11 Best Indoor Electric & Analog Smokers Reviewed [BE SAFE!]

If you’re looking to smoke delicious meats (and more) in the comfort of your home, your best option is an electric smoker, BUT you have the choice between a digital or an analog one.

Using an electric smoker is convenient, easy, and CAN BE just as flavorful as a pellet or even charcoal smoker. The secret lies in choosing the right smoker for your needs.

In this post, I’ll take a look at the best indoor smokers.

If you’re a beginner but looking to get something more advanced, you’ll absolutely love the simplicity of this Masterbuilt Front Controller Electric Smoker as well as its price. It’s a great intermediate model, easy to use, and with the consistently good results we are used to from this brand.

It’s got the front window and even Bluetooth-controlled temperature so I don’t have to sit with it or check it every half-hour or so while it cooks.

But there are a few more options, like an analog or a kettle smoker that might suit your needs more.

In this guide, you are going to learn everything you need to pick the right electric smoker.

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To make it easier, I have prepared a list of the best electric smokers based on my experience, these are the ones I always recommend to friends and family.

Best indoor electric smokers	Images
Best digital indoor electric smoker: Masterbuilt front controller Bluetooth	(view more images)
Best electric smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital	(view more images)
Most durable analog indoor electric smoker: Smoke Hollow 30 inch	(view more images)
Best cheap analog indoor electric smoker: Char-broil Analog	(view more images)
Best small electric smoker: Landmann USA 32948 Smoky Mountain	(view more images)
Best electric pellet smoker: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade	(view more images)
Best small indoor kettle smoker: Nordic Ware	(view more images)
Best pressure smoker: Emson 8303 Electric Smoker	(view more images)
Best indoor smoker for restaurants: Smokin-It Model #1	(view more images)
Best 6-rack digital smoker: Bradley BTDS108P	(view more images)
Best large size smoker: Cookshack SM066 AmeriQue	(view more images)

Also read: 7 Best BBQ Smoker recipe cookbooks from beginner to advanced

Buyer’s guide: what to look for in an indoor smoker?

We are living in a technologically advanced world that has offered us incredibly useful devices to play with. Among the equipment that makes life easier, vibrant, and convenient is the modest electric smoker.

You may be wondering why you need one. Well, we’re going to tell you that there are several reasons why it’s a good idea to have one at your disposal.

One of the best reasons is the fact that the best electric smoker is capable of delivering smoky and tender food without requiring a lot of time and effort on your part.

Type of indoor smoker

Front-Loading Smokers

A front-loading model is the new and popular kind of electric smoker. It offers quick and easy access to the smoker as you simply need to open its door like your standard refrigerator.

Most front-loading smokers, especially the higher-end ones, come with viewing windows. Their doors may also be made of all-glass. More often than not, thermostats are added, as well as wood chips and water pans.

Still, you should check a model’s door design as not all electric smokers have sensible door handles. There are those that need to be pulled downwards or sideward after you throw latches that attach the doors to the equipment.

Additionally, you should be aware that how tight the door and the body of an electric smoker are held together will affect your machine’s cooking speed and temperature regulation.

Top-Loading Smoker

Vertical water smokers or top-loading smokers are suspended over pans of water that sit over heating elements. Their design enables water to hold or maintain temperature for an extended period of time.

Water captures smoke. This means the more moisture your meat has, the more ingrained the smoke will be.

Such a smoker is known to work extremely well in warm weather. The only problem is when it is operated during cold months as water will struggle in holding a steady temperature.

If you want this type of electric smoker, it pays to consider the climate in your local area or the specific time of year you’ll be cooking.

Construction Material

The materials that are used in a smoker’s construction will dictate how well the equipment can hold the optimal temperature as well as its overall durability. The materials that manufacturers commonly use are the following:

• Aluminum
• Stainless Steel
• Powdered Steel

As for the racks, they’re mostly made of:

• Chrome
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminum

The electrical cord of a digital electric smoker can be 3-12 ft long, so you have to take into account how near or far the nearest electrical outlet is to where you plan on placing your new kitchen toy.

Of course, you have the option of using outdoor extensions cords, but make sure that they have sufficient amperage.

Door/Seal

As you are on the lookout for an electric smoker online, it is likely that you will purchase it on Amazon. Because you won’t be able to inspect the equipment until it arrives on your doorstep, we suggest you read customer reports on the following:

• How well the door keeps cold air out and prevent humid air and/or smoke from escaping
• If there is a handle for the door as there are models that come with latches which are incredibly awkward to use
• In case there’s a window for viewing, check if it does not impact thermal insulation or if it does not cause air to leak

The best electric smoker Amazon can have a door that’s made of either solid metal or glass. The door may also have a window or thermostat set in.

Portability

If you will be able to dedicate a specific spot for your electric smoker in your patio or yard, then portability won’t be a concern. If not, you would want the equipment that is more mobile, especially if your local climate requires you to move it for storage.

In such a case, you need sturdy handles that will let you pick the smoker up. An even better option is a set of wheels that will offer maneuverability without heavy lifting.

Can you move the electrical smoker around easily? Are you going to keep it in one specific spot on your patio all year round?

The main thing to consider is that the smoker has to be positioned near an electrical outlet so you can plug it in and use it. Moving it from storage to the cooking spot can be hard, especially if the smoker is huge.

So, consider getting a portable unit with sturdy wheels and handles so you can maneuver it.

Performance

The performance of the best electric smokers 2019 relies on several different aspects, but the key is power.

Their power determines the amount of time your equipment takes to get to a certain temperature, the amount of food that it can handle at one time, as well as how long it can sustain a specific temperature. The wattage of smokers can be 500 to 1400 watts.

Longevity

How long a machine can last is definitely a sensible consideration, most especially when you’ll be spending hundreds or even thousands of your hard-earned money.

Best electric smoker consumer reports are great resources as they will give you an inkling of a smoker’s lifespan. Apart from its longevity, you will also get a good grasp of how your local climate will impact the amount of use you can get out of the smoker.

It is critical because if you’re thinking of getting an electric smoker that is constructed from light metal, that may be perfectly fine but don’t expect your kitchen toy to last you several years if you experience high humidity constantly.

Consider as well the parts that are likely to break down. You’ll find that the simpler the electric smoker is, the better your experience of it and the longer it will last your family.

Size and cooking capacity

The larger the smoker, the more meat you can smoke at once. A 30 or 40-inch smoker is usually enough for most people. That gives you a few racks for the food.

Smokers come in a wide range of sizes, most ‘average sized’ ones are between 35 and 40 inches, while small and mobile models are between 25 and 50 inches in size.

For the bigger smokers, the price increase can be quite hefty, so be prepared.

Consider how much patio space you have for an outdoor electrical smoker. If you want a small apartment-friendly smoker, you’ll need to think small.

It all comes down to your personal needs. Giant smokers are only necessary for pros and restaurants.

Height

For most people, the height of a smoker does not matter at all but if you will be playing with the smoker a lot, you wouldn’t want to be doing a lot of crouching or stooping just to check your meats.

An electric smoker’s height will prove to be crucial as well if you experience a limited range of movement.

For an extra cost, some of the electric smokers under 300 come with stands or legs to raise them for at least a foot from the ground.

How easy or hard it is to clean your new equipment is critical as its cleanup can impact the smoker‘s longevity. It will also affect the amount of enjoyment you get out of it.

The components of a smoker can rust if they’re not cleaned after every use. This means if your smoker asks too much of your time for its scraping, scrubbing, and wiping, then you won’t get as much fun and use from it.

Budget

While the selection of electric smokers isn’t that big, defining your budget will still make it easier for you to look for a new smoker.

If a lower price is important to you, look for simple, small-sized models.

Cost of smoking per hour

I’ve calculated how much it costs you to run the smoker per hour. It all depends on the heating element, how powerful it is, and how much electricity it consumes, and the electricity rates in your area.

So, if you’re curious to know how much it will add to your utility bill, check out this chart for reference. The costs are all estimates.

How much you cook and what

Do you want to smoke meat, fish, cheese, veg, or all of the above? Are you going to be smoking large racks of ribs or small chicken breasts?

All of these will affect the choice of the grill, so make sure you have your goals in mind before you click ‘buy’.

Features & controls

Make sure that your smoker has a modern temperature adjusting system.

It should include a digital controller that is often equipped with other features including a timer or the option to add temperature probes.

Bluetooth and wireless temperature control are great features to have. Digital displays are a must-have so you can see the temperature at all times.

Look for smokers with plenty of control options, buttons, and digital controls. WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy for you to smoke from a distance and if you want something like that, look for smart units.

Cold smoking

Would you like to try smoked cheese, fish, or other more ‘delicate’ foods? If so, make sure the smoker you purchase can be set at a low temperature.

Some smokers include a cold smoking kit which is sold separately. Don’t try and do your cold smoking without one!

Low temperatures don’t produce a lot of smoke, so a cold smoking kit ensures that the food is infused with good flavor and your results are absolutely delicious.

Ok, so the most asked question when looking at buying an electric smoker is:

Best indoor smokers reviewed

Best digital indoor electric smoker: Masterbuilt front controller Bluetooth

What do you do about the autumn and winter seasons?

You certainly can’t smoke food outdoors due to the dropping temperatures. So you no choice but to do it indoors.

The best smoker grill for the job is the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker or any other electric smoker as long as it doesn’t use gas, charcoal, or wood for fuel.

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Using highly combustible fuel in indoor grilling is unsafe that’s why we opted for the electric grill. You’ll enjoy the vertically arranged designs of the 30 and 40-inch electric smokers from Masterbuilt.

These grills are the best space-saving grills around. This is the best smoker for you if you’re renting a small flat or a condo.

You can smoke up to 3 or 4 different foods at a time with the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker which means that you’ll also save half the time to cook your meals! Meals you can cook with the electric smoker include:

• Fish fillets
• Steaks
• Pork chops
• Hamburgers
• Vegetables

Electric smokers can only cook easy-to-cook meals. So, you don’t shove the whole turkey in there for Thanksgiving or chunks of meat that are larger than 5 square inches.

It is not designed for those kinds of food and either your electric smoker will break down or your food won’t cook thoroughly. So only cook foods that are mentioned above and only cook them in small sizes.

The size of the grill rack in the Masterbuilt should tell you the maximum volume of content that can fit inside this vertically stacked grill, and it’s a lot!

Smoker features

• Material: stainless steel
• Cooking space: 4 racks
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: digital
• Built-in thermometer: 1 meat probe thermometer included
• Bluetooth: yes

Check out the latest prices and availability here

Masterbuilt MB20074719 vs Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Deluxe

If you want a little bit more ‘excitement’ or features from your electric smoker, then the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is the product you need.

While it has the same size cooking area (30 inches) as the Masterbuilt above, it comes with several additional features.

One of the most notable features is the double-wall – which helps improve insulation.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the glass on the front. The manufacturers say that it’s meant to help you see your item without opening the door, but truthfully, you can’t see much due to the smoke.

I do like it, it’s why we’ve reviewed it on the site as well and it’s a bit more budget-friendly, but the Bluetooth features on the Masterbuilt are a lot more robust, which lets you sit back and do something else with complete confidence.

Best electric smoker for beginners: Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital

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Whether you are a newbie to smoking or switching to electric, you need an electric smoker that’s easy to use, not too large, and comes with digital controls.

The Masterbuilt 30 inch is a vertical smoker that’s powered by a powerful heating element, and it’s a great option for beginners. This smoker comes with everything you need: a water pan, drip tray, wood chip tray, and four chrome-plated racks.

In terms of design, it’s very stylish, made of steel, comes in black, and looks like a mini-fridge, so it adds a nice touch to any backyard patio.

It has a low profile, so you’re going to need to get a stand for it too.

The smoker is very budget-friendly but has the quality you’d expect from Masterbuilt – they’re the masters of electric smokers, after all!

I’d say this smoker is the perfect mid-sized unit for the up-and-coming pitmaster. Four racks is enough to get you smoking ribs, pork butts, turkey, or six whole chickens at once.

Check out this video on how to smoke country-style pork ribs in this smoker:

I also appreciate that the smoker is well insulated so that you can use it all year.

But what really recommends this unit as the perfect beginner-friendly model is its top-mounted digital control panel. Therefore, you can see the temperature clearly without having to open the smoker.

As well, the integrated thermostat is of pretty good quality, and you can use it for reference. The wood chips are loaded at the side, so there is no hassle adding them.

Overall, this smoker is just easy to use!

This small, simple smoker is the perfect choice for anyone who is beginning their ‘smoking journey’! It’s compact, really easy to use, and comes at a very affordable price.

And if you’re looking for inspiration, there are loads of video clips on the internet by fans of the product who share their tips and tricks for using this smoker to do some spectacular, delicious meals.

It comes with a digital panel that allows for a range of temperatures from 100 to 275 degrees F.

Once you select a temperature and hit ‘start’, you’re done! You don’t have to worry about anything else as the built-in thermostat will take over from you and ensure your items are smoked to perfection.

I picked the 30-inch size as it is cheaper, smaller and I find it better for beginners. If at any moment you decide that smoking is something for you, you can replace this model with the much bigger 40-inch.

In practice, I have to admit that the smoker’s insulation is very good which makes the temperature stable.

On top of that, I like the ability to buy a cold smoking attachment which will make it easy to produce smoke at lower temperatures.

Electric smokers are not among the most durable ones but when it comes to Masterbuilt models, the quality for this kind of money is completely satisfying.

You don’t need many gadgets and a weird structure for smoking, as these only inflate the price, if you have a limited budget or you simply want to buy a great electric smoker for as low as possible, then this is a perfect choice.

Pros

• Price – This model comes in at an extremely affordable price and is the perfect option for beginners
• Size – 30-inch smoker. Includes four chrome-coated racks which can smoke up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 racks of ribs, or 4 pork butts.
• Quality – Fair quality for the price
• Cold smoking? – A separate cold smoking kit can be purchased

Cons

• Mobility – This is not a particularly mobile product. It weighs in at 45.9 pounds and of course, it needs to be put close to a power outlet.
• Features – It includes limited features compared to other electric smokers on the market, but does have everything you need for a novice including 4 smoking racks, digital temperature control, and a patented wood chip loading system.

Smoker features

• Material: steel
• Cooking space: 4 racks
• Drip tray: yes (rear access)
• Temperature controls: digital
• Built-in thermometer: built-in temperature gauge
• Bluetooth: no

Check the price on Amazon

Most durable analog indoor electric smoker: Smoke Hollow 30 inch

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We all want or even dream about having the greatest and latest electric smoker Amazon with all the tempting bells and whistles; however, our bank accounts just won’t cooperate!

Fortunately, Smoke Hollow’s 26-inch Electric Smoker understands our struggles. It is one of the most basic electric smokers around, so you can rely on it to fit your set budget. Yes, it is not a high-tech smoker that you can brag about, but it does not fail in producing quality-tasting food.

Best of all, it does so at an incredibly affordable price!

What we love about this unit is it offers you several temperature levels, so you can smoke on high heat and prepare your meats quickly. You can also smoke food at low heat and slowly for days. With this electric smoker, you also get ample space for cooking for an entire family.

It also comes with the basic features that are needed with such kind of kitchen equipment like 2 cooking grids, a wood chip tray, a drip pan, insulated walls, and a temperature gauge.

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As for the latch of the smoker’s door, it is attached to the unit’s body using a magnetic latching system that secures the entire unit automatically.

This makes the smoker like a fridge with its tight seal. It is effective at keeping in heat and smoke within the smoker to give it a consistent environment suitable for cooking.

It comes with two handles as well that are added to both sides of the smoker. The handles will let you transport the unit easily. Although this 26-inches does not come with wheels, it can still be considered as mobile.

Smoker features

• Material: steel
• Cooking space: 1.3 cu ft.
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: adjustable analog
• Built-in thermometer: yes but basic
• Bluetooth: no

Check the latest prices and availability here

Best cheap analog indoor electric smoker: Char-broil Analog

This analog smoker is well insulated and has a double-wall construction. It also has a removable food thermometer and a heavy-duty door for great durability.

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Moreover, it has a large stainless steel locking fastener for a smoke-tight seal.

Since using charcoal smokers is a time-consuming procedure and requires a lot of attention. This electric smoker makes grilling easy with 1000 square inches of internal cooking space.

It contains four adjustable smoking racks and provides the capacity to prepare and grill various kinds of food and in large quantities as well.

It has no hassle and is easy to use. All that is needed to do is waiting for your savory meal to be ready with a great smoked meat flavor.

It has a double insulated built-in wall that locks in the heat and steam and keeps the surroundings smoke-free and its advanced control panel monitors and adjusts the temperature of the grill itself.

Other than this, some additional features include a large capacity Smokebox, a Removable temperature gauge, a Warming feature that keeps the food inside the smoker warm, and an 8.5-Cup High-capacity grease tray that makes grease cleaning easy.

The char-broil smoker works exceptionally well for large amounts of food because of its large space. It can prepare food for a group of 10 or more people easily.

The fire access doors, air dampers, and smoking racks give the user sufficient control over the smoker.

Smoker features

• Material: steel, chrome-plated wire grates
• Cooking space: 544 sq inches
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: adjustable analog
• Built-in thermometer: yes, door mounted
• Bluetooth: no

Check it out here on Amazon

Best small electric smoker: Landmann USA 32948 Smoky Mountain

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A 26-inch electric smoker is the perfect small-sized smoker for everyday use. If you don’t smoke food regularly, you likely don’t need a big smoker that takes up half of the patio space.

This one is small and compact but still offers enough cooking space. It has three racks and a really unique 3-in-1 tray that hold the water pan, wood chip tray, and grease tray in one place.

The smoker is portable and easy to carry from place to place as it has iron-wrought handles and adjustable feet. It is also lightweight (30 pounds), sturdy, durable, and will last you for years.

To get an idea of its practical size, have a look at this video from Landmann:

When it comes to cooking, it’s easy to do with this one because it has vents at the rear, which lets you release the air if the temperature gets too hot.

This smoker lacks the “smart” features of many other similar products. Therefore, if you struggle with managing the temperature and need remote control or Bluetooth, this might be hard to use.

However, this is a basic smoker, and it costs less than $200, so it’s perfect for occasional smoking.

If brisket is your favorite, you don’t need anything fancier than this electric smoker. It infuses the food with that tasty wood smoke, and it’s an overall great small unit.

Smoker features

• Material: steel
• Cooking space: 431 sq inches
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: plug-in temperature controller, analog
• Built-in thermometer: yes
• Bluetooth: no

Check prices and availability here

Also read: At What Temperature do Wood Chips Smoke? Guide to Getting it Right

Best electric pellet smoker: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade

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The pellet smoker is the best compromise between a fully electric model and a charcoal unit which can be hard to use. This budget-friendly pellet smoker is versatile and suitable for all kinds of cooking needs, not just smoking.

You can grill, braise, roast, bake, and even rotisserie. But you don’t have to struggle to start the grill because it has an electrical plug, so you start it, and the pellet combustion method creates heat.

There is plenty of cooking space (19.2×26 inches), so you can even smoke big briskets and rib racks or whole chickens. How about a classic pellet smoker beer can chicken?

You can even cook whole large turkeys, so it’s a useful smoker to have.

Check out this video with a review and a nice sweet potato recipe:

The temperature is quite easy to control because the unit has digital temperature controls. Z Grills is the type of grill and smoker with automated temperature control and optimal heat distribution.

Unlike fully electric smokers, you will still need to monitor the grill and the temperature frequently. However, you get a wider temperature range between 180 to 450 degrees, which is more than most electric smokers.

Smoker features

• Material: stainless steel with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
• Cooking space: 700 sq inches
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: digital
• Built-in thermometer: no
• Bluetooth: no

Check the latest prices here

Best small indoor kettle smoker: Nordic Ware

Nordic Ware Kettle is an electrical smoker available on Amazon via various sellers. The model is specifically designed for easy indoor cooking.

It is easy to handle and measures 6-7/8 by 13 by 13-1/2 inches and weighs 8.16 pounds while the total shipping weight is 9.3 pounds.

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It has a cover with a high dome which allows for maximum food capacity. It grills the food easily and the best part is that it can be used indoors as well for times it is freezing outside.

However, it is not recommended to use this smoker at a very high temperature. A temperature range of 190-210 Fahrenheit is ideal for this to turn the raw food into something delicious.

The smoker is originally made in the USA whereas the thermometer used in it is imported from China and the handle is from Taiwan.

This smoker is specially designed to promote culinary creativity for every season and both outdoor and indoor use.

It provides the users with an all-rounder experience and taste when grilled either indoors or outdoors.

Why is this grill special?

This cooker is the only full line of indoor and outdoor grill cookware. It can be used to grill meat, steaks, barbecue, vegetables, or even seafood while it infuses the food with rich and smoky flavor and promotes the overall ambiance of the food.

The device consists of various parts including a high-dome cover, the base pan, water pan, nonstick smoking rack, thermometer, and wooden chips. It is user-friendly, easy to use, and easy to clean.

And because it comes with a thermometer, it is easy to monitor the internal temperature of the smoker as well.

The height of the lid makes it easy to add a steamer rack which is ideal to grill foods like chicken legs, thighs, wings, and vegetables, etc. It also comes with two packs of wood chips in it with apple and oak flavors.

The wood chips can be crushed to a powder that is perfect to use with this smoker. It also comes with a recipe booklet that you can use to cook any dish of your choice.

The smoker gives the food a smoky flavor and the surrounding air a very subtle smoky ambiance but doesn’t smoke up the room.

On a wider note, it is a brilliantly designed smoker which facilitates easy grilling and is worth its cost. To use it ideally, scatter the wood chips or the wood chips powder on the base of the kettle evenly.

Line the water pan with a foil sheet or any heat-tolerant sheet and put it in and put the rack on the top. Use the holes around the edge of the rack to put in a knife when the rack needs lifting.

Smoker features

• Material: aluminized steel
• Cooking space: 6-7/8 by 13 by 13-1/2 inches
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: no
• Built-in thermometer: yes
• Bluetooth: no

Check it out here on Amazon

Best Pressure Smoker: Emson 8303 Electric Smoker

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This innovative product is a combination of a pressure cooker and a smoker. It is lightweight, easy to use, and compact.

You can cook up to 4lb. of food at once, enough to feed a small family.

It is designed for indoor use, thus it’s safe and smoke-free. This innovative smoker reduces cooking time by up to 50%, which means you are using less electricity and cooking faster.

As well, it reduces the calories of smoked foods.

• The smoker has digital time and temperature settings.
• It can cook, sear, and cold smoke. Cold smoke is excellent for cheese.
• The smoker has a compartment for wood chips. The chips release their flavor which infuses the food as it cooks.
• All you need is 3 to 5 pieces of wood chips to smoke 4lb. of food.
• You can use this cooker as a smoker or a pressure cooker because it’s a 2 in 1 device.

All in all, this is an excellent small-sized smoker for your apartment.

Smoker features

• Material: stainless steel
• Cooking space: 5 qt
• Drip tray: no
• Temperature controls: digital
• Built-in thermometer: no
• Bluetooth: no

Check it out here on Amazon

Best indoor smoker for restaurants: Smokin-It Model #1

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It would not be a top 10 list of the best electric smokers without the Model #1 Digital Electric Smoker of Smokin-It. It is quite a small model, smaller than most Smokin’-It digital smokers.

Despite its size, it is known for its thoughtful design, high-end construction, as well as features that are uncommon for electric smokers like its compression-fit door latching system, sturdy side handles, a 12-ft power cord, and heavy-duty casters.

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This unit does not require you to go through a complex process for its assembly. All you have to do is install its interior parts and casters, and you can instantly start using it!

The fact that Smokin’-It added hickory blocks to the package shows their initiative, which definitely added points from us.

Model #1 is made entirely out of premium, heavy-gauge stainless steel. As mentioned earlier, its internal capacity, is 468 square inches, which can be too small for some, but trust us when we say you will still be able to have enough space for the smoking of multiple chickens or a turkey that’s in size.

Smokin-it model #1 vs #2

The brother of Smokin’-It’s Model #1, Model #2 is bigger and better! It is capable of holding 36 pounds of meat and vegetables, and it runs on Smokin’- Its new 800W heating element.

But, just like its younger brother, the Model #2 makes use of the same quality 16-gauge stainless steel for its construction.

Model #2 Electric Smoker is certified for commercial use. It has the power cord that we love as well, which is 12 ft long. If you are a serious meat-smoker, then we are certain you will love this unit.

As mentioned above, it is restaurant-grade from its solid build which is like a wrecking ball. If ever the heating element gets damaged after years of use, replacing it is possible and easy as you simply need to clip in the replacement.

We know you’re dying to know why we’re considering this as the third best electric smoker! Apart from being solid and big, you can’t really find anything to fault in the unit. Its results are amazingly well. It is of high quality and it is reliable. What’s more, it is under $500!

The entire unit measures 24 x 30 x 22 in and it weighs a total of 114 lbs.

Why you should buy the Model #1

Unlike most smokers that we are used to, this unit does not require a water tray for its operation. It’s able to pull this off because of its 90% airtight cabinet that diminishes the natural moisture of meats from evaporating. Of course, we were skeptical. But, the pork butt and chicken we smoked were juicy!

My next suggestion might get you seriously surprised, as it only takes third place on my list due to its high price. In terms of quality, durability, insulation, and mobility, however, it undoubtedly takes the first place.

It doesn’t come with unnecessary electronics, a digital controller, remote control, and many other gadgets. The manufacturer focused on very high quality which makes it a solidly built and durable electric smoker.

See how it works to smoke two whole chickens in one of these:

In terms of durability, there’s no point comparing it to my other suggestions, it’s a whole different level but remember that to a large degree it is also impacted by the price, which is also much higher.

A simple yet solid controller plus only the essential elements are the keys to a significantly lower risk of malfunctions.

In practice, based on multiple reviews, it is not only a very solidly built smoker but also one very unlikely to malfunction.

Smokin-It Model #1 was made entirely of high-quality steel, even elements as minor as the wheels were solidly made which makes it one of the few mobile electric smokers at this size.

I also need to mention the great insulation in this smoker, the structure and the glass fiber gaskets work great. It is one of the few smokers that can boast such a stable temperature and the ability to smoke in poorer weather conditions.

It doesn’t have too much space, but it stands out with the high quality of workmanship and mobility.

Pros

• Size – Smoker Model #1 has the capacity to hold up to 21 pounds of meat or seafood
• Quality – This electric smoker is made from 100% 18 gauge, 201 stainless steel and is designed for ease of use and portability
• Cold smoking? – An additional external cold smoke generator can be purchased. This is designed for cold smoking at temperatures below 100 F degrees
• Mobility – Every “Smokin-It” Model #1 smoker comes with four heavy-duty 3-inch diameter casters

Cons

• Price – It’s a hefty price! But the quality is worth it
• Features – This model is short on features. It does include three stainless steel grilling racks, a smokebox, a drip pan that slides under the smoker, and a rheostat for temperature control from 100F to 250F degrees

Smoker features

• Material: stainless steel
• Cooking space: 18 pounds of meat
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: rheostat
• Built-in thermometer: yes
• Bluetooth: no

Check availability here

Best 6-rack digital smoker: Bradley BTDS108P

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The Bradley Digital 6-Rack Smoker is one of the most eye-catching electric smokers out there. This is because it features a design that isn’t the “norm.” Specifically, this article is talking about the attached smoking box.

The smoking box is where you place your wood chips, and it’s filed like an ammo magazine style. Since the smoking box is attached to the main smoker, there’s no need to disturb your cooking to replace the wood chips.

Also, since the smoking box will automatically consume a wood chip if it detects that it’s running out, it offers great convenience. You can simply load your wood chips, walk away and let the electric smoker do everything.

The Bradley Digital 6-Rack Smoker is also a very modern electric smoker. The settings, which are in the smokebox, are operated through a touchscreen. The display is very bright so you can operate it in sunny or dark conditions.

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Operating the Bradley Digital 6-Rack Smoker is also effortless. In most cases, you will just need to set the heat level and period. Once the timer is up, the smoker will automatically shut off. Hence, burning your food is something that shouldn’t normally happen.

Another modern feature of the Bradley Digital 6-Rack Smoker is Bluetooth connectivity. This means it can connect to your tab, desktop, laptop or smartphone.

If you want to make use of this feature, you will have to download the dedicated Bradley app. With it, you can control the settings. Also, the app can notify you if the Bradley Digital 6-Rack Smoker is done with the cooking.

Keep in mind that Bradley Digital 6-Rack Smoker makes use of two heating elements. One is for the cooking of the food. The other one is dedicated to heating the wood chip and producing smoke.

For the downsides, the Bradley Digital 6-Rack Smoker doesn’t have wheels, so it’s not very portable compared to other electric smokers. It’s advertised as an outdoor smoker, but keep in mind that it can’t stay upright against strong winds.

Smoker features

• Material: stainless steel
• Cooking space: 780 sq inches
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: digital
• Built-in thermometer: yes
• Bluetooth: no

Check the latest prices here

Best large-size smoker: AmeriQue Electric Smoker SM066 by Cookshack

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We’re now getting closer to the best electric smoker, but let’s first talk about the alternative of the 1st placer, which is the AmeriQue Electric Smoker of Cookshack.

The reason why it bags 2nd place on our list of the best electric smokers is that of its spacious cooking area of 1,008 square inches! Yes, that’s right.

It has a large smoking capacity that’s up to 50 lbs. Its multiple shelves are all nickel-plated and it has a drip pan that’s made of stainless steel for a quick and easy cleanup.

Being an outstanding piece of kitchen equipment, it is on the higher end range which is also supported by its superior quality construction.

It’s a kitchen toy that will not fail to offer the easiest and most convenient smoking of food that’s enough for an entire weekend party.

As it’s user-friendly, it has garnered a huge following. The large racks of this incredible smoker can hold several Boston butts, entire racks of ribs, and whole briskets. They can be smoked overnight and result to tender, juicy, and delicious meats.

Smoker features

• Material: stainless steel
• Cooking space: 1008 sq inches
• Drip tray: yes
• Temperature controls: digital
• Built-in thermometer: yes
• Bluetooth: no

Check the latest prices here

FAQ electric smokers

Can electric smokers be used indoors?

Electric smokers can definitely be used indoors and any electric smoker will do, as long as it doesn’t use gas, charcoal, or wood for fuel. Using highly combustible fuel in indoor grilling is unsafe. That’s why most people in small condos use an electric smoker grill.

Are electric smokers faster than pellet/coal smokers?

Electric smokers are very convenient when it comes to their temperature and their speed. They are “set and forget” products.

You turn them on, identify the correct temperature, and then let the smoker do all the hard work. You don’t need to worry about a thing.

When it comes to pellet smokers there’s a lot more manual work involved. You constantly have to check the temperature and adjust it. This takes more time and is less accurate than an electric smoker.

Can I use an electric smoker for cold smoking?

Yes! They are one of the best kinds of smokers to use for cold smoking as you can set them to smoke ‘low and slow’ for a long period of time.

Get the perfect cheese, fish, and veggies by purchasing a cold smoking kit. You won’t regret it!

Learn here How to Cold Smoke Bacon at Home

Do electric smokers create flames?

Some neighborhoods have banned smokers and charcoal grills due to fire risks. An electric smoker doesn’t create any kind of flame. The heat comes from an element.

This means they are the perfect option for neighborhoods where traditional grills are banned.

Do electric smokers break easily?

An electric smoker, as the name suggests, contains many elements in its structure that rely on electricity. They include the temperature controlling system or the heating element as well as other features.

Their unquestionable advantage is usefulness, but the greatest downside is sadly being prone to malfunctions and pretty expensive repairs in many situations.

What type of smoker infuses the best flavor into food?

While there are many types of smokers out there, the electric smoker doesn’t infuse the strongest flavor into your food items. A charcoal smoker is definitely better at this.

However, this doesn’t mean that your meal is tasteless. Electric smokers just create a more gentle, subtle smokey flavor as opposed to the charcoal or pellet kind.

Is your mouth watering yet?

I can just taste those pork ribs, smoked chicken sandwiches, and smokey sausages! Now that you have a good overview of what to look out for when purchasing your new electric smoker, it’s time to start cooking!

To start with, try these Top 10 BBQ Smoker Recipes Out There | From ribs to veggies

Do electric smokers produce carbon monoxide?

An electric smoker produces only trace amounts of carbon monoxide. Generally, this is not dangerous but be careful. Commonly, an electric smoker produces a lot less carbon monoxide than a regular outdoor smoker.

Be careful if you use your smoker in a tight space, open a window, and let air in. The device you buy must be specifically made for indoor use so that it doesn’t emit carbon monoxide.

You may also want to read Fish Tacos for My New Brinkmann Grill

Why you need an electric smoker

Spring and summer span 6 months of each calendar year. These are the favorite months of smokers and barbecue grill enthusiasts to smoke food outdoors.

The summer heat and the least amount of rainfall during these months make smoking food a challenge.

The best time to smoke outdoor is the late afternoon or evening. But, you can smoke indoors at any time.

Whether it’s in your own backyard, or out camping on parks, or maybe you prefer a more scenic place like near the cliffs of The Grand Canyon. Grilling your favorite recipes is best done during the summer and spring seasons.

Why are indoor smokers useful?

The main reason why you need an indoor smoker is due to size. A traditional smoker requires lots of space outdoors and then additional storage space on the patio or in the garage.

An indoor smoker uses fewer utilities and wood thus it saves you money. And finally, there is less smoke and smell.

Are electric smokers allowed in apartments?

Yes, electric smokers can be used indoors and in apartments and condos. Unlike charcoal, gas, or wood-fired grills, electric smokers don’t use a highly combustible fuel source; therefore, they are safe for indoor use.

However, keep in mind that an electric smoker will still smoke up the apartment, and if your neighbors are sensitive, you might get complaints.

Just to be safe, check the apartment rules and regulations regarding grilling and smoking.

Can I use electric smokers indoors?

Yes, some models are suitable for apartment use and general indoor use. Commercial smokers are used in restaurants to smoke meat and other foods. Wet wood chips are heated, and they smoke your food, infusing it with yummy flavors.

These indoor smokers are quite good. They come with their own set of advantages. First, an indoor electric smoker is smaller than the outdoor one. This means it requires a lot less wood to smoke food, which saves you money on wood chips.

Next, they run on electricity but use less than larger smokers. It’s great if you want to reduce utility bills.

Can you use an electric smoker in the garage?

It’s not very safe to use your electric smoker in the garage if it’s an outdoor smoker. The reason is that these smokers cause smoke damage to the garage.

Plus, they will make your whole garage smell like smoke, and that’s not good if you store other objects there.

Strong ventilation is a must-have in the garage, but I recommend avoiding smoking there. Carbon monoxide poisoning is still a danger when you smoke in the garage, so avoid it and stay safe.

Will an electric smoker work in cold weather?

Yes, you can use an electric smoker in cold weather. However, there are certain challenges you’ll face and need to prepare for.

But don’t let cold weather discourage you. When the temperatures drop, the exterior of your electric smoker cools down and as a result, the temperature in your smoker’s chamber will drop too.

This is an even bigger challenge when the wind blows hard.

Snow, rain, wind, and cold weather all have a negative effect on your electric smoker. So, you’ll notice that the temperature in the smoker keeps dropping.

Therefore, the challenge is maintaining the right and even temperature throughout the smoking process.

It’s going to take longer for your smoker to reach the desired temperature. Then, when it’s cold, you need to add extra cooking time.

When the temperature outside is below 45 F, you must smoke for an extra twenty minutes per pound of meat.

Can you use an electric smoker in the rain?

You’re likely wondering if you can use your smoker when it rains and if it’s safe to do so.

The problem with smoking in the rain is that you need to open the top vent as you smoke. But if it rains, the water will trickle down all the way to the food, and that’s not a good thing.

This scenario is unlikely to unfold because most electric smokers are made for outdoor smoking, and the weather is unpredictable. The smoker should withstand inclement weather like rain.

The good news is that you can still smoke when it rains. However, you might encounter some hurdles.

First, the smoker might get rusty.

Second, your grease catcher can become full of water, so you’ll have to keep emptying it during the smoking process.

Then, the third biggest issue is the water in the top vent I mentioned earlier. A simple fix is a piece of aluminum foil loosely covering the vent like a mini tent.

The final and last potentially dangerous aspect of smoking in the rain is your electrical outlet. Make sure to use a grounded GFCI outlet.

Then always put something under the electrical cords so that they are not sitting on the wet ground. If you can cover them, do that also.

For your own safety, never stand in water while you touch the smoker.

Can you use an electric smoker overnight?

Sure, it is possible to smoke all night; however, it’s not quite safe. Even when you smoke meat for a long time overnight, it still needs to be monitored.

Make sure to set the alarm and check on the smoker every couple of hours. Also make sure there is enough water in the pan and top up the wood chips.

The bottom line is that it’s never safe to leave electrical equipment unattended overnight.

Can you use aluminum foil in an electric smoker?

Many recipes call for wrapping meat in aluminum foil. You’re probably wondering if it’s safe to do so in an electric unit.

The answer is that yes, you can use aluminum foil in electric smokers.

The only broader health concern is the potentially toxic elements of the foil seeping into the food.

Are electric smokers healthy?

Generally speaking, electric smokers are safe and healthy to use. In fact, compared to other smokers like charcoal ones, electric smokers are healthier.

They reduce the amount of smoke that leaks out, so you’re not breathing in as many toxic fumes. These electric units also have no flare-ups from open flames.

The food is tasty, and the hot air convection system is not a danger to human health in any way. Electric smokers eliminate the buildup of carcinogenic particles from charcoal. Thus, they are the healthiest smokers out there.

Accessories for electric smokers

Accessories are the perfect way to customize your electric smoker. They can help you get the most out of your device and make smoking easier, so you should keep an eye out for these accessories.

The 6 best accessories for electric smokers:

1. An electric smoker cover – this is absolutely essential in order to protect your smoker outside. Without an electric smoker cover, the unit gets damaged and rusty when it gets wet and rained on.
2. Wireless meat thermometer – without a good external thermometer, it’s hard to know the exact temperature inside the smoker. The built-in thermometers are usually pretty inaccurate. I recommend a wireless thermostat because you can always know the temperature even if you are away from the unit.
3. Additional racks for smoking all kinds of meat like sausages, jerky, seafood, etc. Because of their shape, you need special racks to hang sausages. That’s why you’ll need to invest in additional racks for your electric smoker.
4. Electric smoker stand – a stand is what you put the smoker on if you want it to be higher, especially indoors. A stand raises the smoker at least 16 inches so that you have easy access to it and don’t need to squat.
5. Smoker insulation blankets – it’s a blanket and smoker cover, but it insulates the heat so that it stays inside the smoker and doesn’t escape. You’re supposed to use the insulation blanket in the winter during cold months when it takes longer to smoke. By keeping the heat inside, the blanket helps maintain a constant temperature in the smoker.
6. Special heatproof gloves – heat-resistant gloves are a must-have because they help you handle and maneuver your smoker safely. With a silicone grip, the gloves don’t get hot and also help against slipping. Therefore, even when you touch hot components in the smoker, you don’t burn your hands. You can thus safely pick up the trays, touch racks, and hot meat.

Also read: these are the 22 essential tools you need to improve any grill smoking experience

Does the size of an electrical smoker matter?

Of course, it does. It really depends on how much you want to smoke and how many people you want to smoke for.

While a small smoker may be all you can fit in your apartment, a bigger smoker is always the best option for pitmasters.

When you smoke, you need to give yourself plenty of cooking space. It all depends on your patio size, too; the smoker can’t take up all the space. But a good smoker must have enough space for a lot of meat.

Consider a vertical smoker. It’s a tall smoker, and it can double or even triple the total cooking area. It’s great for smoking all kinds of foods.

The cooking surface is measured in square inches. On the other hand, a wide smoker has double doors and is better if you want to smoke really big cuts of meats like ham.

A bigger smoker is more advantageous than a smaller one because you can cook more food. Since smoking takes a long time, why not batch cook your favorites?

The bottom line

Smoked foods are delicious – there’s no doubt about that. Luckily, electric smokers make it easy for anyone to make tasty foods.

The food tastes amazing, the flavors are similar to outdoor smoking, and these devices are affordable, and you might even be able to use an electric smoker on your apartment balcony.

Whether you’re a fan of smoked ribs, beef brisket, or you prefer smoked gouda, there is a smoked food recipe for everyone.

The great news is that an electric smoker is pretty easy to use so you don’t need to be a pro to get all the tasty benefits of such a unit.

However, always be careful and ensure you don’t leave electrical devices unattended for long periods of time.

In conclusion, the next time you invite friends and family over, make them some delicious smoked sausage, hot dogs, or even cold-smoked cheese in your new indoor cooker.

Now you have the smoker sorted, let’s look at some of the best electric smoker cookbooks with recipe inspiration for all skill levels

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.