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Everybody loves to smoke meat, but sitting outside tending the fire to look after the temperature is not everyone’s cup of tea. That is where the best electric smoker comes in.
Electrics smokers are easy to set up, convenient, affordable, you don’t even need to worry about temperature control, and easy to use. You just set up and leave it till your smoky meat is ready.
Being an environmental engineer I want to reduce carbon footprints as well so electric smokers are just my type of thing.
I am not saying traditional smokers are bad or anything like that, but why not choose the convenient way that saves a lot of effort and time.
I have prepared a list of the top 8 electric smokers of 2021/2022 to save your time.
Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
- Digital temperature control
- 800 watts heating element
- External wood chip loader
Char-Broil Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker
- 725 square inch cooking area
- Digital temperature control
- Transparent glass door.
Bradley BTDS76P Digital Smoker
- 520 square inches Cooking area
- Interior is fully insulated
- Digital generator with control over temperature
How Do We Select The Products?
I and my team have run some tests on each product, we have interviewed more than 88 users of electric smokers, tested more than 20 models, and we have also researched on the internet to gather as much data as possible.
Most of the information came through some early tests because we utilized our engineering expertise to observe every possible detail. The chefs in our team smoked almost every type of meat in each smoker.
Finally, we short-listed the below-mentioned 8 electric smokers for your convenience.
Comparison Chart Of The Top Rated Electric Smoker 2021
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1. Masterbuilt 30†Digital Electrical Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Item weight: 45.9 lbs.
- Dimensions: 19.88 x 20.47 x 33.26inch
- 4 smoking racks
- Digital temperature control
- 800 watts heating element
- External wood chip loader
- The entire body has been insulated.
Masterbuilt brand of electric smokers are the most popular and the highest sold smokers on Amazon and other online shops. Some would say masterbuilt is the best electric smoker.
Masterbuilt 30†is a fully insulated, decently sized, well-built, and budget-friendly smoker with an external wood chip loader. If you have a specified budget, check out the electric smokers under 300, and electric smokers under 500.
Masterbuilt’s built quality is excellent, the cabinet is stainless steel and the interior is aluminum made. It is like a mini-fridge with a really good design which I love. I am not into many fancy options. It works for me.
On the inside, the cooking space is around 711 square inches supported by four removable racks. That much space is enough to smoke 2 turkeys (by removing the rack), 3 to 4 chickens, and rib racks easily.
The quality digital temperature control is on the top with the smoke chimney on the side which I won’t recommend fully opened.
We tested it 4 times. Each time we tried different items like chicken, turkey, wagyu beef, etc. and it turned out great.
On my first try, I set the temperature to 240 degrees, and the smoke chimney all the way closed, the was pouring nicely, the time limit was around 3 hours and fifteen minutes, and the final product was medium juicy meat because perfectly smoked.
It would give 20 smoking from one $2 wood chip bag roughly which is extremely cheap compared to a regular pit smoker.
I would recommend putting apple cider vinegar for the extra moisture. It will fasten up the process.
Masterbuilt 30†electric smoker has a little smoker box which I filled only 2 times in three hours. It doesn’t look like a huge box but it takes a decent amount of wood chips.
The side wood chip loader is pretty straightforward, soak the wood chips, twist the loader anti-clockwise, load the chips, and then twist it clockwise. It will dump the chips onto the smoker box.
I bought legs to carry it around with putting an extra effort. I would recommend it to you as well.
Overall, Masterbuilt 30 tops our list of the best electric smokers because not only is sturdy, strongly build, super easy to use, and spacious, but it is budget-friendly as well.
My only complaint is the melted paint from the inside after 8 – 12 months of use. I borrowed an 8 month old masterbuilt 30†from my friend and I saw paint drippings from the inside which can be dangerous if it is poured into your food.
Pros
- Better heat insulations
- External wood chip loader
- Super easy to use and clean
- Cons:
- Poor oil paint job from the inside (starts melting after 8 to 12 months)
- Legs are separately purchased
Cons
- Poor oil paint job from the inside (starts melting after 8 to 12 months)
- Legs are separately purchased
2. Char-Broil Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Dimensions:Â 32.5 x 18.1 x 16.5 inches
- Weight: 58.7 lbs.
- 725 square inch
- 950 watts
- Double-walled steel BBQ material & grate material
- Digital temperature control
- Transparent glass door.
- The food thermometer is removable
- Large smokebox
The biggest selling point of Char-broil deluxe apart from 725 square inch cooking space, digital temperature control, and 4 cooking racks is the transparent door which allows you to physically see your meat being cooked. Char-broil deluxe is honestly the best electric smoker for beginners.
The entire unit has been professionally insulated, the steel latch traps the heat inside, doesn’t let anything escape.
You don’t even have to load the wood chips for the 2nd time, the wood chips box holds 4 cups which is enough for 6 to 7 hours of smoke.
One of the biggest benefits of an electric smoker is that you maintain a constant temperature throughout the smoking, and Char-broil deluxe comes with a remote control to fluctuate the temperature.
The remote can operate from around 100 ft. wirelessly. It comes with an internal wired-in probe, you can use that into the meat without buying another WIFI or wireless thermometer if you want to get one reading on the remote. Cool for a budget model.
We are looking at 800 watts so that will be around 275 degrees max: temperature which is more than enough to smoke any kind of meat.
This thing can hold about 4 cups of wood chips, it comes with four boxes. Char-broil deluxe claims 8 hours of smoking on the wood chips. This electric wood smoker are burn wood pretty slowly which is a good thing.
The overall built quality is decent, but that double-walled insulator is the star of the show. It traps the heat inside and the outside will remain cool.
Char-broil deluxe has wheels on the back and a handle to drag it which is a lifesaver. Compared to Masterbuilt 30â€, it is super easy to wheel around.
After testing it 5 times in 7 days, we found out that the smoked meat was perfectly cooked. The internal probe and the app were so much helpful to monitor everything despite giving only the meat temperature instead of the entire chamber.
I love the high-capacity grease tray as well. It is easier clean. I smoked turkey and chicken on a 7 monthly old model to check if there is any funny business with the melted paint drippings in the older models, but I didn’t notice anything odd.
Pros
- Large wood chip box enough for 6 hours of smoking
- Digital temperature control. Remote included monitoring stuff
- Internal probe to send the reading to the remote
- The entire body has been insulated
- Clear glass window to check what’s going inside
Cons
- The probe will not give the entire chamber’s reading
3. Bradley BTDS76P Digital Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Â Dimensions:Â 14 x 17 x 31 inches
- Weight: 57.5 lbs.
- 520 square inches
- Interior is fully insulated
- Digital generator with control over temperature
- The Pellet burner feeder is automatic
- The design makes it easier to clean
When it comes to the best electric smokers, Bradley is extremely popular among frequent users. Bradley BTDS76P variant of the brand is a bit expensive, but it creates significant smoke automatically in no time.
The exterior is made of stainless steel which is a standard nowadays, there is a smoke diffuser on the inside to scatter the smoke for even cooking, and smoke vents to release the dirty smoke.
Don’t open the vent all the way. The interior is well insulated with a decent paint job.
It is quite big with 4 cooking racks, the design is also clean, and the built quality is great.
I have been using Bradley BTDS76P for 16 months now in my other home in Hawaii, and I haven’t notice deterioration in the internal paint despite humid conditions.
Bradley BTDS76P uses wooden bisquettes that you can buy on Amazon or any other store. Each bisquettes smokes for about 20 minutes if you want to cook baby ribs for about 3 hours, you know exactly how many bisquettes you need.
I usually smoke ribs for about 4 hours on 225 degrees, 10 – 11 bisquettes is all it takes. It may be the best electric smoker in terms of burning efficiency.
The digital control unit/digital generator is easier to disassemble and assemble to keep the unit out of the bad weather.
Overall, Bradley BTDS76P is for long smoking with minimum monitoring needed, unlike most smokers that need constant babysitting, adding or removing wood chunks/pellets, and constant monitoring.
Speaking of pellets, check our list of the best electric pellet smokers as well.
It is portable and super easy to use for beginners. The upgraded version of the Bradley BTDS76P allows us to set the time of the smoking which is also helpful for clumsy guys like me. When the smoking time is over, the units automatically switch off.
Why using wood bisquettes Bradley BTDS76P is good?
Bradley BTDS76P uses clean smoke technology which smokes for a set amount of time, then doused before turning into ash.
Flying ash from wood chips is a toxin and leaves a foul taste on the surface of the meat.
Wood bisquettes are super compressed wood that burns completely without turning into ash. The final product is pure, smoky, and delicious meat.
Pros
- Removable digital control panel
- 4 cooking racks
- Wood bisquettes are used instead of wood chips
- Excellent for vegetables, turkey, fish, and pork
- Well insulated interior
- A dripping tray is included
Cons
- A bit expensive for a beginner electric smoker
4. Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Weight: 49.86lbs.
- Dimensions: 20 x 21.69 x 40.15 inches
- 535 square inches cooking space
- 1500 watts power
- 3 cooking racks
- Auto heat regulation
- Simple analog controls, easy to use
- Grease tray for catching food drippings
One of the cheapest and top-rated electric smokers out there, Masterbuilt MB20070210 is easy to use, effective, and unlike the digital version, there are no complex digital panels.
The cooking space is 535 sq. in. with 3 cooking racks. It is more than enough to smoke 3 large cuts, 2 chickens, 3 pork butts, or 2 turkeys. Water pan and wood chip tray included in the package.
So we did some tests on it to see how fast we get the temperature rising and how high we can get, so it took about 17 minutes to reach 400 degrees internal temperature, 160 degrees on the door, 178 on the top, and 85 on the bottom.
One thing I like to mention is that I put extra insulation as well to keep the heat inside which I got from Lynn manufacturing which is rated up to 2400 degrees of heat.
Now, this unit does come with an analog meat thermometer which is kinda OK for but it doesn’t tell you the actual temperature.
If you are a cooking geek like me who likes everything to the point, I won’t recommend using Masterbuilt MB20070210’s thermometer because that pales in comparison to digital meat thermometers on Amazon. I highly getting one of those.
It uses a huge 1500 watt heating element so you should expect uniform heat distribution, but compared to other digital models, it will contribute a little bit more to the monthly electricity bill.
Pros
- Simple analog controls. No complex digital items
- Budget-friendly. Best for beginners
- Assembly is quick and simple
- Decent capacity
- Huge 1500 watt heating element for uniform heating
Cons
- An Analog thermometer is not much accurate compared to a digital meat thermometer.
5. Old Smokey Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Weight: 24lbs.
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 15.5 x 29 inches
- 1250 watts
- Heat resistant handle
- Adjustable thermostat
- 2 cooking grids (14.5†and 12.5â€)
Old Smokey is probably the simplest and the least expensive electric smoker out there. It is a tin can with a heating element and 2 cooking grids.
The design is extremely simple but its efficiency is on par with any high-end model on the market. Old Smokey’s design makes it easy to use and clean.
Old Smokey brand has been around since 1923 and most of their products are old-school and reliable. There are no fancy, complex, and digital parts in this electric tin can.
It may not be the top electric smoker in terms of design, but I won’t bet against its performance. It is a pretty large electric smoker.
It has a sealed lid to trap the juices and the moisture inside so you don’t need to add any extra water. Once the lid is closed, it stays closed.
The entire unit has been well insulated. There is not much heat loss. A pan is given in the package for the drippings. Don’t pour water into it.
Despite being budget-friendly, the temperature control is adjustable. Once you set the temperature, you don’t need to babysit it, internal sensors control the inside temperature so that it won’t go over the top.
So the users were claiming there is no residual ash left after the smoking, I tested it 5 times using different wood chips, there wasn’t any residual ash like the manufacturer and the users claim.
There is nothing in the assembly, just unbox and use it. The maintenance and cleaning are also simple.
There is no internal paint job which is great. I have noticed in many electric smokers that internal paint tends to deteriorate over time and drips into the food. A normal user won’t notice but it is super harmful to the health.
I have been using char-broil for such a long time now, Old Smokey was a welcome change for me. It is super simple to use, it is lightweight and easy to carry around, and the handles are also fireproof.
I would’ve loved it if the old smokey had a bit more space and a thermometer to monitor the meat’s temperature.
In this modern era, everyone wants their food to be perfectly cooked using all sorts of technologies. A digital thermometer and a probe would’ve been great.
Overall, I would recommend Old Smokey to beginners. There isn’t any complex digital panel. Just plug it, and smoked baby back ribs, large turkey, large chickens, vegetables, and whatnot.
Pros
- Affordable and old-school
- Easy to use and clean
- 2 cooking grids
- Well insulated.
- Once the lid is closed, no moisture will escape
Cons
- Space is limited
- No thermometer.
6. Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Dimensions: 22 x 19 x 37.5 inches
- Cooking space: 584 square inches
- The temperature rises from 100 to 400 degrees
- Internal analog thermometer
- 1500 watt heating element
- Three cooking racks
- Wood chips for smoking
Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker, 30″ has a really simple design with three cooking racks, an analog thermometer, water pan, drip pan, and a well-insulated body with a decent enough cooking space.
Though 50lbs. is not a lot of weight you still might need some help to move it around since I was suffering from sciatica caused by disc bulging when I try to pick it up in a very awkward position and place it in my backyard.
For the assembly, you will need to attach the side handles, legs, and thermometer, heating element, and door that are already set up. You will only need a few screwdrivers to do so.
This unit can be used for both the vegetables and meat in its 548 cooking space. The walls are well insulated to trap almost all of the heat.
I took temperature readings of the front door (165 degrees), bottom (80 degrees), bottom, the top (175). In about 20 minutes, the internal temperature rose to 380 degrees which is always a good sign. Of course, I was using extra insulation which I got from Lynn manufacturing.
What I am trying to say is, Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker has a well-insulated wall and a decently designed heating element to smoke even the most stubborn meat.
One thing I would mention is that there are some design issues. The leaking of juices along the legs has been noticed by my neighbors. I haven’t used Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker for an extended period so I can’t say.
Considering the price tag, I will not complain a bit despite being a little messy. I have found this electric smoker to be convenient and easy to use. I would recommend it.
Pros
- Uniform heating
- Not pricy
- Easy to operate
- Well insulated
- Â Lightweight frame
Cons
- Leakages along the legs. Design issues.
7. Pit BOSS 77220 2.2 Analog Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Item weight: 58lbs.
- Dimensions: 21.5 x 23 x 41 inches
- 16-watt heating element
- Transparent front door
- Analog meat probe
- Separate wood box
- Properly insulated
- 686 cooking space
- 4 racks
What attracted me to Pit BOSS 77220 2.2 is the fewer things to worry about messing because it is an entry-level analog smoker.
The entire blue cabinet is made up of double-insulated walls which will trap the heat inside for energy-efficient smoking.
The cooking space is 686 square inches which is decent enough for a baby’s back rib and a whole chicken at the same time. There are 4 cooking racks included.
Quick and easy access to wood chips with an external smoker box. The handle on the box doesn’t get hot which is creepy despite all that smoking which is interesting.
Pit BOSS 77220 2.2 is super simple to use. You got your knob to regulate the temperature. 0 – 225 degrees Fahrenheit is easily achievable which is excellent for standard smoking. The insulated walls help to increase the ambient temperature rapidly.
This thing is solid man, I haven’t found any issues with the air gaps, and the sealing is pretty good. Take your time during the installation, don’t rush.
One thing I like to mention is that the analog temperature gauge is not much accurate. I noticed that after a few times. I don’t mind that because I external wireless probe anyway.
It is efficient, doesn’t eat up much wood and electricity. Everything in Pit BOSS 77220 2.2 is analog even the meat probe so there aren’t many electronic things which mean fewer issues with circuit and stuff.
In a nutshell, Pit BOSS 77220 2.2 is an extremely efficient, entry-level, lightweight, and well-insulated electric smoker which is capable enough of producing high temperatures.
There are no smoke leakage issues, the oil paint doesn’t melt from the inside, and there are no complex electronic parts to mess with.
I am an old-school guy so I would 100% recommend Pit BOSS 77220 2.2 to guys who want true smokers instead of pseudo units advertised on the internet.
Pros
- Analog system including the meat probe
- Quality, insulated body
- No leakages
- Capable of producing high temperature
- The cooking space is decent
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The temperature gauge isn’t accurate
8. Smokin-it Model #2 Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Item weight: 114lbs.
- Dimensions: 24 x 30 x 22 inches
- 800-watt heating element
- 4 removable shelves
- Smokebox, drip pan
- Stainless steel construction
- 900 sq. in. cooking space
- 100 – 250 degrees Fahrenheit temperature ranges
Smokin-it Model #2 is an upgraded version of model #1 in terms of quality and cooking space, but that fridge-like design and quality stainless steel construction are the same.
I can easily fit 30 – 35 lbs. of meat in this model which is almost double compared to its predecessor.
So it comes with 4 removable shelves which are dishwasher friendly, the smoker box is covered and manufacturers are also recommending covering the bottom with foil before and during the smoking.
Smokin-it Model #2 has a space for an additional rack for seafood or stuff. Normally I work on 2 racks but depends on personal preference.
The door is a compression fit instead of rubber sealing, the dual latch system seals the entire unit. I haven’t noticed any smoke leakages which is always a good thing. This little fridge-type smoker is rock solid man.
Once again, this model has no digital control or automation which may be a nightmare for most domestic people, but I love it. I got nothing to do with those complex electronic parts, I use my wireless probe anyway.
The temperature readings on the gauge are pretty accurate, and it doesn’t take much time to heat up.
I heard people complaining about the thermostat being too close to the burner, I don’t know if it is that big of a deal.
People choose Smokin-it Model #2 because there is no fuss involves, it is simple to operate and clean, it smokes delicious food because there is no oil painting on the inside which often melts and releases fumes. The cooking space is well sealed, and the heating is uniform along with the chamber.
So the things I like are it doesn’t eat up much wood, it is energy efficient, design is pretty solid, cooking space is also good, but the overall simplicity in terms of usage and cleaning are the main points for me. It may not be the best electric smoker around, but it is not bad at all.
Pros
- 100% stainless steel solid design
- Dishwasher safe components
- No smoke leakages
- Temperature ranges are excellent
- Replaceable heating element
- Wheels are included
- Lead indicators
- Can easily handle 35lbs. of food.
- Fully insulated
Cons
- Heavy
- No digital panel considering the price
Best Electric Smoker Buying Guide
While the basic concept of smoking is the same for all-electric smokers, but not all units have the same features and properties like a digital thermometer, transparent door, large cooking space, capacity, temperature stability, and ease of use.
Our buying for the best electric smoker which is based on testing and practical data will help you to choose your desired model at a very affordable price.
We have made sure not to compromise with the quality and performance. Check out our buying guide.
Size and capacity:
It depends on the personal preference like I my smoker to be wider than most so that I can cook at least 35lbs. of meat in one go.
Most models are tall but not wide, cooking space between 600 – 800 sq. inches is a standard. There at least should be enough space for ribs, vegetables, turkey, and a full chicken.
Check if your smoker has at least 3 cooking racks too.
Temperature Ranges and stability:
The most important aspect of any smoker let alone an electric smoker is the internal temperature. Ideally, between 150 – 300 degrees is the standard to cook a delicious brisket or turkey.
To maintain and monitor temperature following things are needed.
- Insulation: Proper internal insulation will not let the heat escape to outside, it also makes sure to distribute inform heating/smoking across the cooking area. Properly insulated cooking walls are extremely necessary.
- Sealing: Much like insulation, rubber-sealed or pressure sealed doors will not let the smoke escape which is the primary source of smoking. Only smoker chimneys or chambers should let the smoke out. Make sure to read reviews on smoke leakages.
- Wattage: More than wattage, rapidly the internal temperature will rise but a higher wattage heating element will drain electricity too. Don’t go overboard, choose something in between.
Ease of use:
I bought an electric smoker for ease of use. Plug and use type of ease of use like automation, temperature monitoring, easy wood chip loading, and smoke level settings.
I would recommend a model which requires minimum monitoring. Just set the temperature and you are good to go.
Maintenance and cleaning:
Charcoal smokers are difficult to clean due to charcoal ash flying around the cooking space. Electric smokers are not that easy to clean as well if your model doesn’t have the dripping pan.
Although charcoals are a bit tricky to clean, the wood and charcoal flavor in the meat in those models is heavenly. Check out our list of best charcoal smokers of 2021/2022
Most electrical smoker is easy to clean and maintain. Parts aren’t that much expensive, and those are easy to install without the need for any mechanic.
The body of an electrical smoker is detachable, you can remove the racks, clean the internal walls, and smoker box.
Note: Look for dishwasher-friendly products otherwise you will be scrubbing all day long.
Thermostat:
All-electric smokers have a thermostat but I would recommend a digital temperature panel instead of an analog gauge. Analog temperature gauges are not accurate, I have been using analog smokers for many years and I always use my wireless temperature probe.
A digital thermostat is somewhat useful. You can monitor the temperature on your smartphone. There are a lot of such apps for smoking which will tell you the exact time of smoking for a different type of meat.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Electric Smoker
How do electric smokers work?
The heating element heats the cooking chamber in which air circulates and heating the food via convection. The wood chips are heated by the heating element until they smolder and produce a smoker. The wood chips or pellets don’t burn, they only smolder to produce hot smoke. The air carries the smoke throughout the cooking chamber.
Is an electric smoker better than a pellet smoker?
That depends on the budget, and ease of use. There is less monitoring and fuss in electric smokers, but pellet smokers produce a more intense smoky flavor because the wood pellets produce the smoke for the flavor and the heat to cook the food. There is more monitoring and in pellets smokers though. I would recommend electric smokers for clumsy and layback types of guys like me.
Are electric smokers as good as charcoal?
That also depends on personal preference. With a charcoal smoker, you will get that extra smoky flavor there is no doubt if you learn how to operate it. Electric smokers are for everyday use and require less maintenance and monitoring. I would prefer an electric smoker because I don’t like sitting around for hours trying to maintain the temperature.
Are Masterbuilt electric smokers good?
Masterbuilt’s built quality is excellent, the cabinet is stainless steel and the interior is aluminum made. It is like a mini-fridge with a really good design which I love. I am not into many fancy options. It works for me. It would give 20 smoking from one $2 wood chip bag which is super cheap. Masterbuilt models are the top-selling electric smokers on Amazon
Can you use an electric smoker inside the house?
If you have the restaurant-grade extraction system for the smoke, then you use the electric smoker in the house otherwise, I won’t recommend it due to safety issues. We are dealing with heat, electricity, and smoke here, I don’t want that inside my house.
Do you have to soak the wood chips before smoking?
I believe it is not necessary because extra moisture evaporates first before wood chips are ready to give out smoke. If you are soaking your wood moisture purpose, then use apple cider vinegar. It will release extra moisture for the smoking.
