Best Electric Smoker for the Money

If you are a novice to the world of smoking food, then this article is for you. The good news is that it isn’t difficult to get started, and by using an electric smoker, your learning curve will be cut in half.

Another great advantage of choosing an electric smoker over a traditional one is that there’s no need for a water pan or a water pan filled with flavored juices. You can easily control the temperature of your electric smoker, and this is one of the most important aspects of becoming a great BBQ chef.

You also don’t need to worry about things like lump charcoal, lighter fluid, having to start a fire, or wood chips that have soaked up water from sitting in a bucket.

So not only are electric smokers easy to use, but they are one of the most affordable ways to start smoking food. If you want to have some fun with your family or friends while impressing them with what you can do in the kitchen, then an electric smoker is the way to go.

In today’s article, we will see some of the best electric smokers on the market, which will be worth the price.

Best Electric Smoker for the Money Reviews

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20071117 is the perfect smoker for those who want to smoke large quantities of food at once.

With 730 sq. inches of cooking space, this smoker can accommodate turkeys, pork butts, racks of ribs, and chickens with ease.

The fully-insulated body ensures even heat distribution and consistent smoking results, while the four chrome-coated racks provide ample cooking space.

With digital panel controls, you can easily set the on/off, cooking temperature, and time.

The thermostat-temperature control ensures that your food will be smoked perfectly every time, while the max temperature setting of 275ᵒ F gives you plenty of smoking power.

This smoker is perfect for the beginner or the pro. With its side wood chip loading system, it’s easy to get that perfect smoky flavor.

The Electric Smoker dimensions are 20.47″ x 19.88″ x 33.26″, so it’s perfect for any backyard cookout.

Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker Review

The Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker is perfect for the smoker enthusiast. This smoker has an impressive 725 sq. in. of cooking space, as well as four adjustable racks making it perfect for everything from jerky to brisket.

The double-wall construction ensures that your food is smoked perfectly every time, and the automatic shutoff feature prevents overcooking. The warming feature keeps your food warm until you’re ready to eat.

This smoker is huge! It has a large, stainless steel locking latch for a smoke-tight seal and a removable temperature gauge so you can keep track of the heat. The advanced control panel with an easy-read LED display makes it easy to use.

This smoker comes with wheels and an integrated handle, making it easy to move around, and has a high-capacity grease tray to help keep your smoker clean.

Plus, that sleek glass door and stainless steel, dual-tone finish will look great in any kitchen. And if you need a little help staying on top of your smoking process, never fear – the included remote puts all the power at your fingertips.

Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker Review

The Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone looking to get that smokehouse flavor in their own backyard.

With 457.86 sq. inches of cooking surface and three chrome-coated smoking racks, this smoker can accommodate anything from a small brisket to a rack of ribs.

The double-wall construction firebox ensures even heat distribution and consistent smoking, while the chip tray allows you to add your favorite wood chips for extra flavor.

With 1500 watts of heating power, it’s easy to get your smoker up to temperature, and the adjustable and removable digital controller ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time.

The integrated thermometer makes it easy to monitor your food’s progress, so you can rest assured that your meals will come out just the way you want them.

You can use it to grill your favorite foods, such as chicken, beef, or pork, or you can use it to smoke your food and give it a delicious flavor.

The door latch system ensures that the door stays closed while the food is smoking, which helps the food cook evenly. The cool-touch spring door handle makes it easy to open and close the smoker without getting burned.

This smoker is perfect for beginner or professional chefs! The removable water pan ensures that your food will never be dry, while the grease cup prevents any unwanted messes.

Plus, the two-side handles make it easy to transport your smoker wherever you need it.

Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker Review

The Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is your solution to succulent, smoky meats and vegetables.

This smoker has 544 square inches of cooking space, perfect for smoking large cuts of meat. The 1,000-watt electric element ensures that your food will be smoked perfectly every time.

The double-wall insulated construction helps keep the heat in so you don’t have to wait long for your next delicious meal.

With three chrome-plated cooking grates, you can cook enough food for a small army. The door-mounted temperature gauge ensures that your food is smoked to perfection every time. The washable cooking grate means that cleanup is a breeze.

This smoker has dual latches to ensure that the door is sealed shut, so your food can cook slowly and evenly.

The wood chip tray and water tray are accessed from the inner front, while the Grease Cup is accessible from the outer front. Through this arrangement, you’ll be able to keep your smoker clean and well-maintained with ease.

Buying Guide for Best Electric Smoker

There are a few different things you should know before buying your new smoker:

Material of Grids

When shopping around for smokers, one of the first things you want to do is look at all the different types of grids that are available on electric smokers. The best grid is one that doesn’t rust after it has been used for a while and is easy to clean.

The best grid materials are stainless steel or chrome plated. Both of these options will last you a long time without having to worry about rusting or not being able to clean them off when you’re done smoking your food.

The Size of Smoker You Need

Another thing you’ll want to think about when picking out the best smoker is how much space you have in your backyard or wherever else it will be located. The size of your smoker needs to be based on how much space is available and what kind of food you’ll need to smoke up.

The best thing about electric smokers is that they don’t take up much space. Some of them are smaller than others, so it’s very important that you consider the size of the smoker that will be right for your needs before making a final purchase decision.

Safety Features

You should look at all the different safety features that are available on smokers before you pick one out because it could end up saving your life later on down the road if something goes wrong.

Accessibility

Make sure you pick out a smoker that has good accessibility, so it’s easy to get your food in and out of. This is one reason why it can be very beneficial to have side handles on your smoker because then you won’t need anyone else to give you a hand when moving it around or cleaning up the inside later on.

Price

One of the biggest things you’ll want to think about is how much you’re willing to pay on a smoker because there are a lot of options out there, and some will be relatively cheap while others will cost more.

As with anything else in life, it’s best if you go for something that has good reviews, safety features, and several different options, but if you need to save money on a commercial electric smoker, it’s best if you look for the least expensive option that will still meet your needs.

There are some very affordable options under $200 which is good news for those who aren’t sure what they want and only need something simple to get started with.

Size & Capacity

If you plan on using the smoker frequently and smoking a lot of meat at one time, then it’s best to buy something larger with a higher capacity. This way, you’ll be able to use the smoker as much as possible without needing to worry about running out.

Temperature Control

One of the most important things to consider with electric smokers is temperature control. If you can’t keep your smoker at a steady temperature, then it won’t matter how much food you put in it because it may not turn out right or may cook faster than what you want.

This is why people who are looking for commercial smokers typically go for units that have digital temperature controls so that everything can be exactly how they want it.

Features

Since some smokers will be more expensive than others, they may also come with additional features that the cheaper ones do not have. This isn’t always the case, but you can read reviews for each smoker to see what they are offering and whether or not it’s something you’ll actually use before buying anything.

Portability

If you plan on taking your smoker along with you to different events or moving it around frequently, then it’s best if you buy one that is more compact and portable so that it’s not too heavy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Electric Smoker

Pros

As you can see, one of the main advantages of an electric smoker is that it’s much easier for beginners or people who don’t have much experience in smoking meat.

Electric smokers are also very affordable and cost-efficient compared to regular smokers.

Cons

As mentioned earlier, the electric smoker is a convenient way to cook your food. However, there are also some downsides. One of the most notable cons is that an electric smoker is unable to produce the same smoky flavor as conventional smokers.

Another noticeable drawback to electric smokers is that they take a longer time to reach the desired cooking temperature than other types of smokers.

Getting the Most out of your New Electric Smoker

If you’re looking to get the most out of your new electric smoker, then it’s best if you keep these tips in mind.

Get to know your smoker: Before you start using your smoker for anything, make sure that you read through all of the instructions and safety precautions so that you won’t run into issues.

Use your smoker often: Try to use your electric smoker as much as possible because this is a great way to practice and test out different recipes so that you know what works for you and what doesn’t. This will also help you get more comfortable with using it in general, which is important no matter what type of smoker you have.

Clean your smoker on a regular basis: No matter what kind of smoker you use, it’s important to clean it out on a regular basis after you’re done using it. This is also important if you want the food to turn out properly each time. By cleaning your electric smoker on a regular basis, will help prevent any bad odors or residue from building up.

Add wood chips for smoke:  If you want to give your food that smoky taste like with most other types of smokers, then it’s best if you add some wood chips into your electric smoker.

Ease of use: Since electric smokers require much less work compared to other types of smokers, they are typically much easier to use. This is the main reason why people like them so much and why you’ll see them at events such as block parties much more often than regular smokers.

An affordable smoking option: When it comes to regular smokers, a lot of them cost a ton of money and require you to be well versed in the process. An electric smoker provides an affordable option for people who don’t know what they’re doing yet or who are new to smoking meat.

A convenient smoking option: Electric smokers are a lot more convenient compared to regular smokers because you don’t have to constantly monitor them, and they require a lot less work. You can just simply set them up and then let them do all of the work for you, which is something that beginner smokers will truly enjoy.

Easy to maintain: Electric smokers are typically very easy to maintain and clean. You can also easily add more chips or water throughout the process, depending on what you’re going for, without too much of a hassle.

Heats extremely faster: Electric smokers usually heat up much faster compared to other types of smokers, so this is a nice thing to have. While you still have to keep an eye on it, it’s good that electric smokers give off much more heat and will be ready for you fairly quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an electric smoker?

An electric smoker is a type of smoker that heats up and cooks your food with the use of electricity instead of using another source such as gas, charcoal, or wood. They are generally much easier to maintain and use than other types of smokers.

What size should I get?

When it comes to electric smokers, the size that you get will depend on a few things. If you have a lot of people coming over for a party or event, then it’s best if you go with a larger one so that you can cook more at once.

What’s a good brand for an electric smoker?

There are many different options when it comes to electric smokers because they come in all shapes and sizes. There are even some companies that sell electric smoker combinations which include the smoker itself but also other accessories such as grills, pans, and more.

Some of the top brands that you’ll want to consider getting an electric smoker from include Masterbuilt, Bradley, Broil King, and MAK. All of these brands create high-quality products that are designed to provide you with good results every time that you use them.

Do electric smokers use a lot of electricity?

An electric smoker, in general, doesn’t use too much electricity. The amount that your electric bill will go up by will depend on the size of the unit that you get and how often you decide to use it.

What types of foods can I smoke?

Electric smokers are very versatile, so they can be used for a wide range of different foods. You will be able to smoke ribs, roasts, fish, and much more. Many people also like to use them for cheese or vegetables as well which is an added bonus that you’ll enjoy having.

Are electric smokers as good as charcoal?

Electric smokers are a great option to go with because they can provide you with good results without too much of a hassle. They heat up quickly and hold the heat very well, so it’s easy to keep an eye on your food while it cooks.

Some people say that charcoal is better when it comes to smoking, but electric smokers are catching up in this area.

What is better for smoking meat, electric or gas smoker?

When it comes to smoking meat, there are many different options that you can go with. Electric smokers are very popular because they heat up quickly and don’t require too much work on your end when you’re smoking something.

A gas smoker will provide good results as well, but some people prefer an electric smoker because it’s easier to use.

Do electric smokers need water?

If you’re smoking meat, then it’s a good idea to put some water inside of the drip pan so that your food doesn’t dry out while cooking. This is an important tip for anyone who is using an electric smoker and should be followed to get the best results.

How do electric smokers make smoke?

When you’re using an electric smoker, the heat that is generated will turn into smoke that is then used to flavor your food.

Some models come with a wood chip tray which will allow you to add different types of wood chips to potentially change how the finished product tastes.

How do I take care of my electric smoker?

You should clean your electric smoker after each time that you use it to get rid of any leftover residue.

Cleaning the interior and exterior will help to keep your food tasting good while also making sure that your electric smoker keeps working properly for years to come.

Can you use an electric smoker in the house?

While you can use an electric smoker in your house, it’s only recommended if the area that you’re using it is very well ventilated. There might also be some fumes left behind, which could potentially cause problems for anyone who breathes them in.

Do you have to soak wood chips before using them?

If you’re using wood chips, then it may be a good idea to soak them before placing them in the smoker. This will help to ensure that they don’t burn up too quickly and will give you more time to smoke your food as well as produce better results overall.

Conclusion

Electric smokers are very versatile, which makes them appealing to many different people who are looking to start smoking food. They’re especially easy to use and can provide anyone with good results regardless of how much experience they have when it comes to cooking in general. You can also check our article on Best Electric Smoker Under 200.

This concludes our article on the best electric smoker for the money. We hope you found it helpful and informative, as well as a good place to start your search for an electric smoker that’s right for you. If you have any questions or want some more information before making your purchase, just contact us!