Imagine the smoky aroma of perfectly cooked ribs filling your backyard. Does that sound delicious? Electric smokers make achieving that amazing flavor easier than ever. But with so many choices, picking what to smoke can be a little tricky. You want to impress your friends and family, but you don’t want to waste time and ingredients on something that won’t turn out great.
Choosing the right food for your electric smoker is key to unlocking its full potential. You might be wondering, “What actually smokes well in an electric smoker?” or “How can I get that deep, smoky taste without all the fuss?” It’s a common question, and we’re here to help you find the answers. By the end of this post, you’ll have a fantastic list of delicious things to smoke, along with tips to make them taste incredible.
Get ready to discover a world of smoky delights! We’ll dive into the best meats, vegetables, and even some surprising items that shine in an electric smoker. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming an electric smoking pro and creating mouthwatering meals everyone will love.
Top Things To Smoke In Electric Smoker Recommendations
No. 1
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors | Built-in Meat Probe & Clear Viewing Window | Side Chip Loader for 6x Longer Uninterrupted Smoking | 725 sq in Cooking Area for Bigger Batches, Mist Black
- FEWER REFILLS, MORE FLAVOR – With 6× longer smokes per load, you get uninterrupted smoking sessions that lock in flavor and bark. No need to constantly open the door or reload chips—just set it, relax, and let this electric smoker do the heavy lifting
- ALWAYS COOKED TO PERFECTION – The built-in meat probe tracks internal temperature in real time, so you know exactly when your meat is ready—no opening the door, no drying it out, no second-guessing. This meat smoker even stops automatically and switches to keep-warm mode when your target time is reached
- EASY RELOAD WITH NO HEAT LOSS – Add wood chips anytime using the side chip loader—no need to open the main door or disrupt your heat. Enjoy steady smoke and consistent flavor from start to finish
- BIGGER SPACE, BIGGER BATCHES – With 725 square inches of cooking area, you can load up full racks of ribs, multiple whole birds, or multiple cuts at once. Ideal for family gatherings, weekend prep, or serious smoke sessions
- SET IT AND FORGET IT – Digital controls make it easy to set your time and temperature, then let the outdoor smoker handle the rest. Just load it up, lock it in, and enjoy consistent, stress-free results every time
No. 2
EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors | Built-in Meat Probe & Clear Viewing Window | Side Chip Loader for 6x Longer Uninterrupted Smoking | 725 sq in Cooking Area for Bigger Batches, Mist Silver
- SET IT. SMOKE IT. ENJOY IT. – Take the stress out of traditional BBQ smoking. Simply set your desired temperature up to 275°F and the integrated 12-hour digital timer. Once cooking is complete, the smoker automatically switches to a 120°F Keep Warm mode, keeping food ready to serve without overcooking. Enjoy tender, flavorful BBQ with confidence—whether it's your first smoke or your hundredth
- HOURS OF SMOKE, ONE LOAD OF CHIPS – Keep the smoke rolling, not the refills. Our oversized patented side-loading wood chip tray delivers up to 4–6 hours of continuous smoke on a single load, creating rich smoky flavor and a beautiful bark from start to finish. Spend more time enjoying the cook and less time tending the smoker. When it's finally time to add more wood chips, simply refill from the outside without opening the door, keeping heat and smoke exactly where they belong
- LOCK IN HEAT. KEEP THE SMOKE IN. – Double-layer steel construction and dense internal foam insulation help minimize heat loss, keeping more heat inside the cooking chamber throughout the cook. A tightly sealed door and cooking chamber help contain heat and smoke, creating an insulated environment designed to keep the smoking process running smoothly from start to finish.
- BIG CAPACITY. SMALL FOOTPRINT. – Enjoy authentic wood-smoked flavor without the mess of charcoal or firewood. Powered by a clean 800W heating element, this vertical electric smoker offers 725 sq. in. of cooking space across 4 adjustable smoking racks, giving you plenty of room for brisket, ribs, pork butts, or whole turkeys—all in a compact footprint that makes the most of your outdoor cooking space. Ideal for family gatherings, weekend prep, or serious smoke sessions
- KNOW WHEN IT'S DONE. – Keep an eye on your cook without opening the door. The large viewing window lets you easily monitor food progress while the built-in precision meat probe tracks internal temperatures in real time. Together, they take the guesswork out of smoking, helping you achieve your preferred doneness while preserving valuable heat and smoke for consistently delicious results
No. 3
Upgrade 1650W Electric Smoker Heating Element with Adjustable Thermostat Controller, Universal Replacement Parts for Smoke Hollow, Charbroil, Dyna-Glo, Masterbuilt, Cuisinart etc Electric Smoker Grill
- Widely Compatible: The Universal 1650W Electric Smoker Heating Element Replacement Kit with Adjustable Thermostat Controller fit for most electric smokers and grills as Masterbuilt, Char-Broil, Smoke Hollow, Cuisinart, Brinkmann Gourmet, Dyna-Glo and more. As long as you make sure there is a rectangular opening (inch).
- Upgrade Heating Element Power: Operating Voltage: 120V; Power: 1650W; Current: 15A. With the upgrade 1650W heating element to replace your original 1200W or 1500W, it can heats up your smoker faster and maintains a higher temperature than the original. Adjustable Temperature Range: 50°F-350°F (Depends on the size of your smoker/grill).
- DIY Your Smoker: Adding the heating element to your charcoal or pellet grill smoker as a secondary heat source would help hold the temperature, the thermostat gives you better temperature control than charcoal, no more like charcoal smokers must to adjusting the fire every 20 minutes or it will be too hot or too cold.
- Operational Safety：Heating element is made of high-quality stainless steel, strong wear resistance and oxidation resistance, safe durable and high heating efficiency. The temperature control power supply is made of heavy gauge soft rubber cables, thick and long lasting, built in Controller Heating On indicator light.
- Easy installation: This electric smoker heating element is easy to install. NOTE: it requires a rectangular opening on the side of your smoker. If any problem occurs during the installation or use of the product, please feel free to contact us and we will solve it to your satisfaction.
SaleNo. 4
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
- Digital controls to easily set cooking time and temperature up to 275°F
- Patented side woodchip loader to continually add wood-fired smoked flavor without having to open the smoker door to keep smoke in during the cooking process, resulting in enhanced low and slow cooked dishes
- Four chrome-coated smoking racks
- Spacious vertical design that fits up to 7 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs
$268.51
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No. 5
1650W Electric Smoker Heating Element with Adjustable Thermostat Probe Cord
- 🔥【𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭】High Power 1650W 120V 15A Electric Smoker Heating Element Replacement Kit with Adjustable Thermostat Controller Compatible with Masterbuilt, Char-Broil, Smoke Hollow, Cuisinart, Brinkmann Gourmet Most Electric Smokers Grills and Cerakote Ovens. TIP: ENSURE THIS FITS YOUR MODEL NUMBER.
- 🔥【𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩】If your Electric Smoker struggles to achieve temperature, Replace the original 1200W or 1500W Heating Element with our 1650W Electric Smoker Heating Element Replacement, it can heat your smoker faster and holds higher temperatures than the original unit. Temperature ranges from 150F up to 350F. (*Depends on the size of your smoker)
- 🔥【𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫】Convert charcoal smoker, propane smoker or pellet smoke into electric smoker. Adding the heating element to a charcoal smoker would help hold the temperature, unlike the charcoal smoker which would have to adjust the fire every 20 minutes, it would either get too hot or be too cool. The thermostat allows you to control the heat far better than charcoal.
- 🔥【𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐝】Diameter of the probe is 1.8", made of stainless steel. 300W 120V temperature control knob marked low, medium and high temperature, can adjust the temperature range from 50°F to 350°F. The cable is 14 AWG.
- ⚙️【𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥】This Electric Smoker Heating Element Replacement Kit is very easy to install. Use 2 self-tapping screws to secure from inside the smoker (it requires a rectangular opening on the side of your smoker.). The total installation time was 5 minutes. Come with the Little Legs to Stand still instead of floating around.
SaleNo. 6
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker, 3-in-1 BBQ, Bake & Roast, OG301 | Ninja Woodfire Grill & Smoker uses real wood pellets & electric power to grill 6 steaks or smoke a 9-lb brisket
- MASTER GRILL & BBQ SMOKER: All in one with 100% real smoky flavor.
- ELECTRIC MASTER GRILL: Get all the performance of a full-size propane grill* with the same char and searing, with 1760 Watts of fully electric power. *compared to a Weber spirit
- FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Create authentic BBQ bark and flavor fast and easy with just 1/2 cup of pellets.
- NINJA WOODFIRE TECHNOLOGY: Powered by electricity, flavored by real burning wood pellets. Create rich smoky flavor you can see and taste with any cook function. From meat lovers to veggie enthusiasts, there's something for everyone.
- UNMATCHED VERSATILITY: Perfect for individuals, couples, or family get-togethers, enjoy grilling, baking, roasting, and smoking, all in one appliance.
$269.99
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No. 7
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Side Wood Chip Loader, Chrome Racks and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20071117
- DIGITAL CONTROLS - Set your desired smoking temperature and cooking time on the digital control panel for seamless smoking experience up to temperatures of 275°F
- PATENTED SIDE WOOD CHIP LOADER - Patented side wood chip loader to continually add smoke flavor without having to open the smoker door, locking in heat, smoke, and moisture for delicious and juicy meat
- WATER BOWL TO ADD MOISTURE – The removable water bowl allows for optimal amount of moisture, resulting in juicy and tender meats. Experiment with different juice flavors for hints of various flavor profiles
- SPACIOUS VERTICLE DESIGN with 711 cooking square inches that fits up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 pork butts or 4 racks of ribs, 4 Chrome-coated smoking racks
- FOUR chrome coated smoking racks included
$239.71
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No. 8
ExGizmo Electric Smoke Generator, 35W Adjustable Hot and Cold Smoker, 304 Stainless Steel Smoke Generator for Meats, Salmon & Cheeses, Works with Pellet Smokers & Gas Grills, Great Gift for Men, Dad
- Tar-Free & Healthier: The unique dual-tube design filters out thick tar in an extra chamber, so tar never touches your food. You can enjoy rich, authentic smoky flavor without any unwanted residues.This cold smoke generator provides clean smoke, offering a healthier choice than ordinary smoke tubes.
- Easy to Use: This 35W smoke generator for smoker works well with gas grills and pellet grills. It fixes the common problem of not having enough smoke from pellet grills.The electric smoke generator produces plenty of steady smoke whenever you need it, so you will always get full, rich smoky flavor.
- Durable & Portable: Made of premium 304 stainless steel, this cold smoker is heat-resistant, rustproof and durable. It is lightweight and portable, great for outdoor BBQ, camping and backyard cooking. The heat-resistant handle ensures safe operation. This smoke generator upgrades your grilling experience.
- Adjustable Smoke Settings: This cold smoker features button controls to adjust smoke density for your preferred flavor. You can add your favorite wood pellets such as cherry, pecan, mesquite and apple to create mild to rich flavors. It lets you make restaurant-quality smoked food easily at home.
- Wide Application: This cold smoke generator provides long-lasting, stable smoke for richer flavor. It works with pellet smokers & gas grills and is great for steaks, chicken, burgers, pork, salmon, cheese, nuts and biscuits. It also makes a great gift for men and dad.
Choosing the Best Things to Smoke in Your Electric Smoker
So, you’ve got a shiny new electric smoker! That’s awesome. Now, what delicious things can you actually cook in it? Electric smokers are super easy to use. They control the temperature for you. This makes smoking food a breeze. Let’s dive into what makes smoking in an electric smoker so great.
Key Features to Look For
When picking what to smoke, think about these things:
- Size: How much food do you want to cook? Small families might only need a little bit. Big parties need more!
- Ease of Use: Most electric smokers are simple. You just set the temperature and add wood chips.
- Temperature Control: Does it keep a steady heat? Good smokers hold their temperature well. This is important for cooking food perfectly.
- Water Pan: Many smokers have a water pan. This keeps your food moist. It stops your food from drying out.
- Wood Chip Tray: This is where you put your wood chips. They make the smoky flavor.
Important Materials
What kind of food works best?
- Meats: Pork, beef, chicken, and fish are popular choices. Ribs, pulled pork, and brisket are amazing in an electric smoker.
- Vegetables: You can smoke vegetables too! Bell peppers, onions, and even corn taste great.
- Cheeses: Smoked cheese is a real treat. Try cheddar or gouda.
- Nuts: Smoked almonds or pecans are a fantastic snack.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make your smoked food taste even better. Others can make it not so good.
- Marinades and Rubs: These add flavor before you even start smoking. A good rub makes a big difference.
- Wood Chip Flavor: Different wood chips give different flavors. Hickory is strong. Applewood is sweet. Experiment to find your favorite.
- Smoking Time: Don’t rush it! Low and slow is the way to go. This helps meat become tender.
- Overcrowding: Don’t pack your smoker too full. Food needs space to cook evenly.
- Opening the Door Too Much: Every time you open the door, heat escapes. This makes cooking take longer. Try to resist peeking too often!
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an electric smoker is a great experience. It’s perfect for:
- Weekends: Make a big batch of pulled pork for sandwiches.
- Tailgating: Smoke some chicken wings for the game.
- Parties: Impress your friends with smoked ribs.
- Healthy Eating: Smoke vegetables for a delicious side dish.
It’s a fun way to cook. You can make amazing food with little effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the easiest meat to smoke in an electric smoker?
A: Chicken pieces, like wings or thighs, are very easy to smoke. They cook relatively quickly and stay moist.
Q: Can I smoke fish in an electric smoker?
A: Yes! Salmon, trout, and other fatty fish smoke beautifully. They become flaky and flavorful.
Q: Do I need to brine meat before smoking it?
A: Brining is optional but can improve moisture and flavor, especially for leaner meats like chicken breast.
Q: How long does it take to smoke pork ribs?
A: Pork ribs usually take about 3-4 hours at 225-250°F (107-121°C).
Q: What kind of wood chips should I use for beef?
A: Hickory, mesquite, or a blend of oak and cherry wood chips work well for beef.
Q: Can I smoke cheese that is already sliced?
A: Yes, you can smoke sliced cheese. It will give it a nice smoky flavor.
Q: How do I prevent my smoked food from drying out?
A: Use the water pan if your smoker has one. You can also wrap your food in foil for the last part of the cooking time.
Q: What temperature should I set my electric smoker to?
A: A common temperature for smoking is between 225°F and 250°F (107°C to 121°C).
Q: Can I smoke vegetables for a long time?
A: Vegetables cook much faster than meat. You usually only need to smoke them for 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the vegetable.
Q: What are some beginner-friendly foods to smoke?
A: Start with chicken wings, pork chops, salmon, or cheese. These are forgiving and provide great results.