In the world of barbecue, electric equals convenience, ease and affordability.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or are new to smoking, if you don’t want to dedicate your whole day to a piece of brisket, an electric smoker is an excellent solution.
But, knowing which electric smoker to buy is pretty much the hardest part of smoking on one! There’s so many different models available, most of them with similar features and prices.
So, to make your job easy, choose from one of these best electric smokers. We’ve selected them based on their reliability, ease of use, features, performance and affordability.
You’ll find a range of different price points in this best of list. But, to check out our top choices under the $500 mark or our favorite electric smokers under $200, click those links.
We’ve also written a dedicated review of the best small electric smokers too.
There’s a lot of options out there when it comes to electric!
Burning Brisket is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read our affiliate policy to learn more.
Table of Contents
Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker - Most Popular
The top-rated, uber-popular MB20071117 from Masterbuilt is always the bestselling electric smoker on the market.
Also known as the MES 130|B, this smoker gives you everything you need for great electric smoked results at a killer price.
It’s got full body insulation for excellent heat retention and improved performance in cooler conditions, an appropriately sized heating element for the space, and, a simple to use, digital control panel for precise control.
Inside, you’ve got 711 square inches of cooking space, spread over 4 removable racks. That’s enough to smoke 4 chickens, pork butts or rib racks at once. You can even do a turkey or two by removing a couple of racks.
But, one of the best things about the newer Masterbuilts including this one, is the side-loading wood chip port. Use it to add more smoke without opening the front door and letting all the heat out. But, if you’re after a more set and forget solution than adding more chips every hour or so, there’s the Slow Smoker Attachment that hooks up to this side port and automatically feeds wood chips in for up to 6 hours straight.
The Slow Smoker Attachment is also what you need for cold smoking on the MB20071117 too. It’s a handy add-on to what’s such an affordable, great performing 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:
- 800 watt heating element does a great job for this size of smoker
- Insulated body improves efficiency and performance in colder weather conditions
- Digital control panel lets you set a precise temperature
- Moderate capacity suits most couples and families
- Wood chips can be added without opening the door mid-cook via the side loading port
- Wood chip loading can be automated with the Slow Smoker attachment
- Can be used as a cold smoker with the Slow Smoker attachment
- Leg extension kit fits this model if you want it to sit higher
- Great price!
Cons of the Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker:
- The paint has been known to peel over time
- Using it in direct sunlight makes the digital control panel harder to read
- You will need to buy the Slow Smoker attachment if you want to cold smoke
Bradley BS611 Digital Electric Smoker - Best Set and Forget
Creating an appropriately smoky environment inside an electric smoker can be tricky and take a bit of practice. But, Bradley have made the whole process simple and healthier with their range of self-feeding electric smokers.
The BS611 works a bit differently to regular electric smokers. Instead of sitting a tray of wood chips over the heating element, there’s a separate smoke box that’s powered by it’s own heating element. Doing it this way gives more control over the cooking temperature and smoke levels while creating the cleanest, most consistent smoke for better flavor and reliable performance.
Like all Bradley Smokers, the BS611 burns their Natural Wood Smoking Bisquettes. Plug the smoker into the power, set the cooking temperature and load the bisquettes into the smoking box and you’re good to go for up to 9 hours. It really is set and forget smoking, especially if you’re using it with a wireless meat thermometer to monitor exactly how your cook is going from inside your house.
The BS611 is also fully insulated for great performance when the weather’s not so good. And, it’s stainless steel inside for better durability.
Specs for the Bradley BS611 Digital Smoker
Barbecue material: Stainless steel interior
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 572 sq. in.
Fuel type: Digital electric
Temperature range: Up to 250°F
Wattage: 500 watt cooking element + 125 watt smoking element
Price guide: $
Model: BS611
Assembled size (in): 18(W) x 20(D) x 34(H)
Weight: 45 lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Pros of the Bradley Digital Smoker:
- Makes the cleanest, healthiest and most consistently great smoke of all the electric smokers
- True set and forget smoking solution with up to 9 hours of wood feeding
- Stainless steel interior for improved durability
- Insulated body improves performance and efficiency during the colder months
- Can be used as a cold smoker
Cons of the Bradley Digital Smoker:
- You need to buy the Bradley Bisquettes which are more expensive than regular wood chips. But, you can actually turn the smoking element off after a couple of hours (when the most smoke is absorbed) to reduce costs
- The maximum temperature is lower than a lot of other electric smokers. It’s high enough to low and smoke well but if you’re planning on cranking it right up, this Bradley won’t do it
Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker, Deluxe - Best Window
I know wireless meat thermometers mean you don’t need to be able to physically see what’s cooking to know when it’s done. But, there’s something nice about being able to watch your meat brown and the Char-Broil Deluxe 17202004 lets you do that without opening the door, letting all the heat out.
Powered by a good 750 watt heating element, the 17202004 has 4 cooking racks, offering 725 square inches of cooking space. Throw any medium sized cut on each rack, some ribs, or load it up with sausages, it’s enough for family leftovers or entertaining.
But, boosting efficiency, this unit’s also fully insulated making it suitable for all-year round use. The large stainless steel latch helps to lock in the heat by creating a really tight seal.
Unlike the earlier options we reviewed, there’s no way to add more wood chips without opening the door. But, the wood chip container holds an impressive 4 cups, giving you up to 7 hours of smoke without you having to touch a thing.
And, the Char-Broil 17202004 comes with a couple of nice to have extras.
Firstly, there’s a removable temperature probe so you can monitor the internal temperature of one cut of meat remotely. There’s more durable stainless steel racks. And, because it’s the deluxe version, it comes with a remote letting you set, change and monitor the temperature from inside.
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:
- Well powered for it’s size
- Stainless steel cooking racks are durable and easy to clean
- Clear front window lets you see what’s going on inside without opening the door
- Large wood chip tray holds enough to smoke for up to 7 hours of smoke time (although we get more like 4)
- Comes with 1 meat probe so you can see exactly when your meat is perfectly cooked
- Insulated body for all-weather use
- Comes with a remote control
- Large grease tray means no more mid-cook cleans
- There’s a stand for it if you want a higher working space
Cons of the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker:
- The controls aren’t as intuitive as some of the other brands out there
- Some people have had issues with the remote working intermittently
- You might not be able to see much when the unit’s going and there’s lots of smoke
Masterbuilt MB20074719 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker - Best Bluetooth
If you live by your phone and want to smoke that way to, the Masterbuilt MB20074719 is simply the best option for an electric smoker with Bluetooth connectivity.
A LOT of Bluetooth electric smokers have a lot of problems. But, the MB20074719 holds a reliable connection so you can turn on, off, adjust the temperature and check progress remotely. There’s even 1 internal meat probe included so you can make sure that meat is cooked perfectly every single time.
Like most other Masterbuilts, the MB20074719 has a side-loading wood chip port so you can boost the smoke without opening the door. But, you might want to grab a Slow Smoker attachment as well if you want to take full advantage of the hands-off nature of Bluetooth smoking. The Slow Smoker will feed wood chips into the smoker for you for up to 9 hours without you having to touch a thing. And, it doubles as a cold smoker too.
With insulated sides, a well-sized heating element and a choice of the regular 30″ model or the larger 40″, the Masterbuilt MB20074719 is the complete, modern-day electric smoker solution.
Specs for the Masterbuilt MB20074719 40" Bluetooth Electric Smoker
Barbecue material: Double-walled steel
Grate material: Chrome-coated wire
Cooking capacity: 975 sq in
Fuel type: Digital electric
Wattage: 1,200 watts
Price guide: $
Model: 20074719
Assembled size (in): 41 (H) x 25 (W) x 19 (D)
Weight: 66 lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Pros of the Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker:
- Control your smoker directly from you smart phone via Bluetooth connection
- Well-powered for the size
- Side-loading wood chip port means you can add more smoke without opening the door
- Includes 1 meat probe for accurate internal monitoring of your meat
- Insulated body for improved efficiency in colder conditions
- Option of two different sizes to suit your needs
Cons of the Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker:
- You still need to manually refill the wood chips every hour or so unless you’ve got the Slow Smoker attachment as well
- It can be hard to see inside while it’s really smoky inside
Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D 30" Digital Electric Smoker - Best Alternative
Masterbuilt is a lot of people’s go-to when it comes to electric smoking. But, they’re also not problem-free. So, if you’re looking for a quality alternative with a similar build, features and price, the Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D is a great choice.
This mid-sized electric smoker features a well-sized 800 watt heating element, powering it’s 732 square inches of cooking space. And, like most on this list, it’ll fit 4 whole chickens, pork butts, racks of ribs, or a whole heap of sausages, wings and fish.
What we like about the Dyna-Glo DGU732BE-D, it’s got an insulated firebox and a great door seal with a double latch system for a super tight seal. There’s also a side-access wood chip loader and a removeable internal drip tray for easy cleaning.
Well-priced and great in terms of performance, Dyna-Glo should just see their popularity increase as more people make the switch.
Specs for the DGU732BDE-D 30" Digital Electric Smoker
Barbecue material: Steel with a double-wall insulated firebox
Grate material: Chrome-plated steel
Cooking capacity: 732 sq in
Fuel type: Electric
Wattage: 800 watts
Price guide: $
Model: DGU732BDE-D
Assembled size (in): 32.5 H x 19.4 W x 19 D
Weight: 62.2 lbs
Warranty: 1 year limited
Pros of the Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D Digital Electric Smoker:
- Good-sized heating element for the space
- Insulated firebox improves performance during the colder months
- Great door seal with double latch effectively locks heat and smoke inside
- Digital control panel is easy to use
- Includes 1 meat probe that shows exactly how cooked your meat is on the control panel
- Externally loading wood-chip port lets you add more chips mid-cook without opening the door
- Great price
Cons of the Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D Digital Electric Smoker:
- The extra insulation only protects the firebox and it’d be nice if it extended up the entire cooking chamber instead
- Customer service can be not so crash hot
Cuisinart COS-330 Electric - Best Budget
You probably know Cuisinart for quality appliances in the kitchen. Well, they also make a range of impressive smokers that are inexpensive and easy to use. And, if you’re looking at an electric smoker, Cuisinart’s budget-friendly option is the COS-330.
This analog smoker keeps things simple with plenty of space, lots of power and an effective setup that even the newest beginner can’t mess up. The first thing we noticed was how high quality the build was for a smoker in this price range. Sturdy pieces and a tight fit makes for minimal heat and smoke loss which equals great results.
The COS-330 gives you 548 square inches of cooking space spread over 3 racks. These are removable so you can adjust your layout at turkey time or load up heavy when you’re hosting a party. And, Cuisinart haven’t gone budget with the power. There’s a 1,500 watt heating element that’s more than strong enough to thoroughly heat the cooking chamber, and, the COS-330 does a great job of maintaining an even temperature anywhere between 100 and 400 degrees F.
With removable water and wood trays for easy use and the best performance, the Cuisinart COS-330 does a very impressive job of delivering a solidly built, easy to use, set and forget smoker for an equally impressive low price.
Stats for the Cuisinart COS-330
Barbecue material: Steel
Grate material: Chrome-plated wire
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:
- High quality build
- Tight seal around the door for minimal heat and smoke loss
- Powerful 1,500 watt heating element for optimal performance, even in cooler climates
- Large temperature range lets you adapt for what you’re smoking
- Decent cooking capacity which should suit most people’s needs
- Removable racks give added flexibility for larger cuts
- Simple analog dial means there’s fewer components to break
- Removable water and wood chip pan
- Lightweight and easy to move with handles on the side
- Affordable price
- Longer warranty than most electric smokers
Cons of the Cuisinart COS-330:
- There’s only one door, so to add more water or wood chips you need to open the main cooking chamber, disrupting the heat and smoke levels inside
Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker - Best Analog
Simple, effective, easy to use, and, one of the cheapest models out there, the Masterbuilt MES 35B is our favorite for analog electric smoking.
Analog electric smokers have a simple temperature dial which means, unlike digital versions, there’s no fancy digital panels and extra components to break. Simply turn the dial to set the temperature, load it up and get on with your life while your meat smokes sweetly away.
The MES 35B is great for beginners. But, it’s equally as good for anyone who likes to do things well without the fuss.
Inside, there’s 3 cooking grates totaling 536 square inches of space. That’s enough to cook 3 large cuts of meat at once (think whole chickens, Boston butts or racks of ribs). You’ll also get a water pan to keep the meat moist and a wood chip tray for flavor. Both of these are removable to make loading and cleaning easy. There’s also a handy front access drip tray that sits outside the unit making it easy to whip off, clean out and replace when needed.
In terms of power, Masterbuilt haven’t gone budget. The MES 35B has a large, 1,500 watt heating element which is more than enough to create an even smoking environment. And, because of this, it also does a pretty decent job in cooler weather conditions too. So, when winter rolls around, there’s no need to live in deprivation.
A great all rounder from one of the most respected electric smoker manufacturers, the MES 35|B covers all the basics for an effective, no-fuss backyard smoke.
Stats 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:
- Well powered with a 1,500 watt heating element to create an even temperature throughout
- Moderate capacity which suits most people’s needs
- Basic analog controls mean there’s less components to break
- Auto heat regulation does a good job of maintaining your desired temperature
- Separate and removable wood and water tray help to create great results and are easy to use
- One of the cheapest electric smokers
- Easy to use making it ideal for beginners
Cons of the Masterbuilt MES 35B Analog Smoker:
- Although the unit is sturdy, the metal is a bit thin and flimsy as you’d expect in this range for an electric smoker
- Analog dial doesn’t show actual degrees so you’ll have to get used to where to set it for your desired cook
Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker - Best Basic
If it’s smoky goodness without all the complicated bells and whistles that you’re hunting for, the search is over. Or, perhaps you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes, without a large initial layout. Either way, the Analog Electric Smoker from Char-Broil offers a great value smoker at a rock bottom price.
You’ve got all the usual features, a grease cup, latches to keep the door sealed shut and a temperature gauge. Plus, the cook chamber is insulated with a double wall and dual exhaust ports, meaning there’s good airflow, making your smoking temperature easy to regulate.
With three chrome-plated grates, you can vary the capacity of the Char Broil Analog Electric Smoker depending on the crowd you’re cooking for, up to a maximum of 544 square inches. But, we also love that the unit is also small enough to pop in the trunk and bring to a friend’s garden for an impromptu cookout.
Char-Broil promise the unit is built to last, thanks to sturdy construction and good quality materials. But, as a more entry level electric smoker, we don’t think it’s realistic to get more than a few of seasons out of it with regular use. Nevertheless, the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker is a steal, making it an excellent option for anyone after simple, effective and good value for money.
Specs for the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
Barbecue material: Double walled steel
Grate material: Chrome-plated wire
Cooking capacity: 544 square inches
Fuel Type: Electric
Wattage: 1,000 watts
Model: 18202077
Dimensions: 20.17″ W x 33.46″ H x 14.96″ D
Weight: 49.5lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Pros of the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker:
- Inexpensive electric smoker that’s great for beginners or anyone on a budget
- Has all the basic features including double walled design, grease cup, latches, temperature gauge and water pan
- Dual exhaust ports create good airflow which distributes the heat nicely around this electric smoker
- Dual door latches mean that the unit seals easily and well to effectively keep the heat and smoke where you want it
- Medium capacity electric smoker means you’re not overheating a larger unit when cooking a smaller feast
- Small enough and light enough to fit in the trunk to take to a friends house
- Side handles for easy moving
Cons of the Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker:
- The smaller wood chip box means that you’ll probably have to open it up and add more every hour or so
- Mixed reports on how accurately the thermometer reads
- The budget design means that the insulation can’t handle smoking in colder climates very well
- Some reports of the paint peeling on the base next to the heating element
Masterbuilt Patio 2 Portable Electric Smoker - Best Portable
For the on-the-go smoking enthusiast, you need a smoker that’s as ready to pack up and go on an adventure as you are. And, the Masterbuilt Patio to Portable is the perfect solution.
The smoker is neat in size and the legs fold under for transportation and storage. At only 23 inches wide, 23 inches tall and 15 inches long, this baby will sit snug in your garage, shed or in the trunk of your car, with plenty of room for deckchairs and beers.
Ideal for a tailgate, but equally as awesome right in your backyard, you’ll still have the space to smoke a small turkey, a rack of ribs, two pork butts or four chickens on its two chrome-coated racks.
The usual features are present, a built-in temperature gauge and a dial to control the temperature, this model offers you all the ease of smoking with electricity, without the bulk.
Specs for the MES Patio-2-Portable
Barbecue material: Unknown
Grate material: Chrome-coated wire
Cooking capacity: 280 sq. in.
Fuel type: Electric
Wattage: 1,400 watts
Model: MES 20 / MB20073716
Assembled size (in): 23(H) x 23(W) x 16(D)
Weight: 22lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Pros of the Masterbuilt Patio 2 Portable Electric Smoker:
Small and light so this electric smoker easy to take with you on the road
Folding leg design minimizes storage and transportation space
Still large enough to smoke a whole turkey
Basic features including an analog dial and temperature gauge to help you get the job done well
Cons of the Masterbuilt Patio 2 Portable Electric Smoker:
The design feels a bit flimsy, but is what you’d expect from a portable model
- Analog controls don’t give the precise control that a digital panel does
Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker - Best For Fish
Smokehouse have been a fan favorite since they began in 1968. And, instead of trying to do it all, they’ve kept their range small, specialized and spot on.
The Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker is primarily designed for smoking fish. With one temperature setting of 165 degrees F, it’s basic, it’s no frills, and, it’s perfect for home-smoked salmon, trout and steelhead. But, it’s also great for jerky, cheese and sausages too (just to name a few…).
Using the Big Chief is easy! Load via the front access, plug it in and close the door. The consistent low temperature gives you certainty that you won’t overheat your food. It’s also been designed with premium smoke ventilation to make sure the smoke circulates correctly for maximum flavor and proper dehydration.
Lightweight and compact, the Big Chief is large enough to cook up to 50 pounds at a time.
It can be used to smoke heavier cuts like brisket and pork butt too. But, keep in mind that because of the low temperature, you’ll need to finish these larger cuts off in the oven to bring them up to a safe eating temperature after they’ve had their smoky treatment in here.
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:
- Very easy to use with one setting for cold smoking
- Ideal for smoking and dehydrating fish without overheating
- Separate door for adding wood without disturbing temperature in the cooking chamber
- Rust-resistant aluminum body
- Can hold up to 50 lbs at a time
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage
- Inexpensive
Cons of the Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker:
- Single temperature setting doesn’t give flexbility
- Larger cuts of meat needs to be finished off in the oven to make sure they’ve reached a safe internal temperature
Smokin-It Model #2 - Best Heavy-Duty
For a great result every single time, the Smokin-It Model #2 is a sure-fire winner.
This option isn’t particularly pretty, but it smokes like a dream. Thanks to the heavy gauge 100% 18-gauge, 201 stainless steel with a double latch door system, that delicious smoke stays right where you want it. With quality, fiberglass insulation, it’s even suitable for smoking in cold climates in case you do fancy a smoked Christmas feast.
This baby is built to be chucked in the truck, popped in the garage, and generally used as much as it deserves.
It has four heavy-duty casters, side handles and a 12-foot long power cord that can be mounted to the back of the box so it’ll practically go anywhere and everywhere you’d like.
When it comes to the cook, the Model #2 has four stainless steel racks to play with, with room for one more which you can purchase separately. This gives you the space to cook an impressive 31 pounds of meat or seafood. But, if you like all the features but need more or less space, there’s the Model #1 that holds up to 22 pounds of meat and the Model #3 for a whopping, 42 pounds.
Whichever you choose, the Smokin-It Electric Smokers are delivered with a sample of hickory wood so you can get to smoking right away. The drip pan sits under the smoker for an easy clean too.
And, if you’re a restaurant owner or want to try your hand at a barbecue competition, the Smokin-It range is NSF certified for restaurant use too.
Specs for the Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker
Barbecue material: Double walled 18 gauge, 201 stainless steel with fiberglass insulation
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 1,247 sq. in.
Fuel type: Electric
Wattage: 800 watts
Model: Model #2
Assembled size (in): 28.25”H x 17”W x 20.5”D
Weight: 114lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Smokin-It Model #1, Model #2 and Model #3:
Excellent insulation means that you can smoke easily all year round, even in very cold climates
201 grade stainless steels offers good protection against rust
Full stainless-steel grates are more rust resistant and won’t peel like the common alternative, coated wire
Models #1, #2 and #3 offer flexibility in sizing to suit your needs
Heavy-duty wheels make it really easy to move this electric smoker to anywhere you’d like it
Basic electric controls are less likely to have something go wrong with them
Double latch door seals really well to keep the smoke and heat in
NSF certified for use in restaurants so you know you’re getting the highest quality for you and your family
External drip pan is easy to clean and keeps a lot of the mess on the outside
Long cord with integrated hangers means the extra length won’t get in the way when you don’t need it
Smokin-It has a reputation for good customer service
Reasonably long 3 year warranty
Great value for money electric smoker when you consider the quality and potential long life of this unit
Cons of the Smokin-It Model #1, Model #2 and Model #3:
Smokin-It advise to limit the amount of wood you place in the box at a time, otherwise you can get smoke that’s too thick and not ideal for cooking
The indented handles make it, in our opinion, a little harder to move than if it had flip-up handles
- For the price, it would be nice to have a side loading port for adding wood so you don’t need to open the door
Temperature can easily vary more than 25°F from what it’s set at but, you’ll still get incredible results in this electric smoker
