best smoker gas or electric

It’s a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I’ve just loaded the EAST OAK 30″ Electric Smoker with a fresh batch of ribs. As I close the door, I notice how sturdy and well-built this smoker feels, with its sleek black exterior and sizable 725 sq.

in. of cooking space.

The side chip loader is a game-changer—no more opening the main door every time I want to add more wood chips, which keeps the heat steady and the smoke consistent.

The digital controls are intuitive, and I appreciate how I can set the temperature and time with just a few taps. The built-in meat probe is a standout feature; I love being able to monitor the internal temperature in real time.

It’s reassuring knowing I won’t overcook or dry out my meat, especially with the auto shut-off and warm mode kicking in when the target is reached.

Throughout the session, I notice how the smoker maintains a steady temperature, thanks to the clever design that minimizes heat loss during reloads. The 6× longer smokes per load really do deliver more flavor and bark without the hassle of constant refills.

After a few hours, I check the meat—perfectly smoked, juicy, and flavorful, all without lifting the lid repeatedly. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it experience that makes smoking feel effortless, even for beginners.

Overall, the EAST OAK electric smoker offers big capacity, reliable performance, and smart features that elevate your smoking game. It’s a solid choice whether you’re hosting a family feast or prepping for a weekend gathering.

Just be aware that its size requires a dedicated space, and the price is a bit higher than some basic models.

From the moment I unboxed the Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Vertical Smoker, I was struck by its sleek, tall design. The black, glossy exterior feels solid and well-made, with a sturdy handle that invites you to open it up.

The spacious vertical layout immediately catches your eye—there’s enough room to fit a whole chicken or even two turkeys side by side. The digital control panel is simple to navigate, with clear buttons and a large display.

I appreciated how easy it was to set the temperature up to 275°F or time, even with wet hands.

The patented side woodchip loader is a game-changer. You don’t have to open the door mid-smoke, which means less heat and smoke escape.

This kept my brisket consistently smoky and tender. The glass window also lets you peek without disturbing the process.

The chrome-coated racks slide in smoothly and hold quite a bit—perfect for weekend family feasts. I liked the removable water bowl and grease tray; cleanup was straightforward, a big plus after a long cook.

The adjustable air damper gave me control over smoke levels, and the lockable door kept everything sealed tight.

Overall, this smoker blends convenience with performance. It’s a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts who want flavorful, low-and-slow dishes without fuss.

The first time I laid eyes on the Pit Boss 3-Series Gas Vertical Smoker in that striking red hammertone finish, I knew it was a piece I’d be eager to try out. Its large 880-square-inch cooking area immediately caught my attention—perfect for big family gatherings or weekend cookouts.

The four racks, each measuring nearly 15 by 12 inches, give you plenty of room to experiment with different meats or sides.

Firing it up is a breeze thanks to the piezo ignition, and running on propane makes it straightforward to get started without any fuss. The dual burner system with two porcelain-coated stainless steel burners and 12,500 BTUs ensures you can reach and maintain temperatures from 100°F all the way up to 320°F, which is perfect for slow-smoking or quick grilling.

I especially liked the external wood chip and ash removal system—it saves so much mess and hassle during cleanup. The front-access grease drawer is another small feature that makes a big difference in keeping the unit tidy.

Watching the cooking process through the large viewing window with the professional heat indicator kept me confident that I was maintaining the right temperature.

Moving it around is simple with two rear wheels, so positioning in my backyard was effortless. Plus, the high-temp door seal really helps lock in heat, making low-and-slow smoking more consistent.

Overall, this smoker balances power, capacity, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about outdoor cooking.

Ever struggle to keep consistent heat and smoke flowing while trying to avoid constantly opening your smoker door? I found that with the Masterbuilt 30″ Digital Electric Vertical Smoker, I could load my wood chips via the patented side loader without breaking my rhythm or losing precious heat and moisture.

The digital controls make it super simple to set my desired temperature, up to 275°F, and the timer, so I don’t have to guess or keep checking. It’s surprisingly intuitive – I just dialed in the temp and let it do its thing.

The large vertical design means I can smoke multiple racks of ribs or even a couple of chickens at once, which is a game-changer for family gatherings.

The water bowl is a nice touch, helping keep my meat juicy and tender, especially when I experimented with different juice flavors. The removable grease tray makes cleanup straightforward, so I don’t dread post-smoke scrubbing sessions.

Plus, the chrome-coated racks slide in easily and hold a good amount of food, making loading and unloading hassle-free.

My only minor gripe is that the maximum temp is 275°F, which might be limiting for some high-heat smoking needs. Also, at $229.99, it’s a bit of an investment, but considering the capacity and convenience, I think it’s worth it for regular smoking enthusiasts.

There’s a common misconception that vertical smokers are clunky, hard to control, and only good for occasional use. After spending time with this Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ, I can tell you that it’s a game-changer for serious smokers.

The first thing I noticed is how spacious it is—960 square inches of cooking space is enough to handle a big family feast or a weekend of smoking for a crowd. The four chrome-coated racks slide in smoothly, and I was impressed with how evenly everything cooked, thanks to the insulation and lockable door latch that kept heat and smoke inside.

The ignition button is a real time-saver, making lighting the smoker quick and fuss-free. Setting the temperature was just as easy with the adjustable dial—up to 375°F, which is plenty for most smoking needs.

I especially liked the window, allowing me to check on the food without opening the door and losing precious heat.

The removable water bowl adds moisture and helps manage drippings, while the woodchip tray gave my meats that perfect smoky flavor. The adjustable air damper made it simple to control smoke levels, giving me versatility for different recipes.

Overall, this smoker feels sturdy, well-designed, and user-friendly, making it a great addition to any backyard setup.

Yes, it’s a bit pricey at $369.99, but the features and capacity justify the investment if you’re serious about smoking. I found it reliable, with consistent results, and it’s a breeze to operate even for beginners.