Is bigger always better? Well… not when smaller means you can take your smoker camping, tailgating, or just save a bit of cash because you’re not running some huge power guzzling thing.
So, we heard you and we’ve been out there looking around for the best small electric smoker in town.
Now, what’s actually classified as small? That’s opinion. But, we’ve gone with anything that’s under 600 square inches of cooking space. Most top electric smokers are up around the 700+ mark.
Here, you’ll find everything from 572 square inches designed to be used primarily at home, to 280 square inches of lightweight convenience that’s ready to go on your next adventure.
We’ve listed them in based on size from the largest to smallest. So, skip right to the bottom and work your way up if you’re looking for super compact.
Let’s help you find the one that’s right for you.
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Table of Contents
Bradley BS611 Digital Electric Smoker
When you’re looking for a smaller capacity but don’t want to compromise on performance, you can’t go past the Bradley BS611.
This electric smoker works a bit differently from the norm because it’s got two heating elements; one for smoke production and one for heat for cooking. That means, one, it’s easier to create a really smoky cooking environment, and, two, the smoke it produces is cleaner, more consistent, and, healthier for you and your family.
The BS611 automatically feeds the Bradley 100% Natural Wood Smoking Bisquettes into the smoking box for you and can be left to do it’s thing for up to 9 hours without a refill.
Electric smoking in general is pretty low effort. But, the BS611 really is set and forget. And, the results you’ll get will reliably have better flavor and more moisture thanks to it’s original set-up.
Offering 572 square inches of cooking space over 4 removable racks, the BS611 also has a fully insulated body for efficient performance during colder seasons.
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:
- True set and forget electric smoker
- Consistently produces the cleanest and healthiest smoke for better flavor
- Full stainless steel interior for improved durability and ease of cleaning
- Insulated body ensures good performance in colder climates while boosting fuel efficiency
- Doubles as a cold smoker
Cons of the Bradley Digital Smoker:
- It only runs on the Bradley Bisquettes which do cost more than using regular wood chips (you can actually turn the smoking element off after the first couple of hours when the most smoke is absorbed to reduce the cost)
- It’s got a lower maximum temperature than most electric smokers. It’ll do low and slow really well but if you were planning on cranking the heat up, you can’t
Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker
If you’re looking for a ‘regular’ kind of electric smoker but just want one that holds a bit less, the Masterbuilt MB20070210 (also known as the MES 35B) is good quality, easy to use and one of the most affordable.
It’s an analog design which means there’s a simple temperature dial you turn to set your target. There’s no fancy digital panels or extra components to break, just a straight up operation that lets you get on with whatever while your meat smokes away.
Inside, you’ve got 536 square inches of cooking space on 3 removable racks. It’s not huge. But, you’ll actually get 3 whole chickens on there if you wanted to.
And, there’s a powerful 1,500 watt heating element to make sure this thing doesn’t struggle, even if the weather’s not too crash hot.
An external, front access drip tray means you can clean it out mid-cook if needed. But, basically, the MES 35B is a simple, no-fuss smaller electric smoker option that ticks all the features you need for an easy and effective cook.
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:
- Moderate capacity can cook for 2 or a small crowd
- Basic analog controls make it simple to use
- Powerful 1,500 watt heating element does a good job of regulating the temperature
- Slide out drip tray can be removed externally so you don’t let any heat or smoke out when it needs an empty
- Inexpensive
Cons of the Masterbuilt MES 35B Analog Smoker:
- There’s no insulation so although the heating element is large enough to be able to handle a bit of bad weather, it will use more power to do so
- The analog dial doesn’t show actual degrees so you’ll need to get used to where to set it to get the temperature you want
- Metal is a bit thinner and flimsier than more expensive alternatives
Smokehouse Little Chief Electric Smoker
Smokehouse have been a household name in electric smokers since 1968. And, instead of trying to do it all, they’ve kept their range specialized and spot on, focusing on gear that’s designed for smoking fish.
But, that’s not all they’re great for. The Smokehouse Little Chief uses a very low, fixed temperature setting to smoke finer foods like salmon, trout, jerky, cheese and sausages. Simply plug it in, load your food up via the front or top access (they make both) and close the door.
The Little Chief’s been designed with premium ventilation in mind to give you maximum flavor and the right amount of dehydration. And, you can’t accidentally ruin your food by overheating it.
The results are perfection and it’s so easy to operate.
The Little Chief is the smallest in their range and will hold up to 25 pounds of food. Take it camping to smoke your catch or set it up as a permanent jerky station at home.
You can even use it to smoke larger, heavier cuts of meat like brisket. But, because the heat is fixed at 165°F, you’ll need to use the oven or another smoker to heat it up to a safe temperature before consuming. The Little Chief will purely give you that unbeatable smoky flavor.
Specs for the Smokehouse Little Chief Electric Smoker
Fuel type: Electric
Barbecue material: Aluminum
Grate material: Chrome-plated wire
Cooking capacity: 25 lbs (roughly 500 sq. in.)
Temperature range: 165°F
Wattage: 250 watts
Price guide: $
Model: Little Chief
Dimensions: 24.5(H) x 11.5(W) x 11.5(D)
Weight: 12.2 lbs
Warranty: 2 years
Pros of the Smokehouse Little Chief Electric Smoker:
- Fool-proof to use
- Perfect for fish, jerky and sausages
- You can add wood chips through the separate door without letting all the heat out
- Option of top or front-loading design
- Really lightweight
- Compact build for transportation
- Rust-resistant aluminum body
- Very inexpensive
Cons of the Smokehouse Little Chief Electric Smoker:
- No flexibility in terms of what temperature you cook at
- Larger cuts of meat will need to be finished in the oven to bring them to a safe to eat temperature
Smokin-It Model #1
If you don’t mind more of an industrial look, the Smokin-It Model #1 works like a dream!
Made from 100% 18-gauge stainless steel, it’s one of the strongest and most durable electric smokers out there.
There’s fiberglass insulation so you can effectively smoke in really cold conditions without the smoker having to struggle away. And, a stainless steel latch to lock the door securely in place, eliminating wasted smoke and heat loss.
If you’re taking it with you on the go, the side handles make moving it easy, lockable castors will keep it where you want it and the extra long 12 foot power cord means you probably won’t need an extension.
Holding up to 22 pounds of meat at a time, it’s the second smallest electric smoker in our line-up and the smallest Smokin-It option. There’s 3 removable racks plus an extra rung if you ever want to add a 4th.
What’s surprising about the Smokin-It Model #1 is that it’s a pretty similar price to other electric smoker options, even though you’re getting way better quality. It’s even NSF Certified for restaurant use, proving how serious this small smoker is.
Specs for the Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker
Barbecue material: Double-walled 18 gauge, 201 stainless steel with fiberglass insulation
Grate material: Stainless steel
Cooking capacity: 22 lbs (roughly 468 square inches)
Fuel type: Electric
Wattage: 400 watts
Price guide: $
Model: Model #1
Assembled size (in): 17.5”H x 13.5”W x 12.5”D
Weight: 58.6 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Pros of the Smokin-It Model #1:
- Full stainless steel construction is rust-resistant and increases the life of this smoker
- Excellent insulation improves performance in very cold conditions
- Large, lockable castors make it easy to move
- Extra long power cord lets you position it where you want instead of where you need it
- Side handles give you an easy way to pick it up
- External drip pan lets you empty it mid-cook without letting the heat and smoke out
- NSF certified for restaurant use if you ever want to use it professionally
- Long warranty for an electric smoker
- Great value for money
Cons of the Smokin-It Model #1:
- You’ll need to open the door to add wood chips mid-cook. Or, just put enough in for the first couple of hours when the most smoke is absorbed anyway
- Temperature does fluctuate a bit. But, the results are still incredible
Masterbuilt Patio 2 Portable Electric Smoker
If the above options aren’t as small as you’d like, the Masterbuilt Patio-to-Portable Electric Smoker is just about as small as they come.
This neat little smoker holds 280 square inches of cooking space on 2 racks. And, the legs fold in so you can store it and transport it with hardly any space at all.
Ideal for cooking for yourself, your partner, or keeping permanently in your RV, the Patio-to-Portable is basic but effective.
There’s an analog temperature dial for simple operation without all the electrics, a powerful heating element to handle weather fluctuations, and, a 6 foot long power cord to give you a bit of leeway wherever you are.
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
Price guide: $
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:
- Really small-sized electric smoker is ideal for individuals or couples
- Compact and lightweight with folding legs minimize storage and transportation space
- Powerful heating element ensure it can still get up to temperature in cooler weather conditions
- Analog dial means there’s less components to break than on a digital dial
- External drip tray can be emptied easily mid-cook
- Sturdy enough to be used as a home smoker as well
Cons of the Masterbuilt Patio 2 Portable Electric Smoker:
- Flimsier construction than the other small electric smoker options on this list
- The analog controls don’t show actual temperatures so you’ll need to get used to where you normally set it to get the temperature you’re after
