Electric smokers have revolutionized the way we prepare smoked foods. They offer convenience and precision, making it easier than ever to achieve flavorful results without much hassle. People who love BBQ and smoked foods will find that electric smokers bring consistency and control to the smoking process. These devices typically have digital controls, which allow for precise temperature settings and even cooking.
Choosing the right electric smoker requires paying attention to a few key factors. First, the size of the smoker is important. Decide whether you need a compact model for a small patio or a larger one for big gatherings. Another critical aspect is the temperature range and control options. Look for models that offer a wide temperature range and reliable controls to ensure your food is smoked just right. Construction material matters too—stainless steel options are generally more durable and rust-resistant.
We spent countless hours researching and testing different models to help you find the best electric smokers under $2000 that simplify smoking and deliver delicious results every time.
Best Electric Smokers Under $2000
It’s time to take our BBQ skills to the next level with the best electric smokers under $2000. We’ve found some great options perfect for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Smoker
This smoker is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into smoking meats with ease.
Pros
- Easy-to-use analog controls
- Spacious cooking area
- Removable wood chip tray
Cons
- Manual temperature control could be improved
- Limited to 275°F maximum temperature
- May require frequent refilling of wood chips and water bowl
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Smoker is a great choice for beginners and experienced smokers alike. We found the analog controls simple and straightforward, which made setting our desired temperature a breeze. The three chrome-coated racks provided plenty of space for a variety of meats, from chickens to ribs.
Cooking with this smoker was a delight. The removable wood chip tray made it easy to add our favorite wood chips, giving our meats a rich, smoky flavor. We also appreciated the inclusion of a water bowl, which kept our meats juicy and tender throughout the smoking process.
While the smoker performed admirably, there were a few minor drawbacks. The manual temperature control requires some attention to maintain the desired heat level. Additionally, the 275°F maximum temperature may limit some cooking options. Despite these small issues, overall, we were pleased with the ease of use and performance of the Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Smoker.
Royal Gourmet SE2805 Electric Smoker
This is a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable electric smoker under $2000.
Pros
- Different cooking methods to experiment with
- Easy temperature adjustments
- Consistent heat distribution
Cons
- Could be bigger for larger gatherings
- Only available in one color
- Bulky design might be hard to store
We immediately noticed how well the Royal Gourmet SE2805 performs. The 1350-watt heating power ensures even cooking every time. Adjusting the temperature is a breeze thanks to the built-in thermometer and analog controller. This smoker makes it easy to cook delicious meals without any fuss.
One feature we really enjoyed is the chrome-plated hook rod with S hooks. It’s perfect for hanging meats and veggies, offering us more cooking options. The removable stainless steel water pan and chip box add great smoked flavor to our food, making it tender and tasty.
Cleaning up after a big meal can be a hassle, but not with this smoker. The external removable grease cup catches all the drips, ensuring a quick and easy cleanup. It’s built to last with its insulated chamber, providing us with a reliable and enjoyable smoking experience every time.
Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
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This electric smoker is perfect for beginners wanting an easy and hassle-free cooking experience.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Spacious cooking area
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- Temperature can be tricky to control at first
- Door may leak smoke
- Can take some time to heat up
We found the Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker to be quite user-friendly. Its spacious 548 square inch interior allows us to comfortably smoke a variety of meats and vegetables. This smoker is easy to clean because the chrome-coated racks are dishwasher safe.
One thing to watch out for is the initial temperature setting. It can be tricky to get it right at first, but once we got used to it, it became straightforward. Smoking meats has never been easier; simply set the temperature and let the smoker do the rest.
While the door sometimes leaks smoke, it hasn’t affected the quality of our smoked dishes. The removable water pan and wood chip tray make the cleanup process quick and painless. This smoker is a great choice for anyone looking to smoke meats with minimal fuss.
recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Grill
A versatile grill perfect for anyone who loves both traditional charcoal grilling and modern pellet smoking.
Pros
- Heats up to 749°F
- Stainless steel construction
- Large cooking area
Cons
- Thin stainless steel
- Requires about 30 minutes to reach full temperature
- Online-only manual
We enjoyed using the RT-B380 Bullseye as it offers a spacious 380 sq. in. cooking area. It can easily accommodate several racks of ribs or a whole chicken, making it perfect for gatherings. The high heat capability really sets it apart from other smokers; we were impressed with how quickly it hits those high temperatures.
Consistent heat distribution ensured our meats cooked evenly, which is not always the case with other grills. The stainless steel components added to our peace of mind regarding durability, though we noticed the steel felt a bit thinner compared to other high-end models.
The grill takes about 30 minutes to reach peak temperature, so we planned our cooking times accordingly. One thing to note, the manual is only available online, which might be inconvenient for some. Overall, the recteq RT-B380 Bullseye was a great addition to our outdoor cooking setup, providing both reliability and excellent performance.
Traeger Ranger Portable Electric Tabletop Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Looking for a portable electric smoker that doesn’t skimp on features? The Traeger Ranger could be just what you need.
Pros
- Convenient Keep Warm Mode
- Precise temperature control
- Portable with latches for easy transport
Cons
- Rubber feet covers can come off
- Limited cooking space for large gatherings
- Requires electricity and wood pellets
We recently tried the Traeger Ranger, and it’s like taking a full-sized grill with us wherever we go. The Digital Arc Controller makes it so easy to set and maintain the perfect temperature, which means no more guessing games while cooking.
It’s perfect for tailgate parties or weekend trips. We love that it has a Keep Warm Mode, keeping our food at the right temperature until we’re ready to dig in. It’s compact yet robust, and those camping trips just got a lot yummier.
Even though the grilling area is more suited for small groups, it’s superb for quick, delicious meals outdoors. Watch out for the rubber feet covers, though—they have a tendency to fall off. Overall, it’s a great choice for those who want quality grilling on the go.
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
This smoker offers great features for any backyard barbecue lover, especially if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use smoker.
Pros
- Simple digital controls
- Compact yet spacious design
- Easy cleaning process
Cons
- Requires frequent wood chip refills
- Slightly tricky temperature control
- Can be tough to maintain even heat
Setting up the Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker was a breeze. The digital control panel made it simple to set our desired smoking temperature and cooking time, which really took the guesswork out of the smoking process. We could set it and forget it—and focus more on enjoying our time rather than constantly checking the smoker.
One of the standout features is the side wood chip loader. This design means we don’t have to open the smoker door to add chips, which helps lock in heat and flavor. Whether you’re a fan of smoking chicken, ribs, or pork butts, this smoker provides plenty of room to get the job done with four chrome-coated racks.
Cleaning up after a long day of smoking can be a drag, but this smoker makes it easier. The removable rear grease tray helps with a hassle-free cleanup. On the flip side, we did notice it needs wood chips quite frequently, especially when aiming for that smokey flavor. It’s a small trade-off for the delicious results, but worth mentioning.
Temperature control can be a bit finicky, and we found we had to monitor it more closely than anticipated. But with a bit of practice, we learned to manage it better. Overall, this smoker delivers solid performance and tasty results without being overly complicated.
Traeger Pro 575 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Traeger Pro 575 is a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their barbecue game with precision and ease.
Pros
- Easy to control with WiFi and app.
- Versatile cooking options.
- Spacious grilling area.
Cons
- WiFi compatibility issues for some.
- Slightly expensive.
- Hefty at 149 pounds.
With the Traeger Pro 575, we enjoyed an easy setup and user-friendly experience. The WiFi feature lets us adjust settings from anywhere, which is perfect for multitasking during big gatherings. Having control at our fingertips makes managing the grill much smoother.
The versatility of this smoker is impressive. Whether we’re grilling, smoking, or even baking, it handles everything we throw at it. We’ve cooked ribs, chicken, and even baked some delicious desserts. The food always comes out with that distinct wood-fired flavor that we love.
On the downside, the grill’s weight can make it a bit cumbersome to move around, and some of us had trouble getting the WiFi to connect properly. Nonetheless, the excellent build quality and outstanding performance make it a solid investment for barbecue enthusiasts.
iCOVER 30 inch Smoker Cover
This cover is a solid choice to protect our smoker from the elements.
Pros
- Heavy-duty material
- Fits perfectly
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Some covers sewn wrong
- Could be easier to clean
- May not fit all models
We found the iCOVER 30 inch Smoker Cover to be quite durable. The heavy-duty oxford polyester material feels strong and offers good protection. The water-resistant PVC coating kept our smoker dry even during heavy rain. The fit was perfect for our Masterbuilt smoker, and the Velcro straps kept it secure.
The front air vent feature is a nice touch. It prevents condensation, so there’s no worry about rust. It’s easy to put on and take off. Despite the robust material, the cover is surprisingly lightweight, making handling it a breeze.
However, there are some downsides. We noticed that the pocket on the front was sewn upside-down, which reduced its functionality. Cleaning it could be easier; some stains don’t come off with just water. Also, be cautious when ordering since it may not fit every model precisely.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable cover to protect your smoker, the iCOVER 30 inch Smoker Cover is a worthwhile investment.
Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Electric Smoker
When we’re looking for the best electric smoker under $2000, there are several things we need to consider.
Size and Cooking Capacity
First, think about how much food you plan to smoke. Do you need a larger cooking area for big gatherings, or will a smaller one do for family meals?
Temperature Control
Good temperature control is key. Look for smokers with digital thermostats and easy-to-read displays. It’s important that we can set and maintain the right temperature for different kinds of meat.
Material and Build Quality
The material and build quality matter too. Stainless steel is a good choice because it resists rust and can withstand high temperatures. Solid construction ensures our smoker will last a long time.
Ease of Use
We should also consider how easy the smoker is to use. Features like a push-button start, programmable settings, and a clear user manual can make the process smoother, especially for beginners.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance are crucial. Removable racks and drip trays make cleaning simpler. It’s a good idea to look for models with easy-to-access parts to save time and effort.
Additional Features
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Some smokers come with Bluetooth for remote monitoring.
- Integrated Meat Probe: Helps to check the internal temperature of the meat without opening the smoker.
Here’s a quick checklist to help us with our choice:
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Size and Capacity | High |
| Temperature Control | High |
| Material Quality | Medium |
| Ease of Use | High |
| Cleaning and Maintenance | Medium |
| Additional Features | Low |
By keeping these factors in mind, we can find an electric smoker that fits our needs and budget perfectly.
