In this article, I and my teams have tried to find the best electric smoker under 300 for everyday users to save them the trouble of researching. We have gathered data from all around the market, and on the internet. The 6 electric smokers mentioned in our list are top-notch in terms of quality and performance. I hope you will like our little blog post.
Electric smokers help a lot to cut down the need for hard work due to the feature of monitoring and regulating temperature. Most of them are completely self-monitoring.
All you have to do is to set the temperature and timer on the control panel, place food in it and add fuel. Then walk away until your delicious food is ready.
Most electric smokers are budget-friendly so that is why we have prepared an extensive guide for you to find the best electric smoker under 300 in no time.
If you can increase your budget, we have also reviewed electric smokers under 500. Check them out as well.
Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
- Temperature ranges efficiently from 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit
- 4 shelves
- Built-in thermostat
Cuisinart COS 330 Smoker
- Super easy to use and load food
- Stainless steel shelves
- The heating element of 1500 watt
Big Chief Electric Smoker
- Durable, embossed aluminum construction
- Maintains a consistent temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Safe drip pan for dishwasher
Best Electric Smoker Under 300
The most convenient and easy-to-use type of smoker is the electric smoker. These electric smokers are preferably for those who want to set it and then forget it.
The affordable price and convenience make them perfect for newbie smokers. Veteran smokers are also even switching from traditional charcoal smokers to these advanced electric smokers.
The best electric smokers are highly energy-efficient, safe to use, clean-burning, compact, and ideally affordable.
There is a wealth of smokers you can purchase for use at home including gas, pellet, and electricity.
They all require a different source of fuel, but if you don’t like to deal with the hassle of charcoal and gas, electric smokers are then perfect for you.
Below we have enlisted some of the best electric smokers under 300. So you can get the joy of your favorite food with the help of these amazing and inexpensive electric smokers.
We have also written an extensive guide on high-end electric smokers and smokers under 200 for the budget people.
Comparison Chart Of The Top Rated Electric Smokers Under 300
| Product | Main Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
1  | Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
2  | Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
3  | Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
4  | Masterbuilt 30-inch Analog Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
5  | PIT BOSS 77220 2.2 Analog Outdoor Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
6  | Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE |
1. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- An electric smoker that works at once after inserting the plug
- Load wood pellets from a special chamber to the side
- Temperature ranges efficiently from 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit
- Control smoke by air damper
- Insulation for heat retention
- Large enough to accommodate 4 pork butts, 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, and 4 ribs
- Adjust the temperature with time with its digital control panel
- Simple design with uncompromised functionality
- 30-inch smoker includes 4 shelves
- Built-in thermostat to maintain consistency of temperature
- Sturdy and durable with steel construction
- Easy to set up and use even by beginners
Hands down the best electric smoker under 300 in the market in terms of selling. The extraordinary feature of plug-and-play in this digital electric smoker adds value to it and it is an intelligent choice in comparison to the wood or charcoal-powered smokers. No more waiting for fuel heat, no more headache of replacing woods, gas, or coal!
Digital Control
Masterbuilt digital smoker includes a top-mounted digital control panel that provides easy access to all information.
The front open dorm has four shelves to place fish, veggies, cricket, cheese, pork, and whatever you like. This smoker has been designed with such elements that contribute to enhancing its quickness and efficiency.
Effective Temperature
The effective temperature ranges from 100-275 degrees Fahrenheit which makes cooking easy inside this versatile smoker.
The built-in thermostat monitors and controls the internal temperature of the smoker while the consistent temperature and heat remain inside it to cook food properly.
Patented Wood Chip Loading System
An exciting feature of this unit is the side wood chip loading system that you don’t need to bother about opening the door to add wood chips inside. You can easily add them by side wood chamber while maintaining the inside heat conveniently.
The insulated body of this smoker keeps heat trapped inside that is incredibly helpful in winters or hilly areas.
Capacity
This 30-inch smoker has enough room to cook food for a small army. It can accommodate 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts, and 4 ribs. There is a mat for placing fish, jerky, and vegetables.
Specifications
Pros
- Excellent choice for beginners
- A handsome addition to your cooking space
- Digital temperature control
- Add wood chips by side chamber without opening the door
Cons
- Wheels are needed for better portability
- Covers of smokers need to purchase to protect digital panel
The Masterbuilt 30-inch digital smoker is designed for hassle-free smoking & grilling. It is easy and fast to operate with excellent performance mainly recommended for beginners.
2. Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Super easy to use and load food
- The built-in thermometer on the front door of the smoker
- Have a room of 548 square inches inside
- Light in weight and can be moved easily to any place
- Chrome spring door handle
- Three removable chrome racks
- Vertical footprint makes the perfect size for patios
- Stainless steel shelves
- The heating element of 1500 watt
- Temperature ranges consistently from 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Stainless steel trays for holding wood chips and water
- Constriction is of high-quality material
The spacious 548 sq. inch Cuisinart electric smoker has plenty of room for smoking a variety of meats and veggies. Get your party started with a deliciously smoked Barbecue meal with family and friends for memorable experience creation.
The smoker is fun & Easy to Use
Cuisinart electric smoker includes a heating coil, a tray for wood chips, another tray for water, and three chrome racks. Its compact footprint makes it good for patios, outdoor barbecues, and decks.
The oven is incredible that can smoke a whole variety of foods such as pork, beef, vegetables, ribs, seafood, chicken, fish, and whole bird.
Versatility in Design
This smoker feels like a solid build with insulated walls that are about ¾ thick and its hardware looks quite durable.
The stability in setup is critical for safety. The heating element is an electric element. Above the burner is the rack for wood chips & water pan including 3 more cooking racks spaced apart.
Pans and racks are stainless steel and the quality of the whole unit is extraordinary. There is a small smoke exhaust that helps you to focus on the smoke in the firebox.
Ideal Temperature Control
Cuisinart offers total control over temperature. Just plug the switch in, set the exact temperature and chill with your friends. Your food will be ready without any hassle.
Its dial-style thermostat and heating element of 1500 watts quickly generate heat from 100-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The easy-to-read large thermometer placed on the front door will help you to monitor the internal temperature at just a glance. It is a kind of set it and forget it, electric smoker.
Multiple Applications
- It is a perfect source of creating memories with family and friends with delicious home-smoked food.
- Start it by filling the water pan for raising the humidity of the cooking chamber to avoid drying out of food.
- A variety of wood chips can be used. Just create your blend by mixing different woods.
- Smoke entire meal by smoking protein, veggies, and starchy foods. Once the temperature is set, and the door is sealed, all you have to do is relax.
- Enjoy the great party by sharing appetizing delicious smoked food with your family and friends.
Specifications
Pros
- 3 stainless steel racks
- Small footprint
- Amazing value tag
- Perfect build quality
- 1500 watt electric heating element
Cons
- No way to hang sausages
- Analog Temperature dial
- The power cord is only 30 inch
Cuisinart COS-330 is a convenient electric smoker that is loaded with lots of amazing features. Easy to use, easy to clean, and very easy to move, ideally this is highly recommended.
3. Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Electric powered outdoor smoker
- Safety comes with UL u0026 CUL certifications
- Durable, embossed aluminum construction
- Maintains a consistent temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Smokes up to 50 pounds of meat or fish
- Easy sliding grill racks and front-loading door
- Light in weight, easy to transport and store
- The heating element of 450 watt
- Perfect for smoking trout, salmon turkey, ribs, pork, nuts, cheeses, etc
- 3-wire plug and cord grounded to the body of the smoker
- Safe drip pan for dishwasher
It is a bit tricky to smoke a whole bunch of salmon, sausage, ribs, or anything due to fluctuating temperature. This issue is non-existent in a big chief electric smoker. You can easily smoke up to 25 pounds of meat and 50 pounds of fish in this self-contained, electric-powered big chief electric smoker.
Smoker’s Capacity
The big chief electric smoker has a maximum capacity of whooping 50 pounds of fish and 25 pounds of meat. Whether you are planning to smoke a batch of elk jerky, fresh catch of salmon, or sausage recipe, this smoker will make sure to feed the entire family.
Premium Smoke Ventilation
Smoke circulation and proper dehydration are engineered in this smoker including premium smoke ventilation. This feature helps to get the deep smoke flavor and perfect texture when your food is ready and you’re bringing it out of the smoker.
The maximum flavor fuel pan is present in this aluminum smoker to inject food with your favorite smoked flavor with perfect ventilation for proper dehydration.
Consistent Low Temperature
The consistent low temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit ensures smoking food at the ideal temperature without any fluctuation by saving your food from being overcooked. So your expensive and well-earned sausage or batch of salmon won’t ruin.
Easy to Use
For 50 years, the big chief has been recognized for being the best and easiest to use for smoking all kinds of meats.
Specifications
Pros
- Large wood chip pan
- UL, CUL, u0026 CSA listed for safety
- Classic reputation as a smoking icon
- Ability to cold smoke
Cons
- Not insulated
- Gets up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit only
- Maximum capacity 50 pounds only
Big chief electric smoker with easy-slide chrome-plated grills, fuel pan, electric cord, drip pan, and the heating element is the ideal choice among the best electric smokers. That’s why it is highly recommended.
4. Masterbuilt 30-inch Analog Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- The 30-inch analog electric smoker
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Removable water bowl to add moisture and flavor
- To catch excess food drippings front access grease tray is included
- Three chrome-coated smoking racks
- The heating element of 1500 watts for consistent smoking
- Adjustable air damper for controlling smoke
- Wood chip tray slides out to remove ashes easily
- Analog dial to control temperature perfectly
Versatile in design Masterbuilt analog electric smoker is perfect to save you from the hassle of charcoal or propane by providing competition-ready results in your backyard.
Built-in Temperature Gauge
The built-in temperature gauge has been installed in a Masterbuilt Analog electric smoker that fixes the temperature to a consistent level by minimizing any possible fluctuation.
The analog dial installed on it shows the exact temperature that can be adjusted over time for perfect smoking.
Wood Chip Tray
The wood chip tray is removable and can slide out to remove ash from the tray and it makes the cleaning of this electric smoker easier than ever before.
Smoke Cover
There is a durable polyurethane-coated cover on the smoker that protects it from the elements year-round.
Fish & Vegetable Mat
Whether you are planning to smoke fish, ribs, and veggies there are separate racks for everything and mats for placing each item separately for your ease. This unit includes insulated food gloves also that have the purpose to save your hand from hot foods, or oil while cooking.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to use
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Removable wood chip tray
- Chrome-coated smoking racks
Cons
- The temperature fluctuates sometimes.
- Doesn’t smoke well at low temperature
Masterbuilt 30 inch analog electric smoker is reliable, durable, and recommended due to its extraordinary features.
5. PIT BOSS 77220 2.2 Analog Outdoor Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Analog electric wood pellet vertical smoker
- The lowest reachable temperature is as low as 150 degrees Fahrenheit
- The maximum temperature is 325 degrees Fahrenheit
- Built-in controls
- Simple and easy to use
- Ability to infuse flavor into the smoker
- Oversized front-load wood chip tray
- Large viewing window eradicates the need for peek-a-boo cooking
- 4 porcelain coated cooking racks
- External heat indicator
- Wheels and handles are present for mobility
Pit Boss successfully introduced a new line of vertical electric smokers with 2.2 CU’s capacity while the analog smoker with an enhanced viewing window helps to take the Barbecue game to the next level.
Temperature Efficiency
The temperature controls are highly effective that can maintain a consistent temperature as low as 150 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 325 degrees Fahrenheit while the wattage of 1650 watts enhances its efficiency.
Whether you are new to smoking or an expert your experience with Pit Boss will be ideal.
Size & Design
Pit Boss is a small and lightweight grill that provides all convenience of cooking by adding easy handling, wide temperature ranges, durability, and automated features.
This smoker has been designed by Barbecue enthusiasts who passionately smoke meat at a level that never experienced before. The power source is wood while the fuel type is electric.
Easy to Use
The integrated analog feature makes it very easy to use without any parts for plugging or unplugging so you can conveniently and easily control the smoker.
The controls for airflow to maintain consistent heat for cooking food are more efficient as compared to traditional wood smokers.
Multiple Applications
Simplify cooking meat, vegetables, or pizzas with the help of this electric smoker using external wood chips.
The door and windows allow you to check things that are cooking inside the smoker without opening the unit while the accuracy of its thermostat-controlled chamber is amazing.
It is a perfect addition for a backyard barbecue for quality-minded individuals including couples and small families.
Specifications
Pros
- Accurate temperature control
- External access to wood pan
- Porcelain-coated racks
Cons
- Temperature fluctuation occurs.
PIT BOSS analog smoker is a space-saving device that can fit perfectly for your whole family and has good capacity and perfect temperature control. The price is highly affordable.
6. Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
Specifications and Features:
- Analog electric smoker
- 544 sq. inches of cooking space
- Three chrome-plated cooking grates
- Great capacity wood chip box
- Door mounted temperature gauge
- Monitor internal temperature easily
- Aluminized steel water pan
- Removable drip tray
- 1200 watt of the heating element
- Insulated cooking chamber
- Dual door latches to secure unit
Creating delicious smoked food is easy now with the help of a Char-Broil analog electric smoker that has an insulated large chamber with a great capacity wood chip box while it infuses smoky flavor to the food. According to me, char-broil is the best electric smoker under 300 available today.
Temperature Efficiency
Char-broil analog electric smoker is highly effective in temperature due to its gauge that is door mounted and helps to adjust and monitor the internal temperature of the smoker without any inconvenience.
While the heating element of 1200 watts makes the unit last longer as compared to the traditional charcoal smokers.
Capacity
The total area for cooking space is about 544 square inches that are enough room for smoking a great meal. This whole space is spread around three chrome-plated cooking grates which provide versatility to cook for a small family of a large gathering.
The wood chip box has enough space to allow hours of smoke with less refilling.
Easy to Use
This smoker is very easy to use and clean. The removable drip tray is present in it that making it easier to do its cleaning. While the aluminized steel water pan saves meat from drying out and keeps it juicy and tender the whole time.
The insulated cooking chamber, side carrying handles and dual heavy-duty door latches all amazing features are available in this unit with a warranty of 1 year.
Quality Construction
Analog electric smoker has sturdy construction and quality material that ensure to make it last longer. The double-wall insulated construction including dual exhaust ports is present. The dual latches keep the door sealed shut during smoking while the wood chip tray, grease cup, and front access water tray are highly beneficial in this smoker.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to load/unload
- Door latch to seal door
- Damper flows smoothly
- Burner element is easy to access
- Affordable price
Cons
- Adding wood chips is a problem because the cabinet door needs to open.
- Loading tube needs improvements
- Lacks a digital control/thermometer
This smoker is recommended to friends and families due to its easy setup, usage, and cleaning. It’s a perfect choice for you if you’re a beginner.
Best Electric Smoker under 300 Buying Guide
Once you’ve made up your mind to get an electric smoker, it’s not that tough to find out the unit that will meet your needs.
Usually, all of them are simple metallic structures with a conventional electric burner at their bottom side.
If you’ve questions like, Can I get the best electric smoker under 300? and wondering which electric smoker to get then we have got you covered. Quite easily as you have studied our reviews above keep the following considerations in your mind to pick a winner.
Analog & Digital: Analog electric smoker functions are similar to the many other electric kitchen appliances.
It includes a control brick that makes a connection with a heating element and a knob that allows you to take control of the temperature.
These analog smokers often come with a temperature gauge that makes it easy to read the temperature.
Digital electric smokers are more modern than analog smokers but are not common yet.
Instead of having bricks and knobs, there is a digital control panel mounted on top of the smoker. These kinds of smokers provide finer temperature control and accurate readings.
Size & Capacity: The most significant feature to keep in mind is the size of the smoker you need. Or we can say how much food you need a smoker to accommodate? Things could be smaller such as fish fillets or you can cook whole turkeys and pork shoulders in that specific unit.
Inside the smoker, the capacity, dimensions, and shelves matter where you can place a large number of food items. A thinly spaced grid of a shelf will be required if you’re smoking delicate flaky fish while for smoking something taller single shelf will be enough.
Temperature Control & Power: Most smokers have a rheostat on the electric cord that manages and controls how much heat should the element want.
With the temperature gauge, it becomes easy to use fool-proof temperature control. As electric element holds steady heat consistently, few of the variables can still cause trouble.
To use such a system you’ll need to do some practice and experience with little patience.
Built-in thermostats maintain the desired temperature by setting it and forgetting its formula. Thermostats can be analog or digital.
Next, power is the biggest factor to deal with an electric smoker. Heating elements with wattage ranging from 400 to 1200 have a great effect on how fast it heats up and the ability to maintain the temperature in cold weather.
Quality & Design: You’re going to get the same thing you paid for. So the quality of the smoker basically depends on the design and material used for its construction and manufacturing. A cheaper unit will have thin metal and less insulation while consuming more electricity. Then there is that issue of oil paint drippings from the inside after 8 – 12 months of usage.
So you’d definitely prefer something that conserves energy and is reliable or durable.
Most importantly take a look at the overall design and quality of your smoker. The wood chips, chrome-plated cooking grates, shelves, racks, and everything matters in selecting a good quality electric smoker.
Some extra features that attract your attention are nighttime lights while cooking, built-in timers, viewing windows, and much more. You should spend enough time to look at the quality, insulation, and fit & finish before purchase.
Safety & Convenience: Even with double-walled insulation, the outside of the smoker can get hot. SO, the right placement is highly essential.
Though risks are very low in electric smokers as compared to charcoal or wood-fired smokers but still, some safety measures are needed to consider. If the unit is placed near a combustible material then that material can ignite.
The care and cleanup also matter such as:
A tray to catch meat drippings is required, it is necessary for clean up.
Removable racks in smokers so that you can clean them carefully while fixed racks are more limited.
Top up the wood chips while cooking, so there should be an option to add chips without opening the door. For this purpose, a side door is preferable because it won’t allow the heat and smoke to dissipate.
Conclusion
Along with these above-mentioned features, other things to consider before choosing an electric smoker are:
- Warranty by a reputable manufacturer
- Easy-to-use features
- An affordable budget with almost every important feature
- The climate of your area that mainly pertains to colder climates
- Built-in lights to ensure seeing what you are doing
- Wheels to move the smoker around easily and conveniently. Smokers without wheels aren’t any fun.
