Best Electric Smoker Reviews 2018

When it comes to outdoor cuisines, food smokers cannot go unmentioned. Electric smokers are designed to make your cooking a lot easier. As you plan to acquire an electric food smoking system, bear in mind that there are hundreds of options in the market so picking the right one can be a hard task. To help you successfully negotiate this process, we researched far and wide and came up with a list of top 5 carefully selected electric smokers from the best electric smoker brands in the market. In addition to our already existing review on some wonderful smokers, we are presenting you with equally good options to choose from in the electric smoker category.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Size

Surface Area

Cooking Racks

Power

Our Top Choice

Masterbuilt20078715 Digital Electric Smoker

Since 1973, Masterbuilt Manufacturing Inc. has remained true to its core values. A keen focus on faith, family and innovation has seen the company produce dependable products.

This steel-built smoker comes with easy to operate controls. The smoker has a modern sleek design. It is made in America.

It comes with a relatively short warranty period of 90 days.

Electric Vertical Smoker

32.13” x 16.93” x 19.69”; 50 lbs.

721 Sq. Inches

4 Chrome-coated Racks

800 Watt

Best Value

Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker

The Char-Broil Company is arguably one of the seasoned grilling experts in America. Sheer innovation has seen the firm continue to deliver efficient and affordable culinary appliances.

It is cost efficient. It comes in a sturdy porcelain-coated wood construction.

Its door does not shut tightly as expected. It requires assembly before you can use it.

Electric Vertical Smoker

37.8” x 20” x 17.5”; 53.5 lbs.

505 Sq. Inches

3 Chrome-coated Racks

1500 Watt

Bradley BTDS76P Digital Electric Smoker

The success story of the Bradley Smokers brand is anchored on the utter passion for creating the perfect smoking system. This calls for continual improvement of existing designs.

It is easy to operate and beautifully designed with a Powder Epoxy Steel exterior and stainless steel interior.

Its feeder mechanism is specially built for Bradley Bisquettes for smoke production.

Electric Vertical Smoker

31” x 17” x 14”; 43 lbs.

520 Sq. Inches

4 Stainless Steel Racks

500 Watt

Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker Model 30162E

The Smoke Hollow Company has a wealth of expertise in product design and engineering. Its experts ceaselessly strive to deliver innovative outdoor cooking systems.

Its steel construction makes it highly durable. It is easy to clean and maintain. It is easy to assemble. It can be used with any wood chips.

Its door is not well sealed and often leaks smoke and grease. It needs frequent monitoring and wood chip refills.

Electric Vertical Smoker

38" x 21.5" x 18"; 47.6 lbs.

450 Sq. Inches

2 Chrome-coated Racks

1500 Watt

Smokehouse Front Load Electric Smoker

The Smokehouse Products Company has won accolades from consumers since 1968 for ingeniously crafting smokers that deliver professional grade cuisine results.

It comes in an aluminum construction which is light and easy to carry. It does not require an assembly. It is easy to operate and maintain.

It is prone to significant heat loss, making it inappropriate for use during cold weather. It does not support multiple temperature settings.

Electric Vertical Smoker

24.5" x 11.5" x 11.5";

520 Sq. Inches

4 Chrome-coated Racks

250 Watt

(Updated June 5, 2017)

Skip ahead and go directly to the reviews.

Related Reviews

Best Smoker

in Lawn, Yard, and Garden

Weber Smokey Mountain Vented Smoker Grill - Good for Charcoal or Woodchips

Best Barbecue

in Lawn, Yard, and Garden

Coleman Roadtrip LXE Propane Barbecue – Portable, Push-Button Ignition, PerfectFlow Even Cooking, Folds for Transporting and Storage

Best Gas Grill

in Lawn, Yard, and Garden

Weber Liquid-Propane Gas Grill - 637-Square-Inch, 38,000-BTU w/ 3 Stainless-Steel Burners

Best Indoor Grill

in Home Products and Decor

George Foreman Removable Plate Indoor Grill, 4 Serving, Adjustable Grill Cover, Black

How Do I Choose the Best Electric Smoker?

Have you ever wondered why foodies are so choosy when it comes to what they eat? Well, the answer is simple. When you get used to perfectly cooked meals, it will be a true struggle to settle for less. While there are a wide range of cooking methods and kitchen appliances such as deep fryers or double boilers, when done right, smoking can likewise produce mouthwatering results.

The process of smoking food is tedious, messy and can turn hazardous especially when using an open fire. Electric smokers from the best brands take this ancient yet important cooking method to a new level. With digital electric smokers, food smoking ceases to be a painstaking affair reserved for few experts and becomes a simple task for everyone. Even a novice can achieve professional-grade results with a quality electric smoker. It’s the same as comparing modern electric ovens which have elaborate heat control systems to their ancient counterparts that relied largely on the skills of the baker. With the right settings, you can bake like a pro.

Well, this may sound strange especially if you’re used to preparing barbecues with gas smokers. With an electric smoker, cooking is simple. You push a couple of buttons and are free to do other things as your meat cooks. This flexibility is hard to achieve with other food smokers. In addition, food smoking machines are not only used as meat smokers but can also serve as great outdoor pizza ovens.

When it comes to safety, electric smokers are your best bet. You don’t have to worry about accidents or even overcooking your food. This is because an electric element is used to smolder wood chips without setting them on fire. This produces the needed smoke that flavors your food. Besides, the food cooks slowly for juicier and tastier results.

Price

The cost of an electric smoker will depend on its features, ranging from the complexity of its controls to its performance. Modern designs incorporate advanced features that give users more options for controlling the food smoker. For instance, smart digital electric smokers use Bluetooth technology to connect to handheld devices for convenient control. These functionalities push the prices of such electric smokers higher.

In addition, the materials used to construct an electric food smoking machine affects its market price by a sizable margin. For instance, an electric smoker made of steel is cheaper than one with a stainless steel interior. The way an electric smoker is insulated affects its performance too. Consequently, smokers with excellent insulation perform better and cost more than those without. With that said, it’s worth mentioning that with a budget of between $145 and $550, you can get a quality electric smoker from a trusted brand. While you may find cheap electric smokers in the market as well, beware of their poor quality construction that may not give you value for money.

Features

An electric smoker helps you give your steak an authentic smoke flavor which depends on the type of wood chips you use. However, its performance depends on number factors that range from its construction to control features. It’s thus prudent to carefully examine the salient features of an electric smoker before buying it.

Here’s a list of import qualities to look for in an electric smoker:

Temperature control
Overall size
Length of power extension cord
The design of its wood chips feeding system
Materials used for construction
Smoking surface area
Quality of racks
Power rating

An electric smoker that’s built to pass these qualities is sure to serve you efficiently.

Construction and Design

Most electric smokers from leading brands in the market are made of steel. They also feature multiple racks that are either made of stainless steel or are chrome plated. These racks are designed to slide effortlessly into place. The racks are also supported to avoid tilting.

One of the major problems associated with outdoor cooking systems is heat loss, especially during cold seasons. Quality electric smokers from trusted brands are well insulated to prevent such problems. They come with latching systems that ensure their doors remain shut to make sure that the precious heat doesn’t escape to the open.

Electric heater smokers have a heating element that produces the necessary heat to smolder wood chips for the smoke. This element is usually connected to temperature controls that are either manual or digital. Advanced models even feature digital smoke controls that allow you to determine how much smoke goes to your food.

The quality of your smoked food will also depend on the way you control grease drippings and ash from your food and burnt wood chips respectively. Good electric smokers come with an elaborate built-in grease collection system that directs drippings to a special drip tray. They also come with a manual or automated wood chip feeding system. Once the wood chips are burnt, the ash goes to a collection tray. Moreover, side handles and cool-touch door handles are common among electric smokers from leading brands.

Performance and Ease of Use

Electric smokers are preferred to their gas or charcoal counterparts because they’re easy to operate. You don’t have to worry about erratic cooking temperatures as you can set how hot you want the smoker to be. Initial installation and assembly should be simple and straight forward. Designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable and less strenuous, the advanced digital controls of your typical electric smoker will allow you to use smart technology that means making the food will be as fun as eating the food.

The racks of the electric smoker are chrome plated or made of stainless steel for easy cleaning and effortless maintenance. On the other hand, proper insulation ensures that heat is retained and that the electric smoker uses less power to cook. This works to your advantage since your electricity cost is kept low. Models that are designed to use a wide range of wood chips are convenient to use, namely because you won’t have to scurry all over town in order to find the particular kind of chip your smoker requires. Finally, side handles come in handy when moving your electric smoker, especially if it’s turned on!.

What is the Best Electric Smoker?

Since we now know the tricks to use when selecting a suitable electric smoker, let’s have a detailed look at the qualities of each selected food smoking system on our list. It’s important to note that each one of these smokers features unique characteristics that make them special. Study each of their salient features with the aim of determining how they’re applicable to your situation. This will guide you in finding the best electric smoker for you!

Our Top Choice

The Masterbuilt 20078715 Digital Electric Smoker measures 32.13 x 16.93 x 19.69 inches and weighs 50 lbs. It offers an even cooking experience through its temperature control feature. If you are looking for a more advanced option, check out the 30” Masterbuilt Bluetooth Smart Electric Smoker. This smoker allows you to control it from your smartphone.

Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker Front Controller – Comes in 2 Sizes, With or Without Window and 3 Color Options

Masterbuilt Electric Smoker 20078715 – Black 30”

Features

The Masterbuilt brand has won the loyalty of many consumers because of its consistency in producing quality products. By innovatively improving its manufacturing processes, the company has succeeded in delighting customers with cutting-edge culinary appliances. These include smart smokers, grills, fryers and cookers.

With the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker, you can prepare up to 80 pounds of foodstuff in one go. Retailing at only $299.99, this smoker comes with an LED display control unit that allows you to set your cooking temperature and time.

Moreover, here are other features that distinguish this product from other smokers:

Comes with a unique wood chip loader that does not require you to open the smoker
Its drip & grease pans, ash tray and water bowl are removable from the front side
Its control panel is set at the front to allow you to use the top space as you prepare your food
Comes with a special drip-deflecting mechanism that directs grease to a central collecting point
Has an inbuilt air damping mechanism that helps in controlling smoke

As you shop for your electric smoker, feel free to explore the whole range of cooking accessories by Masterbuilt.

This smoker doesn’t fit what you are looking? Check out the various electric smokers by Masterbuilt to find one that suits you.

Best Value

The Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker is built to offer you a hassle-free cooking experience. Simply plug the smoker into a power source and let it do the cooking. It measures 37.8 x 20 x 17.5 inches and weighs 53.5 lbs. If you are looking for an advanced option, we highly recommend the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker with digital control panel.

Char-Broil Vertical Digital Electric Smoker with Temperature Gauge – Can Bundle with Cover or Wood Chips

Char-Broil Electric Smoker 14201677

Features

The Char-Broil brand came into existence in 1944. Starting off with charcoal grills, the firm continued to innovate and design great cooking systems that are gas or electric powered. These include roasters, smokers and grills. Their products also come in various sizes to suit diverse consumer needs.

The Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker comes with an effective insulation that prevents heat loss and maintains uniform temperature for even cooking. With only $189.99, you can own this smoker and get the opportunity to treat your guests to smoked delicacies from the comfort of your home.

Additionally, here are other features that make this product a great choice:

Comes with dampers for controlling the temperature of the grill
Has a temperature gauge that tracks how hot the grill is at all times
It is fitted with a grease tray for collecting drips, thus making your cleaning easy
It has a door handle that is chrome plated
Comes with a 1-year limited warranty

Be at liberty to treat yourself to various culinary accessories by Char-Broil as you shop for an electric smoker.

Not sure this smoker's for you? Browse through the whole range of electric smokers by Char-Broil to find one that suits you.

The 4-Rack Bradley Digital Smoker measures 31 x 17 x 14 inches and weighs 43 lbs. When fully loaded with Bisquettes from Bradley Smokers, you can run it 8 hours. If you need a larger cooking area, consider the 6-Rack Bradley Digital Smoker. This food smoker gives you an amazing 780 sq. inches space for your culinary needs.

Bradley Digital 4-Rack Smoker - Outdoor Barbecue Smoker with Full Digital Control

Bradley Electric Smoker BTDS76P

Features

Besides food smoking systems, the Bradley Smoker Company is also known for manufacturing bisquettes, barbecue grills, cures & syrups and cookbooks. The firm is wholly committed to making your outdoor culinary a blissful experience.

Their Bradley Digital 4-Rack Smoker comes with a well-insulated interior to prevent heat loss. This makes it a reliable food smoking appliance during both cold and hot seasons. Selling for only $549.99, this digital smoker is built with an in-built thermostat for consistent temperature control.

Additionally, here are the features that make many consumers recommend this product to others:

It comes with an electronic smoke generator
Its smoke and cooker burners are separate
Its racks are supported to prevent tilting
It has a digital control interface that allows you to input your desired oven temperature and amount of smoke
It has a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty

Besides shopping for a food smoker, grab yourself one of the great cookbooks by Bradley Smokers to discover priceless outdoor cuisine recipes.

Still not satisfied with the functions of this food smoker? Check out the various Bradley Electric Smokers to see what they have!

The Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker measures 38 x 21.5 x 18 inches and weighs 47.6 lbs. It has two side handles for easy transportation. If you are looking for a smaller option, consider the Smoke Hollow 26142E Smoker. This food smoking system is an excellent choice for your outdoor cooking and comes with a 1500-watt oven heater.

Smoke Hollow 30" Electric Smoker – Black Smoker for Outdoor Cooking, Other Sizes Available

Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker 30162E

Features

The Smoke Hollow Company is not a one trick pony. It provides consumers with a wide range of products such as grills and accessories for outdoor cooking systems. Their cooking appliances come in different sizes and are built to use various fuel options to the liking of many consumers.

For instance, the Smoke Hollow 30162E Smoker is medium sized and suitable for small families or backyard parties. Going for only $209.99, this food smoker comes with a double steel wall insulation that ensures that it functions optimally even in a very cold environment.

Furthermore, here are the features that make this smoker a great choice:

It comes with 3 temperature settings to choose from
Has an external gauge that displays internal temperature of the smoker
It comes with a meat thermometer
It has a spring wire handle on its door specially designed for a cool touch
Its door-latch mechanism is magnetic
Comes with a 1-year limited warranty

Brighten your smoker shopping experience by treating yourself to any of the accessories by Smoke Hollow that will improve your food smoking system.

Still not convinced that this smoker is for you? There are various electric smokers by Smoke Hollow to choose from.

The much sought-after Smokehouse Little Chief Electric Smoker offers a highly effective, single low-temperature setting of 1650 F. It measures 24.5 by 11.5 by 11.5 inches and weighs 12.2 lbs. If you are shopping for a larger option, check out the Smokehouse Big Chief Smoker. This food smoker comes with 5 smoking racks and a 450-watt heating element.

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker – Includes Recipe/Instruction Booklet and Bag of Chips n' Chunks Hickory Chips

Smokehouse Electric Smoker 9900-000-0000 - Medium

Features

Upon the delivery of its maiden food smoker to the market, the Smokehouse Products Company set a standard of quality among its consumers and won their trust. Subsequent smokers produced by the company did not disappoint either. Over the years, the firm has expanded its manufacturing line to include a spare parts and accessories line.

The Smokehouse Little Chief Electric Smoker comes with adequate ventilation for optimal circulation of smoke. Retailing at only $145.00, this food smoking system is sure to give you value for money.

Additionally, here are features that make this smoker a true asset to its owners:

Its racks are built to slide easily into the cooking chamber
Comes with 1.75 lbs. of wood chips
Its drip pan is safe to clean in the dishwasher
It is specially built for outdoor cooking only
It comes with a booklet of recipes
Comes with a 2-year limited warranty

As you search for a suitable food smoker, take this opportunity to explore other great products by Smokehouse such as flavored wood chips.

Not the right model for you? Take a look at other electric smokers by Smokehouse to find the best one for you.

Get the Best Electric Smoker of 2018!

Now that you’ve finished reading our review of some of the best electric smokers out there, hopefully you’ve now come across an electric smoker that works for you. If this is the case, then proceed to make that order. Otherwise, feel free to browse through the wide range of options from the selected brands – we’ve featured them because of their reputation of providing quality and dependable products in the market.

Our Top Choice

Masterbuilt20078715 Digital Electric Smoker

Best Value

Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker

Bradley BTDS76P Digital Electric Smoker

Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker Model 30162E

Smokehouse Front Load Electric Smoker