If there ever was a crowd-pleaser, it’s the delicious aroma and mouth-watering taste of smoked food. And when the magical transformation is happening in your own backyard, that’s even better!
Back in the day, home smoking was done in a 55-gallon barrel, cut in half with hinges attached, and a rack over the bottom half. We put in whatever wood happened to be available, mostly cedar, alder, or hickory, and waited patiently for the delicious smoked foods to emerge. From that, we've taken a great leap forward to Bradley Smart Smokers controlled by a touchscreen or with Bluetooth. You now have control of smoke, time, and temperature for consistent smoking recipes time after time.
Whether it’s tastebud-tingling but super-speedy hot smoked salmon on the menu (perfect for canapés), a whole side of cold-smoked salmon for Christmas breakfast, or racks of hot-smoked BBQ ribs for a big celebration, there's something primal about the scrumptious smell and fireside warmth of smoked foods.
To save you doing the hours of research, we’ve compiled a list of 4 of the best Bradley Smokers. We’ve also included a buyers' guide to home smokers, their features, what to look out for, and how they function.
When you first start out, choosing a food smoker can be overwhelming. We aim to take the confusion out of the process and make everything clear so you can be sure you’re selecting exactly the right Bradley Smoker for your needs.
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Bradley Smokers Compared
Image | Product | Temperature Range | Cooking Area | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 990216 | Up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit | 520 Sq. In. | |
Bradley Smoker BTDS108P 990223 | Up to 280 degrees Fahrenheit | 858 Sq. In. | ||
Bradley Original Smoker BS611 | Up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit | 572 Sq. In. | ||
Bradley Smokers BS916 | N/A | 780 Sq. In. (6 racks) |
Why Choose Bradley?
The story of this family business originates way back in the 1970s, so there's not much they don't know about electric home smoking. The Bradley name is synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation.
Such is their reputation that the Bradley Smoker is one of the most popular smoker brands with loyal customers worldwide. Their high-quality, efficient, and hassle-free electric smokers do an excellent job for beginners and experts alike, whether you're smoking meat, fish, cheese, nuts, or even vegetables.
Whether you're just starting out and planning to experiment with all different types of smoked food, or you're already a pro, there's a Bradley Smoker product which will fit both your budget and your level of ambition. Better yet, Bradley is known for their innovation and offer some unique and innovative features you won't find on other smokers.
These are just some to look out for:
Touch Screen Display/Controls
the bold colors and brightly-lit screen on the attached smoking box makes monitoring the smoking process easy, giving you ultimate control over the smoking process. You can set the smoking time and, when the food is ready, the unit will automatically switch off. The touchscreen also allows you to set the desired amount of smoke, depending on your recipe
iSmoke Technology (Bluetooth Compatibility)
the Bluetooth compatibility that Bradley has incorporated into their smart models allows you to control the real-time progress on any smartphone or tablet. This puts you in complete control, whether you're out and about or taking shelter inside your cozy home while it's raining outside. You can monitor the actual internal temperature of the food and the temperature of the smoker via your smartphone. Here’s a link to Bradley's app user guide to give you an idea of how simple and liberating this technology actually is.
Automatic Feed System
this takes the guesswork out of the smoking process. All you have to do is load the bisquettes, set the controls on the touchscreen display, and leave the appliance to do the rest without worrying about over-smoking your meal.
Smoke-without-fire system
compared to traditional charcoal smokers, Bradley Smokers operate without the need for charcoal. The flavored bisquettes loaded into the sleeve deliver smoke without fire. So much less mess and the process is controlled to perfection at the touch of a button (or your smartphone).
Fully Insulated Construction
with any cooking process, keeping the heat inside for economy and efficiency is essential. Bradley's electric smokers are well insulated to eliminate drastic temperature fluctuations that adversely affect the smoking and cooking process.
Size & Ease Of Use
Bradley Smokers come in different sizes, featuring 2 to 6 racks, to suit a variety of amateur and professional applications. With several decades of experience behind every design choice and feature, Bradley's smokers are simple to use and effective. The touch screen controls and Bluetooth technology on the smart models make home smoking a breeze
Hot and Cold Smoker
whether you’re looking to hot-smoke a side of freshly-caught salmon or cold-smoke some delicious, tangy cheese, Bradley Smokers give you the option to do both. The cold smoke adapter fits between the smoke tower and generator using a flexible aluminum tube that lets smoke cool before reaching the food.
4 Best Bradley Smokers Reviewed
1. Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 990216
Bradley Smoker BTDS76P 990216
Our top Pick!
Dimensions | 17 x 14 x 31 Inches |
Weight | 57.5 Lbs. |
Temperature Range | Up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 520 Sq. In. |
Material | Polished Epoxy steel/stainless steel |
Warranty | Yes – 1yr against defects in workmanship & materials |
There are a whole host of reasons why this model earns its place as our top pick of the Bradley Smoker range. This Bradley digital smoker is similar in design and capacity to the Bradley Original Smoker, with 4 easily adjustable racks and a similar generous smoking surface of around 520 sq in. This is more than adequate for most home use; you could, for example, fit two whole chickens inside without difficulty.
The automatic feed system delivers a fresh bisquette (or puck) every 20 minutes to ensure a correct and consistent level of smoke within, freeing you up to get on with other jobs. The two separate burners ensure the same temperature throughout the smoke box, eliminating the possibility of heat fluctuations within that could affect the cooking process.
The racks and interior are made from stainless steel, making the clean-up as easy as possible. The fully-insulated body is designed to retain heat and smoke, ensuring the smoker functions efficiently, and making this model as cost-effective as possible.
Bradley likes to keep things clear and straightforward, as you can see from the owner’s manual; it really couldn't be easier to get started with home smoking. Simply put, this model offers the best options and features of the earlier models, incorporating all Bradley's know-how in the business of home smoking. It
features a digital display panel that is straightforward to operate. Since your results depend on getting the precise amount of smoke and the correct temperature for the different types of foods you choose to cook, precision is all.
Pros
Cons
2. Bradley Smoker BTDS108P 990223
Best 6 Rack Option
Dimensions | 14 x 17 x 39 Inches |
Weight | 60.5 Lbs. |
Temperature Range | Up to 280 degrees Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 858 Sq. In. |
Material | Epoxy steel/Stainless steel |
Warranty | Yes – 1yr against defects in workmanship & materials |
If you’re looking for a home electric smoker with a larger capacity, then the Bradley Smoker BTDS108P is the best possible choice.
This 6-rack digital smoker includes the same features offered by most electric smokers but with the added benefit of digital technology. Apart from its large capacity, it’s essentially identical to the Bradley Smoker BTDS76P listed above.
You can control temperature, smoke, and time with a few touches on the display panel. The key difference with the BTDS108P is its larger 6-rack capacity, making it ideal for both home and professional use.The stainless steel racks are fully adjustable to suit different sized joints and pieces of meat, and you'll find they're easy to clean after use. Similarly, the interior is stainless steel, making the clean-up process as painless as possible.
Whether you want to cook/smoke meat, chicken, pork, vegetables, or fish, you'll get the best possible results with this Bradley smoker, which is the best 6-rack option and ideal if you regularly have large quantities of food you wish to smoke. You can get an impression of just how much smoking surface is on offer and how easy it is to use by watching this video review by a satisfied customer:
Pros
Cons
3. Bradley Original Smoker BS611
Best Electric Option
Dimensions | 42 x 21 x 18 Inches |
Weight | 62.5 Lbs. |
Temperature Range | Up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit |
Cooking Surface Area | 572 Sq. In. |
Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | Yes – 1 yr |
The Bradley Original Smoker is based on the smoker produced by Bradley when the company was starting out, and they only had one model. Its retro style is designed to echo the look and the ease of use that made it so famous. This model is black but, if you’re style conscious and a different color appeals, Bradley also manufactures this model in silver and blue.
Not only is this model the best value for money Bradley Smoker, but it's also straightforward to use and is the ideal purchase if you're just starting out with smoking. Here's a YouTube clip showing this model in action to show you just how simple it is to use:
Bradley’s BS611 is just as good for cold smoking as for hot smoking, with a low setting similar to the ambient temperature and a high setting of 250 degrees F, which will give you great-tasting, perfectly cooked meats. The 4 racks offer a smoking surface of 572 sq. inches and the stainless steel interior racks make the clean-up quick and easy.
If you're on a budget, this is the ideal entry-level smoker, and it's our top pick when it comes to best value for money. It may not feature the bells and whistles of some other models, but it will efficiently produce delicious smoked foods for you to enjoy with friends and family.
Pros
Cons
4. Bradley Smokers BS916
Top of the Range
Dimensions | 14.25 x 39 x 24.75 Inches |
Weight | 58.75 Lbs. |
Temperature Range | N/A |
Cooking Surface Area | 780 Sq. In. (6 racks) 910 sq.in. with additional 4 racks (sold separately) |
Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | Yes – 1 yr against defects in workmanship and materials |
If you’re in the market for the Rolls Royce of smart smokers, then look no further than the Bradley Smoker BS916. Some say that it’s so easy it almost takes the fun out of smoking! Best of all, it takes away the guesswork. You’re in control of the results, using the touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity, so your jerky, sausage, cheese, and ribs have the same consistent flavor every time. To find out more about the Bradley Smart Smoker with iSmoke Technology watch the video below.
Once you’ve loaded the automated wood bisquette feeder and set the temperature, time, and smoke, you can check real-time progress on any tablet or smartphone via the app. You won't even have to leave the comfort of your recliner. The two color-coded temperature probes allow you to check temperatures at two different locations inside the smokehouse – ideal for smoking sausage or fish fillets up top and brisket or roast on the bottom rack.
There’s a huge smoking area in this model, with a 10-rack capacity. Only 6 are provided with the smoker, but, realistically, that's more than sufficient for most needs. If you find you need more, it’s easy enough to buy 4 more racks, adding an additional 130 square inches of smoking surface – making a total of 910 square inches overall.
Overall, this machine has some great features, especially the Bluetooth app, which brings the smoking process into the 21st century. Yes, you'll find cheaper smokers out there, but we believe that the premium price is worth paying. The BS916 is, in our opinion, the top of the range when it comes to home electric smokers.
Pros
Cons
Original Vs Smart Bradley Smokers – Which Is Best?
Bradley’s Original Smoker is similar in design to old school smokers but far easier to operate. It’s pretty straightforward, without fancy buttons or screens. Just move the knob to the desired temperature, load up the bisquettes, and you're done, simple as that. If you ever used a grill or an oven, you'll know how to use this thing. On the other hand, the new Smart Smokers are technological wonders, which do pretty much the same thing
When it comes to choosing between the two, it’ll likely come down to price and convenience because they essentially do the same great job of smoking all types of food to perfection. If you’re willing to pay a premium for the Rolls Royce of smokers and the high-tech control it offers, then go for the Smart Smoker every time.
Bradley vs. Masterbuilt
Bradley smokers, when compared to Masterbuilt, for example, will always have a higher price tag, but it's the quality of service that you get from Bradley that more adequately justifies the price.
Another benefit of Bradley over Masterbuilt is that you can add modifications along the way to the Bradley to get the most out of your smoker as you get more experienced and ambitious.
On the minus side, Bradley original has no digital thermostat like the one included by Masterbuilt. If you want to maintain the temperature correctly in the Bradley, you have to purchase an additional PID.
Another potential negative is that Masterbuilt will accept any wood chips from the store, or you can make your own from whatever type of wood you prefer. The Bradley, on the other hand, will only function with their branded bisquettes or pucks, so you need to be sure to keep a good supply on hand and ready for use when needed.
If a Masterbuilt malfunctions, you have to purchase the whole unit because there are no replacement parts for it. Bradley, by comparison, offers replacements for any and every piece when a problem arises.
Your Bradley, therefore, is likely to be a faithful servant for many years to come and, when many of us are trying to move away from "throwaway" appliances, that's worth paying for.
How to Setup & Use a Bradley Smoker
We always think it’s so much easier to show than to tell when it comes to ‘how to’ guides, so we suggest jumping straight to this link. There you'll find out how to get the very best out of your Bradley Smoker. In no time, you'll be serving up mouth-watering smoked meats, fish, veg, cheese, and nuts. Here are some recipes to get you started.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Once the good bit is over and all that sensational smoked food has been cooked and eaten, then comes the chore of cleaning up to make sure your Bradley electric smoker is ready for use next time. Follow this link to find out how it’s done.
People also Ask (FAQs)
How long do Bradley smoker pucks last?
How long does the smoke generator make smoke for?
How much does it cost to smoke with a Bradley Smoker?
Where is the best place to buy Bradley smoker parts/accessories?
What are the essential Bradley accessories for smoking?
What kind of chips can you put in the Bradley smoker?
What does the Bradley smoker app do?
You can set temperature alerts with standard levels for a variety of meat and fish, or you can choose your own temperature alert level. A temperature graph tells you exactly what's happening inside the smoker and charts the changes in the temperature probes.
Only a touch away, you can find delicious recipes, an instruction manual, and the Bradley Smoker website with the app. Get cooking with the app and then monitor your progress while you're creating other dishes in the kitchen, or relaxing on your couch. You'll find a link to the Apple app store here and Google Play store here.
Conclusion
When you've been in the business of home smoking for as long as Bradley has, there's not a lot you don't know about the ins and outs of the process and how to achieve the best tasting smoked food as efficiently and effortlessly as possible.
Smoking your food at home, whether meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, or cheese, is fun, convenient, and economical, too, and there's nothing quite like being able to "taste the great outdoors."
With a Bradley Smoker all you have to do, as their advertising says, is "set it and forget it." We have selected the 4 best Bradley Smokers. Choose the one which suits your needs and your budget, and in no time you'll be enjoying delicious home-smoked foods with your friends and family.