electric smoker or you're planning on smoking a ham in an electric smoker, the options are virtually endless. There are so many delicious recipes to choose from, all of which are accessible on the internet. Here are a few of our favorite electric smoker recipes:
- 1For smoking chicken: Smoked whole chicken recipe
- 2For smoking a pork loin in electric smoker: Smoked pork tenderloin recipe
- 3For smoking chicken wings: Crispy smoked chicken wings recipe
- 4For smoking brisket in electric smoker: Smoked brisket with coffee rub recipe
- 5For smoking salmon: Simple smoked salmon recipe
- 6For smoking ribs in electric smoker: 3-2-1 ribs recipe
Cleaning and Maintenance
Looking for the best way to clean an electric smoker? We’ve got you covered on that, too. Cleaning your electric smoker is simple, but the main thing to remember is that the sooner you clean, the easier the job will be. That means don't let your smoker sit for days on end without cleaning it. Once you've enjoyed your smoked meat and allow the unit to cool, it's time to get the cleaning process underway.
To clean, first, unplug the smoker and let it cool down completely. Once cool, remove all of the internal racks, trays, and accessories. These should easily slide out and can be cleaned with soap and water in the kitchen sink. With everything removed, wipe down the inside of the smoking chamber with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Lastly, dry the smoking chamber with a clean towel before replacing the racks and trays.
People also Ask (FAQs)
Can electric smokers attain high temperatures?
Can electric smokers cook all kinds of meat?
How long do electric smokers take to reach desired temperatures?
How to ensure the meat doesn’t burn in an electric smoker?
Do electric smokers have a high electricity consumption?
Where can one find brisket recipes for my electric smokers?
What are the best meats to smoke in an electric smoker?
Where is the best place to buy these electric smokers?
Conclusion
Still wondering what the best electric smoker for you is? Trust us when we say you can't go wrong with the Smokin-It model. According to almost all electric smoker reviews, this is the best electric smoker 2019 has to offer. It’s got impressive spacious construction, portability features, and consistent smoking abilities.