For those who revel in the rich aroma and taste of smoked meat, investing in an electric wood smoker can be a game-changer. This ancient cooking method has its roots in our ancestors’ need to preserve meat, with smoking being a key technique for extending shelf life. In modern times, wood smoking continues to evolve as a means of infusing unique flavors into various meats, fish, and even plant-based options like cheese and nuts for the vegetarian crowd.
At its core, wood smoking is all about slow-cooking food at a precise temperature over an extended period. The process bears some resemblance to a traditional slow cooker, but the added dimension of smoke takes the flavor to new heights. By embracing this tried-and-true method, you can unlock a world of mouthwatering flavors that will leave you wanting more.
The 5 Best Electric Smokers
When it comes to finding the perfect electric smoker, there are numerous options on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular models, each with its unique features and benefits. The Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is a classic choice, offering a straightforward analog interface for those who prefer a more traditional approach.
Alternatively, the Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker provides a modern twist on smoking technology, featuring advanced digital controls and a spacious cooking area. For those looking for a more high-tech solution, the Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker is an excellent option, boasting precision temperature control and a compact design. Our top pick, however, is the Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker, renowned for its exceptional quality and performance.
Last but not least, the Bradley Smoker BTDS76P Digital Electric Smoker is also worth considering, offering a sleek digital interface and impressive heat distribution capabilities.
Our Top Pick for the Best Electric Smoker
Our top electric smoker recommendation is the Smokin-It Model #1, a robust and premium unit that sets itself apart with its impressive array of features. Not only is it straightforward to operate, but its versatility also makes it an ideal choice for both newcomers to smoking and seasoned enthusiasts looking to elevate their craft. For those interested in making a purchase, check the current price on Amazon.
Electric vs. Charcoal and Gas Smokers
Electric wood smokers are a game-changer when it comes to smoking meat, offering a mess-free, safe, and stress-free experience in comparison to traditional charcoal or gas-powered options. The key advantage of electric smokers is their reliance on electricity as fuel, providing consistent heat and smoke for your food. This means you can enjoy perfectly cooked meats without the hassle of constantly monitoring the temperature or re-filling charcoal or gas cylinders.
In fact, many electric smokers come with extended power cords, making them perfect for outdoor use. Once plugged in, these units do all the work for you, eliminating the need to restock fuel sources throughout the cooking process. The built-in ventilation systems on most electric smokers also ensure that any excess smoke or steam can escape, maintaining a healthy environment within the smoking chamber. Temperature control is another major benefit of electric smokers.
With adjustable thermostat dials or digital screens with preset buttons, you can easily maintain the ideal temperature for your specific type of meat. And once you’ve set it, you’re free to relax and let the smoker do its thing, without the need for constant monitoring. Overall, electric wood smokers offer a convenient, easy-to-use solution for anyone looking to add smoky flavor to their meals.
Two Types of Electric Wood Smokers
Vertical water electric smokers are an affordable option for smoking enthusiasts. They work by placing a water bowl or tray between the burning wood and the smoking chamber, where food is cooked. As the wood burns, the water evaporates and combines with the smoke, creating a consistent temperature that’s absorbed by the meat, imparting flavor and tenderness. In contrast, electric cabinet smokers resemble small refrigerators.
They’re heated by an electric element at the base of the unit, similar to an electric hotplate or stove. This design allows for precise temperature control, which is particularly useful when cooking different types of meats, such as chicken that requires a higher heat setting. Some models feature multiple heat settings, including low, medium, and high, catering to various meat requirements.
The Benefits of Using an Electric Wood Smoker
Safety Features
While it’s well-known that wood fires and charcoal pose inherent risks of accidental ignition, a significant benefit of using an electric smoker lies in its complete absence of stray burning embers. This eliminates the possibility of unexpected sparks or flames setting off nearby flammable materials.
Temperature Control
In contrast to conventional charcoal and gas-powered smokers that often struggle with maintaining consistent temperatures, electric smokers offer a high degree of thermal control. This means that you can precisely set your desired heat setting and rest assured that it will remain stable throughout the entire cooking process, giving you greater flexibility and confidence in your smoking endeavors.
Timers
Electric smokers are equipped with advanced timer systems that ensure seamless cooking experiences. These timers allow you to pre-program the desired cooking time, after which they automatically shut off, eliminating the need for constant monitoring. Some electric smokers come with digital timers, while others feature a 24-hour timer, providing users with the flexibility to plan their cooking schedule accordingly.
Cooking and Smoking
Electric smokers boast unparalleled speed when it comes to smoking, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked dishes with a rich, smoky flavor in no time. By distributing heat evenly through their heating coils, these smokers ensure that the cooking process is consistent and thorough, resulting in tender and juicy meats with a deep, satisfying smokiness.
Versatile Cooking Options
While electric smokers are often associated with meats like pork, turkey, and beef, they’re incredibly versatile devices that can handle a broad range of food items. From savory sausages and crispy bacon to sweet nuts and melted cheese, the possibilities are endless. And if you follow a vegetarian diet, an electric smoker is an excellent choice for you, as it offers a convenient way to prepare a variety of plant-based dishes.
Ideal for Inside Use
While traditional smokers like those that run on gas or charcoal often require outdoor use due to their smoke output, electric smokers offer a convenient alternative for indoor or balcony use. Despite producing less overall smoke than their gas and charcoal counterparts, electric smokers still emit the precise amount of smoke needed to infuse your food with rich flavor.
7 Tips For Using Your Electric Smoker
Before diving into the world of electric wood smoking, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes reading the operating manual and understanding the unique features of your specific smoker. Seasoning the racks with cooking oil is a crucial step, just like when preparing a traditional barbecue. Additionally, consult the instructions for any specific requirements or recommendations from the manufacturer.
For water-powered electric smokers, you can now add liquid to the receptacle. Beer, in particular, can infuse a unique flavor into your food. Alternatively, you can soak your meat in beer and then place it within the smoker. When selecting an extension cord, ensure it’s suitable for powering a wood smoker, as standard cords may not be sufficient. When choosing wood chips, consider popular options like applewood, hickory, cherry, cedar, plum, or maple.
A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 4 cups of wood chips for every 3-5 hours of smoking in an electric smoker. It’s also important to select the right type of meat for your smoker. Consult with a local butcher for recommendations and cooking tips. When seasoning your meat, consider using dry rubs like sugar, salt, or herbs, or opt for a marinade.
If you notice your electric smoker is losing heat, try lining the seals with heavy-duty aluminum foil to maintain optimal temperature and smoke production.
5 Best Electric Smokers – Reviews
Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is an excellent entry-point for those new to wood smoking or seeking a straightforward way to prepare their meals. This affordable option boasts variable heat settings, a robust 1200-watt heating element, and a well-insulated steel construction that enables even temperature control and rich flavor development.
With 544 square inches of cooking surface, three adjustable chrome-plated grates, and ample space for your meat, you can accommodate large quantities with ease. The front-access water container maintains juiciness, while the large wood chip box allows for plenty of smoking options. A mounted temperature gauge on the dual-latched door provides real-time heat monitoring, making it simple to achieve optimal cooking results.
Additionally, this smoker is easy to clean and features a removable drip tray to contain grease, as well as side-carry handles for increased portability. While some users may find minor drawbacks such as limited cord length, moderate smoke production, or the need for an extra nudge to secure the door, the benefits far outweigh these limitations.
Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker
Get your next BBQ party off to a sizzling start with the Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker, a powerful tool that offers unparalleled control over temperature and cooking. With its robust 1500-watt heating element, you can precisely regulate temperatures between 100-400°F using the adjustable dial. The sturdy steel cabinet is designed for comfort, featuring ergonomic side handles, a lightweight build, and a cool-touch Chrome spring wire handle.
This smoker boasts an impressive 548-square-inch interior and three removable stainless steel cooking racks, providing ample space for large cuts of meat and vegetables. To enhance your smoking experience, the unit comes with a water pan and wood chip tray. The crowning jewel is the large, easy-to-read thermometer on the front door, allowing you to monitor internal temperatures with ease.
The Cuisinart Electric Smoker has its advantages, including good quality, great value, and the ability to smoke a variety of meats and vegetables. However, some users may find it challenging to maintain consistent heat at lower temperatures, and heat can occasionally leak through the seals. Additionally, there is no built-in receptacle for catching grease. Despite these minor drawbacks, this smoker remains an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their BBQ game.
Masterbuilt 20070910 Electric Digital Smoker
Masterbuilt’s digital smoker is a game-changer for home cooks, offering unparalleled cooking results. The device’s rugged design ensures durability and scratch-resistance, with its powder-coated steel exterior and 730-square-inch cooking surface. Four chrome-coated racks provide ample space to smoke an array of meats to perfection.
The unit’s 800-watt heating element is complemented by a cutting-edge digital temperature control system, allowing for precise temperature management between 100-275°F. This innovative feature eliminates the need to constantly monitor and adjust the smoker’s temperature, as the digital display provides real-time feedback. Adding wood chips is also a breeze, thanks to the convenient side-mounted loader that lets you fill and load without disrupting your cooking process.
The removable pan allows for effortless addition of liquids like water, juice, or vinegar, further enhancing flavor profiles. With its ease of cleaning and included removable drip tray, this smoker makes meal prep a joy. While it may not be ideal for large gatherings, the Masterbuilt digital smoker excels at cooking smaller quantities to perfection. Its cold-weather insulation ensures successful smoking sessions in even the chilliest climates.
The device’s 24-hour timer allows for extended cooking periods, making it perfect for slow-cooked meals. Overall, this smoker is a top-notch choice for home cooks seeking high-quality results with minimal fuss.
Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker
The Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker is designed to help you cook and smoke meat like a pro, thanks to its robust construction from stainless steel and insulation with fiberglass. This reduces heat loss and ensures that your food is cooked evenly. The smoker features a powerful 400-watt element and 8 amps of power, allowing you to cook up to 22lbs of meat or seafood in a single session. Temperature control is also made easy with a rheostat that can be adjusted from 100-250°F.
One of the standout features of this electric smoker is its portability, weighing only slightly more than other models at 64lbs. The newly designed side handles make it easy to move around, and the wheels provide greater mobility. You’ll also appreciate the generous space provided by three stainless steel grilling racks, as well as a smokebox and drip pan that slides under the smoker.
Some notable extras include a sample of hickory wood to season your new smoker, a 12-foot power cord, and an integrated electric power cord hanger on the back panel where you can store the cord. This smoker also has some practical benefits, such as being easy to use and clean, generating great flavor, and having a heating element that can be replaced easily.
While there are some drawbacks to this product, including its relatively high price point and lack of digital temperature display or control, many users find that the pros outweigh the cons. With its durable construction, ease of use, and great performance, the Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker is a solid choice for anyone looking to get into smoking meat.
Bradley Smoker BTDS76P Digital Electric Smoker
The Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack Electric Smoker is a renowned product that offers unparalleled smoking and cooking capabilities. This impressive device provides an incredible 8 hours of controlled smoke, allowing you to cook your meals with precision and ease. The patented ‘smoke generator’ is cleverly designed to automatically add wood chips onto the burner every 20 minutes, ensuring a consistent flavor profile throughout.
This electric smoker is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Simply plug it in, load the wood chips into the loader, fill the dish with your preferred liquid, set the desired temperature, and let the device do all the hard work for you. The result? Flawlessly cooked and smoked food that’s sure to impress.
The Bradley Smoker is powered by a 500-watt cooking element and a 125-watt smoking element, making it one of the lighter models on the market, weighing in at 57lbs with the smoke generator included. Its stainless steel construction ensures maximum insulation, retaining heat for optimal results, regardless of the weather. This smoker offers ample space to cook your favorite dishes, featuring four adjustable racks that can be easily removed and cleaned.
For those looking to entertain or create gourmet meals for a larger group, the 6-rack model might be more suitable. The device comes equipped with a comprehensive digital display that allows you to monitor temperature, cooking time, and smoke levels for perfectly cooked and smoked food. Cleaning is a breeze, simply remove the drip pan and racks, and wipe it down from the inside. While this smoker has its pros and cons, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
With high-quality stainless steel construction, ease of use and cleaning, quiet operation, great cooking and smoking performance, full digital controls, large cooking space, and insulation – it’s hard to find fault with this impressive device.
Our Top Pick for the Best Electric Smoker
Our top pick for electric smokers, the Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker stands out for its exceptional performance and durability. This high-quality unit is a go-to choice for enthusiasts of all levels, offering ease of use and an array of features that make it perfect for both newcomers to smoking and seasoned wood connoisseurs alike. Check out the current price on Amazon.
