Best Electric Smokers Under $200 in 2024

10 Best Electric Smokers Under $200 in 2021

Who doesn’t love having a BBQ party at their backyard? The smokey taste of the meat indulges you into a tasty ride like no other. However, the fantastic taste, along with the perfect texture of the meat, can only be achieved through adequately cooking and burning the meat. 

For this, the standard options are logs, charcoals, and gas. But these options are expensive and produce a lot of smoke. The best alternative to these is an electric smoker.

And keeping your budget and the preference for quality in mind, we have compiled a list of the best electric smokers under $200.

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At a Glance of Our Top Picks:

Note: The above links will take you to additional information, current prices, and reviews on Amazon.

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Product

Product Name

Features

Price

01

Masterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital SmokerMasterbuilt 20070910 30-Inch Black Electric Digital Smoker

Surface: 730 sq. inches

Dimension: 20x17x33.5"

Warranty: 90 Days

02

Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18"

Surface: 15" W x 14" D

Dimension:

30.25 x 18.75 x 17 in

Weight: 63.5 pounds

03

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load SmokerSmokehouse Products Little Chief Front Load Smoker

Capacity: 25 pounds

Dimension:

11.5 x 11.5 x 24.5 in

Weight: 12.16 pounds

04

Smoke Hollow 26142E 26-Inch Electric SmokerSmoke Hollow 26142E 26-Inch Electric Smoker

Cooking capacity:

1.3 cu.Ft.

Dimension:

17.36 x 19.17 x 35.09 in

Weight: 35 pounds

05

Southern Country Smokers

Surface: 351 sq. inches

Dimension:

27 x 21.5 x 37 inches

Weight: 23 pounds

10 Best Electric Smoker Under $200 Reviews

Since you know that there are plenty of benefits of using an electric smoker for grilling purposes, let's move on to the list we have compiled for you that will make buying the best electric smoker easier:

If you are looking for the best digital smokers, then you have come to the right place. The Masterbuilt Black Electric Digital Smoker not only comes in a sophisticated design but can also perform in an efficient way to give you the best service.

It has 4 racks, each with a space of about 730 sq. inches that give you plenty of areas to cook your meat in the best possible way.

Despite everything else, the main attraction of an electric smoker is in its heating system.

This product is made up of materials that can endure heat up to 800 watts. Moreover, it has a temperature control system that can provide about a range of temperatures starting from 100 degrees to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also set up a timer and relax while your meat is being grilled. If you are wondering about how to load the wood chips, then you would be happy to know that this product comes with a side loader that can comfortably take in the wood chips.

Not only this, but it also has a drip pan that can be removed at any time to clean the whole smoker. It does not produce much smoke and keeps the air clean with the help of its air damper.

Pros:

  • It comes with a timer to control the timing
  • The temperature can be set up from 100 degrees to 275 degrees
  • There is a lot of room to cook your meat in
  • There is a side loader to load the woodchips

Cons:

  • It needs servicing after a few years of use
  • The temperature control can sometimes malfunction

If you are looking for the best deals on electric smokers, then the Cuisinart Electric Smoker will fully satisfy your needs. This stylish looking product comes in a color that is as black as charcoal, and it is also available in a variety of sizes from 16 inches to 36 inches. 

Moreover, when you are not using it, you can keep it covered with the kettle cover that conveniently protects it from all kinds of dust.

This is one of the best home electric smokers due to its easy operability. Even when you are an amateur in grilling, with just a few tries, you can look like a pro. And for those of you who are well-groomed in this matter will find cooking your meat on this machine very easy.

All you need to do is to place your meat on the rack, and then decide on an appropriate temperature. Then you will be ready to grill the meat to perfection. One of the best features of this smoker is its thermometer that is placed right on its front door.

It always gives you an accurate reading of what's the temperature inside. If you are worried about how to carry it, then remain assured that you will face no difficulties. The machine is light and also comes with two handles on each side. It can tolerate a heat of about 1500 watt.

Pros:

  • The smoker can provide temperatures ranging from 100°F to 440° F
  • Comes with a capacity to handle 1500 watt of heat
  • Can be carried easily because it is lightweight
  • The product comes with a carrier bag 

Cons:

  • Putting water on the tray sometimes does not produce enough heat
  • The reading on the thermometer on the front door can sometimes be inaccurate

Our third pick for the best electric smoker under 200$ is the Camp Chef Smoke Vault. It comes in a size of 18 inches and has a classic look of a vault.

Therefore, having it in your backyard or home will give the onlookers an impression that you are a person who has excellent taste when it comes to buying machines with a trendy look.

The electric smoker has two racks used for smoking the meat to a perfect crisp. There are three valves to control the air pressure and its dampness. These valves regulate the vapor and create a suitable atmosphere for tasty meat.

Another great feature is that, if you are unsure about what to cook, the machine also comes with recipes that will guide you on how and what to prepare for your guests.

For your convenience, the door has a thermometer that gives you a reading of the temperature inside. Temperature is a vital issue in these digital smokers. So having the right temperature is a must.

And when you want to ignite the woodchips, you do not have to use matches. Instead, the snap ignition will allow you to flare them up

Pros:

  • Comes with a thermometer on the door
  • Have additional recipes included with the product
  • Can control the air dampness through three valves
  • It has a snap-ignition feature

Cons:

  • The minimum temperature capacity of this smoker is 250 degrees
  • Unsuitable for cooking tender items like fish

The Smokehouse electric smoker is one of the best affordable electric smokers in the market. It has incredible temperature control features as well.

The minimum temperature this machine can handle is about 165 F that lets you cook salmon and other tender items on it. Moreover, it can handle the heat for up to 250 watts.

This machine comes with a recipe manual that dispels all your confusion about what to prepare for your family or guests. You can impress them with your BBQ skills by cooking up the most delicious dishes.

Not only this, but you will also get a bag of woodchips with the smoker to help you cook your meat perfectly.

One thing you must know while using this product is that it is suitable for outdoor usage only. So to get the best results, do not use it indoors. The body of the machine is made up of durable and long-lasting aluminum that protects the interior from any dust or hazard.

Also, the grills you will be using for cooking the meat can be slid in and out conveniently. Moreover, you can wash the pans easily on a dishwasher.

Pros:

  • No need to assemble it at home, it comes fully ready
  • Can cook about 25 pounds of meat at once 
  • The pans can be cleaned with a dishwasher
  • Long-lasting product with an exterior made of aluminum

Cons:

  • If the temperature outside is boiling, the smoker may have difficulty in setting up a low temperature inside
  • Not suitable for use indoors

Out of all the best budget electric smoker out there, the smoke hollow electric smoker will give you an excellent service for its price. The stylish looking machine comes in charcoal black that remains shiny throughout the year.

Moreover, it can tolerate heat levels of up to 1500 watts that give you great flexibility to cook meat up to a specific range.

The temperature control on this machine is remarkable and can be adjusted according to your needs.

Also, the grilling plates used for cooking the meat is made up of chrome, which gives it durability. The plates can also be adjusted at different heights in accordance with your preference.

Not only this, you can check up on the temperature inside through an indicator that is placed on its body from time to time. If you are wondering about the maneuverability of the machine, then stay assured as it comes with handles that can be used to carry the smoker from one place to another easily.

In case you have children at home, then you can get rid of all your worries about them opening the door now and then and causing an accident because the doors are equipped with a latch system that helps you lock it.

Pros:

  • Doors come with a lock system
  • Pan for containing water is made of porcelain
  • Has a vast room space for cooking the meat
  • Two side handles for carrying the machine

Cons:

  • Juices of the meat can drip outside if the door is not closed properly
  • Temperature readings can sometimes lack accuracy

Out of all the top-rated electric smokers in the market, the Southern Country Smoker ranks towards the best. It is a barrel-shaped electric smoker that has a vast space for cooking of about 351 sq. inches. Not only this, the grilling plates are coated with chrome that protects it from extreme heat and temperature.

The barrel-shaped machine has a chimney that allows heat and smoke to flow outside. Thus, your meat will be cooked perfectly to a crisp.

For grilling meat in the juiciest way, you need to have ample space in the water pan to dampen the interior properly. To take care of this, it has a pan of a size of 5.5 quarts. It can also handle heat up to 1500 watts that allow you to set up the smoker to high temperatures for cooking the meat in the best possible way.

You can quickly assemble the product due to its interlocking technology. Not only this, the handles and the side handles are made up of heat-resistant materials that let you touch the machine without burning your hands.

Moreover, you have the convenience of opening up the door and checking up on the grilling process. Lastly, the smoker is fully portable and can be locked from the outside.

Pros:

  • It can handle heat up to 1500 watts
  • It can be assembled easily due to its interlocking technology
  • The smoker is portable and can be easily carried
  • Comes with heat resistant handles

Cons:

  • Thermometer sometimes does not give consistent readings
  • The instruction manual does not contain proper instructions

The Old Smokey Electric Smoker has a small demeanor but works very efficiently. It is one of the best small electric smokers in the market. This product comes in a metallic shade of grey that gives off a rustic but elegant look.

Although it has a small size, its dimensions are still wide enough to cook meat well enough.

On top of this, the smoker comes with a lid that has a flat surface. This allows all the juice of the meat to fall right back onto the food instead of dripping on to the bottom pan or anywhere else.

Besides, the wood chips can be added directly on top of the cooking plate that allows you to get the perfect smoking flavor.

There is a temperature control panel to regulate the heat in the most efficient manner. Moreover, on the front door, you will get a thermometer that lets you set up the cooking time. Not only this, you can check up on the temperature and thus get the right amount of heat to cook your meat according to your preferences.

Pros:

  • Has a thermostat on its door
  • Can handle a variety of temperatures 
  • A flat smoker that does not let the juices drip
  • It can be carried easily

Cons:

  • The handles are not strong enough
  • It is not suitable for use in windy weathers

The next pick on our list has a fantastic capability to handle the heat of up to 1400 watts. This makes it one of the best electric meat smoker on the market. The grilling plates are coated with chrome that is resistant to heat and never erodes even if extreme temperatures are applied.

Thus you can cook your meat at whatever temperature you like without worrying about any accidents or decay. The temperature control method for this machine is quite simple.

Instead of having a variety of temperatures on the dial that might confuse you, it has a high, medium, and a low setting that you can control with ease. Not only this, you can check up on the temperature whenever you like as the door contains a temperature reader.

Cleaning up the wood chip pan is easy as it is removable. The machine also comes with a portable water pan. You can carry it elsewhere by folding up its legs. This makes it one of the best digital smoker on the market.

Pros:

  • Easily portable for camping trips
  • Contains foldable legs
  • Has a temperature reader on the door
  • The grilling plates are coated with chrome

Cons:

  • The temperature control settings can malfunction at times
  • The paintings on the interior are not durable enough

This smoker is small in size, but it is a highly effective machine. It is also considered to be one of the best automatic smokers out there. This product has a room for cooking of about 395 sq. inches, which is small compared to other big ones. But due to its amazing features, the size can be overlooked.

The grilling plates are coated with porcelain that keeps it resistant to heat. Despite its size, it can handle a set of about 1650 watts. This capacity of tolerating heat makes this machine a perfect fit for cooking the tastiest meat.

Not only this, you can go up to as much as 400 degrees of temperature and even adequately burn your meat to give it a smokey flavor.

Additionally, the door has a temperature reader that you can check to see if the interior temperature is set up correctly. Moreover, the water and wood chip pans are removable and easy to clean. They are also heat-resistant due to their porcelain coating. This makes this machine one of the top electric smokers in the market.

Pros:

  • Has removable water and woodchip pans
  • Can tolerate heat up to 1650 watts
  • Temperature can be set up to as high as 400 degrees
  • The door has a temperature reader

Cons:

  • Its size is quite small
  • You have to add wood chips more frequently compared to other ones

Although we have come towards the end of our list of the best smoker under 200 dollars, that does not mean the last product on the list is any less than its predecessors.

The Landmann smoker comes in a stylish black color. Its biggest perk is the viewing panel it comes with.

The door has a transparent heat-resistant cover that allows you to see the meat being cooked without having to open the door again and again.

Also, the door has a temperature reader that lets the user check up on the interior temperature to see if the meat is getting a suitable amount of heat or not.

Moreover, there are trays that can be used for three purposes altogether. The size of the machine is about 26 inches, which falls in the medium range. Furthermore, the cooking chamber inside is fully coated with materials that make it non-insulated to heat.

So if you want a smoker that looks antique and stylish at the same time, you should go for this smoker.

Pros:

  • Comes with a viewing panel
  • Has a temperature reader on its door
  • Has a 3-in-1 tray
  • Has a heat-resistant handle

Cons:

  • Does not have foldable legs
  • It is not portable

Buyers Guide: Before You Buy a Best Affordable Electric Smoker, What to Look For

We have suggested some of the best rated electric smokers out there to buy. And all of these are below the price range of 200 dollars. However, before going shopping, here are some of the things you need to keep in mind:

1. Your Budget

Nobody likes to spend thousands of dollars on an electric smoker when you can grill on your backyard in the traditional way. To have the best of both worlds and get an automatic smoker, you should buy the ones we have suggested as they are all well below the price range of 200 dollars.

2. Easy Operability

If you buy a smoker whose operability seems like rocket science to you, then there is no doubt that you won’t feel at ease to use it. So buy something that comes with a detailed instruction manual.

The most important feature to look for in a good smoker is the LED temperature reader. This panel lets you be in control of the temperature without burning the meat.

3. Control over Heat

What is the point of getting an automatic smoker if you don’t have any control over its temperature? According to the best electric smokers’ consumer reports, the most convenient smokers are those that have a temperature dial to control the internal heating.

Some more basic ones have high-to-low settings that take some time of practice to get accustomed to. Weather is also a factor in regulating the heat. In more windy places, you should buy a smoker that has a high heating capacity.

4. Adequate Room to Cook

Depending on the number of people you are willing to serve, you should buy your smoker. If you want to serve just your family, then you can get a small smoker with an adequate number of shelves.

However, if you occasionally like throwing parties and feeding guests, you should get an automatic smoker with plenty of space with plenty of space.

Usually, the space in these machines is measured in terms of cubic feet or inches. Besides having a big volume, make sure to check the number of racks it can hold onto. The more the shelves, the higher the amount of meat you can cook.

Not only this, make sure to check out the size of the grilling plates to see if they can fit in the best things to smoke in the electric smoker like pork or beef ribs which are considerably big in size.

5. Volume

Not just the internal settings, but also the external shape and size is important while purchasing an electric smoker. These machines are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are small while some are quite large.

Depending on your capacity and where you want to place the product, you should make your bid. If you have a small patio, then you should buy one that is small and barrel-shaped. In case you want to carry it with you on your camping trips, make sure that the smoker is light, with foldable legs.

6. External Outlook and Building Material

Lastly, the design of the electric smoker also matters a lot. A smoker with a faulty design that lets water into the machine can lead to accidents. Look for the ones that are made up of steel or aluminum. These materials are long-lasting and durable and do not rust easily.

The plates inside should be coated with chrome or porcelain as these are some of the materials that provide the best resistance against heat. Moreover, the door should have a handle that does not burn your hand and can be used to open it easily. Side handles are a plus, and they will allow you to carry the machine conveniently.

If the door comes with locks or latches, then it is an added advantage as children cannot get access to the heating chamber. On top of it, the door prevents heat from escaping the internal area, which lets you cook your meat perfectly.

Benefits of Best Home Electric Smoker

An electric smoker uses electricity instead of gas to create a smokey flavor and does not create a big flame. Thus there is no air pollution and neither the risk of an accident due to big fires.

Besides these, there are several other benefits you can enjoy by using an electric smoker. Let's look at some of these:

• Convenient Method of Use

Electric Smokers are very easy to use and also cheap. All you need is an electrical connection. You don't have to go through the hassle of using gas. Moreover, it is also very affordable.

If you are new to this, then the method to use a smoker is as follows- firstly, you have to make sure that the cabinet is fully loaded. Next, you need to set up a temperature that is just perfect for burning the meat, and lastly, you need to have a proper electric connection.

• Completely Green Technology

When you burn wood or charcoal, a lot of carbon dioxide is produced, which is toxic to the environment. Although an electric smoker produces smoke, it is very negligible in quantity in comparison to other means of burning. On top of it, using it produces no toxic gases.

• Quick Cleaning Up Process

A charcoal BBQ creates a lot of smoke and debris. Cleaning it all up adds an extra load of work for you after spending all that time in front of the hot grill.

But the electric smoker only produces a negligible amount of leftover waste, most of which are only wood chips that are very easy to clean up. It also does not have nooks where food can get stuck and create a mess.

• Easy to Adapt to

Even for someone who is trying their luck at the BBQ for the first time, using an electric smoker is a piece of cake. You don’t have to patiently try it out time and again to get the heat or temperature right like you would in case of a charcoal grill.

By just clicking and adjusting the settings, you can get the perfect amount of heat needed. And for your convenience, the smoker comes with an instruction manual as well.

• Ability to Control the Temperature

In a regular grill, you have to make sure that the air is damp enough, the pressure is right, the fire is not too hot to burn the meat, and not too cool to not cook it properly. But electric smokers get rid of all those problems.

By only moving the dial, you can adjust the temperature and the heat. In this way, you can cook your meat perfectly and get that proper smokey flavor.

• Cost

When using ordinary charcoal grills, you have to refuel time and again, which can get very costly. Moreover, you lose a lot of time in setting up the grill and cleaning it afterward. But in case of an electric smoker, you are getting it for under $200 and only using a small amount of electricity. 

You can run it for a long time without any worries. Not just this, the amount of debris created is also minimal, which saves you a lot of time.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How should I prepare the smoker before putting in the meat?

Firstly, the interior of the smoker can have a lot of dust and germs. To eliminate these, you should heat up the empty shelves at about 250 degrees of Fahrenheit before putting in the meat.

Q2. How long should I smoke the meat for?

Usually, every digital smoker comes with a user manual that has instructions on the amount of time you should cook the meat for. Sometimes, it also contains recipes that have the cooking hours clearly mentioned.

Q3. What is the best way to know if I have to add more woodchips or water?

The easiest signal to spot in order to know if you need to put in more woodchips is to look at the amount of smoke produced. If you see that the smoke being produced is relatively less than before, or there is no smoke at all, you should add more water or woodchips.

Q4. How should I clean the electric smoker?

Before starting the cleaning procedure, you should let the interior cool down. Then take out all the plates and shelves and use damp cloths and cleaning sprays to clean up the machine.

best automatic smoker reviews

Q5. Should I place the meats directly onto the racks?

Yes, electric smokers are designed in a fashion that applies direct heat to the meat. If you add any kind of paper or foil with it, then the heat might destroy it and cause it to mix with the meat that will eventually ruin the taste.

Now that we have come towards the end of our article, we hope that you no longer have any confusion about the best electric smokers under $200. By following our suggestions, you can get the best deal at an affordable price.

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Theresa Lori
 

Hi, I'm Theresa. My passion for grilling delicacy gradually built during the time I was living with my parents. My family members especially my mother was a great fan of grilled dishes to and from the love of food. I started preparing smoked food with my mom. This bonding helped me to know more and more about to smoke, grill what always I share on SmokeGears.com. So, in two words you can call me a BBQ lover.

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