10 Best Electric Smoker Reviews 2022

Most of us crave smoked food. It’s a method of food preparation that greatly enhances meat flavor and appearance. When you live in a place that doesn’t allow the use of charcoal or propane, don’t think you’re missing out. You’d be surprised it has its own benefits too!

In order to have good tasting smoked food, you need to make sure you’re equipped with the best electric smoker. Your options are endless but don’t worry, we won’t let you scour the internet by yourself. Today, we’re going to go over the 10 best electric smoker you can find in stores. Read more to find out which electric smoker is best for you!

Top 10 Best Electric Smoker Reviews

1. Masterbuilt MES 35B Electric Smoker – Best Starter Electric Smoker

The MES 35B is the latest version of electric smokers from Masterbuilt. It’s controls are designed to be very simple yet straightforward. Just place in your food and set the temperature. After  a few hours, your food is smoked!

What’s great about this electric smoker is that it has a front access grease tray which makes removing excess food drippings and oil a lot easier. Another thing is that it has a removable water bowl which adds more moisture and flavor to your bowl. Plus, it has an adjustable air damper which allows for a better smoke control!

The MES 35B has 3 smoking racks that totals to about 536.3 sq. in. of cooking space. You’d be surprised that it can fit approximately 2 whole turkeys, 3 whole chickens, 3 pork butts, or 3 racks of ribs! With this electric smoker, you can be confident enough to serve smoked meals at a party!

Just like the rest, this electric smoker is also coupled with downsides. The most pressing concern for most users is that it doesn’t have insulation which means it’s not as efficient to use in colder weather. Another thing is that most users claim that it has a wide temperature swing. It means that the dial is too vague so you might need to constantly check on the temperature gauge.

Pros	Cons
+ 3 chrome-coated smoking racks + Built-in temperature gauge + Variable temperature control + Removable water bowl + Adjustable air damper + Front access grease tray + Sliding wood chip tray	– No viewing panel – Wide temperature swings – No insulation

2. Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker – Most Compact Electric Grill

This is one of the plug-and-play electric smokers in the market. The Cuisinart COS-330 is designed with beginners in mind. It’s very simple yet it gets the job done. It’s easy to assemble too!

What most users like about this electric smoker is the fact that it has a generous cooking area and roomy interior! It has 3 smoking racks that totals to 548 sq. in. of cooking space. The racks are around 5” apart which allows you to put big chunks of meat without looking cramped.

Another thing that adds up to the beauty of this electric smoker is the fact that it has good insulation. Most users have enjoyed using the Cuisinart COS-330 even when the weather’s cold. Plus, most of them have claimed that this electric smoker holds heat pretty well too! This is actually a great feature because you want to buy an electric smoker that you can use whenever you please, right?

This smoker is a good choice for beginners and veterans. However, one of the issues that most users have reported is that the base gets filled with grease and drippings fast. It starts getting unsightly and dirty after 2 sessions. Plus, it has a vague temperature dial so you might need time to master the temperature of each preset. You can use the temperature gauge too!

Pros	Cons
+ Well-insulated + Built-in temperature gauge + Variable temperature control + Sliding wood chip tray + Removable water bowl	– No viewing panel – Vague temperature dial – No proper drip collection

3. Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker – Most Spacious Electric Smoker

When you’re smoking food, you need to be wary of the internal temperature to make sure you’re doing your food just the way you like it. The Masterbuilt 20075317 Front Controller Smoker can help you achieve your perfect smoked meat.

This electric smoker has a digital panel located at the top of the unit. You can use this to be exact on the temperature you like your food to heated at. Plus, it has a viewing panel where you can see all the racks and check on how your food is doing.

Another great feature that users love is the remote controller. Imagine being able to control the internal temperature of the unit without needing to touch the unit. That makes it really convenient. Even better, this electric smoker allows you to do meat probing!  With Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker, you’re sure to make smoked meals the way you like it, inside out!

This electric smoker is filled with good features. However, it does have its share of shortcomings too. Most users have reported that it works relatively poorly when temperature is low outside.

Plus, it needs wood chip replacement at 30-minute intervals each which annoys some of the users. However, its patented side wood chip loading may make up for it. It’s more convenient to replace wood chips when you don’t have to open the main door! It helps maintain the internal temperature too.

Pros	Cons
+ Full viewing window + 4 smoking racks + Digital Panel + Remote controlled + Patented side wood chip loading system + With meat probe	– Wood chips need to be replaced often – Not well-insulated – Short vertical rack clearance

4. Masterbuilt 20072115 Smart Digital Electric Smoker – Most High-Tech Electric Smoker

Most of us are always on our phone and today’s technology has made it possible to control different gadgets and appliances using our mobile phone through Bluetooth. This electric smoker is no different which makes it really modern and convenient.

The LED digital panel of this electric smoker displays the exact internal temperature. Apart from that, you can connect it to your device as well so you can monitor and manage the temperature without the need to be close to the unit! Plus, you can even probe the meat to avoid serving half-cooked meals!

What makes this electric smoker great is that it has 4 smoking racks which is more compared to others. It has a total of 721 sq. in. of cooking space which is decent. Most users have reported that it fits 12 whole chickens, 2 whole turkeys, 4 racks of ribs, 48 sausages, 24 burgers, and 4 pork butts. Now that’s a lot and enough to feed your whole crew!

The only issue we found with this electric smoker is that it has short vertical clearance in between the racks. This makes smoking larger chunks of meat a little challenging. Another thing is that most users have reported that they’re having issues connecting with this unit’s bluetooth. Be sure to connect your device first at the store so you don’t end up losing the bluetooth feature.

Pros	Cons
+ Full viewing window + Bluetooth Smart Technology + LED Digital Control Panel with Sunshade + With meat probe + Patented side wood chip loading system + Removable water pan, drip pan, and wood chip tray + Adjustable top air damper + 4 smoking racks	– Short vertical rack clearance – Bluetooth connectivity issues

5. Masterbuilt MB20074719 Mes Digital Electric Smoker – Most Convenient Electric Smoker

This is one of the electric smokers that has a lot to offer. The Masterbuilt MB20074719 Mes can be controlled using your smartphone! If you’re big on modern and high-tech appliances, you might want to add this electric smoker to your shortlist.

Apart from its Bluetooth feature, this electric smoker has an LED digital panel where you can set the exact temperature you want to smoke your meat at. Plus, it comes with a built-in meat probe thermometer so you’re sure that your meal is prepared just the way you like it up to the inside of the meat!

It has a patented side wood chip loading so you don’t have to open the smoker door every time you’re refilling. Plus, to make it even more user-friendly, this electric smoker has interior lights so you can see the food, even when it’s dark outside! Now that’s something not all electric smokers have.

One of the issues we found in this electric smoker is that it has quite a short vertical clearance in between the racks. However, that’s a trade off for having 4 smoking racks and 900 sq. in. of working space. Another thing is that it doesn’t have enough insulation to allow you to smoke during cold weather.

Pros	Cons
+ Full viewing window + Bluetooth Smart Technology + LED Digital Control Panel + With air damper + Has interior lights + Patented side wood chip loading system + Built-in meat probe thermometer	– Short vertical rack clearance – Not enough insulation

6. Masterbuilt Mes 130 B Digital Electric Smoker – Most Durable Electric Smoker

When you get an electric smoker, you would want to have one that’s built for regular use, right? Insulation is one of the factors that would determine whether your electric smoker can work efficiently in any weather.

Luckily, one of the most notable features of the Masterbuilt Mes 130 B is that it comes fully insulated. Meaning to say, even when the weather is cold, this electric smoker can still work and maintain the temperature you’ve set.

Another great feature is the patented wood chip loading. It’s located at the side of the unit so you can conveniently refill wood chips without having to open the smoker door! It also has a drip tray apart from the rear grease tray which makes it easy to clean.

The drawbacks we saw in this electric smoker is that you need to take good care of the digital control panel because without it, the unit won’t function. While this is a great outdoor electric smoker, make sure to not leave it under the rain. There’s no mention of waterproof and it might damage the control panel too.

Pros	Cons
+ Digital control panel + Patented side wood chip loading system + Fully-insulated + Includes air damper + Thermostat-temperature control + Removable drip pan, rear grease tray, and wood chip tray	– Highly dependent on digital control panel – No viewing panel

7. Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker – Simplest Electric Smoker

Some of us like it plain and simple. Especially when it comes with appliances. It’s less complicated yet it still gets the job done just like others. If you can relate, you might like to add Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker to your shortlist.

With this electric smoker, what you see is what you get. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating it though. What makes it unique is the fact that it has a larger wood chip box. That means it can go for hours without the need to refill it!

Plus, it has 3 smoking racks that totals to about 544 sq. in. of working space which is a decent size to serve the whole family. Lastly, judging by the looks, you can tell that this electric smoker is made of quality and durable material.  With dual heavy-duty door latches, it is able to maintain the temperature you’ve set.

There’s little to no way you could go mess up with this electric smoker. The only issue we found with this unit is the fact that it doesn’t come fully assembled. Meaning to say, you have to work through about 16 screws to piece the unit together.

Another thing is that it doesn’t work as efficiently when used in below zero temperature. Other than that, it can preserve heat well. If you’re in a state where the weather doesn’t really get that cold, this electric smoker is still a good choice.

Pros	Cons
+ Large-capacity wood chip box + Door mounted temperature gauge + Dual heavy-duty door latch	– Not insulated enough – Doesn’t come assembled

8. Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker – Most Portable Electric Grill

If you’re one of the users that love outdoor parties out of town, this electric smoker might be one of your best options. It’s compact and considerably lightweight for travels. At the same time, you won’t be missing out on features.

One of the things that make it stand out is that it has double-wall construction which makes it insulated enough to use in all kinds of weather.

Plus, 4 smoking racks that give you 725 sq. in. of working space. Now that is a decent size considering its portability.   Another is that it keeps running for hours without the need to refill wood chips!

Similar to other later models of electric smokers, the Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe has an LED display panel so you can set the temperature exactly how you want it. Plus, it comes with a remote control so you can manage the heat and probe the meat without having to go near the unit!

The only issue we found with this electric smoker is that it has a short vertical clearance in between the smoking racks. Meaning to say, smoking larger chunks of meat altogether can be quite impossible. You can remove a few racks, however, that’s going to entail you’re getting less working area too.

Pros	Cons
+ Insulated + LED Display control panel + Full viewing panel + With meat probe wire + Large wood chip storage	– Short vertical clearance

9. LANDMANN MCO 32954 Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker – Most Efficient Electric Smoker

When you bring an electric smoker on the go, you’re not always sure of the space you’ll have to work with. Even the surface! Good news, Landmann’s MCO 32954 is a good choice for those who are spontaneous and adventurous. It’s easy to use and adaptable to small spaces!

What’s unique about this electric smoker is that it has a 3-in-1 combination tray for wood chip box, water pan, and grease pan. Meaning to say, it’s a lot easier to clean. When you’re out, cleaning is one of the most tedious activities after a fun party that almost no one is up for it! With this smoker, you can finally clean faster with just having to worry about 1 tray!

Another unique feature is the adjustable feet. Yes, you read that right. At one point, you’ve experienced placing a unit to the ground and realized the surface is not level. That can be problematic especially if you’re smoking sausages! This electric smoker tries to solve that problem by having adjustable feet!

While this is proving to be a decent choice, we’ve found out that while it’s a great outdoor smoker, it doesn’t do as well in cooler temperatures. This can be an issue for some users. However, if you’re living in a place where temperature doesn’t always get that cold, this should still be a good choice.

Pros	Cons
+ Full view panel + 3-in-1 Combo Tray + With temperature gauge + Removable variable temperature control + Adjustable feet + Includes rear damper port	– Not enough insulation

10. Old Smokey Electric Smoker – Most Lightweight Electric Smoker

Among the electric smokers in our list, the Old Smokey Electric Smoker is the most unique in terms of design and how it works. It looks like a tin can but don’t think it’s anything less than it is. It’s compact yet it’s made of aluminized steel that makes smoking a lot more efficient.

One of the unique features of this electric smoker is that it doesn’t need water to function. Yes, that is possible. The Old Smokey Electric Smoker is very easy to start. After you’ve set your desired temperature, it’s basically good to go!

The package still includes a water pan, however, it’s not recommended to be used as is. Instead, it acts as a drip pan. This is because the flat top lid is designed to trap all of the juices within the unit. Given that, the juices just drip right back onto the food which makes your meal even more flavorful!

While this is a decent choice, especially for those who are always traveling and moving around, it also has its own drawbacks too. The main issue is that because of its material, the unit becomes heated all over, even on the outside! On the brighter side, this makes for even cooking.

Another thing is that the temperature is very hard to master. This electric smoker doesn’t come with a temperature gauge but it holds the temperature you’ve initially set well. It doesn’t help that the temperature dial is vague too.

Pros	Cons
+ Simple Startup + No water needed + Portable + Lightweight + Even heat distribution	– No built-in temperature gauge – Unit becomes hot – Vague temperature dial

Buyer’s Guide

Are electric smokers better than other smokers?

An electric smoker is a good option if you’re not permitted to use charcoal or propane in your area. Basically, this is better than having no smokers. Don’t mistake it for being inferior to other smokers though because it has its own benefits too. They’re mainly about plug-and-play convenience.

Are electric smokers faster?

Yes, it is actually one of the main benefits of using one. They cook faster because there’s no combustion inside the unit and airflow wouldn’t affect the capacity of the heating element. There’s less airflow inside the unit as well.

How often should you refill wood chips?

When it comes to replenishing wood chips, it varies for each electric smoker and how the wood chip tray is designed. However, the usual range is between 15 minutes to an hour.

Things to Consider 

Smoking Racks

When you’re getting an electric smoker, you need to first evaluate what types of food you’re going to smoke and the usual quantity you go for. This is because smoking rack designs differ in size and clearance. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one rack reserved for the bigger chunks of meat.

Temperature Setting

Smoking is almost like baking. When you’ve already set the temperature, as much as possible, you shouldn’t alter it. There are some smokers that are too vague in temperature and don’t really have gauges to guide you. It’s a great idea to look for smokers with digital panels. That way you can be exact on the temperature you’d like to smoke your food in.

Wood Chip Tray

This is one of the most crucial factors you should keep an eye on when buying an electric smoker. In fact, the capacity of the wood chip tray makes or breaks your smoking experience. As much as possible, go for a smoker that doesn’t burn the chips fast or else you will have to go back to the unit every so often to add more wood chips.

Final Words

It can be daunting to look for smokers that can produce smoked meals you can be proud of. Even with our list, the task can still be challenging! Don’t worry, we’ll make it easier for you.

If it were up to us, the leading electric smoker in this list would be Char-Broil 19202101 Deluxe Black Digital Electric Smoker. It has a decent cooking area plus the accurate temperature display helps a lot in making the best smoked meals. Top it off with the convenience of bluetooth connectivity! Of course, you may still want to search for other options that would best fit you. If that’s the case, you can check the Buyer’s Guide section of this article so you would know the important specs you should look for in an electric smoker. At the end of the day, we all just want the best tasting smoked meal from the best electric smoker!