Electric smokers make it easy to get real wood-smoked flavor without babysitting a fire all day. You set the temperature, add wood chips, and walk away — the smoker does the rest. After testing and researching dozens of models, we’ve narrowed it down to the nine best electric smokers you can buy right now, covering every budget from under $100 to over $300.
Whether you’re smoking brisket for a crowd, fish fillets on the weekend, or just want a beginner-friendly unit that delivers consistent results, there’s an option on this list for you.
- Best Overall: Masterbuilt 30″ Digital
- Best Large Capacity: Masterbuilt 40″ Digital
- Best Mid-Range: Char-Broil Deluxe Digital
- Best Budget: Masterbuilt Analog
- Best Premium: Cookshack Smokette Elite
- Best Compact: Cuisinart COS-330
- Best for Fish & Cold Smoking: Smokehouse Big Chief
- Best Bluetooth: Masterbuilt Bluetooth
- Best Portable Setup: Masterbuilt with Leg Kit
Electric Smoker Buying Guide
Analog vs. Digital Controls
Analog electric smokers use a simple dial to set temperature — reliable, affordable, and easy to use. Digital models give you a precise readout, often with a built-in meat probe and programmable shutoff. For beginners, digital is worth the extra cost because guesswork is eliminated. For experienced smokers who want maximum simplicity and durability, analog is hard to beat.
Wattage and Temperature Range
Most household electric smokers run on 800–1,500 watts. Higher wattage means faster heat-up times and better performance in cold weather. Look for a model that reaches at least 275°F — anything less will struggle to render fat properly on larger cuts like brisket or pork shoulder. For fish, low-temp capability (under 160°F) is just as important.
Cooking Space: How Much Do You Need?
A 30″ digital smoker (around 710 sq in) handles a full packer brisket, two racks of ribs, and a pork butt simultaneously — plenty for most families. If you regularly cook for 10+ people or want to do whole turkeys alongside ribs, step up to a 40″ unit. For solo use or apartment patios, a compact smoker under 400 sq in is ideal.
Wood Chip Loading Systems
Side-loading wood chip trays let you add chips without opening the door — a major advantage because every time you open the door you lose heat and smoke. Front-loading designs are more common on budget units and work fine, but require more temperature management discipline. Avoid smokers with tiny chip boxes that require constant refilling during long cooks.
Do You Need to Soak Wood Chips?
No — and you shouldn’t. Soaking wood chips in water delays combustion and produces steam before smoke, which can result in bitter, over-smoky flavor. Dry chips ignite faster and produce cleaner smoke. If you want a longer, slower smoke, use wood chunks or pellets in a separate smoke box instead of soaking chips.
Cold Smoking with Electric Smokers
Cold smoking keeps temperatures below 90°F to cure cheese, fish, and cured meats without cooking them. Most standard electric smokers can’t do true cold smoking — they generate too much heat. For cold smoking, either use a low-wattage unit like the Smokehouse Big Chief (designed specifically for this), or attach an external cold smoke generator to your existing electric smoker. Always follow food safety guidelines when cold smoking proteins.
Comparison Table
| Model | Cooking Area | Max Temp | Wattage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt 30″ Digital | 710 sq in | 275°F | 800W | Best Overall |
| Masterbuilt 40″ Digital | 970 sq in | 275°F | 1,200W | Large Capacity |
| Char-Broil Deluxe Digital | 725 sq in | 275°F | 1,000W | Mid-Range Value |
| Masterbuilt Analog | 535 sq in | 275°F | 1,500W | Budget Pick |
| Cookshack Smokette Elite | 504 sq in | 300°F | 750W | Premium Build |
| Cuisinart COS-330 | 548 sq in | 400°F | 1,500W | Compact Versatility |
| Smokehouse Big Chief | 1,050 sq in | 165°F | 450W | Fish & Cold Smoking |
| Masterbuilt Bluetooth | 710 sq in | 275°F | 800W | App Control |
| Masterbuilt w/ Leg Kit | 710 sq in | 275°F | 800W | Portable Setup |
Best Overall Electric Smoker: Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Smoker has been the go-to recommendation for backyard smoking for years, and the latest version earns that reputation. It balances cooking space, temperature accuracy, ease of use, and price better than any other electric smoker on the market.
The patented side wood chip loader lets you add chips during a cook without opening the door — a feature you’ll appreciate during a 10-hour brisket session. The built-in meat probe takes the guesswork out of pull temps, and the digital controller keeps temperature within ±5°F of your target throughout the cook.
Four chrome-coated racks give you 710 square inches of cooking surface — enough for a full packer brisket plus two racks of ribs simultaneously. The 800-watt element is efficient and adequate for most conditions, though in sub-freezing temperatures you may need to use an insulation blanket.
What we like: Side loader eliminates door-opening, accurate digital temperature control, built-in meat probe, massive community of users means tons of recipes and troubleshooting tips online.
What we’d improve: Maxes out at 275°F (fine for low-and-slow, but won’t sear), and the wood chip tray is somewhat small for very long cooks.
Highlights
- Patented side wood chip loader — add chips without opening the door
- Digital control panel with precise temperature setting up to 275°F
- Built-in meat probe thermometer for accurate pull temps
- Four chrome-coated racks with 710 sq in of cooking space
- Removable water bowl and rear grease tray for easy cleanup
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 710 sq in (4 racks)
- Temperature Range: 100°F – 275°F
- Wattage: 800W
- Dimensions: 19.9″ W × 17.2″ D × 33.3″ H
- Weight: 45.9 lbs
- Model: MB20071117
Customer Reviews
Customers consistently praise the consistent temperature control and the side wood chip loader as standout features. One long-time owner notes: “I have purchased this smoker twice. The first one ran great for 3 years… A simple, solid smoker that does the job.” Multiple reviewers highlight its reliability for weekly cooks year-round, even in cold weather with a short pre-heat period.
Best Large Capacity Electric Smoker: Masterbuilt 40″ Digital Electric Smoker
When you need to smoke for a crowd — or you just refuse to do multiple cook sessions — the Masterbuilt 40″ is the answer. It adds significant more cooking area over the 30″ model with the same reliable digital controls and side-loading chip system.
Six chrome racks give you 970 square inches of space, which is enough for two full briskets, four racks of ribs, or a 20-pound turkey with room to spare. The 1,200-watt element heats up faster than the 30″ version and holds temperature more consistently in cold or windy conditions.
The vertical body design allows heat and smoke to evenly distribute throughout the inside, ensuring food is smoked to perfection. The digital control panel lets you set cooking time and temperature with ease. If you’re cooking for parties, tailgates, or competition BBQ, this is the electric smoker to buy.
What we like: Six racks of cooking space, 1,200W element handles cold weather better, same trusted side-loader system as the 30″, vertical design for optimal smoke distribution.
What we’d improve: Takes up significant patio space, heavier to move, and some users report the LED display can be hard to read in direct sunlight.
Highlights
- 970 sq in of cooking space across six chrome racks
- Patented side wood chip loader — no door-opening required
- Digital control panel with time and temperature settings
- 1,200W heating element for faster warm-up and cold-weather performance
- Vertical design maximizes smoke and heat distribution
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 970 sq in (6 racks)
- Temperature Range: 100°F – 275°F
- Wattage: 1,200W
- Dimensions: 22.2″ W × 20.5″ D × 40.2″ H
- Weight: 62.4 lbs
- Model: MB20072918
Customer Reviews
Owners who use it for long, unattended cooks love the set-and-forget convenience. One reviewer with multiple Masterbuilt smokers says: “Totally stress free… I can set it for 18 hours and go away for the day, no worries.” A common note: the digital control panel can be hard to read in direct sunlight, and the unit should be kept dry between uses to protect the electronics.
Best Mid-Range Electric Smoker: Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Deluxe Digital hits the sweet spot between the budget and premium tiers. It’s built with a double-wall insulated body, comes with a wireless remote, and offers 725 square inches of cooking space — slightly more than the Masterbuilt 30″.
The locking latch door seals in heat and smoke effectively, and the removable drip pan makes cleanup straightforward. The included wireless remote lets you monitor and adjust temperature from up to 100 feet away — useful when you’re hosting and don’t want to be stuck near the smoker.
Temperature accuracy is solid but not quite as tight as Masterbuilt’s digital controls. In our experience, budget an extra 5–10°F cushion when setting your target temperature to compensate. That said, for the price, the Char-Broil Deluxe delivers exceptional value and an easy first-time smoker experience.
What we like: Wireless remote included, double-wall insulation, locking door, large capacity for the price point.
What we’d improve: Temperature accuracy is slightly less precise than Masterbuilt; wood chip tray requires more frequent refilling on long cooks.
Highlights
- Wireless remote control for monitoring and adjusting temperature from up to 100 feet
- Double-wall insulated construction for superior heat retention
- Locking latch door keeps heat and smoke sealed in
- 725 sq in of cooking space on 4 chrome racks
- Removable drip pan for easy cleanup
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 725 sq in
- Temperature Range: 100°F – 275°F
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Dimensions: 16.5″ W × 15″ D × 32.5″ H
- Weight: 50.3 lbs
Customer Reviews
Reviewers appreciate the wireless remote and double-wall build quality. Most owners report great results smoking chicken, ribs, and turkey. A common tip from experienced users: pair it with a third-party wireless meat thermometer for the most precise pull temps, as the built-in probe can read slightly high.
Best Budget Electric Smoker: Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker
If you want to get into smoking without spending a lot, the Masterbuilt Analog is the most reliable budget electric smoker available. It strips away the digital display and wireless remote in favor of a simple temperature dial and straightforward operation.
The 1,500-watt element is surprisingly powerful for a budget unit — it heats up faster than the digital Masterbuilt models and holds temperature well even in cooler weather. Three chrome racks give you 535 square inches of cooking space, adequate for a pork shoulder, a rack of ribs, or a whole chicken.
Where the analog shines is simplicity: there are no electronics to fail, no app to configure, and no display to decipher. You dial in your temperature, add chips, and smoke. For anyone who wants to learn the craft without complexity or a big investment, this is the ideal starting point.
What we like: 1,500W element outperforms its price tier, zero electronics to fail, straightforward operation, Masterbuilt’s reliable build quality at a budget price.
What we’d improve: No digital readout means you’ll want a separate thermometer for verification; smaller cooking area than digital models.
Highlights
- Simple analog dial controls — no electronics to fail
- Powerful 1,500W heating element for fast heat-up and cold-weather performance
- Three chrome-coated racks with 535 sq in of cooking space
- Removable wood chip tray and water bowl
- Removable rear grease tray for easy cleanup
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 535 sq in (3 racks)
- Temperature Range: 100°F – 275°F
- Wattage: 1,500W
- Dimensions: 17″ W × 17″ D × 30″ H
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Model: MB20070210
Customer Reviews
Reviewers consistently highlight its simplicity and durability. One third-time buyer notes: “This is a very simple old school style smoker… The heating element is old style like old electric skillets used to be. They almost never fail.” Many owners report using theirs for mullet, ribs, brisket, and sausages with excellent results year after year.
Best Premium Electric Smoker: Cookshack Smokette Elite
The Cookshack Smokette Elite is in a different class from every other electric smoker on this list. It’s built with an all-stainless steel interior and exterior, made in the USA, and used by professional BBQ competitors and restaurant operators worldwide. This is a smoker you’ll pass down to your kids.
What sets Cookshack apart is their wood combustion system. Instead of wood chips that burn out quickly, you use small chunks of wood that smolder slowly for hours — a single charge can last an entire brisket cook. The digital controller is rock-solid accurate, and the tight-sealing door means minimal heat and smoke loss.
The Smokette Elite reaches 300°F — 25 degrees higher than Masterbuilt’s ceiling — which gives you more flexibility for chicken, fish, and vegetables. The insulated stainless body with 850-degree Spin-Glass insulation maintains temperature in sub-freezing conditions without struggle. If you’re serious about smoking and want equipment that will outlast you, the Cookshack is the investment to make.
What we like: All-stainless construction, made in USA, wood chunk system for superior smoke flavor, reaches 300°F, professional-grade reliability, digital controller with meat probe.
What we’d improve: Premium price tag, smaller cooking area than mid-range competitors, limited availability at major retailers.
Highlights
- All-stainless steel construction — made in the USA
- Wood chunk system for superior long-duration smoke flavor
- Digital controller with commercial-quality meat probe thermometer
- 850-degree Spin-Glass insulation for consistent internal temperatures
- Reaches 300°F — 25°F higher than most electric smoker competitors
- Comes ready to smoke: includes meat probe, hickory wood, fire box, and cookbook
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 504 sq in (2 full-size racks)
- Temperature Range: 140°F – 300°F
- Wattage: 750W (7 amps / 120V)
- Capacity: Up to 25 lbs of food
- Dimensions: 12″ W × 18″ D × 25″ H
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Model: SM025
Customer Reviews
Despite the premium price, owners report exceptional long-term satisfaction. One reviewer who uses theirs 3–4 times per month says: “I am confident it will out last me, it is that well built. I’ve had other electric cabinet smokers and one pellet smoker. I also currently have a kamado style ceramic smoker. This tops every one of them.” The tight-sealing door and consistent digital temperature control are the most frequently praised features.
Best Compact Electric Smoker: Cuisinart COS-330
The Cuisinart COS-330 stands out in two ways: it has the highest maximum temperature of any electric smoker on this list (400°F), and it’s one of the most compact units available while still offering 548 square inches of cooking space. That combination makes it uniquely versatile.
At 400°F you can actually roast and even do light grilling in this unit, not just smoke — it’s genuinely a multi-purpose outdoor cooker. The 1,500-watt element heats up quickly, and the built-in thermometer on the front door gives you all the feedback you need for precise cooking.
Three stainless steel trays (wood chip and water) are easy to access and clean, and the removable chrome racks are dishwasher-safe. The compact footprint makes it ideal for apartment balconies, small patios, or anyone who wants a smoker they can easily move and store between uses.
What we like: 400°F maximum temp enables roasting and light grilling, compact footprint, quick heat-up time, dishwasher-safe racks, multi-use versatility.
What we’d improve: Not ideal for cold smoking or very long low-temp cooks; analog dial requires calibration on first use to find your target temperature zone.
Highlights
- 400°F maximum temperature — highest on this list, enables roasting and light grilling
- 548 sq in of cooking space on three adjustable, dishwasher-safe chrome racks
- 1,500W adjustable burner with temperature range from 100°F to 400°F
- Built-in thermometer on front door for easy monitoring
- Stainless steel wood chip and water trays for quick setup and cleanup
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 548 sq in (3 racks)
- Temperature Range: 100°F – 400°F
- Wattage: 1,500W
- Dimensions: 16.5″ W × 14.7″ D × 29.5″ H
- Weight: 25.4 lbs
- Model: COS-330
Customer Reviews
Customers are impressed by the smoke output and flavor quality. One reviewer who has owned many smokers says: “This Cuisinart smoker will not disappoint. I really love the elevated legs and overall construction.” Multiple reviewers highlight it producing results that taste like they came from a much more expensive smoker. Tip from experienced owners: set the wood chip tray in direct contact with the heating element for best smoke production.
Best Electric Smoker for Fish & Cold Smoking: Smokehouse Big Chief Front Load Smoker
The Smokehouse Big Chief is a specialty tool that does one thing exceptionally well: low-temperature smoking for fish, jerky, cheese, and cured meats. Running at a fixed 165°F, it’s the definitive electric smoker for salmon, trout, and cold-smoking applications.
With 1,050 square inches of cooking space spread across five chrome racks, the Big Chief can handle an entire salmon harvest in a single smoke session — up to 50 pounds of meat or fish at once. The 450-watt element operates at a gentle heat that’s perfect for preserving delicate fish proteins without overcooking them. This is the smoker used by Pacific Northwest fishing communities for generations.
Because it’s designed specifically for low-temp smoking, it excels at producing the deep, penetrating smoke flavor that higher-temperature electric smokers can’t replicate. The wood chip pan is removable without opening the door, preventing heat loss. The Big Chief uses Smokehouse brand wood chips that come in hickory, alder, cherry, and apple flavors — alder is the traditional choice for salmon.
Important: The Big Chief is not a substitute for a general-purpose smoker. It doesn’t get hot enough for brisket, ribs, or pulled pork. But if you fish, hunt, or want to smoke cheese and cured meats, it’s indispensable. See our guide to the best fish smokers for more specialized options.
What we like: Purpose-built for fish and low-temp smoking, massive cooking area, wood chip pan removable without opening door, trusted by generations of smokers, produces unmatched results for salmon and jerky.
What we’d improve: Fixed temperature (no adjustability), not suitable for standard BBQ meats, top door handle gets hot (add a third-party handle for easier access).
Highlights
- Fixed 165°F temperature — ideal for fish, jerky, cheese, and cured meats
- 1,050 sq in of cooking space on five chrome racks — holds up to 50 lbs of food
- Removable wood chip pan without opening the door
- 450W heating element for gentle, controlled low-temperature smoking
- In production since 1968 — trusted by generations of Pacific Northwest smokers
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 1,050 sq in (5 racks)
- Temperature: Fixed ~165°F
- Wattage: 450W
- Capacity: Up to 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 12″ W × 18.5″ D × 24.5″ H
- Weight: 12 lbs
Customer Reviews
Customers consistently praise the results for salmon, steelhead, and sausage. One reviewer says: “We love the smoked Salmon this creates. The temperature is just right to fully cook the fish without drying it out.” Another long-term owner reports: “Lightweight, easy to use. Have smoked many different kinds of fish and the results have been excellent.” The most common upgrade tip: add a thicker door handle to the top for safer food removal.
Best Bluetooth Electric Smoker: Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker with Bluetooth
The Masterbuilt Bluetooth model adds wireless connectivity to the proven 30″ digital platform. Using the Masterbuilt app (iOS and Android), you can monitor temperature, set timers, control the smoker, and get alerts when your meat reaches target temperature — all from your phone.
The practical benefit is real: you can move freely around your home or yard during a long cook without having to physically check the smoker. The app alerts you when temperature swings outside your set range or when your meat probe hits your target internal temperature. For overnight cooks or multi-task weekend cooking, this is genuinely useful.
Bluetooth range is approximately 100 feet in open air — adequate for most backyard situations. The specs match the Masterbuilt 30″ platform: 710 sq in of cooking space, four racks, side-loading chip tray, and an 800-watt heating element. The broiler element on this model also lets you finish dishes with a top-down heat burst — a feature not on the standard 30″.
What we like: App-based temperature monitoring and alerts, built-in meat probe, broiler element for finishing, same proven platform as the standard 30″ digital.
What we’d improve: Bluetooth pairing requires patience on initial setup; range limits you to backyard proximity; Wi-Fi connectivity would be more versatile for whole-house monitoring.
Highlights
- Bluetooth Smart technology — monitor and control temperature, lighting, and timer via app
- Built-in meat probe thermometer with app-based temperature alerts
- Patented side wood chip loader — no door-opening required
- Patent-pending top broiler element for finishing and browning
- Four chrome-coated racks with 710 sq in of cooking space
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 710 sq in (4 racks)
- Temperature Range: 100°F – 275°F
- Wattage: 800W
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (iOS & Android)
- Weight: 46 lbs
- Model: MB20073519
Customer Reviews
Owners love the app integration for long cooks and the built-in probe alerts. One reviewer says: “I can now monitor temperature, set timers, and get alerts when my meat hits its target — all from my phone while I’m inside with the family.” The most common feedback: Bluetooth pairing can be finicky at first (requires holding the connect button on the unit rather than standard phone pairing), but once connected it works reliably within range.
Best Portable Electric Smoker Setup: Masterbuilt Digital Smoker with Leg Kit
The Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Smoker with the built-in leg kit creates a highly portable smoking setup that works anywhere with an electrical outlet. The leg kit raises the smoker to a comfortable working height and adds stability on uneven surfaces — ideal for tailgating, camping with hookups, or anyone without a permanent smoker stand.
This model is built on the proven Masterbuilt 30″ digital platform: 800-watt element, 710 sq in of cooking space across four racks, patented side-loading chip tray, digital controls up to 275°F, and a locking door latch with an inspection window. What the leg kit adds is mobility and ergonomics — no bending over to load racks or check on your cook.
For competitive BBQ teams who travel, hunters who want to smoke game meat at camp, or tailgaters who want real smoked food at the parking lot, this setup hits the mark. Pair it with a quality wireless meat thermometer and you have a complete portable smoking station.
What we like: Comfortable working height with leg kit, same reliable Masterbuilt digital platform, side-loading chip tray, window for monitoring, digital controls.
What we’d improve: Analog-style model is also available if you want simpler controls; the digital controller should be stored indoors when not in use to protect from moisture.
Highlights
- Built-in leg kit for comfortable working height and stability on uneven surfaces
- 710 sq in of cooking space across four chrome-coated racks
- Patented side wood chip loader — add chips without opening the door
- Digital control panel with time and temperature settings up to 275°F
- Inspection window and lockable door latch
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 710 sq in (4 racks)
- Temperature Range: 100°F – 275°F
- Wattage: 800W
- Includes: Standing leg kit, window
- Weight: ~55 lbs
- Model: MB20070421
Customer Reviews
Owners praise its ease of use and food quality. One reviewer says: “This is a well built and easy to use smoker. We have made pork shoulder, pork chops, beef jerky, and a brisket so far and they have all been excellent.” A common recommendation from experienced users: store the digital control panel indoors between uses, as moisture can enter through the wiring path from the smoker body and affect the electronics over time.
Cold Smoking: What You Need to Know
Cold smoking is fundamentally different from hot smoking. Where hot smoking cooks food while adding flavor, cold smoking only imparts smoke flavor while keeping the food at temperatures too low to actually cook it (below 90°F). This technique is used for salmon gravlax, cold-smoked cheese, cured bacon, and artisanal sausages.
True cold smoking requires either a purpose-built cold smoker like the Big Chief, or a cold smoke generator attachment (like a Smoke Daddy or Amazen Pellet Tube) combined with your existing electric smoker. The generator sits inside the smoker chamber and produces smoke without adding significant heat.
Food safety is critical with cold smoking: only smoke proteins that have been properly cured with salt and/or sugar beforehand. Uncured proteins in the cold-smoking danger zone (40°F–140°F) can develop harmful bacteria. Fish intended for cold smoking should be salt-cured for at least 24 hours first. When in doubt, follow established curing recipes from trusted sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Smokers
How do you use an electric smoker for the first time?
Before your first cook, season the smoker by running it at 275°F for 2–3 hours with a small amount of wood chips loaded. This burns off any manufacturing residue and coats the interior with a light layer of protective smoke residue. After seasoning, you’re ready to cook. For your first cook, try chicken thighs at 250°F — they’re forgiving and produce great results quickly.
How much wood chips do you put in an electric smoker?
Start with about 1/2 cup of dry wood chips. Over-smoking is one of the most common beginner mistakes — too much smoke produces bitter, acrid flavor. A thin blue smoke is ideal; thick white smoke means too many chips. You can always add more during a cook, but you can’t take smoke out.
Do you need to add water to an electric smoker?
The water pan serves two purposes: it adds humidity (preventing the meat surface from drying out and becoming leathery), and it helps regulate temperature. For most low-and-slow cooks, fill the water pan. For jerky or fish where you want a drier product, you can leave it empty or fill with sand instead of water for heat stabilization without moisture.
What temperature should I smoke a brisket?
Smoke brisket at 225°F–250°F until the internal temperature reaches 203°F. At 225°F in an electric smoker, expect roughly 1.25–1.5 hours per pound for a packer brisket. A 12-pound brisket can take 14–18 hours. Use a reliable wireless meat thermometer to monitor internal temp without opening the door.
Can you leave an electric smoker unattended?
Electric smokers are safer to leave unattended than charcoal or wood smokers because there’s no open flame. That said, never leave any cooking appliance completely unattended for extended periods. For overnight cooks, use a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-connected smoker with a meat probe alarm so you get notified if anything goes wrong.
What’s the difference between electric smokers and pellet grills?
Electric smokers use an electric heating element and wood chips to produce smoke flavor at low, controlled temperatures — they’re designed purely for smoking. Pellet grills burn compressed wood pellets and typically reach much higher temperatures (450°F–650°F), functioning as both grills and smokers. If you want grilling and smoking in one unit, check out our best smoker grill combos roundup. If you specifically want a pellet smoker, see our best vertical pellet smokers guide.
How do I clean an electric smoker?
After each cook, remove and wash the racks, drip pan, and water bowl. Wipe down the interior walls with a damp cloth — avoid harsh cleaners, which can damage the seasoning and leave chemical residue. Don’t clean the interior too aggressively; a light coating of smoke residue on the walls is protective. Clean the chip tray to prevent old ash from contaminating fresh smoke.
Why is my electric smoker not smoking?
The most common causes: chips are too wet (don’t soak them), the chip tray is positioned incorrectly over the heating element, or the chips are packed too tightly (chips need air circulation to combust). Try repositioning the chip tray directly above the element, use fresh dry chips, and make sure there’s a small gap in the chip pile for airflow. If smoke still won’t produce, the heating element may need inspection.
Can you smoke in cold weather with an electric smoker?
Yes, but with limitations. Most electric smokers will struggle to maintain target temperatures below about 40°F ambient. Solutions: use a smoker with higher wattage (1,200W+), purchase a smoker insulation blanket designed for your model, position the smoker out of wind, and budget extra time for the cook. The Masterbuilt 40″ with its 1,200W element handles cold weather noticeably better than the 800W 30″ model.
Are electric smokers good for fish?
It depends on what you mean. For hot-smoked fish (cooked through, like smoked trout or hot-smoked salmon), any quality electric smoker works well. For cold-smoked fish and lox-style salmon, you need either a purpose-built low-temp smoker like the Big Chief, or a cold smoke generator attachment. See our full best fish smokers guide for dedicated recommendations.
Which Electric Smoker Is Right for You?
The best electric smoker depends on what you’re cooking and how you cook:
- New to smoking and want the most reliable all-around choice: Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Smoker
- Cooking for large groups or doing competition BBQ: Masterbuilt 40″ Digital Electric Smoker
- Want a wireless remote without paying premium prices: Char-Broil Deluxe Digital
- Tightest budget, simplest operation: Masterbuilt Analog
- Long-term investment, professional quality: Cookshack Smokette Elite
- Small space, want high temps and versatility: Cuisinart COS-330
- Fish, salmon, jerky, and cold smoking: Smokehouse Big Chief
- Want to monitor from your phone during long cooks: Masterbuilt Bluetooth
- Tailgating, camping, or portable setup: Masterbuilt Digital with Leg Kit
All nine of these smokers are in stock and available on Amazon as of our most recent check. Prices fluctuate, so click through to see current pricing before making your decision.
Last updated: April 2026. We periodically review and update our product recommendations to reflect current availability and pricing.
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