Best Electric Pellet Smoker

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We all love the great smoky flavor that comes with barbecuing, but sometimes you just want to skip the hassle of fire and charcoal.

With an electric pellet smoker, it is possible to produce delicious BBQ without having to worry about lighting a grill or dealing with an open flame.

In this article, we have prepared a list of the best electric pellet smokers on the market. We have selected them based on customer reviews, their performance, and their durability. If you already know what smoker you want to buy, this list should help with your choice.

Best Electric Pellet Smoker Reviews

Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI SmokePro SG Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI SmokePro SG Pellet Grill & Smoker

The Camp Chef SmokePro SG Pellet Grill & Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone who wants to grill like a pro without spending a fortune.

This smoker has a built-in WIFI controller that maintains the cooking temperature automatically, so you can focus on enjoying your food instead of worrying about it burning.

Moreover, this smoker is compatible with the Camp Chef Connect App, so you can control it from your phone or tablet.

With a full-sized upper shelf, you can cook all of your favorite meats to perfection. The smoke control with settings 1 – 10 lets you dial in the flavor just the way you like it.

This smoker comes with an easy-to-use menu dial, as well as a high-visibility, low-glare digital display. With this digital display, you’ll always be able to see how much progress you’ve made on your smoking project.

This amazing grill has a temperature range of 160º F – 500ºF, which allows you to smoke, roast, and bake like a pro.

The integrated meat probes let you know exactly when your food is done, so you can rest assured that your meals will be cooked to perfection every time.

With its side attachment compatibility, you can boost your cooking options with a Sidekick or Sear Box. The grease management system and ash cleanout system make it easy to clean up after dinner. Simply remove the collectors and dispose of the contents in the trash.

The expanded chamber height also allows for larger pieces of meat, so no matter what you’re cooking up, there’s plenty of space to do it justice. The cord management system makes it easy to manage your cords.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Camp Chef SmokePro SG Pellet Grill & Smoker is sure to become your new favorite smoking tool.

Pros

  • Bluetooth and wifi technology
  • Excellent cooking area
  • Several smoke control options
  • Two meat probes are built-in
  • Height chamber that can be expanded

Cons

  • The ash cleanout system can get stuck

Z Grills ZPG-7002E 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

Z Grills ZPG-7002E 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

The best just got better! The Z Grills 2020 Upgrade Pellet Grill & Smoker is your ultimate 8-in-1 backyard cooking machine.

With its advanced pellet grill technology, this smoker brings you the best of both worlds – exceptional grilling performance and delicious smoke flavor.

The ZPG-7002E Pellet Grill & Smoker is the newest, most advanced grill on the market. Just one button starts up this 700 sq inch wide cooking space, perfect for feeding a large crowd.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this grill has something for everyone, with a range of temperature adjustments from 180° to 450° F and an internal temperature sensor with digital control.

With this grill, you’ll be able to smoke, roast, or bake your favorite foods to perfection every time.

This top-of-the-line grill has a 20 lb. large-capacity pellet hopper, so you can cook for hours without having to refill. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and lasting use.

Plus, the built-in cover means you don’t have to worry about rain or snow ruining your smoker. And if something goes wrong, no problem! Z Grills backs their products with a 3-year warranty.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Large cooking area
  • 8 functions in one
  • Adjustable temperature setting
  • Long-lasting and durable
  • 20-pound capacity hopper
  • Warranty period: 3 years
  • Includes cover for protection

Cons

  • You can only use pellets made by the same company

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Review

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

BBQ aficionados, this one’s for you. The Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker lets you turn your backyard into a smokehouse, thanks to its advanced WiFiRE technology.

This bad boy connects to your home wifi, so you can control it with the Traeger App or even give voice commands to Alexa.

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 has 780 sq. in. of cooking space with 6-in-1 versatility that will let you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. The 5 rib racks or 4 chickens will easily cook on this grill.

This grill features a D2 drivetrain that starts up quickly and heats up faster, ensuring consistent smoking temperatures. The built-in meat probe helps you easily monitor your food’s progress.

The smoker also has a porcelain grill grates surface that makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, with precise temperature control, you can ensure that your food is cooked to perfection every time.

Pros

  • Large cooking space
  • Wifi and Alexa technologies
  • Setup is a snap
  • 6 features in 1
  • Easy to clean
  • Built-in meat thermometer
  • High-temperature control
  • Quickly gets hot

Cons

  • The smoker’s cord is very short

Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Review

Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

This amazing grill features WiFiRE technology, which allows you to connect your grill to your home wifi network with the Traeger app. You can also control your grill using Alexa voice commands.

This top-of-the-line grill has a whopping 780 square inches of cooking space, letting you easily cook up 34 burgers, six racks of ribs, or six whole chickens at once.

Plus, its versatile design lets you use it as a grill, smoker, or even an oven, giving you all the options you need to create perfect meals every time.

This smoker features porcelain grill grates that prevent sticking and make cleaning a breeze, as well as precision temperature control that reaches up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

The D2 drivetrain ensures that your grill starts quickly and heats up faster, while the built-in meat probe provides accurate temperature readings so you can ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time.

So, get ready to fire up the Pro Series 780 and impress your guests with some delicious smoked meats!

Pros

  • Ample cooking area
  • Wifi and Alexa technology
  • Simple to set up
  • Quick heat up
  • Temperature regulation up to 500 degrees F
  • Includes meat probe
  • 6 in 1 functionality
  • Clean-up is simple

Cons

  • It doesn’t have a “super smoke” option

Buying Guide for Electric Pellet Smoker

If you are looking to buy an electric pellet smoker, then you should consider some important factors before making a purchase. The below factors will help you choose the best smoker that will suit your needs.

Capacity

It means, how many pounds of food can it hold? Do you want to smoke just for a few people or need it to prepare food for large crowds? The next point will help you choose the right capacity of smoker that will best suit your requirement.

Size

It means the width, height, and length of the electric smoker. Measure the space where you want to place your smoker before you make a purchase to avoid buying a model that is too big or too small for your needs.

Portability

If you want to take your smoker outdoors, then it will be helpful if it is portable. Some smokers are not so portable, while some are easy to carry around. You can choose one that suits your needs.

Material

If you are looking for a smoker that will last long, then check out the material of the smoker before buying it. Some smokers are made up of durable materials, while some smokers are not. Choose a sturdy one to get value for your money.

Temperature Control

This is the most important feature of any smoker that will determine how well it can cook your food and how long it will last. The temperature should vary from 100 degrees F up to 275 degrees F, which is the optimum temperature for cooking.

Digital Control

Nowadays the smokers come with a digital controller similar to what you get on an oven or an air conditioner. This allows you to control the temperature easily and accurately by setting it in 5° increments. Using an LED display, it makes grilling very easy.

Versatile

The pellet grill can be used to grill, bake, roast, and smoke meat. It heats up very quickly, and you can control the temperature using digital controls. You also get timings which is useful for many people who like cooking on the exact time rather than just following a general timing.

Warranty

This is the most important factor that should not be overlooked by any shopper. The warranty will determine how well your product will serve your needs. Most smokers offer warranties of one to three years for their products, which is a very good indication of their reliability and durability.

Price

Before making a purchase, do some research on different models available in the market. Compare their features and prices with each other before making a purchase.

Safety Features

Electric pellet smokers come with many safety features such as overheat protection and auto shutdown, which activate in case of a problem. You should check if the smoker you are planning to buy has such features as they will help you use it with ease.

After considering all the above points, you should be able to choose the right pellet smoker that will meet your needs and your budget as well.

Benefits of Using Electric Pellet Smoker

1. You don’t need to watch it

An electric smoker is an automatic device with many settings, which allows you to set the temperature and time and walk away.

2. It’s efficient when it comes to fuel use

A large majority of electric smokers use less than 1-pound of pellets per hour when set for a low temperature, meaning the smoker will run for many hours on a small amount of fuel.

3. You can use it to cook anything

Unlike gas smokers, which may have limited uses because of the type of fuel they use, electric smokers can be used to cook any kind of food you like.

4. It’s easy to set up and use

Electric smokers are some of the easiest smokers to set up and use. There is usually very little assembly required, and they come with clear instructions on how to get started.

5. They’re easy to clean

Since electric smokers don’t produce a lot of ash, they’re also very easy to clean. All you have to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use.

6. You can smoke any kind of food

You can use an electric smoker to smoke all sorts of food, from beef and pork to fish and poultry.

7. They’re great for small spaces

Electric smokers are perfect for small spaces because they don’t take up a lot of room and use less fuel than other smokers.

8. You can set it and forget it

Once you’ve set your temperature and time, all you need to do is wait for the food to cook, leaving you free to do other things.

9. Electric smokers are versatile

Not only can electric smokers be used to smoke food, but they can also be used to bake, roast, and grill food.

Things to Note While Smoking Food Using an Electric Pellet Smoker

1. Choose the right wood pellets for your food. Different types of wood pellets impart different flavors to your smoked food. Experiment with different types of pellets until you find the ones that best suit your taste.

2. Start with a small amount of pellets and add more as needed. You don’t want to overload your smoker with too much smoke at the beginning. Otherwise, your food will taste smoky when it is cooked.

3. Don’t oversmoke your food! Large chunks of meat usually do not require longer smoking times. However, if you are making beef jerky or other types of dried meats, extend the smoking time to achieve a deeper flavor.

4. Keep the smoker’s temperature consistent. If the temperature varies too much, your food will not cook evenly and will not taste as good.

5. Don’t open the smoker’s door frequently. Every time you open the door, you lose heat and smoke, which will lengthen the cooking time.

6. Use a water pan. Add a small amount of liquid (water, beer, and apple juice work well) in the pan to add moisture to your food when it is smoking.

7. Keep meat at room temperature when you put it into the smoker. Cold meat will take much longer to cook than warm or room-temperature meat.

8. Use a smoker thermometer to monitor the smoker’s temperature. This will help you to cook your food at the correct temperature.

10. Let your smoked food rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend together and will make your food taste even better.

5 Tips to Maintain an Electric Pellet Smoker

1) Pellets – It is advisable to use only high-quality pellets in your smoker. Cheap, low-grade pellets will result in poor flavor and can potentially damage the machine.

2) Temperature – Keep a close eye on your temperature at all times with a good quality digital probe meat thermometer. Try to keep your smoker’s hot range between 225-275 degrees F with the cool end of the range from 150-200 degrees F for most smoking applications.

3) Pellets Amount – Keep your pellet hopper full whenever you can by using a long stem digital probe meat thermometer with an alarm when the internal temp of the smoker drops below 200 degrees F.

This ensures that you will always have pellets in the smoker and will not have to constantly be opening the lid to add more.

4) Cleaning – All smokers need to be cleaned on a regular basis, whether they are electric, charcoal, or gas.

The best way to clean your smoker is to first allow it to cool completely, then brush all of the ashes and debris off of the cooking grates with a stiff wire brush. Wipe down the cooking surfaces with a damp cloth and then dry thoroughly.

Finally, vacuum or blow out the inside of the smoker with an air compressor.

5) Maintenance – Every 6 months or so, you will have to take your smoker completely apart and give it a good cleaning.

This includes removing all of the screws and nuts and bolts that hold it together and removing the cooking grates, which should come out very easily after removing the screws holding them in place.

Take a few minutes to look inside each piece of your smoker. If you see any rust or discoloration, you will want to take the appropriate measures, such as oiling down all exposed metal surfaces or using a rust inhibitor.

Finally, reassemble your smoker, and you’re good to go for another 6 months!

Hopefully, these tips will help you in keeping your electric pellet smoker in great condition for years of smoking enjoyment!

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

How do electric pellet smokers work?

The pellet smoker starts with a decent construction, usually from metals such as cast aluminum.

The flame broils the food directly, giving it a smoky taste, and the only heat required for cooking is generated by burning compressed wood pellets.

You can control how much smoke you want to add to your dish by adding more or fewer pellets. It is also possible to set the temperature of the smoker through an electric control panel.

What’s the best electric pellet smoker to buy?

There are many pellet smokers with different price tags available. But the main question is, how much do you want to spend on a smoker?

If you are an average person who enjoys cooking occasionally, then you can go for the less expensive options and get one of them instead of getting a very expensive one.

There are also advanced features like bluetooth that can allow you to control the smoker with ease.

What is the best pellet smoker brand?

There are many popular brands out there that sell high-quality products, but Traeger is one of the more acclaimed brands because they use good quality materials and also produce easy-to-use smokers.

How to control the temperature in pellet smokers?

There are digital controllers on pellet grills that work using fans and heat to maintain the temperature you want. You can also get apps for your phone that allow you to control the grills using bluetooth. This is very useful during parties where different people have to cook different dishes on the grill at the same time.

What are the best pellets to use in pellet electric smokers?

The best pellet smokers are designed to use high-quality pellets that are produced just for cooking. Many people tend to ignore the brands of pellets when they buy a certain type of smoker, but you should always check out what is being used in the grills because it affects the flavor of your food.

How many pounds can a pellet grill hold?

It can easily hold up to 25 pounds of food which is enough for many people. Usually, the larger the smoker, the more it costs. So, you should consider how much cooking space you need before buying a pellet smoker.

How long do pellets burn for smoking meat?

There are different types of pellets with different burning times. Usually, hickory is the best flavor-producing wood, but you can also experiment with other types of trees. If you are using different types of pellets, then you should look up on the internet for their burning times.

Why are some pellets expensive than others?

The difference in the price of pellets is determined by how much hardwood there is inside each pellet. More hardwood means it will produce more heat and smoke while also lasting longer.

What pellet smoker has the best temperature control?

The Traeger models have the most advanced digital controls, so they are the best pellet smokers for controlling temperature. You can set it to any desired temperature that you want and then leave your food inside while it cooks without worrying about checking on the grill every now and then.

Who pellet smokers are best suited for?

Pellet smokers are best suited for people who are looking to buy easy-to-use smokers. They come with many features that allow you to cook your food just the way you want.

You can use them to smoke, grill, or bake, which makes them suitable for almost every occasion. Whether you are throwing a party or want to impress your guests with delicious food, these grills will help you do it without any problems.

Conclusion

Using a pellet grill is a great way to prepare delicious food when you are in an outdoor mood. This smoker produces excellent results and will not cost a lot in terms of maintenance. It is one piece of equipment that everyone should have for cooking outdoors. You can also check our article on Best Small Electric Smoker.

These smokers come with many different options that allow you to cook your food exactly how you like it. They are a good investment for people who want to be able to cook delicious smoked food without having to spend a lot of time doing it.

You should consider your budget and the size of the grill before buying one. We hope that this post will help you choose the best smoker that will suit your needs.

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