4 Best Electric Smoker under $200 (Tested)
Smoking meat is probably our best thing to do while planning a barbecue. It is a slow and low-heat method of convection cooking. During this process, smoky air surrounds your meat, imparting an intense smoky flavor while simultaneously cooking it. Usually, when we talk about this form of cooking, the first that comes to our mind is charcoal or pellet smokers.
These smokers use actual charcoal and wood pellets for the smoking. However, they can be messy as well as difficult to use for the newcomers in the field. Hence the more cost efficient option for you would be an electric smoker.
An electric smoker uses hot electric rods to heat the surrounding air and produce smoke for cooking. To begin your barbecue adventure, you need an electric smoker since they are easier to use than charcoal ones. Most of us, however, cannot afford an expensive premium electric smoker, but that is fine. Still, we can achieve quality.
Hence, in this article we bring you the best electric smokers under $200. So that you enjoy the delicious results of a smoker within a small budget.
4 Best Electric Smoker under $200
In this list we have the top 4 best electric smokers you can find under the budget of $200. These are the following electric smokers:
[table id=18 /]1. Masterbuilt MB20070210
Why we love it:
- The electric smoker has a 1500W heating element for consistent smoking.
- Also, there is enough cooking space for around 60lbs of meat..
- Moreover, the smoker has three chrome coated smoking racks.
- This smoker has a wood chip tray which slides out for quick and easy ash removal.
Masterbuilt MB20070210 is one of the best electric smokers under $200 because it is affordable yet it has impressive performance.
This electric smoker is one of the most cost efficient options you will find in the market. However, the smoker’s low price does not affect its performance. As this smoker has a heating element of 1500W which is more than enough for it smoking around 60lbs of meat at once.
Also, there are 3 racks in the smoker so you get a lot of space for smoking ample amounts of meat. These racks are chrome coated so they’re rust resistant and pretty durable.
Furthermore, the smoker has an analog dial for temperature control. So that you can set it at any temperature you want. You can also note the temperature with the built-in temperature gauge in the smoker. There is a wood chip tray in the smoker which facilitates easy ash removal.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Good power heating elementChrome coated racks
Built-in temperature gauge
Wood chip tray for quick ash removal [/i2pros][i2cons]Difficult to clean the grease residues
Temperature control with the analog dial might be an issue[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. PIT BOSS 77220 2.2 Analog Smoker
Why we love it:
- This electric smoker has temperature control from 100F-325F for various smoking styles.
- Also, this smoker has a large window with adjustable temperature controls and damper valves for precise smoking.
- Moreover, there is also an analog meat probe which will help you know the temperature of meat.
- The smoker also has a front access wood chip tray for easy loading.
PIT BOSS 7220 comes under our list of best electric smokers under $200 especially because of its viewing window. As you will be able to see, this smoker has a transparent window on its front with a temperature gauge. And this will let you see the meat while you smoke it.
This electric smoker has a temperature range of 100F to 325F edging as an equal to the expensive smokers. When you have this kind of temperature range in the smoker, you can do different kinds of smoking styles. Additionally, this smoker has adjustable control knobs and damper valves which aid in precise smoking of meat.
Besides that, there are three cooking racks in the smoker which give a total cooking area of 593 sq. inches. This space is big enough to fit in approximately 6 chickens, 5-6lbs each. These three cooking racks are also porcelain coated, so they have great heat retention.
There is also a porcelain coated wood and a water pan. Also, the wood pan can be easily accessed from the front with no hassle.
In addition, this electric smoker has an analog meat probe which you can use to check the temperature of the meat. The analog dial of the smoker helps in temperature monitoring.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Good temperature rangeFront viewing window
Easy front access wood pan
Good cooking space [/i2pros][i2cons]Built-in temperature gauge does not show precise temperature
Takes a while to heat[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker
Why we love it:
- This electric smoker has 1500W heating power.
- Also, there are three chrome coated racks which add up to a 458 sq. inch of cooking space.
- Moreover, this smoker has a removable stainless steel water pan and a lidded chip box.
- The electric smoker also has a cool touch spring door handle with a latch system.
Royal Gourmet SE2801 is among the best electric smokers under $200 because of its affordability and its compact size. This smoker is probably the most affordable one you will find in this range. Adding to that, the smoker also does not take up a lot of space. But irrespective of its price and size, it will not fail you in its performance.
With a 1500W heating power, this electric smoker can perform a lot of functions.
There are three chrome coated cooking racks in the smoker making a total of 457 sq. inches cooking space. These racks are corrosion resistant and also can cook a good amount of meat at once.
Moreover, this smoker has a stainless steel water pan and lidded chip box for adding the flavor to the meat. And the grease cup of the smoker helps you with easy removal of residue grease.
Additionally, this smoker has a cool touch door handle to save your hand from any kind of burns. The latch system of the door helps in closing off the smoker tightly so no smoke escapes.
Besides the compact size, this smoker also has side handles which facilitate easy transportation.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]AffordableCompact and portable
Chrome coated racks
Cool touch door handle [/i2pros][i2cons]The standing legs can be wobbly
Temperature gauge not accurate[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Masterbuilt MB20071117
Why we love it:
- This electric smoker has a digital control unit.
- Also, there is a patented wood chip loading system that helps you add chips without opening the smoker door.
- There are four chrome plated cooking racks in the smoker.
- Besides that, this smoker has a fully insulated body.
Masterbuilt MB20071117 is another one among the best electric smokers under $200, specifically because it has a digital control unit. With the digital control in the smoker, temperature adjustments and controls become much more easily.
In this smoker, you also have a patented chip loading system on the side. This will help you add wood chips to the chips box without opening the smoker door.
This smoker also has four chrome coated cooking racks which are corrosion resistant and give a wide cooking space. And this space is enough to fit in almost 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts, 4 racks of ribs, 6 chickens.
In addition, this whole smoker has a fully insulated body that retains the heat. And a thermostat control for even and consistent smoking.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Wide cooking spaceChrome coated racks
Side chip loading system
Insulated body [/i2pros][i2cons]Wood chip tray is small
Temperature fluctuations when heating or cooling[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Buying Guide
There are some things you need to look out for before you buy an electric smoker. Here we have mentioned some of those parameters:
Price
Before you buy an electric smoker, you will need to decide on your budget first. When you are sure of the budget, your choices get streamlined. And then it is much easier for you to get the smoker of your choice.
Heating Power
The heating power of an electric smoker influences the degree of hotness the smoker can go up to. So the higher the power of the smoker, the hotter it can get. But always remember that the level of insulation in a smoker can affect the temperature range in a smoker.
Temperature and temperature control
Another thing you need to consider is the temperature range in a grill. Different types of smoking and meats cook at different temperatures. Hence you must always choose an electric smoker which will meet your demands in the future.
The other thing you will have to look out for is the type of temperature control in the smoker. You can opt for either an analog control smoker or a digital one. Usually analog smokers are difficult to use when compared to a digital one.
Cooking space
The cooking space is another important feature of the electric smoker you need to pay attention to. If you have a big family or host parties frequently, go for a smoker with a larger cooking space. Otherwise a smoker with a small decent space is enough for you.
FAQs
Q – Do electric smokers use a lot of electricity?
A – Typically electric smokers use around 800 watts per hour. Let’s say you use the smoker for eight hours a day, for 30 days in a month. The total amount will result around 192 kilowatt hours. When you multiply the electricity rate in your area, you will come to know that it won’t cost you much.
Q – Do I need to soak the wood chips for an electric smoker?
A – We recommend you soak the wood chips in the water when you place it in the electric smoker. Because this will help in making much more smoke with the added flavor with no chances of fire.
Q – What kind of wood chips should I use in an electric smoker?
A – You can use any type of wood chips in your electric smoker. However, different wood chips compliment different kinds of meat. We use the stronger wood chip flavors for red meats while the subtle ones are great for white meats.
Hickory has a mild flavor but goes well with most meats. Mesquite is stronger and a great option for beef. Apple works well with pork and chicken. And you can use Alder for smoking fish.
Q – How often should you change the wood chips in an electric smoker?
A – Because smokers have different chip tray capacities, there is no specific time when you should replace your wood chips. However, every five to six hours, you can check on the chips and replace them.
Q – Can I use my electric smoker indoors?
A – We strongly recommend not to use your electric smoker indoors. The smokers are not intended to be used indoors. Because not only is it a fire hazard but also can fill the inside of your house with a smoky smell. And this smell will remain in your house for a long time.
Conclusion
We hope that in the end, this article has helped you choose a good electric smoker that is affordable. Irrespective of popular belief, the expensive ones are not always better. As you can get good quality within a budget too.
Visit our website Cookinggearlab for more information and reviews on cooking gadgets and more.
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