We Review The Best Electric Smoker On The Market – Are Digital BBQ Meat Smokers Any Good And Value For The Money?

Electric smokers have become the most suitable BBQ smoker for many amateur and professional chefs in this modern age. However, it still doesn’t stop many grill aficionados arguing you don’t get the same smokey BBQ taste without charcoal.

For the rest of us, the best electric smokers offer an inexpensive way of smoking meats with consistently good results. No more messing about with dampers and air vents to maintain the temperature, and they tend to be safer too. Many people will live in areas or condo blocks which actually prohibit the use of charcoal fires.

Let’s take a look at how the best electric meat smoker works before considering the most important factors when choosing a model. Later I have included some best electric meat smoker reviews to help you choose which model is right for you.

​Quick Answer: The 7 Best Electric Smokers For 2023

How Does the Best Electric Smoker Work?

The best electric smokers are fairly new to the world of smokers and have opened up a whole new world of smoking to many newbies. Without the use of open flames, you have much more freedom to choose where you can smoke meats, even indoors with some models.

Unlike a traditional BBQ smoker where you control the flow of air to a flame, the top electric smokers work by controlling the flow of electric power to a heating element.

A heating element can be turned on or off according to the temperature inside the smoker. Digital controllers on the best electric smokers allow you to set the smoker then wander off.

Wood chips will normally be placed in a tray just above the element. These will smolder and burn as they heat up to produce small amounts of smoke. Depending on how well sealed a cabinet is, a water pan may also be used to provide moisture as the meat smokes.

​​Below is a video below to show you just how well a good electric smoker can smoke brisket.

What are the Pros and Cons of the Best Electric Smokers?

If you are still unsure whether the best electric meat smoker is right for you, here’s a quick rundown of the benefits and a few downsides too.

1. The top rated electric smokers are mainly “set and forget” affairs. Once you have loaded the meat, set the temperature and added wood chips you can forget about the process until the meat is done. Some of the best electric smokers even feature timers which will auto-power off and keep the food warm.
2. Electric smokers are extremely easy and convenient to use. A digital control and thermostat allow for precise temperature control in the top electric smokers. Achieving that same level of control with charcoal or gas takes lots of practice.
3. Great for areas which don’t allow the use of open flame fires or charcoal grills and smokers.
4. More potential for a variety of different foods, including the option of cold smoking with easy to install optional kits on most electric smokers.
5. Less chance of stray bits of charcoal in the smoke which can contaminate your food.
6. Power efficient with only 400-watt to 800-watt elements and can be more economical to run in some areas than charcoal or propane smokers.

Cons

1. Even the best electric smokers will have a limited power range and may struggle to hit higher temperatures of over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. While long smokers may not need those higher temperatures, sometimes they can be handy for adding bark to brisket or pork butts and crisping the skin of poultry.
2. You will definitely struggle to get the ideal pink smoke ring which many smoked meat enthusiasts crave so much. If you really want that smoke ring to show off on your smoked meats, you would be better considering a traditional charcoal smoker or more expensive wood pellet grill.
3. Obviously, you’re going to need to be near a power socket when using the best electric meat smokers. They're not as suitable for life on the road unless you have a suitable AC to DC inverter, which can be costly to buy, or a hook-up at your campsite. Definitely not the best smokers for use at tailgates.

Don’t believe the hype that electric smokers are better for your health. They may produce less carbon monoxide fumes than charcoal or gas as they cook but the smoked meat still contains carcinogens that the WHO has recognized as a cancer risk. The key, like most things in life, is moderation.

Can You Use Electric Smokers Indoors?

Using highly combustible fuel like charcoal or propane gas indoors is unsafe which is why so many people who live in smaller condos prefer an electric smoker. However, unless you are prepared to install some serious extraction system like those found in restaurants, the answer is mainly no.

Although some electric smokers will be advertised as safe for use indoors, always check the quality of seals and how the smoke escapes from the unit. The last thing you want is a kitchen full of possibly toxic fumes. The other significant problem with using an electric smoker indoors is that smoke smell, which just lingers.

If you really want to smoke indoors, I would recommend a well-ventilated outhouse to protect you from the elements. Or failing that you could always smoke your meats in a commercial kitchen with the proper extraction.

Can You Cold Smoke in an Electric Smoker?

The key to a good smoke of your foods is temperature maintenance. Analog electric smokers can be more challenging but still produce good results with practice, just invest in a good meat probe. Digital controllers are the way forward with precise temperature control and built-in thermostat probes, some even include meat probes.

A digital controller will generally be much easier to use, with many now having remote controls or Bluetooth apps that allow you to control the smoker remotely. Time for a quick game of soccer with the kids to work off those calories in advance.

Pay attention to how well insulated the cabinet of the smoker is, the top-rated electric smokers should have double walled or fiberglass insulation for better heat retention. Seals on the door can stop too much smoke or heat escaping and make the smoker more efficient and economical to run.

How Easy are the Best Electric Meat Smokers to Clean?

An electric meat smoker is going to be running for much longer than many other cooking appliances and will collect more grease and smoke stains in the process. Does the electric smoker have a removable grease pan for easy cleanup?

Check the racks are either porcelain or chrome coated, which won’t just be better for heat retention but also easier to clean. Are the removable parts dishwasher safe? And finally, a stainless steel interior can be much more smoke stain resistant and simple to wipe down for an almost new mirror-like sheen.

The Best Electric Smokers in ​2023

You don’t need to spend a fortune to buy the best electric smokers. At the end of the day, they are just a heatproof cabinet with a heating element to cook your foods and cause wood chips to smoke, adding flavor.

The more you spend will normally be reflected in the build quality, durability, and insulation of the electric smoker you choose. Decide whether you need extra features like a remote control or automatic wood-feeding, or whether a basic but larger model will be better for you?

The best electric smoker reviews below are, in my opinion, seven of the best electric smokers you can currently buy in ​2023 at affordable prices.

Best Overall—40” Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker with Viewing Window

​Masterbuilt has become synonymous with top rated electric smokers at affordable prices which don’t compromise on quality. Their best electric smokers are easy to use, feature consistent temperatures and smoke, and normally have a compact size for smaller spaces.

If you like the idea of watching your food as it smokes, the large observation window on the front of this 40-inch smoker is ideal. It’s compact and easy to store with 975 square inches of cooking space over four removable racks.

A smoker is no good unless it maintains that consistent temperature and smoke. This Masterbuilt electric smoker features tight seals and is double insulated to ensure it maintains temperature throughout the entire smoke. A patented side loading wood chip box means you don’t even have to open the cabinet when adding more chips.

For beginners, the Masterbuilt is extremely easy to use, with a handy remote control which allows you to operate it from a distance of up to 100 feet. You can turn it on/off or adjust the temperature without leaving the comfort of your armchair.

A top mounted digital control panel also features easy-to-use controls with a clear LED display.

Cleanup is simple too with most of the parts being removable and dishwasher safe. A redesigned drip pan and non-stick, chrome-plated racks, make removing grease or residue very easy.

Pros

• An affordable family sized smoker which is simple to use.
• Compact and easy to store with wheels for portability.
• Double insulated for better temperature control.
• Sideloading wood chip box.
• Large 975 square inch cooking surface.
• Adjustable racks which are chrome-plated.
• Observation window with an internal light so you can watch as that smoke ring forms.
• Digital control panel with Blue LED and remote control for ease of use.
• Simple to clean with dishwasher safe components.
• Affordable.

Cons

• Observation window gets steamed up very quickly.
• A maximum temperature of just 275 degrees Fahrenheit means you may end up finishing some foods in the oven.

Runner Up—Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Smoker, 725 Square Inch

​Similar to our first choice, the Masterbuilt 40-inch Electric Smoker model 2075315, this Char-Broil electric smoker features a viewing window. But the cooking area offered by this well-known brand is slightly less at 725 square inches.

However, it’s just as straightforward and easy to use with digital technology at every step of the process.

An integrated meat probe allows for perfect cooking of your meats to the desired temperature, with the smoker switching itself off if you’re not around—it even keeps the food warm!

A maximum temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for low and slow smoking. If you need hot and fast with temperatures over 300 degrees you will need to look for another model.

A 4-cup capacity wood chip box means you can smoke for seven hours without topping up, although the smoke flavor isn’t as great as the Masterbuilt.

The removable temperature gauge and easy to read blue LCD control panel make this a truly “set and forget” electric smoker—it also has a remote like our top choice. A slide-in ceramic water bowl can also make this easier to control but will lead to condensation on that large viewing window.

There are a few more components to take care of on this unit, like the glass door, the water pan, a smoker box, and an 8.5 cup grease tray. Cleaning, therefore, can be challenging, with removable pieces requiring soaking in hot soapy water. The cabinet and glass door may need harsher cleaners and plenty of elbow grease.

Pros

• Affordable digital controlled electric smoker with a removable meat probe.
• Modern and sleek design.
• Capable of seven hours smoke with large wood chip tray.
• Double insulated to keep in the heat and smoke.
• Large Blue LED control panel and remote control for easier setting of the temperature.
• Removable temperature gauge means you can place it in other parts areas of the smoker and is easy to replace if needed.
• Wheels and a handle make this unit very easy to move.
• Automatic switch off with keeps warm facility when an optimum temperature has been reached.
• Great value for money from a leading brand.

Cons

• The slightly cheaper build will need covering or it can be prone to damage.
• Difficult clean up of the glass tempered door and inner cabinet.
• The maximum temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit is not too good for fast and hot smoke.

Best Electric Smoker for the Price—Masterbuilt 30-Inch Black Electrical Digital Smoker

​If you’re not too bothered about a viewing window on the front door of your electric smoker, this 30-inch Masterbuilt matt black smoker is a great choice. As you would expect from Masterbuilt, this is an affordable smoker with great temperature consistency and easy-to-use controls.

A 725 square inch cooking area uses four chrome-coated shelves which are effortless to clean—more than enough area for a family in one cycle. The whole smoking process uses a front mounted digital controller with control of the temperature in just one button press.

While you may miss the viewing window of the first two choices, it certainly makes cleanup much easier. No more grease or condensation to try removing from the glass without leaving smears. All the removable parts are dishwasher friendly and the double-insulated cabinet just needs wiping down with hot soapy water.

A convenient side-loading wood chip tray is a feature of most Masterbuilt best electric smokers meaning you don’t have to open the door to insert more chips—less smoke and heat to escape.

Pros

• Compact size, about the same as a mini refrigerator.
• Large 725 square inches of smoking space, or about 40 pounds of meat.
• High-grade stainless steel cabinet is less prone to permanent staining.
• Easy to use with a perfectly calibrated internal thermostat for evenly distributed and well-maintained heat.
• User-friendly LCD display for temperature and timer setting.
• Side-loading chip holder.
• Well insulated and can even be used in cold weather.
• Can also be used for cold smoking.
• Affordable and durable.

Cons

• The wood chip holder is limited to about half a cup—will need topping up every 30-40 minutes.
• The maximum temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit won’t achieve crispy skin on poultry.
• No window, although this can help retain the heat better.
• Very short 90-day warranty offered by Masterbuilt.

Best Budget Electric Smoker—Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker

​A great budget pick, the Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker features a 505 square inch cooking area with three adjustable chrome-plated cooking grates. An insulated double walled construction is perfect for retaining heat and the best part is that it can reach temperatures of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although most of the smokers we have looked at so far can reach 275 degrees Fahrenheit, enough for most smokes, sometimes you need more. To achieve that perfect crust or bark on your slow smoked brisket you are going to need at least 300 degrees—the same goes for crispy skin on a smoked turkey or chicken.

A 1,500-watt element used to heat the wood chips is twice that found in the Masterbuilt Smokers. While the Char-Broil may feature a temperature gauge embedded in the lid, it doesn’t feature a high-tech LED display or control panel—be careful with that powerful element!

Cleanup is easy with this Char-Broil model with its porcelain ash pan and under-smoker grease cup to speed up the cleaning process. The chrome-plated grates are easy to wipe down and also dishwasher safe.

While this budget smoker from Char-Broil may not feature the digital control of other more expensive electric smokers, it can reach higher temperatures. The steel construction is extremely durable considering the price, and the unit also comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros

• All steel construction with double walled insulation.
• The generous cooking surface of 505 square inches with three adjustable chrome-plated wire grates.
• Powerful 1500 watt element gives higher smoking temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—no more soggy skin on your poultry!
• Embedded temperature gauge makes checking internal temperature easy.
• Wood chip pan and water bowl are removable for cleaning.
• Easy clean up with removable porcelain ash pan and grease cup under the main body.
• One of the cheapest, yet most powerful electric smokers on the market.

Cons

• The analog dial is more complicated to use than digital controls, and harder to maintain temperature.
• No convenient wood chip filling system means opening the door more often.
• No wheels for portability, but at only 50 pounds it’s not too hard to pick up by the chrome handles to reposition.

Runner Up for Budget Electric Smoker—Old Smokey Electric Smoker

This contraption is one of the best electric smokers for the money and it doesn’t get much more old school than the Old Smokey Electric Smoker. Looking like a super-tall cooking pan with legs, it reminds me of the kind of smoker my father would often fashion out of scrap cans.

A basic tower design is made from a corrosion resistant aluminized steel, with fireproof and heat resistant side handles, it weighs just 25 pounds. Inside you will find two roomy racks, each capable of holding up to 8-pounds of brisket.

One of the best features of this cylindrical electric smoker is the flat sealed top which doesn’t allow juices to escape, instead, dripping back down onto the meat. The sealed lid also shortens how long you cook for as it traps all the heat inside.

A simple operation involves placing wood chips in a tray above the element and setting the heat thermostat at the base of the unit. Very basic but it can reach temperature up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, although there is no built-in temperature gauge.

A basic no thrills electric smoker, my father would have loved the Old Smokey for a quick smoke of his chorizo, hams and other Spanish delicacies. It’s hard to beat the price, but it’s better suited to quick smokes rather than a low and slow. This is due to the limited wood chip tray and no accurate way of checking the internal temperature.

Pros

• The durable aluminized steel design will last for years.
• Easy to use with simple thermostat control.
• Can reach temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Flat top lid ensures constant basting of the meats.
• Ideal for quicker smokes with all the heat contained for smoking several different types of meat in just a few hours.
• Comes complete with wood chips—you just add the meat.
• Very affordable.

Cons

• The top loading design means there’s no way of checking meats on the lower rack without removing the top rack first.
• Wood chips burn at the bottom of the unit and cannot be refilled without removing both racks—not suitable for a long smoking session.
• Can get very hot in operation—keep clear of children when in use and avoid skin contact with the hot surfaces.

Best Small Electric Smoker—Smokin-It Model#1 Electric Smoker

​The Smokin-It Model #1 is the smallest in the Smokin-It range of top-rated electric smokers. Having said that, it still offers an internal capacity of 468 square inches. You can smoke up to 22 pounds of meat per load on three adjustable shelves, with space for a fourth shelf if required.

What Smokin-It electric smokers are renowned for is their build quality—this compact smoker uses 18-gauge stainless steel that is certified for restaurant use. The internal chamber has been insulated with fiberglass to reduce heat loss for maximum efficiency.

What I really like about this smoker is how easy it is to store, it’s lightweight and ultra-portable with heavy-duty caster wheels and two sturdy handles. A 12-foot power cord is extra long for use either in the kitchen or outdoors.

A compression latch on the door means the cabinet is 90 percent airtight with no need for a water tray as with other electric smokers—the meats natural moisture is locked in with nowhere to evaporate to. A wood chip housing slides over the main element, with an efficient rheostat which accurately heats up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

The main downside of this sturdy and well built electric smoker is the price—it’s significantly more expensive than our top-rated Masterbuilt. The Smoke-It has a smaller cooking capacity with a less powerful 400-watt element. But if you are looking for a compact durable electric smoke with NSF restaurant use certification, the Smoke-It is ideal.

Pros

• Sturdy high-gauge stainless steel construction with a compression-fit door latch.
• The only model in our electric smoker reviews which has been certified by the NSF for commercial or restaurant use.
• Sturdy casters and side handles for better portability—lightweight at only 58 pounds.
• Temperature control knob allows for the precise setting of the temperature.
• 90 percent airtight cabinet retains the natural moisture of the foods smoked within.
• Efficient wood consumption—even comes with some hickory wood chips included.
• Easy to clean, being all stainless steel.
• Extra long 12-foot power cable for more versatility.
• 3-year parts and labor warranty is longer than most other electric smokers.

Cons

• The less powerful 400-watt element can only reach temperatures of 250 degrees Fahrenheit—it can be easily replaced though.
• The low position of the rheostat means the smoker can run a little colder at the top of the unit.
• No digital features with this unit—for best results invest in a digital thermometer, even a Bluetooth one.
• Expensive for not the most powerful or largest of electric smokers.

Best Automatic “Biscuit” Electric Smoker—Bradley Smoker BS611 Original Smoker

​Finally, we take a look at one of Bradley Smoker’s automatic electric smokers which uses unique “biscuits” to automatically fuel the smoker. Like a cross between a wood pellet grill and an electric smoker, a hopper automatically feeds compressed sawdust brisquettes into the cabinet every 20 minutes.

This BTIS1 Original Smoker differs from all the other models we have looked at as the smoke generator and the main cabinet are not integrated. Instead, a power cord runs between the smoke generator and cooking cabinet with them attached like an offset smoker.

As the brisquettes are pushed through the feed hole into the cabinet, the charred remains of the previous one falls into the water bowl. A constant supply of brisquettes means the Bradley gets more constant smoke than manual models—ideal for lazy smokers who just want a forget-and-go model.

A stainless steel interior of the insulated cabinet is easy to clean, but some users found the bottom half could be stained by smoke which was difficult to remove. An improved rack design uses four chrome plated shelves with supports that stop them from tipping over as you remove them.

Although the concept works quite well with a consistent smoke and temperature, you are stuck buying the brisquettes from just one company at one price. Wood chips or pellets of other electric smokers tend to be easier to find and more competitively priced.

Pros

• Fully insulated design with epoxy powder coated steel exterior and stainless steel interior.
• A unique method of wood supply for consistent smoke.
• Easy to use with large thermostat control dial located on the smoke generator to avoid moisture damage to the switches.
• Large cooking area of 572 square inches over four chrome-plated wire racks.
• Versatile and can be used for hot or cold smoking, as a slow cooker or even a slow roasting oven.
• A two element design, one in the smoke chamber and one in the cookbox supports cold smoking out of the box.
• Removable side panel for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Extra large front feet for more stability.
• Affordable price for an automatic electric smoker.

Cons

• The 500-watt heating element will only hit a maximum temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Brisquettes can be very expensive in the long run, about $20 for a packet of 48 with one used every 20 minutes—do the maths!
• Charred brisquettes can back up causing the water to spill out and eventually a drier smoke and dry meats.

Conclusions

Hardcore barbecue enthusiasts are probably never going to change their minds about electric meat smokers, and if that's you, dont worry - we've got you covered too (click here to learn about other types of smokers).

​However, for the rest of us, the best electric smokers really can give us quality smoked meats which many professionals would struggle to challenge.

The best electric smoker for the money is, in my opinion, the 40” Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker with Viewing Window. I like to keep an eye on my meats as they smoke, although the digital temperature gauge with a remote control means I can check the temperature remotely while watching Game of Thrones in the living room.

The limited 90-day warranty of Masterbuilt electric smokers means they can’t really be considered a commercial option. An honorary mention has to go out to the Smokin-It Model#1 Electric Smoker which is the best electric smoker on the market with an NSF certification for use in a restaurant and has a comprehensive 3-years parts and labor warranty.