Commercial food smokers are a must-have for restaurants and food businesses. They are one of the highest-demand products by new catering business owners. These commercial smokers are large and expensive machines and they can produce mouth-watering foods. In fact, great-tasting smoked foods can earn you a good customer review, or keep your friends and family coming back for more.
As we have said already, a commercial food smoker is quite expensive so you cannot afford to make a mistake when buying one of these machines. Deciding on which smoker to buy can be a difficult task and there are many factors to consider. The cooking area, hopper size, the number of grates, and overall size will all play a part in making your decision. With many brands to choose from, it is important to know what you should be looking for.
To make your buying journey easier, we have compiled a list of the best 8 Best Electric Commercial Food Smokers you will find in 2022.
Quick Content Navigation
Top Picks Of The Best Commercial Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20071117 commercial smoker is perfect for anyone who wants to smoke meat like a pro.
This smoker has digital controls that let you set the cooking temperature and time, making it easy to get great results every time.
The side wood chip loader lets you experiment with different flavors, without having to open the smoker door.
With four chrome-coated racks, this smoker can accommodate up to 6 chickens, 2 turkeys, 4 racks of ribs, or 4 pork butts.
It has digital panel controls that make it easy to set the cooking temperature and time, this smoker is simple to use.
With a spacious 100-pound capacity, this smoker can accommodate large cuts of meat or multiple racks of ribs.
The removable drip pan makes clean-up a breeze, and the extra-large door provides easy access to your food.
This electric smoker has 20.47″ W x 19.88″ L x 33.26″ H dimensions, making it perfect for preparing large quantities of food at once.
The smoker also has a max temperature setting of 275ᵒ F, ensuring that your food will be cooked perfectly every time.
Finally, the inside capacity of this smoker is 2 Turkeys, 4 Pork butts, 4 Racks of Ribs, and 6 Chickens – perfect for feeding a large crowd!
This smoker features a patented side wood chip loading system that allows you to add wood chips without opening the door, and a thermostat-temperature control for even, consistent smoking.
The fully-insulated body retains heat, meaning your food will be cooked just the way you like it every time.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Digital panel controls make it easy to set the cooking temperature and time
Side wood chip loading system lets you add wood chips without opening the smoker door
Thermostat temperature control ensures even, consistent smoking
A fully insulated body retains heat
The spacious 100-pound capacity accommodates large cuts of meat or multiple racks of ribs
Removable drip pan makes clean-up a breeze
[/i2pros][i2cons]
The long lip tends to be unstable when filled with water if you place it on a flat surface
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D Electric Commercial Smoker
Don’t be fooled by the compact nature of the Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D as its looks can be deceiving. 4 chrome-plated steel racks offer great capacity, up to 732 square inches.
The 30” Digital electric BBQ smoker has many features that make it our experts’ best overall commercial food smoker for 2022. Push-button controls on the control panel can easily set the temperature which is shown on the LED display. This allows for easy monitoring of both temperature and cooking time.
An integrated thermometer gives accurate temperature regulation and monitors the cooking process. To ensure heat is locked inside, wood chips are conveniently loaded at the side, so no need to open the door until cooking is done. The double-walled and insulated firebox ensures no heat escapes.
Being an electric, commercial-sized food smoker eliminates the wait time of charcoal or propane smokers. Get clean and great-tasting smoked meats and vegetables quickly and easily.
[i2pc][i2pros]
LED display monitors temperature and cooking time
Push-button temperature setting
It is easy to use
Built-in thermometer
Large cooking space of 732 square inches
Insulated firebox
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Small wood chip tray
No view window
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Cookshack SM160 SmartSmoker Commercial Electric Smoker Oven
Cookshack SM160 SmartSmoker Commercial Electric Smoker Oven has found itself near the top of our list with its amazing reviews from users worldwide. This electric smoker is quite simple in design but packs a real punch.
It has 5 cooking racks which give it 1620 square inches of cooking space. This monster can hold 20 chickens, 15 Turkeys, 100 pounds of brisket, 50 pounds of ribs, or 120 pounds of pork butt. Impressive right?
One thing that makes this commercial BBQ smoker stand out is its IQ5 electronic time and temperature controller. This ensures that food is cooked evenly across the 5 grates.
Use it as a hot or cold smoker as it has a temperature range of 100 – 300 degrees F. Cooking at 250 degrees F will burn approximately 1 pound of pellets per hour to get the right amount of smoke. You can run the Cookshack SM160 all day and night, just make sure it is near a hood or exhaust fan if used indoors.
This unit seals tightly which means there are no air drafts coming in to dry out the food inside. Stainless steel construction means it is highly durable and it uses double walls with fiberglass insulation
The included drip tray and stainless steel grates make for easy cleaning when you have finished cooking.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Larger cooking space: 1620 square inches
Has a built-in IQ5 temperature controller
Temperature range between 100F to 300F
Approved by USDA and NSF
Wheels for portability
[/i2pros][i2cons]
It is costly
No view window
Needs ventilation
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Masterbuilt MB20073519 Bluetooth Commercial Electric Smoker And Broiler
The Masterbuilt MB20073519 commercial food smoker has a great reputation which shows why it is one of the most popular. Adjust the settings for power, time, and temperature through the digital display on the top of the unit.
Turn on the inside lights to see your food at night and also set temperature and smoking time according to what’s cooking. This feature makes it popular for household use, but other features mean it is a top commercial food smoker.
Connect your smartphone, tablet, or another device to monitor the cooking process and adjust the temperature from inside the house. No babysitting is required, except to add more wood chips occasionally to the outside loader.
Weighing 54 pounds means it is a truly portable machine that can be used anywhere there is power. It provides a cooking area of 730 square inches with four chrome-plated cooking grates for easy cleaning. Fit 4 rib racks, 2 turkeys, 6 chickens, or 4 port butts. Enough to feed any crowd.
A removable drip pan collects food drips as well as ash from burnt wood chips. The drip pan and grates are easily slid out and can be cleaned in the sink or dishwasher. This easily programmable commercial food smoker is perfect for either the beginner or professional barbecuer.
A side access wood chip loader allows for easy access without having to open the door during the smoking process. Glass panel front door means you can see the progress of food inside the smoker while an in-built meat probe ensures the meat is cooked to perfection.
Two dampers help allow airflow inside the smoker and are a top element for broiling. It comes with wheels and handles that make it super portable.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Large viewing window
4 cooking grates give a 730 square inch capacity
Bluetooth connectivity to smart devices
Digital display & push-button time & temperature settings
Easy clean
Portable
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Short power cord
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Landmann Smoky Mountain 26” Commercial Electric Smoker
Weighing a mere 33 pounds, this is relatively lightweight in its field. However, with 3 cooking racks and a combination 3-in-1 tray for grease pan, water pan, and wood chip box it has good capacity. 431 square inches in fact.
The steel box features double-walled insulation with the heating element on the bottom. Side handles allow for easy portability and a glass window lets you check the cooking process without opening the door.
Uses an independent plug-in temperature controller and a dial thermometer that shows temperature from low to high. This should be used with a digital thermometer or meat probe for accurate cooking.
Airflow is controlled via a rear damper port and screw feet up and down to adjust to uneven surfaces.
This Landmann Smoky Mountain 26” is a top electric commercial food smoker for those with very limited space or wanting maximum portability.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Very portable at 33 pounds
Porcelain coated 3-in-1 combo tray
Adjustable feet for uneven surfaces
Glass view window in door
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Door held shut by magnets only
Dial thermostat
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
KBQ C-60 BBQ Smoker Pit
KBQ C-60 BBQ Smoker Pit is highly user-friendly with advanced technology and takes your BBQ experience to a whole new level. You can cook high-quality food with multiple flavors with little or no effort.
The use of real wood fire makes it easy to use with a control box that helps in maintaining the temperature. It comes with four cooking grates that can fit multiple sizes of food, perfect for large gatherings. Moreover, on the rear legs, it has two three-inch wheels which make it portable.
It contains sensors to adjust the temperature so food cooks evenly, however, you might have to keep an eye on this.
Otherwise, it is the best smoker to use with a combination of new technology. It has an old wood-burning style for amazing flavor and tasty results.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Larger cooking space
To make it portable it consists of two wheels
Can cook food with multiple flavors
This smoker has sensors for temperature
Novice can use easily
[/i2pros][i2cons]
No auto-stop feature
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Bradley BS611 Commercial Electric Smoker
Bradley Technologies make many models and this one is produced to mimic its original food smoker. This is the only model without a digital thermostat. Temperature is controlled using a knob on the wood box control panel. You will also find the on/off switch here.
With four adjustable cooking racks giving 572 square inches of capacity, this is enough for 4 full racks of ribs. Temperature can range as high as 250 degrees F and will ensure amazing flavors while properly cooking the meat. For accuracy of temperature, we suggest using a digital thermometer or meat probe. The low setting is great for cold smoking.
Bradley commercial food smokers are made with top-quality materials and construction for durability. The insulated smokebox has a stainless steel interior for easy cleaning and no rust.
CleanSmoke Technology delivers pure smoke for a perfect taste. Using Bradley bisquettes fed along a conveyor, this technology douses the bisquettes before they turn to ash. Burning wood to ashcan impart a bitter taste into meat.
No babysitting is required once you have loaded the side-hopper as it contains enough bisquettes for 9 hours of smoking. Bradley Technologies manufacture 12 different flavors of bisquette. Please note, the side generator is easily removed for storage or in the case of bad weather.
Adjustable shelves mean you can smoke a variety of foods at any one time. The interior cabinet has holes for meat hooks to smoke sausage or salami or to hang jerky racks. A smoke diffuser keeps smoke circulating around the box while a top vent releases any dirty smoke.
This commercial food smoker is user-friendly and would suit both beginners and experts. It has a 500-watt cooking element and 125-watt smoking element which are both easy to replace. Included is a user guide and a cookbook to get you started. All this in a unit that weighs only 57 pounds for portability and easy storage.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Stainless steel interior won’t rust & is easy to clean
Adjustable racks for large pieces of meat
9 hours of smoking with a fully loaded hopper
CleanSmoke technology for great taste
Will accommodate meat hooks and jerky racks
[/i2pros][i2cons]
No view window
No thermostat
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Smokin-It Model #2 Electric Smoker
100% 18 gauge, stainless steel construction makes this super durable. Looking a little like a safe, this nifty smoker is designed for portability and ease of use and comes ready assembled in the box.
Fully insulated with fiberglass to retain heat, it comes with a powerful 800-watt heating element that simply clicks out if it needs replacing. These replacement elements are very cheap to buy.
Weighing 114 pounds, it is one of the heaviest on our list of electric commercial food smokers. However, the 4 rubber casters and side handles make it easy to move around.
A double door latch system keeps heat and smoke in the smokebox. It includes 4 stainless steel grilling racks, a smoke box for wood, a slide-out drip pan, and a rheostat to control temperature. The manufacturers even include hickory wood to season your smoker as soon as you get it.
To do this, put 4 ounces from the enclosed bag of hickory wood into the smoker and let the unit run for 3-4 hours at 210 degrees F. Keep the vents slightly open to allow smoke to escape.
Smokin-It Model #2 holds up to 35 pounds of meat and has an LED indicator light on top of the unit. The 12-foot power cord means you can have this smoker out in your backyard.
[i2pc][i2pros]
Easy to use
Comes already assembled
Stainless steel construction with full insulation
Portable with casters and side handles
Dual door latches
NSF certified for restaurant use
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Use a digital thermometer or probe to ensure accurate temperatures
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Choosing The Best Electric Commercial Food Smokers
There are several very well-known brands of electric commercial BBQ smokers on the market. So how do you know which one will be best for you? To make things easier, consider the following factors when looking to buy your electric commercial smokers.
Hopper size
This will determine how “hands-on” you need to be when using your commercial food smoker. Some, such as the Bradley model allow for up to 9 hours of smoking with one load.
Production Material And Durability
This is an important factor in a commercial food smoker as they are generally in fairly constant use. Even if you are not using them for commercial cooking, if you are going to outlay this sort of money, you want your smoker to last.
All the above models are made from sturdy materials that should last for many years. We also suggest you check for those that are easy to clean. Many of the above models have racks that are dishwasher safe.
Temperature range
A larger temperature range gives you more diversity and flexibility for commercial BBQ. Having a food smoker that can cook low and slow, as well as hot and fast gives you many more options.
Again, for this sort of investment, look for one that will give you the option to cold smoke as well. This requires very little heat.
Cooking Area
You would expect a commercial food smoker to have more capacity than a regular smoker. Our models listed above have a range of capacities from 500 square inches to a massive 1620 square inches in the Cookshack.
Power
With increased capacity comes a need for more power. That is why you will see heating elements of up to 800 watts.
Final Thoughts
Having looked at the best electric commercial food smokers in the market our top 3 really stand out. The Dyna-Glo DGU732BDE-D cannot be faulted for ease of use, instant heat, and continuous smoking. Digital controls for both temperature and time are easy to set and monitor.
For monster capacity, the Cookshack SM160 smart smoker is a clear winner, providing 1620 square inches of cooking space. That’s 20 chickens, 15 Turkeys, 100 pounds of brisket, 50 pounds of ribs, or 120 pounds of pork butt. Should be enough for any crowd! Add in the IQ5 time and temperature controller and we have a winner.
Finally, the Masterbuilt MB20073519. Not only is this from one of the most trusted manufacturers, it consistently makes the list of most popular food smokers in any category. 730 square inches of cooking space can fit 4 rib racks, 2 turkeys, 6 chickens, or 4 port butts. Bluetooth connectivity means you can change settings on the unit from your lounge and load wood into the side hopper without interrupting the smoking process.
Once you have your home food smoker, why not try one of our delicious food smoker recipes.
Hi! I’m Sally-Anne!