Propane vs Electric Smoker- What's Better?
So, you have decided to invest in a smoker for the first time. Just like every beginner, choosing the best smoker for your needs can be quite an irritating task. With so many options available on the market, buying the smoker with all essential features and easy smoking is a challenge for every new user. Well, it depends on your needs and budget but having proper knowledge about smokers can help you to make the right decision.
From propane to gas to electric, there are different smokers available with distinctive features and costs. This in-depth article about electric vs propane smoke will help to select the best smoker between these two.
Electric vs Propane Smoker- Similarities and Differences
As compared to other types of smokers on the market, electric and propane smokers are similar in many ways. The first shared feature between the two is both have a similar appearance.
Propane and electric smokers feature a vertical body design with smoking racks aligned on one another to place your food. Both smokers have the ability to smoke a generous amount of food at once with a relatively small footprint.
When it comes to differences, there are many which make them different from one another. For instance, the best electric smoker is easy to use, thanks to the electric connection to generate necessary heat through the heating element. Remember, an electric smoker can’t operate at a very high temperature which is not a bad thing as most smoking cooks are done at 200-275 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature is useful for cold smoking.
Electric smokers need an electric connection which means they are not particularly portable and are not made for wet weather conditions.
On the other hand, a propane smoker comes with a portable design. The best about this smoker is that you can use it in different weather conditions. It operates by igniting propane gas and creating flames through burners inside the smoker.
Another great feature of the best propane smoker is that it can reach a high temperature as compared to an electric smoker. However, it may not be good for you if you are a beginner.
Electric Smokers- A Brief Working Guide
As the name suggests an electric smoker need electricity to smoke food at low temperature. There is a heating element that is powered up by an electrical connection. It helps to warm up and emit necessary heat throughout the cooking chamber.
The heating element of the smoker is just like your oven tube. Just like an electrical oven, the heating element takes some time to warm up properly. Remember, an electric smoker needs more time to get to the desired temperature as compared to a gas smoker.
The basic difference from the oven is that a smoker has a door or tray which is used to add wood chips for adding smoked flavor. This is the only way to get desired smoked flavor from your foods.
There is also a water pan placed inside the smoking chamber. It helps to keep the cooking environment moist and maintain proper moisture levels for the ends results of your food.
Benefits of an Electric Smoker
- The prime benefit of an electric smoker is its ultra-convenient usability. They are without any doubt the easiest type of smokers to use. Just place your food, set desired temperature, and enjoy your party.
- It comes with precise temperature control. After setting the required temperature, you don’t need to worry about the overheating of the unit.
- Another benefit of electric smokers is that they are affordable. Though it may be expensive as compared to propane smoker when you compare the price of an electric smoker with others, you will find the prices very affordable.
- The temperature settings of these smokers are reliable and allow maintaining a low temperature. You can use electric smokers for cold smoking. For cold smoked cheese lovers, the best electric cold smoker is highly recommended.
- Electric smokers are safe and therefore, you can use them in apartments. They don’t need flammable gas or any smokes, so, you can safely use them for indoor smoking.
- You can also find electric smokers with Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps. These handy features help to set temperature and monitor food status from the convenience of your smartphone.
Drawbacks of an Electric Smoker
- An electric smoker works on a connection to electricity. That’s why you need a long extension cord or high-power portable generator to get the job done.
- There are electrical parts and more design features in an electric smoker which makes it a little more prone to break. The parts can be complicated to fix if broken or damaged.
- You can enjoy as many smoky flavors as compared to other smokers with an electric smoker. It doesn’t mean you can’t prepare delicious foods but the flavors are limited. These smokers can’t operate at high temperatures which means there are fewer chances of getting the most out of your flavoring chips.
- Due to electrical connection, it is impossible to use these smokers in adverse weather. As electricity is involved, you can’t use it in rain or harsh cold weather. Also, it can’t be used in the garages.
Propane Smoker- A Brief Working Guide
A propane smoker uses natural gas as a source of fuel to gain control over the temperature levels. There are no fancy features and is easy to use. However, it may get extremely hot due to not auto temperature control; therefore you need some sort of smoking skills to deal with propane smokers.
Just like an electric smoker, a propane smoker comes with a vertical design and large cooking capacity. It is equipped with stainless steel grill racks that allow placing food on them. There is a propane tank which is the only source of cooking fuel. The heating capacity of a gas smoker is measure in BTU (British Thermal Units).
There is a propane-fueled gas burner located at the bottom of the smoker. This stainless steel burner can produce a live flame which is the heat source of the propane smoker.
This burner is surrounded by a wood chip tray where you can add your favorite wood chunks to add smoked flavor to your food.
There is a water pan above the wood chip tray which is filled with cold water to prevent the internal temperature of the water from rising too quickly. As the water heats, it begins to emit heat which in turn helps in convection cooking.
Flames are fed by oxygen; therefore the temperature setting on a gas smoker is controlled by airflow. You can open the heavy-duty damper at the bottom to allow more air allow to enter the smoking chamber. The oxygen helps to feed the flame and the temperature enhances.
There are vents or dampers located at the top of the smoker which can be opened to allow the heat escape. Also, the heat rushed when you open the front door of the unit.
Benefits of Propane Smoker
- The most noticeable feature of the best propane smoker is its highly portable design. You can take it on the go to be set up anywhere along with the gas tank. They are best to take for camping or tailgating.
- A propane smoker is very cheap. If you are running on a tight budget, there is nothing better than a propane smoker. Don’t worry about the entry-level price point as you can still enjoy the perfectly smoked flavor with this type of smoker.
- The ongoing costs are also low. A propane tank is relatively cheap to refill and is easily available everywhere. So, the ongoing costs and other hassles linked with running a propane smoker are pretty low.
- When comparing electric vs propane smokers, you will find that propane smokers can prepare slightly tastier food with deeper flavor as compared to an electric smoker. Although it depends on your taste, most chefs and pit masters recommend propane smokers for perfectly smoked foods.
- Featuring a straightforward design and only a few moving parts; using propane smoke is very easy. Also, propane smokers are built to last for a long time.
Drawbacks of a Propane Smoker
- If you use the smoker frequently, refilling the propane tank can be a headache for you.
- These smokers are not highly insulated which means they can difficult to use in cold and windy weather conditions.
- Various propane smokers can run too hot. As there are not smart monitoring features, your food may get overcooked.
- The design of the propane smoker is straightforward. There are no smart features like Bluetooth or smartphone apps that are available with electric smokers.
Electric and Propane Smokers – Head to Head Comparison
| Category | Electric Smoker | Propane Smoker |
|---|---|---|
Versatility | Smoking only | Smoking, grilling & Roasting |
Cooking capacity | Slightly fewer capacity options | Large capacity options |
Usability | Easy to use, best for beginners | Need proper monitoring |
Heat range | Around 100-275 degree Fahrenheit | Around 150-400 degree Fahrenheit |
Food Quality | Less smoky flavor | Rich, smoky taste |
Reliability | Electronic parts may fail | Fewer parts, more reliable |
Ongoing running Price | About $0.06/hr | About $0.40/hr |
Maintenance | Easy to maintain and convenient to clean | Easy to maintain and clean |
Weather considerations | Not recommended for wet or damp weather conditions | Good for all weathers but not for wind and cold due to weak insulation |
Smart Features | Bluetooth, Smartphone app and built thermometer for easy food monitoring | Not smart features |
Average price | Average | Less Expensive |
Propane Smoker Pros
Propane Smoker Cons
- Cheap price
- Best smoked flavor
- Best for the experienced griller
- Ideal for all weather conditions
- Portable design for outdoor cooking
- Food lovers interested in the learning curve
- Need constant attention
- Extra expensive on the operation
- Needs to refill propane tank frequently
- Steeper learning curve than an electric smoker
Electric Smoker Pros
Electric Smoker Cons
- Smart features
- Effortless usage
- Best for beginners
- Hassle-free smoking
- Best for cold smoking
- Never runs out of fuel
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Less smoked flavor
- No portable design
- Can’t reach a high temperature
- Expensive as compared to propane smoker
- Need corded electric connection to operate
- Not recommended for wet weather conditions
Types of Food you can Smoke in Electric and Propane Smoke
When it comes to food smoking, both smokers allow preparing a variety of food with perfectly smoked flavor.
A pellet smoker is three in one smoking smoker with a smoking, grilling, and oven feature. You can prepare a variety of food using a propane smoker including smoked pepper brisket, ribs, chicken, and many other foods. You can add a variety of smoked flavors by adding wood woods to the smoking chamber.
On the other hand, an electric smoker is a special gift for beginners to prepare their favorite foods. They are plenty of food options with electric smoker including BBQ smoked ham, bacon, smoked turkey, burger, chicken, lobster tails and many more.
Best Electric and Propane Smoker Brands
There are many brands available on the market but all of them are not producing high-quality smokers. Therefore, when investing in a smoker make sure to consider the top brand.
When it comes to the electric smoker, the following brands are recommended.
- Masterbuilt
- Char-Broil
- Smoke Hollow
- PIT BOSS
- Dyna- Glo
Here are the top five propane smoker brands you should consider while buying.
- Masterbuilt
- Z GRILLS
- Camp Chef
- Dyna-Glo
- Char-Broil
Our Verdict on the Propane vs Electric Smoker Comparison
When it comes to choosing the best smoker between electric and propane smokers, it depends on your needs, skill level, and budget. If you are a beginner, looking for smart features and easy control, an electric smoker is the best option for you. However, it is expensive as compared to propane smokers. On the other hand, a propane smoker is known for producing authentic smoked flavor, portable design, easy usage, and cheap price. However, you have to compromise on frequent propane tank refilling.