Electric smokers are the new trend for outdoor recreation. A simple backyard barbeque with family and friends in the summer is just bliss.

If you’re into outdoor cooking, buying an electric smoker might have crossed your mind.

Electric smokers have a lot of different styles, and it’s not impossible to find something that suits your needs and personal tastes.

This post will go through some great electric smoker brands and models. They come in various shapes, sizes, and mechanisms. There is also a pellet smoker, charcoal smoker, or gas smoker. But we will be focusing exclusively on electric smokers. 

Top picks for small electric smokers.

These small devices are quite popular in the market because of the many great features mentioned above.

Many manufacturers have put out many models, and we have selected a few of them that we think are great for their prices in terms of quality, efficiency, and other benefits. Feel free to choose from the list below and read our reviews about each of them. 

1. Masterbuilt 30“ Analog Electric Smoker

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Masterbuilt is a renowned brand in the food appliance industry. This model is the smallest size that they released on the market. In our personal opinion, it’s the simplest electric smoker there is. It does not have any sort of digital controls.

But the perks are already great with the 548 square inches of internal cooking space and 3 racks. This analog smoker has a 1500-watt heating element that can already cook the hard kinds of meat with no problem. Just simply plug it in, and it’s ready to go.

It’s easy to locate the temperature gauge since it’s just built into the door. It has a water bowl you can easily detach to refill for the moisture inside the machine. The tray for wood chips is also easy to remove for cleaning. This may be the simplest analog electric smoker in the market today that works exactly as intended.

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Convenient to use
  • Patented wood chip loading system

Cons

  • Inconvenient placement of the temperature gauge

2. Little Chief Small Electric Smoker

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Around five decades have passed since the Little Chief brand was established and started manufacturing food smoking appliances consistently. Inside the smoker are 4 cooking grates that can carry up to 25 pounds of food with a 250-watt heating element for slow smoking smaller and softer types of meat.

It cannot effectively cook large pieces of meat, though. It has a great temperature control feature; you can also choose where to load your food and concentrate the smoke. If you like to slow cook food more than the regular smoking speed, this could work for you. 

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Large interior capacity
  • Perfect for slow smoking

Cons

  • Heating element is not optimal large pieces of meat

3. Simple Char-Broil With SmartChef Technology

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This digital smoker integrated with SmartChef technology allows you to control it from your smart mobile device through its app. There aren’t that many models of this kind available in the market just yet, so it’s safe to say that this is one of the first few released.

The circular compact shape and size hold 2 smoke racks and 1 cooking basket that can fit a 16-pound turkey. 

The heating element is evenly distributed throughout the smoker to ensure that your food is well-cooked.

As mentioned, there is an app with built-in technology that turns your smartphone into a remote control device for the electric smoker where you can regulate the temperature, set a timer, and also a notification system to alert you when your food is ready.

The app also allows you to choose what kind of meat you are cooking. However, one drawback is that the app does not work smoothly in Android operating systems as it does in iOS, so that’s one glitch that the manufacturer is hopefully fixing.

Pros

  • Modern design
  • Smart features
  • Even smoke distribution

Cons

  • Minor app malfunction in Android OS

4. Smokin-it Small Electric Smoker

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This is Model 1 of the 3 other models made by Smokin-It that vary in size. This one is the smallest out of all of them. But even with the small size, it can still carry around 22 pounds of meat distributed on 3 racks.

The entire thing is durable stainless steel with a 400-watt heating element. Another feature we love about the Smokin-It Model 1 is that it has wheels which make transporting it a whole lot easier since it’s also heavy due to its construction.

Pros

  • Small size
  • Durable construction
  • Wheels for easy transport

Cons

  • Needs frequent cleaning

5. Meco Stainless Steel Small Electric Smoker

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This is another stainless steel constructed electric smoker with simple yet great features. It’s relatively easy to use and can accommodate food for the average-sized family. It has 2 cooking racks and 351 square inches of interior cooking space. 

The smoker of this model can also do water smoking which helps in making the meat more tender and juicy. To make it more interesting, it’s not just exclusive to water. You can put any liquid in it that you think can add to the flavor of the meat you are cooking.

You can put in a lot of different kinds of food, and it would still be cooked efficiently with its 1500-watt heating element. For the heating element, you can also use wood pellets for added smoke production that helps cook the food better and faster. 

Pros

  • Stainless steel material ensures durability
  • Great performance
  • Simple to use

Cons

  • Hassle to fit the lid into the base

6. Masterbuilt portable electric smoker

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Another masterpiece by Masterbuilt. This is one of their small models that contrasts the typically large sizes of electric smokers that they make. It is a standing smoker, but the legs can be folded, so it can also be placed on an uneven surface when used outdoors.

And since it’s basically for the outdoors, it has an analog setting which also means that you must actively monitor the status of what you’re cooking. The heating element is 1400 watts with 280 square inches of interior space.

If you buy one, it also comes with a free bag you can put in for whenever you take it on trips.

Pros

  • Foldable legs
  • Powerful heating element
  • Portable

Cons

  • 250 degrees limit on the smoker capacity

7. LANDMANN Small Electric Smoker

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Inside the Landmann electric smoker is a triple-purpose tray that combines the wood chip tray, water pan, and grease pan, which is a total space saver and maximizes its 457.86 square inch cooking space that can cater to ribs and barbecues alike. 

The unit is compact and very handy to use. It also has a temperature gauge with a wide range of temperature control settings. The door has a small glass window to see the food inside. It also has a rear damper port and an adjustable stand. 

This is perfect for those who do not have enough kitchen space but would not mind cooking outdoors. The non-insulated trays are 26 inches, and the cooking grates are made of premium steel. 

Pros

  • Non-insulated cooking chamber
  • User-friendly
  • Triple purpose tray

Cons

  • No wheels
  • Analog temperature control
  • Small cooking space

8. BRADLEY SMOKER Small Electric Smoker

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The next one on the list is the model by Bradley Smoker. At first glance, you will see that it is premium looking and durable with the classic stainless steel exterior and interior.

It is also quite easy to clean. It has 4 racks inside with dimensions of 17 x 14 x 31 inches. And the other two are 24 inches wide. You have the freedom to fully control the temperature settings digitally, along with the amount of smoke emitted.

This model can cook various meat and food such as chicken and fish. You can also serve gourmet meals using this top-performing smoker with confidence that your food will have that exceptional flavor and touch.

Many people consider this brand one of the best and most high-end quality smokers, so we highly recommend you check it out.

Pros

  • High quality material
  • Epoxy steel construction
  • Stainless steel interior and exterior construction
  • Large internal cooking space
  • Two separate heating elements for cooking and smoking

Cons

  • Not well-insulated
  • Heat retention after 4 hours, the time limit of the digital control
  • Getting to the desired temperatures will take some time
  • Expensive

9. ROYAL GOURMET Electric Smoker

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Looking for an electric smoker with a lot of interiors? This is one of the best options in the market today. With 3 chrome-coated smoking racks and 1500-watt heating power for the heating element, this Royal Gourmet electric smoker performs well.

The smoker’s digital controls are removable and have a built-in thermometer. The latch ensures airtight sealing, so the smoke is concentrated inside the machine and adds to the double layer of the wall construction.

The handle does not heat up, so it’s safe to handle and carry. Upon buying the product, you get three years of warranty. The steel cooking grates are 16” in size with vertical barrel designs. Temperature retention and consistency are top-notch. 

Pros

  • Versatile uses
  • Secure sealing
  • Easy to carry

Cons

  • none

10. CUISINART Small Electric Smoker

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This model also received great customer feedback, so we included this in the list. It has two stainless steel cooking racks with a 16” size each, and the entirety of the interior has a 402 square inch cooking space. It also has two air vents for optimal heat and smoke regulation.

Cooking time is not that long, and it is user-friendly and great for outdoor grilling of fish, meat, chicken, and even vegetables. The vertical and cylindrical shape of the smoker also contributes to the evenness of the smoke distribution inside so that your food is cooked in all parts.

Even professional chefs have a lot of positive things to say about this particular electric smoker brand. 

Pros

  • Wide cooking space
  • Dual air vents
  • Vents are placed at the top and bottom

Cons

  • none

11. Masterbuilt 20073716 Portable Electric Smoker

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Your road trip companion is here! Escape the city life with your pals, and bring this portable electric smoker with you for an instant outdoor grilling experience!

Prepare your whole turkey and some hamburgers because you can fit them inside this small but terrible smoker with its powerful 1400-watt heating element.

What’s surprising is that it only weighs 21 pounds,s so it’s not that heavy to carry, and it can withstand whatever the weather is, whether extreme heat and humidity, strong winds, or heavy rain.

You can choose not to have the racks if you feel like it minimizes the space. The airtight seal of the door traps the heat and smoke effectively to ensure that your food is thoroughly cooked. 

Made with the primary purpose of outdoor use, it only has an analog setting and no digital controls. You have to set the temperature manually, but the temperature gauge makes monitoring easier. You can get this great little smoker at a price of below $80 only.

Yes, the price is tempting, but you also have to remember that the price is related to the features you get, so do not expect high-end features for a price like this. Nonetheless, the unit still has the basic features to do the job. 

Are you an outdoorsy person who likes to live life on the road? Look no further because the perfect electric smoker is already here for you. 

Pros

  • Very cheap price
  • Portable with foldable leg stands
  • Several cooking systems
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Small size
  • No warranty for the unit

Understanding Electric Smokers: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re considering a culinary upgrade to your home that lets you enjoy smoked delicacies, an electric smoker could be your new best friend. Armed with a wealth of knowledge in kitchen gadgets, I’m here to walk you through the ins and outs of electric smokers. This guide gives you the ultimate insight into choosing, using, and maximizing your electric smoker, embodying expertise, authority, and trust on the topic.

What is an Electric Smoker?

An electric smoker is a compact, heavy-duty appliance designed for families up to six members. Standing at less than 30 inches tall and boasting a 500-square-inch interior capacity, it’s perfectly sized for an average household.

These smokers come with a variety of features like differently shaped and positioned cooking racks, heat-resistant handles, and even wheels for portability. They’re also available in multiple colors, making them both practical and visually pleasing.

Why Electric Smokers Are Worth Your Consideration

Electric smokers offer the convenience of on-the-go smoking for those spontaneous backyard get-togethers. They are incredibly user-friendly, requiring only an electrical outlet to function. Ideal for small gatherings, these units are cost-effective, space-saving, and eliminate the need for gas tanks.

Facts You Should Know About Electric Smokers

Advantages

  • No Open Flame: No need to worry about lighting or maintaining a fire.
  • Safety: Reduced fire risk due to the absence of open flame.
  • Efficient Heat Distribution: Ensures even cooking.
  • Economical: No consumption of charcoal or gas.

Disadvantages

  • Limited Temperature Range: Can only reach up to 300°F.
  • Insulation: Cheaper models may lack insulation, causing temperature instability.
  • Reduced Smoke: Doesn’t produce as much smoke as charcoal models.

Understanding Temperature Controls: Analog vs. Digital

Analog Controllers: These require manual adjustment, and you’ll need to keep an eye on temperature changes yourself. They typically feature a simple knob with minimal settings.

Digital Controllers: These come with built-in sensors and automatic temperature adjustment, generally making them pricier but more precise.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Electric Smoker

Capacity

Select a smoker that matches the food quantity you generally prepare. Capacity should be a top priority, as it directly affects how efficiently you can serve your guests.

Usability

Look for features that simplify the cooking process, like easy-to-read temperature gauges and visibility windows. Smart connectivity is an added bonus.

Temperature Range

Opt for smokers with a wide temperature range, ideally between 100 and 400°F, for versatile cooking options.

Portability

Choose a lightweight and durable model, especially if you plan on using it outdoors frequently. The power cable’s length should also be practical.

Maintenance

Ensure that parts like cooking grids and trays are easily removable for cleaning. Replacement parts should also be readily available.

Remote Control

Some advanced models allow for remote monitoring, which is convenient if you have other tasks to attend to.

Shelving Options

Choose smokers with versatile shelving options to accommodate different food types and sizes.

Chip Tray

This component should hold enough wood chips and allow for easy refilling to ensure consistent smoking.

Ventilation

Properly designed vents or openings are essential for effective temperature and smoke regulation.

Additional Features to Maximize Your Smoker’s Performance

  • Season your smoker before first use.
  • Consider adding a dual-probe thermometer.
  • Preheat the smoker, just as you would with an oven.
  • Start with easy-to-cook items like pork butt slices when experimenting for the first time.

Electric vs. Propane Smokers: A Quick Comparison

Both types perform efficiently and don’t require constant monitoring. However, electric smokers offer a consistent power supply and overall lower costs, making them more convenient for the average user.

Conclusion

Electric smokers are an efficient and convenient addition to any home kitchen. Their portability, ease of use, and efficient heating make them a worthy investment for anyone looking to explore the world of smoked foods. Keep in mind the various factors like capacity, usability, and maintenance when making your choice, and you’re well on your way to becoming a smoking maestro.