Best Electric Smoker for Cold Weather

The holidays are right around the corner, and that means everyone is going to be firing up their barbecues. However, what if you live in a colder climate?

For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have a backyard we can use all year round, there’s always the option of owning an electric smoker.

Electric smokers make it possible for anyone to enjoy delicious smoked meats and vegetables even when they don’t have access to propane or charcoal grills!

If you want your family and friends to love your food as much as you do this holiday season, read on!

We have compiled a list of our favorite smokers so you can find one perfect for you!

Best Electric Smoker for Cold Weather Reviews

Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill Review

Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 is the perfect grill for someone who wants ultimate versatility. You can use it to smoke, roast, bake, braise and grill all different kinds of food.

The steel construction means that your grill will last for years, and the durable powder coat finish keeps it looking good while you’re using it.

There’s plenty of cooking space – 8 chickens, 7 racks of ribs, or 40 burgers – so you can feed a whole crowd with ease.

The Pro Series 34 comes with two meat probes and 450°F maximum temperature. No more guessing how hot your grill is or whether your steak is done.

With the Pro Series 34, you’ll have all the information you need to make sure every meal comes out just right.

Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 is your go-to grill for quality outdoor cooking. The porcelain grill grates are easy to clean, so you can focus on the food, not the cleanup.

The drip tray catches all of the grease, so you don’t have to worry about anything spilling. And finally, the all-terrain wheels make it easy to move this grill wherever you need it.

Our Verdict

Overall, this is a very good grill for those who like all kinds of cooking. Yes, this smoker is on the more expensive side of things; however, it does provide some extra features that make it well worth every penny.

Smokin-It Model 2 Electric Smoker Review

You’ll be smokin’ in style with the Smokin-It Model 2 Electric Smoker. Made entirely of stainless steel, this smoker is insulated with fiberglass to keep your food smoking evenly and at a consistent temperature.

It’s also fully assembled and comes with a sample of hickory wood, so you can start smoking your favorite meats and veggies right away.

With four removable stainless steel grilling racks and a 35-pound holding capacity, this smoker has enough room to cook whatever you’re in the mood for.

And with an 800-watt heating element and LED indicator light, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your food while it smokes.

With a rheostat for temperature control from 100F to 250F degrees, this smoker can handle everything from chicken breasts to racks of ribs.

The smoke box ensures even smoking throughout your food, while the double latch door system keeps heat and smoke in while preventing flare-ups.

This smoker also has a drip pan to catch any juices or oils that may runoff from your meat.

The rubber casters and side handles make it easy to move this smoker around, and the integrated electric cord hangers keep everything nice and tidy. Plus, this smoker is NSF certified, so you know it’s up to high standards.

Our Verdict

Overall, this smoker is a great choice for those who want an easy-to-use and move smoker with a large cooking capacity.

The Smokin-It Model 2 Electric Smoker is a great option for anyone who wants to start smoking their own food. It’s simple to use and has a large enough cooking area to handle all of your smoking needs.

Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker Review

This smoker is perfect for the at-home chef who wants to create authentic smoked flavors without having to leave home.

The 544 square inches of cooking space provides plenty of room to cook up a feast, while the 1,000-watt electric element ensures that your food will be smoked to perfection every time.

The double-wall insulated construction with dual exhaust ports ensures that your smoker will stay cool and consistent even during long smoking sessions.

This smoker has three chrome-plated cooking grates, so you can smoke up to six chickens or a rack of ribs at once.

The door-mounted temperature gauge ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time, and the dual latches keep the door sealed shut while smoking.

The wood chip tray and water tray are easily accessed from the inner front, so you can add your favorite smoking woods and liquids quickly and easily.

The grease cup is accessible from the outer front, making it easy to clean up after smoking meat or poultry. Plus, this smoker is compact enough to fit on most patios or decks.

Our Verdict

Overall, this smoker is a great choice to get started smoking. With an insulated, easy-to-use design and a large cooking surface, you’ll be able to cook up a delicious meal for the whole family.

Masterbuilt 20071117 Digital Electric Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20071117 smoker is the perfect way to cook for a large crowd. With 730 sq. inches of cooking space, you can smoke a turkey, pork butt, rack of ribs, and chicken all at once.

The fully-insulated body ensures even cooking temperature, and the four chrome-coated racks provide plenty of 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 cooked to perfection every time.

Additionally, the max temperature setting of 275ᵒ F provides enough heat to smoke any type of food.

The Masterbuilt MB20071117 is a great smoker for those who want to get into smoking or for the more experienced smoker. The patented side wood chip loading system makes adding chips easy, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

The dimensions of the smoker are 20.47 inch W x 19.88 inch L x 33.26 inch H, making it easy to find a spot for it in your backyard or patio.

Our Verdict

overall, this smoker is a great option for anyone who wants to start smoking. With the large cooking capacity and controllable temperature, you’ll be able to smoke everything from poultry and fish to meat and vegetables with ease.

Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker Review

The Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker is perfect for the at-home chef who loves smoked meats and seafood.

This smoker is easy to use and fully insulated, so your food will stay nice and warm while it smokes. The magnetic door ensures that your smoker will stay closed tightly while it’s in use.

This smoker has a multi-rack design, making it easy to smoke foods of all sizes. The interior dimensions are 19 inches, so you can easily fit larger items.

This bad boy has two independently controlled heat elements, so you can dial in the perfect temperature for whatever you’re smoking. The removable side panel makes it easy to tend to your food – no need to fumble with a lid.

The smoker features a smoke vent and smoke diffuser to ensure even smoking.

The automatic feed system keeps the smoker going for up to 9 hours, so you can focus on other things (like enjoying your delicious smoked food). And a woodchip box that allows you to use your favorite type of wood chips.

Bradley Smoker BS611 will let you use 12 varieties of Wood bisquettes. This smoker also features a water basin to collect wood smoking bisquettes and grease, making it easy to clean. It’s only for outdoor use, so you can enjoy smoked foods in your backyard or on your patio.

Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting out, the Bradley Smoker BS611 is sure to impress.

Our Verdict

Overall, this smoker is a great option for those looking to start smoking and perfect for those who love smoked food. With an auto-feed system, double heat control, and adjustable smoke vents, this smoker will help you create delicious smoked meals every time!

Buying Guide for Best Electric Smoker for Cold Weather

When buying an outdoor electric smoker, there are some important factors you should consider. After all, no one wants to buy a grill only to find out it doesn’t do what was advertised or is too difficult to use.

Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for the best electric smoker for your home:

1) Material and Construction

While most electric smokers are made of some type of metal, not all metals are created equal. Type 304 stainless steel is the best choice for your smoker because it won’t corrode or rust.

You may also want to look into smokers that have powder-coated grill surfaces for extra protection against weathering and effects of smoke flavor.

2) Cooking capacity

If you’re having a dinner party, chances are you’ll need more cooking space than usual. Look for an electric smoker with at least 4 racks to allow for more room.

Some smokers even come with as many as 7 or 8 racks! You’ll want to consider how much food will fit in your smoker as well as how much room you’ll need for smoking larger cuts of meat.

3) Construction and Design

Don’t forget that not all electric smokers are designed the same way! Some have a closed design with vents along the sides, while others have a full glass door. Each has its pros and cons, but it’s best to consider your smoking habits before you decide.

For example, if you want to smoke larger cuts of meat like whole chickens or turkeys, you’ll need a smoker with a full glass door so that nothing will fall out while the smoker is in use. The closed design tends to be better for low and slow smoking because it helps contain the smoky flavors.

4) Controls and Thermometer

Smokers that have built-in digital controls are the best choice because they give you more options.

For example, some smokers will allow you to set certain temperatures for different types of food or smokes.

The more options, the better! There should also be a built-in thermometer to make sure your smoker is at the right temperature.

5) Shipping Costs and Time

If you’re buying online, shipping costs will usually be high. Make sure that your electric smoker comes with free shipping, or check to see if the price includes it.

If you’re paying for shipping, make sure that it’s reasonable, or try to find a retailer that offers free shipping with a minimum purchase.

6) Warranty Information

Warranties can vary from one manufacturer to another, so make sure that you read any warranty information before you buy.

You’ll want to check the length of the warranty as well as what is and isn’t covered.

Most electric smokers have at least a 1-year warranty covering material and workmanship, but you may want to consider a longer warranty if possible.

7) Temperature Control and Accuracy

The best electric smokers for cold weather will have accurate temperature control that operates at even temperatures across the grill.

Some cheaper brands tend to have hot spots on the grill surface, while others have faulty thermostats. Make sure your smoker has a thermostat that can be accurately calibrated and a tight-fitting lid for better heat retention.

8) Get digital if possible

Digital electric smokers have more advantages than analog units, including faster cooking times, added smoke flavor, and easier temperature monitoring.

Analog electric units are good for cold weather smoking because they produce more smoke, but they don’t work as efficiently. Digital electric smokers are good for cold weather smoking because they produce the same amount of smoke while working more efficiently during colder temperatures.

9) Manufacturers Support

Another thing to consider is how easy it will be to get help from the manufacturer if you have any problems with your smoker.

Always buy from a dealer that has a good reputation as well as customer service representatives who are willing to help customers. If your smoker comes with a warranty, you’ll want someone to whom you can go if there is a problem.

10) Type of Fuel Used

Most smokers use charcoal and wood for smoking purposes, but propane smokers are also popular. Make sure that your smoker uses the type of fuel that you want so there will be no problems.

11) Price and Value

When shopping for an electric smoker, make sure that you shop around to see if there are any deals or discounts available before making a final purchase. You’ll also want to check customer reviews as well as the manufacturer’s website before deciding on a particular brand or model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use an electric smoker in cold weather?

Yes, it’s recommended that you bring your portable electric smoker indoors so that it doesn’t freeze, which would damage the internal components.

If this isn’t possible, then make sure to cover your unit with a tarp which will prevent snow and rain from reaching the unit.

Also, keep it away from any wind chill that may cause damage due to extreme cold temperatures.

Should I get an electric smoker with enough power to compensate for freezing weather?

It depends on how cold it is where you live. If the temperature gets below 20 degrees F around your place, don’t go for a smaller smoking machine.

It might work initially, but if there’s another snowstorm while you’re cooking and the power goes off, then your food might be wasted (although that would probably happen regardless of what smoker you use if the power goes off for several hours).

What is the best electric smoker for cold weather?

If you’re only going to smoke a few things here and there, then getting a larger unit may not be necessary for you. The best electric smokers can adjust the temperature as necessary to meet your needs. Make sure you get one that has a good design and is durable as well.

Can I still use my electric smoker in cold weather if it doesn’t have enough insulation?

If you’re just looking to cook at low temperatures, you’ll be fine without extra insulation around the smoking chamber or cabinet.

Keep your meat wrapped up good and tight with foil or special bags designed to hold food in any weather.

Can you use an electric smoker if the power goes out?

Yes, this is something you should check before buying a unit. If it can’t keep working without electricity for more than 1-2 hours straight- it’s probably not what you need.

You might be better off with charcoal or a gas-powered machine that will work no matter what happens.

How do you maintain an electric smoker?

Wash the water bowl, clean the drip/water pan and make sure they stay full of water at all times. If yours is a model with a warming plate on top- clean it too.

If there’s grease – wipe it out. If the inside is dusty – clean it with a damp cloth and do not use any soap or chemicals as they will spoil the heating portion of your smoker.

How difficult is it to maintain an electric smoker?

It depends on the model you have, but all smokers are pretty easy to clean and maintain. All they need is a little bit of water every now and then – that’s about it.

Conclusion

Your electric smoker is a key part of your cold-weather cooking arsenal. Whether you’re smoking pork butts, brisket, or ribs, it’s important to have the right equipment for low and slow cooking in chilly weather.

In this post, we’ve covered some of the best electric smokers that should be perfect for winter barbecues – from affordable models with great reviews to high-end all stainless-steel units.

We hope we were able to help you make an educated decision. We tried our best to highlight the main points about each smoker and also give insight into what makes them good value for money.

So, which one should you buy? Well, this will entirely depend on your lifestyle and how often you will be using your electric smoker.

If you’re an experienced smoker and are looking for a quality smoker that will last, the Bradley Smoker BS611 is a great option. With double heat controls and a variety of wood bisquettes, you’ll be able to smoke all your favorite foods with ease.

If you’re just starting out or don’t smoke often, the Masterbuilt MB20071117 is a good option. It’s easy to use and has a large capacity, making it perfect for smoking a variety of food items. And with digital controls, you’ll be able to easily adjust the temperature to get that perfect smoked flavor. You can also check our article on Best Electric Smoker for Fish.

No matter what smoker you choose, we hope you’ll enjoy all the delicious smoked food you create!

Thank you for reading our best electric smoker for cold weather review. We hope it was helpful in making your decision. Happy smoking!