To say an electric smoker is good is an understatement.
They’re awesome.
I’ve been using electric smokers since I was roughly 13 years old.
While I now use different smokers for different types of meat – I still use my electric smoker quite regularly.
Namely for:
- Smoking beef jerky and cheese
- Finishing meats off after smoking on my Weber kettle
- Holding meats overnight
Why Listen to Me?
So, when I was first introduced to grilling and smoking meat, the first grill I learned on was the Weber Kettle.
In the past 17 years, I’ve yet to find a smoker that’s as consistent as an electric smoker at maintaining low temperatures (less than 180F).
Just to further “prove” things:
In terms of “receipts” – I’d never be able to locate a physical receipt from 2007, but the last electric smoker I bought was in 2018 2024.
Here’s a purchase receipt from 2018:
Here’s my most recent replacement in 2024:
While you don’t have to trust my experience or read my ramblings, I’ve owned and have been actively using electric smokers for almost 17 years of my life.
What Brands of Electric Smoker Exist
Most notably:
Of these brands, Masterbuilt (often called “MES” for Masterbuilt Electric Smoker) would likely be the first brand that comes to mind.
What Do You Use Electric Smokers For?
Electric smokers are essentially outdoor ovens.
- They’re thermostatically controlled
- They can introduce smoke to food via the wood chip tray
My favorite ways to use it:
- Smoking cheese
- Smoking jerky
- Holding large cuts of meat for an extended period of time
- Finishing meats off
While an electric smoker can add “smoky” flavor to your food – the amount of smoke is pretty mild.
For this reason, I tend to smoke most of my meats on my Weber kettle first with wood chunks and then transfer the meat to my electric smoker to finish off.
Electricity is far cheaper than charcoal and usually when I finish the meats off, they’re wrapped, meaning they won’t take on anymore smoke.
The electric smoker supplies the heat and the time needed to further render connective tissues and collagen.
Electric Smokers are Perfect for Beginners
- They’re Affordable – Of the smokers out there, they’re one of the most affordable on the market, most range from $200-400.
- They’re Durable – I’ve bought
two3 in 17 years. - They’re simple to use – You press a button to set a temperature & the time you intend to smoke and it maintains that temperature for the desired amount of time.
- They Can Maintain Really Low Temperatures – You’d be hard pressed to find another smoker that can stay below 180F.
- Electricity is Cheaper than other fuel sources
Even if you find yourself moving on to other smokers, there’s a good chance you’ll come back to your electric smoker.
Even something like replacing parts is fairly straightforward; The only part that will “fail” is the heating element.
In today’s world, sourcing replacement parts is super easy; Even looking online just now while writing this article for a replacement “kit” – it’s $15.
Are there Any Drawbacks?
Some.
Without electricity an electric smoker won’t work.
In most cases, these devices are large “chambers” and won’t move much. Even still, most come with caster wheels that make moving easy.
My new one in 2024 has none and I admit, It’s pretty annoying to lug around so it now lives in my garage.
As I mentioned above – the “smoke flavor” is pretty mild in the grand scheme of things but it’s still a kiss of smoke that’s palatable.
Electric smokers won’t produce a worthwhile smoke ring because the wood chips smolder at a low temperature.
Where-as something like charcoal or wood burn at high enough temperatures to produce Nitric Oxide and Carbon Monoxide; Both of which contribute to smoke ring formation.
But who really cares about smoke ring other than commenters on Facebook?
In most cases, electric smokers will also max out at 275F – so hot and fast BBQ is a no-go basically.
