Decisions: Best Electric smoker for under $250

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

jl1103

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 30, 2017
28
13
Hey Yall,

Im in the market for a new smoker. I want to get an electric smoker. My criteria is it needs to be able to heat up past 250 degrees with variable temperature control, has to be reliable and has to be less than $250. For the last few years I thought I wanted a Bradley Original because of the set it and forget it feature. I can get it for $226. Since reading a lot of negative reviews it seems I would have a 50/50 chance of getting a good one.

I recently started looking at the Masterbuilt MES 30" with remote. Again same issue. A lot of bad reviews. I can pick one up for $208. Another option is to get the MES digital 30" in black. It goes for $139. I can just add a thermometer through the vent.

What are some opinions out there?
 
JL1103 - You are asking for quite a bit for $250.00.  Bradley has a strong following, but not on this forum.  The MES units are popular and as you have noticed, there are bad reviews (but there are also good reviews).  The link below is a thread about the Smoke Hollow SmokeTronix, also a link to a video overview.  You might want to read about it and pay notice to the photo of the heating element design. Rather unique. Smoke Hollow has been around for a few years and their smokers look just as solid as the offerings from Masterbuilt, possibly better!.  And if you are willing to spend more, take a look at the smokers from Smokin-it.  No windows, all stainless steel inside and out with a 3 year warranty (1 year on the PID). While the analog models are limited to 250 degrees,  the PID models will do 300+ degrees. 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/256735/smoke-hollow-smoke-tronix

 
Last edited:
Another option is to get the MES digital 30" in black. It goes for $139. I can just add a thermometer through the vent.

What are some opinions out there?
That's (one of the ones) I have. It's been a great smoker for about 3 years now. I have a mailbox mod with an AMNPS, and couldn't be happier.
 
Last edited:
If I find some extra money in my budge. I would like the Pitt boss 770fb. I found one under $400
 
JL1103 - You are asking for quite a bit for $250.00.  Bradley has a strong following, but not on this forum.  The MES units are popular and as you have noticed, there are bad reviews (but there are also good reviews).  The link below is a thread about the Smoke Hollow SmokeTronix, also a link to a video overview.  You might want to read about it and pay notice to the photo of the heating element design. Rather unique. Smoke Hollow has been around for a few years and their smokers look just as solid as the offerings from Masterbuilt, possibly better!.  And if you are willing to spend more, take a look at the smokers from Smokin-it.  No windows, all stainless steel inside and out with a 3 year warranty (1 year on the PID). While the analog models are limited to 250 degrees,  the PID models will do 300+ degrees. 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/256735/smoke-hollow-smoke-tronix


Wow! That's a nice smoker.$371 no tax and free shipping on line.that would fit my needs well.
 
If you are talking about the SmokeTronix, it does have a lot of features/bells and whistles. And the OP (SimonTemplar) seems happy with it. 
 
Last edited:
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky