Types of Electric Smokers: Which Should You Choose?
The main types of electric smokers are digital vertical, analog vertical and feature-rich digital smokers. Choose by control style, cooking space, chip loading and how much monitoring you want during a smoke.
On this page (11 sections)
- What are the main types of electric smokers?
- How do electric smoker controls differ?
- Which electric smoker type gives you the most cooking space?
- Why does chip loading matter?
- Do viewing windows and meat probes change the choice?
- Which electric smoker type is easiest for a beginner?
- How should you compare smoker size and placement?
- What should you check before buying an electric smoker?
- How should you use and care for an electric smoker?
- More guides on this topic
- Which type of electric smoker should you choose?
The best type of electric smoker depends on how much control, cooking space and smoke management you want. For a broader comparison beyond electric models, see what type of smoker is best.
A digital vertical smoker suits scheduled cooking, an analog vertical smoker keeps controls simple, and a larger digital model can help with bigger batches and added monitoring.
All 3 examples here use a tall smoker format. The main differences are digital or analog controls, cooking area, rack count, chip-loading design and monitoring features.
What are the main types of electric smokers?
The main types of electric smokers are digital vertical, analog vertical and feature-rich digital designs. Each type changes how you set the heat, manage smoke and check food during a long cook.
Digital vertical electric smokers
Digital vertical smokers use a control panel for functions such as power, cooking temperature and time. This design suits you if you want the smoker's settings in one place instead of adjusting a temperature dial.
Vertical cabinets also use height for multiple racks. That makes the layout useful for separate cuts, whole birds or several racks of ribs, depending on the cooking area and rack arrangement.
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker has 710 cooking square inches, 4 chrome-coated racks and a digital panel for on/off, temperature and time control.
Its fully insulated body is designed to retain heat, and thermostat-temperature control is intended to support even, consistent smoking. The corded electric power source also means you need a suitable outdoor electrical setup.
This type can work well for a reader who wants scheduled temperature and time controls while keeping a tall cabinet footprint. Compare the best vertical electric smokers if cabinet shape is your main concern.
Analog vertical electric smokers
Analog vertical smokers use a dial rather than a digital control panel. This can suit you if you want a straightforward control layout and do not need digital time settings.
The Masterbuilt 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker has 535 cooking square inches, 3 chrome-coated smoking racks and an analog temperature dial. Its listed control range reaches temperatures up to 275°F.
The removable wood chip tray lets you add wood chips, while the removable water bowl adds moisture during cooking. A removable rear grease tray supports cleanup after a smoke.
This type can be a reasonable fit when you prefer a dial and a smaller cooking area than the other examples here. Its listed space fits up to 3 chickens, 2 turkeys or 3 racks of ribs.
Digital smokers with added monitoring features
Some digital electric smokers add features that reduce the need to open the main door during a cook. These may include a viewing window, a meat probe, side chip loading or a keep-warm function.
The EAST OAK 30" Electric Smoker for Outdoors has 725 square inches of cooking area, a built-in meat probe, a clear viewing window and digital controls.
Its side chip loader is designed for adding chips without opening the main door. The product information also describes automatic stopping and keep-warm operation when the target time is reached.
This type suits you if checking internal temperature and reducing door openings matter more than keeping the design basic. For more control options, compare digital electric smokers.
How do electric smoker controls differ?
Digital controls let you set time and temperature on a panel, while analog controls use a temperature dial. Choose the control style that matches how closely you want to manage the cook.
A digital panel gives you specific settings for the functions the model supports. The Masterbuilt digital model controls on/off, cooking temperature and time, while the EAST OAK model also uses digital controls for time and temperature.
An analog dial gives you a physical adjustment point. The Masterbuilt analog model uses an analog temperature control and lists smoking temperatures up to 275°F.
Neither control type removes the need for safe setup or food-temperature checks. Controls manage the smoker, but you still need to load food correctly, keep the smoker outdoors and follow the manufacturer's operating directions.
If you are new to this style of cooking, read how to use masterbuilt electric smoker for a model-focused starting point. A general explanation of heat, smoke and airflow is also available in How A Smoker Grill Works?.
Which electric smoker type gives you the most cooking space?
The EAST OAK model has the largest listed cooking area here at 725 square inches. The digital Masterbuilt follows with 710 square inches, while the analog Masterbuilt has 535 square inches.
| Smoker type | Cooking area | Rack or layout detail | Control style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital vertical Masterbuilt | 710 sq in | 4 chrome-coated racks | Digital panel |
| Analog vertical Masterbuilt | 535 sq in | 3 chrome-coated racks | Analog temperature dial |
| Feature-rich digital EAST OAK | 725 sq in | 4 removable racks | Digital controls |
Cooking area is only one part of capacity. Food shape, rack spacing and how you arrange large cuts affect what fits during a real cooking session.
The digital Masterbuilt description gives examples of up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 racks of ribs or 4 pork butts. The analog Masterbuilt description gives examples of up to 3 chickens, 2 turkeys, 3 racks of ribs or 3 pork butts.
The EAST OAK product information describes room for full racks of ribs, multiple whole birds or multiple cuts. If turkey is your main use, compare our guide to the best electric smoker for a turkey.
Why does chip loading matter?
A side chip loader lets you add wood chips without opening the main smoker door. That can help you manage smoke while limiting the need to disturb the cooking chamber.
The digital Masterbuilt has a side wood chip loader, and the EAST OAK model also has side chip loading. The analog Masterbuilt uses a removable wood chip tray.
These designs create different routines. A side loader places chip access outside the main door, while a removable tray requires access to the tray itself.
The EAST OAK information describes its side chip loader as supporting 6 times longer smoking per load. Treat that as a product claim, and follow the operating instructions for the correct chip amount and loading method.
A smoker with an automatic feeder may suit you if chip management is a major concern. See which electric smokers have an automatic feeder before assuming every digital smoker includes one.
Do viewing windows and meat probes change the choice?
A viewing window and meat probe can reduce the need to open the door or guess about internal temperature. These features matter most when you want to monitor the cook without repeatedly disturbing the cabinet.
The EAST OAK model has a clear viewing window and a built-in meat probe. Its product information says the probe tracks internal temperature and that the smoker stops automatically and switches to keep-warm mode when the target time is reached.
The two Masterbuilt products listed here do not include those features in their supplied product information. That does not make them unsuitable, but it gives you fewer stated monitoring features to compare.
Use a meat probe feature as part of your buying decision, not as a replacement for safe food handling. Follow current food-safety guidance from the USDA smoking and grilling resource.
Which electric smoker type is easiest for a beginner?
A digital vertical smoker is usually the clearest starting point if you want temperature and time controls together. An analog vertical model can also suit a beginner who prefers a simple dial and fewer digital settings.
The digital Masterbuilt combines a control panel with 710 cooking square inches, 4 racks and a side wood chip loader. Those features give you several ways to manage a cook without choosing a very large cabinet.
The analog Masterbuilt has a smaller 535-square-inch cooking area and a dial-based control. That can help if you want a more basic setup for smaller batches.
The EAST OAK model adds a viewing window, meat probe and larger 725-square-inch cooking area. Those features may help you monitor bigger cooks, but the cabinet is also heavier at 52.3 lb.
If you want a beginner-focused comparison, read best electric smokers for beginners. For a lower-cost search, our best electric smoker under 300 dollars guide can narrow the options.
How should you compare smoker size and placement?
Compare outside dimensions, weight and access space before choosing cooking area. A smoker must fit its outdoor location, leave room for the door and allow you to reach the controls, chip area and grease collection parts.
| Model | Dimensions (D x W x H) | Weight | Power or fuel detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt digital | 19.8 x 20.9 x 33.3 in | 45.9 lb | Corded electric |
| Masterbuilt analog | 20 x 22 x 40 in | 49.9 lb | Electric product type |
| EAST OAK digital | 15.35 x 17.32 x 32.2 in | 52.3 lb | Electric power source |
The digital Masterbuilt is listed as a corded electric appliance. The EAST OAK model lists electric power and wood chips, while the analog Masterbuilt product data lists electric as its fuel type and charcoal as its power source, so confirm the correct setup instructions before use.
Weight also affects portability. If you want a smoker that is easier to move around your outdoor cooking area, compare best electric smokers with wheels, but do not assume a model has wheels unless its product information says so.
What should you check before buying an electric smoker?
Check the control style, cooking area, rack count, chip-loading method and monitoring features first. Then confirm the physical size, power setup and cleaning parts.
Use this checklist:
- Choose digital controls if you want time and temperature settings on a panel.
- Choose an analog dial if you prefer a simple manual temperature control.
- Compare cooking area with your largest usual batch.
- Check the number and type of racks.
- Decide whether a side chip loader matters to your cooking routine.
- Look for a built-in probe or viewing window if you want less door opening.
- Confirm whether the smoker uses a corded electric setup.
- Check the location, dimensions and weight before delivery.
- Review the grease tray, water bowl and chip tray design for cleanup.
- Keep the smoker outdoors unless the manufacturer gives clear approval for another location.
For shoppers focused on value, see best electric smokers for the money. If remote monitoring is important, read Wi-Fi electric smokers: what to look for before paying extra for connected controls.
How should you use and care for an electric smoker?
Use an electric smoker outdoors on a stable surface, keep the controls and cord dry, and follow the model's instructions for chips, water and temperature. Clean removable trays and bowls after they cool, and keep grease from building up.
Before the first cook, check that the door closes correctly and that the racks, water bowl, chip tray or loader are positioned as directed. Give the smoker enough surrounding space for safe operation and access.
During cooking, avoid opening the main door more than needed. A side chip loader or viewing window can help you manage the cook while leaving the cabinet closed.
After cooking, allow the smoker to cool before handling trays or grease parts. The digital Masterbuilt includes a water bowl, wood chip tray, drip pan, grease tray and 4 racks, while the analog Masterbuilt includes a removable wood chip tray, water bowl, 3 racks and rear grease tray.
The EAST OAK product includes a grease tray, smoker assembly, smoker box, water bowl and back handle. Its product information also describes 4 removable racks as part of its form factor.
More guides on this topic
- Can You Use an Electric Smoker Indoors?
Which type of electric smoker should you choose?
Choose a digital vertical electric smoker if you want scheduled temperature and time controls in a familiar cabinet shape. The Masterbuilt digital model is the strongest fit here for a large rack setup with 710 cooking square inches, 4 chrome-coated racks and a side chip loader.
Choose an analog vertical electric smoker if a dial is enough and your usual batches fit 535 cooking square inches. The Masterbuilt analog model keeps the layout focused on a temperature control, wood chip tray, water bowl and 3 racks.
Choose a feature-rich digital electric smoker if you want the largest listed cooking area plus a viewing window and built-in meat probe. The EAST OAK model offers 725 cooking square inches and side chip loading for larger outdoor cooking sessions.
If Wi-Fi, automatic feeding or wheels are central to your decision, check those features separately rather than assuming they come with every digital model. The right choice is the design that matches your cooking batch, control preference and available outdoor space.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of electric smokers?
The main types are vertical digital smokers, vertical analog smokers and digital smokers with added monitoring or smoke-management features. Vertical models use tall cabinet space for racks, while digital controls make time and temperature easier to set.
Compare cooking area, controls and chip loading before choosing.
Are digital or analog electric smokers better?
Digital electric smokers suit people who want to set cooking temperature and time with a control panel. Analog models use a dial and can be simpler to adjust.
Neither control type decides the result by itself, so also compare insulation, rack space, water-bowl design and cleanup.
What size electric smoker should I choose?
Choose cooking space around your largest usual batch. The products here range from 535 to 725 cooking square inches, with listed capacity for foods such as chickens, turkeys, ribs and pork butts.
Measure the outdoor location too, because cabinet dimensions vary.
Can you use an electric smoker indoors?
Electric smokers are designed for outdoor use unless the manufacturer specifically approves indoor operation. Smoke, heat and electrical equipment create risks in enclosed spaces.
Read our can you use an electric smoker indoors guide before placing any smoker near a home, garage or other structure.
Do electric smokers need wood chips?
Electric smokers use an electric heat source, but smoking flavor comes from wood chips or another approved smoke source. Models differ in how chips are added and how long a load lasts.
Follow the smoker's instructions and keep the chip-loading area accessible.
