The "Best" Electric Smoker?!

[MrKennethTong]

Which would this be?

[EdF]

No recommendation myself, but you can take a look at the silver medal ratings on the first page of this search, then go to the individual reviews: https://amazingribs.com/equipment-re...el_tid%5B%5D=5

[Timcee]

I think your budget will determine which one it'll be.. Big range..

[SmokeyGator]

There is no "fhe best". There are better options and worse options, but really there isn’t sucn a thing as "the best".

I had decent results from my Masterbuilt electric smoker with a digital controller. Temperature wasn’t exact, but I learned to compensate using a good quality external digital thermometer. Was it "the best"? Got me. But I didn’t pay full price for it and it worked for 2 years before I got my Primo.

If you are in the Miami FL area, I will give it to you. I’m not going to use it anymore.

[RonB]

Cookshack electrics are considered to be among the best, but they are pricey. The problem with electrics is that it's difficult to get a good smoke flavor in the protein.

I have a Cookshack Smokette Elite that cooks very well, but I could never get enough smoke in the meat. I'd sell it if I could get anywhere close to what it's worth, but people aren't willing to pay that much when they can go to Lowes and pick an electric up for much less.

BTW - I now used a Weber kettle.

[SmokeyGator]

I should add this. Electric smokers certainly have their place. But that place is "I have no other options". Maybe you are a condo dweller and can’t have gas, charcoal, or fire. I was once one of those, although I smuggled in a gas grill in a Friday night at 11 PM so nobody noticed. Snitches get stiches. Just saying.

Or maybe you Live in a wildfire hazard area, and have frequent burn bans. I would never suggest ignoring burn bans, it just isn’t worth the fine or the possibility (however small) of a massive wildfire that causes tens or hundreds of millions in damage named after you.

In such cases, it is electric or nothing, and nothing is boring. So you do what you have to do.

But if you aren’t facing such draconian resteictions, a kettle with a slow-n-sear is a great option. Simple, highly functional, and versitle.

[EdF]

If you have to do electric, add a smoke pouch or tube.

[bep35]

I have had a Cookshack for 15 years. It was my first step into the world of smoked meats. I mostly use my PBC and Weber with the slow-n-sear now. But I do drag the Cookshack out and finish off a pork shoulder or brisket after it has reached the stall in one of the other smokers. I also use it to smoke beans as it is pretty much set it and forget it. Good luck!

[xaugievike]

I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for my electric....it got me in to this hobby and also taught me a few lessons (need for quality thermo)....by the end of it's tenure with me, I was making some pretty good food with the addition of a pellet tray (and not using the onboard stuff).

[JGo37]

Electric? ELECTRIC?? DON'T ask about ELECTRIC!!

(paraphrased as an ode to an old NFL coaching quote...)