Top 6 Best Electric Smokers Under $500 2024 Reviews

Best Electric Smokers Under $500

Does the smoke and ash left behind by conventional smokers bother you? This might be a major problem if you or a member of your family has an allergy to smoke. It may be a great challenge to cook while fighting off a coughing fit or streaming eyes.

So, what is the solution?

A good electric smoker can be had for less than $500, and it will do the job without creating a lot of smoke. These specialized units are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and feature sets. We have reviewed many of the leading candidates for the best electric smoker under $500 to help you narrow down your search.

Now let's go find the one that's just right for you...

The Best Electric Smokers Under $500 Reviews

1. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18 Inch Smoker

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18 Inch Smoker

This electric smoker is unlike any other due to its unique cylindrical form. The Weber Smokey Mountain 18-Inch Cooker Smoker has a unique set of feet that greatly increase its stability. Moreover, the front features a sizable pressure gauge.

Small, yet powerful...

This model's low 18-inch height doesn't come at the expense of usable cooking space, either. Actually, you get 481 square inches of cooking space to use. You also get two cooking grates that are nickel plated to make it simple to layer foods within.

Designs made of porcelain enameled steel are renowned for their ability to keep heat for an extended period of time. The best lump charcoals or wood chips may well be loaded through a special front door. As a result, you can maintain the same level of cooking heat and pressure even as you add additional fuel.

Impressive results...

For those who are new to using a smoker, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18 Inch Smoker is built with simplicity in mind. It's not hard to learn how to use an offset smoker, even if you've never used one before. Consistently remarkable results are guaranteed thanks to the high heat retention and even heat dispersion.

This electric smoker has the potential to be the best option if you're short on space and can't spend more than $500. You can always cut the racks of ribs in half if you can't fit the whole thing. Because of its compact size and light weight, this smoker is great for taking along on camping trips.

Pros

  • Includes two grate surfaces for cooking
  • Benefits from a compact design and a solid construction
  • A front access door is included
  • Maintains consistent heat throughout the cooking process
  • Cooking space is 481 square inches

Cons

  • Smoke and heat tend to seep through the door

2. Masterbuilt Mes 130b Digital Electric Smoker

Masterbuilt Mes 130b Digital Electric Smoker

Do you wish to be an active participant in the preparation of your meals? A smoker's temperature controls might be difficult to use for those who have never used one before. The Masterbuilt MES 130B Digital Electric Smoker's straightforward digital controls greatly simplify this task.

Space enough for everyone...

There are 730 square inches of room for cooking with the Masterbuilt MES 130B Digital Electric Smoker. There are also four cooking racks, each of which is chrome-coated and can accommodate a wide range of food varieties. This rack's height can be adjusted, making it suitable for holding larger cuts of meat.

This type is built of stainless steel and has a strong, rectangular shape that is black powder coated. The design as a whole is not only eye-catching, but also exceptionally functional. The model is built to last and rests firmly on robust legs that leave no marks on the floor.

It's very easy to use...

The 730 square inches of cooking space will astound you with its high-quality construction and generous size. The patented side-loading chip wood tray keeps everything neat and tidy while maintaining the desired cooking temperature. In addition to everything else, this model is exceptionally simple to use thanks to the user-friendly digital temperature controls.

Pros

  • The smoker's body is completely insulated for optimal heat retention
  • Air Damper for controlling smoke
  • The water bowl provides flavor and moisture
  • Set includes digital panel controls
  • It includes four chrome-coated smoking racks

Cons

  • The built-in thermometer is not particularly precise

3. Dyna-Glo Dgo1176bdc-D Charcoal Offset Smoker

Dyna-Glo Dgo1176bdc-D Charcoal Offset Smoker

Who says an electric smoker needs to be dull and uninteresting? Absolutely, a model with superior strength and durability is required. The best electric smoker under $500 can be both functional and stylish.

The Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker has a timeless and eye-catching design that will make you the envy of all your friends. This eye-catching model has a smoke stack on top, as well as a large pressure gauge. Additionally, there are dual doors, which make it simple to regulate the temperature of the cooking process.

Another goal of the designers was to make the model as user-friendly as possible. The electronic pulse ignition system is a cutting-edge technology that guarantees fast and reliable ignition. A substantial 15,000 BTUs of power are provided for your use, allowing you to quickly cook a wide variety of items.

Want to know what the best part is?

This model's 784 inches of cooking space is ideal for hosting large gatherings. You will also receive six cooking racks that are completely adaptable to your needs. This implies that you will be able to prepare a large selection of foods at the same time.

It is important to note that the wheels are not included with the purchase of the Dyna-Glo DGO1176BDC-D Charcoal Offset Smoker. The 57-pound weight of this model might make it difficult to move. On the other hand, if you plan on keeping your smoker in one spot, you'll like the sleek design and versatile functionality of this particular model.

Pros

  • Offers 784 square inches of cooking space
  • Comes with six racks that can be adjusted to different heights for cooking
  • Power output of 15,000 BTUs 
  • Heavy-duty cast iron construction
  • Utilizes an electronic pulse ignition technology

Cons

  • Rather difficult to maneuver

4. Masterbuilt 20075315 Viewing Window Front-Controlled Smoker

Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker With Viewing Window

To observe what is happening with conventional smokers is one of the most difficult challenges. Checking on your meat requires opening the door, which will cause some of the heat to escape. This can make achieving the ideal doneness in meat and other foods a bit of guesswork.

Seeing clearly…

This annoying problem is well addressed by the Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker with Viewing Window. Almost the whole front of this horizontal model is made up of a viewing glass. The electric smoker's boxy shape contributes to its exceptional stability.

You'll be able to cook a considerable amount of meat at once thanks to the 730 square inches of available cooking space. You will receive four smart chrome-coated racks that are a perfect match for the smoker. In order to have your steaks and ribs ready at the same time as your vegetables, you may spread them out on the top rack.

Keep the heat on…

Because the door doesn't need to be opened to check on the food, the temperature within can be kept consistent. The wood chips can be added using the patented side loading system. In addition, it is made so that you can add more wood chips to the fire without worrying about the heat escaping.

The 1,200 Watt heating element is regulated by an inbuilt thermostat temperature control mechanism. This enables you to get a very uniform and consistent smoking temperature. No matter how much you pack into the Masterbuilt 20075315 Front Controller Smoker with Viewing Window, everything inside should come out properly cooked.

Pros

  • It has a big front window
  • Cooking space is 730 square inches
  • Four chrome-coated cooking racks are included
  • An 800-watt heating element is included
  • Blue LED displays are simple to read

Cons

  • It does not have wheels

5. Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill – WIFI Enabled

Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill – WIFI Enabled

Interested in improving your grilling skills to the next level? You probably don't want to keep an eye on the grill if you have visitors around for a party. Nonetheless, you must watch the temperature to ensure proper cooking.

The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill - WIFI enabled includes a unique built-in Wi-Fi system. To keep an eye on the grill from your smartphone or tablet, this is a great feature to have. This means you'll know exactly what's going on with the grill even when you're not looking at it.

Complete meals can be cooked with little effort thanks to the 219 square inches of available cooking space. The grill can be set to a desired temperature and left alone to do its job while you go about your day. Because of the ability to adjust the temperature in five-degree increments, the cooking can be precisely controlled.

Cooking on the go…

The model's portability and minimal weight are two of its best features. This is made possible by the strong and completely foldable legs. Additionally, there is a smart side rack that folds and features a set of hooks for hanging items.

It should be mentioned that the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill - WIFI enabled requires a 12V or 120AC outlet. This, however, implies that this model is great for camping vacations. Simply find an available power outlet, and you'll be able to cook in style wherever you go.

Pros

  • Offers a compact and easy-to-carry design
  • Includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
  • It has strong folding legs 
  • Designed with versatility in mind
  • Comes with a two-year guarantee

Cons

  • The cooking area is rather modestThe cooking area is rather modest

6. Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker

Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker

If you don't like the Masterbuilt, the 725-square-inch electric smoker from Char-Broil is a good option. Although the size and functionality of this digital electric smoker are identical to those of the Masterbuilt model, Char-Broil has included some fantastic smart features.

Here's the fun part: This electric smoker from Char-Broil incorporates a remote control. In this way, you can simply change the cooking temperature while relaxing in the comfort of your own home. You may also turn it off with the remote. And thanks to the wide screen, you can readily read your temperature even from a distance.

You can change the cooking temperature and time with the digital control panel on top of your smoker. The setup is versatile, allowing it to work with a variety of foods. The rack can be adjusted to match your cooking needs. While it can fit a large turkey, it also accommodates smaller ribs for a single cookout session.

We really like how the glass door lets you see what's cooking from the outside. Even though keeping an eye on your smoked food isn't the most important thing, being able to check on your cooking without opening the door seems appealing.

The Char-Broil Deluxe is built to last. The outer walls, like those of the Masterbuilt, are made of stainless steel and have a good heat retention feature.

While glass doors are strong, heat can leak through them at times. As a result, keep your children away from the door.

Overall, the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker is an excellent investment if you want a smoker that is easy to use, does not require frequent cleaning, and has outstanding smart features.

Pros

  • Cooks amazing
  • Large enough to fit a turkey or lots of roasts/chickens
  • Simple to use and maintain
  • Large digital temperature display
  • You can see your meat through the window
  • It has wheels and handle for easy moving
  • Has an integrated drip pan (no more mess on the ground)
  • Affordable and small enough to be compact but get the job done
  • Built in LED light is useful at night when you open the door

Cons

  • The range of the remote control is limited
  • The glass door is where most heat loss happens
  • The glass door gets dirty quickly on the inside, but it should be simple to clean
  • Because the wood chip box is enclosed within the smoker, you must completely open the door to access it, causing the temperature to drop and take some time to recover

So What’s The Best Electric Smoker Under $500?

If you're searching for the best electric smoker under $500, you'll want something sturdy and long-lasting. The problem is that this sort of item is rarely used on a regular basis. For this reason, choosing a portable model is highly recommended.

As a result of its small size and light weight, the...

Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill – WIFI Enabled

Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill – WIFI Enabled

...can be carried and stored with little effort. It has a variety of innovative features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a retractable wire rack. The model is appropriate for everyday usage and trips on the road.

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