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Best Electric Smoker of 2024

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Masterbuilt  40-inch Digital Electric Smoker
Masterbuilt
40-inch Digital Electric Smoker
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Best for large gatherings
Bottom Line

With 970 square inches of cooking space, this vertical electric smoker is large enough to cook eight racks of ribs at one time.

Pros

The digital control panel makes this intuitive model effortless to operate. It features a side loader for the wood chips so you can add more without losing heat. The adjustable damper lets you control the intensity of the smoke flavor for tasty results every time.

Cons

The temperature range is limited, but that is fine if you only intend to cook low and slow.

Best Bang for the Buck
Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker
Smokehouse Products
Little Chief Front Load Smoker
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A great electric smoker with basic options that appeal to people just starting their smoking journey.

Pros

Made of lightweight aluminum, it is easy to move and clean. Performs exquisitely at 160 to 165 degrees. The front-load structure makes it easy to add and remove cooking racks and food. The size is a great fit for smaller areas.

Cons

The temperature is not adjustable. Everything cooks at roughly 165 degrees.

Bradley Smoker Original Smoker
Bradley Smoker
Bradley Original Smoker
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Proprietary flavor bisquettes
Bottom Line

This fully automatic model holds and smokes with flavor bisquettes for up to nine hours.

Pros

The hands-off, fully automatic operation makes it a great choice for beginners. Even if you’re cooking for several hours, once you set it, you can trust the smoker to carry out its task. Double-walled construction promotes efficiency.

Cons

While they provide excellent flavor, you are limited to Bradley's bisquettes.

Cuisinart 30" Electric Smoker
Cuisinart
Electric Smoker
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Most versatile
Bottom Line

A solid, well-built, finely crafted smoker with the widest temperature range on our shortlist.

Pros

Features 548 square inches of interior cooking surface in a space-saving design. Three stainless steel shelves are easily removed. Boasts a built-in thermometer and a 1,500-watt heating element.

Cons

There is no easy way to add more wood chips if they run out in the middle of a smoking session.

Masterbuilt  30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
Masterbuilt
30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
Check Price
Ideal for small gatherings
Bottom Line

If you want the best but don't need a huge cooking surface, this is the little brother of our top choice.

Pros

This smoker has an adjustable damper to fine-tune flavor, a wood-chip loader on the side for convenience and a locking door latch to retain heat. The digital control panel lets you set the cooking temperature at the press of a few buttons, while the removable rear grease tray simplifies cleaning.

Cons

Be sure to examine this smoker upon receipt, as some may get damaged in transit.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

38
Models
Considered
125
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Which electric smoker is best?

Smoking food gives it a distinct texture and taste. If you’re new to smokers, there’s good reason to go with an electric model. Not only is it safer to operate than, say, a gas or charcoal smoker, but also you can set it up and then forget about it until your food is done. But if you want the best results, you need the best electric smoker.

When considering which one is right for you, you’ll want to look at things like the size of the smoker’s cooking surface, its weight and portability and whether the controls are easy to use. To find the best smokers, BestReviews researched the market, evaluated the features and weighed other factors such as cost, performance, and ease of use and cleaning. 

Our top choice is the Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker, which features accurate digital temperature control and an extra-large cooking surface to feed a crowd.

Our top picks

Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker

Best for large gatherings


Product Specs
Outer Material:
Cold-rolled steel | Weight: 58.3 lb | Dimensions: 25.6" W x 19.9" D  x 41.3" H | Cooking Surface: 970 sq in | Temperature Range: Up to 275 degrees

The first thing you notice about this Masterbuilt digital smoker is its cooking capacity. The 40-inch-tall model gives you an impressive 970 square inches of cooking space. That is enough room to cook four turkeys at one time. If you need to feed large groups, this is our top choice. 

This smoker features conveniences such as a digital temperature control and an adjustable smoke damper so you can get the precise amount of flavor you seek in every meal. The side-loading system allows you to add more wood chips at any time without fear of losing heat.

If you want to expand the life and functionality of this model, there are accessories such as a cover and a wheel kit that you can purchase separately. Even without those extras, however, we think this electric vertical smoker is a superb choice for the backyard chef who does a lot of cooking for large groups.

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker

Simple yet solid

Product Specs
Outer Material:
Aluminum | Weight: 12.2 lb | Dimensions: 11.5" W x 11.5" D x 24.5" H | Cooking Capacity: 25 lb of meat or fish | Temperature Range: 165 degrees (non-adjustable)

This little smoker comes with a starter bag of wood chips and a recipe and instruction book. There is no assembly required, so you can get started as soon as it arrives. It‘s a small, portable model with handles that weighs less than 60 pounds. 

Since this is a front-load smoker, it is easy to operate. It can smoke up to 25 pounds of meat. You just slide the four grills in and out as needed to create a customized cooking space. The unit works with a regular outlet and has a 250-watt heating element that offers a maximum temperature of around 165 degrees.

There is no temperature control, so this is an easy-to-use electric smoker — all you need to do is plug it in, and it’s ready to go. While it’s a basic model with no extra bells and whistles, we think it’s excellent for a beginner who wants to jump into the hobby with an affordable electric smoker.

Bradley Smoker Bradley Original Smoker

Proprietary flavor bisquettes

Product Specs
Outer Material:
Stainless steel | Weight: 55 lb | Dimensions: 24" W x 19" D x 35" H | Cooking Surface: 572 sq in | Temperature Range: Up to 280 degrees

Bradley boasts, "We didn't invent it; we perfected it." To back that claim up, the company has made some innovative changes to upgrade its electric smokers. Most notable is the side feeder that holds nine hours’ worth of flavor bisquettes so you can smoke hands-free for an extended period.

The model has four cooking racks, a stainless steel double-walled construction (for heat retention) and an easy-access area for the water bowl and drip tray. The smoker is easy to clean and has a smoke diffuser that keeps unappetizing black droplets from spattering your food.

If you want an insulated smoker with ample cooking space that provides exceptional flavor, and budget is not an issue, this higher-priced model is an impressive option.

Cuisinart Electric Smoker

Most versatile

Product Specs 
Outer Material:
Stainless steel | Weight: 59 lb | Dimensions: 22" W x 20" D x 40" H | Cooking Surface: 548 sq in | Temperature Range: 100 to 400 degrees

Cuisinart is a trusted name in kitchen appliances. This easy-to-operate smoker proves the company understands what it takes to achieve desirable outdoor cooking results as well. We love that it has the largest temperature range (100 to 400 degrees) of all the models on our shortlist. With its 1,500-watt heating element, it can cook low and slow or high and fast, depending on your needs.

This model has a built-in thermometer so you can monitor the internal temperature at a glance. The stable legs raise the smoker so it’s easier to reach inside, adjust the racks and access the water and wood chip trays.

The side handles assist with portability, and the locking door helps the smoker maintain a consistent temperature. If you are new to outdoor cooking but want a high-quality electric smoker that will allow you to achieve the best results on your first attempt, this Cuisinart smoker should be on your radar.

Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker

Ideal for small gatherings

Product Specs
Outer Material:
Cold-rolled steel | Weight: 50.3 lb | Dimensions: 24" W x 22" D x 42" H | Cooking Surface: 710 sq in | Temperature Range: Up to 275 degrees

We like Masterbuilt's approach to making electric smokers. The company focuses on the features that individuals need to achieve the best results. It strives to make operation as easy as possible whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or this is your first picnic.

While the outer dimensions are similar to the 40-inch model, this one has a stand that takes up some of the cooking space, making it better for people who are primarily cooking for their family or smaller gatherings. Don't misunderstand: At 710 square inches of cooking surface, it is one of the larger models on our shortlist. However, the smaller cooking space and lower price make it a better choice for people who don't host large events.

Just like the 40-inch model, this Masterbuilt features a side-loading wood chip chute, digital controls and an adjustable smoke damper. It has a window so you can keep an eye on your food as it cooks as well as a removable water bowl and rear grease tray. 

East Oak 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker with Glass Door

Honorable mention

Product Specs
Outer Material:
Powder-coated steel | Weight: 62 lb | Dimensions: 18.97" W x 17.56" D x 32.44" H | Cooking Surface: 725 sq in | Temperature Range: 100 to 275 degrees

Although the East Oak didn't quite make our top five, we thought it was impressive enough for an honorable mention. This model has 725 square inches of cooking surface and can slow-cook at temperatures up to 275 degrees. It features three layers of insulation and a sealing glass door to retain heat. You can add the wood chips from the side, and the digital control panel offers a precise temperature setting.

We loved the company's understanding of how important convenience is. Not only does this model have a glass door to watch progress, but it also has an internal light so you can see everything clearly as it cooks. The included meat probe ensures your food reaches a safe temperature, while the rust-resistant aluminum plating is appreciated.

The East Oak electric smoker is spacious and reasonably priced with an abundance of convenient features and an impressive build. If you're looking for a solid all-around smoker, you can't go wrong with this one.

How we analyzed

Finding the best of the best is not a quick and easy task. It takes a lot of legwork. Our trained and knowledgeable staff has hands-on experience with the items they cover. The writers use this experience to pinpoint models that have the most needed features for typical real-world applications. Besides evaluating performance, BestReviews considers the reviews of other users to discover overarching design highlights and flaws. All of this information is evaluated, compiled and compared to curate a list of the top electric smokers currently available. As new products come out, we revisit this list to make sure it remains relevant.

Electric smokers vs. other smokers

You can use an electric smoker to prepare any of the foods you would cook in a gas or charcoal smoker

There are plenty of reasons to opt for an electric smoker rather than a gas or charcoal model.

  • Safe operation: Compared to other types of smokers, an electric smoker poses very few safety risks. For example, gas, charcoal and wood pellets are all considered open-flame cooking appliances. As such, these items do not comply with "no open flame ordinances," so use may be restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns.
  • Low maintenance: Unlike a gas, charcoal or wood pellet smoker, an electric smoker doesn’t need to be monitored during cooking because there’s no chance of running out of fuel and ruining your final results. You simply turn the smoker on, set it, and walk away until your food is ready.
  • Good for beginners: Because it doesn’t require as much hands-on work as other types of smokers, you don’t need to be an expert to use an electric smoker. It’s an ideal option if you’re new to smoking food.
  • Efficient energy use: Most electric smokers are designed to maintain temperature effectively, resulting in very little energy loss.
  • Stable design: Electric smokers typically have a box-like construction similar to that of a small refrigerator,  so they’re unlikely to tip or be knocked over. Additionally, these appliances do not have an open flame, so even if they do get knocked over, there is little chance that they will start a fire.
  • Easy to clean: Most electric smokers are made of stainless steel, which means that food and drippings don’t stick to the interior. As a result, you’ll have much less mess to clean up when you’re finished cooking. Plus, there will be no fuel remnants to clean up as you would have with charcoal and wood pellets.

Electric smoker features to consider

Capacity

To make sure an electric smoker has the capacity to make enough food for your household, it’s important to consider the size of the cooking chamber before you buy. Most models are fairly generous — 500 to 700 square inches — which is sufficient to feed a large group. 

If you often throw large parties, you might prefer a smoker with an interior space of 700 to 1,000 square inches, such as the Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker, which is large enough to cook 16 chickens at once.

Weight and portability

The weight of an electric smoker is important if you want to move it around your yard or travel with it. Most are crafted of lightweight materials, making them much easier to move than gas or charcoal smokers. Look for an electric smoker that weighs no more than 60 pounds if you think you’ll need to move it often.

Electric smokers that are designed to be portable will feature built-in handles to provide you with a secure grip so you can lift and carry the model. If the smoker is too large for lifting, look for one with wheels so it can be rolled about. Some portable electric smokers resemble a large suitcase (when not in use) with a single built-in handle that allows the smoker to be carried by one person. 

Controls

Electric smokers usually have a digital control panel mounted to the top or side of the machine. This makes it extremely easy to set the proper temperature and time for perfectly smoked food. Some control panels also allow you to turn an interior light on and off to help yourself monitor the internal temperature during smoking.

Temperature controls

One of the most important features of a good smoker is temperature controls that are easy to use. Many smokers have a thermostat that automatically regulates the temperature inside once you set it. Be aware that some cheaper smokers don’t have a thermostat, so you can set the temperature, but it isn’t regulated once the device is in operation. You run the risk of overcooking or undercooking your food if the smoker lacks a thermostat.

Temperature range

Pay attention to an electric smoker’s temperature range. Some models allow you to set the temperature as low as 100 degrees, which is ideal for smoking cheese and other smaller items, and as high as 400 or 500 degrees, which works well for smoking large turkeys. Choose a model with a good temperature range so you can prepare as many different types of food as possible.

Wood chip loading system

To give your food flavor, an electric smoker uses wood chips just as other types of smokers do. Electric models are usually designed so you don’t have to open the door to add chips while cooking. Look for a smoker with some type of chip loader on the side.

Racks

Electric smokers feature racks that hold the food for smoking. In most cases, the number of racks depends on the size of the smoker. Most models have at least three racks, but some have as many as six.

Water pan

Some electric smokers are equipped with a pan you can fill with water, beer or wine as well as herbs and other flavorings. Not only does the liquid help maintain an even temperature inside the smoker, but it also helps keep the food moist. The steam infuses the food with additional flavor for the tastiest smoked meals. 

Warranty

Indoor kitchen appliances, such as ovens and stoves, typically have a one-year warranty. Electric smokers tend to offer a one- or two-year warranty. However, it is important to consider what is actually covered and what the limitations of the warranty are. 

For instance, are the grills and stainless steel housing covered for longer than the electronic parts? Are there items that do not fall under the warranty? Make sure you understand all terms and conditions so you are not caught unaware if there is a problem.

Insulated body

Think of an electric smoker like the freezer on your refrigerator. It doesn't matter how good the insulation is: If the door is open even just a little, the ice cream is going to melt. In the same manner, you want an electric smoker that is well-built with no air leakage. 

This is easy to see because the smoke will escape through any imperfections. The door also needs to seal shut and lock into position. A window on the front lets you check your food without opening the door and inadvertently releasing heat. If you want to make sure your electric smoker is even more efficient, you can purchase an insulation blanket that holds heat in while keeping cold out.

Electric smoker prices

Electric smokers vary in price depending on their cooking capacity, temperature controls, temperature range and other features. They may run from $80 to $500.

  • Budget-friendly electric smokers: A small electric smoker with 400 to 500 square inches of interior cooking space and a limited temperature range typically costs up to $140.
  • Mid-range electric smokers: A medium electric smoker that offers approximately 500 to 800 square inches of interior cooking space, an expanded temperature range and a thermostat typically costs $200 to $300.  
  • Expensive electric smokers: A large electric smoker with approximately 800 to 1,000 square inches of interior cooking space, a large temperature range and a thermostat usually costs $300 to $400.

Tips

  • Season your smoker. Before using an electric smoker for the first time, it should be seasoned. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for your particular model, but know that running it at 275 degrees for three hours and adding wood chips during the last 45 minutes usually works well.
  • Marinate the meat. For the tastiest smoked meats, allow them to marinate for at least an hour before cooking. You’ll get the richest flavor if you marinate the meat overnight.
  • Preheat your smoker. Let your electric smoker preheat for about 45 minutes to an hour before adding meat or other food.
  • Don’t wrap the racks with foil. It will inhibit effective heat circulation inside the smoker.
  • Add a half-cup of wood chips at a time. Only add more chips to the smoker when the chips inside are no longer smoking.

FAQ

Q. Can I use an electric smoker indoors?

A. For safety reasons, you shouldn’t use an electric smoker indoors. They use wood chips, and when wood is burned, it produces carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. Inside your home, these gases can build up and pose a risk to you and your family. It’s best to set up an electric smoker outdoors where there is plenty of fresh air to counteract the harmful gases. 

Some smoker manuals also advise against using the smoker too close to structures. Consult the directions to determine the proper safety measures for your model.

Q. Can I use an extension cord with an electric smoker?

A. Most electric smokers can be used with an extension cord as long the cord is approved for outdoor use and is compatible with outdoor appliances. However, you should check your owner’s manual to verify that it’s safe to use your particular model with an extension cord.

Q. What types of wood chips should I use in my electric smoker?

A. For most electric smokers, you can use any type of wood chips you like, as long as they are food-grade and untreated. It comes down to taste. Cedar, hickory, maple, cherry and plum are common types of wood chips for smoking. Each imparts a different flavor, which is why you should experiment to discover which type you like best. 

Certain models, like the Bradley Original, use proprietary bisquettes that may be less convenient to purchase. 

Our expertise

Allen Foster began researching, testing and evaluating products for BestReviews in 2018. Before that, he sold outdoor equipment at one of the largest home improvement chains in the country. Consequently, he has in-depth knowledge of outdoor products and appliances with a focus on grills. As part of his training, Allen attended seminars and workshops on grills, smokers and more so he could help customers find exactly what they needed.

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