Best Electric Smoker Under 300

A smoker is a terrific addition to any kitchen since it allows you to smoke everything from meats and cheeses to vegetables.

Food smoking is a centuries-old cooking technique that has been utilized for preservation and flavor in cultures all over the world.

However, if you’re new to smoking food, it’s crucial to understand what electric smokers are available on the market today so you can pick one that best suits your needs.

This post will cover some of the best electric smokers under $300, so you don’t have to spend hours researching them yourself!

Best Electric Smoker Under 300 Reviews

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is the perfect way to get that great smoked flavor without having to go to a lot of trouble.

With its fully-insulated body and 730 sq. inch. cooking space, you can smoke up to four turkeys, four pork butts, four racks of ribs, or six chickens at once.

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

The thermostat-temperature control ensures your food cooks evenly, while the max temperature setting of 275ᵒ F allows for perfect smoked flavor every time.

This electric smoker is the perfect choice for both beginner and pro smokers alike. It has a side wood chip loading system that makes adding chips easy.

Its dimensions are 19.88″ L x 20.47″ W x 33.26″ H, making it perfect for most smoking needs.

Masterbuilt 20070210 Electric Analog Smoker Review

Looking to smoke some meat like a pro? Look no further than the Masterbuilt 20070210 Electric Analog Smoker!

With 548 sq. inches of cooking space, you can easily fit a whole rack of ribs or a large brisket.

The three chrome-coated racks allow you to have plenty of room to cook up all your favorite smoked meats.

With dual-wall insulation and a 1500-watt heating element, this smoker will keep your food at the perfect temperature while it smokes.

This smoker has a variable thermostat temperature control to ensure that your food is cooked perfectly every time.

The built-in thermometer tells you the internal temperature of the smoker so you can adjust your cooking settings as necessary.

The temperature gauge on the door will let you know the internal temperature, so you can keep an eye on things, ensuring that everything comes out perfectly smoked every time.

The temperature range of 100-degree F to 400-degree F means that it can handle whatever type of meat or fish you’re smoking.

This electric smoker from Masterbuilt is right for the person who loves smoked meats but hates the hassle of using a traditional smoker.

The wood chip tray is front-loading, making it easy to add more chips without having to remove the cooking grates, and the removable water and drip pan makes cleanup a breeze.

So, fire up the Masterbuilt and get ready to feast!

Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker Review

If you’re looking for a smoker that will make your BBQ dreams come true, look no further than the Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker.

This smoker is user-friendly and easy to use, with 548 square inches of interior cooking space.

This smoker has three removable stainless-steel racks, so you can cook up to six racks of food at once.

The built-in thermometer ensures that your food reaches the perfect temperature, and the 1500-watt heating element quickly cooks your food to perfection.

You’ll be able to create delicious smoked foods with little effort, thanks to the removable water pan and wood chip tray. Plus, the chrome spring door handle ensures easy access to your food.

Cuisinart’s electric smoker is perfect for beginner smokers or those who want an easy-to-use, lightweight smoker.

The three-year warranty guarantees your satisfaction with this product.

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker Review

The Little Chief Electric Smoker is perfect for the smoker enthusiast who wants an easy-to-use, durable smoker.

This smoker is made from embossed aluminum, so it’s tough and easy to clean. Plus, there’s no assembly required – just plug it in and start smoking!

This smoker is equipped with easy-slide chrome-plated grills, making it a breeze to cook up to 25 pounds of meat or fish. Its compact size makes it perfect for any small kitchen.

With its consistent low-temperature setting and 250W heating element, this smoker is able to maintain a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your meat comes out perfectly smoked every time.

This smoker features a maximum capacity flavor fuel pan and a dishwasher-safe drip pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

This smoker is UL and CUL certified and also comes with a 2-year limited warranty, so you can be sure your smoker will last. It’s designed for outdoor use only, so you can smoke meat all year round.

It includes a recipe cum instruction booklet to help you get started. It also features hickory flavor wood fuel, adding an extra layer of smoky goodness to your food.

Buying Guide for Best Electric Smoker Under $300

Well, you might be wondering how to pick the perfect electric smoker under 300 for your needs. However, choosing an electric smoker can be confusing if you are new to this appliance.

Here are some of the key features you need to consider when buying an electric smoker.

Price Range 

Electric smokers can range from $50 up to $7000. So, check your budget and start comparing prices online to figure out what is the best electric smoker under 300 that will suit your needs.

Also, consider checking different customer reviews and feedback on how they liked their product’s performance and user-friendliness for you to get a good grasp of what product you really need.

Temperature Range

You need to check the temperature range of your smoker for it to be able to smoke different types of food. Remember that not all smokers perform well when smoking low and high-temperature foods, so check each product’s features first before buying one.

Easy to Use

Choose an electric smoker with easy-to-read control panels, and that is easy to set up. You want a smoker that can be operated by anyone, not just those with an engineering degree or experience using different kinds of appliances for cooking.

Size

Consider the size of your electric smoker for you to have a perfect fit in your stove area, barbeque area, or in your backyard. Always measure the size of your space and choose the perfect smoker that will fit to maximize your space usage.

Capacity

Consider the capacity of your smoker, which affects how much food you can cook at one time. If you are hosting a party or catering for more people, it will be best to choose an electric smoker with a bigger capacity.

Weight

The weight of each unit varies depending on the materials used to make the electric smoker. Aluminum is lightweight, while stainless steel is heavier.

Insulation

An electric smoker is composed of metal material which means it heats up quickly when in use. The insulation feature prevents heat from escaping, which results in a better flavor for meat products.

Side Smoker

Check if your electric smoker comes with a side smoker or not for you to have more cooking options. You may grill vegetables and other kinds of food which is possible with a side smoker. Some units even come with a side burner which is perfect for boiling water, making soup, and other kinds of cuisine.

Extras

Features such as a door to easily check on the contents of your smoker without opening it, a drip catcher to keep your stove area clean and easy to maintain, and caster wheels for you to easily transport your electric smoker from one place to another are very helpful.

Warranty

Make sure your electric smoker comes with a warranty. It is also best to check the company’s policies, such as return and refund policy, as well as their customer service for product support and assistance.

Brand Reputation

Remember the old saying, “You get what you paid for”? Yes, this is true when it comes to buying products such as electric smokers. Choose a high-quality product from a brand with a good reputation and customer feedback.

With the above key features in mind, choosing an electric smoker will be easy for you.

Basic Tips on Smoking Food in an Electric Smoker

There are a few basic tips that you need to know in order to make the most of your smoker and produce great-tasting food. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Start by reading the smoker’s instructions carefully. There are several things you need to do before you start smoking food in order to get the best results, such as setting up and pre-heating the smoker correctly.
2. Where possible, use hardwood chips with your electric smoker instead of charcoal briquettes. If you do use briquettes, then only ever use those that are specifically designed for smokers, as other types can give your food an unpleasant taste.
3. When you’re adding wood chips to the smoker, always do so in small quantities. If you add too much, it can create a lot of smoke and make it difficult to see what you’re doing.
4. Once your smoker has started producing smoke, place the food in separate racks inside it. If you put all of your food into one rack, then the different flavors will mix together and could end up ruining the taste of everything else.
5. You can use a drip tray that collects juices to make excellent gravy. Gravy is always nice with smoked food, and the juices that drip from your food will help to create it.
6. Finally, give your food enough time to cook properly. A brisket, for example, can take up to 18 hours to smoke properly, so be patient and let your smoker do its job.

How to Maintain an Electric Smoker?

To keep your electric smoker in good condition, it’s important to do regular maintenance. Here are some tips:

1. Clean the smoker regularly. This will help remove grease and ash and will keep the smoker in good working order.
2. Check the seals on the door and make sure they are in good condition. If they are worn, it will let smoke and heat out of the smoker and make it harder to control temperature.
3. Check that there is some water in the drip pan at all times. This will prevent any juices from dripping onto the heating element and causing a fire hazard. It also keeps your food moist as it smokes.
4. Keep an eye on the temperature, and adjust it as necessary. If the smoker is too hot or too cold, it will affect the quality of your food.
5. Make sure the cord is in good condition and that it isn’t damaged in any way. If the cord is damaged, it could cause a fire.

By following the above tips, you can keep your electric smoker in good condition and ensure that your food is always delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best electric smoker to buy?

Electric smokers come in different sizes, and they offer different features and benefits, so it really depends on your preferences, grilling, smoking, and cooking needs. However, if you want a quality and efficient smoker, then go for an electric smoker with adjustable temperature control because it makes cooking food much easier.

What is the best way to start an electric smoker?

Loading your electric smoker with wood chips and plugging it in is usually enough to get it going, but you should check the manufacturer’s instructions first, as this varies from one device to another.

Some products require that you place water in the pan or use a tray to capture drippings before you press the on button.

Should I buy an analog or digital electric smoker?

It really depends on your preference. Analog electric smokers are known for their user-friendly controls, but they are not as accurate as digital electric smokers. On the other hand, digital electric smokers are efficient and offer precise temperature control, but they can be confusing to use at first.

What is the best electric smoker with a window?

An electric smoker with a window offers many benefits as it allows you to check on your food’s progress without opening the door of the smoker. If you are looking for an electric smoker with a window, then go for one that has heavy-duty insulated glass because it will trap heat which will prevent the door from fogging up.

Can I use an electric smoker indoors?

No, you should not use an electric smoker indoors. Electric smokers produce smoke, and they need to be vented outdoors to avoid moisture buildup inside the device.

Also, keep in mind that a lot of heat comes out from an electric smoker, which can cause a fire hazard if there is no proper ventilation in your home or grill area.

How do I clean my electric smoker?

First of all, unplug the smoker and let it cool down. Next, empty all its contents out of the water pan and chip pan. Take off the cooking grates, and you can start scrubbing them or toss them in the dishwasher if your electric smoker’s instructions allow this. Also, wipe away any ash on the bottom of the smoker with a damp cloth before you hose it down.

What foods can I cook using my electric smoker?

You can cook many different types of food using an electric smoker, such as meats, fish, veggies, and cheeses, among others. You can cook most types of food using an electric smoker, but it is best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for a complete list of dishes you can prepare in your device.

How often should I add more wood chips when smoking with an electric smoker?

It really depends on the type, size, and quantity of the wood chips that come with your electric smoker. Most electric smokers come with a few to a lot of wood chips, so you should place more if necessary.

If you do not know how much is enough, then you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions as this varies from one device to another.

What smoker type is the easiest to use?

Electric smokers are usually easy to use and maintain because all you have to do is set the temperature and plug it in. On the other hand, charcoal smokers require a lot more attention and adjustments, so they can be a bit difficult to use until you get used to them.

How many hours does it take to smoke meat using an electric smoker?

Smoking time will vary depending on the type and weight of the meat, as well as its thickness. You can use a simple formula to estimate your smoking time, such as around one hour per every three pounds of weight for most meats.

However, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check the status of the food often so that you can pull it out of the smoker when it’s done.

When should you use cold smoking vs. hot smoking?

Cold smoking does not cook food at all while you are using high heat for hot smoking. However, both processes require that you smoke food without applying any additional heat because they are used to infuse flavor into the meat, fish, and veggies.

Is it possible to cold smoke with an electric smoker?

Yes, you can if your smoker comes with a cold smoke setting or box. This function adds smoke to the food without cooking, so you should check your device’s features first before buying. If there is no such feature, then you will have to smoke your food for a few hours before it’s ready.

What are some good tips for using an electric smoker?

It is best to keep your electric smoker clean by following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, avoid doing any heavy smoking when it’s windy outside, setting enough time aside for smoking, using the smoker degree feature, being careful when you open the main door and checking the status of your food often.

Where should I store my electric smoker?

You can keep your electric smoker anywhere as long as it has enough space for ventilation; however, make sure that there are no flammable materials around it or any combustible items nearby.

Do not place your smoker in a place with excess moisture, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight, among others.

Can I smoke meat using an electric smoker when it’s raining?

You can use your electric smoker even if it is raining, but you should avoid doing this in heavy rain, especially when there are thunderstorms.

Try to use your device when the weather is clear or just light rain so that you can still get good results.

Is it better to use a probe thermometer in addition to a temperature gauge that comes with a smoker?

Yes, you should use two types of thermometers to ensure accuracy; however, make sure that the probes are not inserted into the meat already because this will affect the reading. You can place one probe on top of your smoker and another one next to or inside the meat.

Conclusion

With so many electric smokers in the market today, finding the best electric smoker under $300 can be challenging. We hope this article will provide the guidance you need. You can also check our article on Best Masterbuilt Electric Smoker.

Also, remember the factors we discussed above and compare each product’s specifications and prices so you can figure out which is the best electric smoker under $300 that will suit your needs.

Thank you for reading our article about the best electric smoker under 300. All the best!!