Best Electric Smokers of 2022

1. Propane vs. electric smokers

Smokers come in many styles, but perhaps the most popular two are the propane smokers, a type we’ve covered in a previous guide, and the electric smokers. The former run on liquid propane, although some models adapt to the use with natural gas. The latter run on electricity and all they need for power is a standard wall outlet.

• Propane smokers: Blend the benefits of the electric smoker with those of a charcoal smoker. They have larger capacities than the electric, are very easy to use, and produce flavorful food. However, they tend to be more expensive than electric and are not always suitable to use.
• Electric smokers: Are perhaps the easiest to use and save you the hassle of checking fuel levels. The food cooked with an electric smoker is delicious, although it tends to taste slightly less barbecued. Nevertheless, in many instances, an electric smoker is your best bet.

When to buy an electric smoker?

An electric smoker could be a better option – or your only option – in the following situations:

• If you want a very easy to use smoker for enjoying no-frills outdoor cooking, just as easy to handle as an air fryer;
• If you don’t want to worry about refueling your smoker;
• If you live in a condo where charcoal and propane smokers are forbidden;
• If you have a lower budget; electric smokers are the cheapest models and provide flavorful food;
• Electric smokers are the safest models.

2. Other types of smokers

Besides the propane and electric smokers mentioned above, meat smokers also come in the following types:

• Charcoal smokers
• Wood smokers
• Pellet smokers

3. Electric smoker wattage

The heating power of an electric smoker is expressed in watts, and unlike the common belief, the best electric smokers don’t need a very high wattage. The purpose of a smoker is to slow-cook food, which means the most reliable units offer a restricted temperature range.

Most units have wattage output specifications between 500 and 1,500 watts, with most high-end and commercial electric smokers ranging between 800 and 1,200 watts.

4. Heating elements and temperature

Electric smokers have heating elements similar to electric grills. They can be made of either cast iron or steel, but the best are the infrared heating elements present on the high-end units, similar to those used on the best infrared grills.

The infrared technology uses radiant or indirect heat which is transferred to the food rather than the air, sealing the meat and locking its natural juices. Furthermore, this technology also reduces flare-ups and provides an even temperature inside the environment.

What cooking temperature do you need?

Electric smokers typically have variable temperatures between 100 and 275°F, which is sufficient for slow-cooking most foods. You’ll typically need:

5. Analog vs. digital controls

Electric smokers can have analog or digital controls.

• Analog controls: Are very easy to use and have standard knobs or dials. Most analog units come with two controls, one for the temperature and a timer. However, you will typically only be able to choose between a low and high or few preset temperature settings.
• Digital controls: Are also very easy to use and give you better control over both temperature and time. Most digital units allow for infinite temperature settings in the unit’s temperature range, and some even have preset cooking functions which automatically set the unit to the optimal temperature and cooking time for the food you want to prepare.

6. Electric smoker heat flow

The way heat circulates inside the smoker influences the cooking time but also the flavor of the food. Heat can flow either from upside to downwards or in the opposite direction, from the bottom of the smoker upwards.

The top to bottom heat flow cooks the food faster, and this type of smoker is typically used in industrial kitchens with high-volume demands. If you want to keep food flavors intact though, it is recommended to invest in a smoker with heat flow from the bottom towardsthe top, despite the longer cooking time.

7. Smoking method

Perhaps the most important feature of a smoker is the smoking method. Electric smokers can use either dry or wet smoking.

• Dry smoking: Uses a low wood fire to generate smoke and indirect heat to slow cook the food while the smoky flavor gets impregnated into it and the juices are sealed.
• Wet smoking: Also uses a low wood fire to smoke the food but the heating element produces direct heat; a water pan is used to keep moisture at constant levels and prevent the dry out of the food.

Dry smoking is ideal if you don’t want to constantly check the water level. Regardless of the method employed, the type of wood chips also influences the flavor of the food.

8. Best wood chips for food smoking

Some woods pair well with most foods while other types are more suitable for a specific type of meat.

• Hickory is ideal for most meats and even for vegetables due to its milder character.
• Mesquite has a stronger flavor and is ideal for beef, veal, and lamb.
• Apple wood goes wonderfully with pork and chicken, but also with rabbit and smaller game.
• Alder wood is a perfect choice for fish and seafood.

9. Other essential features

The best electric smokers must also have the following features:

• Exterior wood chip loading tray: Prevents heat dissipation when loading more wood chips.
• Easy-access drip tray: Makes cleaning the cooking drips easier. If the tray can be accessed from the exterior, that’s even better.
• Adjustable racks: Give you the possibility to customize the configuration of the cabinet and fit larger pieces of meat.
• Glass door: An important advantage as it allows you to check the status of your food without opening the door.
• Preset cooking functions: If you’re not a chef, setting the right temperature and cooking time could be tricky. Pre-programmed functions prevent you from spoiling your food.
• Mobility features: The best electric smokers have carrying handles for easier transport.
• Large water tray: If you like a wet smoking model, pick one with a large water tray to avoid checking the water level too frequently.
• Temperature gauge: Is essential on an analog smoker as it gives you a precise indication of the temperature level. Digital units typically show this information on an LCD display.