Best Electric Smoker Under 200: These Cheapies Perform!

One of the best things about electric smoking is how cheap it is to get into. A few hundred bucks and you can buy yourself a top electric smoker.

But, if you’re looking for something that’s a guaranteed red-hot price, this is our list.

Here, you’ll find our thoughts on the best electric smoker under 200.

They’re still major brands, include all the must-have features and make at home smoking really easy. You’ll even notice that our overall winner takes the cake in our best electric smokers list too. So, you can choose from these with confidence.

And, if you do want to stretch the budget a bit, check out our top picks of electric smokers under $500.

We’ve also got a separate list just for small electric smokers if that’s what you’re after too.

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Best Overall Electric Smoker Under 200:

Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker

This uber-popular Masterbuilt electric smoker delivers some serious value!

The Masterbuilt MB20071117 (also known as the MES 130|B) isn’t just a basic box of an electric smoker. No way Jose! This smoker gives you electric temperature controls for precise and easy setting, full body insulation for better performance in cooler conditions, and, Masterbuilt’s awesome side loading wood chip port so you can add more flavor without having to open the door.

It’s 711 square inch capacity holds a lot without going overboard on extra space most people won’t use anyway. Instead, you get 4 racks that are removable and will hold up to 4 chickens, 4 pork butts, or a heap of ribs. You can even take a couple of racks out to fit a whole turkey come Thanksgiving.

If the 800 watt heating element seems like it might not be enough, don’t worry. Thanks to the insulated design, it’s plenty powerful enough to heat the cooking chamber effectively and the food it turns out is legit something to be proud of.

There’s even a Slow Smoker Attachment which is one of our favorite cold smoking solutions. It can be added to the side port to automatically feed wood chips for up to 6 hours straight. But, is also what you need to convert the MES 130|B to a cold smoker too.

Read our full review of the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker.

Specs for the Masterbuilt MES 130B

Fuel type: Digital electric

Wattage: 800 watts

Barbecue material: Insulated steel

Grate material: Chrome-coated wire

Cooking capacity: 711 sq. in.

Price guide: $

Model: MB20071117

Dimensions: 20″ W x 33″ H x 19″ D

Weight: 46lbs

Warranty: 1 year

Pros of the Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker:

Best priced digital electric smoker
Digital controls let you set a precise temperature without having to fiddle with a dial
Insulated body improves efficiency and reduces the struggle in colder conditions
Decent capacity that should suit most families and couples who entertain
Side loading wood chip port lets you add more smokiness without loosing heat through the door
Also works with the Slow Smoker attachment to automatically add wood chips
Doubles as a cold smoker as long as you’ve go the Slow Smoker attachment
You can grab a Leg extension kit if you want it to sit off the ground

Cons of the Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker:

It’s hard to read the digital control panel in direct sunlight
There are reports of the paint peeling over time

Best Under $200 Alternative:

Cuisinart COS-330 Electric

If you already know Cuisinart for quality in the kitchen, just carry that same impression over to their range of smokers. The Cuisinart COS-330 keeps things simple and effective with plenty of space, lots of power and an impressively high-quality build, especially for the price.

Holding 548 square inches of cooking space, split over 3 racks, you can load up heavy, or adjust your setup to hold a whole turkey.

The 1,500 watt heating element is powerful enough to heat the cooking chamber well. Keep in mind, there’s no side-wall insulation in this model. So, the more powerful heating element helps to keep it going strong when the weather’s not too crash hot.

The analog controls are easy to use and the stainless steel racks and trays help to keep the inside in tip top shape season after season.

Basic but really well-made, the Cuisinart COS-330 is the perfect smoker for anyone lookin for quality at a really affordable price. The warranty’s also a couple of years longer than Masterbuilt’s, a nice bonus!

Specs for the Cuisinart COS-330

Barbecue material: Steel

Grate material: Stainless steel

Cooking capacity: 548 square inches

Fuel type: Analog electric

Heat range: 100 – 400 F

Wattage: 1,500 watts

Price guide: $

Model: COS-330

Dimensions: 22″ W x 37.5″ H x 19″ D

Weight: 51.5lbs

Warranty: 3 years

Pros of the Cuisinart COS-330 Electric:

Great quality electric smoker
Tight seal around the door holds the heat and smoke in well
Sizeable 1,500 watt heating element does a good job of keeping the temperature steady, even in cooler conditions
Moderate cooking capacity suits couples and families
Stainless steel racks and trays offer extra durability
Simple analog controls reduce the number of components to break
Lightweight and easy to move
Longer warranty than you get with most other electric smokers

Cons of the Cuisinart COS-330:

You need to open the door to add more water or wood chips to the trays and will lose a bit of heat doing so
There’s no insulation so the heating element does need to work harder in colder weather

Best Analog Electric Smoker Under 200:

Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker

The great thing about analog electric smokers is that their simple temperature dial and lack of display panel leaves less space for components to break, theoretically increasing the useful life of the smoker.

And, in terms of analog ones, the Masterbuilt MB20070210 (also known as the MES 35|B) is our favorite.

Similar to the Cuisinart COS-330, the Masterbuilt MB20070210 has 536 square inches of space on 3 racks. There’s a powerful 1,500 watt heating element which is enough to keep a steady temperature in most conditions despite the fact that isn’t not insulated.

The simple dials are really easy to use and there’s an external drip tray so you can empty it without having to open the door mid-cook.

Unlike the Digital Masterbuilt MES 130|B, there’s no side loading wood chip port. That means you will need to open the door to add more smokiness. But, it’s a pretty standard downside to any electric smoker and the MES 35|B is otherwise a great all-rounder that covers all the basics really well.

Specs for the Masterbuilt MES 35B

Fuel type: Analog electric

Wattage: 1500 watts

Barbecue material: Steel

Grate material: Chrome-coated wire

Cooking capacity: 536 sq. in.

Price guide: $

Model: MB20070210

Dimensions: 21″ W x 40″ H x 20″ D

Weight: 57lbs

Warranty: 1 year

Pros of the Masterbuilt MES 35B Analog Smoker:

Large 1,500 watt heating element does a good job of creating an even temperature throughout, even in cooler weather conditions
Simple analog controller with less electrical parts
Moderate capacity suits couples and families with room for entertaining
Does a good job of maintaining temperature throughout your cook
External drip tray is easy to empty mid-cook

Cons of the Masterbuilt MES 35B Analog Smoker:

No insulation means it will need to work quite a bit harder in colder conditions to regulate the temperature
An analog dial doesn’t show actual degrees so you need to check the temperature gauge to see where it’s sitting
No side loading wood chip port unlike some Masterbuilts

Best Electric Smoker for Fish:

Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker

An absolute bargain for anyone who’s planning on using an electric smoker mainly for things like fish, jerky and sausages, the Smokehouse Big Chief has been designed just for this.

With one temperature setting of 165°F, it’s very low and very slow so you don’t burn delicate. But, it’s careful layout also creates exactly the right type of smoke ventilation you need for maximum flavor and proper dehydration.

But, lower temperature meats aren’t the only thing you can cook in the Big Chief. Heavier cuts like brisket and pork butt absorb an amazing amount of flavor in here. They just need to be finished off in the oven to make sure they reach a safe to eat internal temperature.

Compact and lightweight, it’s perfect to take with you on fishing trips while being large enough to hold up to 50 pounds of meat at a time. There’s also a smaller version, the Little Chief if even more compact is your priority.

Specs for the Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker

Fuel type: Electric

Barbecue material: Aluminum

Grate material: Chrome-plated wire

Cooking capacity: 576 sq. in.

Wattage: 450 watts

Price guide: $

Model: Big Chief

Dimensions: 24.5(H) x 18(W) x 12(D)

Weight: 21lbs

Warranty: 2 years

Pros of the Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker:

One temperature setting means there’s no room to go wrong
Specially designed for smoking and dehydrating fish, jerky, sausages and similar foods
Rust-resistant aluminum body
Holds a surprisingly large 50 pound capacity
Lightweight and compact for easy transportation and storage
Inexpensive

Cons of the Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker:

There’s no flexibility when it comes to temperature
Larger cuts of meat also need to be cooked in the oven to make sure they’re safe to eat

Best Budget Stretch:

Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker, Deluxe

Now, this option isn’t under $200. But, snag it on sale (it shouldn’t be much over the mark), and you’re getting quite a lot of extra features over and above the other options on this list.

So, what’s good about it?

Firstly, the Char-Broil Deluxe 17202004 is the one of the cheapest electric smokers to actually have a glass door. If you’re someone who likes to be able to peek inside, it’s an essential. But, there’s also a removable temperature probe that plugs into the digital control panel. This lets you monitor the actual internal temperature of what you’re cooking to get it perfectly spot on every single time.

There’s double-wall insulation with a huge stainless steel latch that holds the whole unit super tight. With that, the smaller 750 watt heating element gives you better efficiency while still maintaining a steady temperature, even in colder climates.

The Char-Broil 17202004 is also the largest option on this list. Inside you’ve got 725 square inches of cooking space over 4 racks. They’re stainless steel too, a nice touch for improved durability.

And, this deluxe stainless steel version comes with a remote so you can turn the unit on or off and change the temperature without having to go outside. A few extra bonuses for what’s not a lot of extra cash.

Specs for the Char-Broil 17202004 Deluxe Digital Smoker

Barbecue material: Double-walled steel

Grate material: Stainless steel wire

Cooking capacity: 725 sq in

Fuel type: Digital electric

Wattage: 950 watts

Price guide: $

Model: 17202004

Assembled size (in): 32.5(H) x 18(W) x 16.5(D)

Weight: 50.2 lbs

Warranty: 1 year

Pros of the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker:

Clear viewing door lets you see what’s going on inside without opening up and losing heat
Double-wall insulated design improves efficiency and performance in cooler weather
Digital control panel for precise temperature setting
Stainless steel cooking racks are rust-resistant and more durable
Large wood chip tray gives you up to 7 hours of smoke production (although we reckon it’s more like 4 hours)
Includes 1 meat probe that plugs into digital panel to read internal meat temperature without opening up
Comes with a remote so you can change the settings from the comfort of your couch

Cons of the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker:

You can’t see inside that well when it’s super smoky (but you know your wood chips are working well)
There are known issues with the remote sometimes only working intermittently