When it comes to an indoor smoker, we know you need the best of the best. Finding a smoker that is the right fit for your kitchen can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why we’re here. We researched, tested, and ranked the best indoor smokers on the market to help you make an informed decision before you make a purchase. But what is an indoor smoker? Why do you need one? Let’s get into it.
Why You Need An Indoor Smoker
Let’s face it: certain dishes taste better when they’re barbecued. Unfortunately, unless you live in some utopian area that never sees cold or rainy weather, you can’t always use your barbecue.
That’s where an indoor smoker comes in handy. An indoor smoker gives your food the same smoky, woody flavor that a barbecue would, without needing to rely on being able to use an outdoor grill.
Whether you live in an apartment or the weather conditions aren’t optimal for barbecuing, having the ability to smoke your food from the comfort of your kitchen can be a great asset. If you barbecue a lot in the summer or are looking for new gadgets for your kitchen, the indoor smoker is a fun way to bring the barbecue indoors.
What To Look For In an Indoor Smoker
With so many options on the market, it’s hard to find the indoor smoker that is the right fit for your kitchen. Here are some of the main features you should look for in your indoor smoker:
Temperature
There is no one-temperature-fits-all when it comes to cooking. Different dishes will require a different temperature, and having a smoker with an adjustable temperature is essential.
Your indoor smoker should have a temperature dial built-in, with bonus points given to any smoker with a built-in thermometer so you can ensure the smoker is keeping a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. Having control of the gadget’s temperature will ensure all your dishes come out perfect.
Size
The size of the indoor smoker you choose largely relies on personal preference, but you should make sure that your smoker will be able to accommodate any dish that you would cook in it while still being able to store it when it’s not in use.
Material
Like most of the appliances in your kitchen, the materials your smoker is made of matter. A stainless steel smoker with a higher nickel level will be more durable than one with a lower nickel level. Choosing a smoker made of a more durable material means you’ll get greater use out of it. After all, if you like an appliance, you’ll want it to last through years of service.
Easy To Clean
Unless you are using a hand smoker, you will need to clean the appliance after every use. Choose a smoker that is easy to clean or one that you can get your hand and cloth in quickly. If the device needs to be disassembled to be cleaned, choose a smoker that is easy to take apart.
These are just some of the main factors to keep in mind. The qualities you value most in your appliances are up to personal preference, but it’s always good to have an essential guide to follow when shopping for a new indoor smoker.
Our Top Five Indoor Smokers
Without further ado, here is our list of the five best indoor smokers on the market.
Emson 8303 Indoor Pressure Smoker: The Best Indoor Stovetop Smoker
The Emson pressure smoker is an excellent appliance for people of any skill set. The pressure smoker has a wide range of temperature options to use cold smoking for your cheeses or hot smoking for your meats. The digital display allows you to choose how you want to cook your food, with pressure cooking and steaming options available.
The Emson pressure smoker is a great all-rounder with different cooking options and a four-quart capacity. The pressure cooking option will reduce your cooking time by up to 50%, making it convenient for those who don’t like to wait for their food.
The Emson is easy to disassemble, making cleaning quick and easy, and you only need a handful of wood chips to get a full smoky flavor so you won’t be left with a large pile of charred wood chips to dispose of when you’re done cooking. The pressure smoker’s compact size makes it easy to store when it’s not in use so that it won’t be taking up precious counter space.
If you’re a fan of smoked meats, then you know that smoking meat requires patience.
You have to wait for the smoker to heat up and then cool down before adding more wood or charcoal. The process is time-consuming and can be frustrating when your guests are waiting for their food. It’s not uncommon to see smoke billowing out of the shed where it’s being cooked in – which isn’t exactly ideal if you live in an apartment complex!
With the Emson 8303 Indoor Pressure Smoker, there will be no need to worry about all that hassle because it allows you to cook indoors without having any smoke escape into your home or apartment building. This means less mess, no cleanup, and faster cooking times than traditional smokers. Additionally, this electric indoor pressure cooker has multiple functions so that it can also function as a slow cooker or rice cooker once it used up its supply of wood pellets (included).
The Emson is a great tool for any kitchen, and its capacity makes it an excellent fit for family use.
Pros:
- Indoor smoker so no smoking smell.
- The Emson has multiple functions, including a pressure cooker and slow cooker.
- Easy to assemble/disassemble for cleaning purposes; dishwasher safe parts make cleanup a breeze.
Cons:
- The wood chips don’t last very long before they need changing.
Camerons Stovetop Smoker: The Best Indoor-Outdoor Smoker
Next up is Camerons Stovetop Smoker. As a stovetop unit, a smoker is a portable option making it great for indoor or outdoor use. The smoker comes with a removable smoking rack, a drip pan, and a lid, making it easy to disassemble to clean.
The smoker can be used on any heat source so that it can be placed on your stovetop, barbecue, or a campfire to smoke your meat and vegetables to perfection. As the smoker uses an external heat source, it can be challenging to gauge the internal temperature and whether the appliance is heating evenly.
It’s an easy-to-use indoor smoker that allows you to smoke meat, fish, vegetables, and more right on the stovetop! You can also use it as a steamer or poacher. Plus, it includes two bonus items – a stick-free rack and a drip pan.
This smoker will allow you to create delicious meals in no time at all. You won’t find another product like this on the market today! With just one simple device, you can have perfectly smoked food every single time without any hassle or mess involved.
If you’re looking for a smoker that can be used anywhere and easily packed away when it’s not in use, the Cameron Stovetop Smoker is an excellent pick for your indoor and outdoor smoking needs.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Portable unit can be used on the stovetop, barbecue, or campfire.
Cons:
- Can’t gauge internal temperature since it uses an external heat source; difficult to know when the food is done cooking without opening up the lid.
- The metal heats up quickly so it’s easy to burn yourself.
Breville BSM600SIL Smoking Gun Food Smoker: The Best Electric Indoor Smoker
If you’re interested in a handheld option, the Breville Smoking Gun is a handy tool for all your smoking needs. The Smoking Gun has a detachable tube with a tray and a smoking chamber, so you have the option of open or closed chamber smoking. The Smoking gun is easy to use: just load it with your favorite wood chips or herbs, then you can either attach the hose to the smoking chamber or run the hose over your dish.
The Smoking Gun is easy to disassemble, making clean-up a breeze. The Smoking Gun is the smallest and lightest option on our list at only one pound, making it easy to store and travel with.
The Smoker Gun is ideal for home chefs looking for a lightweight new tool to take their home cooking to the next level. The Smoking Gun works quieter and faster than traditional indoor smokers, making it great for household use—especially if you live in an apartment building. The lightweight, easy-to-use design makes the Smoking Gun an excellent tool for your home kitchen.
The option to use herbs or tea leaves alongside or instead of wood chips allows you the freedom to experiment with your indoor smoking techniques so that you can push the limits of your cooking abilities to all new heights.
Plus, it doesn’t require any heat which means no more worrying about overcooking or burning your food. You can even smoke indoors without making a mess of things!
There are endless possibilities when it comes to what kind of foods you can smoke using this product. It works great on meats like beef, pork, chicken, turkey…even fish! You could also try smoking vegetables or fruits like apples or pears for an added twist on healthy snacks. Or how about adding some smoky flavor to cocktails?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to experimenting with this smoke gun!
Pros:
- Detachable tube with a tray and a smoking chamber allows you to use open or closed chamber smoking.
- The lightest option on our list, making it easy to store and travel with.
Cons:
- Expensive for what is essentially an add-on cooking method.
Demeyere Resto Four Piece Stainless Steel Stovetop Smoker: The Best Indoor Smoker for Fish
The Demeyere Resto Stovetop Smoker is another great stovetop option for you. The smoker uses stainless steel, wok-style pan with a rack to place your dish on. The pan is oven safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an excellent tool for all kinds of cooking styles. The pan doubles as a steamer, making it a wonderful addition to your kitchen.
It makes smoking your food easy and fun. It allows you to smoke anything from fish to meats without the need for charcoal or gas-powered grills. This smoker works on any stovetop, including induction stoves! Just add wood chips or sawdust, place your food inside the smoker, put on the lid, and turn up the heat. In no time at all, you’ll have delicious smoked salmon, chicken wings, or ribs that taste amazing!
The smoker features welded handles for easy lifting and a cover to trap in the heat. The Resto smoker and steamer are accessible to taker apart and dishwasher safe, making cleanup friendly and straightforward.
The Resto Stovetop Smoker is an excellent tool for home kitchens without the commitment of a designated device for smoking. With steaming and smoking options available to you, the Resto smoker is a versatile tool perfect for any kitchen.
The stainless steel has a 10% nickel content. As we mentioned above, a higher nickel content in the steel makes for a more durable material. Investing in a smoker made with a more durable material will ensure that your kitchenware stands the test of time. There’s nothing worse than paying for a smoker only to have it showing the signs of wear and tear after only a few months of use.
Pros:
- Indoor Smoker, making it accessible to any type of stovetop.
- Works on any stovetop, including induction stoves
- Dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
Cons:
- No thermometer
- It’s not user-friendly.
Nordic Ware Personal Size Stovetop Kettle Smoker: The best temperature-controlled indoor smoker
Last but certainly not least is The Nordic Ware Stovetop Kettle Smoker. This is a personal-sized smoker made of top-quality aluminum. Its small size and lightweight design make it great for personal use or small family and is easy to store when not in use. The Kettle has a nonstick finish, making for an easy cleanup experience.
The Stovetop Kettle Smoker is suitable for all stovetop types and can be safely heated up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The Kettle comes with a drip pan, cover, cooking tray, and a thermometer. The inclusion of the thermometer allows you to keep an eye on the temperature throughout the cooking process without needing to buy your thermometer.
Other stovetop models do not give you a way to check that your food is being evenly and adequately cooked throughout the process, so the included thermometer is an asset.
The Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker is great for indoor and outdoor use and is an ideal smoker for first-time users.
The Nordic Ware Personal Size Stovetop Smoker will help you get that great taste without all of the hassle and mess of an outdoor smoker. This little guy works perfectly for fish, chicken, pork chops, and even bacon!
With this amazing little device, it’s easier than ever before to enjoy delicious foods like smoked salmon in just minutes! The innovative design allows for even heat distribution while locking in moisture so your food stays tender and juicy every time. Plus the non-stick cooking tray makes clean-up easy too! All you need is some wood chips (not included) and water in the drip pan then sit back with friends or family while everyone enjoys their meal!
Pros:
- Small size, making it a great personal smoker
- Suitable for all stovetop types
- Includes a thermometer to check that your food is being evenly and adequately cooked throughout the process.
- Recipe booklet
Cons:
- When you smoke with the smoker, some of the smoke may escape.
What’s the Difference Between Cold and Hot Smoking?
Let’s talk about what distinguishes cold smoking from hot smoking. Indoor smokers can smoke your food in two general ways: hot and cold.
Cold smoking
When you use a smoker to add flavor to meat or other foods without cooking them first. In cold smoking, the food isn’t cooked at all.
Hot smoking
It involves cooking your meat or other foods with an indirect heat source before being exposed to smoke from wood chips, pellets, etc.. Indoor smokers can also use a direct-heat method similar to grilling and cook your food before exposing it to smoke.
If you’re looking for either hot or cold smoked foods, you’ll need to determine which method your smoker is capable of. Hot smoking is more common than cold smoking and will typically leave your food with a smoky flavor throughout instead of just on the surface. Indoor smokers can also be used for both hot and cold smoking by changing their temperature settings accordingly.
How Do Indoor Smokers Work?
Indoor smokers work by slowly cooking your food with indirect heat and smoke. Indirect heating means that when you cook on an indoor smoker, the hot air is blown around inside of it so that your foods are cooked evenly throughout. This method is great for low and slow cooks because the meat will come out tender and dripping in flavor—just how we like it. The smoke will gently flavor your meat, keeping the flavors intact while adding a smoky aroma to your kitchen. Indoor smokers are easy to use and maintain because they require little attention throughout the cooking process—you won’t have to babysit this smoker!
Indoor smoking allows you to enjoy smoked foods using your stovetop or oven as an all-inclusive appliance without having any other appliances taking up space in your home. Indoor smokers are generally made of aluminum, stainless steel or ceramic material and have water trays to add humidity while cooking the food. Indoor smokers will typically come with several racks so you can smoke more than one type of meat at a time!
Above all, you should choose the smoker that you will get the most use out of. This will ensure that you’ve invested in a product that you’ll love and be able to use whenever you need to.
Uses Of Indoor Electric Smokers
Indoor electric smokers are a great option to use as an alternative to traditional outdoor grilling. Indoor smoking can be done in any weather and allows for cooking year-round indoors or out! Indoor smoker units give you the flexibility to smoke your foods at home without heating up the kitchen with regular ovens. Indoor smokers aren’t only good for barbecues but are also great for making slow-cooked meals like pulled pork or ribs. Indoor smokers can be used to make smoked meats and seafood which would typically only be possible with an outdoor grill because of the unique smoke flavor that is imparted into foods when cooked at low temperatures over long periods of time.
Smokers have been used for thousands of years to cook food over a low heat source. Indoor smokers have evolved from old-fashioned pit cooking and are now available in many different types with modern features that make smoking foods easier than ever before!
Indoor electric smokers allow you to smoke all kinds of specialty meats at home without having the mess or danger of an outdoor grill. Indoor smokers are generally designed to use very little electricity, making them easy to set up in your house or apartment. Unlike most other indoor cooking appliances, the smoker does not require any additional ventilation beyond its own exhaust system because it doesn’t produce much heat when operating properly.
Which Indoor Smoker is The Right Fit For You?
These are just five of the many options available to you on the market, and the indoor smoker you choose is ultimately up to personal preference and what you need out of your appliances. The stovetop options might appeal to you more if you love camping as they are more portable than an electric smoker.
If you’re looking for an appliance that will give you the freedom of different cooking styles and options, The Emson Pressure Smoker may be a better fit for you.
If you cook many smoked or barbecued dishes, you may want more heavy-duty options, like the pressure smoker or a stovetop unit. If you’re only planning to use the smoker once in a while, a smaller option, like the Smoking Gun or the Nordic Ware Kettle Smoker, would be an excellent fit for you, as their sizes make them easy to store when they are not being used.
Stovetop options are great if you want to use a smoker on the barbecue and the stovetop. Having to use just one tool for indoor and outdoor cooking is convenient and saves multiple smokers. Bringing your smoker indoors on days with bad weather or after barbecue season is over offers you more versatility in your smoker.
The Best Indoor Smokers: In Conclusion
When it comes to investing in a new kitchen appliance, there is a lot of pressure to choose the best option. The best place to start when looking at a new device or kitchenware is by making a list of what you’re planning to use the item for.
Once you have an idea of what you need out of your kitchenware, you can start laying out your expectations. Do you need something that will give you the option to steam or pressure cook your meat while it’s smoking? Do you need a smoker that has hot and cold smoke options?
Once you know what you want out of an item and what you expect an appliance to add to your cooking experience, you can make a more informed decision on what product will work best for you. With our list and your knowledge of what you need, you should be in good shape to find the perfect indoor smoker for your needs.
Take a look at our list of the best cold smokers for more ideas.
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Last updated: September 24, 2023
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