Top 2020 Best Electric Smokers Reviewed – A Complete Buyer’s Guide

For starters, an electric digital smoker has the easiest temperature control box, which in meat smoking is one of the best features a smoker can have. Furthermore, you won’t have to keep adding fuel into it to keep the fire burning, as you have to for heavy-duty charcoal or pellet smoker; it’s electric, just plug it in and prepare your meats, and in a few hours you can have smoked greatness for you and your family!

Oh, on that note, yeah… You will need an electric supply.

This is the Achilles’ heel of these smokers, highlighted in many electric smoker reviews. With the rest of the smokers, especially charcoal ones, you can literally go anywhere and fire them up (except maybe some propane and pellet smokers), but here you have to have a power supply. Sure, you can bring an external battery, but it still isn’t as convenient. An electric smoker also tends to be a bit heavier and has more serviceable stainless steel parts that can eventually break and need replacing.

Our best electric smoker picks come with many great features like – easy to use, clean, some have digital control, durable, affordably priced, and good at maintaining their desired temperature with set it and forget options and time control.

How, then, will you know which model is best for you and your family? This in-depth review is a great place to start!

Here is a complete list of the best electric smokers in 2020, that we have included in our buying guide. We are here to help you find the right one for you by providing you all of the info on everything you need when it comes to smoking. All of these units have excellent reviews and will provide you a delicious smoking session. 

10 HIGHEST RATED ELECTRIC SMOKERS

Product	Capacity	Weight	Our Smoking Score
#1 Bradley BTDS108P Editor's Choice CHECK PRICE	780 sq in	60lbs.	5/5
#2 Char-Broil Deluxe Top-Quality Product CHECK PRICE	725 sq in	50lbs.	4.9/5
#3 Masterbuilt 20078715 Great Value For Money CHECK PRICE	720 sq in	50lbs.	4.8/5
#4 Smokin-it Model 2 Smoker Built To Last CHECK PRICE	300 sq in	75lbs.	4.8/5
#5 Smoke Hollow 30162E Best For Beginners CHECK PRICE	400 sq in	47lbs.	4.6/5
#6 Landmann USA Smoky Mountain Good Quality/Lower Price CHECK PRICE	450 sq in	33lbs.	4.5/5
#7 Masterbuilt Bluetooth Smoker Large Quantities of Food CHECK PRICE	721 sq in	54lbs.	4.3/5
#8 Old Smokey Very Simple To Operate CHECK PRICE	280 sq in	23lbs.	4.2/5
#9 Char-Broil Vertical Best Under $200 CHECK PRICE	595 sq in	76lbs.	4.4/5
#10 Masterbuilt 20070910 Best Under $300 CHECK PRICE	730 sq in	46lbs.	4.5/5

1. Bradley BTDS108P – Editor’s Choice

(Square inches cooking area: 780, Weight: 60 lbs. , Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 39 inches)

This Bradley smoker is the ideal combination of quality materials, the right dimensions, and brilliant digital technology, and these smoker features have made it one of the best electric smokers on the market.

This durable construction electric digital smoker can smoke on its own for a full 8 hours straight, making it an excellent choice, and one of the top-rated electric smoker units available.

It requires no previous knowledge of meat smoking, making it a very good electric smoker for beginners.

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The Bradley digital electric smoker comes with tons of customizable features and, with its digital LED display box, is the only quality smoker Bradley has invented this quality electric smoker that is capable of both hot and cold smoking with minimum control without the need for meat probes. It has good dimensions, numerous racks, and grates, a drip tray to catch grease, is built exceptionally well and maintains a steady internal temperature, giving the meat products a nice smoke flavor. 

The Bradley is a quality electric smoker will ensure you’re always on top of your meat smoking game. We do recommend that they fix wheels to the construction so that, with its dimensions, it was easier to move. We also recommend that you use this  Bradley smoker in a more sheltered area on the porch or patio rather than outdoors.

The digital controls and blue LED display make for simple smoking without all the guesswork of analog smokers. There is even an easy to remove wood chip tray and grease drip tray with ample capacity that makes the clean-up of this Bradley unit a breeze.

 The Bradley digital electric smoker clocks in at right around 60 pounds but their units don’t have any wheels or rollers in the construction that can be used to position them properly. This electric smoker is an outdoor model, but heavy wind does affect the overall performance, making this appliance a poor choice for outdoor use.

Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth review here.

2. Char-Broil Deluxe

(Square inches cooking area: 725, Weight: 50.2 lbs. , Dimensions: 18 x 16.5 x 32.5 inches)

This Char-Broil Deluxe digital electric smoker is an industry leader and part of the electric smoker char broil series, offers you a user-friendly experience at 725 square in. that will take all the hard work or trying out smoking recipes away.

The unit has a gorgeous design and large capacity that makes it easy to use and is made out of best top-quality materials that customers tend to look for.

The Char-Broil Analog is also another option alongside the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital that is one of the top smokers available that includes an analog dial and is in the same price range.

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The heating element and time control with which it operates ensure that the meat product coming out of it will be nothing but professional-kitchen-quality. It’s affordably priced and this also comes with features like Wi-Fi that customers would usually expect to pay more for. In fact, it’s one of the better digital smokers also with Wi-Fi that we’ve come across.

The Deluxe Char-Broil digital electric smoker is a great electric smoker for beginners, this electric smoker definitely won’t break the bank. Bear in mind if you’re into high-temperature cooking, the electric smoker char broil is not the greatest choice but you could also checkout the Char-Broil Analog as well.

It reaches a cooking temperature of 275 degrees fahrenheit at the max heat setting, so it is an option that is well worth considering if you prefer a longer cooking time, even though most tend to cook at around 250 degrees or less. Throw in some pork into the racks and on the top side will be an air damper in which together with the wood chip loading system starts you off with a good smoke.

Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth review here.

3. Masterbuilt 20078715

(Square inches cooking area: 721, Weight: 50.04 lbs. , Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 32 inches)

It is rare to see a product as good as the Masterbuilt electric smokers, which do almost everything right, but Masterbuilt is one of those brands that has seemingly “mastered” this process.

The 30 inch electric smoker Masterbuilt series have built-in digital thermometers so you can pick the right temperature every time. It also comes with a leak-proof cabinet.

It typically ranges in temperature from 100 degrees F – 275 degrees Fahrenheit of heat. The 800-watt heating element gives you precise control over your smoking. 

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The simple controls for this Masterbuilt smoker are on a digital electric panel at the top of the unit, making them accessible to read both the temperature gauge and the cooking time. There are four stainless steel racks in total giving you plenty of cooking space and a glass opening on the front door to check in on the progress of the smoke.

If you don’t feel as though that’s enough space, upgrade to one of the 40 inch Masterbuilt digital units, with more space for cooking instead. You do need to be careful when using the wood chip trays on Masterbuilt electric smokers because it’s not as strong as we’d like. That’s also, according to our experience and considered review, is where a good capacity wood tray could come handy to allow you to add chips or briquettes easily to the appliance.

The Masterbuilt 20078715 30 inch electric smoker has all the bells and whistles an electric smoker can have, but for a much lower price tag than its competitors.

Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth review here.

4. Smokin-it Model 2

(Square inches cooking space: 300, Weight: 75 lbs. , Dimensions: 24 x 30 x 22 inches)

The Smokin-It Model 2 electric smoker is made very well and it’s a sturdy piece of equipment that is sure to provide you with a solid at home smoking cook for which to try out numerous recipes.

The construction is top notch with all the components being quite sturdy and reliable. The form factor of this smoker also makes it great for storing in tighter spaces, and it’s really easy to move the whole smoker around thanks to the wheels and stainless steel handles on the sides.

 This smoker is pretty heavy though, so using the wheels is a must, and due to its large size, if you need to pick it up, you should probably have a buddy help you out to save you the trouble.

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The temperature gauge is really close to the heating power source which can result in temperatures in the majority of the smoker being lower than what is read by the gauge. The entire unit is a little on the small side and only has four racks on which your added meat can go. This means you won’t be able to use this smoker for large cooking.

5. Smoke Hollow 30162E

(Square inches cooking space: 400, Weight: 47 lbs. , Dimensions: 19 x 22.5 x 37.8 inches)

This electric smoker isn’t as fancy as all the rest on our list, but the guys over at Smoke Hollow didn’t want it to be. All it has to do is give you the pleasure of producing tasty smoky meat, without having a steep learning curve, making it simple to use.

 If you want to get a cheap electric smoker , which will guide you deeper into the world of meat smoking, opt for the Smoke Hollow. This is a smaller size than the Masterbuilt, so if you need an appliance with more space, it’s best to go for the 30-inch model.

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It does have the best adjustable chrome-plated cooking racks, but there are only two of these, which means its size is not the greatest if you’re smoking large amounts of barbecue, for instance, multiple large pork butts at once.

You get a reasonable analog smoker that’s easy to control, reviewed quite favorably in many guides, and you’ll save a few bucks.

If you’re short on space, though, this smoker model is the best alternative. It’s compact, works well, and is one of the easier ones to use. Like the Masterbuilt smoker, though, it only has a 90-day warranty which was disappointing.

Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth review here.

6. Landmann USA Smoky Mountain

(Square inches of cooking space: 450, Weight: 33 lbs. , Dimensions: 26 x 21 x 47.25 inches)

Landmann has always been known to produce some of the best electric smokers. The Smoky Mountain is no exception to this rule, as it covers everything a basic good capacity meat smoker unit should do to allow you to cook low and slow for hours on end. 

This electric smoker has relatively good heat retention and internal temperature control and doesn’t mix up different flavors when cooking fish and chicken products together, for example. If you don’t want to rip a hole through your pocket, but also want to enjoy meat full of flavor, go with the one of the best electric smoker options – pick the Smoky Mountain.

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This electric smoker is a budget-priced powerhouse of a smoker that handles heat temperatures between 100 and 260 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has four separately adjustable feet and good dimensions that allow you to ensure the unit is easy to move around and maintains its upright position at all times even on uneven ground.

The 3-in-1 water pan, multiple cooking racks, wood chip tray, and grease drip tray ensure operating the Landmann Smoky Mountain unit simple. Clean-up is also easy thanks to the 3-in-1 compartment setup. The glass window in the door is also of an excellent quality; you can keep an eye on your meat cooking on the rack smoker without opening the door and letting out all the accumulated smoke flavor on your products over the hours.

This smoker also allows the use of a meat probe to keep an eye on temperature changes. This also avoids you interfering with the cooking time and dropping the internal temperature.

Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth review here.

7. Masterbuilt Bluetooth Smoker Model

(Square inches of cooking space: 721, Weight: 54 lbs. , Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 31 inches)

The Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker, is a great little piece of equipment for making homemade smoked meat. It offers the ability to monitor and control the temperature from afar using the smart device app, making Masterbuilt one of the best digital electric smoker brands online.

 The app is a bit finicky, but the functionality is very handy to control when you can get it to work, and it will save you a lot of fuss. This electric smoker model also packs a punch with its 800 watts heating element and multiple cooking racks that help keep the temperature gauge constant during long cooking sessions.

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However, it does have a max heat internal temperature inside of 275°F so that might be a deal-breaker for some customers who like a to smoke at a high meat temperature. Even though it is recommended to finish with a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit Also with a glass door there can be heat loss. We prefer to smoke our meat at low temperatures over a long duration, so any type of heat loss wasn’t a problem at all for us.

Personally, I could do without the elite Bluetooth functionality after spending some time with the rather frustrating app Masterbuilt made for it. If the app that you can get in the app store worked better and was more reliable, it would be a much easier recommendation. If you’re into Bluetooth, however, this electric smoker Masterbuilt model comes with the choice of using Bluetooth and it was one of the best on the market. Overall, I’d say this digital Masterbuilt unit is worth the price and will certainly get the job done with ease in good time.

8. Old Smokey Electric Smoker

(Square inches cooking space: 280, Weight: 23 lbs. , Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 29 inches)

The Old Smokey electric smoker isn’t the best looking model, but it gets the job done. This model is a reliable piece of equipment that is easy to control and makes it easy for you to smoke meat products with a delicious flavor for years to come.

 It is made with a very utilitarian and heavy design without any unnecessary frills or features. The Old Smokey was perfect for me as a novice to the world of smoking, thanks to its simple design and no fuss operation, and ample inch cooking space.

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While it can also be a bit of a chore to clean and get the char off the interior, compared to the units with easy cleaning features like drip drawers and a wood chip tray. However, the lack of features keeps the price down, and this baby works great all the time.

It is a bit on the smaller side so the area for cooking will be rather small and you won’t have much space for your cooking process. For huge crowds it will definitely get the job done as it is easy for you to cook whole turkeys or a couple of rib racks at the same time.

ELECTRIC SMOKERS FOR BUYERS ON A BUDGET

9. Best Electric Smoker Brand Under $200 – Char-Broil Vertical

(Square inches of cooking space: 595, Weight: 76 lbs. , Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 45 inches)

Finding the best electric smokers that come in at under a $200 budget on many guides is not all that easy. Buying this simple, budget-friendly digital model will enhance your chances of getting a good smoker for a low cost. Naturally, the trade-off for the great price is a very simple device. You’ll also need to factor in that it’s a little smaller than some of the more expensive options you may find as a participant in the Amazon platform or elsewhere.

 That said, it’s an excellent choice for a beginner who just wants to test the waters, itching to try their hand at new recipes without wanting to spend way out of budget. You can read below to find out why this brand is one of the best budget pick electric smokers for under $200.

Main Points:

• Simple to operate the temperature and time controls and easy enough to clean
• Excellent price
• Capable of handling a reasonable quantity of food, but will frustrate you if you have a lot of people to cater for
• Performs tolerably well, especially when you consider the price
• Budget-friendly
• Powerful heating element for the price point

The downside is that the door can be difficult to shut correctly at first. Once you get the hang of it, though, it becomes simpler to operate.

 It’s also not the best digital model if you’re looking to keep the heat and smoke insulation in and not having control of the exhaust ports, so would not be ideal if you’re in an area that gets very cold in winter.

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There is some insulation, but this does not stand up too well to extremes of cold. Also, the lack of insulation does mean that it can cost a little more to operate regarding power.

 It’s not a huge difference, though, and certainly not a deal-breaker. We do think that if you enjoy smoking your meats, you’ll want to swap it out for a more advanced model at a later stage. If you’re only going to use it occasionally, this model is perfect.

10. Top Smoker Brand Under $300 – Masterbuilt 20070910

(Square inches of cooking space: 730, Weight: 46 lbs. , Dimensions: 20 x 17 x 33 inches)

If you’re a more experienced smoker or are going to use the smoker often, it makes sense to up the ante a bit when it comes to price and quality within budget. This digital smoker part of the Masterbuilt brands model performs well and is one of the better budget friendly smokers on the market. This model also comes with 730 square inches of cooking space which can be ideal for cooking.

It has some handy features that make it easy to use.

Main points:

• Complete with a built-in temperature thermometer for focused temperature control. This heating element on this electric smoker ranges in temperature from 100°F – 275°F, and you can set the temperature that’s easy to control to what suits you
• A set-it-and-forget-it option – it will maintain the desired temperature automatically.
• Well-built. The exterior is made of stainless steel, and the interior is aluminum for maximum heat control properties
• A pretty good-looking digital model and reasonably compact, coming in at just 46 pounds
• Capable of handling a smaller rack of ribs and pieces of meat. You could, for example, fit in six whole chickens on the removable cooking racks.
• Not capable of handling a full rack of ribs or a more substantial cut of meat unless you can roll them up

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We don’t particularly like the chip tray that you put the wood chips in. We do feel that this wood chip tray could have been made a little stronger. Still, as long as you’re careful when using it, it should be fine. Just be sure to check the chips without starting it up to make sure the tray is safely in position.

 Another issue is the temperature range that this Masterbuilt model is capable of. It only goes up to 275°F in temperature, so it won’t work if you want to set the temperature adjustment to handle high heat cooking. 

 All the same, for the price the manufacturers are advertising, you’re getting a pretty good deal. 

It’s more than enough for someone who is just starting, and it can handle a reasonable amount of food in one go. However, if you don’t feel as though that’s enough cooking space, upgrade to one of the 40 inch Masterbuilt digital units with more space to make your cooking process a bit easier.

We would also have preferred both and 40 inch the 30 inch Masterbuilt digital units to have at least a one-year-long warranty instead of a 90-day guarantee.

Electric Smokers Buyer’s Guide

Before we lay out the criteria you have to follow when buying the best electric smoker for you, let’s introduce you to the four major types available in the market. They are categorized by the type of energy or fuel they use to generate heat and are the following:

 – Electric

 – Electric with a pellet/wood bisquettes auger system

 – Propane or Gas Grills

 – Charcoal Grills

 Obviously this guide will be concentrated on the top electric smokers but if you should be looking for a different kind of smoker be sure to check out our guide. There is a reason that today the most commonly used is the electric smoker, and you will see why buying an electric smoker today is the right choice.

What Defines The Best Electric Smoker to Buy

There are a lot of boxes and smoker features that have to be checked when buying an electric smoker smoker, which is why we’ve compiled this list for you.  There’s a lot to think about when you choose a smoker based on your smoking experience, so read on to know exactly what’s important.

• Total Capacity

This is one of the most important aspects of an electric smoker. Always check for the capacity of your smoker first. Even if the smoker has tons of other amazing features, if it is not big enough for your smoking needs it just won’t be useful. If you often cook for a crowd or a family gathering, make sure you get a sizable electric smoker to fit all the food inside, as well as one that has an ample wood tray and grease tray.

• Ease Of Use

Be sure the model you decide on comes with a user-friendly design and is a breeze to operate. Also, check the time-temperature control panel and digital thermometer and be sure they give you enough options that are easy to follow and let you to set and forget the unit. Also, the cooker should have a glass window that lets you monitor the situation inside the smoker, removable grill racks, and the drip pan or wood chip tray should be removable. Extra points if there is a Bluetooth digital panel or even a remote control. However, there are also other analog electric smoker models like the Smoke Hollow, which pass on all the control of the smoking process to you if you prefer, but they aren’t quite as easy to simply set up and forget about. 

• Temperature Range

You should pick an electric smoker with a good heating element and smoke levels that go from around a temperature range of 100 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit inside the smoker. You’ll want to check if the unit you select has a powerful heating element, on top of just being easy to control. This temperature range consists of all the right temperatures to make it easy to smoke meat and grill all sorts of food especially for a large cooking.  Ideally, your smoker should be able to give you the ability too just set it and forget it. Most of the best electric smoker models also have cooking temperature settings that are digital, making them easy to use. Also some may include a temperature probe.

• Mobility

This seems like a weird thing to point out but trust us, if you want to use your smoker at different places there are three things you need to be sure your electric smokers comes with – to be durable yet lightweight and portable, to have a long-enough power cord, good construction quality, and to have wheels.

• Ease of Maintenance

Quick and easy maintenance always does the trick. Go for a top electric smoker with easily removable cooking grids, racks, panels, wood chip trays, a grease pan, and a water pan, and check with the manufacturer to see that replaceable parts are easily available.  These convenience features will make your smoker a ease of use as you prepare for each meal. Ensure that in case of any problems, you can reach the customer service helpline easily via telephone or by email address.

• Remote Controls

Remote control features give you the freedom to barbecue and grill, without staying near your electric smoker all day. Simply adjust temperature internal light, or check internal meat temperatures at a distance. Keep tabs on the progress of your meat thermometer as it smokes, by pressing the temperature readout button on your remote control. Having a remote control can make the cooking process easy for you, as you monitor the temperature probe as well when prepping your meals.

• Affordability

Affordability does not mean cheap but it also doesn’t mean they are out of your price range. There are plenty of best budget electric smokers out there that won’t break the bank with their decent price and have a decent amount of incorporated newer features. Affordable types of smokers are constructed to last long, even if they don’t have all of the cool features like the deluxe digital electric smoker brand.

• Warranty

You’ll want to get a good warranty on your product. Most smokers come with a warranty between 1-5 years, but we suggest getting the longest possible one. After all it’s an electric appliance and everything can go wrong within its circuits, as you grill your meat. 

Advantages Of Owning An Electric Smoker

• Temperature Control. Charcoal smokers are famous for being hard to maintain at the right temperature. Gas grills are better than a gas smoker at controlling temperature ranges, but still not as good as the electric smokers. They simply have tons of heat-regulating mechanisms, which all do the job for you. There is a required temperature as well that you can monitor on your temperature gauge for smoking each kind of meat to obtain the desired char, and the electric smokers also make it easy for you to ensure that you control the temperature for the best results. Temperature control is definitely one of the best reasons to choose an electric smoker allowing you to able to set it and forget, while also having the option to use a meat probe. 

• Safety. These smokers are the safest out of all the types, as there is no possibility of burning wood jumping out and setting things on fire (even when you are indoors). If something happens to the thermostat and the temperature goes beyond its set point, there are built-in prevention mechanisms that kick in and shut the unit off. If you are looking for a set and forget option, smokers are the right option for that. This also give you a little more flexibility when it comes to choosing the space you use your smoker in. 

• Not Having To Supervise the Electric Smoker. If you had to choose, would you babysit your smoker all day, or be able to set the temp on the panel, and forget it? Electric smokers require minimal to no supervision, especially as regards temperature controls because of their inbuilt thermostats and temperature controller. If you can’t have your whole day wasted in maintaining the temperature of the smoker with a meat thermometer to yield the perfect char on your meat, this is the right choice for you, as these smokers come equipped and are easy to assemble and use. You just set up the ideal temperature on the temperature controller or time program designed to provide convenience to and go do whatever it is you were doing in the first place. Having to not keep eyes on a temperature gauge is such a relief. One thing, though – since the temperature in the electric units goes from the bottom of the unit towards the top, smoking might be a bit slower, but even then, as experienced smokers say, “the longer the smoking time is, the better the flavor”. Some of the digital smokers like the Masterbuilt come with a rf remote control to make things easy to set.

• Heat Convection. Electric cookers are designed to be the best at heat convection and spreading while maintaining a well insulated constant temperature – a unanimous champion in that category. Most units cannot distribute their heating elements properly (mainly when outdoors), and usually cook only one side of the meat. Electric smokers come with excellent heat convection, sufficient heating element watts, and a temperature controller that has capabilities to produce well-cooked foods and keep your food warm with a smoky flavor. It’s also very easy to control the temperature with smokers that have a temperature control panel.

Tips For Using Your Smoker for Cooking

Electric smokers provide you with the ability to smoke delicious, meats, vegetables, and cheeses a lot easier than the guesswork that goes into traditional smoking. Cooking smoked food is a fun hobby that your family, friends, and neighbors are sure to love, but getting into it can be pretty much trial and error at first. We’ve put together some helpful pointers that will help you hit the ground running and get you making quality food with your new electric smoker. Once you’ve found the perfect space to set up your smoker, there are a few other important things to remember. 

• Season Your Electric Smoker for First Time Use

This is important. Seasoning ensures that any dust or oil left over from the manufacturing floor is completely removed. You don’t want this going onto the food, as these residues will render the meat inedible and unpalatable. Seasoning your electric smoker is easy; first, wipe it down with a damp cloth dipped in warm water, and then coat with a light spray of cooking oil spray. Open the top vent and lid all the way, and set the temperature at 275°F and for 3 hours (180 minutes), add 8 – 12 wood chips every 20 minutes into the wood chip tray. Once you’ve done this, you can safely begin to use your electric smoker.

• Invest in a Dual Probe Thermometer

Your smoker will probably come with a dial-in thermostat or meat thermometer, but we also recommend investing in a dual probe thermometer setup. Temperature as well can vary wildly in a lot of places within the smoker and can rise or drop within minutes, so you’ll need to measure the air temperature with an internal thermometer right around where the meat is cooking to get accurate temperature probe readings and ensure your meat thermometer is tracking the smoking evenly over the hours. The meat probe is made to be sure the temperature inside is consistent.

• Less is More

When it comes to smoking food, too much smoke flow is not a good thing. Ideally, you want to see a thin trail of blue smoke coming out of the vent on your smoker during the entire process. It doesn’t take a whole lot of smoke to imbue your food with the lovely, rich and smoky flavors you want.  You don’t want to go too heavy when you add wood chips when you are smoking. This is true for chicken or turkey, as they are more prone to soaking in the smoke and can even become inedible with too much smoke. As to whether you should first soak your wood chips into the water bowl or wood tray before using them, it depends on your cooking capacity, style, and personal preference. When food smoking it is important to be sure your smoking temperatures are set correctly in the smoking area.

Other Types Of Smokers

Other than buying an electric smoker, people are opting for pellet smokers, which are seemingly are on the rise lately. They are, however, nowhere near as popular as their pure electric competition. Even so, they can maintain temperatures rather well, and don’t require all the space of the larger sized traditional units. The pellet smoker is basically a modified electric smoker. Most of them have a removable and insulated auger system that has a thermostat and control panel attached to it. That way, whenever the temperature drops, the auger system automatically places a few more wood pellets into the fire hourly or as you set it. If you want the choice of that system in your smoker though, you will still need electricity. Those models are made for people who want their meat to be smoked over true wood (not that there is much difference in the taste).

Pellet smokers don’t have cheap models, so honestly, if you are a beginner, the pure electric smoker is the best way to go.

Speaking of flavor, porcelain-coated charcoal smokers produce quite the unique combination of tastes embedded into your meat, but the whole fuss of starting them up and later on maintaining their internal temperature is a huge deal-breaker for some. The charcoal smoker is a very common go-to as it has been utilized longer than any other types of smoker and the square in. of cooking it has to offer can be a lot. Even though a charcoal smoker offers very good cooked tender meat ,you will have to sit next to the smoker constantly in order to produce the same result electric smokers would do all on its own. 

Electric Smokers FAQ

Q: How do electric smokers work?

A: Simply put, electric smokers are an insulated oven with smoke. Heat is supplied through an incorporated electric heating element, which burns the wood chips above it, producing smoke in the insulated smoke chamber. Instead of the heat being controlled by limiting the flow of oxygen using vents, electric smokers have digital controls that change the flow of electricity into the oven of the unit. Once you get the above going you can sit back and let your smoker work.

Q: What is the water tray for?

A: The removable water pan is used to help prevent food from drying out during smoking. You can add water or fruit juices in the pan for extra flavor, but make sure you clean out the drip tray and run the cooking grates in a dishwasher safe machine between uses. Ensure to only use added fresh water with each use, to prevent toxic bacteria from building up. For the most part the water pan is pretty easy to clean. Just be sure all juices are gone in the water bowl before starting a fresh cook.

Q: Why don’t electric smokers produce a smoke ring on the barbecue?

A: An insulated electric smoker does not produce as much combustion as a charcoal grill. Wood chips burn at lower temperatures than charcoal, hence the compounds that help in forming the “bark” on the smoked meats, are not produced, which means you don’t get as many smoke rings. This doesn’t mean that without many smoke rings there is no pink layer on the outside of the meat or the smoky flavor isn’t there – electric smokers produce professional-quality results with a nice smoke ring that amateurs can be proud of.

Q: Can electric smokers be used indoors?

A: Not without a super-powerful extraction system installed. Using electric smokers in the house will leave a permanent and smoky smell on all your precious furnishings. The heat and smoke it can give off are a few reasons you want to keep your electric smoker outside and if you want to avoid harsh weather while smoking meat, use it on your patio or porch and also get a smoker top or smoker cover.

Q: What kind of wood chips should I use to smoke with?

A: The type of wood chips you decide to use is based on taste preferences, and different types of foods have some classic pairings. Mesquite is popular for cooking pork, hams or bacon for instance, and oak for cooking brisket. You should use either wood chips or pellets specifically designed for smokers when using your electric smoker. Wood chips may also be used dry or after soaking in water, depending on your personal preference. If your smoker has a wood chip system this also allows extra chips to be added during your cooking but, be sure to have a water bowl.

Q: Are there other things a smoker can be used for besides smoking meat?

A: Absolutely! You may smoke vegetables or cheese, but you can also use your electric smoker without any wood chips or pellets and just use it as a way for slow cooking or dehydrating to make beef jerky or similar items. The smoker is a versatile piece of equipment and it can make all sorts of dishes and large cooking other than smoked meats, baby back ribs, pork butt, or beef.