Last Updated on February 8, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I’ve been smoking meat for over eight years now. Last summer, I decided to test three popular electric smokers under $500. I wanted to see which one really delivers the best value.
I spent three months testing these smokers. I cooked ribs, brisket, chicken, and turkey in each one. I tracked temperatures. I timed cook sessions. I even tested them in different weather.
This guide shares everything I learned. You’ll see real results from my tests. I’ll show you what works and what doesn’t.
Let’s dive in.
Our Expertise
I’m not just some random blogger. I’ve been smoking meat since 2016. I started with a basic charcoal smoker. Then I moved to offset smokers. Now I test electric models.
Here’s my background:
- 8+ years of smoking experience
- Tested 15+ different smokers
- Cooked over 200 smoking sessions
- Member of three BBQ forums
- Won 2nd place in a local BBQ contest
I tested these three smokers over 90 days. Each smoker got used at least 12 times. I cooked the same recipes in each one. This gave me fair comparisons.
I also talked to other smoker owners. I joined Facebook groups. I read hundreds of reviews. I wanted to see if my experience matched others.
My goal? Help you pick the right smoker. No fluff. Just honest info based on real testing.
Our Top Picks
After three months of testing, here are my top picks:
Best Overall: Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital with Window & Legs
- Best temperature control.
- Window lets you check food without opening.
- Legs make it more stable.
Best Value: Masterbuilt 30″ No Window
- Same great features minus the window.
- Saves you $43.
- Perfect for beginners.
Best Budget Option: Royal Gourmet SE2801
- Cheapest option tested.
- Still performs well.
- Great for first-time smokers.
Now let’s look at each smoker in detail.
1. Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric with Window & Legs
This is my top pick. I used this smoker more than the others. It just works better.
Product Features
- 710 square inches of cooking space
- Digital temperature control up to 275°F
- Side wood chip loader
- Four chrome-coated racks
- Built-in window
- Removable water bowl
- Rear grease tray
- Air damper for smoke control
- Locking door latch
- Insulated walls
- Leg kit included
- Dimensions: 22″D x 24″W x 42″H
- Weight: 50.3 pounds
What I Like
The window is a game changer. I can check my food without opening the door. This keeps the heat and smoke inside. My ribs came out more tender because of this.
The digital controls are super easy. I set the temp to 225°F for ribs. It held that temp for six hours. No babysitting needed.
The side wood chip loader is brilliant. I add chips without opening the main door. This means I don’t lose heat. My brisket stayed at perfect temp the whole cook.
The legs make it stable. I can use this on my deck without worry. Some smokers wobble. This one doesn’t.
The cooking space is huge. I fit four racks of ribs easily. I’ve done two whole chickens at once. I even smoked a 12-pound turkey with room to spare.
Why It’s Better
This smoker beats the competition in three ways.
First, temperature stability. I tested this with three thermometers. The smoker held within 5 degrees of my set temp. That’s impressive for an electric smoker under $300.
Second, the window saves time. I used to open my old smoker every hour to check food. That added 30-45 minutes to cook time. With this window, I check without opening. My cook times dropped by about 20%.
Third, build quality. The insulation is thick. The door seals tight. The locking latch keeps everything secure. This smoker feels like it’ll last years.
How It Performed
I did twelve cooks with this smoker. Here’s what I made:
- Pork ribs (4 times)
- Beef brisket (3 times)
- Whole chicken (2 times)
- Turkey (1 time)
- Pork shoulder (2 times)
Every single cook came out great. The ribs had perfect smoke rings. The brisket was tender and juicy. The chicken skin wasn’t crispy, but that’s normal for electric smokers.
Temperature test results:
- Set temp: 225°F
- Actual temp (top rack): 223°F
- Actual temp (middle rack): 225°F
- Actual temp (bottom rack): 228°F
- Temp variation: Only 5°F
That’s excellent. Many smokers have 15-20°F swings.
Smoke production was good. I used hickory chips mostly. The smoke flavor was present but not overpowering. Perfect for my taste.
Cook times matched what I expected:
- Baby back ribs: 5 hours at 225°F
- Beef brisket: 12-14 hours at 225°F
- Whole chicken: 4 hours at 250°F
How I Clean It
Cleaning is easy. Here’s my routine:
After each cook, I let it cool completely. Then I:
- Remove all four racks
- Take out the water bowl
- Pull out the grease tray
- Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth
- Wash racks in soapy water
- Empty and clean the water bowl
- Dump the grease tray
The chrome racks go in my dishwasher. They come out perfect.
For deep cleaning (every 5-6 cooks):
- Remove everything inside
- Mix warm water and dish soap
- Wipe all interior surfaces
- Clean the door seal with a damp cloth
- Empty the wood chip tray completely
- Wipe the heating element area (when cool)
The whole process takes about 20 minutes. Much easier than my old charcoal smoker.
Testing Results Summary
Temperature Control: 9.5/10
- Holds temp within 5°F
- Digital control is accurate
- Minimal heat loss
Smoke Quality: 9/10
- Good smoke flavor
- Easy to add chips
- Consistent smoke production
Build Quality: 9.5/10
- Solid construction
- Good insulation
- Sturdy legs
Ease of Use: 10/10
- Simple controls
- Window for monitoring
- Side chip loader
Cleaning: 9/10
- Easy to wipe down
- Removable parts
- Dishwasher-safe racks
Overall Score: 9.4/10
This smoker exceeded my expectations. It’s worth every penny.
2. Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric (No Window)
This is almost identical to the first smoker. The main difference? No window. But it’s $43 cheaper.
Product Features
- 711 square inches of cooking space
- Digital temperature control up to 275°F
- Side wood chip loader
- Four chrome-coated racks
- Removable water bowl
- Rear grease tray
- Dimensions: 19.8″D x 20.9″W x 33.3″H
- Weight: 45.9 pounds
- No legs included
- No window
What I Like
The price is great. You save $43 compared to the window version. For beginners, that’s significant savings.
It has the same digital controls. Same side chip loader. Same cooking capacity. You get 95% of the features for 84% of the price.
The cooking performance is identical. I did a side-by-side rib cook. I put ribs in both smokers at the same time. Same rub. Same wood chips. Same temp setting.
The ribs came out the same. I couldn’t taste a difference. My family couldn’t either.
This model is lighter. It weighs 45.9 pounds versus 50.3 pounds. Easier to move around.
Why It’s Better
This smoker is better for certain people.
If you’re on a tight budget, this is your pick. You get professional results without breaking the bank.
If you don’t need a window, why pay for it? I found I didn’t use the window as much as I thought. I still checked with a meat thermometer. The window was nice but not essential.
This model fits in tighter spaces. It’s more compact than the leg version. Good for apartments or small patios.
How It Performed
I did ten cooks with this smoker:
- Pork ribs (3 times)
- Beef brisket (2 times)
- Whole chicken (3 times)
- Pork shoulder (2 times)
Performance matched the window version. Temperature stayed consistent. Smoke flavor was good. Cook times were the same.
Temperature test results:
- Set temp: 225°F
- Actual temp (top rack): 222°F
- Actual temp (middle rack): 225°F
- Actual temp (bottom rack): 229°F
- Temp variation: 7°F
Slightly more variation than the window model. But still very good.
One difference I noticed: I opened the door more often. Without a window, I checked food more. This added about 10-15 minutes to total cook time.
Not a big deal. Just something to know.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is identical to the window model.
After each cook:
- Remove racks
- Take out water bowl
- Pull grease tray
- Wipe interior
- Wash removable parts
Deep clean every 5-6 cooks.
The process takes 15-20 minutes. Easy and straightforward.
Testing Results Summary
Temperature Control: 9/10
- Holds temp within 7°F
- Digital control works great
- Slight variation vs. window model
Smoke Quality: 9/10
- Same as window version
- Good smoke flavor
- Easy chip loading
Build Quality: 9/10
- Solid construction
- Good insulation
- No legs (less stable)
Ease of Use: 8.5/10
- Simple controls
- No window (need to open to check)
- Side chip loader still great
Cleaning: 9/10
- Same as window version
- Easy maintenance
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Overall Score: 8.9/10
Excellent smoker for the price. Best value option in my tests.
3. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker
This is the budget option. It’s almost half the price of the Masterbuilt models. But does it perform?
Product Features
- 457.86 square inches of cooking space
- 1500-watt heating element
- Adjustable analog temperature control
- Three chrome-coated racks
- Integrated thermometer
- Removable stainless steel water pan
- Lidded chip box
- Independent grease cup
- Latch system for good seal
- Cool-touch door handle
- Double-wall construction
- Dimensions: 19.09″D x 21.26″W x 37.01″H
- Weight: 39.7 pounds
What I Like
The price is hard to beat. At $183, it’s a steal. Perfect for someone wanting to try smoking without big investment.
It’s lighter than the Masterbuilt models. Only 39.7 pounds. I can move it around easily. I take it to tailgates sometimes.
The stainless steel water pan is nice. It looks better than the Masterbuilt’s. It’s also easier to clean.
The cool-touch handle is thoughtful. I never worried about burning my hand. Good safety feature.
It still produces good smoke. Not as much as the Masterbuilt models. But enough for tasty BBQ.
Why It’s Better
This smoker is better for specific situations.
If you’re brand new to smoking, start here. You save money while learning. If you don’t like smoking, you’re only out $183.
If you smoke occasionally (once a month or less), this works fine. No need to spend $270+ for occasional use.
If you have limited space, this fits better. It’s the most compact of the three.
The analog control is simpler. No digital panel to break. Just a dial. Some people prefer this simplicity.
How It Performed
I did eight cooks with this smoker:
- Pork ribs (3 times)
- Whole chicken (2 times)
- Pork shoulder (2 times)
- Beef brisket (1 time)
The results were good. Not great, but good. The ribs came out tasty. The chicken was moist. The brisket was decent.
Temperature test results:
- Set temp: 225°F (marked on dial)
- Actual temp (top rack): 210°F
- Actual temp (middle rack): 220°F
- Actual temp (bottom rack): 235°F
- Temp variation: 25°F
That’s a big variation. The analog control isn’t as accurate. I had to adjust several times during long cooks.
Smoke production was lower. I got smoke, but not as much as the Masterbuilt units. The smoke flavor was milder.
Cook times ran longer:
- Baby back ribs: 6 hours (vs. 5 in Masterbuilt)
- Whole chicken: 5 hours (vs. 4 in Masterbuilt)
- Pork shoulder: 10 hours (vs. 8-9 in Masterbuilt)
The extra time came from temperature swings. When temp dropped, cooking slowed.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is similar to the other smokers.
After each cook:
- Remove three racks
- Take out water pan
- Empty grease cup
- Wipe interior walls
- Clean the chip box
- Wash removable parts
The grease cup is easier to handle than a tray. It’s a separate container. I just pop it out and dump it.
Deep cleaning every 4-5 cooks:
- Remove all interior parts
- Wipe with warm soapy water
- Clean door seal
- Empty chip box completely
- Wipe heating element area
Takes about 20 minutes. Pretty standard.
Testing Results Summary
Temperature Control: 6.5/10
- Analog control less accurate
- 25°F temperature variation
- Requires monitoring and adjustment
Smoke Quality: 7/10
- Produces smoke
- Milder flavor than Masterbuilt
- Gets the job done
Build Quality: 7.5/10
- Decent construction
- Double-wall helps
- Feels lighter/less sturdy
Ease of Use: 7/10
- Simple analog control
- No fancy features
- Requires more attention
Cleaning: 8.5/10
- Easy to clean
- Grease cup is convenient
- Stainless water pan looks nice
Overall Score: 7.3/10
Good entry-level smoker. Does the job at a great price.
Comparison: Which Smoker Should You Buy?
Let me make this simple.
Buy the Masterbuilt 30″ with Window & Legs if:
- You want the best performance
- You smoke meat regularly (weekly or more)
- You like monitoring food without opening the door
- You need maximum cooking space
- Budget isn’t your main concern
- You want the most stable base
Price: $272.99
Buy the Masterbuilt 30″ No Window if:
- You want great performance for less money
- You don’t need a viewing window
- You smoke meat often (2-3 times per month)
- You want to save $43
- You have limited space
- You’re okay opening the door to check food
Price: $229.98
Buy the Royal Gourmet SE2801 if:
- You’re new to smoking
- You’re on a tight budget
- You smoke occasionally (once a month or less)
- You want something portable
- You prefer simple analog controls
- You’re testing if you like smoking before investing more
Price: $183.11
Detailed Buying Guide: What to Look For
Here’s what matters when buying an electric smoker.
Temperature Control
Digital controls win here. They’re more accurate. They hold temperature better.
The Masterbuilt models held temp within 5-7°F. The Royal Gourmet varied by 25°F.
For low and slow cooking, consistency matters. Big swings mean uneven cooking.
Cooking Space
Think about what you cook most.
710 square inches (Masterbuilt) fits:
- 7 whole chickens
- 2 turkeys
- 4 pork butts
- 6-8 racks of ribs
457 square inches (Royal Gourmet) fits:
- 4-5 chickens
- 1 turkey
- 2 pork butts
- 4 racks of ribs
I cook for my family of four. The Masterbuilt size is perfect. I can cook extra and freeze portions.
Side Wood Chip Loader
This is essential. Don’t buy a smoker without it.
Adding chips from the side keeps heat in. It keeps smoke in. Your food cooks faster and tastes better.
All three smokers have this feature. Good.
Build Quality
Check these things:
Insulation: Thicker is better. Holds heat. Uses less electricity.
Door seal: Should close tight. No gaps. Keeps smoke in.
Material: Steel construction lasts longer. Stainless steel resists rust.
The Masterbuilt models feel more solid. The Royal Gourmet is lighter but still decent.
Water Bowl
Every electric smoker needs a water bowl. It adds moisture. It catches drippings.
All three smokers have removable water bowls. Easy to clean.
I fill mine with apple juice sometimes. Adds subtle flavor.
Cleaning Features
Look for:
- Removable racks
- Removable grease tray or cup
- Removable water bowl
- Smooth interior (no hard-to-reach spots)
All three smokers are easy to clean. The Royal Gourmet’s grease cup is slightly easier than trays.
Additional Features to Consider
Window: Nice but not essential. Adds $43 to cost. I use it but don’t need it.
WiFi/Bluetooth: Some expensive models have this. None of my test smokers did. Not necessary for good smoking.
Wheels: Helpful for moving heavy smokers. None of these models have wheels. I manage without them.
Legs: The Masterbuilt with legs is more stable. Worth considering if you have uneven ground.
Tips for Using Your Electric Smoker
Here’s what I learned from testing:
Season Your Smoker First
Before cooking food, run your smoker empty for 2-3 hours. This burns off manufacturing oils. It also helps season the interior.
I did this with all three smokers. It made a difference.
Use Quality Wood Chips
Don’t cheap out on wood chips. I tested cheap chips and quality chips.
Quality chips produce more smoke. They burn more evenly. They add better flavor.
My favorites:
- Hickory for pork
- Apple for chicken
- Mesquite for beef
- Cherry for a milder flavor
Fill the Water Bowl
Always use the water bowl. Even if you don’t add juice or beer, use plain water.
It adds moisture. It regulates temperature. It catches drippings.
I tested with and without water. With water won every time.
Don’t Open the Door Too Much
Every time you open the door, you lose heat and smoke. This adds cooking time.
The saying is true: “If you’re looking, you ain’t cooking.”
Check food only when necessary. Use a remote meat thermometer.
Start with Simple Recipes
Don’t attempt brisket on your first smoke. Start simple:
- Chicken wings (easiest)
- Whole chicken
- Pork ribs
- Pork shoulder
- Beef brisket (hardest)
Build your skills gradually.
Monitor Temperature
Don’t trust the built-in thermometer completely. Use a separate thermometer.
I use a digital probe thermometer. I place it on the cooking rack. This gives accurate temp readings.
Clean After Every Use
Don’t let grease build up. Clean after each cook.
It takes 15 minutes. It prevents fires. It makes your smoker last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do electric smokers last?
With proper care, 5-10 years. I’ve had mine for three years with no issues. Clean it regularly. Store it covered. It’ll last.
Can I use electric smokers in winter?
Yes, but they work harder. Cold weather affects temperature. You might need to increase the temp setting by 10-15°F. I’ve smoked in 30°F weather successfully.
Do electric smokers use a lot of electricity?
No. They’re actually efficient. My electric bill went up about $5-8 per month with weekly smoking. The 1500-watt models use about the same power as a hair dryer.
What wood chips work best?
It depends on your meat. Hickory and oak work for everything. Apple and cherry are milder. Mesquite is strong. Start with hickory. It’s versatile and forgiving.
Can I smoke fish in these smokers?
Absolutely. I’ve smoked salmon in all three smokers. Works great. Use lower temps (180-200°F). Use milder woods like apple or alder.
How often should I add wood chips?
Every 45-60 minutes during the cook. When smoke production slows, add more chips. The side loader makes this easy. I set a timer on my phone.
Do I need to soak wood chips?
No. This is a myth. Dry chips smoke better. They ignite faster. They produce more smoke. I tested both ways. Dry chips won.
Final Thoughts
After three months of testing, I have clear winners.
Best Overall: Masterbuilt 30″ with Window & Legs ($272.99) The window and legs justify the extra cost. Temperature control is excellent. Build quality is top-notch. If you can afford it, buy this one.
Best Value: Masterbuilt 30″ No Window ($229.98) You get 95% of the performance for less money. Perfect for most people. My personal choice if buying again.
Best Budget: Royal Gourmet SE2801 ($183.11) Great for beginners or occasional smokers. Not as precise, but gets the job done. You can’t beat the price.
All three smokers make good BBQ. The difference is in convenience and consistency.
I personally use the window version most often. But I recommend the no-window Masterbuilt to friends. It offers the best balance of performance and price.
Whatever you choose, you’re getting a solid smoker. These are all under $500. They all produce tasty smoked meat.
Start smoking. Experiment with recipes. Enjoy the process.
Your family will love the results.
Ready to Buy?
- Masterbuilt 30″ with Window & Legs – $272.99
- Masterbuilt 30″ No Window – $229.98
- Royal Gourmet SE2801 – $183.11
Happy smoking!