If you love the idea of smoking your own meats, but want a low-maintenance, "set it and forget it" option, then an electric smoker is definitely the way to go. But high-end electric smokers tend to come with hefty price tags that can be a dealbreaker, especially for novices or those on a budget. The good news is that best cheap electric smokers are well-made and still infuse meats and seafood with loads of delicious flavor — they just don't have quite all the bells and whistles that deluxe electrics smokers do.
When looking for an effective but affordable electric smoker, there are several things to consider. Whether you're a newbie or a smokin' pro, the most important feature to look for is solid temperature control. Smokers that come with a thermostat or digital temperature controller let you closely monitor the current temperature and make adjustments as needed. What's more, appliances with good insulation will ensure that the internal temperature remains constant, even if it's freezing outside.
You'll also want to consider the total cooking area. Generally, the more racks the better, so you have the freedom to smoke multiple cuts of meat at once, and have the room to smoke an entire turkey, or turkeys, if so desired. However, if you're short on space, a more compact option might actually be preferable.
Lastly, you'll want to factor in a unit's portability. Electric smokers need to be operated outside (unless you want to risk your entire home or apartment forever smelling like smoked meats). That being said, you want an appliance that can easily be moved within striking distance of an outlet.
Keeping that in mind, read on to find the best affordable electric smokers currently on Amazon. All of the options are $200 or less, and all have positive Amazon ratings and rave customer reviews.