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Buying guide

Best electric smokers in the UK

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all
  • Best overall

    Masterbuilt 710 WiFi: app control and side chip loader

    The Masterbuilt app sets temperature and time, sends alerts and shows meat probe readings remotely.

  • Best value

    Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital: over 970 sq in of racks

    Over 970 sq in of cooking space is the most stated in this guide.

  • Most features

    Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital with legs: window and damper

    A window in the door lets you watch the food without letting heat out.

An electric smoker is the easiest way into low and slow cooking. A heating element under a tray of wood chips makes the smoke, and a thermostat holds the cabinet at the temperature you set, so there is no charcoal to manage through a long, chilly evening. What separates a good one is rack space for the food you cook most, how you add wood chips (a side loader means you can top up without opening the door and losing heat), and the type of control: a digital panel with a timer, a simple analogue dial, or an app. Insulation and a tight door latch help in cold weather. This guide compares six cabinet smokers from Masterbuilt, Char-Broil and HAKKA on those points, using only the listings. Several of these models are sold worldwide, so check that the version you order has a UK plug and is rated for 230 V, as none of these listings states the plug type.

All products compared

The products in detail

No. 1 · Kamado Joe

Masterbuilt 710 WiFi: app control and side chip loader

A vertical digital electric smoker with Wi-Fi and the Masterbuilt app for setting temperature and time, alerts and meat probe readings. For cooks who want to watch a long smoke from indoors.

In its favour

  • The Masterbuilt app sets temperature and time, sends alerts and shows meat probe readings remotely.
  • A side wood chip loader adds smoke without opening the door.
  • Four chrome-coated racks give 711 sq in of space for ribs, chicken or pork butts.

Good to know

  • The plug type and voltage are not given in the listing, so check before ordering.
  • The 135 °C top temperature suits smoking only, not grilling or crisping skin.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Masterbuilt 710 WiFi Digital Smoker, Vertical Design, 711 Cooking Sq. ...

No. 2 · MasterBuilt

Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital: over 970 sq in of racks

Masterbuilt's tallest digital cabinet smoker, with a cold-rolled steel body, four racks and over 970 sq in of cooking space. For batch smoking ribs, pork shoulder and sausages for a crowd.

In its favour

  • Over 970 sq in of cooking space is the most stated in this guide.
  • An adjustable thermostat and electric timer let you set the cook and leave it.
  • A locking door and an easy-access chip loader help keep heat and smoke inside.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the plug type or voltage, so confirm it is a UK version.
  • The listing gives no temperature range or details of a water bowl.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Masterbuilt MB20072918 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker, Black

No. 3 · MasterBuilt

Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital with legs: window and damper

A fully insulated 30-inch digital smoker on a leg kit, with a viewing window, air damper, water bowl and side chip loader. A well-equipped middle choice for a family garden.

In its favour

  • A window in the door lets you watch the food without letting heat out.
  • An adjustable air damper and a lockable latch give more control over smoke and heat.
  • The leg kit raises the cabinet, so loading racks needs less bending.

Good to know

  • No voltage or plug type appears in the listing, so confirm the UK version.
  • The listing gives a top temperature of 275 °F (135 °C) but no lower limit.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit...

No. 4 · Charbroil

Char-Broil Analog: double-wall cabinet, 1,000 W

A double-wall insulated analogue smoker with a 1,000 W element, dual exhaust ports, dual door latches and three grates. A simple, sturdy choice for weekend smoking.

In its favour

  • Double-wall insulated construction and dual exhaust ports are both listed.
  • The water tray, grease cup and wood chip tray are all reached from the front.
  • Dual latches keep the door sealed during long cooks.

Good to know

  • Adding chips means opening a door, unlike the side loaders on the Masterbuilt digital models.
  • The listing states a 1,000 W element but not the plug type or voltage.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Char-Broil Analog Electric Smoker

No. 5 · MasterBuilt

Masterbuilt MES 35B Analog: simple dial control

Masterbuilt's analogue cabinet smoker with a dial control, built-in temperature gauge, three racks and a water bowl. A straightforward first smoker for someone who prefers knobs to screens.

In its favour

  • The dial control is simple to use, with no screen or app to learn.
  • A slide-out wood chip tray makes ash removal easier between cooks.
  • A removable water bowl adds moisture during long smokes.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the cooking area, the temperature range or the plug type.
  • There is no timer, so you need to keep an eye on the clock yourself.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Masterbuilt MB20070210 MES 35B Analog Electric Smoker, Black

No. 6 · HAKKA FOOD PROCESSING

HAKKA DSH-S10E: countertop smoker, 30 to 110 °C

A compact stainless steel smoking cabinet with two racks, a 30 to 110 °C range and a 12 hour timer. Aimed at cheese, fish, bacon and nuts rather than large joints.

In its favour

  • A low 30 °C setting suits cooler smoking of cheese, fish and nuts.
  • At 12.4 kg and about 47 cm wide, it is the smallest and lightest smoker here.
  • A 0 to 12 hour timer and a rear exhaust vent give simple control.

Good to know

  • Two racks limit it to small batches, far less than the Masterbuilt cabinets.
  • The listing does not explain how wood chips are loaded or state the plug type.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: HAKKA Commercial Smoker,Electric Smoker Cabinet 30-110℃ 2 Racks Smoke ...

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Char and Smoke chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.