Best Electric Smokers for BBQ Parties

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 7, 2023
If you are a fan of smoked food, it makes sense to get an electric smoker for home use. With an electric smoker at hand, you will ...Read more
PROS

The included remote control saves you the need to manually adjust settings and keep an eye on the cooking process all the time, giving you more freedom and flexibility.

CONS
Attaching the meat probe to the top of the door is a bit inconvenient.
OUR VERDICT

If you want to treat your guests to smoked meat, the Char-Broil Deluxe Smoker is what you need. With "By time" and "By temperature" modes, even culinary novices will be able to cook delicious meat without any problems.

detailed parameters
COOKING SURFACE
725 sq in (about 36 burgers)
COOKING RACKS

4 retractable/ removable chrome-plated racks

DIMENSIONS
32.52" x 18.11" x 16.54"
WEIGHT
50.2 lbs
CONTROLS AND USABILITY

Control digital panel with blue LED screen, Remote Control up to 100 feet, Timer (0 - 19 hours), Cooking temperature (100 °F - 275 °F), Target meat temperature (50 °F to 225 °F) / Integrated meat probe, On/Off Chamber Light

POWER

750 watts

TRAY AND SMOKE BOX
Grease tray at the bottom, Water pan, Wood chip box, Max capacity of 4 cups, Working time up to 7 hours
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
Stainless steel, Dual-tone finish, Insulated double wall, Tight sealed windowed door, Integrated handle, Wheels, Adjustable choke
WARRANTY
1 year limited
PROS

The built-in water tray will keep the meat from losing moisture, so your food will be perfectly juicy. Thanks to the removable chrome-plated grates, you can cook delicious meals for both a small family and a large company.

CONS

The smoke box may seem small.

OUR VERDICT

The Char-Broil electric smoker makes cooking your favorite smoked meats at home even easier. The model has a well-thought-out design and is made of high-quality, durable materials while taking into account all safety requirements.

detailed parameters
COOKING SURFACE

544 sq in (about 27 burgers)

COOKING RACKS

3 chrome-plated cooking grates

DIMENSIONS

33.46" x 20.71" x 14.96"

WEIGHT

49.5 lbs

CONTROLS AND USABILITY

Variable temperature control, Door-mounted temperature gauge to easily monitor the internal temperature

POWER

1200 watts

TRAY AND SMOKE BOX

Aluminized steel water pan, Wood chip tray and grease tray

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Stainless steel body, Porcelain-coated steel lid, Insulated cooking chamber, Dual heavy-duty door latches, Side carrying handles

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The smoking cabinet is fully-insulated, which guarantees that no heat and smoke will escape. Even in the winter period, the smoker will deliver consistent temps and consistent cooking accordingly.

CONS

If you'd like to reduce the temperature, be ready that it'll drop slowly.

OUR VERDICT

Equipped with a handy timer, this smoker is an excellent choice for lazy smokers. By the way, it can smoke a fairly big amount of food per one go. You can cook 6 whole chickens or 2 whole turkeys for a big party or family dinner. 

detailed parameters
COOKING SURFACE

~ 700 sq in (24 burgers)

COOKING RACKS

4 retractable chrome-coated smoking racks

DIMENSIONS

33.2" x 20.4" x 19.9"

WEIGHT

38.6 lbs

CONTROLS AND USABILITY

Digital panel controls on/off, Temperature (max temp 275 °F), Time

POWER

800 watts

TRAY AND SMOKE BOX

Patented side wood chip loader, Grease tray, Drip tray,  Water pan

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Stainless steel with fully-insulated smoker body, Locking latch, Adjustable air damper for smoke control

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

For this price point, the Cuisinart COS-330 has many advantages: it is easy to use, has enough capacity for smoking plenty of food, and comes with a long 3-year warranty.

CONS

Some parts are lacking in quality.

OUR VERDICT

If you're tight on budget and need a reasonably-priced smoker to enjoy deliciously smoked food, you should definitely consider the COS-330 from Cuisinart. It's fun and easy to use.

detailed parameters
COOKING SURFACE

548 sq in (about 27 burgers)

COOKING RACKS

3 chrome-coated racks

DIMENSIONS

37.5" x 19" x 22"

WEIGHT

59 lbs

CONTROLS AND USABILITY

Digital thermostat (from 100 °F to 400 °F), Easy-to-read thermometer on the front door

POWER

1500 watts

TRAY AND SMOKE BOX

The removable water pan, Wood chip tray

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Lightweight metal frame and two side handles for ease of mobility, Chrome spring door handle, 4 legs

WARRANTY

3 years 

PROS

Any excess fat that has drained off will be collected in the grease tray, which is removed from the front of the case and easily cleaned. A powerful heating element ensures thorough and even smoking of products from all sides.

CONS

The uninsulated sides and door can get rather warm.

OUR VERDICT

With the Masterbuilt smoker, you can cook 3 chickens, 2 whole turkeys, or 3 pork knuckles at a time, all in your own backyard. Set the temp according to the recipe, and the built-in temperature sensor will allow you to monitor the process.

detailed parameters
COOKING SURFACE

536 sq in (about 26 burgers)

COOKING RACKS

3 chrome-coated smoking racks

DIMENSIONS

40.2" x 21.69" x 20"

WEIGHT

49.9 lbs

CONTROLS AND USABILITY

Variable temperature control, Built-in temperature gauge

POWER

1500 watts

TRAY AND SMOKE BOX

Removable water bowl, Wood chip tray, Front access grease tray

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Stainless steel body, Insulated cooking chamber, Side carrying handles, Front handle, 4 legs

WARRANTY

1 year limited

The Simplest Thing Ever

Using the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is nothing but pleasure. The device will get the job done perfectly, allowing you to cook delicious smoked delicacies every time.

The Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker has two working modes: "By time" and "By temperature", which will let you choose the optimal setting depending on the food you want to smoke. For example, "By temperature mode" is ideal for smoking meat. To get the most out of it, make sure to use a meat probe that comes in the set - insert it in the meat chunk, select the temperature using the control panel on top of the smoker, and wait. When the meat is done, the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker will automatically switch to a Keep Warm mode to preserve it warm for longer. As for cheese and vegetables, it's best to use "By time" mode, enabling you to set the needed period of time for smoking.

In the end, you will hear a sound signal informing you of the end of smoking. What's good is that the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker produces repetitive sound every 30 seconds during 19 hours so that you can hear it even if you were not near the smoker. As you can see, smoking food with the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is very easy.

In Two Places at the Same Time

Have you ever been in a situation when you expected guests and they turned out sooner than the food was ready? Well, with the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker, solving this problem will be much easier. Supplied with a small remote control, you will be able to continue smoking food and have time for entertaining your guests. Though quite small, the remote operates in a wide radius of 100 feet and displays all the information on the screen, so you will be able to check the doneness of your meal without having to check on the unit. Handy for busy households.

More Products to Consider

If you love hosting parties and inviting guests around, we also recommend you consider buying a beverage refrigerator. It's a small version of a regular fridge that will let you keep your drinks pleasantly cool during summer.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $299.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00SMRXYCE

Just Like on Real Fire

Roasted meat may taste deliciously, but nothing matches the natural smoky flavor you’d normally get from an open fire. The Char-Broil electric smoker is an amazing solution for getting that flavor with next to zero effort.

This device offers 544 sq. in. of cooking space across the 3 chrome-plated grates. Although the capacity is not the biggest out there, it will be quite enough for a nice party in the backyard. You don’t need a real big monster on your patio, do you?

The handy shelves of this smoker allow you to place the meat inside in a smart and practical way. A steak, chicken, or some sausages will fit in like they belong there. Fill it to the brim for every party guest – or just throw in an expensive meat cut for a gourmet experience at home.

Speaking of which, this smoker has a temperature gauge conveniently mounted on the door. Yes, it’s an analog one, which gives off an extra retro vibe. You can monitor and control the temp quite easily as soon as you get used to it. Char-Broil will heat up to 300 °F (or more) with no problem. Make your steak tenderly delicious or roast it dry; any degree of doneness will be fine.

Your Reliable Smoker

How does Char-Broil achieve that perfect smoky flavor for the meat? Let’s start with the wood chip box that has enough capacity to produce hours of smoke without the need to refill. The only problem here is that you have to open the door to throw in more smoke chips when you need to.

Although adding water is not a rule, you can do it to prevent the food from drying out. If you opt for it, the durable water pan from aluminized steel will be your best friend in this case. Prepare for the really juicy outcome – and surprise your family or guests with some delicious party meals.

Char-Broil is one reliable unit with double-wall insulation and 2 exhaust ports. The latter enable the consistent production of smoke and the stable airflow. You’ll be quite impressed with the even heat spread, which is important if you don’t want your meat to be partially overdone.

Speaking about the heat; this unit comes with a 1200 watt heating element. Ribeye or turkey, Char-Broil can handle it all.

To sum up, this electric smoker is a real find for smoked meat connoisseurs that don’t want to fuss around the real fire.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0752DN3PB

Smoker for Busy People

The Masterbuilt brand never cuts corners and produces top-notch products helping customers worldwide to savor those treasured BBQ parties to the fullest. Masterbuilt electric smokers can give you acceptable smoked food results at a decent price that, for sure, won’t break the bank. For less than $200, this Masterbuilt 30" electrical smoker has quite a lot to offer.

The busy users will definitely like that this smoker is very easy to start and control. It features a digital panel with handy controls and a 24-hour timer. This means that you can set the timer and go play with your children or walk your pup without worrying that your food might get overcooked.

The unit has an integrated thermostat that allows you to set the precise cooking temperature for perfect smoking results. Any smoker knows for sure how important it is to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the whole process, and that's exactly what a thermostat does. You can set the heat from 100 – 275 degree F range. The low temperature is perfect for BBQ or making jerky, while the higher heat is great for smoking large cuts of meat or fish. The current temperature and all other information are shown on the display right on the top of the smoker.

During the smoking process, you can always add wood chips into this electric smoker without opening the main cabinet and losing heat/smoke. The convenient wood-chip loading system is placed on the side. The inner chamber can be reliably shut with a durable door latch mechanism. No chances that you might accidentally open the door and lose the smoke. The tightest seal ensured! All these features make the appliance good for beginners and experts alike.

Low Maintenance

The smoker looks like a small bar fridge. It's low, black, and strong! It has thick insulated walls that ensure more consistent temps and don't leave a chance for smoke to escape. The chamber is also pretty easy to clean. You can take removable racks out and scrub them down with a sponge. For cleaning the interior, you can make a 50/50 mixture of hot water and apple vinegar. Apply this mix to the interior and wipe it clean. This smoker isn't only easy to use but also easy to maintain.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01JGF97D0

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.6)

My husband has a very large charcoal fed smoker that we love but he has been wanting an electric one for cold weather so he doesn’t have to be outside tending to it and keeping it up to temp.

Construction(4.4)

Well constructed, but it would not heat up after the initial seasoning. Chips did not burn either.

Features(4.2)

Very easy to use and a breeze to clean up. very very happy with the digital feature....

Reasonable Choice

If you're tight on budget and need a reasonably-priced smoker to enjoy deliciously smoked food, you should definitely consider the COS-330 smoker from Cuisinart, the brand many people already trust.

Compared to all other smokers in its price range, this smoker really has many benefits. To begin with, it boasts one of the broadest temperature ranges with a maximum heat of 400 degrees F.

Although the smoker has no electronic thermostat, it's fitted with a knob on the side, allowing you to set the temperature anywhere between 100-400 degrees F. The powerful 1500-watt heating element generates heat quickly and consistently, while an easy-to-read thermometer on the front door lets you monitor internal temperatures at a glance.

Out of the box, the unit is fairly easy to put together. The directions are great and the overall build quality is decent. Yet, some users note that some parts (ash can, vent, and door latch) feels a tad bit cheap. However, those slight niggles don't influence the performance at all. And the fact that the smoker comes with a generous 3-year warranty is the proof.

Though the Cuisinart COS-330 has a compact footprint, it offers 548-square inches of cooking space, which is quite enough for large companies. The three removable chrome racks can be conveniently arranged inside for smoking whole birds or large cuts of meat.

Fun and Easy to Use

Another perk of this smoker is that it's fun and easy to use. Besides three chrome racks, it has a heating coil, a tray for wood chips, and a tray for water inside. And all you need to do to serve delicious home-smoked meals is load the smoker with food, add your favorite wood chips and water to dedicated trays, and then set the preferable temperature. That's all. This electric unit will smoke foods in a matter of hours without the hassle of messy charcoal to keep a consistent temperature.

That is to say, you'll have more time to enjoy with your friends and family. The smoker will deliver deliciously-smoked BBQ meals with minimum effort required from you.

With its small price tag and compact footprint, the smoker can become a great addition to any patio, deck, or outdoor barbecue kitchen. And its large chamber can smoke a wide variety of foods, including whole chickens, vegetables, beef, pork, ribs, seafood, fish, and meat.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $173.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B07CZCKTJ4

Portable & Effective

How about cooking the deliciously smoked meat on your patio? The Masterbuilt electric smoker is here to make your dreams come true. It’s portable, cooks well, and spreads the heat consistently.

Let’s start with the fact that Masterbuilt is a 30-inch unit. While it won’t cater for a large backyard party, you and a couple friends will get enough smoked meat in one go. For instance, this device can roast 2 turkeys or 3 chickens at a time.

Speaking about the space; the cooking capacity of this smoker is 536 sq. in., and it comes with 3 durable chrome-coated racks. You’re welcome to make the most of the available space by trying different layouts for the food. If you want an even more consistent flavor, try wrapping the racks with foil before you start.

The temperature in this 1500 watt smoker is controlled by an analog knob. Those used to everything digital may need some time to get accustomed to it. After that, you can cook the meat to your favorite doneness degree with the stable temps inside. Make it to the tender perfection or opt for a drier outcome; it all depends on your personal taste.

An Even Smoke Spread

Now let’s take a closer look at how Masterbuilt produces smoke for your meat. The wood chip tray is the key to everything, and it easily slides out for refills. The smoke spreads evenly across the inner chamber at low as well as high temps. Be sure that no piece of meat will be deprived of the desired smoky flavor.

If you don’t want really dry meat, simply pour some water into the bottom pan. This will keep the meat moisturized and promote juiciness. Your family or neighbors will surely appreciate your cooking abilities with this versatile smoker.

Masterbuilt is made of quality materials for years of good service. The only downside in its construction is that the sides and door can get rather warm, as they are not insulated. Just be sure to keep the kids away from the unit while it’s cooking. Overall, this smoker is reliable and designed to last, which is great news for your domestic budget.

Considering the pros of this unit, you can make it a present for the Father’s Day or Christmas – and get many thanks in return from the happy owner.

As evident, this model will suit smaller homes with limited storage options – and keep the meat perfectly smoked and tasty.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07NQLF9WD

Infographics


What Is an Electric Smoker?

If you'd like to join the community of meat-smoking fans or you want to upgrade your old smoker to a new one, you've landed on the right page. To compile this review, we've done in-depth research of the market and picked five of the most popular electric smokers available currently on Amazon, so you can dabble in the smoking process and start a new tradition in your family. The advantages to using an electric smoker are numerous. They are easy and convenient to use, they automatically control the temperature, and they are the safest of all of the available options you can find for sale, which makes them suitable even for novice cooks who have not used a smoker before. Another benefit associated with an electric smoker is that it doesn't need feeding wood - once all setup, you can go do other things. This favorably sets them apart from charcoal and wood smokers. Finally, electric smokers take all the guesswork out of the process of smoking food - all you will need to do is put the food inside the smoker and select the settings; after that, the device will smoke the food for you, enveloping it with mouth-watering smoky flavors.

Another appliance you might be interested, especially if you prefer cooking during late hours, is a patio heater. Here you can check out the high-tier models we've hand-picked for you

What Features to Compare

Dimensions

When choosing a smoker, it's important to consider its dimensions and the cooking surface. For most people smoking food only occasionally, a small or moderate-sized electric smoker will do. But if you smoke often and a lot of food, you'd better opt for a bigger model. Also, it's essential to check out whether a smoker includes racks. The presence of racks will expand your smoking options as well as add more usable space even to a small item.

Control and Power

Controls are of no less importance too. If you're wavering between digital and analog options, we'd recommend going for the former one: it's easier to use and you will only need to press a few buttons. Regarding analog smokers, they are a bit trickier in use and require constant supervision leaving you almost no time for other things. Check out if an electric smoker includes a meat probe. This isn't a necessary item but it's certainly a nice addition to check the doneness of a dish. Power is important, too. The higher the numbers are, the quicker the smoker will cook. Along with the controls and power, it's worth checking a water bowl, grease tray, and smoke box capacity. This will tell you how quick the cooking process will be and how easy it will be to keep a smoker clean.

Materials and Features

Since an electric smoker is mostly used outdoors, make sure it's made of durable material not susceptible to rust, water, and weather. What is also important is that a smoker has good insulation preventing heat leakage. Better if it has a windowed door so that you can see what's happening inside the smoke box without opening it often. In case you don't plan to keep your smoker stationary, make sure it's got handles and wheels, which will make it easy to move it when there is a need.

How to:

FAQ:

Q: What is seasoning? How is this procedure carried out?
A: Seasoning of an electric smoker is a procedure which should be carried out before the first use of your appliance in order to get rid of the unpleasant smell that almost any new appliance has. In general, to season your new electric smoker, you need to make it work empty for approximately an hour at 150°F. Yet, since the operating principle of electric smokers might differ, it is recommended that you read a user's guide to learn how to carry out the procedure properly. The food smoked in the appliance which is regularly seasoned is much richer in flavours and tastes much better.

Q: Can I use an electric smoker indoors?
A: Electric smokers, as well as charcoal and gas-powered ones, are intended for outdoor use only. The main reason for this is that they produce smoke. Even if your kitchen is well-ventilated, you will not be able to avoid that heavy fog of smoke that trails the smoking process and remains in the air for several hours. The only case when the use of an electric smoker in the premise is allowed is when it's designed for commercial purposes and you're buying it to set in a spacious place.

Q: Do electric smokers come with bisquettes/chips and accessories like a meat probe?
A: It depends on the manufacturer and you can find different offers on the market. However, more often than not, you’ll have to buy accessories and wooden bisquettes/chips separately. On the one hand, it can be inconvenient since you won’t be able to use your smoker right out of the box if you don’t have all the necessary things at hand. On the other hand, if you buy additional stuff yourself, you can choose wood chips the flavour of which you like better, or, if you buy a meat probe, choose the one a bigger number of different functions.

Q: Do I need to control the smoking process all the time or is it enough to set the temperature and the time and leave until the food is ready?
A:
Though we all would like the smoking process to be simple and effortless, it's not quite the case, alas. You will still need to control the cooking process and manually add chips or bisquettes when a loaded batch burns out.

Q: Can I use an electric smoker during cold seasons?
A: Using an electric smoker under bad weather conditions is possible, although it would not be as simple and comfortable as it'd be on a hot sunny day. The main problem you'd face while smoking in the cold weather is maintaining the proper temperature throughout the whole smoking process. But don’t get desperate. Here are some tips that can help you prepare the tastiest food in your smoker even in the winter:

  • Don’t open the smoker door too often. Since electric smokers are made of metal, they do not retain hot temperatures very well when the weather is cold. If you open the smoker door - you let the hot air out.
  • Create a shelter for your smoker. The smoking results will be much better if you place the smoker under some kind of a roof or surround it with something like a wall to keep it away from wind, rain and snow.
  • Insulate the smoker with flame-resistant material to keep the heat inside the smoker.

Sources:

1. Meathead Goldwyn Electric Smokers: Buying Guide, Reviews, Ratings, And Recommendations, AmazingRibs. July 10, 2013.

2. Justin Brunner Meat Smoker Wars: Which is Best? FARM & FLEET. May 18, 2015.

3. Derrick Riches How to Buy a Smoker, About. February 12, 2016.

4. Kristen Hicks BUYER’S GUIDE: Grills & Smokers, Compact Appliance. June 26, 2015.

5. Choosing the Best Electric Smoker for You in 2015, Medium. March 19, 2014.

6. Smoking (Cooking), Wikipedia. September 1, 2017.

7. How to Use an Electric Smoker, wikiHow.

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