Best Small Electric Smoker

A small electric smoker can certainly make good barbecue if your cooking routine follows proven steps. Most beginners are excited about starting to make their own smoked food at home, typically because they have probably enjoyed tasty barbecued meat in restaurants or at parties.

But the enthusiasm sometimes dwindles when small electric smoker owners come to realize that smoking meat is easier said than done.

The following guidelines will help you do smoke meat like a pro in your small electric smoker.

Step 1: Selecting the best kinds of wood for smoking food

wood chunks, chips, or dust? While most novices think that using the smoke dust would impart the best flavour to barbecue, seasoned smokers know better. Wood dust can be used to impart specific flavors, but over the course of smoking anything, you would end up with wood dust in your food.

The preferred choice for small electric smoker cooking is chips or chunks that you soak in water before placing them in the machine’s smoking chamber. The soaked wood releases a lot more smoke during the smoking process.

A good option for chips is the blend of aromatic woods like hickory, maple, and apple, which you would find easily at any store. It’s not too expensive (about $5-$8 per pound) and it makes food taste great. You can use other types of wood chips to experiment with different flavors like mesquite or fruit woods.

Step 2: Seasoning and preparing the meat

The secret to great tasting smoked food is taking your time and using high-quality ingredients. It’s no different than any other recipes you follow in the kitchen, just with a few more steps that ensure that you get full value for your efforts. You might need to invest in a meat injector to get the marinades into the meat if you want delicious food.

It’s best to start with fresh meat. You can trim all visible fat before marinating it with your choice of seasoning. Keep in mind, however, that if you are using a dry rub before smoking, excess fat may result in greasy food.

Step 3: Getting the temperature and smoke right

To get a feel for your smoker and set it up to make great barbecue, it’s best to start with a low temperature. Try setting your smoker’s temperature dial in between 100 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (40-65 Celsius). At this temperature, the food will not only cook quickly, but you’ll get a lot of smoke.

The best way to maintain the correct temperature is by using a digital thermometer attached to the smoker’s door, which you can read from outside. This will allow you to monitor the temperature without opening the electric smoker door frequently and letting out all that precious smoke.

Step 4: How long does it take to get a barbecue done?

Your smoked food will be ready in about two hours for most cuts of meat. It’s best to use a digital thermometer with a probe attached to the door through which you monitor the internal temperature.

The rule of thumb is that for every pound of meat, you can expect it to take an hour and a half at least. So, if you have a 10 pound (4.5 kgs) brisket, for example, it will take at least 7 hours before you can get to enjoy that delicious meal of smoked beef brisket.

Don’t forget that meat takes a while to rest after cooking, and the temperature inside continues to rise even after turning off your machine. Always let the food sit inside the smoker on a rack with a sheet of foil on top for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Tips for cleaning up afterward

A successful small electric smoker cooking session will leave you smelling like you’ve been grilling all day long, but it’s important to clean your machine promptly after using it to ensure that no traces of food remain.

It’s best to do this outside or under a well-ventilated roof because the machine will emit some odors as it cools down after use. There is no need to clean out all residue from the inside of your smoker, as regular oiling of the grill bars and trays will make cleaning easier for you.

Step 6: Learning how to use your smoker for fish

Learning how to smoke fish in a small electric smoker is not much different than using it for meat. You’ll need to soak the fish in brine or marinate it overnight before smoking if you want to get flavors infused into the flesh of your catch.

Fish is best smoked at lower temperatures for brief periods of time in order to allow the flavors to meld without cooking the meat. The best way to monitor this is by using a digital probe attached to the door.

Step 7: Tips for cooking fish in your small electric smoker

Because fish cooks quickly, it’s best to use low temperatures when smoking. Use hickory or pecan chips soaked in water for 45 minutes before adding them to the machine to get that delicious smoky flavor.

Smoking time for fish is usually about 30 minutes, but some larger cuts will take longer to cook thoroughly. Make sure the internal temperature has reached 145° F (63° C) before serving.

Step 8: Taking care of your smoker

The small electric smoker does not require much attention on your part at all, but it’s always good to know what you need to do as a responsible smoker.

After using your machine, it’s essential that you clean the grills as well as the drip pan and replace them before storing them. It’s also important to check all parts of your electric smoker for damage and signs of wear and tear regularly and fix anything that seems suspect immediately before it leads to even the smallest problem.

Always use high-quality natural wood chips like fruit woods like apple or cherry when smoking, and never overdo it because too much smoke can make your food taste bitter.

Now, let’s check out some of the best small electric smokers available on the market.

Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker Review

With 544 square inches of cooking space, the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is perfect for smoking up a large feast.

The 1,000-watt electric element ensures that your food will be cooked evenly and thoroughly, while the double-wall insulated construction prevents heat loss and keeps your smoker cool to the touch.

And with three chrome-plated cooking grates, you’ll have plenty of room to cook all your favorite meats, veggies, and sides.

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

The wood chip tray and water tray are accessed from the inner front, making it easy to refill them, and the Grease Cup is accessible from the outer front so you can easily clean it.

So, bring home the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker and start enjoying smokehouse flavors right in your own backyard!

Our Verdict

On the whole, the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is an excellent choice for beginners or people who want a small electric smoker to cook meat on occasion.

If you’re after something that’s more advanced and has more features, then you should look at some of the other options on this list.

Bradley Smoker BS611 Electric Smoker Review

The Bradley Smoker BS611 is perfect for the smoker enthusiast who wants an easy-to-use, fully insulated smoker.

The stainless-steel interior of the smoker is easy to clean and maintain, and the magnetic door ensures that the smoke stays inside the smoker.

The multi-rack design makes it easy to cook multiple items at once, and the smoker generator with temperature control allows you to easily adjust the smoking temperature.

With two separately controlled heat elements, you can customize your smoking experience.

With its smoke vent and smoke diffuser, your food will come out looking and tasting amazing every time.

The automatic feed system ensures that you’ll never run out of smoking bisquettes, and the water basin helps to keep things clean.

Plus, it’s easy to detach and clean all of the parts, making this smoker practically maintenance-free.

Our Verdict

Overall, this is an excellent unit that excels in versatility and allows you to smoke everything from fish fillets to pork shoulders for delicious results.

If you want something that’s easy to use, isn’t too big or complicated, and delivers great-tasting food, then this unit is perfect for you.

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Electric Smoker Review

If you’re looking for a smoker that is both beginner and pro-friendly, look no further than the Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker.

This smoker has a fully-insulated body and features a digital panel control with on/off, cooking temperature, and time, as well as a thermostat-temperature control.

With a max temperature setting of 275ᵒ F, you can smoke up to four pork butts, four racks of ribs, or six chickens at once!

This smoker comes with a patented side wood chip loading system, so adding chips is easy regardless of your experience level.

Our Verdict

This is a great smoker that’s very well designed and easy to use. It’s not as big as some other units on the market but still manages to be versatile and deliver great-tasting food with ease.

If you’re looking for something that’s easy to use, has enough space for several racks of food without running out of space, and delivers delicious results, then this smoker is well worth considering.

Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker Review

If you’ve never tried smoking meat before then, the Cuisinart COS-330 is a great place to start because it’s very versatile and gives you reliable results every time.

With three removable racks and a generous 548 square inches of interior space, it’s easy to smoke anything from ribs to salmon in this smoker.

The built-in thermometer ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time, while the 1500-watt heating element ensures that your smoker is always up to temperature.

Moreover, cleanup is a breeze with dishwasher-safe racks and an easy-to-clean porcelain cooking surface.

This smoker comes with a chrome spring door handle and a removable water pan and wood chip tray, making it easy to use and clean. Plus, it has a warranty of 3 years, making it the perfect choice for Casual or first-time smokers.

Our Verdict

The Cuisinart COS-330 is a great option if you’re looking for an electric smoker that’s simple to use, can handle several pieces of meat at once, and comes with enough racks to keep them all separate.

It’s also versatile, which makes it well worth considering if you’re after something that can handle several cooking tasks.

Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker Review

The Royal Gourmet Electric Smoker is the perfect smoker for anyone who wants to enjoy smoked barbecue, grilled food, and so much more. This smoker has a variety of functions, including smoking, grilling, steaming, and drying.

With 457.86 sq. inches of cooking surface, this smoker can handle a large batch of food.

The three chrome-coated smoking racks make it easy to smoke different types of food at the same time, and the double-wall construction firebox ensures even heat distribution throughout the smoker.

The 1500-watt heating power means that this smoker will heat up quickly and stay hot, while the adjustable and removable digital controller makes it easy to set your desired temperature.

The integrated thermometer allows you to keep track of the internal temperature of your food, so you can ensure that it is smoked perfectly every time.

It also has a latch system that keeps the door shut while the smoker is in use, ensuring that your food remains safe and delicious.

Plus, the cool-touch spring door handle means you can open the smoker without worrying about getting burned. The removable stainless steel water pan makes it easy to clean this smoker after each use. And if you need to move it around, no problem – it comes with two side handles for easy transport.

Our Verdict

Royal Gourmet SE2801 is a fantastic option for those looking for an electric smoker that’s versatile and easy to use. It comes with enough racks to cook up a good amount of food at once and ensures the meat is cooked perfectly thanks to its control dial, which lets you set accurate cooking temperatures.

This smoker is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a smoker that can cook up large amounts of food without running out of space.

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker Review

The Little Chief Electric Smoker is perfect for the at-home cook who wants to add smokehouse flavor to their food.

Made with durable, embossed aluminum construction, this smoker is easy to use and requires no assembly.

The chrome-plated grills provide even heat distribution, while the 250W heating element ensures that your food reaches a safe cooking temperature of 165 F, making it the perfect choice for smoking meat or fish.

The dishwasher-safe drip pan makes it easy to keep your smoker clean, and with its 2-year limited warranty, you can be sure that your smoker will last.

It’s perfect for outdoor use, and with UL and CUL certifications, you know that it’s a quality product.

This smoker has a maximum capacity flavor fuel pan, so you can create great-tasting smokes easily and conveniently.

It also comes with a recipe cum instruction booklet and hickory wood fuel, so you can get started right away!

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a small electric smoker that’s easy to use and won’t cost a lot, this is an excellent choice. It might not be as large or effective as other options out there, but it gets the job done and ensures your meat has been perfectly cooked every time.

Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker Review

This smoker is made with all stainless-steel construction, insulated with fiberglass, and fully assembled so you can start smoking meat right away.

It has four removable stainless steel grilling racks and a 35-pound holding capacity, making it perfect for large gatherings or family meals.

The 800-watt heating element with LED indicator light ensures that your food will be cooked perfectly every time, and the temperature control rheostat allows you to customize your smoking experience to achieve the perfect level of flavor and tenderness.

The smoker features a double latch door system to ensure that your meat stays in while the smoke does not escape.

The included sample of hickory wood will give your food a delicious smoky flavor. The drip pan ensures that there won’t be any messes.

The rubber casters and side handles make it easy to move the smoker around your backyard, and integrated electric power cord hangers keep things neat and tidy.

Finally, NSF Certified construction means you can rest assured knowing that this smoker is safe to use.

Our Verdict

This smoker is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s both durable and large enough to feed your friends or family.

With its 800-watt heating element, fiberglass insulation, and stainless-steel construction, it will perform well even during cold months. Moreover, the included wood fuel sample ensures you’ll get a nice smoky flavor with your meat.

Benefits of Owning a Small Electric Smoker

Many Options Available

There are many options available when choosing a small electric smoker. There are two main types of small smokers: vertical and horizontal, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Vertical smokers use electricity or charcoal as fuel sources and have a water pan as well as a drip pan to collect drippings. Horizontal smokers, on the other hand, use a wood-fired burner to generate heat and have no water pan.

Vertical smokers are typically more expensive than horizontal smokers but are also more versatile.

They can be used for both cold smoking and hot smoking, whereas horizontal smokers are limited to only hot smoking. Vertical smokers also take up less space than their horizontal counterparts, making them a good option for small patios or decks.

Easy to Use

One of the main benefits of owning a small electric smoker is that they are easy to use. These smokers come with detailed instructions, and most models have an automatic shut-off feature that keeps the smoker from overheating.

Economical to Operate

Small electric smokers are also economical to operate. They use a fraction of the energy that traditional smokers use and produce less smoke, making them ideal for use in tight spaces. In addition, electric smokers can be used with a variety of different fuel sources, including electricity, charcoal, and wood.

Produces Less Smoke

Smokers produce smoke while cooking food, and the amount of smoke created depends on the type and quality of the fuel source being used.

Small electric smokers produce less smoke than traditional smokers because they use a lower temperature for cooking food, which in turn produces less steam.

In addition, the drippings from the meat create steam that further reduces the amount of smoke produced. This makes small electric smokers ideal for use in tight spaces, such as apartments and condos.

Easy to Clean

Another benefit of owning a small electric smoker is that they are easy to clean. All of the components can be removed and washed in the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze. In addition, most smokers have a drip pan that can be emptied when it becomes full.

Cook Food Evenly

Another benefit of owning a small electric smoker is that food cooks evenly in them. This is due to the fact that these smokers have an insulated chamber that helps to distribute heat evenly.

This ensures that food is not overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.

Easy to Transport

Many smokers come with wheels and handles, making them easy to transport. These characteristics make small electric smokers perfect for picnics and other outdoor activities where cooking will take place away from home. In addition, some models can be folded down when not in use, making storage simple as well.  

Affordability

Small electric smokers typically cost less than traditional smokers. This makes them perfect for beginners because they can get their feet wet without spending a lot of money. Many models also come with detailed instructions and an all-inclusive cookbook, which helps the novice smoker get started.

Versatility

Vertical smokers are versatile because they can be used for both cold smoking and hot smoking. Hot smoking involves cooking food at low temperatures over a long period of time, whereas cold smoking involves exposing food to smoke without cooking it. Vertical smokers are perfect for both types of smoked foods.

Space Efficiency

Vertical electric smokers are space-efficient because they take up less space than their horizontal counterparts. This makes them perfect for small patios or decks. In addition, many models come with a carrying case, which makes them easy to transport.

Temperature Gauge

Most small electric smokers come with a temperature gauge that allows the cook to monitor the cooking process. This allows the cook to turn the smoker on and off as needed, ensuring that food is always cooked at a consistent temperature.

Clean and Healthy Smoking

Unlike traditional smoking, there is no need to add any extra oils or fats to the food when you use a smoker. This means that your food will come out clean and healthy, without any of the nasty toxins that can be found in traditionally smoked foods.

A Huge Variety of Food Options

If you want to smoke your food, then there is no need to limit yourself at all! You can add anything from meats to vegetables.

Decreased Risk of Fire Hazard

Because small electric smokers do not rely on combustion to work, they pose a much smaller fire hazard than other types of smokers. This means that you can smoke food in your home with much less risk of causing a fire.

Improved Taste and Texture

Unlike traditional smoking, which can often lead to food becoming dry and tough, electric smoking results in food that is both moist and tender. This is because the smoker cooks the food slowly and evenly, ensuring that all the flavors are locked in.

Minimal Smoke Leakage

One of the main problems with traditional smokers is the fact that they produce a lot of smoke, which can often leak out and affect your home’s ventilation. Electric smokers, on the other hand, produce very little smoke, meaning that you don’t have to worry about your smoke affecting your neighbors or passersby.

Reduced Heat Penetration

Electric smokers are designed to cook food evenly without causing much heat penetration. This means that the food you smoke will turn out exactly as you want it to, without any burn marks or underdone parts.

Improved Food Safety 

Electric smoking increases the temperature in the smoker instead of directly heating your food, which means that there is no risk of food-borne illness when you use an electric smoker. Overall, this makes electric smoking much healthier than traditional smoking.

Buying Guide for Best Small Electric Smoker

Electric smokers are a great alternative for those who want to cook amazing meals every single time. However, when you’re in the market for one of these products, it can be quite difficult to find one that’s suitable for your needs.

There are so many options available that finding just one or two small electric smoker reviews might not be enough to determine if this is the correct product for you.

To make things a bit easier and ensure that your money isn’t wasted, we’ve put together a buying guide that provides some useful tips and information on what you can expect from these products.

Size and Portability

The first thing to look at when buying an electric smoker is its size, as this product needs to be compact and easy to use. While the smoker might be small, it will still need plenty of space on your porch or patio as these products release a lot of heat through their door.

While you want to ensure that this product is compact enough for your needs, it’s also advisable to look at its weight as well. You’ll need to make sure the smoker has its own wheels and is easy to transport around, especially if you plan on moving it from one place to another.

Cooking Space

The amount of space available in your smoker will affect how many people you can cook for at the same time. If you’re good at cooking big portion sizes, then go for a bigger one; but if you enjoy hosting gatherings and barbeques with friends and family, then it might be prudent to get a smaller size.

Temperature

As you would expect, the temperature range in a smoker determines how well you can cook your food. There are some smokers that can give you lower temperatures, while others may only go as low as 100 degrees (F). The best thing to do is get an electric smoker with adjustable temperature controls.

Maintenance

Apart from checking the other important features of the smoker, it is also necessary to consider how well you can maintain the smoker. This largely depends on the type of material that has been used in making the smoker.

If you prefer a unit that does not use a lot of moving parts and requires less maintenance, then get an electric one with stainless steel construction.

Price

Last but not least, you should also consider how much you want to spend on your smoker. There are many models available in the market, and all of them come at different costs.

If you’re looking for a cheap electric smoker that will perform above average, then get one with stainless steel construction and adjustable temperature controls.

However, if budget is not an issue and you want your smoker to last, then it may be a good idea to get one with double insulation and digital temperature control.

Tips on Maintaining an Electric Smoker

It is normally not difficult to use or maintain an electric smoker, but there are a few things that need to be taken care of so you get maximum performance.

Maintaining your Electric Smoker- How often should I clean my smoker?

This depends on how often you use it. If you are using it every day, then it will need to be cleaned every day. However, if you are only smoking a few times a week, then cleaning once a week should suffice.

The basics – What needs to be done for regular maintenance?

There are a few things you need to do to keep the smoker in good condition. You must clean it after every use or at least once a week. Detach all parts of the smoker and remove excess grease, food particles, dust, etc. If your smoker has vents, then these should be cleaned too.

Regular cleaning- Keep the smoker clean

As mentioned earlier, it is very important to keep your electric smoker clean. Grease and food particles can cause a fire and also make the smoker smell bad. Make sure to clean all parts of the smoker after every use. This will not only prolong the life of your smoker but also give you better results.

Clean outside – Wipe down with a damp cloth

The outside of the smoker should also be cleaned regularly. This can be done by wiping it down with a damp cloth.

Check electrical cords – Are they in good condition?

The electrical cords should be checked regularly for any damage. If there is any damage, then the cord should be replaced immediately. Do not use the smoker if the cord is damaged in any way.

Check the temperature – Is it in the right range?

It is important to make sure that your electric smoker has the correct temperature setting at all times. One of the reasons why smokers fail to smoke properly is because they get too hot or too cold. Make sure to check the temperature regularly and adjust as necessary.

Check heat shield – Make sure it is in good condition

The heat shield should be checked for any damage. If this part of the smoker is damaged, then there could be smoke escaping. This can make your food unsafe to eat, and you will not get the desired smoky taste either. Replace it immediately if it is broken or cracked in any way.

Using an ashtray – Place the ashes in an aluminum pan

If you are using an aluminum drip pan to place your ashes, make sure it is tight-fitting. Using an ashtray is not recommended as it can cause a fire hazard. It also makes cleaning very difficult because of the ash that sticks to it.

Avoid using high heat – Do not use the highest heat setting

Using the highest heat setting can damage your smoker. It is best to use the medium or low heat setting for smoking meat. This will give you a more consistent temperature and also prevent any damage to the smoker.

Keep it away from water – Keep it dry

Do not place the smoker in a place where it is directly exposed to water. Also, do not use water near the electric smoker as this can cause damage. Make sure that you keep your smoker dry at all times.

What other tips should be followed when maintaining a smoker?

Ensure that the smoker is covered if it has to be stored for long periods of time or in bad weather. If you do not cover your electric smoker, then the internal parts might corrode.

It will also expose it to dust and dirt, which can cause problems later on. It is important to maintain your smoker in order to get the most out of it. By following these simple tips, your smoker will last longer and perform better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will a small electric smoker be enough for me?

Electric smokers can be purchased in a wide range of sizes, with some being better for smaller families while others are ideal for large crowds. It’s important to know your requirement before purchasing it, so you know what you’ll be able to cook on it.

How much should I spend on a small electric smoker?

The price of these products will vary depending on the size, internal capacity, and different features it includes, so it’s important to do some research before determining how much you should be spending. Look at what people have to say about a specific product before making a final purchase.

What brands are good for small electric smokers?

While there are many best manufacturers producing a larger variety of smokers, experts tend to choose Masterbuilt or Bradley if one is considering a smaller smoker.

They tend to be the most preferred small electric smoker because they are durable and high quality.

What can I smoke in a small electric smoker?

This depends on what model you have chosen for yourself. If it’s a smaller one, then expect that you cannot smoke large cuts of meat and need to stick with things like fish, veggies, and tofu.

What accessories should I look for in a small electric smoker?

While the standard small electric smoker comes with minimal accessories, do not worry because you can purchase other essential pieces like an additional drip tray and a bag of wood chips separately.

Do small electric smokers require much maintenance?

Small electric smokers are relatively easy to use but do need their fair share of care by maintaining it regularly with cleaning, air-drying, and seasoning it. Note the tips given on maintaining an electric smoker above.

Are there any health benefits of using an electric smoker?

Using good quality and new model, you can expect to get healthy and natural smoked food at home within minutes of use without fire hazards or bulky equipment.

Conclusion

We hope that after reading this article, you will have a better understanding of how to find the best small electric smoker. You can also check our article on Best Indoor Electric Smoker.

The models included in this article are based on overall customer satisfaction. Out of all the small electric smokers currently being sold, these are the ones that customers have indicated they are most satisfied with.

Thank you so much for reading this blog post!!