Best electric smokers for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most people, the best electric smoker for 2026 is the Masterbuilt MB20071117 30″ Digital Electric Smoker – it reliably produces good results, has a roomy interior, and costs about what you’d expect for a do-it-all machine.
The Bradley BS611 is the splurge-worthy premium pick for serious hobbyists, while the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital is the budget-friendly choice for casual weekend cooks.
Electric smokers let you turn out tender ribs, juicy brisket, and flaky salmon without babysitting a fire for hours. They plug into a standard outlet, hold temperature automatically, and let you add wood chips for smoke flavor – perfect for anyone who wants barbecue without the learning curve. But not all electric smokers are created equal: some struggle to hold lower temperatures, others feel flimsy after a season, and a few produce uneven heat across their racks. When shopping, focus on build quality, temperature range, and capacity. A digital controller with consistent accuracy matters more than Bluetooth gimmicks. Look for a unit with at least 800 watts of heating power, a wide enough temp range (ideally 100°F to 275°F or higher), and a door that seals well. And remember: more cooking space sounds great, but it also means more wood chips and longer preheat times. Find the size that matches how much you actually cook, not the biggest one on the shelf.
Masterbuilt MB20071117 30″ Digital Electric Smoker
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5This is the electric smoker we’d recommend to almost anyone. It heats evenly, holds temperature well, and has a generous 30-inch interior that fits several racks of ribs or a large pork shoulder. The digital control panel is straightforward, and the side-load wood chip tray makes refueling a cinch – no crouching or burning your hands.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Bradley Smoker BS611 Original 6-Rack Smoker
the premium showpiece
4.5out of 5The Bradley BS611 is built like a tank and uses a unique puck-fed smoke generator that delivers consistent smoke for hours. It has six racks, so you can smoke a lot of food at once, but the real draw is the quality: stainless steel construction, double-wall insulation, and a control system that just works. It’s expensive, but for dedicated smokers it’s a long-term investment.
Price range: $$$$
Check price on Amazon →Cuisinart COS-330 30″ Electric Smoker
the solid runner-up
4.3out of 5The Cuisinart COS-330 is a straightforward electric smoker that gets the job done without extra bells and whistles. It offers a large 30-inch cooking space, a simple dial control for temperature, and a side-loading wood chip tray. While it doesn’t have digital precision, it holds a steady temp enough for most home cooks.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Masterbuilt MB20071117 30″ Digital Electric Smoker | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a reliable, mid-sized electric smoker that can handle everything from chi | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Bradley Smoker BS611 Original 6-Rack Smoker | 4.5 / 5 | $$$$ | Enthusiasts who smoke frequently, want maximum capacity, and are willing to pay more for d | Check price → |
| Best value | Cuisinart COS-330 30″ Electric Smoker | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Budget-conscious cooks who want a big smoker without paying extra for digital features or | Check price → |
| Best budget | Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker | 4.0 / 5 | $ | First-time smokers or occasional users who want to try electric smoking without spending m | Check price → |
| Editor's pick | Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Barbecuers who want the convenience of remote monitoring or often start a smoke and then n | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Masterbuilt MB20071117 30″ Digital Electric Smoker: the do-it-all default
Best overallThis is the electric smoker we’d recommend to almost anyone. It heats evenly, holds temperature well, and has a generous 30-inch interior that fits several racks of ribs or a large pork shoulder. The digital control panel is straightforward, and the side-load wood chip tray makes refueling a cinch – no crouching or burning your hands.
Pros
- Consistent temperature control with minimal drift
- Large capacity without taking up too much patio space
- Easy-access wood chip loader on the side
- Removable drip pan simplifies cleanup
Cons
- Exterior gets very hot during long cooks
- Some users report the door hinge loosens over time
- No built-in meat probe (you’ll need a separate thermometer)
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, mid-sized electric smoker that can handle everything from chicken thighs to full packer briskets without fuss.Who should skip it
You need a smoker with a built-in probe or prefer a model that stays cooler to the touch during operation.2. Bradley Smoker BS611 Original 6-Rack Smoker: the premium showpiece
Runner-upThe Bradley BS611 is built like a tank and uses a unique puck-fed smoke generator that delivers consistent smoke for hours. It has six racks, so you can smoke a lot of food at once, but the real draw is the quality: stainless steel construction, double-wall insulation, and a control system that just works. It’s expensive, but for dedicated smokers it’s a long-term investment.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with stainless steel body
- Six racks provide serious capacity for big cooks
- Puck-fed smoke generator means you don’t have to babysit wood chips
- Double-wall insulation helps maintain temperature in cold weather
Cons
- Price is a big leap from most electric smokers
- Pucks are proprietary and cost extra over time
- Heavier and less portable than other models
Who it’s for
Enthusiasts who smoke frequently, want maximum capacity, and are willing to pay more for durable construction and consistent smoke output.Who should skip it
You’re on a tight budget, only smoke a few times a year, or dislike the ongoing cost of proprietary smoke pucks.3. Cuisinart COS-330 30″ Electric Smoker: the solid runner-up
Best valueThe Cuisinart COS-330 is a straightforward electric smoker that gets the job done without extra bells and whistles. It offers a large 30-inch cooking space, a simple dial control for temperature, and a side-loading wood chip tray. While it doesn’t have digital precision, it holds a steady temp enough for most home cooks.
Pros
- Affordable price for the capacity you get
- Simple dial control is easy to understand
- Side-load chip tray is convenient
- Compact footprint fits on smaller patios
Cons
- Temperature dial lacks exact settings – you have to guess a bit
- Thin walls can let heat escape in windy weather
- Some users report uneven cooking on the top rack
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious cooks who want a big smoker without paying extra for digital features or advanced controls.Who should skip it
You want precise digital temperature control or plan to smoke in very cold or windy conditions on a regular basis.4. Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker: the budget-friendly workhorse
Best budgetThe Char-Broil Deluxe Digital is the cheapest electric smoker in this round-up, and it delivers decent results for the price. It has a digital thermostat, a window to check your food, and enough space for a couple of racks of ribs. But the build is less rugged, the temperature accuracy isn’t perfect, and the paint can peel after heavy use. It’s a good starter smoker, not a long-term investment.
Pros
- Very low price point makes it accessible
- Includes a digital thermostat for basic temperature control
- Glass door window lets you monitor without opening
- Removable water pan and drip tray for easier cleanup
Cons
- Build quality is middling – paint and hinges may wear quickly
- Temperature swings more than pricier models
- Smaller capacity than most units
Who it’s for
First-time smokers or occasional users who want to try electric smoking without spending much money.Who should skip it
You plan to smoke weekly, need consistent temperature for long cooks, or want a smoker that will look good after a couple of years.5. Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker: the connected cook
Editor's pickThe Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker builds on the success of the standard digital model by adding wireless connectivity. You can monitor and adjust temperature from your phone, which is genuinely useful for long cooks. It still has the same roomy 30-inch interior and side chip loader, and the Bluetooth range is good enough to check in from inside the house. The extra cost is reasonable for the convenience.
Pros
- Bluetooth app lets you adjust temperature and receive alerts from up to 100 feet away
- Same reliable heating performance as the standard Masterbuilt model
- Large capacity with four racks
- Easy-to-clean design with removable drip pan and water bowl
Cons
- Bluetooth connection can drop if you wander too far indoors
- App interface is clunky and could be faster
- No built-in meat probe – you still need your own thermometer
Who it’s for
Barbecuers who want the convenience of remote monitoring or often start a smoke and then need to be elsewhere.Who should skip it
You don’t care about smartphone control or prefer a simpler, less expensive smoker without potential connection issues.Best for specific needs
Best for beginners
If you’re new to smoking, you want something that holds temperature reliably without demanding constant attention. The Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker is simple to set up, heats quickly, and lets you add wood chips through the side without opening the door. Its digital control is intuitive, and it comes at a reasonable price that won’t feel like a huge gamble. Our pick: Masterbuilt MB20071117 30″ Digital Electric Smoker.
Best for large gatherings
When you need to smoke for a crowd – racks of ribs, multiple pork butts, or whole turkeys – capacity matters. The Bradley BS611 Original 6-Rack Smoker gives you six full-size racks and a powerful smoke generator that can run for hours without reloading. It’s big, heavy, and expensive, but it’s the only electric smoker here that can handle party-sized loads without breaking a sweat. Our pick: Bradley Smoker BS611 Original 6-Rack Smoker.
Best for hands-off convenience
Not everyone wants to stay glued to their smoker for an eight-hour brisket. The Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker lets you monitor and tweak temperature from your phone, so you can relax indoors or run errands. The Bluetooth range is solid for most backyards, and the automatic pellets feed? Well, actually it uses chips – but the app alerts you when it’s time to add more. It’s the closest thing to set-it-and-forget-it smoking. Our pick: Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker.
Our verdict
Electric smoking removes the intimidation of fire management and lets you focus on flavor. For most people, the Masterbuilt MB20071117 offers the best balance of price, reliability, and capacity – it’s the one we’d buy ourselves. If your budget is extremely tight, the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital will get you started, but expect to trade durability and consistency. And if you smoke often and want the absolute best build, the Bradley BS611 is a long-term investment that will serve you for years. Pick the smoker that fits your cooking style and budget – then fire it up and make some great food.