Buying one of the best electric smokers could help in preparing perfect smoked recipes at home.
But the size, expense, and installation hassles may keep people away from getting a suitable electric smoker.
Choosing the smallest electric smoker among the best ones available on the market could solve the installation and accommodation issues.
This might be a good option for small families who may only need to prepare a small number of smoked food recipes at home.
Table of Contents
What Are Small Electric Smokers?
The smoky flavor is our top priority whether it is brisket or fresh salmon. But the thing is getting this smokey flavor is not that easy as you think.
You need a lot of things on hand like charcoal, wood, and most importantly time. Right?
An electric smoker is an incredible innovation to eat smokey flavored brisket, salmon, fish, or pork ribs without lighting up charcoal, having a check on fuel after every half hour, and the mess of ash to clear.
If you are in a condo and running out of gas, having zero charcoal, and too lazy to get all the necessary stuff then guess what?
You have another option to make sausages, barbecue, cheese, nuts, and anything you want to be smoked flavored. The good news?
I know you will love this option because who do not like the concept of plug and play. These are so damn easy to use.
The food turns out so delicious. It takes smoking to a whole new level.
Smoking is the procedure of cooking meat and stuff with smoking hot air which adds a considerable amount of smoky flavor to food.
You just need to make sure that you have a power supply wherever you go out. You can carry them anywhere with us.
Directions to Use:
Once you grabbed your hand on an electric smoker it is time to learn how to use it. Generally, it is easy to use them and of course, totally hassle-free if you are going to follow the steps given below you will surely going to get super delicious food.
- Firstly: you need to prepare the meat, everyone has their method to season smoked meats. Some use their old family recipe for this purpose. So if you are going to season your meat then there is no need to season it differently from the one used for the traditional method.
- Secondly: When you are going to use your smokers make sure that it is in a ventilated area rather than in a covered area.
- Third: read the manufacturer’s manual before using it because all smokers are different users’ instructions. Although the final product is turned out to be the same still it is good to become familiar with your smoker to get the best result.
- Fourth: before adding meat it is important to set the smoker to the desired temperature and do not add the meat until it reaches that temperature. Once it attains that temperature adds meat as quickly as possible and then cover the smoker.
- The fifth: the Smoking process is dependent upon the food you cook if you are cooking something that takes more time to cook then you need to check it again and again, and replacing wood chunks becomes necessary sometimes. After the meat is cooked and you are sure that it is not undercooked then it is easy to remove the meat. Just by a little slide of rack you have your food in your hand.
Best Small Electric Smokers:
Here in the following list, we have chosen 4 of the smallest electric smokers to help you pick one easily.
And for those who have wider selection options, we have a stovetop small electric smoker reviewed at the end of this article as well.
1. Masterbuilt Portable Electric Smoker
When it comes to electric smokers, Masterbuilt needs no introduction. This 20073716 is the smallest electric smoker from the Masterbuilt brand.
It is ideal for those looking for a very portable option that gets the job done. It comes with a mere 280 sq. inches of cooking space, it is the ideal smoker for those who want to enjoy their BBQ meals while camping.
This is why it is designed as an analog smoker. Another interesting feature is the foldable legs. With the legs, you can raise the smoker a little bit higher for better convenience.
The unit has 1400 watts heating element and weighs just 21 pounds. This unit is also very affordable.
In fact, it’s one of the best electric smokers sold under $100. However, the fact that it does not have enough digital controls makes it less attractive to some users.
But if you are looking for something basic, durable, and portable, this is one of the few good options you have.
PROS
- Features a powerful heating element.
- Comes with Different Heat Control Settings.
- Reading the temperature is easier with this Smoker.
CONS
- Not a good choice when it comes to cooking for a big crowd.
2. Old Smokey Electric Smoker
Old Smokey has a unique design and unique features people love a lot. The top has a flat design. This is intended to make the food juicier.
The design of the top makes it easier for the meat juices to drip back to the food when it’s been heated.
Despite its small size, the smoker also comes with enhanced features. There is a chip tray for those looking to add more wood flavor to their food.
The electric smoker weighs just 24 lbs. This makes it not just one of the lightest models, but also one of the smallest electric smokers.
It has a cooking space of 280 square inches and a temperature range of up to 2500F. Interestingly, it comes with a properly working heat thermometer.
The thermometer provides reading temperatures for different cooking times. This makes the Old Smokey a versatile option.
You can prepare different types of food since your thermometer is there to guide you. It is designed with corrosion-resistant aluminum steel.
It also comes with adjustable heat control and electric heating elements.
PROS
- Features an innovative design.
- Powerful heating element.
- Comes with a Heat Thermostat.
CONS
- Some users faced difficulties with the pan of this smoker.
3. Smokehouse Little Chief
If you are looking for a small and portable electric smoker with all the right features, you probably need to consider this unit.
It is designed with embossed aluminum and intended mostly for outdoor use. Those looking for a portable electric smoker for camping love the overall design of this one.
With a smoking capacity of up to 25 pounds of meat, it is surely enough to cook food for a mini party. This smokehouse model is a front-loading smoker that has an instruction/recipe booklet.
You also have a full bag of chips that come with the package. So, you could easily start smoking your favorite meat immediately.
Those new in the world of electric smoking will benefit immensely from the guidelines. This smoker is also equipped with a drip pan and flavor fuel pan for better cooling efficiency.
Also, the smoker comes preassembled, which saves you some stress. Smokehouse’s little chief front loader is CSA listed, CUL, and UL certified for safety.
Overall, the unit is quite portable and durable for outdoor BBQ purposes.
PROS
- This electric smoker features an intuitive design.
- Comes with different heat settings.
- Managing the Grills of this Electric smoker is rather easy.
CONS
- Affected by the weather.
4. Smokin-It Electric Smoker
Smokin-it electric smoker is no doubt one of the most portable and smallest electric smokers in the market.
The compact design makes it very attractive. It has great features too. Smokin-it has a meat load capacity of about 22 lbs.
This is not much, but it’s intended for those looking for a basic and portable model. It also comes with 4 shelves and 3 inches rubber casters for more efficiency.
And just like other Smokin-it models, this one has a complete stainless steel construction. Yes, most durable models are made with this material.
It provides perfect heat retention. Also, there is a side handle attached to the smoker to make it easy to lift it. Smokin-it electric smoker has a 400-watt heating element.
That’s powerful enough to keep the temperature at the right levels. With a temperature from 100 to 250 degrees, you can easily cook various types of meals.
It may not be very affordable. But if portability, durability, and quality are your priorities, we recommend this unit for you.
PROS
- Offers a lot of cooking space for its size.
- Features a powerful heating element.
- Features a sturdy construction which makes this product durable.
CONS
- This Product sits very low when the wheels are turned off.
5. Nordic Ware 365 I ndoor/Outdoor Kettle Smoker
Nordic is probably the smallest smoker in the market right now. This very portable smoker only measures 6 by 13 by 13.5 inches.
Despite its small size, the high dome cover of this unit provides extra space for cooking meat indoors. One good thing about the Nordic kettle smoker is the versatility.
Once you remove the smoking rack and water pan, the base unit and high dome cover can be utilized as a traditional kettle roaster.
The smoker has all the features to help you prepare a delicious smoked meal. It has a thermometer, smoking rack, water drip pan, as well as a smoking base.
As far as convenience is concerned, this electric smoker is one of the best you can buy. There is no doubt about its portability.
But what is even more exciting about the smoker is its durability. Nordic is also crafted with a customized vent. This helps you effectively control the cooking temperature.
PROS
- One of the most compact options on the list.
- Features a sturdy construction.
- Cooks food really well.
CONS
- Some users have complained that teflon on the inner plate gets removed.
6. Char-broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smokers
The main feature of the char boil deluxe digital electric smoker is that it comes with a glass door. You see this glass feature in many other brands but it is mandatory for char boil’s model.
The plus point of this feature is that you can look into your smoker without letting heat and smoke out it usually offers more capacity than other models that are out in the market.
The food thermometer use in it is removable. They have adjustable racks in them. The bonus feature of the Char boil deluxe model is that it is a remote control.
We can easily read information about the temperature and cooking time on the screen. They are compact enough for small spaces.
On the bottom line, the Charbroil deluxe digital electronic smoker is affordable and a compact smoker for those who cook in small places and are on a small budget.
PROS
- One of the most compact options on the list.
- Features a sturdy construction.
- Cooks food really well.
CONS
- Some users have complained that teflon on the inner plate gets removed.
7. Cookshack Smokette Elite Electric Smokers
It comes with a cooking area of 504 square inches and is divided into two grill trays. In terms of quality of build and durability it is one of the top electric smokers.
The main feature of this Cookshack Smokette elite electric smoker is that it comes with a high-temperature range usually between 100 degrees to 300 degrees.
The grills of these smokers are adjustable. This model of a smoker is fully insulated.
For easy clean-up, they have a removable drip pan. Meat temperature prob is a useful feature to manage the internal heat of the smoker which is necessary for smoking heat.
For perfect smoking, it is necessary to learn about the internal temperature.
The key feature of cookshack smokette elite electric smoker is that no complicated steps are included in using this. All you need is to place the food and start it.
The above-listed smallest electric smokers are no doubt some of the most reliable options. If you need portable, easy-to-tackle, reasonably-made electric smokers, you can surely find one from these carefully chosen smokers, though you have to focus on your needs first for the best results.
PROS
- Offers a lot of features.
- Comes with a removable thermometer.
- One of the most durable and long lasting options on the list. Made in the USA.
CONS
- One of the most expensive options.
8. LANDMANN MCO 32954 Landmann Smoky Mountain 26″ Electric Smoker-Black-OPP
If you reside in an apartment or a condo where there isn’t enough space available to install a smoker that comes with wide dimensions, then a small electric smoker by Landman can prove to be your viable pick.
By getting your hands on this smoker, you will be able to smoke meat and beef on the premises of your condo, while enjoying activities like watching NetFlix.
What counts as the best feature of this smoker is that this smoker features a non-insulated cooking chamber that makes the process of smoking hassle-free for the user.
In addition to this, a removable temperature controller and a 3 in 1 combination tray come within the package, which allows users to smoke food at their desired and preferred temperature, while the tray makes sure to make enough room to cook as much chicken as possible at a time.
To make this compact electric smoker more appealing and eye-catching, the racks of this product were plated with chrome.
To allow users to easily handle this smoker with ease, wrought iron side handles are included in the package.
For the price this product comes with, this can surely be your viable pick.
PROS
- Comes in handy with a 3 in 1 combo tray.
- The non-insulated cooking chamber is included in the package.
- This compact smoker comes with wide inner dimensions.
CONS
- Users have witnessed that the door latch of this electric smoker keeps on falling.
- The rubber around the glass view wasn’t up to the mark.
9. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker, 30 inch, Black
If you are looking for a compact electric smoker that comes with easy operation and allows users to operate the electric smoker with ease, then this could be your best viable pick.
As the size of this Masterbuilt electric smoker is relatively compact from the other models, this product is feasible to be used anywhere and doesn’t consume a lot of space for the user.
This model comes in handy with a digital panel mounted on the front side of the smoker that allows the user to turn on and off this device manually.
What counts as the best feature of this device is that it comes with supreme dimensions that are wide enough to store 2 Turkeys, 4 pork butts, and 6 chickens at a time with ease.
In addition to the patented side wood chip of this product allow you to add more wood chips to the electric smoker to witness a flavoury food full of smoke.
Having said that, this smoker comes with thermostat temperature control that allows users to cook their food with consistent smoke.
The build of this electric smoker is fully insulated that retains heat, and hence provides users with the best possible experience!
PROS
- Comes in handy with a digital panel.
- This compact electric smoker comes with wide dimensions.
- The thermostat temperature control of this smoker offers users consistent smoke.
- Comes in handy with the fully insulated body.
CONS
- User doesn’t find this electric smoker to be durable enough.
10. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control
By getting your hands on this small and compact Royal Gourmet electric smoker, you can easily say goodby to the traditional heave propane tank lying around in your house.
This electric smoker offers users a wide cooking surface of around 457.68 square feet which proves to be more than enough to put ribs, pies, and turkey with ease.
In addition to this, this smoker consists of three chrome-coated racks that can be adjusted according to the personnel preference of the users with ease.
Having said that; these racks allow users to fit food of different sizes with ease.
What counts as the best feature of this compact electric smoker is that it features a double-wall construction within the building which retains the smoking heat efficiently with the help of the firebox.
Thanking the latch system included within the package of this electric smoker, great seal performance is achieved in this device.
By getting your hands on this product, you no longer have to worry about your hands getting scalded as the doors of this electric smoker comes with an excellent cool-touch spring.
Lastly, the combo of stainless steel water pan and lidded chip box of this electric smoker infuse flavor taste to your food and provide you great value for your money.
PROS
- This compact electric smoker comes in handy with a spacious cooking surface.
- Comes equipped with a Grease Management system.
- This product is known to be universal and versatile.
- Comes with the company’s excellent seal performance
CONS
- The temperature of this electric smoker doesn’t go any higher than 200 Celcius.
How to Choose the Best Small Electric Smoker? – A Buyer’s Guide:
Though most electric smokers come within an affordable price range, that doesn’t mean that they lack the features and the specifications that you probably want in an outdoor smoker.
But having said that, this doesn’t mean that you don’t stop looking for features you want. The electric smoker that looks attractive and eye-catching might not be the one best suited for your situation.
With that being said, a comprehensive buyer’s guide is being provided to you below that will make sure that the product you are opting for yourself will fulfill your every need and requirement.
Temperature Adjustment:
While opting for the compact electric smoker, do consider the fact that whether your product comes with the temperature adjustment or not.
Options like rheostat or thermostat are considered to be one of the most important features of the electric smoker, as these factors allow users to cook and smoke their food according to their personal preference.
Installed Vents:
For the people who aren’t aware of what the term vents is being referred to, then to educate them the vents tend to be the compact ventilation systems that are present in the combustion chamber of your smoker that make sure that the airflow and heat can escaped from the smoker efficiently.
This factor proves to be the most important factor that needs to be considered beforehand as the durability of your product depends upon your vents.
A vent maintains the internal temperature of the indoor smoker, and allowing your smoke to flavor your meat and then escape before depositing creosote.
Moreover, the vents also protects your food from getting burned by the extensive temperature of the smoker.
Hence to receive an optimum output from your smoker, you need to make sure that your smoker comes in handy with installed vents.
Heat Structure:
Knowing the operation of the flow of heat within your smoker is your right and responsibility.
If your smoker comes with a structure that is built to provide heat to your food from one direction only, then you may find your food to be raw from inside or from the angle that wasn’t facing the heater directly.
This will directly impact the cooking time as well, as one source will take hours to cook one turkey as thanksgiving.
The more heat sources your smoker will come in handy with, the quicker you will be able to cook your food.
However, many heat sources can prove to be dangerous as well, as if you forgot to control the source temperature, then you may end up with your food being burned to a crisp.
Layer Structure of Your Electric Smoker:
Here, the layer structure is pointing out towards the shape of the racks present in your electric smoker.
Though that smoker comes within vertical and horizontal dimensions, what makes them different from each other is the type of rack they come with.
Most of the smokers consist of stainless steel racks, whereas some smokers consist of chrome-plated racks.
Both of the tracks prove to serve best to the user, however, we will still suggest you opt for one that suits best with your taste and needs.
Why Mini Smokers are Useful?
- If you want to go outdoor for cooking then you are putting your hand on the right product.
- These portable smokers are very affordable.
- They are quite easy to use. All you need to add is the woodchucks, place the food and turn the power supply on.
- For easy transport, they have foldable legs.
- They are fairly easy to assemble.
- They do not create a mess as traditional methods do.
- Work on plug and play.
- They are pretty convenient.
- Set it and forget it is the enjoyable concept of mini electric smokers.
- The little smokers are the champs, they give you superb taste and left you.
- They are easy to move and clean.
Benefits:
- Mini electric smokers are smaller in size.
- These smokers are compact so they would not take that much space.
- These are highly affordable and in reach of the most.
- They are as the name says are portable.
- You can wash the water pan located inside of it after every session of smoking.
- You can carry these smokers out anywhere you go with you.
- They are compatible with the use of beginners.
- They require not that much babysitting.
- Though they are smaller in size but are larger in capacity.
- Effortless cooking is the key benefit of small electric smokers.
Conclusion!
This proves to be an end we suppose, however, to wrap it all for you in a much-summarized version, compact electric smokers are a thing of the modern people who love to eat smoky flavored food and for the people who love to host bbq parties at their home.
Since the oversized electric smoker can’t be installed everywhere and consumes a lot of space, this little and tiny version of the smoker proves its worth against the big one and has therefore managed to create quite a fandom of its own.
With that being said, the products mentioned above are tested and used by professionals, so you really don’t have to worry about anything while opting for them for your home.
To be sure that the product you are opting for will suit best with your taste, you need to go with our buyer’s guide beforehand to avoid any type of inconvenience in the future.
I hope that you found this smallest electric smoker review helpful. If you have any questions let us know in the comment below. 🙂