![The 7 Best Electric Smokers Under $300 [Buyers Guide]](https://orbreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ElectricSmokers-846x530.jpg)
There’s nothing quite like the deep, rich flavor you get form smoking your meats. But have you ever tried to use one? The learning curve with a traditional smoker is pretty steep and it tends to turn people off of the idea of smoking meat.
But electric smokers take much of the guess work out of smoking. They can be pricey though. So we rounded up 7 great electric smokers that won’t break the bank. Take a look at the best electric smoker under $300.
Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Digital controls allow you to reach and sustain the ideal temperature for smoking and this Masterbuilt model has precise and easy to use digital controls. It also has 4 full cooking racks inside its insulated smoking chamber that locks smoke in securely.
The wood chip tray is also very easy to refill. It slides right out of the back of the smoker and locks into place. This means that you don’t have to open the smoke chamber door and let out smoke when you need to refuel.
Masterbuilt MB20070210 Analog Electric Smoker
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Masterbuilt makes our list again but this time with a tall electric smoker with a cast iron design. This smoker stands 40 inches tall so it gives you plenty of room to smoke all your favorite meats.
And while you don’t get digital controls like the first smoker on our list, the analog temperature gauge is still very user-friendly. Plus you get a very powerful 1,500 watt heating element so you are at no loss for power with this smoker.
CUISINART COS-330 Smoker Electric
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
The CUISINART COS-330 Electric Smoker offers 548 square inches of internal cooking space so its plenty spacious. There are also 3 cooking racks that sit well above the 1500 watt heating element for optimal smoke distribution.
You can control the heating coil between 100 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit which makes this model great for low and slow smoking or high heat roasting. The wood chip tray is also lined with stainless steel so it’s easy to clean.
Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
This electric smoker from Royal Gourmet is not only affordable, but it comes with features usually reserved for more expensive models. The smoke chamber features a double-walled design for locking in the maximum amount of smoke.
There is also a grease catcher inside the smoke chamber to make cleanup a bit easier. Last but not least is the water pan which allows you to smoke your meats without making them too dry.
Smokehouse Products Big Chief Electric Smoker
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
If you are looking for a lightweight electric smoker, this may be the one for you. This smoker weighs just a bit over 17 pounds and features a durable embossed aluminum design. It also comes a 1.75 pound bag of wood chips.
So right off the bat, this is a great value smoker. And while the smoker operates exclusively at 165 degrees, this restriction actually makes smoking a bit easier since this is the optimal temperature for slow and low cooking.
Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
This Char Broil smoker looks really cool and comes with a simple yet very thoughtful feature: handles on either side. This makes it a bit easier to move around the backyard and store it. There are 544 square inches of cooking space spread across 3 adjustable cooking racks.
The heating element operates at 1,000 watts so it doesn’t draw too much power either. This is the perfect smoker for the casual cookout enthusiast.
Landmann Smoky Mountain Electric Smoker
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Finishing our list is probably the best-looking electric smoker under $300 that we came across. This smoker has a clear glass viewing window so you can actually keep an eye on your meats and vegetables as they cook.
There are 3 racks inside the ample smoking chamber along with a water bowl to impart moisture to your meats as they smoke. This is also a very lightweight smoker even though its made of steel at just 33 pounds.
Electric Smoker Under $300 Buying Guide
Have you ever wondered what makes a good electric smoker? The fact is that there are certain features that you should opt for when you are shopping. The best electric smoker under $300 will have:
Separate Heating Element
For safety and effective smoking, never choose a smoker that doesn’t have a separate heating element. Also, make sure the heating element sits well below any racks or trays in the smoking chamber.
Steel Wood Chip Tray
Next, take a look at the wood chip tray or box. This is where the smoke will come from so make sure that any smoker you are considering buying has a steel wood chip tray.
Low Temperature Capacity
Believe it or not, there are some smokers out there that operate at a minimum of about 200 degrees which sort of defeats the purpose. Slow and low is the ideal method for smoking so your smoker should be able to operate at about 150 degrees and higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who makes the best electric smoker?
A: While this may ultimately be a matter of opinion, Masterbuilt has made some of the best reviewed electric smokers.
Q: What can you smoke?
A: You can smoke almost anything. Poultry, fish, pork, beef and even vegetables are just some of the types of foods that are traditionally smoked.
Q: Can electric smokers be kept outside?
A: While you should always operate your electric smoker outdoors, it’s best to store them in your garage or in a covered area when you aren’t using it.
Some Final Advice
Smoking foods not only imparts an unmistakable flavor but it also comes with a certain amount of satisfaction. Once you get the hang of smoking down, it just feels good to be able to smoke food to perfection.
But choosing the right one is very important. Because if you choose an inferior product, it will be that much harder to learn how to properly smoke food. And in the end, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a quality product. Our list is proof of that. So be sure to study our list of the best electric smoker under $300 to get the most bang for your buck.
