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A meat smoker is a great way to get fantastic-tasting smoked food. Whether you’re looking for something that tastes like it’s been cooking all day long or just want an easy way to make some delicious meals, the best electric meat smoker will be perfect for your needs.
Electric smokers are very simple and straightforward in their design, making them ideal for beginners who don’t have much experience when it comes to smoking meats.
They also come with many of the features found on other types of smokers too, so you can still enjoy professional-quality results at home even if you’ve never used one before!
If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, then read on below, where we’ll discuss more about our favorite smokers on the market today.
Best Electric Meat Smoker Reviews
Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker Review
Looking for a smoker that is both user-friendly and packed with features? Then the Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker might just be right for you!
This smoker has insulated, double-wall construction to help keep temperatures consistent, as well as 4 easily adjustable racks to accommodate whatever you’re smoking. Its 725 square inch capacity ensures that you’ll be able to fit plenty of food inside.
This top-of-the-line smoker features an advanced control panel with an easy-read LED display.
The large capacity smoke box gives you 4 to 7 hours of smoke, and the removable food thermometer ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time.
The large glass door lets you watch the progress of your meal, and the steel locking latch ensures that nothing will escape.
The warming feature keeps your food at the perfect temperature, and the high-capacity grease tray makes cleanup a breeze.
Pros
- LCD-based digital control panel
- Built-in meat probe
- Easy to operate design
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Larger smoker chips aren’t burned as efficiently
Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker Review
The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone looking to smoke up to 4 turkeys, 6 chickens, or 4 racks of ribs at once.
The fully-insulated body helps keep the heat in, while the four chrome-coated racks provide plenty of cooking space.
With a digital panel that controls on/off, cooking temperature, and time, this smoker makes it easy to get that perfect smoked flavor every time.
The thermostat-temperature control ensures your food stays at the perfect temperature, while the max temperature setting of 275ᵒ F lets you smoke even the biggest pieces of meat.
This Digital Smoker is perfect for the beginner or the pro. Its side wood chip loading system makes adding wood chips a breeze. Plus, its stainless steel construction means this smoker will last for years to come.
Pros
- Great cooking capacity
- User-friendly
- Digital control panels
- Good retention of heat
Cons
- No glass door
Bradley Smoker BTDS76P Digital Electric Smoker Review
The Bradley Smoker BTDS76P is perfect for the smoker enthusiast who wants an easy-to-use, digital electric smoker.
With four cooking racks and an insulated design with a stainless steel interior, this smoker offers plenty of space to cook your favorite smoked meats and vegetables. The quick and easy assembly makes it easy to get started smoking right away.
With full digital control over temperature, time, and smoke, this smoker is guaranteed to give you consistent results every time – ensuring your meats are cooked to perfection every single time.
Additionally, the smoke vent and diffuser help to create an even distribution of smoke throughout the cooking process, resulting in beautifully smoked meats every single time.
The smoker features a replaceable heating element, and the temperature of the smoker is controllable up to 320 degrees F, so you can customize the smoking process to get the best results every time.
With 8 hours of controlled cool smoke, the smoker is perfect for smoking large quantities of food at once.
The smoker uses a water tray to collect the smoke and bisquettes, making it easy to clean up afterward. It’s also suitable for outdoor use, so you can smoke food while camping or tailgating.
Pros
- Quality construction
- 4 cooking racks
- Easy cleanup
- Digital temperature control
- Suitable for outdoor use
Cons
- Smoker’s door seems to be of cheap quality
Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker Review
This smoker is easy to use and fully assembled, with stainless steel construction for durability. It’s perfect for smoking meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables.
This top-quality smoker is insulated with fiberglass to keep heat in and make your smoking experience as smooth as possible.
It has a capacity of up to 22 lbs. of meat, so you can smoke plenty at once. It also comes with three stainless steel grilling racks for maximum flavor.
The rheostat allows you to set the temperature anywhere from 100F to 250F, and the 400-watt heating element ensures that your food smokes evenly.
The smoke box and drip pan make it easy to keep your smoker clean, and the LED indicator light makes it easy to keep track of your smoking progress.
You’ll love the rubber casters that make it easy to move from one spot to another, and the three removable shelves let you customize your smoking experience.
With integrated electric cord hangers, your smoker is always ready to go. No more struggling with cords or tripping over them; the Smokin-It Model #1 has you covered.
Plus, the included sample of hickory wood will give your meat a delicious smoky flavor. Best of all, this smoker is NSF certified, so you know it’s made with quality materials.
Pros
- Fully assembled
- Great cooking capacity
- Easy to transport
- User-friendly
- Durable
- NSF certified
- Includes wood sample
Cons
- May have trouble cleaning up
Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker Review
Delight in the taste of fresh smoked meats, poultry, and fish with this electric smoker from Cuisinart.
With 548 square inches of interior cooking space, this smoker is perfect for anyone just starting out. Its simple controls make it easy to use, even if you’re a beginner.
With three removable stainless steel racks, it’s easy to load and clean. The built-in thermometer ensures perfectly smoked food every time. The 1500-watt heating element provides even heat for delicious results every time.
The removable water pan ensures that your food stays moist and juicy, while the wood chip tray helps impart that delicious smoky flavor.
With a three-year warranty, this smoker is built to last. Plus, it comes with a chrome spring door handle for easy access.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Convenient
- Easy to move
- Good capacity
- Thermometer in-built
- 3-year warranty
- Dishwasher safe
- Affordable pricing
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Temperature control problems have been reported by some users.
Buying Guide for Best Electric Meat Smoker
There are a few things that you should put into consideration when looking for an electric smoker.
Size and Cooking Capacity
When looking for an electric smoker, one of the most important things is to look at its size. Make sure that the product offers enough space so you can smoke meat in bulk without worrying about it leaking through the main chamber.
Also, you should consider purchasing a model that allows you to cook not just small quantities of meat but larger ones as well.
Temperature Control
An electric meat smoker may have many features, and usually, they also come with great designs, but if it cannot keep a steady temperature, then all those other things do not really matter. Make sure that you get a unit that will have no problems when it comes to maintaining an accurate temperature for your food.
Materials
It’s important to know what materials the smoker is made of before buying it, so you’ll have an idea if the product will last for a long time or not.
Look for stainless steel construction that lasts for years without needing to get repaired. It’s also good to get something that has better insulation because that can save you on utility bills for your house.
Ease of Use
You should also try to get a unit that is specially designed so that it will be very easy for you to control and maintain. A typical user can easily monitor its performance without much of an issue.
There are many smokers on the market, but not all of them are good. Make sure that you get a unit that is worth your money.
Price
There are many smokers on the market, but not all of them are good. Make sure that you get a unit that is worth your money.
Easy to Maintain and Clean Up
If you can find an electric smoker that is very easy to clean, then you should go for it. This just means that you will not have a hard time maintaining it, and this also goes the same way if you are going to store it after using it. Make sure that your electric smoker has a drip pan so that all the fat and juices will not mess up your unit.
Safety
Always remember that you will be smoking meat and poultry, so your safety should always be one of the top priorities. The heating elements should be fully enclosed to avoid any accidents with young children or pets around.
Warranty
Make sure that the smoker manufacturers offer a warranty, and it lasts for at least one year. Most of the high-quality products do come with a warranty to give you some peace of mind when buying their product.
When shopping, don’t forget to check if there’s a company website where you can learn more about the brand and its products in general. There, you can find useful information about their warranty and contact details in case you need to get in touch with customer support.
Tips on Smoking Meat on an Electric Smoker
Electric smokers are easy to use, convenient, and many times more affordable than both propane and charcoal smokers.
We found that cooking electric smoker recipes is just as easy as any other style of cooking, but the waiting time for food completion can be long due to the lower heat output. Electric smokers typically put out about 20-60°F less heat than standard smokers, so it takes longer to cook the meat.
With some simple tips on smoking meat on an electric smoker, smoking will be easier and more rewarding.
Tip #1: Prepare before you start
* We recommend starting off with a clean electric smoker. Depending on how much use your particular unit has had, it might need a good cleaning. All the ashes and grease accumulate and can cause flare-ups and produce an unpleasant taste in your food.
* Trim any excess fat from your meat before putting it on the smoker. This will help reduce the chance of flare-ups and also promote even cooking.
Tip #2: Set up your smoker for indirect cooking
* Many electric smokers come with a water pan, and this is perfectly fine. Fill the water pan halfway up to help maintain humidity and heat inside the unit. We also recommend using apple juice or another fruit juice such as cherry, cranberry, blueberry, etc… Drinks not only produce steam and add flavor to your food, but the sugars help to form a nice crust on the meat.
* The key to indirect cooking is to place the meat in the smoker away from the heat source. We find that placing it either at one end or the other works best. This will prevent flare-ups and also help your food cook evenly.
Tip #3: Use a thermometer to monitor your food
* A good digital thermometer is a must when smoking meat. You’ll want to constantly monitor the temperature of your meat to make sure it’s not getting overcooked. The higher the heat, the shorter the smoking time will be.
Tip #4: Keep the door closed
* This one is pretty self-explanatory. By keeping the door closed, you’ll help maintain the heat and smoke inside the smoker and also reduce the amount of time it takes to cook your food.
Tip #5: Use a smoke generator
* A lot of people like to use wood chips when smoking, but we’ve found a smoke generator to be more effective. It produces a better flavor and will reduce the chances of your food being overpowered by the taste of wood chips.
* If you’re using a smoke generator as opposed to wood chips, just place it on the floor next to your electric smoker, where your heat source is located.
Tip #6: Experiment
* The best way to learn how to smoke meat on an electric smoker is to experiment. Try different types of meat, marinades, rubs, and wood chips. You’ll eventually figure out what works best for you and your smoker.
Some Useful Tips to Maintain your Electric Smoker
- Keep the smoker clean. Regularly clean the cooking grates, drip pan, and interior of the smoker with hot water and a mild detergent.
- Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the cooking grates before each use to prevent sticking.
- Keep the smoker ventilation ports clear of obstructions.
- Use a smoker cover when not in use to protect it from the elements.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for seasoning the smoker before first use.
- Replenish the wood chips or pellets as needed to maintain optimum smoke flavor.
- Keep an accurate log of what you’ve smoked and when including the type of wood used.
- Keep your smoker away from household plants and vegetation due to the risk of scorching them with high heat during cooking.
- Do not attempt to repair or adjust any electrical parts, plugs, or cord sets; call an electrician for assistance.
- Never use water or other liquids to extinguish the pellet fire.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the best electric meat smoker to buy?
There are a lot of products that you can find online, and they all come in different shapes, sizes, and features.
However, all of them still have one common thing, which is they produce smoke for your meat or other foods to properly cook. Just make sure that you know what you need so you can have an easier time choosing which one to buy.
What’s a good brand for an electric meat smoker?
For electric smokers, we think Bradley and Masterbuilt are two of the best brands. They both have excellent customer service and offer high-quality equipment at a very reasonable price.
What are the benefits of an electric smoker?
An electric smoker is very beneficial if you want to smoke some meat or any other food for that matter. This kind of smoker is not just efficient, but it also helps save on some energy as well.
For a smoker that is electric, they usually come with a heating element that can easily use up to 2,000 watts. This means that you will not need any stoking the fire, and there are no flare-ups as well because this kind of cooking equipment uses hot air to grill your food.
Can I use an indoor smoker outdoors?
There are some models that you can use both indoors as well as outdoors. There are some basic features of electric smokers that you need to look for in order to make sure that they can be used in both areas.
For example, you should get a unit with wheels so that it will be easier for you to transfer your equipment from one place to another.
How long does it take to smoke some meat?
An electric smoker usually takes around 5-7 hours in order for you to properly smoke your food. Of course, the amount of time that it will take depends on how much and what kind of meats you are going to use for smoking.
There are also other factors that will affect the smoking process, such as the outside temperature and the type of wood chips that you are going to use.
What is a good electric meat smoker that I can buy from Amazon?
As mentioned earlier, there are many brands/models that you will be able to see online, but it’s best if you look for one that has great reviews. This means that you can trust it and expect nothing but great results once you start using it.
What kind of wood chips should I use for smoking some good meat?
You can always choose from a lot of different types of wood chips. Just make sure that you stay away from those that are flavored or those that have some chemicals on them, as this might not be the best choice for your smoking needs.
If possible, you should go for some hardwood type of chips as they will surely enhance the flavor of your meat.
What is the best kind of meat to smoke?
There are many kinds of meat that you can choose for your smoking needs. Just make sure that you know how to cook them properly, and this also goes the same way if you want to get a good smoker for them.
For example, something like the smoked turkey will surely taste great because of the good flavor that it will bring.
Are electric meat smokers good?
As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of benefits that you will surely get once you start using an electric smoker, and one of them is it’s convenient to use.
There will be no more worries on how to properly smoke some meats since everything will already be automated, and all you need to do is just set the temperature and wait until your meat is ready.
Conclusion
So, these are some of the top products that you can currently get on the market right now. If you are looking to get a good electric meat smoker, then these will not fail to impress. You can also check our article on Best Electric Smoker Under 300.
They have been built using some of the best technology out there, and they can easily deliver for you for a very long time. All of the models that we have listed above are worth your money. So, make sure that you get one from this list, and you will not have any regrets with the smoker afterward.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the best electric meat smoker. I hope it was of help.