Best Electric Smoker Under $500

I don’t know about you, but I like smoked food. The rich and smoky flavors that it provides is something that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. That’s why we love our electric smoker at the end of our long day, as it gives us an opportunity to relax and enjoy this delicious meal with the entire family.

When you are looking to buy the best electric smoker under 500, you want something that has enough capacity to be able to accommodate your family dinner or the church fundraiser that you volunteer at each year. You also want something that can maintain temperature and provide smoky deliciousness without too much hassle.

If that sounds like the kind of smoker you are looking for, then read on to see our shortlist of top picks. We have included a variety of options, so there is bound to be an option that fits your specific needs.

Best Electric Smoker Under $500Reviews

Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker has 730 sq. inches of cooking space and is fully insulated, making it perfect for smoking ribs, pork shoulders, chicken, and turkeys.

The four chrome-coated racks can hold up to 2 whole turkeys or 6 whole chickens at once.

With an 800-watt heating element and a smoke vent, this smoker makes cooking anything effortless!

The digital screen lets you control food cooking thicknesses by simply adjusting the thermostat control from 100 degrees F-275 degrees F.

With its side-loading wood chips, removable drip pan, and top air damper, this smoker is perfect for all experience levels.

Masterbuilt 20071117 Digital Electric Smoker Review

This digital electric smoker is designed with convenience in mind and cooks up mouth-watering meals like you deserve without fail.

This smoker has plenty of space with 730 square inches of cooking area. With four chrome-coated racks, this smoker is perfect for smoking turkeys, pork butts, racks of ribs, or chickens.

If you have a big appetite and prefer fast results, this is the smoker for you. You can heat up to 275 degrees F with a digital control panel on top of the unit, so you don’t have to watch the fire all day long. With its insulated housing, it works well in any climate too.

Masterbuilt MB20071117 features its patented side wood chip loading system, which was created to work seamlessly with the internal smoking process.

With this system, users can monitor and reload their chips at any time throughout cooking without having to open up the construction or disrupt any settings inside.

The 20.47 x 19.88 x 33.26 measurements make this unit the perfect size for both backyard barbecues or professional catering jobs – no matter your skill level, this smoker is never too much work to prepare a tasty meal!

Z Grills ZPG-550B 2020 upgrade Grill and Smoker Review

The Z GRILLS ZPG-550B is the most versatile smoker on the market!

It has 8 different cooking functions to master everything from smoking racks and vegetables all the way down with precision pellet technology.

With its 538 sq in space and 2 tier grates, you’ll be able to cook anything your heart desires at home without worrying about running out of room or energy for one more thing.

This smoker features a wide temperature range, so you can cook whatever you like; however, you like it. Plus, the consistent results mean every meal will be just as delicious as the last. So set the temperature, relax, and enjoy your backyard BBQs to the fullest!

The ZPG-550B is the perfect choice for outdoor grilling enthusiasts. This heavy-duty smoker is built to last with sturdy steel construction and features a bottom storage shelf for all of your grilling tools and accessories.

The easy mobility of this grill is enhanced with a heavy-duty handle and 2 roller wheels, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Z Grills ZPG-450A 2020 upgrade Grill and Smoker Review

Z Grills ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a wood pellet grill and smoker all in one. The 8-in-1 multi-function design combines the grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, braising, and searing capabilities into a single unit.

The Z Grills ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker comes with an array of features that make it easy to use for anyone from beginners to experienced users.

With the Z Grills ZPG-450A wood pellet grill and smoker, you can smoke, grill, and bake all your favorites with ease as you get a temperature range of 180° to 450° F.

No more worrying about inconsistent results or temperature fluctuations – with this smoker, you can set it and forget it.

Plus, the automatic temperature control ensures that your food will come out perfectly cooked every time.

This grill is perfect for small families, with a sturdy steel construction and a high-temperature powder coating finish that will stand up to even the most demanding grilling tasks.

Best of all, the ZPG-450A requires less pellet filling than other smokers, so you can spend more time enjoying your delicious creations.

So, gather your friends and family around the grill – with the Z Grills ZPG-450A wood pellet smoker, the party’s always ready to begin!

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker Review

The Little Chief Electric Smoker is perfect for novices and experts alike!

This smoker is made with durable embossed aluminum, so it’s tough enough to last. There’s no assembly required, so you can start smoking right away.

The easy-slide chrome-plated grills make adding meat and fish a breeze. Get that delicious smokehouse flavor you love with the Little Chief Electric Smoker.

The Little Chief Electric Smoker from Smokehouse Products is perfect for smoking up to 25 pounds of meat or fish.

This smoker has a consistent low-temperature setting, ensuring your food comes out perfectly smoked every time.

With its 250W heating element, the Little Chief reaches a cooking temperature of approximately 165 F, so you can rest assured your food will be cooked to perfection.

This electric smoker has a thoughtful feature- its drip pan is dishwasher safe. But the smoker is designed for outdoor use only.

The maximum capacity flavor fuel pan means you can smoke four slabs of ribs or 12 slabs of sausages at a time.

This smoker is UL, and CUL certified, meaning it’s safe to use. It also comes with a recipe/instruction booklet and hickory flavor wood fuel, so you can get started smoking right away.

If you want to succeed in backyard BBQing, then you can invest in the Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker.

Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker Review

The COS-330 will help you take your barbecue prowess up a level or three. With 548 square inches of interior cooker space, there’s plenty of room for all the meaty goodness in your smokehouse dreams.

All it takes is a few minutes with this smoker, and you’ll have juicy smoked meats to serve them at your next event or share with neighbors as winter nears its end.

Three removable stainless-steel racks provide added flexibility for storing different foods without having to worry about them getting mixed together from drip oils and smoke flavors.

Each rack can be washed separately in order for cleaner surfaces during the next smoke session. You will be happy to know that the racks are also dishwasher safe.

This smoker comes with three removable stainless-steel racks, so you can smoke a large amount of food at once.

The built-in thermometer ensures that your food will be cooked perfectly every time.

With a 1500-watt heating element, this smoker can produce evenly smoked meats and seafood in no time. The chrome spring door handle ensures easy access to your food.

This smoker is perfect for casual or first-time smokers. It is lightweight and easy to move.

The three-year warranty makes this smoker a great value, and the removable water pan and wood chip tray make it easy to use.

Buying Guide for Best Electric Smoker Under 500

If you are looking for a high-quality electric smoker, there is one thing you should keep in mind…

These units tend to be more expensive than other options on the market. However, this is because of their convenience and ability to deliver high-quality results every time you use it.

The best electric smokers are easy to use, can be used just about anywhere, and will allow you to cook food that tastes better than any other type of cooking method available. Let’s check out some of the factors to consider.

Model & Size of Electric Smoker

The first thing you are going to want to consider is the size of the smoker that you need.

Make sure that you take measurements of your cooking area and think about how many racks inside that unit will be able to fit comfortably.

This is important because if you buy a model that is too small, you won’t be able to smoke enough food at once.

Construction Material

Most of the cheap models are made with thin sheet metal that leaves them susceptible to rusting over time. Plus, these materials don’t have enough insulation, so they will break down quickly if left outside all year.

The best smokers will feature corrosion-resistant materials that are designed to stand up against all kinds of weather conditions.

Cooking Capacity

The smaller sized smokers are great for beginners or people who want to get started with smoking their own food at home. These types of units usually have 4-6 racks inside, which makes them perfect for small family gatherings or if you prefer to smoke smaller quantities at a time.

On the other hand, larger capacity smokers are able to hold up to 20 racks and will give you more options when it comes to how much you can make at a time. These models are great for people who like to host parties or special occasions where they want to offer their guests smoked food that is done to perfection.

Easy to Use 

Another thing you should look for in a good electric smoker is how easy it is to use. The last thing you want is to have to read through complicated instructions in order to get your unit up and running properly.

This type of unit is designed to be simple to use, making it perfect for novice smokers.

Digital Controls

Digital controls are far more precise than analog models, which allow you to get better results from your smoker.

In addition, the controls are simple to use and will come with a digital display so you can tell what settings have been applied at all times.

Heat Capacity

These units are designed to be able to maintain heat at high levels so you can cook food quickly and thoroughly without worrying about overcooking it. The best models will also come with adjustable racks so you can control the amount of space inside your smoker, allowing you to cook in larger quantities if necessary.

Porcelain Coated Racks

The inner parts of the smoker are also important to take into consideration. This is where the racks that hold your food will be located.

The best smokers will come with porcelain-coated racks, which help prevent rusting and make it easier to clean your unit after you’ve used it.

Resistant to Weather Damage

Most smokers are designed to be placed outside, even during the winter months. However, if you purchase a cheap model, it is likely that the paint or welding can get chipped over time which will leave your unit exposed to the elements.

Go with Trusted Brands

No matter what type of smoker you choose to purchase, you’ll want to make sure that the unit comes from a trusted manufacturer. There are a lot of companies selling these types of units on websites like eBay and Amazon that don’t have a good reputation for quality products.

A good way to avoid this issue is to look for a unit that has been manufactured by one of the top companies in the industry. These manufacturers have spent years perfecting their electric smokers so you can get the most out of them when it comes time to enjoy your food.

Warranty

You should also make sure that the unit you are purchasing comes with a warranty. This is important because if anything goes wrong or your smoker breaks down for some reason, having this type of protection gives you the assurance that your investment is safe.

The Convenience of Using Electric Smoker

One of the main reasons why so many people like electric smokers are because they are easy to use and can be set up and put away quickly. Also, these units don’t require any charcoal or propane, which makes them even more convenient.

There are a lot of cheap models out there that say they will help you smoke food, but you don’t get the performance or features that are advertised. That’s why it’s so important to do your research and find a unit that comes from a trusted manufacturer that can deliver on its promises.

Mobility

Finally, you are also going to want to think about whether or not the model that you are choosing comes equipped with wheels.

This is important because if you aren’t going to be using your smoker on a daily basis, it can be a little bit difficult to stock up on wood chips and water without having to move the entire unit.

Advantages of Using an Electric Smoker for Smoking Food

• An electric smoker is easy to use, with an on/off switch and a temperature dial. There is no need to worry about controlling the fire or adding wood chips.
• Electric smokers come with a built-in thermometer, so you can easily keep track of the smoking temperature and ensure your food is cooked evenly.
• Electric smokers are smoke-free, so you don’t have to worry about the smell of smoke permeating your house or clothes.
• Electric smokers are more affordable than charcoal or gas smokers, and they use fewer wood chips, making them more economical in the long run.
• Electric smokers are portable, so you can take them with you on camping trips or tailgating parties.
• Electric smokers are easy to clean since the cooking grates and drip pan can be washed in the dishwasher.
• Electric smokers come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs.
• Electric smokers are available in both analog and digital models, so you can choose the one that best suits your smoking preferences.
• Electric smokers are energy-efficient, so you can save on your electricity bill.
• Electric smokers can be used to smoke a variety of foods, including meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a difference between smoking and grilling?

Smoking is slow heating the food with indirect heat to cook it. Grilling, on the other hand, simply cooks meat by cooking it directly over a high heat source.

What is the main difference between propane and electric smokers?

Propane smokers are combustible units that use propane canisters to heat up the wood chips that are placed in the unit.

Electric smokers run on electricity which makes them much safer and more efficient.

Does electric smokers work better than normal smokers?

Electric smokers are more efficient and safer than their combustible counterparts. This is because you don’t have to worry about a flame going out during cooking, leading to an enormous mess in your kitchen.

What kind of food can I smoke?

When it comes to electric smokers, you can smoke pretty much anything your heart desires. This is because these types of smokers are specifically designed to help you make gourmet dishes at home.

How to keep my electric smoker safely outside?

The best way to keep your electric smoker outside is by making sure that it is in a place where there is minimal exposure to the elements. This will help to ensure that your unit stays protected for many years to come.

What type of wood should I use?

Different types of wood can give different flavors to whatever you are cooking. It is important to experiment with different types of wood to see which flavors you like best.

What is the shelf life for smoked food?

The shelf life for any smoked meat or vegetables will depend on how long it has been in the smoker and whether or not it was refrigerated when cooked.

Typically, if the entire meal is wrapped up in a plastic wrap, you can expect to have it on your plate for about two days.

What are the essential accessories for electric smoking?

One of the most important things you are going to need is a good meat thermometer. This is helpful because it will allow you to make sure that your food has been cooked perfectly throughout.

You should also invest in some smoker chips and foil, which helps to ensure that the electric smoker doesn’t lose any moisture during cooking.

Is freezing meat before smoking it a good idea?

Freezing meat before you put it in your smoker is perfectly fine. However, it has been proven that freezing the meat after you have cooked it will help to ensure that the meat doesn’t lose any of its flavor or juices.

How to clean an electric smoker?

Cleaning an electric smoker is easier than you think. All you have to do is run hot water over the sides of the unit and then wipe it down with a dry towel or rag.

Conclusion

Electric smokers have a ton of benefits. They are cheaper than other types of smokers. They can cook a wide variety of meats and vegetables. They are very easy to control and work with. Our guide above will help you to find the best smoker for your needs. You can also check our article on Best Electric Pellet Smoker.

The best electric smoker will cost you around $500. However, when you consider how easy these units are to operate and how long they may last, this cost is well worth it.