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In the realm of outdoor cooking, electric smokers have emerged as a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional charcoal or wood smokers. With their ease of use, precise temperature control, and versatility, electric smokers have gained popularity among both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned pitmasters. In this review article, we will delve into the world of electric smokers, exploring their features, benefits, and the top models available on the market.
Whether you’re a beginner venturing into the art of smoking or a seasoned pro looking for a convenient option, you can check out the reviews of the best electric smokers consumer reports to get the details about the best electric smokers available on the market. The reviews are followed by a buying guide that can help you make an informed decision and take your smoking game to new heights.
Best Electric Smokers Consumer Ratings & Reports
- 1. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
- 2. Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker
- 3. Bradley Smoker BS611 4-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker
- 4. Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker
- 5. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker With Adjustable Temperature Control
How To Use An Electric Smoker With Wood Chips?
Wrap Up
Best Electric Smoker Reviews
1. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
When it comes to electric smokers, Masterbuilt is the brand that tops the list. Check out this electric smoker, which features a digital panel that allows you to turn the unit on and off, and set the right cooking temperature and time.
This digital electric smoker allows you to prepare a wide range of food items to perfection. You can cook up to 6 chickens, 4 pork butts, 2 turkeys, or 4 racks of ribs in this electric smoker.
The electric smoker boasts a patented side wood chip loading system, which makes it easier to load the wood chips, as you can do it without opening the door.
Another notable feature of this product is thermostat temperature control, which ensures even smoking throughout the process.
The smart design of the smoker along with a fully insulated body helps retain heat for fast and efficient smoking. Overall, it is a very reliable electric smoker that delivers great results every time.
- Temperature swings are minimal
- Reloading wood chips is very easy
- Very easy to use and light on the pocket
- Build quality is not that great
- Timer feature is more annoying than useful
2. Char-Broil 17202004 Digital Electric Smoker
This smoker offers a fantastic combination of features that make it a standout choice for both small gatherings and large groups. The first thing that impressed us about this smoker is its generous cooking space.
With 725 square inches spread across 4 adjustable smoking racks, you’ll have plenty of room to cook a wide variety of meats to perfection. Whether you’re smoking ribs, brisket, or even whole poultry, this Electric Smoker can handle it all.
The insulated, double-wall construction of this smoker ensures that the temperature inside remains consistent and well-regulated. Additionally, the glass door provides a clear view of the cooking process, allowing you to monitor your food without opening the smoker and releasing heat.
Another standout feature of this smoker is the removable integrated food thermometer. This allows you to easily monitor and set the desired internal temperature of your food, ensuring perfect results every time. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to precise cooking!
The large stainless steel locking latch deserves special mention as well. It creates a smoke-tight seal, preventing any unwanted smoke leakage and ensuring that your food gets that authentic smoky flavor.
To top it all off, this smoker comes with a convenient remote control, which allows you to monitor and control your cook from a distance, giving you the freedom to socialize or attend to other tasks while your food is smoking.
- Large cooking space (725 square inches)
- Built-in meat probe
- 4 removable racks for convenience
- Advanced digital control panel
- Food warming feature
- Handle and wheels for easy manoeuvrability
- Digital readouts are difficult to read in the sun
- Sits low to the ground
3. Bradley Smoker BS611 4-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker
This 4-rack Outdoor Electric Smoker is a remarkable addition to any outdoor cooking setup. This smoker offers a combination of features that make it a standout choice for both small and large-scale smoking endeavors.
One of the standout features of this smoker is its large capacity. With four included racks, this smoker is designed to accommodate the smoking needs of couples and even larger crowds.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a feast for a special occasion, this smoker provides ample space to smoke a variety of meats, fish, and even vegetables to perfection.
The professional-grade design of this smoker is another aspect that sets it apart. It’s the perfect tool for professional chefs and smoking enthusiasts who appreciate the ease of use and consistent results.
The fully automatic operation allows you to simply load in your briquettes, set the desired smoking time, and let the smoker do the work for up to 9 hours. This feature gives you the freedom to attend to other tasks or enjoy the company of your guests while the smoker infuses your food with delicious smoky flavors.
In terms of dimensions, the Bradley Smoker BS611 measures 19 by 22 by 35 inches, with a 24-inch width when the generator is attached. The cooking area spans 4 by 11 by 13 inches, providing sufficient space for smoking various types of food. Whether you’re smoking racks of ribs or a whole salmon, this smoker offers enough room to accommodate your culinary ambitions.
Maintaining and cleaning the Bradley Smoker BS611 is a breeze. The smoker features an easy-to-clean stainless steel interior that resists rust and ensures durability.
Additionally, the smoke diffuser system keeps the smoke flowing smoothly, eliminating dirty smoke and preventing “black rain” from dripping onto your delicious smoked creations. This feature not only enhances the overall cooking experience but also contributes to maintaining a cleaner and more enjoyable smoking process.
The Bradley Smoker brand is known for its commitment to delivering exceptional smoke flavor, and the BS611 model lives up to that reputation.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice in the world of smoking, this smoker allows you to achieve mouthwatering, flavorful results with ease. It truly enhances the dining experience and opens up a world of possibilities for delicious smoked dishes.
- Ample space inside
- Automated wood feeder ensures uninterrupted and clean smoke
- Control temperature and smoke levels separately
- Feeder runs only on Bradley Smoker Bisquettes
- Expensive unit
4. Cuisinart COS-330 Vertical Electric Smoker
This smoker is the perfect addition to any patio or barbecue kitchen, as it offers a spacious interior, convenient features, and reliable performance. If you have a well-maintained patio that includes patio heaters as well, and looking to buy an electric smoker, then Cuisinart COS-330 is your best option.
The first thing that impressed me about the Cuisinart COS-330 is its generous cooking space. With 548 square inches of interior room, there is ample space to smoke a variety of meats and vegetables to perfection. Whether you’re smoking ribs, brisket, or even whole chickens, this smoker provides enough room to accommodate large cuts and quantities.
The three removable smoking shelves are another fantastic feature of this smoker. Made of chrome-plated steel, these racks can be easily removed to create enough space for smoking those extra-large cuts of meat. The fact that the racks are dishwasher-safe makes cleanup a breeze, saving you time and effort after a delicious barbecue session.
The smoker features a built-in thermometer, which is located on the front door. It allows easy monitoring of the internal temperature. This feature is essential for maintaining consistent cooking temperatures and ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
The 1500-watt heating element of this smoker is highly efficient and provides consistent heat throughout the smoking process. The temperature range from 100 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is easily controlled with a dial, allowing you to achieve the desired heat level for various types of smoking.
The stainless steel trays designed to hold wood chips and water are another valuable addition to this smoker. Not only do these trays contribute to easy cleanup after use, but they also enhance the overall smoking experience.
Adding wood chips to the smoker creates that authentic smoky flavor, while the water tray helps maintain the optimal moisture levels within the cooking chamber.
Get this electric smoker to elevate your outdoor cooking game and enjoy the delicious creations this smoker can produce.
- Decent cooking space
- Easy to use
- Works with any kind of wood chip
- Affordable unit
- Absence of digital temperature control
5. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker With Adjustable Temperature Control
This is an Analog Electric Smoker that has an enormous cooking surface. This smoker is a standout appliance that delivers exceptional results and is designed to cater to various smoking needs.
The cooking surface of this smoker spans an impressive 457.86 square inches over three chrome-coated smoking racks. This ample space provides enough room to smoke a wide variety of meats and other foods simultaneously, making it perfect for gatherings and events where you need to cater to a larger group. The racks can easily accommodate large cuts of meat, allowing you to experiment and create delicious smoked dishes.
The 1500-watt heating power, combined with the fully adjustable and removable digital controller, offers precise temperature control, giving you the flexibility to achieve optimal results with different smoking techniques. The integrated thermometer further adds to the convenience by allowing you to quickly check the internal temperature without needing to open the smoker.
The double-wall construction firebox of this smoker is designed to retain heat efficiently, ensuring a stable smoking temperature throughout the cooking process. This feature helps maintain the desired smoking environment, allowing your food to absorb the delicious smoky flavors while ensuring even and consistent cooking.
This analog electric smoker is equipped with a comprehensive grease management system, including a removable stainless steel water pan, a lidded chip box, and an independent grease cup.
This system not only enhances the smoking process but also simplifies cleanup. The independent grease cup collects drippings, making it quick and convenient to dispose of the excess grease and maintain a clean and tidy smoking environment.
The smoker has a highly efficient latch system that guarantees optimal seal performance, which is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures and smoke levels.
The company has provided a cool-touch spring door handle that prevents scalding, providing added safety during use. The two side handles also contribute to the convenience, allowing for easy transport and positioning of the smoker.
- Value for money product
- Settings are easy to understand and use
- Doesn’t consume too much space
- Efficiency reduces in cold temperatures
- Chip box is comparatively small
- Water pan needs to be filled frequently than other models at a similar price range
How To Use An Electric Smoker For The First Time?
Using an electric smoker for the first time can be tricky for some, so here are steps that newbies can follow to use the electric smoker effectively:
Read the instruction manual: Familiarize yourself with the specific model of the electric smoker you have purchased. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to understand its features, controls, and any safety precautions.
Pre-season the smoker: Before your first use, it is recommended to pre-season the smoker to remove any manufacturing residues and to condition the interior. Start by wiping the interior surfaces with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry. Then, run the smoker empty at a low temperature for about 30 minutes to burn off any remaining residues and to season the interior.
Prepare your food: While preheating the smoker, prepare your food items. Season them with your desired spices and marinades, and let them come to room temperature.
Fill the wood chip tray: Electric smokers typically have a designated wood chip tray. Fill the tray with your preferred wood chips, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before use to enhance their smoky flavor.
Preheat the smoker: Plug in the electric smoker and set the temperature according to your recipe or preference. Allow the smoker to preheat until it reaches the desired temperature. This usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Load the food onto the cooking grates: Place your prepared food items onto the cooking grates inside the smoker. Arrange them in a way that allows for even heat distribution and airflow.
Monitor the cooking process: Close the smoker’s door to maintain the desired temperature and retain the smoke. Keep an eye on the cooking time and internal temperature of your food using a meat thermometer. Make any necessary temperature adjustments throughout the cooking process.
Add more wood chips if desired: As the wood chips burn, they will produce smoke that flavors your food. If you want to add more smoke, you can replenish the wood chips periodically during the cooking process.
Let the food rest: Once the food has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the smoker and leave it as it is for a few minutes before you serve it to your guests. This allows the juices to evenly distribute in the food and enhance the flavors.
How To Use An Electric Smoker With Wood Chips?
Using wood chips in an electric smoker adds a smoky flavor to your food. Here’s how to use them:
Soak the wood chips: Before using wood chips, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to enhance their smoky flavor and prevent them from burning too quickly.
Prepare the wood chip tray: Electric smokers have a designated tray or box for wood chips. Fill the tray with the soaked wood chips, ensuring it is not overly packed.
Place the wood chip tray in the smoker: Insert the filled wood chip tray into the designated slot or tray compartment inside the smoker. Make sure it is securely in place.
Preheat and cook: Preheat the electric smoker to the desired temperature and place your food on the cooking grates. As the smoker heats up, the wood chips will begin to smolder, releasing smoke that flavors your food.
Monitor and replenish: Throughout the cooking process, monitor the smoke level and add more wood chips as needed. This can be done by opening the smoker and placing additional soaked wood chips into the tray. Remember to close the smoker’s door promptly to maintain the desired temperature and retain the smoke.
Adjust cooking time: When using wood chips, the cooking time may be slightly longer due to lower temperatures resulting from the introduction of smoke. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and continue monitoring the internal temperature of the food for doneness.
Wrap Up
Electric smokers offer a compelling combination of convenience, control, and versatility, making them a worthy addition to any outdoor cooking setup. From their precise temperature control and user-friendly interfaces to their ability to deliver mouthwatering, smoky flavors, electric smokers have revolutionized the art of smoking.
Whether you’re a fan of juicy ribs, flavorful brisket, or perfectly smoked salmon, there is an electric smoker out there to meet your needs. All you need to do is go through the best electric smokers consumer reports to identify the right product and you can certainly elevate your outdoor cooking experience to new heights of flavor and convenience.