Best Indoor Electric Smoker

An electric smoker is a wonderful alternative to the usual method of barbecuing. It requires far less attention, which means you can leave it unattended while it does its job in preserving delicious food for hours at a time.

The best electric smoker has top-notch insulation that retains heat well and will cook your food evenly. It should also be easy to use and control the smoke level.

A good smoker will produce smoke for long periods of time with minimal supervision, which is what you need if you’re planning to entertain guests.

In this article, we have reviewed some of the top-quality electric smokers that are built by reputable brands. You can’t go wrong with any of these.

As a rule of the thumb, look for electric smokers that have adjustable temperature settings and racks that can handle plenty of food. You’ll find this information within our reviews too.

We’ve also included a guide on how to choose an electric smoker for your needs. You’ll also find FAQs at the end.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Best Indoor Electric Smoker Reviews

Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker is perfect for the modern smoker.

This smart smoker has Bluetooth technology that allows you to control it from your phone, and the integrated thermostat makes sure your food is cooked perfectly every time.

With four chrome-coated smoking racks, this smoker can smoke up to 16 chickens, 4 turkeys, 8 racks of ribs, or 8 pork butts. Plus, the one meat probe thermometer ensures that everything is cooked evenly.

This Electric Smoker is perfect for the BBQ pro or novice. With its illuminated interior, it’s easy to see your food cooking in low light. The side wood chip loading system makes adding chips a breeze.

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker Review

The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is perfect for beginner smokers or pros.

This smoker has a fully-insulated body to keep heat in, plus 730 sq. inches of cooking space to accommodate all your smoked needs.

With four chrome-coated racks, you can cook up to 2 Turkeys, 4 Pork Butts, 4 Racks of Ribs, 6 Chickens – this smoker can do it all.

Plus, digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature, and time make it easy to get that perfect smoke every time.

And with a thermostat-temperature control and max temperature setting of 275ᵒ F, you can customize your smoking experience however you like.

With its patented side wood chip loading system, you can easily add chips to the smoker without having to open the door and interrupt the smoking process.

The dimensions are 20.47 x 19.88 x 33.26 inches, making it a great size for most smokers.

Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker Review

This smoker is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to smoke meat like a pro. It has ample cooking space with an area of 725 sq. in. The 4 racks are adjustable so you can customize your smoking experience.

Plus, the glass door and stainless steel finish make it easy to keep an eye on your food, and the included remote means you don’t even have to leave the house to adjust your smoker’s settings.

This smoker has double-wall construction to keep the heat in, making sure your food smokes evenly. You can use it for 750 watts of power, locking in that smoky flavor with a large stainless steel latch.

There’s even a removable temperature gauge so you can make sure your meat is just right. The advanced control panel with an easy-read LED display makes it simple to operate, and the integrated handle and wheels make it easy to move around. There’s a high-capacity grease tray, so your smoker stays clean.

Best of all, this smoker turns off automatically so you can relax while your food smokes. And if you’re not using it, the warming feature keeps your food at a safe temperature until you’re ready to eat.

Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker Review

The Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone looking to get that delicious smoked flavor without having to tend to a fire.

This smoker has 544 square inches of cooking space, meaning you can cook plenty of food at once, and comes with a 1,000-watt electric element to make sure your food is cooked perfectly every time.

The double-wall insulated construction means heat stays in and smoke doesn’t escape, while the dual exhaust ports let you customize your smoking experience.

And when you’re done, just wash the cooking grate with warm soapy water, rinse it off, and dry it thoroughly – it’s that easy!

Smoking is a time-honored tradition, and with this smoker, it’s easier than ever! Just set the temperature and let the smoker do its thing; there’s no need to constantly check on your food.

Plus, the dual latches keep the door sealed shut so you can rest assured that your food will stay smoky and delicious.

The wood chip tray and water tray are accessed from the inner front, while the grease cup is accessible from the outer front. This smoker is easy to use and even easier to clean.

Bradley Smoker BTDS108P Digital Smoker Review

The Bradley Smoker BTDS108P Digital Smoker is perfect for the smoker enthusiast that wants the ease of digital temperature control and smoking space.

Made with high-quality materials, this smoker is stainless steel insulated and comes with 780 square inches of smoking space on 6 removable cooking racks.

The internal thermostat ensures perfect temperatures for succulent smoked meats every time.

The digital capabilities allow you to set the temperature and time, so your food comes out perfectly every time.

With up to 8 hours of smoking without refilling, this smoker lets you smoke lots of food at once. And with 9 different flavors of hardwoods, you can create amazing flavor combinations for any palate.

The removable ash catcher makes it easy to clean, and the 1-year warranty guarantees that your smoker will last for years to come.

Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker Review

If you’re looking for an electric smoker that is stylish, durable, and easy to use, look no further than the Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker.

This smoker is made entirely of stainless steel and is insulated with fiberglass to keep it cool to touch. It comes fully assembled and has four removable stainless steel grilling racks that can hold up to 35 pounds of food.

The 800-watt heating element ensures even cooking at temperatures from 100F to 250F degrees, and a rheostat lets you customize the heat for each batch of food.

The smoke box, double latch door system, and included sample of hickory wood make smoking your food easy and fun.

The drip pan ensures that your smoker stays clean while the rubber casters keep it moving. The side handles make it easy to transport, and the integrated electric power cord hangers keep things tidy.

Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Review

The ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is the perfect all-in-one grill for anyone who loves to cook. With 452 sq. in. of cooking space, this grill has plenty of room to prepare your favorite meals.

The integrated pellet grill technology ensures consistent results every time, while the 180° to 450° F temperature range lets you smoke, grill, and everything in between.

This 8-in-1 smoker is perfect for small families or anyone who wants a big, delicious flavor.

The sturdy steel construction and high-temperature powder coating finish ensure that your grill will last for years, while the less pellet filling means less time spent refilling the hopper and more time enjoying your food.

Buying Guide for Best Indoor Electric Smoker

Temperature Controls

The controls on an electric smoker are very easy to use and understand. They should be self-explanatory, but if not, there should be a simple guide included that will tell you how to get the airflow correct for your needs.

Smoke Management

Most smokers have some sort of tray or drawer at the bottom of the unit which catches the drippings. This is important for two main reasons:

1. It allows you to add more flavorings and liquid without having to open the unit.
2. The smoker will work better if you don’t have to open it while smoking because every time the lid goes up, heat escapes, and less smoky flavors end up in your food.

Size

Consider how much meat you typically smoke at one time and choose a size that will accommodate it.

If the smoker is too small, you could end up with over-smoked or burned food, while if it’s too big, the flavors may never permeate all of the meat properly.

The best option is to get a smoker that allows you at least four cubic feet of space, which will give you plenty of room for most typical family-sized portions.

The Basics

Electric smokers are fairly simple by design, so there isn’t much that can go wrong with them.

If your smoker is electric, it will need electricity to run; if it’s wood-burning, it will need propane or charcoal to burn the wood. Other than that, there is very little maintenance involved.

Price Range

Electric smokers are typically more expensive than their charcoal counterparts because of being newer to the market.

Expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a quality electric smoker that is large enough to meet your needs.

Other than that, there are very few additional costs associated with smoking meat in an electric unit, whereas buying wood chips can become quite costly over time.

Layering Structure

If you’ve ever used an electric smoker, you know that the meat sits on racks inside of the unit.

If you’ve ever used a charcoal or wood-fired unit, then you know that those types of smokers have a structure to them as well – there is usually some type of box with two grates for hanging the meat and a drip pan at the bottom.

Electric smokers should have a similar layering structure because those racks come in handy when you need to add more smoke flavorings or liquids, as well as make other types of adjustments while smoking. If you buy one without them, you’ll probably wish you had it later on.

Versatile and Functional

When you’re spending $200 to $500 on a smoker, it’s nice to know that the one you buy will actually meet your needs.

While electric smokers typically don’t have all of the bells and whistles that charcoal or wood-fired types do (such as searing functions for steaks), they do offer great features like automatic shut-off (if the unit runs out of liquid or gets too hot) and the ability to set a temperature and walk away.

There are usually two types of controls on an electric smoker. Simple temperature knobs, which let you adjust the heat by turning them up or down, and digital temperature gauges, which do the same thing but in a sleeker package.

Temperature Range

The ideal temperature for smoking most meats is between 200 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, with pork being the notable exception.

Unfortunately, electric smokers don’t typically get that hot (most hover around 170 degrees), so it’s best to choose one that will allow you to get as close to that optimal range as possible.

For most types of foods, 180 degrees will suffice; however, some cuts like beef brisket require a hotter smoking process that can only be accomplished with a smoker that has superior heating power.

No-Fuss

Electric smokers are typically some of the easiest units to use, which is one of the main reasons they’re popular.

The only maintenance required is keeping the drip pan and smoker racks clean, which shouldn’t take long even if you smoke meat on a regular basis.

Everything else about using an electric unit is completely automated, so you don’t have to do anything except drop your food in and wait.

Cooking Capacity

A good electric smoker should be able to hold a large amount of food without making it impossible for you to add or remove the food from the machine.

If your smoker is too small, then it will restrict what types of foods you can prepare and will make cooking an all-day chore rather than a fun activity.

Safety

When it’s time to cook, you can walk away knowing that your smoker is safe. They’re equipped with several safety features which will stop the machine from operating if there isn’t enough liquid in the tank or if it gets too hot.

Just make sure you’ve got paper towels or a glass bowl filled with water at the bottom so that the machine’s automatic shut-off doesn’t burn your house down!

Customer Reviews

A product with a lot of positive feedback from its users is a good place to start since it has worked for a large number of people. So make sure to check the reviews before buying.

Portability

Portability is also an important consideration. Although storing your smoker at home is best, you may find that you need to transport it to another location for parties or special occasions. If the unit has wheels, handles, and a sturdy exterior, then moving it should be much easier.

Easy to Assemble

Another thing to consider is how much effort is required to assemble and disassemble the unit. Few people have time for complicated manuals, frustrating assembly processes, or tedious upkeep, so it’s best to choose a product that comes together with minimal effort on your part.

Placement

One more thing you should be sure of before purchasing an indoor electric smoker is where you will place it.

If you intend to set it up in your house, then there should be enough room on the countertop or wherever you plan to place it.

Furthermore, choose a unit that has convenient cord lengths, so your smoker is easy to plug and unplug as necessary.

Features & Controls

All electric smokers have a heat source, a pan to hold the wood chips, and racks for food.

They also come with vents to control the amount of smoke and heat inside the smoker. Some models offer more features than others (i.e., side burners), but you probably won’t find these unless you’re willing to pay premium prices.

Convection

This is a process that mixes hot air with smoke to evenly cook food and ensure that it isn’t overcooked in some areas and undercooked in others.

It is typically found on higher-end smokers but can also be found for an upcharge on many other machines. Look for the word ‘Convection’ or ‘Convect’ when searching.

Construction Material

Stainless steel is a popular material for both indoor and outdoor smokers because it’s extremely durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t rust or warp when exposed to high heat.

Warranty

Electric smokers tend to have a longer lifespan than other types of smokers, but it’s still a good idea to check the warranty.

Typically, there is a 1-year warranty supplied by the manufacturer, which promises that your unit will be free from defects in material or workmanship.

It never hurts to spend an extra five or ten dollars on a warranty because it could save you the hassle of constantly replacing your electric smoker.

Digital Controls

You don’t want to have to guess when your food is done, so look for a smoker that utilizes digital controls which are easy to read and understand. If the machine has an adjustable thermostat, then this is even better because it will make managing temperatures easier.

Speed

An electric smoker will typically emit smoke at a constant speed, so it’s best to choose one that emits the least amount of smoke possible while still cooking the food adequately.

A good rule of thumb for this is to look for units that produce 100-160 cubic feet of smoke per hour because they are the most efficient smokers available.

Wood Chips

Some smokers come with a built-in smoker box that requires you to add wood chips while the machine is in operation, but other units utilize wood boxes that don’t require you to add more chips until they’re fully cooked and ready for consumption.

Many electric smokers allow you to remove the chip box, so it’s always a good idea to look for a unit that makes this option easy. So, keep these points in your mind while purchasing an electric smoker.

Wood Chip Tray

A large wood chip tray allows you to add more chips without having to open the smoking unit and increase airflow inside the machine, which can affect temperature control negatively.

Ease of Cleaning

They should be able to go in the dishwasher after every use.

Heat and Smoke Insulation

Many smokers produce a lot of heat and smoke, so it’s important that the insides stay insulated to ensure that you don’t burn the food or drastically raise the temperature.

Automatic Shut-off

If your smoker has an automatic shut-off timer, then it will automatically turn off once the food is done smoking. This prevents overcooking and allows you to leave the machine unattended for hours without worrying about it burning out.

Display

The display should be easy to read and understand so you know when the smoker is working properly.

Basic Tips on Using an Electric Smoker Indoors

Most electric smokers are designed for outdoor use, but some models can be used indoors. If you’re thinking about using your electric smoker indoors, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Electric smokers produce a lot of smoke, so it’s important to have proper ventilation. Make sure your smoker is placed in an open area. If you have a small kitchen with poor ventilation, place your electric smoker near an outdoor or porch door that can be opened while cooking to allow for enough airflow.
• You will need at least 2 meters of cooking space around the electric smoker if it is being used indoors. This will provide adequate ventilation and prevent the smoke from filling up your kitchen.
• If possible, try to avoid using your electric smoker in high-traffic areas. The smoke it produces can be quite smelly and may not be desirable for everyone.
• Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using your electric smoker indoors. Some smokers are not designed for indoor use and may contain flammable components. If you’re not sure whether your electric smoker is safe to be used indoors, check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer before using it.
• When cooking for long periods of time, keep your kitchen ventilated during the entire process. Open windows and doors if possible, and run a fan to help move the smoke outdoors.

Electric smokers are a great way to cook food indoors, as long as you follow these basic tips. By taking into account the smoker’s ventilation needs and cooking in a well-ventilated area, you can safely cook food indoors using an electric smoker.

How to Care for your Electric Smoker?

• Keep your smoker clean while cooking and after cooking. A dirty smoker burns too much energy and doesn’t cook well. Brush down the grills while they are still warm.
• Fats or oils that have partially burned can turn into hard residues that are difficult to remove without damaging the surface. If you see any, don’t leave them there. Clean them off before they burn and damage your smoker.
• Keep the insides of the door clean too. Allowing grease to collect on any surface is not good. Wipe it with a little oil if you need to.
• Never ever leave your smoker closed when you are using the heating element – doing that can burn out the heating element or cause other damage.
• Make sure the electric smoker is turned off before refilling with wood chips. The best way to check if the heating element is still on is to put your hand inside the smoker. If it feels too hot for you, wait for a few more minutes before refilling with wood chips.
• You can spray some oil on paper towels and wipe off the grills and door of your smoker every now and then. This helps keep your smoker clean and oiled up.
• A carbon buildup on the heating element is not good. It reduces performance and may even be dangerous, so if you notice that unburned carbon is building up on your heating element, then turn off the smoker immediately, let it cool down completely, and remove the carbon manually with an appropriate metal brush.
• Never cover the smoke vent. If you are having problems with airflow, make sure to check the smoke vent first. That is usually where most of the problems occur.
• After cooking or cleaning your smoker, it’s best to just let it cool down completely before starting any maintenance work on it. A good 30 minutes should be enough.
• If you are worried about the safety of your smoker, it’s not a bad idea to spend $30-$40 on an external thermometer. It’s easy to install and even easier to use, so it will give you peace of mind while cooking.
• Reinstall the water pan after every use. Not doing so can cause rusting.
• Make sure the electric cord is in good condition and has no cuts or exposed wires. If it does, then replace it immediately.
• Keep your smoker away from any flammable objects. Smoking produces a lot of heat, and if there’s a fire, it can quickly get out of hand.
• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. They usually contain important safety information that you need to know.
• Finally, practice safe smoking! Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Have a fire extinguisher ready just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do you need an electric smoker?

Electric smokers are a safe and efficient way to cook your food because they don’t produce any flames which could damage it or make it taste different, and they can also hold a set temperature for long periods of time without needing you to constantly check the machine.

Can electric smokers be used indoors?

There are a number of electric smokers that can be used indoors because they produce very little smoke, but it’s always a good idea to check the manual before doing so.

Even if your smoker is designed for indoor use, then you should still make sure that it will work in the room you plan to use it in before committing to anything.

Are electric smokers faster than pellet/coal smokers?

An electric smoker can usually cook food faster than pellet or coal smokers because the heating element is located within the smoking unit.

A good rule of thumb is to keep the temperature around 260 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour and then crank it up to around 300-350 degrees for another hour.

It’s always better to plan more time than you need because you can always release the pressure by opening the door if it looks like things are finishing ahead of schedule.

Are electric smokers better than propane smokers?

No. Both types of smokers are good at what they do, but electric smokers tend to be more efficient because they don’t produce any flames, which could damage the machine over time.

Propane smokers have a stronger build quality and can smoke larger amounts of food for longer periods of time without needing to be checked, so it always depends on your personal preference when it comes to choosing the right one.

What is a good beginner smoker?

A good choice for beginners is any electric smoker with 1-2 smoking racks and an easy-to-use digital interface which makes adding or removing food quick and easy (look for features like a wood chip tray and automatic shut-off timer).

Can I use an electric smoker for cold smoking?

No. Electric smokers are designed to generate heat by using a heating element, so they’re not ideal for cold smoking.

Pellet smokers are specifically designed to provide enough airflow to create the smoky flavor you usually see in cold-smoked meats, but even they can’t match the results of charcoal or pellet smokers, which have better airflow control systems.

Are there any other benefits to electric smokers?

Yes. Electric smokers are usually very energy efficient, which saves you money on your utility bills in the long term because they don’t use as much electricity as other types of machines.

They also tend to be easier to use and maintain than charcoal and pellet smokers, so it’s always a good idea to check for this feature before making a final choice.

How do I maintain my electric smoker?

Keep the inside clean and remove any flaky rust which has developed over time to make sure that it will still work properly without any issues in the future.

You can use a dry or slightly damp cloth for this job, but try not to let water get into any of the insides because it can easily damage the machine.

What are some tips for using an electric smoker?

Keep an eye on it at all times, especially when you first start using your new smoker, so that you know how hot it’s getting and whether or not the temperature is ideal for smoking.

If you’re using wood chips, then it’s a good idea to soak them overnight before adding them to the machine so that they won’t burn as quickly.

Always make sure that your smoker is safe to use by checking the manual and looking for electrical faults which might cause problems if not repaired in time.

Do electric smokers create flames?

No. Electric smokers are designed to work without any flames or excessive heat, which could damage the machine or cause it to overheat, so they’re always safe to use as long as you understand how to control the temperature properly.

What is “cold smoking”, and how do I do it with an electric smoker?

Cold smoking is a process where meat or other types of food are slowly cooked at less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit so that they stay raw on the inside and don’t cook properly.

It’s not usually done with electric smokers because it requires precise airflow control systems to work, but you can achieve similar results by using sand in your smoker instead.

Do electric smokers break easily?

No. Electric smokers are usually made from high-quality materials, which make them perfect for cooking even the hardest types of food without any trouble.

They’re also designed to be durable so that they won’t break easily if you accidentally drop them or hit them against something else.

What is a good location to place my electric smoker in my kitchen?

The best place for your electric smoker is near an electrical socket, but make sure that you leave at least 4 inches of space on all sides so that it can stay stable without any trouble.

Do electric smokers produce carbon monoxide?

No. Electric smokers are designed to generate smoke without producing any carbon monoxide, so they’re the best choice for anyone who wants to cook food safely and avoid long-term health problems which could be triggered by inhaling too much of this chemical compound over time.

Can you use an electric smoker overnight?

Yes, you can. However, it’s not the safest option because it could cause problems with electricity if you leave the machine on for too long. Many people do choose to use their electric smoker overnight so that they don’t need to check it every few hours before going to bed.

Can you use aluminum foil in an electric smoker?

Yes, you can. You just need to be careful when using it and avoid placing the food too close to the sides unless you want them to get stuck and cause damage while you’re cleaning the machine afterward.

How long should I smoke meat?

Most smokers will tell you how many hours to use in the manual, but it usually takes around 4-6 hours for the full flavor to be developed, or up to 12 if you want a smoky taste that isn’t too strong.

Conclusion

When it comes to the best indoor electric smoker, you have a lot of options to look at depending on how big your machine should be and other features which make them unique. You can also check our article on Best Electric Meat Smoker.

To find the best smoker possible for your needs, consider what’s important for your cooking style and your budget before looking at any other details because this will help you get a great product without any problems.

If you want to take up smoking foods at home, but don’t have much budget to spend on a high-end machine that uses propane or charcoal for fuel, then you can go through the above list.

The electric smokers listed above are compact and versatile enough for all kinds of smokers who are looking for something simple yet effective to use at home, and you can get them for the best price.