9 Best Electric Smokers for 2025

For those passionate about barbecue, choosing the right smoker is a decision that goes beyond the taste. Learning how to smoke meat yourself opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, from fork-tender brisket to delicately flavored salmon.

Smoking meat allows you to manipulate the flavor profiles of different proteins, experimenting with how heat and different types of wood chips or pellets can change a dish.

The 9 Best Electric Smokers of 2025

Electric smokers are a great starting point for grillers who want to learn how to smoke. Unlike stick burners or charcoal smokers, the best electric smokers don’t require complicated heat management or additional outdoor space.

Modern electric smokers have also come a long way with dial-in temperature control and options that make for a more user-friendly smoking experience.

1. Camp Chef 24-Inch Vertical Gas Smoker

The Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24-Inch Vertical Gas Smoker has ample storage for smoking ribs or a whole turkey. Powered by propane, the Camp Chef stands out for its ability to precisely control the heat temperature dial. The door thermometer makes it easy to monitor the temperature inside the smoker, and three damper valves (one on top, one on each side) allow you to fine-tune the airflow inside the smoker for even more control.

This model also features a large water reservoir that keeps meat moist and draws smoke in for great flavor.

We were convinced that “vault” was an accurate description of this smoker. The walls are well insulated, and everything from the tight seal of the door to the craftsmanship of the hinges feels very durable and thoughtfully designed.

The temperature dial is very responsive, so we mostly relied on the damper to make small adjustments to the Smoke Vault’s temperature. Once we found the right spot, this smoker barely needed to add water or wood chips. The drip pan is easily removable and is large enough to catch most grease, so cleaning this smoker was surprisingly painless.

As with other models, we tested its performance by cooking chicken, ribs, and salmon. The ribs were particularly notable, with a 1/4-inch smoke ring that promised clean, pleasant flavor and a chewy texture. The smoker was similarly impressive on the other proteins we tested, beating out 20 other contenders to earn our overall award for best smoker in every category.

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2. Masterbuilt 40-inch digital electric smoker

The 40-inch Masterbuilt was easy to assemble, although we did need a second person to help with a few of the steps. The tilting wheels also made it fairly easy to move around for such a large smoker. The removable drip tray, secondary drip tray, and rack made cleaning a breeze. The rack was sturdy and had stops that made it easier to slide it out partially to add food.

The display and controls were easy to learn, and the tube that holds the chips in place was easy to access and refill.

The Masterbuilt held its temperature well, and its construction kept smoke from escaping. We had to refill the chips twice after 1 hour and 15 minutes of cooking, and again after 35 minutes.

The salmon was evenly cooked and had a clean, smoky flavor, but the skin was dry and the meat was too flaky, but we pulled it out when it reached 145°F. We liked the Masterbuilt for chicken wings, which were moist and smoky. The ribs were similarly good, but we wish the skin had been more developed.

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3. Bradley Smoker P10 4-Rack Electric Smoker

If you run a small restaurant and want to smoke fish or make smoked bacon at home, this is the kind of expensive, sturdy machine you’ll want.

This shiny stainless steel smoker is a perfect fit for commercial and professional kitchens. It’s designed with the entire smoking process in mind, as evidenced by the small details like the angled racks that won’t fall off when adjusted, even with large amounts of food. This model offers precise temperature control in 2-degree increments. It was easy to clean, thanks to the oversized drip tray that covers both the heating element and the drip tray.

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4. Dyna-Glo 30-inch Digital Bluetooth Electric Smoker

The Dyna-Glo Digital Bluetooth is our first step into the world of electric smokers. It features an easy-to-read digital control panel, a remote thermometer, and Bluetooth app integration for easy monitoring and control without having to open the smoker. The simple assembly and operating instructions took only a few minutes to assemble, and the smoker was easy to clean. We were again annoyed by the cord being too short, and the pan containing the wood chips was difficult to remove when hot. Other than that, we found it to be an easy enough smoker for a beginner to use.

The food this grill produced was one of the best in our test, with tender meat, decent woodiness, and a light smoky flavor. The first batch of chicken was unevenly browned and quick to cook, but the second batch made up for it with consistently golden-brown skin and an almost buttery flavor. The salmon was flaky but held its shape, and its flavor impressed us. The temperature was consistent, there was no noticeable smoke during cooking, and it recovered quickly after opening.

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5. Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill

While the Lumin won’t replace your towable hog roaster, it does a great job of infusing smoky flavor into your food, and it’s pretty hassle-free. Plus, it doesn’t take up much space. As long as you have a nearby outlet to plug it in, you can set it up on your prep table or picnic table. To smoke it, you just place your wood chips (either soaked or dried) in the storage bin, then place the flip-top steam pan on top.

Then, just turn the dial to the smoke setting. Food can be cooked directly in the steam pan for more smoke and slower cooking, or on the grate. In our experiments, pork ribs cooked in the pan did not brown well, but after about 30 seconds on the grate, they had good grill marks. The smoke flavor was distinct but not overpowering.

Because the smoke chamber is small, the smoking period is shorter than in a full smoker, so it would be difficult to smoke a brisket for 12 hours. This is best for smaller items such as ribs, steaks, burgers, and seafood. What it lacks in long-term smoking capability, it more than makes up for in versatility. The two pieces used for smoking can also be used for steaming.

This is not only useful for steaming food, but also for using the steam to defrost frozen food before finishing it on the grill. This can be lowered to warm up after cooking, so guests can enjoy their food warm off the grill, even if they are distracted by potato salad and grass darts.

Cleaning is similar to other grills, with the grates scraping off while hot. However, because the grille is small, you can bring it indoors and clean it. It comes in a variety of colors and can be used with accessories for even more versatility, so there’s no reason to put it away if you only have food to cook.

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6. Bradley Smoker Original 4-Rack Stainless Smoker

No tools, hardware, or support were needed to assemble this smoker. The clever design involved adding the brand’s custom biscuit. A holding cylinder automatically fed biscuits into the chamber every 20 minutes.

The drip tray also served as a container for the used biscuits, preventing any messy ash. With just “low, medium, and high” heat settings, I found this model to be easy for even a novice smoker to use.

While I had some concerns about the overall construction, I thought the easy-to-assemble and easy-to-use nature would make it perfect for camping or cabin use, especially for short-term smokes like fish.

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7. Pit Boss PBV3G1 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker

For those who want a more interactive smoking experience, the Pit Boss 3-Series is a great choice. Unlike most smokers we’ve tested, this unit has a glass front door that allows you to see the cooking process from the front, and a single temperature control knob controls the temperature.

The Pit Boss has two burners, one to heat the wood chips and the other to control the cabinet temperature. The interior is spacious, with over 700 square inches of cooking space spread across four racks and a porcelain coating for better heat retention.

The Pit Boss is more practical than some of the other models we tested, but we found it to be less of a distraction for those who want a more interactive experience, as opposed to the set-it-and-forget-it models.

Finding and maintaining the ideal temperature required some experimentation with the dual burner system and vents. But once we got going, the temperature stayed consistent.

This was made possible by the airtight door and the wood chip trays accessible from the outside, which we could easily swap out without interrupting the heat flow. Our wings came out very juicy, with a nice crispiness to the skin and a subtle smoky flavor.

It also cooked up a nice rib chop. We could easily fit two in the Pit Boss without fear of overcrowding.

If you’re a smoker who enjoys the art of controlling temperature and wood chip ratios, the Pit Boss is a great choice.

Beginners and hobbyists who prefer a less complicated approach may want to consider one of the other options.

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8. Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker

What we liked: This smoker is well-made and thoughtfully designed. We liked the sturdy metal sides and the double-walled door that latches securely. The seal was impressively tight, and we didn’t notice any noticeable smoke leaks during our testing sessions. Even the back wall is angled to catch any drips that might otherwise be missed by the pan.

The cord is about 5 feet long. It’s a little too short for our tastes, but it’s much better than some of the 3-foot cord models we’ve tested. We liked the slightly curved grid design, which kept food from slipping out as we adjusted it during our smoking session. The ribs were particularly tasty, with a nice caramelized appearance and impressive smoke flavor.

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9. Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven

The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven lets you barbecue all week long. You don’t have to fuss with wood chips or charcoal, and you don’t have to guess how hot your smoker is because innovation and technology are at the forefront of this cute-but-powerful device.

After you set up the oven, the Ninja’s smoke function automatically ignites the pellets and maintains the internal temperature to your liking. We were really impressed with the oven’s efficient smoke distribution and even cooking. We found that adding a half-cup of pellets to the smoke box provided ample smoke flavor for most dishes.

The smoke stayed inside the oven, so it didn’t float around, and it didn’t smell like campfire afterward.

For continuous smoking, refilling the smoke box when the pellets are almost halfway burned will give you longer lasting smoke.

Simply hold down the “wood fire flavor” button for 3 seconds to re-ignite the pellets. The Pro Heat Pan also acts as a catch-all for any dripping fat and acts as a container for any liquid you want to add for steam.

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FAQs

Should I Buy an Electric, Gas, or Charcoal Smoker?

Charcoal smokers can be messier and have a learning curve if you’re new to smoking. Electric smokers, on the other hand, can be used anywhere you have access to an outdoor outlet and are great for short, quick smoking sessions. Electric is probably the better option for convenience.

All you have to do is plug it in to start smoking. However, both electric and propane smokers have an auxiliary wood chip tray that gives your material a little smoke. If smoke flavor is your top priority, consider an offset smoker, pellet smoker, or charcoal smoker.

If you’re new to smoking and don’t want to deal with the steep learning curve of charcoal, consider an electric or propane smoker. Digital and app-enabled models can also help.

Are electric smokers good for you?

Electric smokers don’t make your food taste as smoky as pellet or offset smokers, or as smooth as traditional smokers. However, they are very convenient and have a minimal learning curve. We think electric smokers are ideal for cooks who don’t want to invest a lot of time and effort into saving up for a smoker, or for those who just want lightly smoked food.

How do electric smokers work?

Electric smokers consist of two main components: a heating element that operates on electricity and a container that holds the wood chips on or near the heat source to create smoke. The heating element provides the overall heat for the smoker, but also ignites the chips to provide cooking temperature and smoke for flavor.

Are pellet smokers electric?

Good question. Both electric and pellet smokers use electricity. The difference is that in an electric smoker, the food is cooked by the heat from the electric rod. Pellet smokers use electricity to ignite the wood pellets. It is the heat from the wood that actually cooks (and flavors) your food when using a pellet grill. Pellet grills make it really easy to maintain a set temperature and can get hotter than electric grills. Cons: They are more expensive.

Are all smokers electric?

No. Some smokers use charcoal, wood, or a combination of the two as fuel. Charcoal or offset smokers can be tricky to light and maintain heat, but they are more versatile and really inject smoke into your food. They are also preferred for tender, fall-off-the-bone meats and provide an attractive smoke ring.

Should I use chips or pellets in my electric smoker?

Electric smokers typically use chips, but some use pellets. When exposed to the smoker’s heating element, the chips are small enough to ignite and produce smoke. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications before choosing a wood source.

How often do I add wood chips to my electric smoker?

This question depends on several factors. The biggest one is the heating design, which can burn the chips faster or slower depending on the arrangement of the heating element and the chip storage device (hopper). Next is the size of the hopper and how much chips can be stored at one time. Finally, some manufacturers recommend soaking the chips to increase the burn time.

However, in my personal experience, I have found that wet chips create a “danker” smoke, which does not add much flavor to the food being smoked. Electric smokers should hold chips for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or more is better.

What is the easiest meat to smoke in an electric smoker?

According to our tests, salmon is the easiest protein to smoke in an electric smoker. Salmon requires a lower temperature and can soak up the smoke. Trying to replicate the bark or skin you expect from meat smoked in an electric smoker can be a difficult and sometimes frustrating task.

How much assembly is required?

A smooth assembly is important when choosing a home meat smoker. It directly affects the user experience, saving you time and frustration and getting you to enjoy your smoker sooner. Most of the smokers we reviewed can be assembled by one person with minimal hassle, but you may need help when assembling a larger device.

Is there a learning curve?

Intuitive controls, clear instructions, and simple setup allow you to focus on your smoking technique rather than complex procedures. Features like an easily accessible chamber, simple temperature control, and minimal maintenance can save you time and effort. This is also where you decide how involved you want to be in the process. If half the fun is adjusting the temperature and smoke level, you may prefer a more hands-on smoker. However, if you’re a beginner (or busy person!), an automated model may be a better choice.

How do smokers differ from standard grills?

A smoker cooks meat using a combination of smoke and heat at a low temperature, whereas a standard grill cooks directly over high heat and has a shorter cooking time. Smokers offer greater control over the smoking and cooking process because they have a chamber that sits next to the heat source and regulates its temperature, so the smoke or heat only escapes through a chimney.

This slow-cooking method gives meat “a distinctive smoky flavor that’s tender, juicy, and falls off the bone. If you prefer a deeper flavor and crispier crust, you might want to consider a smoker over a standard grill.

What’s the difference between a pellet smoker and an electric smoker?

Both pellet smokers and electric smokers are great options for set-it-and-forget-it smoking techniques. The former provides wood-smoke flavor while allowing for a variety of cooking options, such as baking, smoking, charring, grilling, and roasting.

And electric smokers “are typically designed vertically, making them ideal for smoking and rely on the heat of an electric element, much like an oven at the bottom of a vertical box, They have a water pan right above them to keep the meat moist, and a wood chip pan that disperses smoke throughout the cooking chamber. The result is a lighter smoke flavor and a more tender crust without the smoke ring.

What’s the difference between an electric smoker and a wood-burning smoker?

The main difference between a wood-burning smoker and an electric smoker is the heating method. In a wood-burning smoker, the wood not only adds flavor to the meat, but it’s also the fuel and heat source. The heat generated by the wood chips cooks the food.

In an electric smoker, the wood chips are used primarily for flavor. The electric heating element controls and maintains the temperature it maintains the temperature more evenly than a wood-fired option, which requires more careful monitoring.

Can I use an electric smoker at home?

No, you don’t want to use an electric smoker inside your home. They’re similar to grills in that they require ventilation to use safely. There are models called electric indoor smokers that work similarly to slow cookers, but they’re different appliances. The models on this list shouldn’t be used indoors.

Do I need to soak the wood chips before using my electric smoker?

Only if the instructions say so. Some of the models I tested recommended soaking the wood chips for about 30 minutes before use, but most only require dry wood chips and a bowl of water to get started. Read your smoker’s instructions carefully to find out how to prepare the wood.

How much does an electric smoker cost?

The electric smokers on this list range from about $250 to $350, which is a good indication of what electric smokers cost. However, depending on the size and performance, many models can easily exceed $350, with some even costing as much as $800.

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