Top 5 Best Electric Smoker For Cold Weather

Barbecue, grilled, and smoked meat is delightful in every season, especially in winter, a smoky hot piece of meat with a cold beverage can give you a break from all the world’s tensions. Technology has developed to the edge where everything can be made possible everywhere.

Now, you can enjoy your favorite aromatic, delicious, smoking, barbecued meal on a cold winter evening on your snow-covered lawn, or you can take your smoker to the sidewalks of the beach where roasted fish and a hot cup of coffee keep you out of this world.

All you have to do is make the right choice in deciding the best electric smoker for cold weather, and you are all set to make and enjoy hot-smoked meals throughout the cold season. To save you from the confusion, about what and how to choose. We have gathered a list of the 5 best electric smokers for cold weather in 2023.

Why Do You Need An Electric Smoker?

Electric smokers are proven to be the best equipment for barbecuing in the winter season. The main advantage of the electric smoker is that you do not have to keep loading it with coal, and you also do not have to worry about gas flaring up because the electric smoker starts instantaneously.

Another advantage is the maintenance of the temperature in the electric smoker. You can set your desired temperature just once, and the smoker will maintain it no matter the fluctuation of the outside temperature.

Difference Between Electric Smoker and Electric Grill?

While an electric smoker and an electric grill both serve different purposes and have their own advantages, there are many edges to choosing an electric smoker over an electric grill, particularly for certain types of cooking, such as barbecuing in the winter season.

Slow and low cooking:

Electric smokers are designed to cook food slowly at low temperatures, which is ideal for smoking meats, fish, and other dishes that benefit from extended cooking times. The controlled low temperature allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. On the other hand, electric grills are better suited for quick and high-temperature cooking, such as grilling steaks, burgers, and vegetables.

Smoking capabilities:

The primary purpose of an electric smoker is to smoke food, infusing it with rich smoky flavors. It achieves this through the use of wood chips or pellets that generate smoke, creating that distinct barbecue taste. While some electric grills come with smoking capabilities, they might not be as effective or provide the same level of smoky flavor as a dedicated electric smoker.

Temperature control:

As you mentioned, electric smokers offer excellent temperature control and stability. Once you set your desired temperature, the smoker will maintain it consistently, regardless of outside weather conditions. This precision is essential for achieving perfectly cooked and smoked dishes. While some electric grills do offer temperature control, the stability might not be as precise as that of an electric smoker.

Versatility:

Electric smokers can accommodate larger quantities of food, making them ideal for cooking for a crowd or preparing larger cuts of meat. They often come with multiple racks, providing ample space for smoking various items simultaneously. Electric grills, while great for quick cooking, might have limited space and might not be as suitable for smoking larger portions.

Set-and-forget convenience:

Electric smokers allow for a “set-and-forget” approach. Once you’ve set the temperature and placed the food inside, you don’t need to constantly tend to the cooking process. This is especially beneficial for smoking, where longer cooking times are required. Electric grills may require more frequent attention and monitoring during the cooking process.

Features of Best Electric Smoker for Cold Weather

When looking for the best electric smoker for cold weather, there are several features to consider that will help ensure optimal performance and usability even in low temperatures. Here are some important features to look for:

1. Heating System

Most electric smokers are equipped with a heating system that is made of stainless steel. The wattage of the heating system matters when it comes to cold weather smoking. Higher wattage elements can generate and maintain heat more effectively, especially in chilly conditions. Look for smokers with powerful heating elements to handle the cold weather demands.

2. The Design of the Body

The body of the electric smoker should be designed to withstand cold weather. It should be made of high-quality materials, and it should be made of durable material so that it can last for many years. It should have excellent insulation to retain heat effectively. Look for models with double-walled construction or insulated walls to minimize heat loss during cold weather. Proper insulation helps maintain a stable internal temperature and improves overall cooking efficiency.

3. The Control System

• Most electric smokers are equipped with a control system that is easy to use.
• The cold-weather electric smoker is suitable for use in winter. It can be used indoors or outdoors.
• It can be operated by anyone, it is easy to operate and convenient to use.
• It has a long service life, which means it will not need to be replaced often.
• It has low noise, so you can enjoy your barbecue without being disturbed by noise.
• It is made of high-quality materials, so it will last for a long time.

1. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker

The Masterbuilt 20071117 digital electric smoker is well-known for its outstanding performance in all weather situations. It comes with a hardwood chip loading mechanism that lets you properly distribute the smokey taste throughout the cuisine.

This electric smoker maintains perfect temperatures even when the weather changes with completely insulated housing. It includes four separate chrome-plated racks that are simple to clean and handle.

You receive a suitable thermostat control that allows you to accurately manage the temperature inside the smoker and cook the meal. The smoker’s computerized control panel makes it simple to check the temperature.

The Masterbuilt 20071117 digital electric smoker is extremely simple to use and maintain despite its high-tech features. It is ideal for beginners and experienced smokers. Without the inconvenience of charcoal or gas, you’ll attain competition-ready performance in your backyard. Put in this smoker, set the digital controls, and it will do the rest.

Thanks to the innovative side wood chip loader, you can experiment with taste without opening the smoker door. Four chrome-coated racks allow you to smoke up to six birds, two turkeys, four racks of ribs, or four pork butts. With Masterbuilt, you can master the art of smoking.

Product Specifications

Capacity: 457.86 square inches of cooking area spread across three chrome-coated smoking racks. 1500-watt heating capacity with the fully adjustable and detachable digital controller, and integrated thermometer for easy assessment of internal temperature.

Grease Management System: In addition to a detachable stainless steel water pan and a lidded chip box, this analog electric smoker has an independent grease cup for quick and easy clean-up.

Versatile Application: With multi-functional applications, the smoker can meet various demands such as smoked barbeque, firewood grilling, steaming, drying, and so on.

Additional Qualities:

Good Seal Performance:
The latch mechanism assures a good seal performance, the cool-touch spring door handle avoids scorching, and the 2-side handles make transportation easier.

Heat Retention:
The firebox’s double-wall structure aids in retaining smoking temperature.

Digital Control:
It also has a capability that allows smokers to be controlled digitally. This high-tech digital control gives you exact and accurate information regarding temperature, cooking time, fuel consumption, and an alarming scenario. Furthermore, computerized controls make your work simple, quick, and precise.

Pros of Masterbuilt MB20071117

• Hardwood chip loader helps in compact cooking.
• Insulated construction helps in heat retention.
• Digital control system for accurate temperature controls.
• Ample space for multiple cooking.

Cons of Masterbuilt MB20071117

• Not easily moveable because of the lack of wheels.

2. Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker

The Smokin- it model #2 electric smoker is stainless steel and has a double latch door. This makes it ideal for sealing the heat of the smoker. It has 100 percent thick gauge stainless steel. At the same time, fiberglass insulation helps in reducing heat loss.

The 800-watt smoker includes four detachable racks for easy cleaning and maintenance and side handles for convenient mobility. Every Smokin-it Model #2 smoker has four new heavy-duty 4-inch diameter casters, four stainless steel grilling racks, a drip pan that slides beneath the smoker, a smokebox, and a rheostat for temperature control ranging from 100^oF to 250^oF.

The smoker comes completely constructed and ready to use, with a double latch door system and a sample of hickory wood so, you can start seasoning your new smoker right away. You receive a set and forget temperature control, just like any other electric smoker, making it simple to operate.

Another noteworthy feature of this smoker is its shallow drip pan, detachable and dishwasher-safe. It is a heavy-duty smoker, maintaining the optimum temperature. It is also rust-resistant and long-lasting, making it even more capable of withstanding weather fluctuations.

Product Specifications:

Capacity: An efficient capacity of 15″ x 15″ x 20″ makes enough room to adjust 35 pounds of meat.

Durability: The smoker is made entirely of stainless steel, so there is no issue in terms of durability. While on the other hand, all the parts of the smoker are also made of robust material and easy to remove for cleaning.

No Heat loss: The insulated smoker helps prevent heat loss, as the insulation around the smoker restricts the smoke from running out. As a result, quick processing time and food full of aroma wait for you.

Heavy-Duty Use: Another highlighting quality is NSF certification, which means the smoker is perfectly fit for restaurant usage. This heavy-duty smoker provides heat up to 800 watts.

Additional Features:

LED Indicator:
It includes an 800-watt heating element with an LED indicator light. This indicator helps in monitoring the internal temperature of the smoker.

Side Handles:
The smoker has side handles for easy transport and lifting. These handles are made of strong stainless steel, so holding weight is not a big issue.

NSF Certification:
Another fantastic aspect of this smoker is that it has a National Sanitation Foundation certification. This certification demonstrates that this product has high-quality internal components and is suitable for use in both residential and commercial settings. As a result, you can put your trust in it and make an informed buying decision.

Pros of Smokin-It Model

• Rust-resistant and durable design.
• Castor wheels make it easy to move.
• A 12-foot power cord ensures easy setup.
• Double latch closure prevents smoke from getting out.

Cons of Smokin-It Model

• It can’t manage tons of food at a time.
• Temperature adjustments are less precise with analog controls.

3. Old Smokey Electric Smoker

The Old Smokey 1250-watt electric vertical smoker has an adjustable heat control, allowing you to set the smoker’s temperature easily. It assists you in cooking meals at your favorite temperature by providing you with a variety of temperatures to select from.

The electrical vertical smoker is simple to construct and manufactured entirely of aluminized steel, which increases its longevity. This smoker also has two plated steel racks that are readily detachable and dishwasher-safe.

The electrical vertical smoker’s sealed cover helps retain all of the liquids within and allows the food to absorb all of the flavors. The Old Smokey electric smoker is perfect for smoking turkey, chicken, brisket, pork, seafood, or wild game. The excellent heating mechanism of the smoker, along with the 1250-watt heating, makes this smoker out of class.

Product Specifications

Capacity: It has a total of around 15.5″ x 15.5″ x 29″ dimension, which is sufficient to compensate for more than 35 pounds. On the other hand, it is also helpful during family get-togethers and picnics.

Smoking wood tray: A chip tray is on top of the heating element to place wood chips for smoke flavor. Additionally, the tray can help in keeping other food stuff warm.

Thermostat control: The heating thermostat on this smoker allows for a broad range of cooking periods and styles. You can control the inner temperature of the smoker according to the need of the foodstuff.

Additional Features

Flat Top:
Because this smoker has a flat top, liquids drop directly back onto the meal, preserving the juiciness and texture of the meat. Moreover, the flat top also helps in the placement of stuff.

Easy Handling:
The smoker is provided with two handles to lift and replace it from one place to another. These handles are highly durable and robust enough to carry the weight.

Easy Cleaning:
The smoker includes a wood chip tray, a drip pan, and grease-absorbing granules, which make cleaning a breeze. Furthermore, the simple cleaning ensures a stress-free conclusion to your family gathering.

Pros of Old Smokey

• More capacity makes cooking easy.
• Heat-resistant folding handles on the sides.

Cons of Old Smokey

• A bit expensive.
• Impossible to move without lifting due to the lack of tires.

4. Royal Gourmet SE2801 Electric Smoker

With a total cooking surface area of 457.86 square inches, you can cook ribs, pies, and even turkeys! Three chrome-coated racks are easily adjustable for the correct height to fit food of various sizes.

Smoking heat may be well-retained within the firebox because of the double-wall design. The latch system on the door achieves excellent seal performance. Furthermore, a cool-touch spring door handle keeps you from getting scalded. At the same time, the stainless steel water pan and covered chip box impart flavor to the meal.

The independent grease cup gathers oil residue in a removable aluminum oil pan beneath the smoker. Because of the multi-functionality, diverse applications such as smoked barbecue, firewood grilling, steaming, drying, and so on may be expected.

A changeable aluminum oil pan beneath the smoker collects oil residue, managed by an independent grease cup. Heat wood chips in a closed box, steam rising from a water pan, combining a rich smoky flavor and juicy food.

Product Specification

Capacity: 457.86 square inches of cooking area spread across three chrome-coated smoking racks. This capacity is quite enough for household use.

Temperature Control: 1500-watt heating capacity with the fully adjustable and detachable digital controller, integrated thermometer for easy assessment of internal temperature

Grease Management System: In addition to a detachable stainless steel water pan and a lidded chip box, this analog electric smoker has an independent grease cup for quick and easy clean-up.

Additional Features

Versatile Application:
This smoker comes with multi-functional applications. The smoker can meet various demands such as smoked barbeque, firewood grilling, steaming, drying, and so on.

Good Seal Performance:
The latch mechanism assures a good seal performance, the cool-touch spring door handle avoids scorching, and the 2-side handles make transportation easier.

Heat Retention:
The double-wall structure of the firebox helps to keep the smoking temperature consistent. One of the most essential factors in determining a smoker’s efficiency is the retention of heat. This retention aids in the reduction of cooking time and the improvement of food quality.

Pros of Royal Gourmet SE2801

• Removable digital controller.
• Double-wall construction firebox.
• Cool-touch spring door handle is adjustable.
• Removable stainless steel water pan latch system for a tight seal.

Cons of Royal Gourmet SE2801

• Not suitable for high-temperature cooking.
• The cooking grate on top would fall with only 6 ribs on there not once but 3 times.

5. Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow 30162E

The Smoke Hollow 30162E electric smoker’s tiny size allows it to heat up faster than conventional smokers, useful in the winter. Because of its modest weight, this smoker is also simple to move about, making it quite convenient. Magnetic sealing maintains a leak-free seal on the doors of the electric smoker. When the door is open, the smoker can rapidly revert to preset temperature levels, making it ideal for temperature management.

Moreover, The outdoor leisure smoke hollow electric smoker has a fully adjustable electric heating element, three chrome-plated cooking grids with different adjustment levels, and a porcelain-coated steel water pan. Because this is an electric smoker, it is easy to maintain a steady temperature throughout the smoking process.

It also has handles, making it easier to move this smoker. The only issue with this is that if the power goes off for a lengthy amount of time, you may have to hustle to find another means to complete the meal to a safe minimum internal temperature.

The computerized controller makes it simple to regulate the smoker’s internal temperature, eliminating the need for guesswork. If the digital controller or the heating element fails, both are interchangeable, extending the smoker’s life. Furthermore, because the smoker’s body is insulated, it maintains its interior temperature rather well even when the outside temperature is in the single digits.

Product Specification

Size and Capacity: The smoker is roughly 38′′H × 22′′W x 20′′L and includes leg extensions to raise it off the ground. The capacity is good enough for home base use.

Easy temperature control: It has an analog controller with low, medium, and high-temperature settings, making it easier to operate. While the temperature range of each stage varies, it does not affect the meal’s outcome.

Heat loss control: This smoker’s body is not insulated, but it does feature a double-wall steel construction body that retains heat exceptionally well and keeps a steady temperature within the smoker even in sub-zero conditions outside.

Additional Features

Easy clean:
The detachable water bowl and dip pan make cleanup much easier at the end of the smoking process.

Handling:
This smoker is somewhat higher than the 30-inch model. It includes two side handles that make transferring or relocating the smoker simpler if necessary.

High power input:
It includes a 1500-watt heating element that is quite strong and provides more than enough heat to keep the smoker at a constant temperature.

Customizable:
There are three chrome cooking racks, two of which are detachable, and one is screwed into place. The racks are more than enough to prepare food for small to medium-sized parties of family and friends.

Pros of Masterbuilt 30162E

• Solid and long-lasting Built.
• High-tech improvements, relatively inexpensive.
• Temperature gauge for correctly smoker’s temperature.

Cons of Masterbuilt 30162E

• Lacks in space.
• Not suitable for high-intensity cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

Using an electric smoker during the winter season is significant since you do not have to heat it for an extended period, unlike conventional smokers. You may even get insulating jackets to keep your regular smokers warmer and retain more heat. When shopping for a smoker, the most critical characteristic to look for is one with fire-resistant insulation.

This function helps smoke food in cold weather since the smoker absorbs heat from the interior when the cooking temperature decreases. Our top pick of the day is Masterbuilt MB20071117 as it comes with a hardwood chip loading mechanism that lets you properly distribute the smoky taste throughout the cuisine.

Thank you for reading this article till the end, I hope all your answers have been answered. If there are some please let us know in the comment sections, we’ll be pleased to answer.