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Hey there smokers!
If you are reading this post, then it’s safe to assume that you are looking to dive into the culinary art of smoking. After all, why wouldn’t you as it’s probably the oldest and most popular cooking method ever developed?
However, there is one small problem: smoking food isn’t easy and it can be very time-consuming, especially if you are using a traditional smoker. Right?
Well, if that’s the case, then electric is the way to go.
However, with so many choices available, selecting the best electric smoker might be a tough challenge. This guide will contain a brief set of reviews and a guide on how to select the best smoker for you.
Advantages of Using an Electric Smoker
Convenience: Forget checking your meat every hour to ensure the heat is just right. With an electric unit, you can just load the food, set the temperature and time, and then go to the gym while letting the machine do all the work.
They are clean and inexpensive to run, oh, and cheap to buy: An electric smoker runs on erhh… electricity, which is a clean energy source! So, rest assured that your conscience won’t keep you up at night. What’s more, electricity is generally very cheap (unless you live in some places like Hawaii), which will keep the cost of running your unit very low compared to other types of smokers.
As an example, let’s say the heating element is 1500 Watts (most use less than that). So, for a 12-hour cook, your machine would consume a total of 18 KWh. With the average retail price of electricity to be 12.49 cents/KWh for the residential sector, that would translate to a measly $2.25 for a 12-hour smoke.
No other type of smoker can match this cost efficiency so you can save a lot of money in the long run, which in turn can be invested in an even better unit.
Easy temperature control: The reason you have to monitor a traditional smoker is to ensure the right temperature because the energy source is often unstable. However, most electric units nowadays come with temperature gauges that can help you maintain the desired temperature automatically, freeing up your time to do other things.
They can be used anywhere: Unlike other types of smokers, electric smokers don’t generate flames when smoking, so they can be used in places where open flames are not allowed. To use your smoker, just find an open space with a suitable power source nearby and you are all set.
It can be used in the cold and wind: As other types of smokers use flames to generate heat, you can expect it to be very difficult to use them on a cold or windy day. However, using electricity will help you avoid this problem.
Moreover, this type of smoker allows you to have far greater control over the entire smoking process, so greatly reducing the chance of something going wrong.
Ok, so hopefully, you can see the benefit of owning an electric smoker, so let’s take a look at some of the best models on the market.
Top 5 Electric Smoker Reviews
#3 Masterbuilt MB20070421 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker)
The Masterbuilt 20070910 is included in the list of best electric smokers because it is easy to use and accessible for newcomers and experts alike. It has ample smoking room and four grill trays.
A highlight is this one because it has a lot of useful extras, like an air damper and a water tray. The air damper allows for adjusting the amount of smoke, giving you a range of mild-to-smokier flavors.
The water tray is also perfect for adding additional vinegar and brine seasonings. Not only does this help add flavor to your meat, but helps keep it moist too.
You’ll love that this machine has push-button control. It makes it super simple to manage and maintain the temperature. It also comes with a 24-hour timer and an automatic shut-off. It is impossible to mess up your meal with this machine. The unit comes with a light, which is another perk.
An additional thermometer is always handy, but the Masterbuilt also comes with a remote control, to really make your next time smoking convenient. This is the one if you’re looking for something that’s as technically savvy as you are, or if you are just starting out and looking for the easiest operation.
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
- Digital controls to easily set cooking time and temperature up to 275°F
- Patented side woodchip loader to continually add wood-fired smoked flavor without having to open the smoker door to keep smoke in during the cooking process, resulting in enhanced low and slow cooked dishes
- Four chrome-coated smoking racks
- Spacious vertical design that fits up to 7 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs
#4 Bradley Smoker Digital 4-Rack Electric Outdoor BBQ Smoker, Vertical Food Smoker
The coolest feature on the Jim Beam Bradley is the auto feeder for your wood briquettes. No need to constantly add wood while smoking, you can just walk away and this machine does it for you. The downside to that convenience is that you need to buy certain briquettes to use them, which is an additional cost and possible obstacle. However, they come in a ton of hardwood flavors, so you aren’t limited in your options. This is an affordable unit, and it can get the job done.
Four racks gives you a lot of room to cook chickens, ribs, pork butt, or whatever your heart desires. If only this product came with a better removal system then surely it could compete for the title of the best electric smoker.
There was a definite smoke ring visible, and a crispy bark that developed on the outside of the meat. The flavor was rich and satisfying. Not only does it deliver a tasty product, but it effectively cold smokes too. This machine will meet all of your needs at home, and make you popular at parties.
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Bob, Your Choices Suck! I Want to Select the Best Smoker Myself
Ouch, that hurts. But it’s okay. Different people will have different priorities when it comes to selecting the best smoker for themselves.
Price: Of course the most important factor when buying anything is its price. The best electric smoker does not automatically mean the most expensive one. Ideally you want to select one that offers the best performance/price ratio in your price range. Also take into account that electricity is generally very cheap, so if you are going to smoke a lot, you can comfortable adding a few hundred bucks to your budget, knowing that your machine can save you quite some money in the long run.
Temperature range: Different foods must be smoked at different temperatures. A unit with a wider temperature range will be a lot more versatile and can produce different smoked foods for your home. However, if you are going to smoke only some types of food, then you can probably get away without using a wide temperature range unit.
Generally, smokers can handle a lot of food at the same time. However, if you frequently host parties and need to smoke large batches of food, always make sure that yours is large enough to load all of this food at once.
Materials: A good machine must be sturdily built with good materials. Don’t ever buy one made from cheap materials, as they can break down very easily after a short period of time. It’s just not worth the investment.
Safety: Most electric smoker reviews do not cover this point, but a good machine must also be child and pet safe. All electrical parts must be covered properly. Wheels should lock firmly. The handle should be heat-resistant so you would not accidentally burn your hand.
Easy cleaning: Cleaning the interior after smoking is a must, hence a good product should not make the cleaning job too much of a challenge. Stainless is generally very easy to clean while chrome plated grates will rust over time. Before you spend your hard-earned money, be sure to have an idea of how you are going to clean it.
Analog or digital: A temperature gauge allows you greater control over the temperature and smoking process as a whole. However, if you enjoy tending to your food regularly, then definitely go for an analog one.
Warranty and support: Unless you have too much money to care, it is always a good idea to check what kind of warranty and support are provided.
Check the dealer’s reputation before making your purchase. Also, make sure they can easily be reached through email or phone in case you need some support.
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