Top 10 Best Electric Smokers Under $500 In 2023

Your apartment or condo prohibits you from lighting mini-fires for safety reasons, so you know you can’t. Take your worries out into the open by smoking up your worries, instead of avoiding smoked food or spending high-end dollars at a restaurant.

Cook your favorite dishes right in the comfort of your own home with an electric smoker that is priced under $500. Barbecue parties can be made even more enjoyable by using an electric smoker. You can easily master it and be a great host.

It’s time to say goodbye to coughing because of charcoal or propane smoke. We have rounded up the best electric smoker under 500 dollars for the value in this article. Once the final reading is completed, you’ll be satisfied with the automation, ease of use, compatibility, capacity, and consistent temperature.

Electric smokers can come in a variety of options, but you must consider certain factors before selecting one. Taking the time to review each of the best electric smokers under $500 in 2023 will help solve your problem. You now have a choice of several options!

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1. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker

Is there anything you would like to control completely when it comes to cooking? Smokers have a little trick to controlling the temperature if they haven’t used one before. It helps to have easy-to-use controls on the Masterbuilt MES 130B Digital Electric Smoker, which helps to facilitate the process.

This 572-square-inch Masterbuilt MES 130B Digital Electric Smoker is the ideal kitchen appliance. The unit also includes four chrome-coated cooking racks, which allow you to stack a variety of different foods. With these racks, you can adjust the height so that you will be able to easily accommodate bigger cuts of meat.

Black powder coating finishes the stainless steel construction and sturdy rectangle design. Besides being an attractive design, this model is also very practical. As well as being very sturdy, it is mounted on strong and stable feet that won’t mark the ground.

Featuring solid build quality and a generous amount of cooking space, this microwave will surely impress. This patented side-loading tray helps maintain the cooking temperature while avoiding mess and fuss. Plus, the easy-to-use digital temperature controller contributes to the ease of use of this model.

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2. Dyna-Glo Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker

Who says that electric smokers must look dull and plain? It’s true you’ll need a model with, particularly strong and durable components. Electric smokers below $500 can also look very nice.

This Dyna-Glo Charcoal Offset Smoker is sure to make all of your friends envious of its classic and very striking design. The top of this striking model features a large pressure gauge in conjunction with a smokestack. When cooking, you can easily control the temperature with a dual-door system.

As well as being designed to make use easy, this model is also very easy to use. Thanks to the innovative electronic pulse ignition system, a quick and reliable start are provided. It also comes with 15,000 BTUs of power, which significantly reduces the cooking time for all types of food.

Whether you are planning a party or you need extra cooking space for any event, this model provides 784 inches of cooking space. It features six cooking racks, all of which are adjustable. Therefore, you will be able to simultaneously prepare a wide selection of foods.

Dyna-Glo suggests you be aware that the Charcoal Offset Smoker DGO1176BDC-D does not come with wheels. This model may be a bit difficult to move because of its 57-pound weight. Even if you don’t plan on moving your smoker, the style and versatility of this model will appeal to you.

3. Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker

It is no secret that Char-Broil is one of the leading brands in the outdoor cooking industry. With digital controls and insulated construction, this smoker is part of a line of refrigerator-style electric smokers that promises ease of use and efficiency-and on the whole, it delivers.

Providing a good line of features, this smoker is well worth the investment if it works well. Electric smokers of this type can be limited in their smoke production, so if you want a strong smoke flavor, look elsewhere.

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Our reviewer is pleased with the user-friendly digital interface and the ability to see how the food is progressing through the glass door on this smoker. He says that although this electric smoker has the disadvantage of not having a high-heat option, it has a more stable and reliable temperature control than pellet smokers.

4. Cuisinart Vertical Electric Smoker

Take a puff of charcoal or propane and blow it out. The Cuisinart electric smoker welcomes the new with its innovative design. Use a charcoal smoker instead of traditional charcoal to get that smoky flavor! Under 550 square inches of space are available to smoke and cook your food on this friendly, lightweight, and easy-to-use electric smoker. Food items can be smoked separately using chrome racks to achieve a distinct taste and finish. Dishwasher-friendly racks make cleaning easy, and no mess is left behind.

You can easily refill the smoker and clean it later by detaching the wood tray and the water pan. In order to tenderize the food, a water pan inside the electric smoker provides enough moisture. Decorative and functional, this vertical smokehouse is a great way to adorn your patio while barbecuing and having fun. In terms of size and weight, it measures 37.5 x 22 x 19 inches and weighs 51.5 pounds.

Upon opening the door, a thermometer keeps an eye on the temperature inside to ensure a perfect finish. The backend of the cooker uses a 1500W heating coil to cook food such as steaks, ribs, and other treats. It is easy to use and durable heating coil that is provided. Both sides of the cart have sturdy handles to facilitate movement.

5. Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker

Grilling food on a grill outside is a great hobby, and this product is a great choice for those who enjoy it.  Since 1968, Smokehouse has manufactured electric smokers in the USA. Now you can have fun grilling food, relaxing, and having fun with this easy-to-use electric smoker. Smoke grilling your food is fun while you are laughing without being covered in smoke. As the smoke is ventilated comprehensively, the food retains its smokey flavor.

It’s easier to prepare meat, chicken, or vegetables when you bring this electric smoker home instead of going out to get wood. The temperature of your chicken thigh or braised beef dish should be 165 degrees for convenience. An app on your phone lets you control the temperature of your smoker while you’re sitting back and relaxing. This package includes a front-loading electric smoker with a silver finish, a recipe booklet with instructions, and 1.75 pounds of wood fuel. Wood fuel with hickory flavor is sold in Chips and chunks.  Featuring high-quality aluminum construction, the entire unit is an excellent purchase for the outdoors.

Simple slide grills are made from lightweight chrome plates that are easy to clean and maintain.  Grease can even be collected in a dishwasher-safe pan. With a capacity of 25 pounds, it cooks meat and fish in one go, meaning less waiting time for other diners. You can directly access the chip pan on the unit’s base when replacing wood chips. Due to the fact that you don’t have to open the main door, you are able to conserve smoke and heat.

6. Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker

The no-frills smoker has earned high ratings from users across the board. As a result of its insulated steel construction and 1200-watt heating element, the heater maintains a constant temperature at a variety of temperatures. In addition to its large chip box, it has a door that can be opened and closed very quickly, so minimizing the need to open and close the door. It has more precise temperature control than analog brands, and its powerful heating element keeps temperatures consistent throughout the cooking process.

Temperature regulation requires getting used to because rheostats are used instead of digital controls, but an in-door thermometer makes adjustments easy. This is a medium-capacity smoker, so you won’t be able to cook a big turkey in it, but you can cook ribs, brisket, and pork butts without any concerns over space. There has been speculation that the heating element in the built-in thermometer is short-lived, and some claim it cannot be calibrated.

7. Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker

Cookers that are designed for set-and-forget cooking are electric smokers. Masterbuilt came up with an innovative way to connect a smoker to your phone using Bluetooth. You can control your smoker’s temperature while you’re relaxing with an app on your phone. Smokers can be turned on or off, and their temperatures can be adjusted and monitored. The fact that barbecue and technology can coexist might be a source of despair for your granddad, but we think it is something worth celebrating.

This smoker features a large capacity, which is definitely a plus. You can choose between 30-inch and 40-inch models, but if you think you’ll need extra space, we’d recommend the 40-inch model. There is nothing worse than having too little space than having too much. Both models feature four adjustable racks that should allow you to cook for large groups without running out of space.

Despite the upgrade to 1,200 watts, your maximum temperature remains low at 275°F. Reloading wood chips is made easy by the wood chip tray. To add new wood chips, you don’t need to open the smoker, which saves time and eliminates the risk of losing heat and smoke. Having the option to adjust the temperature without leaving the house is convenient. There are a few problems with Bluetooth technology, however.

There is only a 12- to 15-foot range, and if you have walls blocking the way, the range can be even shorter. Having trouble connecting to Bluetooth can be frustrating, especially if you have used it before. It works best if you keep the phone near the smoker, however. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home with this feature, so placing your phone close to the door still beats going outside in cold, wet weather!

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8. Bradley Digital Electric Outdoor BBQ Smoker

Smokers powered by electricity aren’t always the most reliable. Smoke must be evenly distributed throughout your cook to be effective. This Bradley BS611 will reduce the learning curve. Smokers like this one work differently from others.

With the BS611, you smoke it out separately with a separate smoke box that has its own heating element, instead of sitting over a heating element. By having independent control over the smoke, you have more control over the situation. In addition to better flavor and performance, cleaner smoke means more consistent smoke.

Bradley, on the other hand, uses Natural Wood Smoking Bisquettes. There is a limit on what kind of wood chips you can put in it, so it’s a little more expensive to run. Nevertheless, a full load will smoke for up to 9 hours, and once loaded, you can let it go. The BS611 is fully insulated and houses 572 square inches of smoking space in a single device.

9. Smoke Hollow Electric Smoker

For moveable outdoor electric smokers, this is a great value because of its compact footprint and powerful heating element. In addition to being one of the best electric smokers under $300 that we’ve seen, it has some convenient features like adjustable racks and a cool-touch spring wire door handle. We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated electric grills for those who don’t like smoking in the backyard. The best electric grill will come in handy if you like to cook outdoors often.

Featuring upscale features like porcelain-coated water pans, chip trays, and adjustable temperature control, this compact electric smoker for barbecue is a fantastic value. Despite having a somewhat limited interior capacity at 1.3 cubic feet, it does have an advantage when it comes to being easy to move and maintaining a consistent temperature, due to its small size. An easy-to-clean porcelain water pan and drip tray make cleanup a breeze.

10. Pit Boss Grills Electric Smoker

Our Best Value category went to the Pit Boss 3 Series when we weighed costs and features. Although it doesn’t feature the bells and whistles of more expensive brands, its porcelain-coated racks resist corrosion, its mid-size capacity, and its 1650-watt heating element make it an attractive option. Heating elements and element control boards have been reported to have issues, as well as the need to calibrate the indoor thermometer regularly.

A porcelain-coated chip box and water pan are also included, and the chip box has external access from the front, which reduces the amount of time you have to open it. Fine-tuning of the temperature is possible with the adjustable air damper and the analog temperature control. Besides the thermometer mounted on the door, the smoker also has a window that allows you to see inside without opening the door and losing heat. In addition to an analog temperature probe, the smoker includes a thermometer for monitoring the internal temperature.

The Pit Boss delivers good value for the price when these features are weighed against the average retail price. Stainless steel racks and pans are porcelain-coated to prevent corrosion and make cleaning easy. A chip box that can be accessed externally allows the chips to be refilled without affecting the temperature of the smoker.

Buying Guide: Best Electric Smokers under $500

Human psychology dictates that when one spends more money on a product, one expects it to be of higher quality and to have more features. Across industries, automation is occupying most of the space in today’s era.

Capacity:

To buy a smoker for about 500 dollars, you must look for one that is intended for commercial use. When you use it for commercial purposes, it means you are going to use it for a large number of people. Consequently, the smoker must be large enough to accommodate a large meal without sacrificing quality or taste. Hence, smokers with a capacity of 50lb-70lb must have chosen $500 over the price of $400.

Further, the capacity of the smoker should be considered, even if you only use it occasionally. You may decide to organize a gathering with your friends or family members every year. A large-capacity smoker is essential for cooking for 15 to 20 people simultaneously.

Convenience:

Choosing one with handles on both sides will make moving it easier. Handles with cool touch allow you to handle them easily without burning yourself. Having a water pan will help to keep meat and vegetables moist and prevent them from drying out.

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High-powered smoke exhaust systems ensure that your food does not taste bitter due to bad smoke that is trapped inside a low-powered smoke exhaust is used. Some electric smokers come already assembled, while others may not.  Ensure that you have all the parts before assembling by comparing the instructions with the parts list.

Temperature:

If you are considering an electric smoker, make sure that it has a wide range of cooking temperatures.  It will allow you to cook at temperatures as low as 150°F or as high as 450°F.  Those with extensive experience understand the importance of considering the heating element as well as its placement.

It is ideal to have your smoker blow enough smoke so that your food dish absorbs it, but not so much that it becomes a source of acid rain. There is often a temperature probe included with electric smokers to check if a food dish is done. There are some who don’t. A food safety inspection ensures good quality and safe food practices.

Mobility:

Most people do not consider mobility when buying a vehicle. Once your friends and family have tried your cooking with the electric smoker two or three times, you will see that they love it. Your life changes the moment you arrive at their house with your smoker. You must consider weight, how easy it is to move on castors or wheels, as well as the length of the power cord.

Maintenance:

Electric smokers are easy to clean and maintain. The racks in most of these units are easily removable, making cleaning them a simple process. Make sure you can reach the customer service helpline by phone or email whenever you need assistance.