Are you a fan of the delicious smoky flavor of barbecue but don't have the time or patience to tend to a traditional smoker? An electric smoker may be the perfect solution for you! With their easy-to-use controls and set-it-and-forget-it convenience, electric smokers make smoking your favorite meats and vegetables a breeze.
In this article, we will explore the 20 best electric smokers on the market in 2023. We'll provide detailed reviews and a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing an electric smoker.
Benefits of Using an Electric Smoker
Electric smokers offer many advantages over traditional smokers, such as:
Convenience: Electric smokers are very easy to use, and many models come with a digital control panel that allows you to set the temperature and cooking time with the push of a button. This means you can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other activities.
Cleanliness: Electric smokers produce no smoke, so they don't require ventilation or produce a lot of ash, making them much cleaner and easier to maintain than traditional smokers.
Consistency: With precise temperature control, electric smokers maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly every time.
Versatility: Many electric smokers come with additional features such as grilling, roasting, and baking capabilities, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen or backyard.
Here are our top 20 picks for the best electric smokers on the market in 2023:
1. Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker is a reliable and affordable option that is perfect for beginners. This smoker has a 30-inch cooking space, three chrome-coated racks, and a built-in temperature gauge. It's easy to use, and the analog dial allows you to control the temperature without any guesswork.
2. Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is a great mid-range option that comes with a range of useful features. It has a large cooking area of 725 square inches, four adjustable racks, and a digital control panel that allows you to easily set and monitor the temperature. It also has a built-in meat probe, a removable drip tray, and a side access wood chip tray.
3. Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D 30" Digital Electric Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D 30" Digital Electric Smoker is a high-quality option that offers precise temperature control and excellent insulation. It has a large 732 square inch cooking area, four adjustable racks, and a digital control panel with a meat probe. It also has a side access wood chip loader, a removable drip tray, and a built-in temperature gauge.
4. Smoke Hollow 26142E Electric Smoker
The Smoke Hollow 26142E Electric Smoker is a compact and affordable option that is perfect for small families or those with limited space. It has a 1.3 cubic foot cooking capacity, two adjustable racks, and a simple dial thermostat. It's easy to use and easy to clean, making it a great choice for beginners.
5. Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker is a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice quality or features. It has a 548 square inch cooking area, three adjustable racks, and a digital control panel with a meat probe. It also has a side access wood chip tray and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
6. Bradley Smoker BTDS108P Digital Electric Smoker
The Bradley Smoker BTDS108P Digital Electric Smoker is a high-end option that offers precision temperature control and a range of advanced features. It has a 725 square inch cooking area, four adjustable racks, and a digital control panel with a meat probe and automatic smoke generator. It also has a side access wood chip loader and a removable drip tray.
7. Pit Boss Grills 77232 Digital Electric Smoker
The Pit Boss Grills 77232 Digital Electric Smoker is a great option for those who love to entertain. It has a large 2.2 cubic foot cooking capacity, four adjustable racks, and a digital control panel with a meat probe. It also has a side access wood chip tray and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
8. Old Smokey Electric Smoker
The Old Smokey Electric Smoker is a unique option that uses a top-down heating element to smoke your food. It has a 15.5 inch diameter cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a simple on/off switch. It's easy to use and produces great results, making it a favorite among traditionalists.
9. Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker is a technologically advanced option that allows you to control the temperature and cooking time from your smartphone. It has a 40-inch cooking area, four adjustable racks, and a digital control panel with a meat probe. It also has a side access wood chip loader and a removable drip tray.
10. Traeger Grills TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill
The Traeger Grills TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill is a versatile option that can be used for smoking, grilling, roasting, and baking. It has a 575 square inch cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a digital control panel that allows you to set and monitor the temperature. It uses wood pellets as fuel, which adds a unique and delicious flavor to your food. It also has a meat probe, a side access pellet hopper, and a removable drip tray.
11. Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker
The Weber 711001 Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch Charcoal Smoker is a classic option that produces authentic and flavorful smoked meats. It has a 14-inch diameter cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a simple lid-mounted thermometer. It's easy to use and maintain, making it a favorite among traditionalists.
12. Z Grills ZPG-7002E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
The Z Grills ZPG-7002E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a versatile option that can be used for smoking, grilling, roasting, and baking. It has a large 700 square inch cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a digital control panel that allows you to set and monitor the temperature. It also has a meat probe, a side access pellet hopper, and a removable drip tray.
13. Pit Boss Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker
The Pit Boss Grills 77550 5.5 Pellet Smoker is a high-capacity option that can smoke up to 5.5 cubic feet of food at once. It has a digital control panel with a meat probe, four adjustable racks, and a side access pellet hopper. It also has a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
14. Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill is a portable option that can be taken on the go. It has a small 219 square inch cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a digital control panel that allows you to set and monitor the temperature. It also has a meat probe, a side access pellet hopper, and a removable drip tray.
15. Louisiana Grills LG 800 Elite Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Louisiana Grills LG 800 Elite Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a high-end option that offers precision temperature control and a range of advanced features. It has a large 800 square inch cooking area, three adjustable racks, and a digital control panel with a meat probe. It also has a side access pellet hopper and a removable drip tray.
16. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker
The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker is a versatile option that can be used for grilling, smoking, and roasting. It has a 447 square inch cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a built-in temperature gauge. It also has a removable ash pan and a side shelf for added convenience.
17. Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker
The Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker is a heavy-duty option that is built to last. It has a large 900 square inch cooking area, four adjustable racks, and a built-in temperature gauge. It also has a reverse flow design that helps to distribute smoke evenly and a removable ash pan for easy cleaning.
18. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is a versatile option that can be used for smoking, grilling, roasting, and baking. It has a large 570 square inch cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a digital control panel that allows you to set and monitor the temperature. It also has a meat probe, a side access pellet hopper, and a removable drip tray.
19. Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D 30" Digital Electric Smoker
The Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D 30" Digital Electric Smoker is a compact and affordable option that is perfect for beginners. It has a 732 square inch cooking area, four adjustable racks, and a digital control panel that allows you to set and monitor the temperature. It also has a meat probe and a removable drip tray.
20. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker is a larger version of the classic option mentioned earlier. It has an 18-inch diameter cooking area, two adjustable racks, and a simple lid-mounted thermometer. It's easy to use and maintain, making it a favorite among traditionalists who need a bit more cooking space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric smokers offer a convenient and efficient way to smoke meat, fish, and other foods. They come in a range of sizes and styles to suit any budget and cooking needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced smoker, there's an electric smoker out there that will work for you. Just remember to consider factors like size, temperature control, and fuel source when choosing an electric smoker.
FAQs
How do I clean my electric smoker?
Answer: Most electric smokers come with removable drip trays and racks that can be cleaned with soap and water. You can also use a grill brush or scraper to remove any stubborn residue.
Can I use wood chips in my electric smoker?
Answer: Yes, most electric smokers can accommodate wood chips in addition to their main fuel source.
Can I use my electric smoker indoors?
Answer: No, electric smokers should only be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
How long does it take to smoke meat in an electric smoker?
Answer: The amount of time it takes to smoke meat will depend on the size and thickness of the meat, as well as the desired level of doneness. On average, smoking meat can take anywhere from 4-12 hours.
Can I leave my electric smoker unattended while it's smoking?
Answer: It's not recommended to leave your electric smoker unattended while it's smoking, as there is a risk of fire or other accidents. It's best to stay nearby and monitor the temperature and cooking progress.