Electric smokers are great for folks who are new to the world of smoked BBQ.  In many cases, it’s just not possible to to use charcoal, wood, or a combination of both in a BBQ smoker.  Maybe your HOA rules don’t allow you to have one of these kinds of barbecues, maybe you’re just limited in funds, or perhaps you have space limitations.  In these cases, it’s fortunate that there are a few good manufacturers of electric smokers out there to choose from.

Brinkmann Gourmet Electric Smoker and Grill

The Brinkmann Gourmet Electric Smokers in this series are great for first timers new to BBQ smoking.  What’s nicest is a price point that averages around $120.00, which represents a modest investment when compared to other electric smokers out there.

It comes standard with two chrome-plated steel cooking grills that can carry as much as 50 pounds of your favorite BBQ pork, brisket, chicken, or fish. The beauty of this multiple level approach is that you can pack these electric smokers with with a good amount of stuff.

Since the top and bottom levels of this smoker cook at about the same rate, it’s a good idea to put the meat you want to smoke for the least amount of time on top for easy removal.   A 1500-watt heating element rests in the sturdy based of the Brinkmann Gourmet and lava rocks provide for powerful, consistent heat, which is kept in nicely by the dome lid.   Cool to the touch wooden handles keep you safe, and a front-hinged door allows for quick access to a  porcelain-coated steel water pan.  A separate base pan makes clean up a snap, and all this comes in a light weight 28 pound unit.

Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse Smoker

These electric smokers are recognized by many in the BBQ world as the standard bearer for electric cookers.  They’re a bit higher priced, at around $220 – compared to the Brinkmann, but you get a bit more for your money.

Masterbuilt Electric Smokers offer a powder-coated steel outer body and come with four smoking racks that provide you plenty of room for smoking pork butts, brisket, chicken, ribs, salmon, cod, and more.   What’s nice about this electric smoker is that it rests easily between 100° to 275°F via a thermostat for a reliable performance each time you use it.  The  push-button digital control panel and 24 hour digital timer with auto shut-off also provides for a measure of reliability when you’re looking for perfect smoked meat, poultry, or fish.  Set up with a very convenient side-loading wood tray, and 100-percent insulation for energy-efficient cooking, it’s hard to imagine an easier electric smoker to operate.

Bradley BTIS1 Automatic Electric Smoker

Bradley BTIS1 electric smokers are awesome.  They allow you to smoke, cold smoke, slow cook or slow roast your favorite foods from meats to fruit.  Featuring a a powder epoxy steel exterior and 2288-cubic-inch aluminum interior with slide-out adjustable shelves, the smoker has a 500-watt cooking element, an 125-watt smoking element, and heats up to 280 degrees F. A door-mounted thermometer makes checking the interior temperature quick and easy, and the smoker operates up to eight hours without refeuling.

The Bradley Smoker is a self-contained, clean burning smoker that provides the utmost in ease of use.  It uses a smoke without a  fire system that utilizes consistent temperature settings to avoid high-temperature gases, acids, or resins spoling the taste of flavor provile of your food.

With the Bradley electric smokers, special Bradley bisquettes burn for about 20 minutes each and then automatically advance off the burner.