Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
Plug-in smokers can actually be just as effective as a charcoal or wood-burning one. Plus, they're perfect for beginners. Check out our top picks below.
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Die-hard pitmasters may have their doubts about small electric grills and electric smokers, but plug-in smokers can actually be just as effective as a charcoal or wood-burning one. Plus, they’re perfect for beginners as they’re relatively easy to use and affordable. You just have to know what to look for.
To begin your search, ask around and see which kinds your smoker friends prefer. Then scour the internet, reading reviews and researching which smokers are the highest quality. Luckily, we’ve already done some of the work for you and have found some of the best smokers 2024 has to offer. Bonus: If you’re shopping around the holiday season, we’ve got the best Black Friday grill deals.
Convenient and easy to use, the Cuisinart COS-330 30-in. Electric Smoker is the perfect smoker for beginners. Simply plug it in, layer your meat on the three racks and set the temperature. Then sit back and let the smoker work its magic. The front door features a thermometer to monitor the inside temperature. Plus the frame is lightweight and has handles on the sides, so you can easily move it from front yard to back yard, or even into an open garage if it rains.
The Bradley Bluetooth 6-Rack Digital Smart Smoker isn’t the most expensive option out there, but it may well be the most high-tech. This smart smoker features iSmoke technology, allowing you to control internal temperatures from your mobile device. You can also remotely adjust the session duration and advance the briquettes further into the burner. Plus, 780 sq. in. of space allows you to cook up the main course and all the fixings.
There’s a reason the Char-Broil Analog Smoker is Amazon’s Choice. Double-wall insulation and dual exhaust ports allow for even cooking and stable internal temperatures. The digital LED control panel and analog design is reliable and easy to use. And Char-Broil has a great reputation and offers lots of great supportive info, from recipes to how-to guides and more. Ask a question in an online forum and you’ll be sure to find a bunch of people who have experience with this exact smoker.
Sure you’re about to get serious about smoking? With 1,008 sq. in. of space, the Cookshack Amerique Electric Smoker allows you to cook up to 50 pounds of food at once. Superior insulation ensures a consistent internal temperature and a huge degree range lets you smoke everything from meat to vegetables. It’s also a hefty 150 pounds, but comes on wheels for easy transportation.
Yes, you can smoke meats and grill them in one machine: the Americana 2-in-1 Electric Water Smoker, which converts into a lock-and-go grill. Its chimney-like design and vented lid create a constant flow of new smoke for juicy, flavorful food every time. The interlocking body and base and multiple handles make for easy storage and transport to your backyard or campsite.
If you’re searching for a simple, straightforward smoker that will get the job done, look no further than the Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Smoker. This steel smoker features smart technology that lets you monitor and control the internal temperature from your mobile device. And its side chip-loading system means you can add more wood to the smoker without opening the door.
Several aspects of an electric smoker grill can influence shoppers. We’ll take a look at the key considerations below.
Think about what you plan on using your electric smoker grill for.
Also, consider storage. You’ll need enough space to store your smoker grill safely out of the elements when not in use.
Most electric smokers have digital controls to set and maintain precise temperature settings. They usually offer a wide temperature range of about 100 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermostatic control and consistency are key to achieving the best results from your smoker when cooking meats and other dishes.
Some premium models may also offer advanced settings like automatic adjustment and setting specific cooking times, as well as built-in thermostats or meat probes to provide real-time temperature readings as you go. This is a great feature since you don’t need to open the grill, which lowers the temperature.
A well-built smoker is usually made from heavy-gauge steel or stainless steel, offering improved heat retention to ensure consistent cooking temperatures. High build quality is crucial for making great smoked foods and also minimizes the need for temperature adjustments.
Additionally, you should consider durability, especially if you’ll be using your smoker outdoors. Look for weather-resistant features like a powder-coated finish to protect against rust and high-quality seals around the doors and hinges to help with heat retention.
Naturally, smoke production is the central aspect of a smoker grill. Most electric smokers are designed to use wood chips and are compatible with various wood types. The favorites, of course, are hickory, mesquite and applewood. Some models even allow you to adjust the smoke intensity, giving you control over how much smoke you want to infuse into the food.
When shopping, look at the wood chip tray design. You want one that allows the chips to burn evenly and produce consistent smoke throughout the cooking process.
Electric smoker grills are normally pretty easy to operate. In terms of maintenance, manufacturers tend to make it simple with removable racks, drip trays and chip trays, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Some models may even have a front-loading chip tray, which allows you to add chips without opening the main door and losing valuable heat.
Electric smokers will likely include advanced features like built-in thermostats and meat probes. Some may even include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and adjust cooking temperatures, set timers, and receive alerts directly to your smart device. This can come in very handy during those long smoke sessions when you don’t want to be chained to the smoker all day long.
Since you won’t want to leave your electric smoker outside all year, you’ll need to move it occasionally. This is why portability is so important to look at when shopping.
Look for sturdy wheels and handles that will last as long as the smoker. You want something easy to transport (think about where you will store the smoker when not in use and how you need to move it there). Compact sizes are also great if you’re limited in storage space, so keep that in mind.
Everyone’s budget is different. When shopping for your electric smoker, consider the features you absolutely have to have and the cost of models that tick all those boxes. Advanced features often drive up the price significantly, so foregoing a high-tech addition can help keep budgets more manageable if it’s not a must-have.
That said, also consider durability. Better build quality can mean paying a little more, but it may be worth the long-term investment if it lasts considerably longer than a cheaper model.
Electric smoker grills’ warranty varies by brand and model, but they generally provide peace of mind by covering defects in materials and workmanship. Most electric smokers have a warranty of one to three years, depending on the manufacturer. Some high-end models might offer extended warranties, providing coverage for up to five years or more.
At Family Handyman, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Scott Huntington drew from his extensive knowledge of outdoor cooking equipment to analyze the best available products.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed to this piece. Paul tests and writes about home and garden products for multiple publications, including BobVila.com.
Our list of recommendations was put together after careful research of the top electric smoker models available on the market and consideration of key considerations when shopping for one. We focused on finding plug-in smokers built with robust materials, offering a range of price points depending on the desired level of features and build quality.
Our top picks encompass compact options for limited space and larger units for all-out smoke sessions for big gatherings. Many of our favorite smokers include impressive features such as smart device connectivity, precise temperature control and automatic adjustment.
Think about what foods you plan on smoking and the quantity you’d like to cook, then pick a smoker that can meet those requirements. Remember that larger units also need more storage space when not using them.
Char-Broil, Masterbuilt and Cuisinart are all well-known for producing high-quality smokers built to last.
The lifespan of an electric smoker varies depending on the brand and model. If well maintained, most models can last five to ten years. However, exposing smokers to harsh weather conditions without proper protection or slacking on maintenance will cause them to wear and tear more quickly.
