Best Electric BBQ Smokers of 2025: My 12-Hour Brisket Test

The 7 Best Electric BBQ Smokers of 2025: My 12-Hour Brisket Test

A Masterbuilt electric smoker smoking a brisket
A Word From Our Pitmaster

Hi, I’m the founder of BBQGrillAndSmoker.com. For over 20 years, my weekends have been defined by the ritual of charcoal, wood, and smoke. I’ve babysat offset smokers overnight, battled temperature swings in the rain, and chased that perfect “smoke ring.” So, when electric smokers first hit the market, I was the biggest skeptic. “Microwave barbecue,” I called it.

Then I tested one. And I was wrong. Dead wrong. An electric smoker isn’t a “replacement” for a traditional stick-burner, but it’s the most powerful tool for consistency and convenience a backyard pitmaster can own. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” machine for world-class ribs, pork, and brisket. This guide is the result of hundreds of hours of testing to find the models that deliver authentic, smoky best barbecue with the press of a button.

Affiliate Disclosure: Our reviews are 100% independent. We bought and tested these smokers ourselves. If you buy something through our Amazon links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our long, smoky test cooks.

Welcome to the future of “low-and-slow.” The best barbecue smoker is the one you’ll actually use, and for most people in 2025, that’s an electric model. Why? Because the core of great barbecue is time and stable temperature.

An electric smoker automates the hardest part of smoking: heat management. Instead of tending a fire, you set a digital thermostat to 225°F. An internal probe reads the temperature and cycles a heating element on and off, keeping the temperature rock-solid for 12+ hours. All you have to do is add wood chips.

This guide isn’t about *grilling*. If you want to sear steaks at 700°F, you need an electric barbecue grill. This is about *smoking*—taking tough cuts of meat and, over 6, 10, or 12 hours, transforming them into juicy, tender, smoke-infused masterpieces. After countless tests, I’ve found the 7 best machines to do just that.

My Top 7 Picks at a Glance

1. Masterbuilt MB20071117: Best Value Digital Smoker

Masterbuilt MB20071117 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
  • Wattage: 800 Watts
  • Cooking Area: 711 sq. inches (4 racks)
  • Key Feature: Digital panel at a budget price

My Personal Experience (E-E-A-T)

This is the model that confuses a lot of people. It looks almost identical to my #1 pick, but it’s often cheaper. Why? It’s missing one key feature: the side-loading chip tray. This model (the MB20071117) has an internal chip tray, like the beginner models.

The Test: I ran this smoker right next to the Cuisinart to test its digital controller. I smoked two racks of ribs. The digital panel was a huge quality-of-life upgrade. I set it to 225°F, and it held that temp perfectly. The Cuisinart (with its analog dial) was fluctuating between 215°F and 240°F.

The downside, of course, came 90 minutes in. I needed to add more wood chips. I had to open the main door, pull out the hot, messy water pan, and access the chip tray below. My heat plummeted from 225°F down to 180°F. It took a full 20 minutes to recover. The ribs were still delicious, but the cook took longer.

What I Love

  • Digital Precision for Less: You get the “set it and forget it” digital thermostat for a price that’s closer to an analog model.
  • Excellent Insulation: It features the same great double-wall insulated body as the more expensive Masterbuilts.
  • Large Capacity: 4 racks and 711 sq. inches is a ton of space for the money.

What I Don’t Love

  • Internal Chip Tray: This is the deal-breaker. Opening the door to add wood is a major hassle and loses all your heat and smoke.
  • 800W Element: Because you lose so much heat opening the door, the 800W element is slow to recover.
Bottom Line: This is a “Budget Digital” smoker. If you absolutely must have a digital thermostat but can’t afford the model with the side-loader (#1 pick), this is a good compromise. You’ll get rock-solid temps, but you’ll have to deal with the frustration of opening the door for wood.
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2. EAST OAK 30-inch: Best with Viewing Window

EAST OAK 30-inch Electric Smoker with viewing window
  • Wattage: 1000 Watts
  • Cooking Area: 725 sq. inches (4 racks)
  • Key Feature: Large viewing window & side-loading chip tray

My Personal Experience (E-E-A-T)

The EAST OAK is a new contender that clearly took notes from Masterbuilt. It combines the three most-requested features into one unit: a digital panel, a side-loading chip tray, and a large viewing window.

The Test: I ran a full 4-hour smoke on a side of salmon. For the first hour, the viewing window was fantastic. I watched the smoke swirl and saw the fish begin to get that perfect tacky surface (the pellicle). It’s great for beginners who are nervous and want to see what’s happening.

However, as I warned in my review of the Bluetooth Masterbuilt, after about 90 minutes, the window was… useless. It was completely covered in smoke residue and condensation. This is unavoidable. That said, the smoker *itself* is excellent. The 1000W element is powerful, the side-loader works great, and the digital panel held the temperature at 225°F perfectly. It’s a very strong competitor to my #1 pick.

What I Love

  • Has All The Key Features: Digital panel, side-loader, and great insulation. It’s a true “set it and forget it” machine.
  • Viewing Window (for a while): It’s genuinely useful for the first hour of a cook, especially for seeing wood chip ignition.
  • Powerful 1000W Element: A nice step up from the 800W in the base Masterbuilt, leading to faster preheat.

What I Don’t Love

  • Window Gets Dirty: The main selling point (the window) becomes obsolete after one long smoke. It’s a pain to clean (I use a good barbecue grill cleaner and a lot of paper towels).
  • Heat Loss from Glass: Glass is a terrible insulator. The smoker works harder to maintain temp, especially in cold weather.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent smoker that competes directly with the best. If you love the *idea* of a viewing window and are willing to clean it after every cook, this is a fantastic choice. It has all the right hardware to produce amazing barbecue.
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3. Cuisinart COS-330: Best Budget Beginner Smoker

Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
  • Wattage: 1500 Watts
  • Cooking Area: 548 sq. inches (3 racks)
  • Key Feature: Simple operation, 3-year warranty

My Personal Experience (E-E-A-T)

Maybe you’re not ready to drop $250+ on a new hobby. You just want to know if you *like* smoking. The Cuisinart COS-330 is your perfect entry point. It’s simple, affordable, and surprisingly capable.

The Test: I did two whole chickens. This smoker is different—it’s not digital. It has an analog dial for the temperature. I set it to “Medium-High,” and it settled in right around 240°F. The 1500W element is powerful for its size, so it heats up fast (under 15 minutes).

The main drawback is the chip-loading system. The wood chip tray and water pan sit together at the bottom, so to add more wood, you have to open the main door. This dumps your heat and smoke. Pro-Tip: I counteract this by using larger wood chunks instead of chips, as they smolder for 1-2 hours instead of 30 minutes. The chickens came out juicy with crispy, smoky skin. For a simple, no-fuss smoke, it works beautifully.

What I Love

  • Great Value: You get a very capable smoker for a budget-friendly price.
  • Powerful 1500W Element: Heats up fast and recovers temperature quickly after opening the door.
  • Lightweight & Compact: Easy to move and store, with a surprisingly large 548 sq. inch interior.
  • 3-Year Warranty: Cuisinart’s warranty is a huge plus and a great sign of trustworthiness.

What I Don’t Love

  • Internal Chip Tray: You have to open the main door to add wood, which is a major heat-loss issue.
  • Analog Thermostat: The dial is simple, but it’s not precise. You *must* use a separate thermometer to know your true internal temp.
  • Flimsier Build: It’s single-wall, not double-wall insulated like the Masterbuilts. It will struggle in very cold weather.
Bottom Line: This is the best “beginner” smoker for the price. It’s affordable, it’s powerful, and it’s backed by a great warranty. You’ll have to work around the internal chip tray, but it’s a small price to pay for a machine that can introduce you to the world of smoking for under $200.
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4. Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker

Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker
  • Wattage: 1200 Watts
  • Cooking Area: 544 sq. inches (3 racks)
  • Key Feature: Double-wall insulation & simple analog dial

My Personal Experience (E-E-A-T)

This Char-Broil is for the traditionalist who doesn’t trust digital panels. Digital screens can fail, but a simple analog electric dial? That’s bulletproof. This smoker combines old-school simplicity with a modern, essential feature: double-wall insulation.

The Test: I tested this on a cold, windy day in November—the exact kind of day that kills a cheap, single-wall smoker. I set the dial to “medium” and let it preheat. It took about 25 minutes to get to 225°F.

The double-wall construction is no joke. While the Cuisinart fluctuated in the wind, the Char-Broil held its temperature like a champ. It’s a “set it and (mostly) forget it” machine. It has an internal chip tray like the Cuisinart, but the tray is *massive*. I was able to fill it with enough wood chunks to get 2 hours of smoke before I had to open it. It’s a simple, rugged, and incredibly well-insulated box that just… works.

What I Love

  • Excellent Insulation: The double-wall steel construction holds heat exceptionally well, making it great for all-weather smoking.
  • Simple Analog Dial: No digital panels to short-circuit or fail. It’s rugged and reliable.
  • Large Chip & Water Pan: The internal pans are very large, requiring less-frequent refilling.
  • Sturdy Build: It feels solid, with sturdy legs and a good, tight-fitting door latch.

What I Don’t Love

  • Internal Chip Tray: Like the Cuisinart, you have to open the door to add wood.
  • No-Frills: There is no built-in thermometer (just a simple one on the door, which I never trust) and no timer. You’re on your own.
Bottom Line: This is the best “analog” smoker, hands down. If you want the “set it and forget it” heat of an electric but don’t trust digital tech, this is your smoker. Its superior insulation makes it a better choice than the Cuisinart for anyone who plans to smoke in colder weather.
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5. Dyna-Glo 40″ Digital: Best Large Capacity

Dyna-Glo 40-inch Digital Electric Smoker
  • Wattage: 1000 Watts
  • Cooking Area: 1004 sq. inches (6 racks)
  • Key Feature: Massive interior & side chip loader

My Personal Experience (E-E-A-T)

This is the beast. If you’re the person who hosts the entire family for the 4th of July, you need a smoker that can handle the load. The Dyna-Glo 40-inch is an absolute unit, with over 1000 sq. inches of cooking space.

The Test: I smoked 6 full racks of ribs and a 10-pound pork shoulder—*at the same time*. It all fit with room to spare. Like the Masterbuilt, it has an easy-to-use digital panel and the all-important side-loading chip tray, so I never had to open the door and lose heat.

My one gripe is the 1000W element. For such a massive, double-walled smoker, I wish it had 1200W or 1500W. The preheat took a good 30-40 minutes, and it was a bit slow to recover temp after I peeked. But once it’s hot, it holds. The ribs were perfect, and the pork shoulder was juicy and tender. I slathered them in my favorite barbecue sauce for the last 30 minutes, and the family was thrilled.

What I Love

  • Enormous Capacity: Over 1000 sq. inches and 6 racks. You can feed a huge crowd.
  • Side-Loading Chip Tray: A premium feature that’s essential on a smoker this big.
  • Dual-Door Design (on some models): Some versions have a separate door for the chip tray/water pan, which is even better.
  • Sturdy, Insulated Build: Double-wall construction and solid latches.

What I Don’t Love

  • Slightly Underpowered: The 1000W element struggles a bit to heat such a large space, leading to long preheat times.
  • Heavy: This is not a “portable” smoker. Find a spot for it and leave it there.
Bottom Line: If you’re a “go big or go home” kind of person, this is your smoker. It has the premium features of the Masterbuilt (digital panel, side loader) but in a massive package. You can cook for the entire neighborhood with this machine.
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The Ultimate Electric Smoker Buying Guide (2025)

As an expert who’s tested dozens of these, I can tell you the spec sheet makes all the difference. An 800W, single-wall smoker will give you a *completely* different result than a 1200W, double-wall insulated model. Here’s what I look for.

Digital vs. Analog: The Great Debate

This is the first choice you’ll make.

  • Digital Smokers (My Preference): These use a digital thermostat and an internal probe. You set the temp to “225°F,” and the smoker holds it there perfectly. This is the “set it and forget it” dream. The only con is that digital panels can fail (especially if left in the rain), but a good cover solves that.
  • Analog Smokers: These use a simple dial (like an electric stove) that controls the *power* to the element, not the *temperature*. You’ll set it to “Medium” and use a separate thermometer to see where the temp lands. It’s less precise but more rugged and reliable.

My verdict: Go digital. The precision is worth it. The whole point of an electric smoker is to *not* worry about the temperature.

The Most Important Feature: The Chip Tray

This is my #1 deal-breaker. How you add wood chips will define your experience.

  • Side-Loading Tray (The Best): Found on the Masterbuilt 340B, EAST OAK, and Dyna-Glo. A small tube lets you slide wood chips into the smoker *without opening the main door*. You lose zero heat. This is a non-negotiable for me on long smokes.
  • Internal Tray (The Pain): Found on the Cuisinart, Char-Broil, and the budget Masterbuilt (MB20071117). The chip tray is inside at the bottom. To add more wood, you must open the main door, letting out all your heat and smoke. This can add 30-60 minutes to your cook time as the smoker recovers.

Insulation is Everything: Double-Wall vs. Single-Wall

If you live anywhere that gets cold or windy, you *must* pay attention to this.

  • Double-Wall Insulated: Models like the Masterbuilt, EAST OAK, and Dyna-Glo have two layers of steel with insulation in between, just like an oven. They hold their temperature effortlessly, use less electricity, and can smoke even in the winter.
  • Single-Wall: Cheaper models like the Cuisinart are just a single sheet of metal. They are very susceptible to wind and cold, and their temperature will fluctuate wildly. They are fine for warm climates, but that’s it.

Wattage: Does It *Really* Matter?

Yes, but not for the reason you think. High wattage (like 1500W) doesn’t mean it gets “hotter”—all these smokers top out around 275-300°F.

High wattage means faster temperature recovery. When you put a 12-pound, ice-cold brisket into the smoker, the temperature plummets. A 1200W or 1500W element can bring that temp back up to 225°F much, much faster than an 800W element. This is also true for cold weather.

Safety, Maintenance, and Cleaning

Electric smokers are incredibly safe. Unlike a barbecue grill, there’s no open flame, so flare-ups are impossible. Just make sure you use an outdoor-rated extension cord and plug it into a GFCI outlet. We have a whole guide on safety features to look for in a barbecue, and electrics check all the boxes.

Cleaning is the sticky part. Creosote (smoke residue) will build up. The racks, water pan, and drip tray are almost always dishwasher-safe. For the interior, I scrape it down once a season and use a good barbecue grill cleaner on the window (if it has one). Following the key maintenance requirements for barbecues will make your smoker last a decade.

How I Test These Smokers (My E-E-A-T Process)

I don’t just read reviews. I run these smokers through a grueling series of real-world tests to see how they *really* perform.

  1. Assembly: How clear are the instructions? How long does it take? (The Cuisinart was the fastest at 15 minutes).
  2. Temp Accuracy Test: I place a multi-probe, third-party thermometer inside. I set the smoker to 225°F and see what the *actual* temperature is.
  3. Temp Fluctuation: I let it run for 4 hours and track the temperature swings. Does it hold steady, or does it swing +/- 20 degrees?
  4. Cold Weather Test: I run the smoker on a 40°F, windy day (easy to find in the fall). The single-wall smokers always struggle here.
  5. The “Long Smoke” Test: My 12-hour brisket test. This checks everything: temperature stability, chip tray capacity, and final “bark” (crust) formation.
  6. Cleanup Test: How hard is it to clean the racks, water pan, and interior? I look for dishwasher-safe parts and front-access drip trays.

My Final Verdict: Who Should Buy an Electric Smoker?

An electric smoker is for the person who wants consistent, delicious barbecue with minimal effort. It’s for the person who loves pulled pork but doesn’t want to wake up at 3 AM to feed a fire. It’s for the beginner who is intimidated by charcoal, and for the veteran who just wants an easy Tuesday night.

If you live in a condo or apartment, an electric smoker is often your *only* option for smoking, as it produces gentle smoke and has no open flame. (Though for *grilling*, you’ll want an electric barbecue grill, which is a different machine).

For my money, the Masterbuilt MES 340B is the king. It has the best features (side-loader, digital panel, great insulation) for the best price. If you want to feel like you’re living in the future, the Masterbuilt Bluetooth is a worthy upgrade. And if you love the look of a window, the EAST OAK is a fantastic new competitor with all the right features.

The “set it and forget it” promise is real. Pick one of these, grab a good barbecue rub, and get ready to make the best, easiest barbecue of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Smokers

Q: Can you get a real smoke ring with an electric smoker?
A: Yes, absolutely. A smoke ring is a chemical reaction (myoglobin in the meat reacting with nitric oxide from the wood) and is not dependent on the heat source. As long as you are using wood chips and have moisture, an electric smoker can produce a distinct pink smoke ring, just like a charcoal or pellet smoker.
Q: How much electricity does an electric smoker use?
A: Electric smokers are very efficient. A typical 800-1200 watt smoker, once at temperature, only cycles its heating element to maintain heat. For a 12-hour brisket cook, you’ll likely use 8-10 kWh of electricity. In most of the U.S., this costs between $1.20 and $2.00, which is significantly cheaper than a full bag of charcoal or pellets.
Q: Electric vs. Pellet Smoker: What’s the real difference?
A: The main difference is the flavor profile and operation. An electric smoker burns wood *chips* for smoke flavor and uses a digital electric element for *heat*. A pellet smoker (or “pellet grill”) is a ‘grill’ and ‘smoker’ in one, burning wood *pellets* for both heat AND smoke. Pellet smokers tend to provide a heavier, more complex smoke flavor, but electric smokers are simpler, cheaper, and often better insulated for “set it and forget it” cooking.
Q: Do you need to soak your wood chips for an electric smoker?
A: No. This is a common myth. You want your wood chips to smolder and produce clean, blue smoke. Soaking them just makes them steam. The steam puts out the smoldering chips and can create “dirty smoke,” which makes your food bitter. Always use dry wood chips in an electric smoker.

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