Best Smokin-it Smoker Reviews And Buying Guide

Need a quality electric smoker for competition-style grilling and smoking, restaurant, fundraiser or corporate event? Then you need the best electric Smokin-It Smokers! Smokin-it electric smokers deliver professional level quality for pitmasters, restaurant owners, and chefs.

Spicy, smoked jerky, whole chicken, marinated brisket, pork shoulders, tender smoked salmon, cheeses - Smokin-It Smokers deliver superior flavor all year round. Relying on a classic oven-style design, heating element, and quality insulation, they can achieve and maintain the perfect temperature range for smoking meat in less time than more consumer-grade smokers. 

Our Smokin-it Smoker reviews are a comprehensive look at the features that make Smokin-it one of the top electric smoker manufacturers today. 

Key factors used in our evaluation include:

  • Construction: materials, design
  • Cooking Space: shelving capacity, cooking surface
  • Temperature Control: analog, digital, wifi
  • Smoking Capability: insulation, ventilation, firebox features
  • Cleaning & Maintenance: ease of use features

Let’s take a look at the top 3 Smokin-it electric smokers!

TYPE

PICTURE

NAME

RATING

SHOPS

Best Consumer Grade Smoker

Smokin-It Model 1
98%

Amazon store

Best Commercial Grade Smoker

Smokin-It Model 2 Electric Smoker
96%

Amazon store

Best Large Capacity Commercial Smoker

Smokin-It Model 3 Electric Smoker
92%

Amazon store

1. Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker - Best Consumer Grade Smokin It Smoker

Key Features:

  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 17.25 x 13.5 in
  • Weight: 73 pounds
  • Cooking Capacity: Up to 22 lbs. of meat per load
  • 400 watt heating element (8 amps, 120 volt single phase)
  • 3" Diameter rubber casters  
  • 3 Removable Cooking Shelves (Space for 4 shelves total).

Overview

If you’re looking for restaurant quality in your smoked recipes and you’re willing to shell a few bucks for premium quality, the Smokin-It Model #1 is one of the more affordable Smokin-it smokers. Great for backyards and gatherings of 10 -20 guests, Model #1 is for grill-lovers and outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want competition-level quality.

The Smokin-It Model #1 Electric Smoker isn’t much to look at, but it’s one rugged smoker. Practical in design, it looks more like a tank or utility box but this is an NSF certified smoker. With just a heating element, rheostat and oven design, the Smokin-It Model #1 achieves restaurant quality taste and doneness with relative ease.

Construction

The Smokin-It Model #1 comes pre-assembled and thank goodness! At 73 pounds, this smoker isn’t lightweight! Exterior and interior are 100%18 gauge, 201 stainless steel, as well as the grilling racks, smoke box and drip pan. The only attachments required are the side handles, castor wheels and cord hanger (more about that later). A small handheld wrench is also included to make these attachments even easier.

Inside, the cooking chamber where the magic happens is fully insulated with fiberglass to reduce heat loss, so you can generate the desired temperature and sustain it even in subzero temperatures. Cold smoke or hot, Model #1 does the job!

 

One of the really convenient features that has been added to the Model #1 smoker is cord hanger that attaches to the back of the unit. With pre-drilled holes and screws, you just attach it to the back and wrap the 12 ft power cord around it when not in use.

Cooking Space

The cooking chamber has a large 21 pound meat capacity. There are three removable stainless steel grilling racks so you have a few options. You could fit a large 18 - 20 lb turkey, for example with the racks removed, or smoke 3 pork butt shoulders with the cooking racks in.  The Model #1 could easily accommodate a 12 lb brisket with room to spare for some smoked vegetables.

Love Smoked Turkey Recipes? You might be interested in these secrets for juicy smoked turkey!

Temperature Control

One of the trademarks of Smokin-It Model #1 is the simplicity of its rheostat for temperature control from 100F to 250F degrees. 

If you prefer a more traditional, hassle-free cooking experience, you’ll really love this electric smoker. There are no presets, wifi, or SMART digital features to mess with, making the Model #1 very easy and straight-forward when it comes to setting the temperature. Hearkening back to the basics of an outdoor oven, the rheostat allows you to easily adjust the 400-watt heating element with the turn of a dial to achieve the perfect smoking temperature. 

Smoking Capability

Achieving the right amount of smoke and flavor takes experience, but the Model #1 makes it a lot easier because of its quality design. Since the cooking chamber is sealed and insulated so well, you only need a little bit of wood chips, much less in fact than the consumer grade smokers you may be used to. 

You’ll have fun experimenting with your favorite smoked recipes for ribs, wings, thighs, shoulders, jerky and more! Your food will cook faster and taste more flavorful than you ever thought possible.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning an electric smoker or outdoor oven is never fun or easy, for that matter, but the Smokin-It Model #1 has some great convenient features. Although it’s 73 pounds, there are four heavy duty 3” inch diameter caster wheels to make it more portable. You can easily roll it into position and the 12 ft cord gives you enough slack to work in tight or spacious conditions.

New side handles have also been added for easy movement and lifting. You can also remove All of the internal parts except the heater element for cleaning. Since they are stainless steel, they’re also dishwasher friendly. 

If you line the bottom of the smoker with foil and on top of the wood firebox, you can also cut down your clean up time significantly.

Pros:

  • Stainless steel construction and parts for durability and long lifespan
  • Straightforward rheostat temperature control adjusts from 100 - 250 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping you within the perfect smoking temperature range
  • Insulated cooking chamber seals in heat and smoke for ‘set it and forget it’ cooking
  • Castor wheels, side handles, and cord hanger for easy portability and storage

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include any digital or SMART features
  • Can only be used for smoking recipes due to limited temperature range

2. Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker - Best Consumer Grade Smokin It Smoker

Key Features:

  • Dimensions:24 x 30 x 22 in
  • Weight: 114 pounds
  • 800 watt heating element (replaceable ) 
  • NSF Certified for Restaurant use
  • 3" Diameter Rubber Casters 
  • 4 removable shelves 
  • Side handles 

Overview

Enjoy smoking everything from whole chicken to beef brisket. The Smokin-It Model #2 draws on many of the same great features you’ll find the Model #1, with 2x the heating power and 10 pounds more of cooking capacity!

Ideal for a restaurant patio, backyard, competition outdoor cooking, or corporate catering, the Model #2 is more expensive, but worth the price. 

Construction

Like the Model #1, the Smokin-It Model #2 comes fully assembled and ready to go, but you do need to attach the 4 casters, side handles and the new integrated cord hanger.  The smoker door has a double latch for sealing in the heat and smoke, but it’s also 100% fiberglass insulated. 

You should always season your electric smoker before using it for the first time. Smokin-It Model #2 includes a sample of hickory wood to season your new smoker with immediately. 

Cooking Space

The Model #2 has a cooking capacity of up to 35 pounds, 13 pounds more than the Model #1. There are four removable stainless steel grilling racks you can use in any combination to accommodate a variety of dishes. Smoke 3 large, 12 pound briskets, for example, or a whole 22 pound Thanksgiving turkey. Sausages, rack of lamb, jerky, or salmon, you can cook them all at once, or separately - the choice is yours! You can confidently serve up to 30 guests restaurant-quality smoked meat recipes and sides that are done right through and delicious!

Planning your next Thanksgiving dinner or gathering? You might find How To Have A Thanksgiving BBQ helpful for you.

Temperature Control

Equipped with an 800-watt heating element and 7 amps/120-volt single phase, the Model #2 electric smoker is insulated with fiberglass to reduce heat loss. The Auber digital controls allow to adjust between 100F to 250F degrees and maintain the ambient temperature inside the smoker to within one or two degrees. 

You’ll always experience temperature variances with any electric smoker or outdoor oven. These spikes in temperature can cause your meat to dry out. With digital controls, the Model #2 offers you more control than the Model #1 but it still takes some finessing. Check out the Smokin It Forums for some real expert advice from smoker chefs in the know.

Smoking Capability

While the Model #1 uses a single latch, the Model #2 takes it further with 2 compression latches on the heavy-duty, stainless steel smoker door. The heat is so well insulated that you’ll be surprised at how little wood chips the Model #2 needs to generate sufficient smoke.  

The one drawback, however, is that you can’t add wood unless you open the smoker door because the smoker box is inside. 

Cleaning & Maintenance

You can remove the stainless steel drip pan that slides under the smoker or insert an aluminum baking tray for cakes. Covering the smoke box with foil and lining the bottom with foil is also a good idea to make cleanup faster.

For additional ease of cleaning and maintenance, the cooking shelves, shelf brackets, and smoke box come loose easily and are all dishwasher friendly.

Pros:

  • 800 watt heating element is replaceable
  • Double latch system and fiberglass insulation seals in heat and smoke perfectly
  • Large 35 pound cooking capacity can serve 30+ guests
  • NSF certified for commercial use (restaurant, catering, etc)
  • Stainless steel construction for durability and longer lifespan
  • Removable, dishwasher friendly parts for easy cleaning and maintenance

Cons:

  • Temperature range is suitable for smoking meat only
  • No wood chip loader for easy re-loading

3. Smokin-It Model #3 Electric Smoker - Best large capacity smokin-it Smoker

Key Features:

  • Dimensions: 31 x 30 x 22 inches
  • Weight: 125 pounds
  • 1200 watt heating element (10 amp/120 volt single phase)
  • 45 pound meat capacity
  • 4" inch Rubber casters 
  • 4 removable stainless steel shelves

Overview

Heavy duty, large capacity and flavorful, smoky goodness! The Smokin-It Model #3 continues to innovate on the great features of the previous models, with additional cooking space and a powerful 1200 watt heating element. Once you taste the difference and experience the ease of cooking with the Smokin-It Model #3, you may never want to go back to charcoal or gas ever again!

Designed for ease of use and portability, Model #3 does an amazing job with turkey, beef, chicken, or fish. NSF certification makes this electric smoker the ideal choice for launching your catering service, competition cooking career or bbq restaurant. 

Construction

All Smokin-It smokers come fully assembled except for a few attachments, and the Model #3 smoker is no different. 100% 18 gauge, 201 stainless steel construction gives it a very sturdy look and great protection against the elements. 

Inside the Model #3 smoker, you’ll find all the parts are removable. The racks, shelving brackets, wood firebox and drip tray are all stainless steel. A double latch system on the door and fiberglass insulation keeps heat and smoke sealed in, while the removable drip tray inserts easily from under the smoker, making it easily accessible.

Side handles allow for easy carrying and the caster wheels are larger than you’ll find on the previous models to accommodate the larger size.

Cooking Space

Speaking of size, the Smokin-It Model #3 electric smoker is a beast! Whether you need to use all 4 racks, or you need to remove them for extra large cuts of meat or a whole game bird (turkey, chicken), the Model #3 is the largest of the 3 Smokin-it electric smokers in our review.

You’ll be amazed at how much food you can fit. It can hold 45 pounds worth of meat in its 15” x 20” inch cooking chamber. The 4 removable stainless steel racks are spacious enough  to fit large racks of ribs or large briskets.

Temperature Control

Smokin-It Model #3 uses a rheostat for temperature control. With a range from 100F to 250F degrees, you can achieve the perfect smoking temperature for your meat. The fiberglass insulation and double latch door seals in heat and smoke so well your smoked recipes will cook faster than you may be used to with much less wood.

Smoking Capability

Temperature swings are unavoidable with the analog controller, so it takes some finessing to maintain a stable cooking temperature for smoking meat. There’s no way to add additional wood to the firebox without opening the smoker door, but the Model #3 doesn’t need a lot of wood chips to burn sufficiently.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Removable stainless steel parts are all machine washable, which helps to reduce the clean up time needed. The 1200 heating element is replaceable in the event it becomes damaged, as are the wheels and racks. 

Side handles come already attached, making the Model #3 Smoker easy to move around, store, or position as needed. The 12 ft all-weather power cord offers provides enough slack for a variety of spaces and the wheels make it easy to roll into a place. At 135 pounds, you wouldn’t want to have to push this smoker around without them!

Pros:

  • 45 pound meat capacity can serve up to 45 guests comfortably
  • NSF rated for commercial use
  • Replaceable 1200 watt heating element
  • Durable stainless steel construction

Cons:

  • Analog temperature control requires some finessing to keep a stable temperature
  • Weighs 135 lbs

Why Choose A Smokin-It Smoker?

A Smokin-it Electric Smoker isn’t really for just anyone, but they are great for everyone! Using a Smokin-It Smoker makes you feel like a professional even if you aren’t.

They say fake it till you make it, and Smokin-It Smokers do more than just fake it. Although the company is not as old as other smoker brands like Traeger and Masterbuilt, they are quickly establishing an industry-wide reputation for commercial-grade quality.

If you’ve been using consumer level smokers that look nice and have a lot of fancy features that don’t always deliver to your expectations, a Smokin-It Smoker is for you. Fewer bells and whistles, their line of stainless steel smokers are no frills, heavy-duty, down to business smoking machines!  

How To Program Your Smokin-It Smoker PID Controller

The Smokin-It Smoker PID Controller may seem a bit complicated the first time you use it, but its complexity has a purpose. If you use it correctly, you’ll enjoy a set it and forget it cooking experience, and your smoked recipes will come out tender, flavorful, and smoky just the way you want!

Program up to 8 different smoker recipes. Each recipe can be programmed to complete in 6 steps, or cycles. Set the desired temperature, time, and type of meat you want to smoke. Choose between beef, pork, fish, or chicken.  

Each recipe or program cycles through 3 key steps that are fully customizable according to your needs:

How To Use The Digital Display On Smokin it Smokers

Step 1: Setting The Temperature 

Choose the type of meat (chicken, fish, beef, pork) and set the desired cooking temperature

Step 2: Select A Trigger

Selecting a trigger moves the recipe from one cycle to the next until the recipe is complete. When the trigger (internal meat temperature) is achieved, the smoker will cycle to the next phase.

Step 3: Set The Timer

Set the time for each step or cycle. If, for example, only 3 of the six cooking cycles are needed for your recipe, set the timer to 0 (zero) for the remaining 3 cycles, and the smoker will know your recipe is complete and cycle off. 

By programming your recipe into the Smokin-It PID controller, you can literally ‘set it and forget it’. You won’t need to open the smoker door to check on your recipe until it’s done. You’ll find detailed programming instructions in your Smokin-It digital manual, but you can also contact their customer service [1]. 

Smokin-It Smoker Replacement Parts You Can Order

Even a quality, commercial grade smoker like the Smokin-It Model #2 or Model #3 will need replacement parts eventually. You’ll be relieved to learn that Smokin-It provides for a number of replaceable parts for their smokers that can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. 

  • Temperature control knob: Replacement screws on easily 
  • Face Plate: Digital, wifi, analog replacement faceplates for controllers
  • Temperature Control: PID controller replacement
  • Castors: order standard 4” castor replacements for any Smokin-It smoker model
  • Heating Element: 800, 1200 watt replacements for Model #2, Model #3
  • Wood Firebox: stainless steel wood firebox replacement
  • Power Cord: all weather, 12 ft replacement power cord

You can always visit the website to find out more about ordering replacement parts for your Smokin-It smoker [2].

Smokin-It Smoker Accessories

One of the great things you’re sure to appreciate about Smokin-It electric smokers is their range of electric smoker accessories. From meat probes to additional racks, you can find compatible accessories that will make your smoking experience easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

Smoker Carts And Cabinets: Provides additional space for ease of cooking, food storage, and high-demand service levels 

Smoker Covers: Protects your smoker from the elements, humidity, rain and cold

Shelving: Additional stainless steel racks or shelving for extra space 

Meat Probe: Internal meat probe for precision grilling and smoking meat to the right temperature of doneness

Wood Firebox: Uses only wood chips, natural or scented 

Temperature Controls:  Auber Solid State Relay (Digital, Wifi)

Thermometers: Internal Meat Probe, Wall Mounted PID Sensor


Follow this great smoked brisket recipe on YouTube!

Final Thoughts...

Thanks for reading! We hope you find our Smokin-It Smoker reviews helpful in your search for the best electric smoker. 

Visit us at Fire Food Chef for expert tips, reviews, and recipes from grilling and smoker chefmasters in the know. We’re constantly on the lookout for the best grilling options, whether it’s gas, charcoal, wood pellet, or electric smoker! 

Resources:

[1] Smokin-It Digital Guide User Manual (PDF)
[2] Smokin-It Smoker Parts & Accessories (Smokin-It.com)

About the Author William Clay

William Clay is a BBQ enthusiast dedicated to sharing his grilling (and overall cooking) expertise with FireFoodChef's readers.