While it may be challenging, it is possible to find the best electric smoker for under $200. There are a number of options available in this price range, and with careful research and consideration, you will find an electric smoker that meets your needs and budget.
It may require some time and effort to find the right electric smoker, but with the right approach and a clear understanding of your needs and preferences, it is possible to find an affordable option that is also high quality and effective at smoking food.
Choosing The Best Electric Smoker Under $200 - Factors to Consider
Before finding the best electric smoker under $200, there are a few key things to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money:
Size and capacity
Consider the size of the electric smoker and the amount of food it can accommodate. If you plan to smoke large cuts of meat or feed a crowd, you'll want to look for a larger smoker with a higher capacity.
Temperature control
Look for an electric smoker with good temperature control to ensure that you can cook your food at the desired temperature and achieve the desired level of smoke.
Ease of use
Consider how easy the electric smoker is to use, including the controls and the ease of adding wood chips and water.
Durability
Look for an electric smoker that is built to last and has good customer reviews for durability.
Features
Consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as a built-in thermometer, a digital control panel, or a wood chip tray that is easy to refill.
By considering these factors, you can find an electric smoker under $200 that meets your needs and budget.
Finding The Best Electric Smoker Under $200 - 4 Great Options
There are plenty of high-quality electric smokers available for under $200. These affordable options offer all the features you need to smoke your favorite meats and vegetables to perfection, without breaking the bank.
1. Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
If you're searching for the best electric smoker under $200, The Char-Broil 18202077 is an excellent option to consider. It offers a generous cooking space on its 3 chrome-plated grates, allowing you to smoke a variety of meats and vegetables. The wood chip box has a large capacity, allowing you to smoke for longer periods without needing to refill it often. The water pan made of aluminized steel helps to keep the meat moist during smoking, and the removable drip tray makes cleaning easier.
Quality Material Construction
This electric smoker is made of durable materials and features a 1200-watt heating element. It includes a well-insulated cooking chamber, side carrying handles, and strong door latches. This smoker is energy-efficient, and the cooking grates are easy to clean by simply washing with warm, soapy water and drying thoroughly.
Excellent Features
The door-mounted temperature gauge allows you to easily monitor the internal temperature, while the dual latches help to keep the door sealed shut and maintain the temperature inside the smoker. The front-access to the wood chip tray, grease cup, and water tray also makes it easy to keep everything organized and in its place. These features make this electric smoker a user-friendly and efficient choice for smoking a wide variety of foods.
This electric smoker has a simple, easily repairable design and is highly effective at smoking. Assembly is quick and easy, and the analog controller and heating element, which are the parts most likely to fail, are easily replaceable and reasonably priced when the smoker is out of warranty. One of the standout features of this smoker is its ability to reach higher temperatures than other models, up to 350°F in warm weather and 300°F in cold weather.
Review from a buyer
While some other electric smokers do not require you to open the door to add wood chips, this smoker has a larger chip tray, which means you don't need to replenish chips as often, and it recovers quickly after the door is closed. The analog temperature control is easy to use with a remote thermometer setup, and the built-in thermometer on the door is accurate. To make cleaning easier, it is recommended to use foil on the tray that protects the water pan, heating element, and smokewood pan. Keeping a small amount of water in the water pan also helps to easily clean up grease drips. Foil and water can help to simplify the cleaning process and make it more efficient.
2. Royal Gourmet SE2801
The Royal Gourmet Electric Smoker is a top-of-the-line choice for home cooks and BBQ enthusiasts. It features a spacious cooking surface spread across three chrome-coated smoking racks. These racks are easy to clean and maintain, making this electric smoker a convenient choice for all your smoking needs.
Powerful Heating Element
This electric smoker has a powerful 1500-watt heating element and a fully adjustable digital controller, which allow you to easily control the temperature and smoke level to suit your preferences. Whether you're smoking delicate fish or hearty meats, you can fine-tune the settings to achieve the perfect results every time. The digital controller is also removable, making it easy to access and adjust the settings as needed. The cool-touch spring door handle lets you check on the progress of your food without burning your hands.
This electric smoker has a double-wall construction, which helps to maintain consistent heat and smoke. The cooking grids can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of food. The lidded chip box and removable stainless steel water pan in this electric smoker allow you to add moisture and flavor to your food as it smokes, giving you flexibility in the cooking process. The latch system ensures that the door stays securely closed, keeping the heat and smoke inside the smoker where they belong.
Convenient Features
One of the standout features of the SE2801 is its easy cleanup process. The independent grease cup and replaceable aluminum oil pan make it easy to keep the smoker clean and well-maintained by collecting oil residue. The flavoring system allows you to infuse your food with rich smoke flavor, using the lidded box to heat wood chips and the steam from the water pan to impart a juicy, smoky taste to your food. This system is great for adding depth and complexity to your smoked meats and vegetables.
Works well with various types of wood chips
The SE2801 is compatible with a variety of wood chips, each of which imparts a unique flavor to your food. Hickory chips are mild and work well with most meats, while mesquite has a stronger smoke flavor that pairs well with beef. Alder is a good choice for smoking fish, and apple wood pairs well with chicken. With so many options to choose from, you can experiment with different flavors to find the perfect match for your tastes.
In summary, the Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker is an excellent choice for those looking to add an electric smoker to their backyard setup. It offers ample cooking space, convenient features, and an easy-to-use digital controller, making it a reliable and enjoyable appliance for outdoor cooking.
3. Masterbuilt MB20071117
The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker is often considered the best electric smoker under $200. It is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-use electric smoker with a large capacity and patented wood chip loading system. The digital panel controls and compact size make it convenient to use, and it is capable of smoking a wide variety of foods to perfection.
If you're in the market for an affordable electric smoker, this model is definitely worth considering. With its fully-insulated body and thermostat-controlled temperature, you can trust that this electric smoker will produce delicious, smoky flavors every time.
Pros
The electric smoker has a good build quality and is relatively easy to assemble. The inside capacity of this electric smoker is impressive, with enough space to smoke up to 2 turkeys, 4 racks of ribs, 6 chickens and more. This model has a feature that allows you to add wood chips without having to open the door which helps to maintain the temperature and smoke levels inside the smoker. This is a convenient feature that makes it easy to control the smoking process and produce delicious, smoky flavors. Whether you're smoking meats or vegetables, this feature makes it easy to achieve the perfect results every time.
Cons
It doesn't have advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity or a temperature probe, and it has an external grease pan which some users may not prefer. While seasoning at a temperature of 275°F, the temperature fluctuated quite a bit. It is not yet clear how much the temperature will fluctuate when set at the normal smoking temperature of 225°F.
One potential issue with the design of this model is that the vent on the top is located above the smoking chamber, which may not allow the smoke to fill the chamber adequately before exiting. However, considering the price point of $200, it may be a good value despite these limitations.
4. Smokehouse Products Big Chief
The Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker is an good choice for anyone looking to smoke fish, jerky, and sausages. It has a low temperature setting of 165°F, which is perfect for cooking delicate meats slowly and evenly, without burning them. The carefully designed smoke ventilation system creates the perfect amount of smoke for maximum flavor and proper dehydration.
However, the Big Chief is not just limited to low temperature meats. It can also handle heavier cuts like brisket, which absorb a lot of flavor when smoked in this appliance. Simply finish these cuts off in the oven to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature for eating.
Compact and lightweight, the Big Chief is perfect for taking on fishing trips, and it has a large capacity of up to 50 pounds of meat. If you need an even more compact option, the Smokehouse also offers the Little Chief. Overall, the Smokehouse Big Chief Electric Smoker is a great value for anyone looking to smoke their favorite foods to perfection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these electric smoker options are worth considering if you're looking for the best electric smoker under $200. They offer a range of features and capabilities that make them great choices for those on a budget who still want to enjoy the delicious, smoky flavor of smoked foods.
When shopping for an electric smoker in this price range, be sure to consider the size and capacity, temperature control, ease of use, durability, and any additional features that may be important to you. With careful research and consideration, you can find an affordable electric smoker that meets your needs and helps you create delicious, smoky flavors at home.
Mario Pitts Kernan is a food-loving freelancer with a passion for cooking, eating, and writing. When he's not busy working on his latest project, Mario can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen or indulging in his love of all things culinary.
