In this article, I and my team have researched the best electric smoker under 500 list for small, large, and traveling families. Each product on our list is ultra-durable and performance-oriented.
To celebrate a special occasion and festival, there is always a particular way. Most people in the US intend to celebrate every event in a giant way by keeping their focus mainly on food and drinks. Whether it is a family get-together or a festival meet-up; serving delicious food has always been part of the merriment.
It feels so replenishing to imagine the mouth-watering dishes but it takes the hell out of us when it comes to cooking. Now, this is not the case anymore, because cooking some smoky plates or grilled chicken is just like snapping a finger with a lot of excitement & fun.
The new generation of electrical smokers is capable of helping you to get traditional amazing flavors on your modern plates within a few hours. So if you’re looking for the best electric smoker under 500, you’re at the right place. We’re going to help you find one.
Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
- Interior light illuminates food
- Air damper for controlling smoker’s moisture
- Bluetooth Smart Technology
Green Mountain Trek Electric
- 725 Square Cooking Spaces
- Larger smokebox (wood chips box)
- Remote control
Masterbuilt MB20071117
- 30-inch smoker
- Temperature ranges from 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit
- Simple design with uncompromised functionality
Best Electric Smoker Under 500 Doller
If you don’t like the smoke and all the mess that is usually produced by some traditional smokers, and if you or your family members are sensitive to smoke then battling through coughing and streaming eyes can be a real headache for you.
So the solution for this grave problem is the best electric smoker under 500 that can provide the easiest way to get your food cooked without tons of smoke to deal with. Check out this detailed review for choosing a perfect product that matches your pocket or budget. Check top electric smokers in general electric grill smokers under 200 dollars as well.
Comparison Chart Of The Top Rated Electric Smoker under 500
| Product | Main Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
1  | Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
2  | Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
3  | Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
4  | Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
5  | Green Mountain Trek Electric Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
6  | Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
7  | Z GRILLS ZPG-550B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
| CHECK LATEST PRICE |
1. Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital – Best Electric Smoker under $500
Highlighted Feature
- Patented side wood chip to load chips without opening the smoker
- Interior light illuminates food
- Air damper for controlling smoke moisture
- Rear-mounted handle
- 2 rear wheels to move smoker easily
- Removable water bowl
- 4 chrome-coated smoking racks
- Bluetooth Smart Technology
- Built-in probe thermometer
- Easy ash removal by sliding out wood chip tray
- 800 watts stainless steel heating element
Monitor your masterpiece 40-inch digital electric smoker with the help of Bluetooth Smart Technology to achieve perfect results with an effective built-in meat probe thermometer. Master the art of smoking with amazing Masterbuilt. In terms of sale volume and popularity, the model might be the best electric smoker under 500.
Cooking Space
A 40-inch huge space is available in the Masterbuilt digital smoker to place all party meat comfortably at once for smoking. It can easily accommodate 16 chickens, 4 turkeys, 8 racks/ribs, 8 pork butts, and much more.
The handle and wheels are included in this unit so that you can move them easily at different places.
Cooking Racks
The four chrome-plated cooking racks make the loading of food easier just like a refrigerator.
The patented wood chip loading system enables loading chips without opening the door and no heat will be able to escape. So, you can easily save your energy and time with this amazing smoker.
Digital Controls
The Advanced Bluetooth Smart Technology facilitates you to control and monitor the meat and temperature of the smoker by digital control panel or smart device.
While the interior of the smoker has a light that illuminates the food in presence of low light whenever you open the door. But the little LED screen doesn’t work properly in daylight.
Integrated Thermostat
There is also an integrated thermostat temperature control feature for maintaining consistent smoking and accurate temperature readings.
The temperature range is almost 100-275 degrees Fahrenheit which is not much effective. Unlike most smokers, the thermostat on this model is pretty accurate. I use my wireless probe anyway just to make sure.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Integrated meat probe
- Bluetooth Compatibility
- Works with iOS Android
- Digital Temperature Control
Cons
- Not compatible with Wi-Fi
- The Bluetooth feature isn’t quite efficient.
The air damper, removable water bowl, digital controls, sliding-out wood chips tray, and built-in probe thermometer of Masterbuilt MB20074719 are excellent without any doubt. A few issues have been experienced in thermostats and Bluetooth that can be handled easily.
2. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
Highlighted Feature
- 30-inch smoker
- An electric smoker that works at once after inserting the plug
- Load wood pellets from a special chamber to the side
- Temperature ranges 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
- Digital control panel
- Simple design with uncompromised functionality
- Includes 4 shelves
- Built-in thermostat
- Sturdy and durable with steel construction
- Easy to set up and use even by beginners
Once again Masterbuilt is on the list of best electric smokers under $500 and this one is 30 inches in size with digital features & ease of operate through electricity. With amazing temperature control and timing, this unit can provide all charms of enjoying smoke party meals.
A Perfect Choice for Everyone
Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is completely a hassle-free source for smoking and grilling that you can never experience with a charcoal smoker.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or not. The easy-to-use feature has been devised to help you start your smoking journey in the easiest possible way. It can also be a perfect solution for initiating a small business to make meat and fish quickly and efficiently.
Design & Performance
This smoker has been designed with such elements that contribute to enhancing its quickness and efficiency.
The body is fully insulated so heat remains trapped inside the smoker and this feature is very effective for extreme weather.
It is pure steel that is sturdy and durable. You’ll be amazed to notice that after years of usage there will be no signs of wear and tear on it.
Another exciting feature of this unit is the side wood chip loading system that allows you to open the door to add wood chips inside. You can easily add them by side wood chamber while maintaining the inside heat conveniently.
Digital Control
Masterbuilt digital smoker includes a top-mounted digital control panel that provides easy access to all kinds of information. To cover this digital panel you’re going to need a cover. So, don’t forget to purchase one while buying this unit.
The front open dorm has four shelves to place fish, veggies, cricket, cheese, pork, and whatever you like. The integrated built-in thermostat helps to monitor and control the internal temperature to keep in check the consistency and heat inside the smoker.
The thermostat on this model is close to accurate so it is a win in that department.
Heating Capacity
Temperature ranges perfectly from 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit without fluctuations by allowing different types of cooking quite easily.
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.
Though the temperature is effective, it can only reach a maximum of up to 275 degrees F which is sometimes not quite enough.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Low cost operating smoker
- Energy efficient
- Highly digitalized
- Suitable for large-sized meals
- Side chamber for adding wood chips
Cons
- No window display
- No remote control
- Max. Temperature is only 275 degrees Fahrenheit
Simply the Masterbuilt MB20071117 small digital electric smoker is intimidating for beginners. The design and functionality are highly efficient.
You are not going to be worried about fuel overheating up, or replacing gas, coal, or wood so perfectly it is very easy to use and highly recommended.
I would like to recommend buying a cover for the digital control panel to protect it because the unit doesn’t come with one and you’ll need it in the future.
3. Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker – Best Electric Smoker under $500 For Beginners
Highlighted Feature
- 725 Square Cooking Spaces
- Lightest electric smoker of char –broil
- Larger smokebox (wood chips box)
- Grease tray that can hold 8 – 8.5 cups of grease
- Remote control
- Dual insulation wall with steel racks
- Removable meat probe
- 1-year warranty
Char-Broil digital electric smoker is the lightest electric smoker from Char-broil with a decent cooking space of 725 Square Inches divided into 4 racks that can handle 6 – 8 ribs depending on the size. I have successfully done a party of 6 – 7 persons with this smoker.
The operation of this smoker is pretty easy with a LED display, remote control, and some buttons beside the LED. Also, it has a washable digital meat probe so that a beginner can check the internal temperature of the meat or smoker perfectly.
Other than that it has a sufficient-sized wood chips box so that you don’t need to refill it rapidly.
When it comes to durability and insulation the grates of this smoker are made from stainless steel that resists rust properly, however, the whole smoker has a double-wall construction with improved locks to avoid heat or smoke dissipation and a glass door to monitor the meat.
The maintenance of char – Broil digital is pretty easy since it has a grease tray that can store about 8 – 8.5 cups of grease which makes maintenance lots easier, you just need to remove the grates and wash it.
Charbroil also comes with a 1 year of parts warranty and great customer support.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Large Cooking Space
- Light and transportable
- Large Wood Chips tray
- Multiple controls
- Easy to maintain
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- A remote control is Not Durable
- LED is Not visible in ambient
- Can’t get the entire reading s with the probe
4. Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack Electric Outdoor BBQ Smoker
Highlighted Feature
- 572 sq. inches of cooking area
- Smoker box provides 8 – 9 Hours of runtime with a single refill
- Steel constructed racks, interior, tray, and drip pan
- Internal thermostat
- Dual wall insulated construction
- Powder-coated rusting-free exterior
- Smoke diffuser for more smoke production
- 1-year warranty
The packaging of the Bradley digital 4-rack smoker is pretty protective, I didn’t find any damage on the frame, also its setup is pretty straightforward, you just need to hook up a smoker box, and some racks, and place the drip pan and water bowl that is it.
Bradley digital 4-rack BBQ smoker offers a large cooking area of 572 sq. inches that spreads over 4 racks; you can easily manage to cook 4 – 6 ribs. Besides its cooking capacity, Bradley can attain 250 ° F (121.1°C) highest temperatures with a separate smokebox that can provide 8 – 9 hours of runtime with a single refill.
When it comes to the operation you will have to push the button on the smokebox setup the temperature, make electrical connections, and feet some briquettes to the smokebox that’s it. If you want to get a timer, Touch panel, LED display, etc., go for the newer model: Bradley Smoker BTDS76P Food Smoker.
Since the interior and racks of this smoker are constructed from steel with a drip pan and ash management, you can do the cleaning in instant.
The overall build quality of this smoker seems pretty rigid with dual insulated carbon steel constructed walls, corrosion resistive powder-coated exterior, and pure steel racks, drip pan, tray, etc.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Easier setup and operation.
- Sufficient cooking area
- Lightweight
- No need to feed briquettes rapidly.
- Flexible ventilation
Cons
- No glass door
- Lower temperature.
- Unreliable Probe.
5. Green Mountain Trek Electric Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill
Highlighted Feature
- Safe or efficient power consumption in standard outdoor BBQ
- Faster startups and great fuel economy
- Precise temperature control management
- Temperature ranges from 150-500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wi-Fi Smart control and meat probe
- Micro-adjusted variable speed fan
- Maintain pellets through auger into the firebox
- 9 lb pellet hopper capacity
- GMG App with access to the huge selection of recipes
- Maximum heat distribution by Venturi-style design
Green Mountain Trek electric wood tailgating grill uses pellets that are made of 1005 kiln-dried sawdust or premium gold blend that are oak-based.
Smart control technology has a huge part in providing excellent digital control overall features.
Integrated Phone App
The integrated apps allow to easily on and off the power, adjust the temperature, and set timers. This amazing feature even allows you to create and manage your personalized cooking profile.
Smart Wi-Fi Control
The Wi-Fi model is perfect to use during camping. You can even configure the grill at home by using a home Wi-Fi signal to access it anywhere within the home. The internal food temperature can also be controlled easily with this technology.
While a cloud-based server mode helps you to monitor and control grills remotely. The only thing you cannot do with this feature is to turn on the grill.
Great Performance
With so many exciting features, the Green Mountain grill is even ideal for travel. It has foldable legs to pack it down for easy storage. It can adjustably hook up to 12V of power so you can use it anywhere. Hands down the best electric smoker under 500.
The vents and motor keep pellets burning to award you with a delicious smoky flavor that can circulate throughout your grill.
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Auger system
- Smart Wi-Fi Control
- Firebox for minimal wastage of combusted pellets
- Meat Probe
- Thermal Sensor to monitor grill temperature
Cons
- There’s a single drawback to this Trek grill and that is bulk. It’s bulky.
- You’ll have to buy extension legs separately.
Green Mountain Trek is a go-to grill for smaller families or anyone who wants to cook 4-6 steaks or two racks of ribs. You can easily monitor and control the whole grill with GMG Smart control.
I would like to recommend using a portable grill on a non-combustible surface always. Use a heat-proof barrier between the truck bed and grill.
6. Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
Highlighted Feature
- 50 pounds cooking capacity
- Premium ventilations
- Aluminum construction
- Certified from UL and CUL
- Camping friendly
- 2 years of warranty
- Consistent temperature
After the success of little chief smokehouse launched the big chief electric smoker with almost double the cooking capacity with a minimalist compact design, big chief only weight 17.5 pounds weight with the capacity to cook 50 pounds of meat.
The unit comes with really nice packaging that includes some handles, a bag of wood chips, 5 racks, a drip pan, and a woodchip pan.
The initial setup of the big chief is also simple you have to attach the handles, pull the top lid and adjust the racks and drip pan, and put the wood chips tray on the heating element.
Other than that its operation is equally simple you just need to plug this beast into a regular outlet, fill the wood chip pan and leave it for a few minutes before cooking. This isn’t a smoker you can plug it in and leave it away you have to supervise it periodically.
When it comes to insulation and ventilation, this isn’t a well-insulated unit but its ventilation is designed carefully to provide sufficient temperatures.
Other than that it provides a consistent temperature of 165° F which is a bit low for the colder region and rainy days but for a slightly warmer region it works perfectly.
Though the big chief is constructed from rust-free aluminum, still you will get 2 years of warranty within an extremely affordable price tag.
The big chief also earn certification from the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) and CUL and proved to be super safe for humans and the environment.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy operation and maintenance
- Super safe
- Longer warranty
- Larger cooking capacity
- Well ventilated
Cons
- Low temperatures
- Not proper insulation
- No timer and other digital controls
7. Z GRILLS ZPG-550B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Highlighted Feature
- Ultimate 8-in-1 wood pellet grill u0026 smoker
- Vast cooking area of 538 square inch
- Wide temperature range from 180-450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Removable upper racks
- PID Technology for temperature control
- Sturdy steel construction
- Heavy-duty handle and 2 roller wheels for easy mobility
- Pellet Grill Technology
- Drip tray to keep crease away from fire
- Hot Rod for auto igniting pellets
- Induction fan for stokes fire
- Convection heat distribution technology
- Hopper capacity is 15 pounds
Z GRILLS-550B is an upgraded 2021 model that is a BBQ pellet grill and a smoker too that is perfectly sized for smaller families and couples for creating amazing smoky flavor. The precise temperature control by PID controller and smart digital control are some of its exciting features of it.
Construction & Design
The sturdy steel construction of Z GRILLS-550B is long-lasting with a high-temperature powder coat to provide you with years of ultimate wood-fired grilling experience. There is a bottom shelf that provides enough space for placing grilling tools, condiments, etc.
While the setup and operation of it are simple and easy to get the desired temperature. Honestly speaking, grilling has never been this much easier before.
The wheels and handle are there to provide ease in mobility to transport it into any place even in the backyard.
Pellet Grill Technology
This amazing technology helps you to provide the easiest way of getting wood-smoked flavor in your food that is not usually an easy way to get by gas or carbon grill. The taste you’re going to discover will be completely different from other traditional methods.
Digital Controls
The pellet grills have an advanced and adjustable temperature control range that delivers 8-in-1 versatility. The digital temperature control can add pellets automatically when needed to regulate a particular temperature.
Convection heat distribution technology ensures perfection in cooked food while the advanced wood fire technology provides you with wood fire flavor at the convenience of gas or propane.
All you have to do is to set the temperature and there will be no need for intensive labor, and babysitting the grill. The PID technology will hold up the ideal temperature throughout for consistent results.
Value for Money
The pellet cooking mostly costs less than a gas grill of comparably equal size. For example, a bag of pellets of 20lbs in weight costs almost $25 and can burn up to 50 hours while propane gas tanks are almost $30 for a full tank and the cooking hours will be 20 even if you’re cooking on low heat.
I love the design and overall performance, and there are no smoke leakage or oil dripping issues.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pros
- Rust free racks
- Heavy-duty wheels handle
- 450 sq. inch grilling area
- 8-in-1 versatility
- Auto temperature control
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- No built-in meat probes
The 8-in-1 grill enables you to experience a lot of grilling options to feature an automatic electric feed system to regulate the temperature between 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit perfectly.
I would recommend cooking on low and slow heat without speeding up the heat to cook fast. Overall it is a highly recommended unit.
Best Electric Smoker Under $500 Buying Guide
Now that we have provided some of the top choices for the best-rated electric smoker under 500, let’s extract some of the finer details because details truly matter.
Budget Smoker- Expectations for Price:
If you’re a beginner and making a very first attempt at buying an electric smoker with greater qualities at an affordable price then don’t worry. Check each particular detail carefully starting from the price.
As you know the list we’ve provided consists of electric smokers under 500 dollars so the quality pieces required should be considered now.
It is a common perception that the higher the price tag is, the higher the quality will be. But this is not a hard & fast rule.
For the specific price, you should get a sturdy, insulated, and efficient smoker. Check electric smokers under 300 if you want cheap but effective smokers.
Smoker’s Size & Capacity:
If you’ve plans to get a smoker for a large-sized family then a bigger smoker will suit you accordingly. However, a smaller unit can also do that work but it will take a bit more time if you’re going to cook more food.
Some smokers even include hanging racks for sausages, so there will be more room for other food. In our list Camp chef, the deluxe pellet grill has the largest size, so you can compare features with other mentioned grills and smokers.
Temperature Controls:
The most impactful feature you must look for is the types of temperature controls. Some offer digital control settings and display while some do not.
Similarly, the thermostat for smokers provides a specific temperature range and gives great hints if you’re a newbie.
So, digital controls must be included in your smoker for precise temperature control.
Fuel Supply:
Multiple options are also available in the market concerning the type of fuel supply such as wood chips, charcoal, wood pellets, electricity, and gas.
The fuel source has an immense effect on the smoke flavor so as per taste preference choose fuel type wisely.
If you’re using wood chips or charcoal then they’re less costly as compared to gas or electric or pellets.
I’d recommend choosing a multi-fuel smoker will be a wise decision.
Purpose:
Some smokers are capable of only smoking while few are multi-functional and can be used for many purposes like braising, grilling, and barbecuing. So a multi-purpose smoker will be a great option.
Other Features:
Some other features like wheels or handles for easy control and movement, vents to control air in & out, removable water pan, chrome-plated racks, weight, warranty, and the type of building material used play a significant role in selecting an ideal smoker for your home.
