{"id":319,"date":"2019-04-23T13:02:33","date_gmt":"2019-04-23T13:02:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/?page_id=319"},"modified":"2020-09-13T07:14:07","modified_gmt":"2020-09-13T07:14:07","slug":"best-electric-smoker","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/best-electric-smoker\/","title":{"rendered":"We Review The Best Electric Smoker On The Market – Are Digital BBQ Meat Smokers Any Good And Value For The Money?"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/span><\/p>\n Electric smokers have become the most suitable BBQ smoker for many amateur and professional chefs in this modern age. However, it still doesn\u2019t stop many grill aficionados arguing you don\u2019t get the same smokey BBQ taste without charcoal.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u200b\u200bBelow is a video below to show you just how well a good electric smoker can smoke brisket.<\/p>\n If you are still unsure whether the best electric meat smoker is right for you, here\u2019s a quick rundown of the benefits and a few downsides too.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t 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<\/a>. The key, like most things in life, is moderation.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u200bSometimes your grilling hobby, and smoking, in particular, may take you outside of your comfort zone. Certain foods like fish or your own homemade bacon may benefit from cold smoking, but can you really do it at home safely in an electric smoker?<\/p>\n Cold smoking is a process which requires food to be smoked at temperatures typically less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods. Lower temperatures like this need a heating element to be separate to the main smoking chamber. Many top electric smoker manufacturers will offer a kit which puts the heating element outside the cooking chamber.<\/p>\n Although it\u2019s much more achievable with the top rated electric smokers than charcoal or gas units, cold smoking is still inherent with risks. Botulism and other microbes can survive longer in the danger zone of 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>\n The FDA has published guidelines for the commercial cold smoking of foods which can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Never add wood chips to your electric smoker until it reaches temperature\u2014they will just smolder slightly and need replacing when you start the smoking process. Once the electric smoker has indicated it has reached temperature, add the wood chips.<\/p>\n Some models like the Masterbuilt range will feature side loading wood chip trays, meaning that you don\u2019t have to open the smoker, which lets heat out. Other top electric smokers will have larger wood chip trays that can hold more chips for a longer smoke. On average \u00bd a cup of wood chips will smoke for about an hour.<\/p>\n How often you need to add more chips will not just depend on the size of the wood chip tray but also how airtight the smoking cabinet is. Better insulated electric smokers will retain heat and smoke more efficiently. Remember every time you open that door smoke is going to escape\u2014so the less often, the better.<\/p>\n Without a doubt, the best smoker for somebody who is just starting out is an electric smoker. Many would argue that a digital pellet smoker grill combo<\/a> is the simplest to use, but the high cost of such units can be off-putting for beginners.<\/p>\n The best electric smoker, by comparison, will be much cheaper and still incredibly easy to use. Setting up a charcoal or gas smoker can take practice, with plenty of air vents or dampers to adjust for the correct temperature and smoking.<\/p>\n The top electric smokers will feature \u201csetup and forget\u201d operation, with there even being automatic electric smokers available. Just set a temperature with the control thermostat and add wood chips when your electric smoker reaches temperature. The next time you have to tend to it will probably be when your meats are smoked to perfection.<\/p>\n Many questions need to be asked when choosing the best electric smoker for the money. How much meat do you want to smoke? How is the temperature controlled and does it have a build quality that can hold that temperature?<\/p>\n Generally being tall upright cabinets, the top-rated smokers tend to offer similar cooking areas as larger offset models<\/a> in a more compact footprint. Adjustable shelves allow you to stack the meats up with some top rated smokers allowing for up to 100 pounds of meat to be smoked at one time.<\/p>\n Most of the smokers we look at below in the best electric smokers review will have enough space for a couple of whole turkeys or three to four briskets. A cooking surface of between 500 and 700 square inches is ideal for most families.<\/p>\n Consider how much space you have on your patio or area where you intend to smoke, and also where you will store the smoker.<\/p>\n Being less expensive than charcoal or gas smokers, the best electric smokers will not usually feature the same build quality. Either put it away when finished or at least invest in a cover.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n Check the racks are either porcelain or chrome coated, which won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n The best electric smoker reviews below are, in my opinion, seven of the best electric smokers you can currently buy in \u200b2023 at affordable prices.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u200bMasterbuilt has become synonymous with top rated electric smokers at affordable prices which don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s compact and easy to store with 975 square inches of cooking space over four removable racks.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t even have to open the cabinet when adding more chips.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A top mounted digital control panel also features easy-to-use controls with a clear LED display.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u200bSimilar 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.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s just as straightforward and easy to use with digital technology at every step of the process.<\/p>\n An integrated meat probe allows for perfect cooking of your meats to the desired temperature, with the smoker switching itself off if you\u2019re not around\u2014it even keeps the food warm!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A 4-cup capacity wood chip box means you can smoke for seven hours without topping up, although the smoke flavor isn\u2019t as great as the Masterbuilt.<\/p>\n The removable temperature gauge and easy to read blue LCD control panel make this a truly \u201cset and forget\u201d electric smoker\u2014it 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u200bIf you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n A 725 square inch cooking area uses four chrome-coated shelves which are effortless to clean\u2014more 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A convenient side-loading wood chip tray is a feature of most Masterbuilt best electric smokers meaning you don\u2019t have to open the door to insert more chips\u2014less smoke and heat to escape.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u200bA 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2014the same goes for crispy skin on a smoked turkey or chicken.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t feature a high-tech LED display or control panel\u2014be careful with that powerful element!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n This contraption is one of the best electric smokers for the money and it doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n One of the best features of this cylindrical electric smoker is the flat sealed top which doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s hard to beat the price, but it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u200bThe 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.<\/p>\n What Smokin-It electric smokers are renowned for is their build quality\u2014this 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.<\/p>\n What I really like about this smoker is how easy it is to store, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n The main downside of this sturdy and well built electric smoker is the price\u2014it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u200bFinally, we take a look at one of Bradley Smoker\u2019s automatic electric smokers which uses unique \u201cbiscuits\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2014ideal for lazy smokers who just want a forget-and-go model.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> to learn about other types of smokers).<\/p>\n \u200bHowever, for the rest of us, the best electric smokers really can give us quality smoked meats which many professionals would struggle to challenge.<\/p>\n The best electric smoker for the money is, in my opinion, the 40\u201d Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker with Viewing Window<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n The limited 90-day warranty of Masterbuilt electric smokers means they can\u2019t really be considered a commercial option. An honorary mention has to go out to the Smokin-It Model#1 Electric Smoker<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Electric smokers have become the most suitable BBQ smoker for many amateur and professional chefs in this modern age. However, it still doesn\u2019t stop many grill aficionados arguing you don\u2019t 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 … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":339,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Best Electric Smoker Reviews | Top Rated Digital BBQ Smokers","_seopress_titles_desc":"Is smoking with the best electric smokers really that easy? A guide to how the best electric smokers work, what to look for in an electric smoker and reviews of top rated electric smokers.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[14],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/319"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=319"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":618,"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/319\/revisions\/618"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/backyardgrillchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\u200bQuick Answer: The 7 Best Electric Smokers For 2023<\/h3>\n
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How Does the Best Electric Smoker Work?<\/h2>\n
What are the Pros and Cons of the Best Electric Smokers?<\/h2>\n
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Cons<\/h3>\n
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Can You Use Electric Smokers Indoors?<\/h2>\n
Can You Cold Smoke in an Electric Smoker?<\/h2>\n
How Often Do I Add Chips to an Electric Smoker?<\/h2>\n
What is the Best Smoker for a Beginner?<\/h2>\n
What to Look for in the Best Electric Smoker?<\/h2>\n
Size<\/h3>\n
Temperature Control<\/h3>\n
How Easy are the Best Electric Meat Smokers to Clean?<\/h3>\n
The Best Electric Smokers in \u200b2023<\/h2>\n
Best Overall\u201440\u201d Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker with Viewing Window<\/a><\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Runner Up\u2014Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Smoker, 725 Square Inch<\/a><\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Electric Smoker for the Price\u2014Masterbuilt 30-Inch Black Electrical Digital Smoker<\/a><\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Budget Electric Smoker\u2014Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker<\/a><\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Runner Up for Budget Electric Smoker\u2014Old Smokey Electric Smoker<\/a><\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Small Electric Smoker\u2014Smokin-It Model#1 Electric Smoker<\/a><\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Automatic \u201cBiscuit\u201d Electric Smoker\u2014Bradley Smoker BS611 Original Smoker<\/a><\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Conclusions<\/h2>\n