The 10 Best Electric Smokers With Side Wood Chip Loaders for Perfectly Smoked Flavor

Written by: Editor In Chief
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If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking, electric smokers with side wood chip loaders are a game changer. These models let you add wood chips without losing heat, ensuring your food’s flavor is just right. From Masterbuilt to EAST OAK, there are numerous options tailored for every skill level. Curious about which smokers stand out in performance and ease of use? Let’s explore the top contenders.

Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (Model MB20071117)

If you’re searching for an electric smoker that combines versatility and ease of use, the Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (Model MB20071117) is an excellent choice. With a generous cooking area of 710 square inches, you can easily fit up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, or 4 racks of ribs. The digital control panel lets you set your desired smoking temperature, reaching up to 275°F. Plus, the patented side wood chip loader guarantees continuous smoke flavor without opening the door. Its removable water bowl adds moisture, assuring juicy, tender results while the rear grease tray makes cleanup a breeze.

Best For: Those who enjoy outdoor cooking and want an easy-to-use electric smoker for a variety of meats.

Pros:

  • Digital control panel allows for precise temperature and cooking time settings.
  • Patented side wood chip loader enables continuous smoke flavor without door opening.
  • Generous cooking area fits a variety of meats, perfect for gatherings and family meals.

Cons:

  • Electric operation may limit portability compared to traditional smokers.
  • Temperature range is capped at 275°F, which may not be suitable for some smoking techniques.
  • Requires access to an electrical outlet, limiting where it can be used outdoors.

Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (Model MB20070421)

The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (Model MB20070421) is the perfect choice for both novice and seasoned pitmasters looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game. With 710 square inches of cooking space, you can smoke up to 7 chickens or 4 racks of ribs at once. The digital controls let you set cooking times and temperatures up to 275°F, while the patented side woodchip loader guarantees continuous smoke without opening the door. Its lockable door latch retains heat, and the removable water bowl and grease tray make cleanup a breeze. Enjoy perfectly smoked flavor every time!

Best For: The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is best for both novice and experienced grillers looking to effortlessly smoke large quantities of meat with precision and ease.

Pros:

  • Digital controls allow for precise cooking times and temperatures.
  • Patented side woodchip loader enables continuous smoking without door exposure.
  • Spacious design accommodates a variety of meats for large gatherings.

Cons:

  • Electric dependency may limit use in areas without power access.
  • Vertical design may require more vertical space compared to traditional smokers.
  • Temperature limit of 275°F may not be suitable for all smoking techniques.

EAST OAK 30-inch Electric Smoker for Outdoor Cooking

For outdoor cooking enthusiasts seeking a reliable and efficient way to smoke meats, the EAST OAK 30-inch Electric Smoker stands out with its innovative side wood chip loader. This design allows you to enhance flavor without opening the door, maintaining heat for up to 3 hours. With a cooking area of 725 square inches and a maximum temperature of 275°F, you can easily accommodate various meats and veggies. The digital control panel keeps your smoking process precise, while the durable construction guarantees longevity. Cleaning is simple, making this smoker a fantastic choice for effortless outdoor cooking. Enjoy tender, juicy results every time!

Best For: Outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want a user-friendly electric smoker that delivers consistent flavor without the hassle of frequent door openings.

Pros:

  • Convenient side wood chip loader enables long smoking sessions without losing heat or smoke.
  • Digital control panel allows precise monitoring of temperature and time for perfect smoking results.
  • Durable construction with high-quality materials ensures longevity and resistance to damage.

Cons:

  • Electric power source may limit use to locations with electrical outlets, reducing portability.
  • Heavy weight at 59 pounds can make it less convenient to move or transport.
  • Initial setup temperature may require additional time for preheating before cooking can begin.

EAST OAK 30″ Electric Smoker for Outdoors

Looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game? The EAST OAK 30″ Electric Smoker is your perfect companion. With a generous 725 sq in cooking area, you can smoke full racks of ribs or multiple birds effortlessly. Its built-in meat probe tracks temperatures in real-time, guaranteeing your meals are cooked to perfection. Thanks to the side chip loader, you can add wood chips without losing heat, enhancing the smoky flavor. The digital controls simplify time and temperature settings, while the automatic keep-warm mode guarantees your food stays ready to serve. With a 4.7-star rating, this smoker’s performance speaks for itself.

Best For: Outdoor cooking enthusiasts and families looking for a reliable and spacious electric smoker to prepare flavorful meals.

Pros:

  • Built-in meat probe allows for real-time temperature monitoring, ensuring perfectly cooked dishes.
  • Side chip loader enables easy addition of wood chips without losing heat, enhancing the smoking process.
  • Digital controls make it user-friendly for setting time and temperature, catering to both beginners and experienced smokers.

Cons:

  • Electric power source may limit portability compared to charcoal or wood smokers.
  • Weight of 52.3 lbs can make it less convenient to move around for outdoor events.
  • Initial setup requires cleaning and preheating, which may be time-consuming for some users.

EAST OAK Ridgewood Pro 30″ Electric Smoker with Built-in Meat Probe

Experience the convenience of the EAST OAK Ridgewood Pro 30″ Electric Smoker, perfect for those who love to create mouthwatering smoked dishes without the hassle. With a spacious 725 square inches of cooking area and a built-in meat probe, you can effortlessly monitor your meat’s internal temperature, ensuring perfection every time. The side chip loader allows you to add wood chips without losing heat, while the elevated stand enhances your cooking experience. Enjoy longer smoking sessions with up to six times the smoke per load, making this electric smoker an essential choice for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.

Best For: Outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want an easy-to-use electric smoker that delivers delicious smoked dishes with minimal effort.

Pros:

  • Longer smoking sessions with up to six times the smoke per load, reducing the need for frequent wood chip refills.
  • Built-in meat probe allows for real-time monitoring of internal meat temperature, ensuring perfect results every time.
  • Elevated stand improves ergonomics and user experience, making it more comfortable to use.

Cons:

  • Limited to electric power, which may not appeal to traditionalists who prefer charcoal or wood fire smoking methods.
  • Initial heating may produce smoke and odors due to oil residue, which could be off-putting before first use.
  • Heavier weight (58 pounds) may make it less portable for some users.

Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (Model MB20072918)

The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (Model MB20072918) is ideal for both novice and seasoned smokers who crave convenience and precision in their outdoor cooking. With 970 square inches of cooking space, it guarantees even smoke and heat distribution for perfectly smoked foods. The digital control panel lets you easily set the cooking time and temperature, while the patented side wood chip loader allows you to add flavor without losing heat. Lightweight at 58.32 pounds and made of durable cold-rolled steel, this smoker is a fantastic choice for enhancing your backyard BBQ experience. Enjoy the smoky goodness!

Best For: Those looking for a user-friendly and efficient electric smoker for both beginner and experienced BBQ enthusiasts seeking quality smoked dishes.

Pros:

  • Digital control panel simplifies setting cooking time and temperature for precision smoking.
  • Patented side wood chip loader allows for flavor enhancement without losing heat or smoke.
  • Spacious cooking area of 970 square inches accommodates larger batches of food.

Cons:

  • Electric power source may limit usage in areas without electrical outlets.
  • Weight of 58.32 pounds might make it less portable for some users.
  • Cold-rolled steel construction may require regular maintenance to prevent rusting.

EAST OAK Ridgewood 30″ Electric Smoker

For those who love the art of smoking meats but want to avoid the hassle of constantly monitoring the process, the EAST OAK Ridgewood 30″ Electric Smoker stands out with its innovative side wood chip loader. With a generous 725 square inches of cooking space and four removable chrome-plated racks, you’ll easily accommodate everything from meats on the lower racks to veggies up top. The 800W heating tube delivers consistent smoke, while the digital control panel lets you monitor temperature and time, reaching up to 275°F for up to 12 hours. Its durable construction guarantees it’ll withstand outdoor use for years.

Best For: Those who enjoy smoking meats and want a user-friendly, low-maintenance electric smoker for outdoor cooking.

Pros:

  • Large cooking space: With 725 sq inches, it can accommodate a variety of foods simultaneously.
  • Convenient side wood chip loader: Allows for continuous smoking for 2-3 hours without opening the door, preserving heat and flavor.
  • Digital control panel: Easy monitoring of internal temperature and cooking time for hassle-free smoking.

Cons:

  • Limited maximum temperature: It only reaches up to 275°F, which may not be suitable for all smoking techniques.
  • Electric dependency: Requires an electrical outlet, limiting outdoor use in remote locations without power.
  • Potential for uneven cooking: Depending on the placement of racks, some foods may cook faster than others.

Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker with Adjustable Racks

With its large 548 sq. in. cooking area, the Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Its three adjustable chrome-steel racks let you easily smoke larger cuts while being dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleanup. The 1500-watt burner offers precise temperature control from 100°F to 400°F, ensuring your meats and veggies are cooked just right. Plus, the built-in thermometer helps you monitor internal temperatures without opening the door. With convenient water and wood trays, setup and maintenance become a breeze, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor smoking.

Best For: The Cuisinart 30″ Electric Smoker is best for both beginners and seasoned BBQ enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use and efficient smoking solution.

Pros:

  • Adjustable chrome-steel racks provide flexibility for smoking larger cuts and are dishwasher-safe.
  • Precise temperature control from 100°F to 400°F allows for versatile cooking options.
  • Built-in thermometer and convenient water and wood trays enhance the overall user experience.

Cons:

  • The weight of 58.5 pounds may make it less portable for some users.
  • The corded electric power source limits outdoor use to locations near an electrical outlet.
  • Some users may prefer a propane or charcoal smoker for a different flavor profile.

Large Vertical Electric Smoker Grill with Built-in Meat Probe

If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game, the Large Vertical Electric Smoker Grill with a built-in meat probe is designed for both beginners and seasoned pitmasters alike. With a generous 633 sq in capacity, you can smoke whole turkeys, racks of ribs, or multiple briskets effortlessly. The built-in meat probe lets you monitor temperatures from 50°F to 250°F, ensuring perfect results every time. Its digital thermostat offers precise control, while the energy-efficient design uses 30% less power. Easy to assemble and maintain, this smoker is perfect for BBQ parties, tailgating, or holiday feasts. Enjoy delicious smoked flavors with ease!

Best For: This smoker grill is best for BBQ enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced pitmasters, looking to create delicious smoked dishes with ease.

Pros:

  • Versatile functionality allows for smoking, roasting, baking, and grilling, catering to various cooking styles.
  • Built-in meat probe provides real-time temperature monitoring for perfect cooking results.
  • Energy-efficient design uses 30% less power than traditional smokers, saving on electricity costs.

Cons:

  • Customer rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars indicates mixed reviews, suggesting some users may have had issues.
  • Weight of 72 pounds may make it less portable for users who need to move it frequently.
  • Best Sellers Rank of #119,593 may imply limited popularity compared to other similar products on the market.

Masterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory Attachment (Model MB20100112)

The Masterbuilt® Slow and Cold Smoker Accessory Attachment (Model MB20100112) is perfect for anyone who loves to experiment with flavors while smoking a variety of foods. This compact and lightweight unit, made of durable alloy steel, operates with corded electric power and utilizes wood chips for fuel. It delivers continuous smoke for both cold and hot smoking, making it ideal for cheese, fish, bacon, and jerky. With a continuous wood feed system, you can enjoy up to six hours of smoke without interruptions. Plus, the removable ash tray makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring more time for delicious results.

Best For: Anyone looking to enhance their culinary experience by smoking a variety of foods, from cheese to jerky, with ease and convenience.

Pros:

  • Versatile Smoking Options: Suitable for both cold and hot smoking, allowing for a wide range of food preparations.
  • Long Smoke Duration: Continuous wood feed system provides up to six hours of smoke without the need for reloading.
  • Easy Cleanup: The removable ash tray simplifies maintenance and keeps the smoking process hassle-free.

Cons:

  • Power Dependency: Requires a corded electric power source, which may limit outdoor usage options.
  • Weight: At nearly 10 pounds, it may be considered bulky for some users who prefer more portable smoking solutions.
  • Limited Temperature Range: Operates up to 275˚F, which may not meet the needs for certain high-temperature smoking applications.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Smoker With Side Wood Chip Loader

When you’re choosing an electric smoker with a side wood chip loader, contemplate cooking capacity and temperature control features that fit your needs. You’ll also want to take into account how easy it is to maintain and clean, along with the durability and build quality. Finally, compare prices to guarantee you’re getting the best value for your investment.

Cooking Capacity Options

Choosing the right cooking capacity for your electric smoker with a side wood chip loader can make all the difference in your smoking experience. Electric smokers typically range from 548 to 970 square inches, allowing you to smoke multiple meats at once. You can easily accommodate up to 7 chickens, 2 turkeys, or 4 pork butts, making these smokers ideal for large gatherings. Look for models with adjustable racks that let you maximize space, placing meats on lower racks and vegetables above. Consider smokers that can handle whole birds or large cuts of meat for added versatility. Remember, vertical designs often provide more cooking capacity than traditional horizontal models, so choose wisely based on your needs.

Temperature Control Features

To achieve perfectly smoked meats, understanding temperature control features is crucial. Look for electric smokers that offer digital control panels, allowing you to set and monitor temperatures easily, often up to 275°F. Precise temperature control guarantees your meats cook at those recommended low and slow temperatures for ideal tenderness and flavor. Many models come with built-in thermometers or meat probes, providing real-time tracking to prevent overcooking or undercooking. Additionally, adjustable air dampers let you customize smoke flow and temperature based on what you’re smoking. Integrated timers also enhance your experience by allowing you to set specific cooking durations for different meats, guaranteeing consistent results every time you fire up your smoker.

Maintenance and Cleanup Ease

Maintaining an electric smoker can be straightforward, especially with models featuring a side wood chip loader. Look for smokers with removable components, like water bowls and grease trays, which make cleanup after cooking a breeze. The side wood chip loader allows you to add chips without opening the door, minimizing mess and maintaining your smoker’s cleanliness. Opt for smokers made from powder-coated or stainless steel, as they’re easier to clean and more resistant to rust. Some models even have built-in mechanisms for ash and residue collection, further simplifying maintenance. Don’t forget to run your smoker at high temperatures occasionally to burn off any remaining residues, ensuring both cleanliness and longevity of your appliance.

Durability and Build Quality

When it comes to electric smokers, durability and build quality play a significant role in your overall cooking experience. Look for smokers made from high-quality materials like powder-coated or cold-rolled steel to guarantee they resist rust and wear over time. A model with multiple layers of insulation will help retain heat and smoke, enhancing cooking performance and longevity. Don’t overlook the weight; heavier smokers usually indicate sturdier construction and stability during use. Check for design features such as aluminum plating along edges to minimize deformation. Finally, verify the smoker has removable components for easy maintenance and cleaning, as this can prevent residue buildup and corrosion, ultimately extending the life of your unit.

Price and Value Comparison

Finding the right electric smoker with a side wood chip loader involves balancing price and value effectively. When you’re comparing options, consider cooking capacity first—larger smokers can justify higher prices if they accommodate more food. Typically, expect to spend between $200 to $500, influenced by brand reputation and features like digital controls. Customers often rate value based on cooking performance, durability, and ease of use, with higher-rated models usually costing more. Don’t overlook warranty offerings; a longer warranty can mean a higher price, but it’s a good indicator of quality. Finally, advanced features like precise temperature control and timers often enhance convenience and cooking results, providing better long-term value for your investment.