When shopping for a smoker, you want to select the best smoker that fits your needs. Not all are created equal when it comes to price and quality. It’s hard to find the right electric smoker since there are so many different types of smokers on the market. To make your search easier, I have reviewed the 5 best small electric smokers available!
However, before I jump into the discussion, let first take a look at a brief buying guide to the best electric smokers. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Buying Guide to the Best Small Electric Smokers
Buying an electric smoker is a great way to give yourself more control over the quality of your barbecue. But there are a few things to consider before you buy! Here’s my buying guide to help you get started.
1. Temperature Control
The first thing to look for in an electric smoker is temperature controls. You’ll want to be able to set the temperature as low as 150°F and as high as 300°F, with the ability to add more heat if needed.
This will allow you to cook everything from chicken breasts to brisket without worrying about overcooking your food or burning it.
2. Heat Distribution
Another important feature is heat distribution, the ability of the smoker’s heating elements (or “burners”) to evenly distribute heat throughout the cooking chamber so that all parts of your meat are cooked equally, without any one part getting too hot or cold while another part cooks through slowly.
3. Layered Structure
A layered structure means that your meat will cook evenly over time because each layer has access to its own source of heat and won’t dry out before other layers have finished cooking! This can be especially helpful when smoking large pieces of meat like rib roasts or whole chickens!
4. Functionality And Versatility
With an electric smoker, you have a lot more control over how your food is cooked than you would with a gas or charcoal-fuelled model. You can adjust the heat to fit your needs and can even cook using indirect heat if you want.
This means that if you’re looking for something with multiple functions, like cooking meat and vegetables at the same time, an electric model will be perfect for you!
5. Charcoal Or Wood Chips
You might think that wood chips would always be better than charcoal, but this isn’t necessarily true! Electric smokers allow users the option of using both types of fuel so they can choose which one works best on any given day or situation (and sometimes even use both).
That way no matter what kind of food you’re cooking, you’ll be able to get exactly what tastes best for your palate!
6. Additional Features
Many electric smokers have additional features like an internal thermostat that ensures your food is cooked evenly and consistently. Some also come with a window so you can monitor the progress of your meat without opening the door.
7. Output Power
The output power refers to how much heat an electric smoker can generate. The higher the heat output, the faster your meat will cook. However, if you’re not careful about monitoring the temperature, it could burn before it’s ready for consumption.
8. Portability And Size
While some electric smokers are small enough to fit on top of your stovetop, others are large enough to be considered portable grills or even small ovens. Before purchasing one of these larger models make sure that they fit within your available space because some models can be too large.
Who can benefit from an Electric Smokers?
Electric smokers are extremely versatile and can be used by everyone from the home cook to the professional chef. Electric smokers allow you to smoke meats, vegetables, and fish with ease. They are also easy to use and clean up.
If you have never tried smoking food before, electric smokers are a great place to start. They make smoking food easy, and they eliminate the need for you to buy expensive wood chips or charcoal briquettes.
If you are an experienced smoker who likes to experiment with different kinds of wood chips and flavours, then an electric smoker may be right for you as well. Electric smokers allow you to control the temperature more accurately than other types of smokers do. This allows you more control over how your food will taste when it’s done smoking.
Can you use an Electric Smoker Indoors?
It’s a common misconception that electric smokers can’t be used indoors, but this isn’t true. In fact, many people use electric smokers indoors( not all models), they just have to be careful about where they place them.
The first thing to know about using an electric smoker indoors is that you need to make sure that the area where it will be placed is well ventilated and can push the extra smoke outside. If you’re using your smoker in a garage, for example, make sure there are no vents or doors that could impede circulation of fresh air.
Another thing to be aware of when using your electric smoker inside is the temperature of the room where it will be placed. Since most electric smokers can get quite hot while in use, it’s important not to place them near any objects that could catch fire or melt if exposed to excessive heat for a long period of time. In other words, I would not use it in the middle of my house living room or kitchen. for me, when it comes to smokers, “inside” means a garage or a shed. But the truth is, there is no safer place than outside for your smoker.
5 Safety Tips for Using Your Smoker Indoor:
- Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
- Stable Placement: Put the smoker on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.
- Follow Instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use.
- Electrical Safety: Use a dedicated outlet, inspect cords for damage, and ensure proper grounding.
- Fire Safety: Have a fire extinguisher nearby, never leave the smoker unattended, and clean it regularly to prevent fire hazards.
My 5 Recommendations of the Best Electric Smokers
1. Masterbuilt 40 inch Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt 40 inch Digital Electric Smoker has a lot to offer, and it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to get into smoking meat at home.
First, it comes with a massive 970 square inch cooking space. This means you can fit all of your favourite smoked meats in the smoker at once, from small fish to large-sized roasts. The smoker also features up to 4 cooking racks for easy access to everything you need. The smoker also has cold-rolled steel body that helps keep the temperature consistent over time and prevents warping from heat exposure. This makes it easier than ever before to cook perfectly tender meats every time!
Another benefit is its removable grease tray for easy clean-up after each use. You don’t have to worry about keeping the area clean while using this product because you can easily remove any excess grease or drippings after each use!
Pros
- Comes with a massive 970 square inch cooking space
- Has a cold-rolled steel body
- Features up to 4 cooking racks
- Comes with a removable grease tray for easy clean-up
- Provides easy access to wood chip loader
Cons
- The internal thermometer accuracy is not the best!
FAQ
1. Is there a pan included in which water, juice, or other liquids can be added while cooking?
Yes. The water pan is large enough to allow for extended smoking sessions.
2. What are the maximum and minimum temperatures?
It may be set to a maximum temperature of 275 degrees and will maintain that temperature within a few degrees.
3. Is it easy to remove the controller from the console?
Yes, the top controller has two cords attached to it. In fact, it ships in pieces.
These are the kind of features that anyone would expect from a top-of-the-range model. It’s great to see that no corners have been cut here, resulting in a really solid build for this smoker.
The Masterbuilt 40 inch Digital Electric Smoker does not appear to be a flimsy product by any means, and it’s great to see such professional hardware packaged together to form this smoker. If you’re looking for an electric smoking machine, then you will struggle to find better than this!
2. Char-Broil Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker is a great choice for anyone who wants to cook delicious, healthy food at home.
This smoker has an insulated double wall construction that ensures even heat distribution throughout the cooker. That means you’ll get consistent results every time you use it. It also features an easy-to-use control panel with a blue LED display so you can monitor your temperature and cooking time easily. Plus, there’s a removable food thermometer so you can track how well your meat is cooked at all times!
The Char-Broil Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker also has glass doors that let you see inside while it’s cooking, so you don’t have to worry about losing heat when checking on your food. The large steel locking latch also helps keep smoke tightly packed inside the cooker as it cooks, so your food cooks faster and more evenly than ever before!
Pros
- Features an insulated double wall construction
- Easy to use control panel with a blue LED display
- Has a removable food thermometer
- Let’s you easily monitor smoke because of the glass doors
- Packs smoke tightly due to a large steel locking latch
Cons
- The temperature monitoring system could be more accurate!
FAQ
1. Is it big enough to hold a 20-pound turkey?
In addition to being an avid meat smoker, I owned an Outdoor, hunting and fishing store for many years. 15 years of smoking meat on a regular basis with my costumers. I’ve been taught how to properly handle food.
Spending that much time on the procedure, as well as smoking such a large turkey, are both perilous ventures. Slow and low cooking methods are ineffective for hens and turkeys. Every year, roughly a hundred turkeys are smoked by the time Thanksgiving arrives.
2. How does it fare when the temperature lowers, as it happens in Virginia throughout the winter?
Virginia? Well, I did smoke meat and fish in B.C. Canada throughout the winters. It turned out great, though it did take a little longer. To compensate for the extra time, you may only need to add a little more water.
3. Can it be cleaned easily?
It’s not difficult. Racks, a drip pan, and a chip box can all be removed and cleaned in your sink or dishwasher. As a result of the smoke, the interior of the smoker will develop a dark coating, which will “cure” over time.
It is possible to clean this in the same way that an oven is cleaned, but it is not required.
If you are looking for a smoker that is simple to use, it doesn’t get much easier than the Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker. It does not have any particular features that are exclusive, but it does offer a solid design for anyone looking for a basic smoker.
This means that you should be able to keep the smoke inside and get some good flavours out of your meat with this smoker.
3. Masterbuilt 30 inch Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt 30 inch Digital Electric Smoker is one of the most popular electric smokers on the market. It comes with a total of 4 smoking racks, which gives you plenty of room to smoke meat and other food items. The 711 square inch smoking space is large enough to fit plenty of food while still keeping it contained and in one area.
This smoker is equipped with an adjustable temperature control, so you can choose the exact temperature you want your food cooked at. This ensures that you get consistent results every single time you use this smoker. The wood chip loading system allows for easy access to adding wood chips into your smoker without having to open up any doors or windows – which can make smoke escape from your smoker and waste precious heat energy.
The air damper lets you adjust airflow through the unit, so that it can be adjusted as needed based on how many items are being smoked at once (or how much smoke flavour you want). And lastly, there is a removable drip pan that catches any excess moisture from cooking foods such as ribs or chicken thighs over indirect heat – making clean-up much easier!
Pros
- Comes with a total of 4 smoking racks
- Has a large 711 square inch smoking space
- Built-in thermostat temperature control for even and consistent cooking
- Features include a wood chip loading system, an air damper, and a removable drip pan
- Comes with a durable polyurethane-coated polyester cover
Cons
- The smoker sometimes sets itself up to higher temperatures!
FAQ
1. How long will the smoke from the wood chips last?
The temperature of the smoke as well as the temperature of the surrounding air will determine this. Wood chips can be utilized in your smoker whether they are dry or moist.
Using dry wood chips results in a faster burn and heavier smoke. If you soak your chips in water beforehand (for around 30 minutes), they will generate less smoke and burn more slowly.
2. What makes a classic wood-burning smoker different from a modern electric smoker?
They are both powered by electricity. Digital electric smokers are different from analog smokers in that they are insulated and have digital controls. The Classic units have a control knob and are not in any manner insulated.
3. How much does it weigh?
This item weighs approximately fifty pounds.
This smoker offers some great features for the home chef. It has a large 711 square inch smoking space, with four top racks plus a removable drip pan at the bottom for easy clean-up and extra storage.
This is not a cheap product, but you also won’t be disappointed with its performance. It gives your food a delicious taste and aroma that cannot be rivalled by other smokers in its price range.
The Masterbuilt 30 inch digital electric smoker can easily be stored in compact spaces, so it’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of room.
4. Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
Cuisinart’s COS-330 electric smoker is a great choice for anyone looking to add delicious smoked flavour to their cooking. It has a massive 548 square inches of interior space, so it can fit a full turkey or roast. The temperature range is adjustable from 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can smoke your food at whatever temperature you like.
This smoker comes with up to 3 removable stainless steel shelves that make it easy to load and unload your food. It also features a built-in thermometer for consistent cooking. The COS-330’s 1500-W heating element heats up quickly and maintains a steady temperature throughout the smoking process, ensuring that your food gets cooked evenly and thoroughly.
The Cuisinart COS-330 electric smoker comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which means if there are any issues with the product or its parts within three years of purchase, Cuisinart will replace them for you!
Pros
- Has a massive 548 square inches of interior space
- Comes with up to 3 removable stainless-steel shelves
- Features a built-in thermometer for consistent cooking
- Comes with a 1500-W heating element
- Has a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- The temperature regulation is not the best!
FAQ
1. Will it be able to smoke a 20-pound turkey?
With this model, you can easily smoke a 20-pound turkey.
2. Is it feasible to use this with propane?
No, the COS-330 is an electric smoker. If you want the propane model, it is the COS-244.
3. Do you use wood chips or pellets in your operations?
With the COS-330 electric smoker, you’d use wood chips.
There are numerous reasons to love this smoker. For starters, it’s loaded with fantastic features, and then has a great set of practical dimensions that make it easy to move from one spot to the next.
If you’re looking for a good smoker that won’t break the bank and that won’t fall apart during its first use, you may want to consider picking up the Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker.
5. Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker
The Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker is a must-have for any serious BBQ enthusiast. It comes with several great features to make your smoking experience as easy and fun as possible. You can buy the front load model or the top load one.
The sturdy construction ensures that the smoker will last for many years. It has an embossed aluminium construction that is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making it one of the most durable smokers on the market today. The smoker comes with two chrome plated grills that slide easily into place, making it easy to cook your food evenly without having to worry about flare-ups or burning. The drip pan is removable and dishwasher safe, so clean-up will be a breeze!
In addition to these features, this smoker also has in-built vents for proper dehydration during smoking so you can enjoy healthy food all year long!
Pros
- Features a durable and embossed aluminium construction
- Comes with easy sliding chrome plated grills
- Has a dishwasher safe drip pan
- In-built vents for proper dehydration
- 2-year manufacturing warranty for component defects
Cons
- You can’t adjust the temperature on this grill!
FAQ
1. Is the kielbasa sausage suitable for smoking in this smoker?
This smoker is ideal for cooking meats, sausage, and fish to an internal temperature of approximately 165 degrees!
2. Is the top loading version better at keeping heat?
I don’t think the one that loads from the top is any better at retaining heat… Placing the trays in the rack, on the other hand, is a MUCH simpler process.
To load the smoker from the top, remove the complete rack system, then position the trays, and lastly restore the rack in the smoker. Loading is much easier with the front loading method!
3. I was wondering if anyone who has used both the top load and the front load could tell me which one, they prefer and why?
Personally, I prefer the top loading design. I only use the front-loading type when I can do it on a table or other higher platform.
It is impossible to gaze at the fish or change the wood chips when they are placed on the ground. Be advised that the front of the device’s handle becomes pretty hot.
The Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker is an inexpensive alternative to conventional smokers, being a much smaller sized unit at just half the length of a standard full size smoker.
This makes it easy to store, while still retaining its capacity to smoke foods as desired. Plus, this electric smoker comes with a two year manufacturing warranty for component defects.
This shows that the Smokehouse Company holds their products in high regard and are willing to back their workmanship with a guarantee like no other on the market today.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
The Bottom Line
Electric smokers have a wide range of prices, but there are some low budget options. It all boils down to the features and quality of the materials used. If you can afford it, try buying a higher-end electric smoker; they are built better, and the parts will last longer.
When choosing between charcoal or electric smokers, think about the factors that are most important for you. Then read some reviews for several available products before making your final decision. All in all, an electric smoker will give you more consistent results, even temperatures, and easier clean up than a charcoal smoker.
Also, if you are highly confused about which one to buy, just go with any one which we have mentioned above. All of them are the best ones according to their price point and are the best bang for the buck! Anything to share with us? Feel free to leave a comment below, but for now… Be Safe And Happy Smoking.!