Smoking meat and other food items is a great wat to enjoy your time with family and friends. Who doesn’t enjoy good food and conversations? Yet, it is sometimes unrealistic to smoke meats in a traditional smoker. With your fast paced life, a traditional smoker is time consuming. This is where an electric smoker under 200 jump in.
These appliances offer ease of use and time conscious design. They also need minimal monitoring and convenience. Thus, they give you more time to spend with your family. And if you are on a tight budget, it doesn’t mean that you can enjoy smoking with one. You can get the best electric smokers at a cheaper price without affecting the quality.
In this review, you will come across 5 of the best electric smokers under 200 in 2020. Each unit’s effective functional features that help to improve the results. And if you struggle to pick your ideal choice, you needn’t worry. The detailed feature guide below will take you through the process. Thus, ensuring you find the right choice.
TOP 5 BEST ELECTRIC SMOKERS UNDER $200 COMPARISON
TOP 5 BEST ELECTRIC SMOKERS UNDER $200 REVIEWS
1. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electrical Smoker
The Masterbuilt electric smoker digital panel makes your life easier. Fitted on the panel are easy to operate controls. These include the on/off buttons, cooking temperature and time. Thus, allowing you to customize your cooking and smoking. An added thermostat-temperature control also enhances precision in smoking.
Inside the smoker, you will find four chrome coated smoking racks. The racks account for the enhanced heat distribution and long lasting durability. The patented side wood chip loading system also adds convenience. The loading system lets you add wood chips without opening the smoker’s door.
A fully insulated body design on the other end also retains heat for efficient smoking. Additionally, the smoker’s small and compact design makes it ideal for use in limited spaces. Whether is a small balcony space or backyard, it fits well.
Features
- Patented side wood chip loading system
- Thermostat temperature control
- 4 chrome coated smoking racks
- Digital panel
Pros
- The water bowl significantly adds moisture and flavor
- Wood chip tray effectively collects and removes ash
- Removable drip and grease tray catch drippings to leave the smoker clean
- The fully insulated body design significantly retains heat
Cons
- The smoker doesn’t have a viewing window to track the cooking
2. Cuisinart COS-330 Electric Smoker
The Cuisinart COS-330 electrical smoker combines style and performance. These two distinct features give you an incredible product. The brand’s sophisticated style comes integrated into the smoker. This design adds class and a professional look to your kitchen.
Offering up to 548 square inches, the smoker boasts generous interior smoking space. The 4 removable chrome racks on the other end allow you to prepare a whole meal for a large family. Built with a 1500W power rating, its heating element produces incredible heat. The element produces the heat of between 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The easy to read thermometer on the other makes internal temperature monitoring easier. The special dual side handles and lightweight frame allows for easier mobility. Pair it with the brand’s sold smoking accessories for a splendid smoking experience.
Features
- 548 square inches interior smoking space
- Built in front door thermometer
- Chrome spring door handle
- 1500W power rating
Pros
- High power rating provides ample heating
- Lightweight frame makes it easy to move
- It is designed for cater to beginners and experts
- Sleek and bold design
Cons
- Water and chip tray placement causes smoking issues
3. Old Smokey Electrical Smoker
The Old Smokey electrical smoker’s build features a classic style design. Yet, it delivers improved performance. The electrical smoker’s construction guarantees to leave great flavor to your cooking. For effective smoking, it comes with a heating element like an electric oven.
The round shaped smoker features layers of functional designs. At the top, you will find a chip tray to load the wood chips for the smoky flavor. There is an upper and lower level grill as well as a drip pan doesn’t need the addition of water.
And to maintain the flavor, the smoker incorporates an ingenious dripping system. The flat top allows juice to drip right back into the food. The top seal lid on the other end reduces cooking time whilst retaining smoke and flavor.
Features
- Dual lower and upper grills
- 1250W power rating
- Up to 250 degrees Fahrenheitproduces
- Tight sealing lid
Pros
- Very easy to clean and use
- Seal top lid evenly distributes heat, smoke and cuts down cooking time
- Affordably priced
- Requires minimal supervision when smoking
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a built-in thermometer
4. Char Broil Analog Electric Smoker
If you are a fan of traditional smoking, the Char Broil smoker should be your new pal. The smoker’s analog design lets you put your smoking skills to play. And with up to 544 square inches of cooking space, the playground is adequate.
A large insulated cook chamber provides adequate smoke and heat for a rich smoky flavor. The large wood chip box complements the insulated chamber. Double wall insulation reinforces the cook chamber. A built-in water pan on the other end keeps the meat juicy and ensures your meat doesn’t dry up.
The chrome plated grates also enhance even heat distribution. The aluminum alloy water pan, chip, and grease trays also reduce the smoker’s weight. They also improve its ruggedness. The carry handles allow for easy mobility.
Features
- 544 square inches cooking space
- Double insulated cooking chamber
- 1200W power rating
- Dual front door latches
Pros
- It is very easy to assemble
- The cooking temperature is effectively maintained
- Lightweight construction
- Built in wood chip tray allows you to add more without opening the door
Cons
- The coil is a little small
5. Smokehouse Products Little Chief Electric Smoker
The Smokehouse comes with incredible value. At such an affordable price, it also comes with a free bag of hickory flavor smoking wood chips. The low price yet, it does not affect the quality of the smoker. The chip’s natural hardwood feature a dried finish of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The premium bark free hardwood chips feature exceptionally low moisture. This feature is perfect for smoking and flavor. The smoker comes with a low power consumption to give you a friendly break on your electric bills.
This low element power offers cooking temperature of up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. And its adequate build supports smoking meat at up to 25 lbs. Its engineered ventilation system also improves smoke circulation whilst fending off extreme dehydration.
Features
- Free 1.75lbs hickory flavored hardwood chips
- 250W power & 165F temperature rating
- Smoke ventilation system
- 25lbs meat & fish smoking capacity
Pros
- It is very inexpensive
- Portable and compact build
- Very low power consumption
- Large smoking capacity
Cons
- The plug in wire is too small and short
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST ELECTRIC SMOKER UNDER 200
You must know what features to look at when choosing the best electric smoker to invest in. Depending on their designs, smokers come with different features. However, there are common ones that determine their performance. Listed below are the basic and important features to look at.
Cooking Space
A smoker’s cooking space determines its smoking capacity. The square inches denote the cooking space dimensions. For an electric smoker under 200, space ranges from 400 to 700 square inches. The more space you have, the more smoking you can do. So if you like to host and entertain friends and family, then a smoker size of at least 450 square inches is ideal.
Smoking Grates
Smokers come with either a vertical or horizontal grate placement. This positioning doesn’t impact the effectiveness of the smoker. Grates will either made of chrome, stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Chrome plated grates are an excellent choice.
This is because chrome pated grates are great at even heat distribution. They also provide ample weather resistance. Your smoker comes with up to 3 to 4 grates to provide adequate smoking space.
Power
As their name suggests, electric smokers run through electricity. The wattage/watts (W) denotes the power consumption of your electric smoker. The power rating/consumption of a smoker for home use ranges from 200 to 2000 watts per hour. The higher the power rating, the more heat the smoker is able to produce. So, a smoker with higher temperature settings will have a higher power consumption rate.
Temperature
Some electric smokers will have one set temperature. Other electric smokers feature a variable temperature setting. The electric smoker temperature controls are either digital or analog. The most common temperature rating is between 100 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a good idea to go for a smoker with variable temperature controls.
Plus, it doesn’t hurt to go for a unit that displays the temperature for easy tracking and monitoring. This allows you to customize your smoking depending on the food item. In general, the ideal smoking temperature is between 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moisture Retention
The most favored feature of a good quality smoker is moisture retention. You want your electric smoker to produce a good meat flavor and enough juices. No one likes dry meat! Thus, when you are choosing one, ensure that our smoker comes with a water pan.
More heat generates as the heating element gets hot. The heat turns water that is in the pan to steam. Thus, preventing your meat from drying out. You can even customize your smoking by adding flavor enhancers to the water. This includes anything from lemon peels to garlic and spices.
Caveats
Your electrical smoker must integrate proper design to enhance smoke circulation. The best electric smokers feature small ventilation systems. In the combustion chamber, these systems improve the release of heat and smoke. Consequently, this allows for stable smoking without the risking of burning or charring.
Wood Chips
For improved smoking results, you must also know which wood chips to use. Wood chips determine the flavor of the finished product as well. You must ensure that you use wood chips and pellets designed for electric smokers. This to prevent potential hiccups.
Wood chips such as Mesquite for example, are idea for pork, ham and bacon. Hickory flavored and oaky chips on the other end go well with briskets. At the end of the day, the flavor choice of the wood chips depends on your preference.
Performance
What’s the point of investing in an electric smoker with poor performance? So when you are choosing one, this is an important feature to consider. You want to maintain consistent temperature when smoking. It doesn’t matter whether the smoker feature set temperature or variable temperature settings.
Inconsistent temperature affects the flavor, texture, and tenderness of your meats. A well insulated cooking chamber is also important. A double insulated cooking chamber adequately traps in the heat.
Ease Of Use
An electric smoker that’s easy to use is more convenient and efficient. Look for features that indicate that your smoker is easy to use. There are so many features that make your smoker easy to use. Think about the cleaning part.
You want it to have as many removable components. These components include a removable water tray, grease trap, and smoking grates. A smoker that allows you to add wood chips without opening the door is also a better option.
Mobility
You are most likely to use your smoker in the outdoors. Thus, you want it to allow ease of movement. Thus, you must pay extra attention to the weight and moving parts of the smoker. Go for a lightweight smoker. Additionally, opt for features such as ergonomic carry handles or wheels. This ensures easy mobility.
Quality
It may not be easy to gauge the quality of your electric smoker especially online. Yet, there is a way you can do so. Going through real customer reviews of the unit you are looking at is a good idea. After going through a fair amount of reviews, you will be an expert.
You are also most likely to come across common comments on certain features. Make sure that you consult these reviews through a wider range of sources to prevent biases.
Price
You can get very good quality electric smokers for as little as $100. And for home use, excellent quality electrical smokers range between $100 and $300. Thus, electric smokers under 200 still boast good quality construction.
WHY USE AN ELECTRIC SMOKER UNDER 200?
An electric smoker under 200 is a great appliance for home is because it is convenient. Unlike traditional wood and charcoal smokers, electrical smokers are efficient. You don’t need to spend too much time and effort when using an electric smoker.
An electric smoker will cut down your prep time for an hour compared to traditional smokers. Thus, this design above makes them great for gatherings or weekend smoking. Electric smokers are also great because they need minimal monitoring when in use.
FAQS
Q: How Do Electric Smoker Work?
A: Electric smokers use electricity to run, unlike other smoker designs. A heating element comes fitted in the smoker. When plugged into the power outlet, the heating element generates heat. The heat and added wood chips are what produce the smoke to cook your meat and other food items.
Q: What Are The Pros And Cons of An Electric Smoker Under 200?
A: Electric smokers under $200 come with several advantages and disadvantages. These include;
Pros
- Easy to handle and move
- Simplified heat and smoke management
- Great for small places
- Not affected by the weather
Cons
- Weaker smoke flavors
- Cannot work on larger meats
- Limited cooking capacity
- Higher maintenance needs
Q: Can You Electric Smokers Use Indoors?
A: No. This is because electrical smokers will leave a permanent smoky smell. The smell tends to penetrate curtains and other furnishings. Large amounts of smoke and heat get generated when you use a smoker. Thus, if used indoors, remnants are definitely going to remain behind.
Q: Can I use An Electric Smoker Under 200 For Items Other Than Meat?
A: Yes. You can use your electric smoker for other items such as vegetables or cheese. The low heat allows you to smoke these items without damaging or overcooking them. You can even choose to eliminate wood chips to use it as a slow cooker. The elimination of wood chips also makes it great for dehydration. Thus, allowing you to prepare items such as beef jerky from your home.
CONCLUSION
The electric smoker under 200 reviews provides essential insight on these home appliances. And if you are on a tight budget, the reviews are really handy. Their high quality build is what’s great about these electric smokers under 200. I mean even at a lower price, they still maintain great performance.
The reviews also offer a great companion for when you are in doubt. The detailed outline of features acts as a reliable electric smoker shopping companion. Following the feature, guide guarantees that you find what you are looking for. And you needn’t look further for your next smoker choice. The list above of the 5 best electric smokers under 200 is a perfect location to begin your search.
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