Editor’s note: Originally published February 2019. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Smoker (20071117) — digital controls, four racks and a side wood-chip loader.
- Lowest price: Smoke Hollow SH19079518 — digital panel, removable drip pan and water bowl, 1-year warranty.
- Best for cold weather: Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker — double-wall insulation, 1500 W element and 504 sq in, but only a low/medium/high dial.
You can get a capable electric smoker for under $200 from well-known brands such as Masterbuilt, Smoke Hollow and Char-Broil. Electric smokers are an easy way to start smoking: plug in, set the controls and let it work, with no charcoal or propane to manage. Prices change, so check current prices before you buy.
Below are three budget electric smokers, compared on the features and specifications their manufacturers list rather than on our own testing.
The best electric smokers under $200
1. Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Smoker (20071117)
The Masterbuilt 20071117 is our top pick for this budget. It suits beginners and experienced smokers alike, and its digital controls make smoking as simple as plugging in, setting the temperature and time, and letting it run.
A side-loading wood chip system lets you add chips without opening the door and losing heat and smoke. Masterbuilt lists enough capacity for a big gathering: 8 racks of ribs, 6 whole chickens, 24 burgers, 4 pork butts, 64 sausages or 2 whole turkeys.
Listed specifications
- Digital controls; four racks
- Side-loading wood chip system
- Dimensions: 19.9 x 20.5 x 33.3 in
- Weight: 39.34 lb
- 90-day limited warranty
Pros
- Digital controls are easy to use
- Add wood chips without opening the door
- Large listed capacity for its size
- Lightest smoker in this guide
Cons
- No wheels
- No interior light for checking food in the dark
- Cover sold separately
- Shortest warranty here (90 days)
2. Smoke Hollow SH19079518 Electric Smoker
The Smoke Hollow SH19079518 was the least expensive of the three at the time of writing, making it the pick for a tight budget. It offers plenty of cooking space for the price, a digital control panel, and a removable drip pan and water bowl for easier cleaning.
The main drawback is that you have to open the main door to add wood chips, which lets smoke and heat escape. Some owners also reported the control panel malfunctioning after only a few uses. Smoke Hollow lists capacity for 3 racks of ribs, 3 pork butts, 2 turkeys, 24 burgers or 36 sausages.
Listed specifications
- Digital control panel; three racks
- Removable drip pan and water bowl
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 18.2 x 33.4 in
- Weight: 46.51 lb
- 1-year limited warranty
Pros
- Lots of cooking space for the price
- Removable drip pan for easy cleaning
- Removable water bowl
- Digital controls
Cons
- No wheels or lifting handle
- Must open the main door to add wood chips
- Reports of control panel failures after a few uses
3. Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker
The Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker takes a simpler approach. Instead of a top-mounted digital panel, it has a 1500-watt heating element with a front-mounted temperature gauge and a low/medium/high dial.
Its double-wall insulation helps it hold steady temperatures, even in winter. Three adjustable chrome-plated racks give 504 sq in of cooking space, and handles and raised legs make it easier to move and keep it off the ground.
Listed specifications
- 1500 W heating element; front-mounted temperature gauge
- Double-wall insulation
- Three adjustable chrome-plated racks; 504 sq in cooking space
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 20 x 37.8 in
- Weight: 49.6 lb
- 1-year limited warranty
Pros
- Double-wall insulation for steadier temperatures in cold weather
- Handles make it easier to move
- Legs lift the unit off the ground
Cons
- Only a low/medium/high dial, not precise digital control
- Power cord could be longer
- Grease cup on the bottom is tippy
How to choose
Before you buy, consider price, durability, weight and the size you have room to store. A digital controller is easier for beginners, while insulation matters more if you smoke in cold weather. Whatever you choose, the built-in gauge on a budget smoker is a rough guide, so use a probe such as a wireless BBQ thermometer to check doneness against our safe internal cooking temperatures.
Bottom line
The Masterbuilt 20071117 is the most convenient all-rounder thanks to its digital controls and side chip loader. The Smoke Hollow costs the least, and the Char-Broil is the better choice for winter smoking if you don’t mind a simple dial. If you’d rather have a grill that also smokes, see our best pellet grills under $500.
FAQ
Which electric smoker lets you add wood chips without opening the door?
The Masterbuilt 20071117, with its side-loading wood chip system. The Smoke Hollow requires opening the main door.
Which budget electric smoker is best in cold weather?
The Char-Broil Vertical Electric Smoker, because of its double-wall insulation.
