Top 6 Best Electric Smokers For The Money – 2021 Update

This in-depth review is a good start for beginners who have no idea of how to choose the best electric smoker for the money.

Our top picks here were not just carefully picked by BBQ experts but also categorized depending on different specific needs, which is prestigious enough to count on. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!

• Masterbuilt MB20074719 – Best for a large gathering
• Masterbuilt 20075315 – Best for smoking meat
• Masterbuilt MB20070210 – Best overall
• Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker – Best for a smaller gathering
• Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker – Best budget option
• Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D – Best for big families

Smoker with Viewing Window

Masterbuilt MB20074719 – Best for a large gathering

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So for occasions like crowd gathering or big families, it’s not a thing to this model.

Its heating holding ability really impressed us. Use it in temps of merely 40 degrees, it heats quickly and holds consistent temperature. We appreciate the viewing window and Bluetooth smart connection that allows for controlling our meat and temperature much better.

You don’t have to open this smoker when wanting to refill wood chips, which is a big bonus to avoid losing the heat. There is a patented side-loading system to help you with that.

Regardless, it has a front access tray for excess food drippings, a removable water bowl for adding flavor or moisture and an air damper for smoke and moisture control. For around $400, it is well worth.

Product Specs

Weight	1 pound
Dimension	18.2 x 24.8 x 42.4 inches
Smoking Area	730 square inches
Capacity	40”
Highlight Features	Cooking surface 975 sq in; Dimensions 18.2 x 24.8 x 42.4 in; Weight 77.5 lb

If you’re looking for an excellent workhorse for the next big family or crowd gathering, this Masterbuilt is a good buy.

Masterbuilt 20075315 – Best for smoking meat

[aawp box=”B00LK2SAYA” tpl_var1=”B00LK2SAYA” tpl_var2=”Masterbuilt 20075315″ tpl_var3=”Masterbuilt” tpl_var4=”81hXInPKyHL” template=”myhome”] Despite all of your effort – even babysitting the smoker all day, it never keeps the right temp. Is it what you’re struggling for?

Well, with the Masterbuilt 20075315, you’ll be amazed at how good your food is!

The manufacturer has given this an upgrade in its temperature consistency to hence hold the temp not just nicely but also precisely. The best thing about it is probably no babysitting requirement. All you need to do is to turn the smoker on, put the meat in, and let it do its job.

Don’t worry, there is an RF remote control provided to let you monitor the smoker internal temps from distance, in addition to time and light.

Product Specs

Weight	72.97 lbs
Dimension	19.53 x 24.96 x 40.16 in
Smoking Area	730 square inches
Capacity	40”
Highlight Features	Viewing Window and RF Remote Control, 40-Inch; monitors internal meat temperature; Four chrome-coated smoking racks

“Electric smokers never give such authentic smoked meat flavors”? Well, not this one!

Smokers without Viewing Window

Masterbuilt MB20070210 – Best overall

[aawp box=”B07NQLF9WD” tpl_var1=”B07NQLF9WD” tpl_var2=”Masterbuilt MB20070210″ tpl_var3=”Masterbuilt” tpl_var4=”71xzfuz0ZjL” template=”myhome”] Okay, this Masterbuilt line might be the best choice for people who are a fan of this brand but in a tight budget.

Although it features no viewing door, no side wood chip tray, nor remote control like the two above, no changes in its performance as well as your food flavors. And the price is nearly twice cheaper!

That said, it’s still convenient to use, featuring an adjustable air damper, removable water bowl, easy-to-slide-out wood chip tray, and analog dial for temp control. One big bonus is the 1500W heating element for consistent smoking so no babysitting needed.

Product Specs

Weight	57.1 pounds
Dimension	20 x 21.69 x 40.15 in
Capacity	30”
Highlight Features	Variable temperature control – easy dial temperature settings; 1, 500-Watt heating element for even, consistent smoking

One of the best things about Masterbuilt is its varying product lines of different price points without compromising of smoking performance. This model is a shining example of our saying.

Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker – Best for a smaller gathering

[aawp box=”B0752DN3PB” tpl_var1=”B0752DN3PB” tpl_var2=”Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker” tpl_var3=”Masterbuilt” tpl_var4=”81F6NtxgfEL” template=”myhome”] Sizing just 20.7 in W x 33.5 in H x 15 in D, Analog Electric Smoker has surpassed the Masterbuilt MB20070210 for its decent compactness while still giving users three cooking racks.

It provides 544 square inches of smoking space with a 1000W electric element for stable heat consistency. The cool thing about this model is its double-wall insulated design with dual exhaust ports, which means it doesn’t burn your hand when trying to open the machine for food.

And the temperature gauge is mounted in the door for easier control.

Product Specs

Weight	49.5 lbs
Dimension	20.7 in W x 33.5 in H x 15 in D.
Smoking area	544 Square inches
Highlight Features	544 Square inches of cooking space Double-wall insulated construction with dual exhaust ports; 1,000-watt electric element

All-in-all, the Char-Broil Analog Smoker has all the features you’ll need for the next small gatherings or family BBQ in your backyard during the weekend.

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker – Best budget option

[aawp box=”B000ZKZJMY” tpl_var1=”B000ZKZJMY” tpl_var2=”Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker” tpl_var3=”Smokehouse” tpl_var4=”61iYMMKYf4L” template=”myhome”] If the price is the biggest element overweighing other things in your needs, this Smokehouse is our recommendation.

It is under $100 and the price also includes a 1.75-pound bag of chip woods and recipe booklet.

It gives you a 24-1/2″ H x 11-1/2″ W x 11-1/2″ D of size for 25 pounds of fish/meat or max smoking capacity, which is great for a gathering of 3 to 5 people or small families.

There will be (of course!) some limitations in terms of convenience, it strikes back with a durable design and extremely high safety levels. The smoker proudly meets CSA, CUL, and UL certification as well as provides you with a 2-year limited warranty.

In addition, food tastes are incredible!

Product Specs

Weight	12.16 lbs.
Dimension	24-1/2″ H x 11-1/2″ W x 11-1/2″ D.
Smoking area	200 square inches
Capacity	Smokes up to 25 pounds of meat or fish
Highlight Features	front loading electric smoker; consistent low-temperature setting; Smokes up to 25 pounds of meat or fish

At under $100, nothing can compete against this Smokehouse unit for the performance, safety levels, and even the number of food types it can smoke. Very well worth the price!

Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D – Best for big families

[aawp box=”B06X6N9H11″ tpl_var1=”B06X6N9H11″ tpl_var2=”Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D” tpl_var3=”Dyna-Glo” tpl_var4=”81mpdlQEhAL” template=”myhome”] To serve big families, the Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D is unbeatable.

It gives you 732 square inches of cooking space with 4 cracks while the total dimensions are just 19.4 x 19 x 32.5 in. That means you’ll get the best of both worlds – a compact smoker which doesn’t take up your small backyard while still providing the roomy interior with good organizing.

It also features an 800W burner that still works efficiently in cold weather and a side access wood chip loader to hence not require opening the door.

The last bonus is its digital thermostat. With just a push on the button, you’ll get multiple control of both temperature and cooking time.

Product Specs

Weight	57.2 lbs.
Dimension	19.4 x 19 x 32.5 in
Smoking Area	732 sq. inch
Capacity	30”
Highlight Features	Four chrome-plated steel cooking grates; a total of 732 square inches in cooking space; 800-watt burner provides abundant cooking power even in colder climates;

Built with big capacity in a small shape, alongside multiple helpful add-ons, the Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D is perfect for big families.

How to choose the best electric smoker for the money?

Capacity

Regardless of how many amazing features your electric smoker has, it turns out to be useless if the capacity isn’t adequate to your needs.

So, always check for its capacity first.

Look at its width and then the number of racks that it has. If you’re living alone or under 4 people, a 30” sized smoker is worth considering.

But for a big family or a crowd gathering, your smoker should be sizable (40 inches are ideal) or should have an ample grease tray and wood tray to fit the food inside, such as big ribs or whole packer briskets.

Budget

Electric smokers cost within $100 to $500 in most cases.

Although it’s not hard to find incredibly cheap units priced from $100 to $150, we advise looking at range of $200 to $300 if you’re in a tight budget or occasionally use your smoker.

Remember that affordability isn’t synonymous to low quality but commonly, they come with very basic features.

If you’re willing to invest in a really good one, the latest Bluetooth models nowadays cost up to $500.

Features

Depending on the price range that you’re ready to pay for, here are some must-have and optional features you should look for in an electric smoker.

Digital control panel – to let you control or adjust some certain features, like cooking time or internal temperature

Meat probes and temperature control – allow you to track the meat doneness as well as the internal temperature

Wheels – for better mobility

Ease of cleaning – all water pan, grease pan, wood chip trays, panels, racks, and cooking grids should be removable. Also, check if these components are easy to replace or not

If you’re about to invest in a high-end unit, look out for the Bluetooth function with strong connection to help you control your smoker from distance without opening the main door.

Who makes the best electric smoker for the money?

Masterbuilt

Founded in 1973, Masterbuilt is one of the youngest brands here specializing in producing grills, smokers, and related accessories. This trustworthy brand with a history of innovative designs has long been well-loved by royalty.

Char-Broil

The longest-standing manufacturer here, with over 75 years’ expertise in manufacturing charcoal, electric, and gas smokers, grills, and so on. Char-Broil is also a subsidiary of W. C. Bradley Co.

Smokehouse

Established in 1968 and quickly recognized as the original smokers. Smokehouse then spread their business over the propane and electric models, with lots of support from worldwide customers.

FAQs

What’s better electric or propane smoker?

Electric smokers are a better choice for beginners based on its decent ease to use and apartment owners due to its safety.

Meanwhile, propane smokers are ideal for commercial barbecue restaurants as it can afford a huge amount of food while replicating the most closely in terms of flavors.

Do electric smokers use a lot of electricity?

No, they don’t.

Electric smokers, contrasting to many people’s thoughts, consume only 800 watts per hour.

Are electric smokers worth it?

It depends on your preferences, cooking skills, and needs.

If you don’t care much about the authentic smoked flavors but more about the convenience, ease to control and use, an electric smoker is worth it.

Is a pellet smoker better than an electric smoker?

Pellet smokers win over electric or propane smokers in terms of flavors. They provide your food with much smokier and deeper taste but is still easy to use. But one biggest drawback stopping many foodies from buying it is the expensive price.

Can you smoke fish and meat together?

Yes, literally you can.

But pay more attention to your fish because it is harder for smoking to penetrate it when the interior heat exceeds 200 degrees F.

Conclusion

Although electric smokers are considered “cheating” by lots of naysayers to be unauthentic, can’t deny that it is a great invention for starters and apartment owners to enjoy smoked meat with safety.

But whether it makes or breaks your BBQ parties depends on this current choice so, be wise!

We hope this complete guide has helped you find out the best electric smoker for the money so that you’ll get the most enjoyable moment with your loved ones.