The debate between electric and propane smokers is a longstanding one; in this post, we’ll unpack the dispute to explore it further and settle the score. For our audience, we know the discussion isn't just about grilling: It's about enhancing the entire outdoor cooking experience. We’ll break down the nuances of ease of use, portability, cost, and that all-important factor: the flavor of your favorite smoked dishes. Read on to learn more about electric versus propane smokers before you make your next purchase decision.

1 | ELECTRIC SMOKERS ARE EASIER TO USE THAN PROPANE

When it comes to ease of use, electric smokers are better than propane. Simply load an electric smoker with food and wood, set the temperature and timer, and walk away—the temperature stays consistent with no babysitting required. The temperature of a propane food smoker can fluctuate, requiring more attention during the smoking process. Electric smokers are also safer to use than propane—there are no combustible materials or gasses involved, and they are well-insulated to help prevent accidental burns. If you’re concerned about the convenience of using a smoker, electric is the clear winner versus propane.

2 | ELECTRIC FOOD SMOKERS IMPART PLENTY OF FLAVOR

You may wonder whether an electric smoker can impart the same wonderful smoky flavor to food as a propane unit, and the answer is yes. Most electric smokers use wood chips or chunks to achieve a rich smoked flavor. Bradley electric smokers use our special wood Bisquettes®, available in a delicious variety of flavors, including apple, cherry, hickory, pecan, and mesquite. Here is a sampling of our specially curated wood Bisquettes:

• Whiskey Oak Wood – Pairs well with red meat, salmon, and heavy game
• Premium Beer Wood – Creates a hop-infused flavor that works on sausages, ribs, beef, and cold smoked cheeses
• Hunter’s Blend Wood – Flavored with maple, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper, ideal for lamb, wild game, and vegetables
• Caribbean Blend Wood – Infused with allspice, these pair well with chicken, lamb, and vegetables
• Ginger Sesame Wood – Adds Asian flavor to beef, duck, and vegetables

3 | ELECTRIC SMOKERS ARE COST EFFECTIVE

Whether it’s an electric or propane smoker, cost is a big consideration. Both come in a range of price points, with significant variation between entry-level models for beginners and top-of-the-line units for BBQ masters. When it comes to repairing your unit, replacement parts for an electric smoker are just as easy to find as propane smoker parts, so you can make quick updates at home. Between the price of propane and the cost of electricity, it’s difficult to say which type of smoker is cheaper to run, but overall, the electricity required for an electric smoker can cost less.

4 | YOU CAN COLD SMOKE FOOD IN AN ELECTRIC SMOKER

Thanks to controlled temperatures in an electric smoker, you can expand your palate and bolster your skills with cold-smoked and dehydrated foods. Whether it’s a block of smoked cheddar cheese for a charcuterie board or or a batch of sweet and spicy beef jerky to take on your next camping trip, you’ll impress your friends with cold-smoked goodies created on an electric smoker. Cold smoking is ideal for desserts, drinks, sauces, and other delicate items, and only an electric smoker offers precise temperature control. Propane smokers run hot, making it impossible to achieve the low temperatures required for cold smoking. And electric smokers produce clean smoke that won’t overpower the base flavor of your food.

5 | ELECTRIC SMOKERS ARE JUST AS PORTABLE AS PROPANE

Propane smokers once held the top spot in portability, but modern advances have changed the game for electric smokers. Though electric smokers run on electricity, making an AC outlet essential for operation, this is not as big an issue as it once was. With more trucks today featuring built-in AC outlets, and a never-ending selection of car adapter converters on the market, an electric smoker becomes a tailgate companion. And many picnic shelters at public parks offer electric outlets so you can take your smoker to a party or gathering. Electric smokers are also more insulated than propane, making them the better option in cold and windy weather.

6 | ELECTRIC SMOKERS OFFER MORE FEATURES

Both electric and propane smokers are available in different styles with various features. But electric smokers often come with more options, including precise temperature control settings and digital displays; some even include Bluetooth technology, like the Bradley Raven. Not only do these make smoking your food more fun, but they might also impress your buddies, and that’s always a plus.

Overall, an electric smoker is better than a propane smoker due to its ease of use, reasonable cost, and versatility, including the option of cold smoking food. So skip the propane charade and plug into the future of outdoor cooking. With an electric smoker, you'll be savoring smoky perfection all season long, leaving friends and family wondering why you’d ever settle for anything less.