Electric Vs Charcoal Smoker: Smoker Showdown

Electric Vs Charcoal Smoker: Smoker Showdown

If you’re looking for an efficient and delicious way to prepare your meals, then electric vs charcoal smokers may be the best solution. Whether it’s slow-smoked brisket or charcoal grilled burgers, choosing between an electric smoker and a charcoal smoker can be a tough decision. Both types offer their own unique advantages when it comes to flavor, efficiency, ease of use, and convenience. 

In this blog post, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of both electric smokers and charcoal smokers so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing one. We’ll cover topics like temperature control, cost efficiency, convenience, smoke flavor & aroma, etc., so keep reading to find out which type of smoker is best suited for your backyard barbeques!

About Electric Smoker

Electric smokers are often the top choice for beginners for several reasons. Unlike other types of smokers, they don’t require an open flame, making them safer and easier to handle. Instead, they rely on a heating element located at the bottom to gently smolder wood chips or pellets, resulting in a delicious smoky flavor.

Think of an electric smoker as a large home oven. If you’re familiar with operating an electric oven in your kitchen, using an electric smoker will feel like a breeze. Digital models, in particular, offer precise temperature control with just a simple setting adjustment. Once you’ve set the desired temperature, the smoker will maintain it without requiring constant attention.

Keep in mind that electric smokers have their limitations. They are not suitable for extremely cold or rainy conditions, and their mobility is restricted by the length of the power cord. If you prioritize portability, a charcoal smoker might be a better option for you.

Although electric smokers may provide a slightly different flavor compared to charcoal ones, many smokers and grillers appreciate the subtle smokiness they add to the food. While the taste may not be as intense as traditional BBQ, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

For beginners, electric smokers are unbeatable due to their incredible ease of use. With the simple plug-and-play operation, you’ll have no trouble getting started. Just set the wood chips or pellets to smolder with the heating element, place your food on the racks in the upper chamber, and let the combination of heat and smoke work its magic. If you can handle an electric oven or cook plate, you can certainly handle an electric smoker.

Say goodbye to temperature fluctuations with a digital model, which provides precise control. Set your desired temperature, and the smoker will effortlessly maintain it. It couldn’t be easier to achieve consistent and delicious results.

Enjoy the convenience and flavor-enhancing benefits of an electric smoker, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s a great way to dive into the world of smoking your own food without any hassle.

About Charcoal Smoker

Charcoal smokers, among the three types, are the most basic. However, they are also the most popular and evoke a sense of nostalgia in those who enjoy grilling and barbecuing. The journey of charcoal smoking goes beyond just the food and flavor; it involves selecting the perfect charcoal, lighting the fuel, controlling the temperature, and adjusting the air vents. Each smoker develops their unique technique and preferred fuel over years of experience.

Experts unanimously agree that charcoal smoking produces the most delectable food, as it imparts a distinct smoky flavor that electric smokers cannot replicate. Additionally, charcoal smokers are known for their affordability and simplicity in design, often accompanied by a 10-year warranty.

While charcoal smokers are widely preferred, they do have drawbacks. They require more attention and care compared to other types of smokers, demanding constant temperature monitoring, damper adjustments, and replenishment of wood chips and charcoal during lengthier smokes.

Here’s how it works: good old charcoal burns at the bottom, generating heat, while flavored wood chips or chunks burn on top, producing smoke for that extra burst of flavor. As your food sits above, it slowly cooks and absorbs the mouthwatering smoky essence.

However, let’s not mistake the simplicity of charcoal smoking for easiness. It requires vigilant attention, with constant temperature checks, damper adjustments, and wood chip (and possibly charcoal) replenishments during longer smoking sessions.

Electric vs Charcoal Smoker: Comparison Table

Before diving deep into the topic, take a moment to explore this informative chart that presents a compelling comparison between gas and charcoal smokers.

Charcoal Vs Electric Smoker: Contrasts and Comparisons

Choosing a smoker can be an overwhelming task with many factors to consider. Making the right choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. 

Before you make a purchase, it’s essential to assess what aspects of a smoker are most important to you. Do you value convenience and ease of use? Or does the smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled meats take priority over everything else? To help you in your decision-making process, a quick comparison between electric and charcoal smokers can be helpful. 

Take a look at the different factors analyzed to determine which product best meets your expectations.

1)Quality of Smokey Food

When it comes to smoking food, choosing the right smoker is crucial. If you’re new to smoking, an electric smoker is your best bet for consistent results. It maintains a constant temperature without requiring constant monitoring. However, once you’ve mastered the art of smoking, a charcoal smoker is where the true quality shines through.

In terms of flavor and texture, charcoal smokers take the lead. Their ventilation allows for crisp skin and a killer bark, while also creating a more complex flavor profile. The burning charcoal releases compounds that cling to the food, enhancing its taste. More smoke equals more flavor.

While an electric smoker can provide reliable and subtly flavored meat, it falls short of creating the same level of quality. Moisture retention can be an issue, resulting in less crispy skin. On the other hand, a charcoal smoker is more efficient in this regard, thanks to its ventilation system.

The choice between an electric smoker and a charcoal smoker depends on your experience level and your priority for food quality. If you’re new to smoking or value ease of use, go with electric. If you’re a seasoned smoker looking for superior taste and texture, charcoal is the way to go.

2)Ease of Use and Convenience

When it comes to electric smokers, there’s no better choice in this category. Let’s face it, comparing a chimney starter to a GFI outlet is a no-brainer. The convenience of simply plugging it in and turning it on for an effortless startup is unbeatable. And once the electricity is flowing, it stays on (unless there’s a power failure). No need to refill charcoal during those long smoking sessions.

Not only does an electric smoker allow for quick smoking, thanks to its instant-on element, but also your wood chips start smoking long before the charcoal is ready. And with a digital electric smoker, you can simply set your desired temperature and let the thermostat take care of the rest. No fussing with vents, baffles, or adjusting for pesky drafts and wind.

Of course, having a conveniently placed outlet is crucial for the optimal electric smoking experience. But fret not, if you find yourself without one, there are always alternatives. Just make sure to have a heavy-duty extension cord handy to reach the desired location. With charcoal smokers, on the other hand, versatility is the name of the game. You can fire it up anywhere you go – camping, cottaging, or even RVing.

3)Versatility

An electric smoker may not be the epitome of versatility when it comes to outdoor cooking. It’s primarily designed for smoking, without the ability to effectively grill or roast. While it can kind of mimic cold smoking at lower temperatures, the true cold smoking experience calls for specific temperature settings around 85 °F (30 °C).

Now, let’s talk about charcoal. Although you can smoke on a charcoal grill, direct heat grilling on a charcoal smoker, especially barrel or vertical-style units, isn’t quite a breeze.

However, some offset smokers feature a grate over the charcoal, offering a small grilling area. Plus, reaching roasting temperatures, approximately 350 °F (177 °C), shouldn’t pose a significant challenge for your smoker.

4)Temperature Range/Control — High Heat and Low Heat

An electric smoker offers a limited temperature range, typically between 100-275 °F (38-135 °C), designed solely for smoking. This is perfect for indulging in slow-smoked delights like meat, veggies, nuts, and fruits. However, if you’re looking to sear and roast, an electric smoker might not be your top choice.

On the other hand, a charcoal smoker presents a challenge when it comes to maintaining a low temperature. Although a thermometer might indicate as low as 100 °F, keeping a charcoal fire that cool requires careful attention.

In practical terms, the lower limit for a charcoal smoker would be closer to 125 °F, while the upper limit would typically reach around 350 °F. Of course, you could push the boundaries with a roaring fire, but is that really what you want?

Additionally, if your offset smoker includes a cooking grate in the firebox, you can enjoy the added bonus of searing, provided you build up the fire.

Ultimately, an electric smoker excels in providing temperature control for smoking alone, while a charcoal smoker offers versatility with a bit more effort required to maintain the desired temperature.

5)Size, Footprint, and Space Required

To determine the required space for your new smoker, let’s ask a more pertinent question: how much space do you actually have available? Once you’ve defined your parameters, you can make an informed purchase decision.

When it comes to choosing between electric or charcoal smokers, consider the footprint of each type. Barrel or vertical-style smokers typically occupy an area of approximately 2 feet by 2 feet, depending on the capacity. For example, Weber offers smokers with diameters of 14 inches, 18 inches, and 22 inches. While some smokers may be smaller, few are larger.

However, if you opt for a charcoal smoker, you have the option of an offset smoker. These impressive models have dimensions similar to a standard grill. You should allocate a space of up to 6 feet in width and 3 to 4 feet in depth for these larger smokers.

6)Cooking Capacity

Charcoal smokers are often presumed to be larger on average, but the reality is that they closely rival electric smokers in size. 

While there is a wider range of king-size options for charcoal smokers, you can still find an electric smoker capable of smoking six turkeys simultaneously.

Likewise, there are pint-size models available for both types of smokers, although the variety is more expansive for charcoal smokers. 

One notable advantage of vertical models is their typically larger capacity when compared to offset smokers, thanks to the ability to stack racks vertically. 

So, while the size misconception may persist, it’s worth considering the options and benefits that each type of smoker offers.

7)Reliability

Charcoal grills are known for their simplicity and reliability. Unlike their counterparts with built-in lighters or electronic components, charcoal grills only have a hinge, making them virtually foolproof. The main hurdle you’ll face is rust, but proper maintenance and storage can easily keep it at bay.

On the other hand, electric smokers offer a more sophisticated smoking experience, thanks to advanced circuitry that maintains your desired temperature. While the technology behind electric smokers is proven, the outdoor elements can sometimes pose challenges, and keypads may wear out over time.

Now, it’s important to note that we’re not suggesting electric smokers are inherently less reliable than charcoal smokers. However, it’s worth considering that there’s a higher potential for issues to arise, and repairs outside warranty coverage may be expensive.

8)Bad Weather Effects -Weather Conditions

When it comes to cold weather, insulation plays a key role in mitigating its impact. In simpler terms, a cheaper smoker will always underperform in low temperatures compared to a more expensive one, regardless of the fuel used.

Assuming similar levels of insulation, electric smokers may struggle to reach your desired temperature as they typically have a lower maximum temperature compared to charcoal smokers.

Now, let’s talk about wind. In the case of electric smokers, wind is not a concern since they do not rely on vents and chimneys. There is no way for wind to interfere with their operation, and even if it could, there is no flame to extinguish. However, with charcoal smokers, you may need to find ways to block or redirect the wind to maintain optimal conditions inside.

Precipitation is another factor to consider, regardless of your location. Rain is a common concern, and if you live in a northern region, you may have to deal with snow as well. Both rain and snow can not only cool down your charcoal smoker but also potentially make their way down the chimney.

Having a hood over your smoker can help unless the wind is blowing in sideways – in that case, it’s best to avoid smoking altogether.

Wet conditions are not favorable for electric smokers as moisture can seep into even the tiniest cracks and seams, causing damage to the control panel. If you reside in an area with regular rainfall (which excludes deserts), it’s crucial to keep your electric smoker covered when not in use and refrain from smoking in the rain.

Taking all factors into account, charcoal smokers have the advantage due to their resilience against moisture-related issues.

9)Maintenance Required

Cleaning an electric smoker is relatively minimal, primarily due to its low smoke production. To prevent any moisture issues, it is important to wipe down the exterior and scrape the racks between uses.

On the other hand, a charcoal smoker requires more cleaning due to the higher volume of smoke it produces. This becomes especially true if you unintentionally generate thicker smoke rather than thinner, bluish smoke. Additionally, keeping the chimney clear of creosote buildup is crucial to ensure unrestricted smoke flow.

Overall, electrics are known for emitting less smoke, making the cleaning process easier. By wiping the exterior and scraping the racks, you can prevent moisture problems. Conversely, charcoal smokers demand more attention when it comes to upkeep. This holds true if you end up with thicker smoke instead of thin, bluish smoke. Moreover, maintaining a clear chimney is vital for unhindered smoke flow.

10)The Price

When it comes to deciding how much to invest in a smoker, the price range varies depending on the type. For top-rated electric smokers, the average price point tends to be higher compared to charcoal smokers.

For those who prefer an entry-level option, charcoal smokers are the way to go as they offer numerous affordable choices. However, it’s important to note that both types can become quite expensive, especially if you’re interested in offset charcoal smokers or electric models with advanced features like complex digital interfaces or Bluetooth connectivity.

Your budget will dictate how much you’re willing to spend on your smoker. While top-rated electric smokers often come with a higher price tag, charcoal smokers are generally more budget-friendly, providing greater flexibility for those on a tight budget. Both types boast a range of features, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, albeit at a higher cost.

11)Ongoing Cost to Run -Running Costs

In the realm of smokers, one category stands out as the definitive champion — the electric smoker. Not only does it offer superior performance, but it also boasts significant cost advantages over its charcoal counterpart.

Let’s talk numbers. When you consider the expenses related to wood chips (which remain consistent regardless of the smoker type), the hourly cost of operating a charcoal smoker skyrockets compared to the electric option. We’re talking about a staggering difference of at least tenfold.

Electricity, on the other hand, is generally affordable, unless you reside in remote locations like islands with limited power resources. While a bag of charcoal can empty out your wallet swiftly, running an electric smoker for an extended period will only incur a fraction of that cost.

It becomes evident that the electric smoker takes the crown in this category. Even when we disregard the wood chips expense, the hourly operational cost remains significantly higher for electric models compared to charcoal smokers.

12)Popularity and Community

Charcoal stands as the undisputed champion in this category. As an all-time classic fuel, it enjoys immense popularity, evident in the abundance of reference websites, supportive social media groups, and a plethora of informative YouTube videos. By choosing charcoal, you never smoke alone.

In contrast, electric smokers have a smaller but growing community. While they are moderately popular due to their ease of use, they may not evoke the same level of passionate devotion as charcoal.

13)Versatility

An electric smoker may not offer much versatility compared to other types of grills. It is primarily designed for smoking rather than grilling or roasting. Although you can attempt cold smoking at low temperatures, it’s not exactly the same as the traditional method, which requires temperatures around 85 °F (30 °C).

Now, let’s talk about charcoal. While you can certainly smoke on a charcoal grill, direct heat grilling on a charcoal smoker, especially a barrel or vertical-style unit, is not ideal.

However, some offset smokers do feature a grate over the charcoal, providing a small grilling area. Additionally, reaching roasting temperatures of around 350 °F (177 °C) should not be a problem with a charcoal smoker.

Overall, if you value versatility, charcoal grills have got you covered with a wider range of options to explore.

14)Cooking Area

Vertical charcoal smokers offer ample cooking space, especially with removable racks.

If you’re looking to smoke multiple turkeys, a pork belly, and a chicken all at once, an electric smoker is your best bet. With larger cooking spaces and multiple racks, you can easily smoke a variety of foods simultaneously.

However, it’s important to note that electric smokers may not be ideal for thick meats like brisket, as their vertical shape may require you to cut it in two pieces for optimal results.

On the other hand, charcoal smokers have smaller cooking areas but are perfect for accommodating larger cuts of meat, thanks to their bowl and horizontal shape.

It’s worth mentioning that not all charcoal smokers have limited cooking space. Take the offset charcoal smoker, for example, which offers plenty of room (around 500 sq in or even more) to cook whatever your heart desires.

Overall, choosing the right smoker depends on factors like cooking space, budget, and the type of food you intend to smoke.

Pros & Cons Electric Smoker

Pros

• There is a constant fuel supply (unless there is a power outage)
• Simple and quick to grasp
• Requires minimal monitoring
• Economical in terms of ongoing expenses

Cons

• The smoky taste is not as pronounced
• No smoking capability during power outages
• Requires proximity to an electrical outlet
• Less resistant to varying weather conditions compared to charcoal.

Who Would Benefit Most?

• Individuals new to smoking
• Those who prefer not to or are unable to dedicate extensive time to monitoring a smoker
• Anyone who wishes to avoid the mess associated with charcoal
• Casual or infrequent smokers

Charcoal May Be Your Preference if…

• You enjoy a robustly smoky flavor
• Do you have experience with charcoal grilling or already possess a charcoal grill
• Access to electricity is not readily available
• Your intention is to smoke food away from your residence

Pros & Cons Charcoal Smoker

Pros:

• Unmatched smoky flavor compared to other categories
• Availability of charcoal with different flavors
• Provides a more engaging experience than electric models
• Extensive online help is at your disposal

Cons:

• Takes an extended period to install and achieve the required temperature
• More challenging to maintain the desired temperature
• Requires a deeper understanding and learning
• Running costs are notably higher than other smoker variants

Who would they be ideal for?

• Those with expertise in charcoal grilling
• Lovers of barbecue
• Individuals possessing patience
• Those who wish to smoke while traveling (tailgating, cottage, etc.)

You might favor Electric if…

• You are a novice with charcoal usage
• You have an easily accessible power outlet
• You lean towards a “set-it-and-forget-it” cooking style
• Do you prefer minimal smoke

The Bottom Line: Electric Vs Charcoal Smoker

While the electric smoker can make it easier and require less attention, there’s nothing quite like the unrivaled flavor of food cooked over charcoal. However you decide to choose, you should do it based on your individual preferences and situation. 

Always keep in mind grilling is a hobby meant for fun and enjoyment! If you have friends who’d like to get into smoking or barbecuing, share this article with them so they have the facts for making their own decision about electric vs charcoal smokers. 

No matter what option you choose, let this be your reminder that if you must have blues, make sure it’s smoke! Now go out there and enjoy delicious food cooked over a grill of your choice. Until next time; happy grilling!

Billy McCallum

Pitmaster Lives in Eugene, USA. Bio: I’m Billy McCallum, and I love barbecue. I’m the president and founder of Billy Mac’s Bar & Grill, with over 20 years of experience in the field. I’m an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert who uses charcoal, wood, and fire to craft extraordinary culinary masterpieces. My mission is to educate others how to master their grills and cook a diverse range of foods on them. I have extensive expertise smoking briskets, pork shoulders using charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers.

I also review kitchent appliances such as grills, smoke, and more. I’ve tried out almost every model available, so if you’re in the market for any of these items be sure to check out my reviews!