We’ve summarized here all the results of our research to show you what’s the best electric smoker under 300 dollars!
While smoking food is delicious and amazing, there’s no denying that this process is rather tricky. In order to cook only the most savory steak or veggies, you need to be certain in what you’re doing – following the proper techniques, know the correct time to flip e.t.c. In a way, this is a mix of experience and intuition.
So when you don’t have much experience the grilling can be very challenging, especially if you don’t have anyone to guide you.
Luckily, there is a way out when you have little experience, and that is using an electric smoker. This device allows you to cook some amazing food, without any hassle or worries.
However, not a lot of people seem to pay much attention to such a grill, mostly because of its price. True, while some models can be rather expensive, we wanted to find out is it possible to find one for a lower price – are there any best electric smoker under 300?
Though it took us some time and research, we can now certainly say – yes. It is quite possible to find the best electric smoker under 300 2023, and we’ll show you how to do it.
Top 7 Best Electric Smokers Under $300: Comparison Chart
| Power | Analog/Digital | Cooking Area | Max Temperature | Dimensions | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt MB20071117 | 600 W | Digital | 730 sq. in. | 275 °F | 19.88 x 20.47 x 33.26 inches | 49.5 pounds |
| Char-Broil 19202101 | 750 W | Digital | 725 sq. in. | 275 °F | 32.5 x 18.1 x 16.5 inches | 58.7 pounds |
| LANDMANN MCO 32954 | 1500 W | Analog | 442 sq. in. | 260 °F | 26.7 x 16.6 x 13.2 inches | 33 pounds |
| PIT BOSS 77220 2.2 | 1650 W | Analog | 593 sq. in. | 325 °F | 21.5 x 23 x 41 inches | 58 pounds |
| Cuisinart COS-330 | 1500 W | Analog | 548 sq. in. | 400 °F | 22 x 19 x 37.5 inches | 51.5 pounds |
| Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D | 800 W | Digital | 732 sq. in. | 300 °F | 19.4 x 19 x 32.5 inches | 62.2 pounds |
| Bradley BS611 | 500 W | Analog | 975 sq. in. | 250 °F | 34 x 20 x 18 inches | 55.1 pounds |
Electric Smoker Advantages
Compared to regular ones, electric smokers have a lot more to offer.
First of all, is the fact that all the best electric smokers under 300 are very convenient – you don’t need to have experience in smoking food in order to use it. The second major advantage is that you don’t need to rely on flames to generate smoke anymore.
All and all, all modern electric smokers offer a variety of benefits:
- Convenient and easy to use
- Saves time with a rapid cooking speed
- Versatile cooking options without any messes
What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Smoker
From performance to size and durability, there are many aspects to consider before buying an electric smoker. So, we have reviewed top rated electric smokers and their qualities to help you choose only the best electric smoker under $300.
So what are these important aspects?
Analog or Digital Technology
Every best electric smoker has either analog or digital technology.
An analog smoker is a cheap electric smoker that uses a knob to control the temperature and a control brick that is connected to the heating element.
Digital electric smokers, on the other hand, are a lot easier to use thanks to their digital control panel. Plus, they don’t overheat that much.
So when we compare these 2 types of electric smokers, it becomes clear that analog smokers are a lot more affordable than digital ones. But, since they use old technology, they can get overheated.
All and all, each of them is the best electric smoker under 300, and which is a better option depends entirely on your preference: if you care more about the price – go with this option. And if you’re more concerned with convenience, then the digital model is the perfect choice for you.
Performance
Since electric smokers use power and produce heat to smoke the food, these two proves to be essential elements to look at.
Power is the wattage that controls the ups and downs of the heat. Because of the capability to cook food at high temperatures, electric smokers come with a temperature range – which is equally important too.
Usually, all meats can be smoked up to a temperature of 225 degrees. And most of the top-rated electric smokers and especially best smokers under 300 are capable of providing a maximum heat of 275 to 400 degrees.
Mostly, electric smokers come with a power consumption range of 800 to 1500 watts. Plus, the temperature can be controlled by using either analog or digital technology.
Size
Whether you are going to serve delicious smoked meat to your family or an entire backyard barbeque, an electric smoker’s size is the primary consideration to look at. Its size could also be defined as an internal cooking space.
Electric smokers under $300 are limited when it comes to the internal cooking surface. But brands like Masterbuilt or Master Forge, being one the best electric smokers on the market, provides an impressive room of 730 square inches of space. Just compare electric smokers and find out the one that fits your needs.
Longevity
Surprisingly, you can get various electric smokers with a lifespan of years. While creating our electric smokers under $300 reviews, we have evaluated that the longevity depends upon the material of the device. Good quality electric smokers have stainless steel exterior and chrome-plated cooking grates in the interior.
Warranties also vary from three months to even three years. While in the hunt for an electric smoker, always prefer one which has easy to clean properties.
Brand
When it comes to electric smoker brands, always choose the one that adheres to your requirements. Usually, the brands with more specialization in kitchenware prove to be more quality-worthy as compared to other electric smoker brands. Some brands like Masterbuilt to Bradley are some of the most popular and beloved since they always provide high-quality materials.
Another important thing is to check some electric smoker under $300 reviews from users and see what they have to say about a specific brand.
How to Make the Most of Electric Smoker
It’s not just about turning your device on and smoking up the meat – electric smokers require some care to operate effectively. And one of the most important ways to do so is to make sure that the electric smoker is filled with water. That is because the water produces smoke in the chamber. And most electric smokers come with a refillable water tray, so this aspect would not be a problem.
You should also check out the wooden chips bowl that should be filled with wood chips before the start of the smoker. Keep an eye on the drip tray as well because it contains any liquids dripping off from the meat while smoking.
FAQ
What Size Electric Smoker Do I Need?
The size and portability of an electric smoker mostly depends on how often you use it and where. So if you use the electric smoker rather often, and like to take BBQ camping trips – you should consider a portable electric smoker. An electric smoker should ideally have wheels and weigh less than 50 pounds. And if you mostly camp – go for electric smokers with a weight between 20 to 25 pounds.
Do Electric Smokers Under 300 Need Seasoning?
Most electric smokers under $300 do need seasoning. Before even smoking the food in it, many manufacturers recommend you run your electric smoker on higher temperature settings.
Also, keep in mind that some best electric smoker under 300 require you to season only one hour, but others need to season for two or more hours. But it all depends on the electric smoker brands.
Can I Use My Electric Smoker for Cold Smoking?
As proven by many electric smokers under 300 reviews from the people that have these devices – electric smokers indeed can be used for cold smoking. For some brands like Masterbuilt, you just have to equip your electric smoker with a cold smoking kit. It will provide continuous smoking at around 100 to 150 degrees for a long time.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
So all and all, what can be said about electric smokers? Only that these are very convenient and effective devices, perfect for anyone, especially those that have no much knowledge/experience with smoking food.
There are plenty of good brands of electric smokers. From the highest quality materials of Masterbuilt to the reliability of Smoke Hollow and Cuisinart, there are a lot of top-rated electric smokers on the market. Plus, all of them with some amazing feedback from customers.
However, before choosing this device, you need to keep in mind the little tips we gave you. Start with determining whether you want the digital or analog type, and from that point on you should have no problem choosing only the best electric smoker under 300 in 2023.
So we wish you all the best, and feel free to let us know which electric smoker you would recommend and why! Perhaps you have some experience with some of them?
