If you are looking for a convenient smoker then you have three choices depending upon the type of fuel used in this machine. You can either opt for a charcoal, propane or electric smoker depending upon your availability of fuel and the area where you reside. If you want a convenient and easy to operate smoker then you should opt for an electric smoker as it is the easiest and most economical choice out of all the other smokers.
Majority of the electric smokers come fitted with a digitally controlled thermostat which provides stable heat, required for cooking different types of meat. You just have to fill the wood tray provided in these smokers, opt for the required temperature as well as cooking time and food will be smoked and cooked just the way you want. In this article we will go through some of the most popular electric smokers to help you find the best one for your requirements.
Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller
This four tray vertical smoker comes with dimensions of 20.4L x 19.9W x 33.3H. The pushbutton digital control panel provided on the top of this smoker allows the user to control temperature settings ranging from 100 to 275°F to help in smoking different types of meats, poultry and fish. The body of this smoker is insulated to retain constant temperatures at all times thus providing energy efficient controlled heat and smoke.
The convenient side loader allows easy refilling of wood chips. Apart from manually controlling the required temperature, you can also use the 24-hour timer for automatic shutoff so that the food does not get overcooked. Besides four chrome plated racks, this smoker also includes a removable drip pan and water pan. Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller is currently available for around $170.00.
Pros:
- 730 square inches of space for cooking multiple pieces of meat at the same time.
- Vertical compact design with an 800 watt heating element.
- Body manufactured using high grade metal and 100 percent insulation.
- Top air damper, digital thermostat and 24-hour timer for controlling heat, smoke and time required for cooking.
Cons:
- Limited temperature range of up to 275°
- Good for cooking meat and fish but not as good for poultry.
Summary
Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller is quite appropriate for a small family. With digitally controlled temperature and 24-hour timer, this smoker is appropriate for cooking different cuts of meats, poultry, and fish without any apprehension of overcooking.
Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker
Char-Broil Electric Vertical Smoker, 30″ comes with dimensions of 37.8 inches x 17.5 inches x 20 inches. This vertical smoker is designed for providing ideal temperatures as well as the required quantity of smoke for slowly cooking a variety of food items. The body of this smoker is manufactured using porcelain-coated wood and the inside consists of three chrome plated cooking grates, porcelain woodchip pan, water pan and ash pan.
A temperature gauge with bezel is also provided on the door to monitor the inside temperature for perfect smoking. Char-Broil Electric Vertical Smoker, 30″ is currently available for around $115.00.
Pros:
- Vertical offset design with a 505 square inch cooking space.
- Insulated double wall construction for maintaining constant internal heat.
- Temperature gauge for controlling heat and smoke.
- Three adjustable grates for different types of food.
- 1500 watt heating element.
- Chrome plated cool-touch handle for ease of usage.
Cons:
- No cooking recipes or cooking instructions included in the package.
- No temperature chart provided, which creates trouble for beginners in deciding what temperature and time setting is required for smoking different cuts of meat.
Summary
Char-Broil Electric Vertical Smoker, 30″ is suitable for beginners or users with small families. At the current price you get a simple vertical design and this smoker is perfect for people living in apartments or with limited outdoor space.
Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker, Black
Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker comes with dimensions of 17 inches x 31 inches x 15 inches and comes fully equipped with a changeable electric heating element. This vertical smoker is designed to provide ample space for cooking multiple cuts of meat, fish or poultry. The body of this smoker is manufactured using high quality steel for required durability.
Three chrome plated cooking grates are provided with this smoker, out of which two are adjustable for accommodating large sized meat cuts. This smoker also contains a porcelain coated water pan and ash pan. A temperature gauge with bezel is also provided on the door to monitor the inside temperature for perfect smoking.
The thermostat is provided on the outside of the smoker to control different temperature settings. Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker is currently available for around $155.00.
Pros:
- Vertical offset design with ample cooking space.
- Insulated construction for maintaining constant internal temperature.
- Temperature gauge for controlling heat and smoke.
- Two cooking grids and 3 temperature settings.
- Double side handles for portability.
- Chrome plated cool-touch handle and magnetic door latching for ease of usage.
Cons:
- No drip pan provided in the package.
- Moisture and juices of the meat tend to drip on heating element and wood box.
Summary
Smoke Hollow 30162E Electric Smoker doesn’t have issues that are quite common with barrel-style smokers where parts of the electrical unit burn out after constant use. With a changeable heating element this smoker can be used for a long period of time.
Conclusion
After going through all the features associated with three electric smokers discussed above, Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker, Top Controller is the best choice as the body of this smoker is insulated to retain constant temperatures at all times and the convenient side loader allows easy refilling of wood chips.
The second best option is Char-Broil Electric Vertical Smoker, 30″ as it is fitted with a 1500 watt cooking element and insulated with a double wall for maintaining constant internal temperature. If you are looking for smoker with limited temperature settings, only then you can opt for the Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker.
The electric smokers have changed the eating habits of the people. Most of us are getting used to the appetizing food dishes prepared for slow smoking and added to the desired flavor.
The barbecuers prepared using electric smokers with consistent temperature and delightful smoking big and bold, flavorful tastes are highly preferred by the food lovers. Along with electric smokers, many other types of smokers available are charcoal smokers and gas smokers.
Electric smokers
Electric smokers are highly popular and mostly used in the domestic and in the commercial arena more than any other type of smokers. Electric smokers have the automatic settings which are very effective while preparing various dishes.
Useful techniques
- Most of the electric smokers are available with automatic bisquette technology. It helps in feeding bisquettes into the burner frequently as you can set the time and keeps the smoke going for a long time while it prepares the food and keeps it warm and tasty. The use of bisquettes is highly preferred over the charcoal or wood chips, which are used to add extra flavor.
- The other useful technologies such as an internal smoker box which uses air dampers or water pans which keeps the wood chips soaked for slow smoking effect.
- Some of the water pans also allow you to add vinegar and different types of liquid juices which infused the food with flavorsome moisture.
- The electric smokers having flat top can allow the juice to run over the cooked food and makes it full of flavor and yummy.
Temperature remains stable
The Electric smokers remain steady temperature, which is the main benefit compared to other smokers such as charcoal smokers which never remains stable at one temperature. The electric smokers have adjustable temperature used in cooking a variety of foods.
The temperature range can vary from 100-275 degrees Fahrenheit can allow heating at lower temperature and also at a higher range of heating. Most of the temperature units measure the temperature in British thermal unit (BTU).
The power of electric smokers is mainly measured in watts. The electric smokers always start at a lower wattage which can be 300-800 watts. The smokers which support the infrared technology and does not all the food to be dry out while cooking. It keeps control over the flares and eliminates the hot and cold spots.
Useful accessories
The electric smokers offers rack space which is useful in smoking the meat and vegetables. The space available 500 or 700 Sq. Inches which can easily accommodate 2 – 3 racks easily and allows more food to be cooked.
Easy maintenance
The maintenance of the smoke is an easier task and most of the users are happy with the electric smoker. The smoker is made of stainless steel which remain sturdy and clean even after long usage. The removable panel and the racks, makes it easy to wash and keep it clean. It reduces all your extra work and makes it works for long duration.
Many different brands of electric smoker are highly popular among the people, Let us discuss some of the most trendy brands.
1. Bradley Smokers
The Bradley smokers are one of the oldest smokers in the year 1970. For last few decades the Bradley smoker is providing best services to the people by manufacturing excellent quality smokers. The smokers are easy to handle and long durable.
The Bradley smokers have superior temperature control which can be digitally controlled with precise setting adjustments for the timer and the temperature. The wide-in size chambers are most effective in cooking a wide range of recipes. Bradley smokers are always considered as the best electronic smokers which most of the foodies love to have.
2. Old Smokey Company
The Old Smokey Company offers one of the oldest smoker manufacturing company. It offers high quality smokers having the trademark round chamber smokers which are worldwide famous for its superior quality technology. The wide in size smokers are first of its kind which are easy to use, easier to maintain.
Old Smokey offers best of its products to the customers over the years. The products are manufactured according to the needs of market and the changes in the customer requirements. It offers set of accessories which are wide in range and highly suitable to the personal tastes of the customers and the professional requirements.
3. Smokin it Smoker
Smokin it Smoker is one of the best quality branded smokers, which offers most-modern techniques and user-friendly designs. The electric smokers have an elegant look and are made of high quality, strong material. The smokers are light in weight and compact in size and can be easily transportable.
The Smokin it Smoker is mostly preferred for the outdoor activities or for the backyard parties. The smokers are available at affordable prices and are highly economical. It supports the latest electronic technology, which has inbuilt energy friendly heaters to keep the temperature constant while cooking and to save the energy which reduces the electricity bills.
4. Smoke Hollow Smoker
It is one of the top quality smokers which combines both classic output and the latest technology. It helps in ensuring the solutions for all types of outdoor leisures. The smoker is highly popular across the world, offering its excellent services to the people at all different levels.
The company offers new cooking techniques which help the cooks in improving their skills and having control over smoking preparations. The electric smoker has both automatic settings and the manual operation features which make the smoker highly preferable among the restaurants and hotels. The electric smoker remains clean without any extra efforts.
5. Masterbuilt Smokers
For the people who are passionate about electric smokers, Masterbuilt smoker will make them happy and satisfied with its outstanding services. The company started its services in the year 1973, and offering its world class services all over the world including European countries. The smokers are of superior quality and having higher capacity to perform better for longer duration of time.
The Masterbuilt company, prioritizing its commitments towards a high-end product, world class support and friendly environment. It manufactures customized smokers by keeping in the mind the changing requirements of the cooking industry and also the customer necessities.
