Best Electric Smokers for 2023

Electric smokers are the easiest backyard smokers to use. Most work via a thermostatically-controlled heating element to hold temperature efficiently for long periods. There are trays for wood chips and water and racks for food. All of this fits into a box. Electric smokers can be cheap, among the cheapest and simplest smokers. They can also be expensive, highly insulated, high-tech marvels. But be warned, some companies put little thought or quality into their electric smokers. These smokers are easy and cheap to make, so avoid no-name, or store brands.

But you are here to find the right electric smoker, so let’s get to it. If you don’t want to read through the detailed reviews and product information below, consider these three smokers. They are my top recommendations in three price ranges. Remember that you get what you pay for.

Masterbuilt Analog

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Masterbuilt Digital

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Bradley 4-Rack

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The biggest selling point of an electric smoker is its simplicity. These are easy to use, require little intervention, but still produce good smoked foods. Since you didn’t simply buy one of the three smokers I listed above, let’s dig into everything you need to know to make an informed purchasing decision.

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What is an Electric Smoker?

Long ago, people bought smokers primarily for cold-smoking foods like fish. These smokers worked like the old smokehouses of Europe, and they were used more for food preservation than the kinds of smoking we know today. For these needs, a box with a heating element and some wood chips was the perfect solution.

The modern electric smoker is built to handle barbecue and it operates at higher temperatures than earlier units. They are also laid out to handle the larger cuts of meat that we typically put in a smoker these days. But this is an issue to keep an eye on. Some smokers come with several cooking racks in a small box. Fine for smoking fish or beef jerky, but you may have to remove some of the smoking shelves to fit a brisket or a pork butt. 

Size matters, but the number of square inches of cooking area may not give you an idea of how much food you can smoke. And this is why we also need to consider the cubic space of the smoker. On some smaller units, you may need to remove all but one of the racks to fit a turkey inside. 

The heart of an electric smoker is the heating element. It is similar to the element in an electric oven. For most smokers, this element produces the heat for cooking and the heat to produce smoke. Generally, the element sits under a protective piece of metal that either holds wood chips (or wood pellets if you like) or doubles as the smoker tray. Above this, you find a water pan.

Are Electric Smokers Any Good?

Those famous barbecue joints you read about use large, wood-burning smokers. It gives them the capacity they need and the authentic smoke flavor. While electric smokers can produce good barbecue, there is a flavor difference. Many electric smokers struggle to produce enough smoke, and if they do, it is different. In an electric smoker, wood chips smoke but don’t burn. It makes smoke, but there is a difference between burning wood and smoldering wood chunks.

Aficionados can tell the difference. All I am saying is that there is a difference between food cooked in an electric or gas smoker versus charcoal or offset smoker. You will still get a good smoky flavor from an electric smoker, but not what you will get from a traditional barbecue joint. 

On the other hand, electric smokers can be very affordable and are generally very easy to use. It is, after all, about as technologically complicated as a toaster. You have to plug it in, fill the wood chip tray, load the smoker with food, and set it to your desired temperature. Some electric smokers have timers, can monitor food temperatures, and switch themselves into a hold setting if the food is cooked before you are ready to remove it.

Electric smokers are perfect for beginners or those who don’t have the time to tend to something more demanding, like a charcoal smoker. Since you probably have electricity on your patio, this is also the easiest fuel solution. You will need to buy wood chips, but there are no last-minute trips to the propane store.

How Many Watts?

More isn’t always better. If you look through the specifications of the smokers I have listed below, you will notice a very large range of wattages for the heating element. There are two reasons for this discrepancy. One is because the smoker is designed to cook at very high temperatures. You find this with some smokers designed to hold temperatures up to 400°F. Most electric smokers have a narrow temperature range and can only reach around 250° to 300°F.

On the other hand, the higher the wattage can indicate the quality of the smoker. If you consider the Cookshack vs. the Pit Boss, the Cookshack runs on half the watts and can hit similar temperatures. This is because the Cookshack (which is considerably more expensive) is much better insulated. It holds the heat it generates better.

And this brings up another point. Some smokers run at 1,500 watts or more when on their highest temperature setting. This is similar to the power consumption of a microwave oven on high or a hairdryer. It’s a lot of power. We’ll talk about extension cords below, but make sure you need to use an extension cord and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Best Electric Smokers

Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker – Best Value Electric Smoker

Masterbuilt Digital

Derrick Riches

Capacity

Temperature Range

Construction Quality

Efficiency

Value

Summary

Masterbuilt makes the most popular electric smokers on the market. They have been doing so for the last few decades. The big selling point? These are simple to operate, inexpensive smokers and widely available. What you get can be a bit of a tradeoff; you get what you pay for after all.

The 30-Inch Masterbuilt Digital Smoker sells for around $260USD, but there are three versions. This model has a glass window, which can be useful for looking without opening, but there is a model without the window for about $20USD less. There is also a model on legs that lifts the smoker about 6 extra inches off the ground.

There are several things to like about this smoker. It has an easy access smoker tray, so you can add wood chips anytime without opening the smoker. You place the wood chips into a small drawer, insert it into the side of the smoker and turn it over, dumping wood chips into the metal pan that sits above the heating element. This wood chip loader is part of the ease of use that is the number one selling point of an electric smoker, and Masterbuilt understands that.

The temperature controller lets you set the temperature and time for your cooking, and it is intuitive to use. This controller sits on top of the smoker’s body, right next to the dial vent where smoke exits the interior. They talk about the digital controls, but this is a simple panel that lets you increase or decrease the temperature and set a timer with an audible alert. Digital, yes. Is it sophisticated? No.

4.1

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Specifications 

What I Like

• Good Value – The reason that Masterbuilt has dominated the electric smoker market is the price. They have a number of models (that change almost constantly) ranging from around $150USD to around $400USD. This model, the 30-Inch Digital, is the one to buy.
• Well Insulated – An insulated smoker is more efficient. But more importantly, it has a more consistent smoking temperature. Wind and weather won’t affect it as much. This Masterbuilt smoker is well insulated.
• External Smoker Drawer – With most electric smokers you need to open everything up to add more wood chips (or wood pellets) to produce smoke. The Masterbuilt Digital has a drawer built into the side that allows you to add more wood without opening the smoker. This is a very nice touch.
• Cold Smoking Option – You can replace the external smoker drawer with a smoke generator and turn this unit into a cold smoker. With this optional extra you can drop the cooking temperature inside the insulated box to below 86° F. Now you have plenty of space to smoke cheese that won’t melt.

What I Don’t Like

• Size – I want to sit down with every electric (and gas) smoker maker and tell them how long a rack of ribs is. They just don’t seem to get it. This smoker has the size and capacity to be a good little smoker. And yet, fitting a full rack of ribs inside requires rolling them, or cutting them in half. The body is simply too narrow to fit the foods that we want to smoke.
• Limited Wood Chip Capacity – Remember how I said that I liked the smoker drawer? I do, however, it’s too small. Great idea, but limited execution. To get maximum smoke production over a longer period of time requires you to refill the smoker drawer frequently during the cook time.

Cookshack Amerique – Best Overall Electric Smoker

Cookshack Amerique

Derrick Riches

Capacity

Temperature Range

Construction Quality

Efficiency

Value

Summary

The Cookshack Amerique is the most expensive electric smoker on this list and the best electric smoker. It is also one of the few units made in the USA. Cookshack has been around for a long time and makes both smokers for your backyard and commercial restaurant smokers. This smoker is all-stainless steel with very high-grade insulation. The door and all parts lock tightly closed, making this the most efficient electric cooker on this list.

Because of the efficiency of this smoker, the temperature control is excellent. The controller is, to be honest, a little old-fashioned, but you can set the smoker to cook to a specific internal temperature, and when this is reached, the smoker will hold at temp for as long as you need it to. Okay, not for days, but you get the idea. Load the smoker up in the morning, set your target temp, and go to work. When you get home, there will be barbecue waiting for you.

Cookshack is a great company and has nice people. They have been in this business for a very long time. They are not, however, what you would call cutting edge. At over $2,000USD, this is an expensive smoker. It’s even expensive when compared with great pellet grills. And yet, it doesn’t have the kinds of features you would expect in this price range. There is no WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, and the design is very industrial. 

If, however, you have the money and want an incredible smoker, then the Cookshack Amerique is durable, heavy, and has all stainless steel construction. It is a piece of professional smoking equipment, and it will produce better-smoked foods than any product on this list. It also has plenty of room for practically anything you want to smoke.

4.5

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Specifications

Read my Full Review of the Cookshack Amerique Electric Smoker.

What I Like

• Superior Construction – There is a reason that Cookshack has the highest price point on this list. They build superior electric smokers. These are all 304 stainless steel with high-grade insulation. And when I mean stainless, I mean stainless. The hinges, screws, and bolts are all corrosion-resistant stainless steel. This is an electric smoker that will last for decades if you take care of it.
• Super Efficient – Because of that high-grade insulation, this smoker is unaffected by weather and uses less electricity than anything else on this list. If you want to smoke in the artic, you can do it with the Cookshack Amerique.

What I Don’t Like

• Innovation – Cookshack could be a dominant force in the electric smoker industry. They have been building these smokers for decades. When the Amerique was first introduced it was actually cutting edge. But it hasn’t changed since then. Where’s the smart app? Where’s the remote control and monitoring? At this point, their best electric smoker is a no-frills cooker that while amazingly well built, just doesn’t offer the kind of user experience that people expect these days.

The Downside

• Expensive – This is an expensive electric smoker. Its competition costs a fraction of what this model does. People who only take a quick glance at the industry will simply overlook it. This is why so many of the scammy BBQ websites don’t even list it. It is expensive. Yes, you get what you pay for, and this is worth every penny, but many people will not take it into consideration when looking for a small electric smoker. I hope you do take the time to think about it though.

Old Smokey Electric Smoker – Least Expensive Electric Smoker

Old Smokey

Derrick Riches

Capacity

Temperature Range

Construction Quality

Efficiency

Value

Summary

Old Smokey is both very similar to Cookshack and yet the complete opposite. Old Smokey has been a company for nearly a century. They manufacture entirely in the United States and make a great product. On the other hand, if you buy this smoker directly from them, it will cost you about $150USD plus shipping. First introduced in 1953, this smoker has been virtually unchanged in 70 years because it didn’t need to be improved.

The Old Smokey Electric Smoker is the least expensive smoker on this list. It is not, however, a bad smoker. What limits it is also what makes it stand out, the simplicity. It is an aluminum can with a heating element in the bottom. Yes, this is a small unit that might have you cutting a brisket in half to get it to fit, but if you want “set it and forget it” smoking, this is the unit for you.

The big feature of this smoker is that it doesn’t have a vent. Smoke and moisture stay inside, so leave the lid on and let it go. Moisture drips off the lid, bastes the food inside, and collects in the drip pan above the smoke tray. You can get a thermometer built into the lid, but it is an extra. Be advised that this is a top-loading smoker. To get to the wood chip pan, you have to remove the food and cooking grates, but you won’t generally need to do this.

There are huge fans of this simple smoker and for a good reason. It works. It is small and not as convenient as other smokers, but this is the electric smoker to buy if you want simple and cheap.

3.9

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Specifications

Read my Full Review of the Old Smokey Electric Smoker

What I Like

• Inexpensive – Cheap, durable, and made in America. True that this isn’t the most versatile electric smoker out there, but you can’t argue with the price. If you are looking for a beginner smoker, I suggest you take a good look at this unit. It’s been in production for 70 years because they got it right the first time.
• Easy to Use – Load it up and turn it on. If you follow the little instruction book you will know when to open it up and pull out the food. This little smoker is practically foolproof.

What You Should Consider

• Limited Versatility – If you want to explore barbecue to all its depth, then this probably isn’t the unit for you. Then again, you probably don’t want an electric smoker anyway. If, however, you want a smoked chicken on Sunday afternoon with little to no fuss, then buy this smoker.
• Buy It Direct – If you can’t find this smoker at your local store, buy it directly from Old Smokey. They have the best price. Do not buy it on Amazon since it will cost considerably more.

Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack – Best Smoke Production

Bradley Smoker

Derrick Riches

Capacity

Temperature Range

Construction Quality

Efficiency

Value

Summary

The Bradley 4-Rack is my favorite electric smoker. It has only one problem, which I will get to in a minute. Like Cookshack and Old Smokey, Bradley has been in the electric smoker business for a very long time. In this case, since the 1970s. When Bradley started, they wanted to fix one of the biggest problems of electric smokers, the quality and quantity of smoke production. Bradley took a unique path.

Like most electric smokers, the Bradley is an insulated cooking chamber with racks for food. There is a 500 Watt heating element in the bottom. It is this low because of superior insulation and because it only heats the cooking chamber. It doesn’t have to create smoke. An external smoke generator does this with a small, focused element that gets up and close to the wood.

And it is this smoke source that makes this smoker unique and better than most. And also its biggest issue. Smoke in a Bradley is created by ‘burning’ pressed wooden disks that they call Bisquettes. Smaller than a hockey puck, these wood pucks come in various flavors and are the secret to Bradley’s improved taste. Of course, you have to buy these bisquettes from Bradley. They cost about 50 cents apiece, and you can burn through 3 an hour. Do the math.

The Bradley smoker is probably the best electric smoker you can get for the money (about $600USD for this all-digital model), but it is also the most expensive to operate. On the other hand, it does have a cold smoker accessory, so you can make traditional smoked fish and jerky in this unit. I would add that with its chrome finish; this is the best-looking electric smoker.

Bradley offers this smoker in a taller, 6-Rack version.

4.3

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Specifications

Pit Boss Silver Star 3 Series 21-Inch Vertical Digital Electric Smoker w/ Window

Pit Boss Series 3

Derrick Riches

Capacity

Temperature Range

Construction Quality

Efficiency

Value

Summary

If you know Pit Boss, then you know they are the largest manufacturer of pellet grills globally (or at least for right now). But they also make gas smokers, pellet smokers, griddles, and anything else that isn’t a gas grill. This Pit Boss electric digital smoker is in almost every way, just like the Masterbuilt at the top of this list, except it’s a little bigger and has a much wider temperature range.

The Pit Boss has a 1,650 Watt heating element, making it the highest wattage on this list. It’s a lot of power, and this smoker hits temps up to 400°F. So you can do hot smoking in this unit if you are interested. There is also a draw for accessing the wood chip tray without opening the front door. All in all, it has many features for a good price. Of course, this is the Pit Boss business model. Unfortunately, it can mean a drop in quality and quality control. There have been some issues with smokers showing up and not working. Take that for what it’s worth.

3.6

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Specifications

Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker

Masterbuilt Analog

Derrick Riches

Capacity

Temperature Control

Construction Quality

Efficiency

Value

Summary

The Masterbuilt Analog is cheap and basic. Load it with food, set the dial, and let it run. There is no fancy digital control panel, and it only weighs 28 pounds. Only the old smokey above is lighter and more basic. But you can get this for only $129USD, making it the cheapest electric smoker on the market and one of the cheapest smokers you can buy. No wonder it is the best-selling smoker.

But there are some issues, and if you search, you will find many people talking about how to get these smokers to do what they want. It’s easy to use but not exactly forgiving. Unfortunately, some ill-informed websites say this is the best money can buy. It isn’t. At least you get a relatively accurate temperature gauge on the door.

3.6

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Specifications

The Rest (aka Other Electric Smokers)

Smokin-It Model #2  

The Smokin-It smokers are designed to be a more affordable version of the Cookshack smoker. It shows how big Cookshack used to be and that it had imitators. The Smokin-It smokers come in a variety of sizes for a reasonable price. At under $700USD, this smoker is a little small but comparable to most units on this list. You get a very industrial appearance, an LED digital control panel, and a thermostat-controlled cooking chamber. The Smokin-It is a good smoker, but it doesn’t jump out versus any of the others.

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Specifications

Smokin Tex 1500

The other electric smoker deeply inspired by Cookshack is from Smokin Tex. When these The other electric smoker deeply inspired by Cookshack is from Smokin Tex. When these were first introduced, they were a close match with their Cookshack counterparts in almost every way except price. Smokin Tex, made in China, came in at a heavy discount. That has not lasted. Now, the savings is under 10% off. In my opinion, that does not make up for Cookshacks’ superior product support. 

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Specifications

Read my Full Review of the Smokin’ Tex 1500 Electric Smoker

Dyna-Glo 2-Door 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker   

Again, this is an electric smoker modeled on Masterbuilt’s success. This Dyna-Glo smoker is taller, but the only unique feature is its Bluetooth connectivity. Yes, you can monitor this smoker remotely, but only in Bluetooth range. If you need this feature, consider this model, but be aware that it offers quite a bit for a low price. There is a tradeoff. 

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Char-Broil Deluxe Digital

This Char-Broil Deluxe Smoker comes with WiFi connectivity so you can control and monitor it remotely. While very similar to the Masterbuilt and the Dyna-Glo in size, performance, and features, this connectivity drives up the price of this unit.  The body is This Char-Broil Deluxe Smoker comes with WiFi connectivity so you can control and monitor it remotely. The Char-Broil Deluxe is similar to the Masterbuilt and Dyna-Glo in size, performance, and features, but the connectivity drives up the price. The body is 16.5 by 18 inches on the outside. The inside dimensions are very limiting. Char-Broil says that you can fit up to 8 racks of ribs (actually, they say ribs, but we know what they mean); what they don’t say is that you can’t fit 8 full racks inside without either rolling them up or cutting them in half.

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Cuisinart COS-330

Cuisinart also has its own Masterbuilt knockoff eclectic smoker. It is a simple unit, and its best feature is its price. The COS-330 comes in around $200USD. It is smaller, and the cooking chamber isn’t laid out for traditional barbecue. I don’t consider this a very good smoker.

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Smokehouse Big Chief Front Load                

I’m placing the Smokehouse Big Chief in the honorable mention category. It really isn’t a meat smoker. It’s a fish and jerky smoker and has been built for decades in the United States. There isn’t a temperature control on this unit. Turn it on, and it will settle into a temperature low enough for most any cold smoke food. So if that is what you are after, you can buy one of these for under $150USD, and I do recommend it.

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About Extension Cords

Certain things in life bother me. One of them has to do with the Masterbuilt Analog. The manual for this electric smoker states very clearly that the unit should be placed at least 10 feet from any structure, let alone an outlet. And then the smoker comes with a 6-foot cord. It’s like building a ladder that doesn’t reach the floor.

Masterbuilt and most electric smoker makers are telling you that you need an extension cord to use their products safely. It isn’t a problem for many of these units, but if your smoker draws a high wattage, the extension cord needs to be rated high enough that it won’t overheat and potentially cause a fire.

Extension cords are rated by wattage over distance and listed for indoor or outdoor usage. What you need for your electric smoker is an extension cord specifically listed for outdoor appliance use and not just outdoor use. I recommend a minimum 16AWG-rated cord at no more than 25 feet.

About Me

I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling for 25 years. I have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In that time, I have endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that is right for them. I believe that the right product is the one that you find easy to use, capable of doing everything you want, and reliably. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow barbecue for the next generation. I want you to be able to make the memories that your children will cherish.

Affiliate Disclosure

This article and the website it appears on uses sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content, so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers who have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.

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