By
James
Updated on
Which electric smoker is best for a restaurant? A restaurant offers us the best fresh smoked, grilled, and barbecued goodness when we don’t have access to a smoker at home.
The most common type of smoker you will find at restaurants is the electric smoker because of their convenience and ease of use.
Commercial electric smokers are manufactured to serve many people simultaneously with optimum performance and durability.
In this article, find the answers to:
- Do BBQ restaurants use electric smokers?
- Why is commercial electric smoker better than other fuel types?
- What to look for in an electric smoker for restaurant use?
Our Top Picks
Below is a summary of the top picks from our SummerBaron.com team. To help you understand where each pick ranked, we have included “badges” next to each pick’s key findings. “Best Overall” is a combination of price and value. “Best Budget” is great for summer lovers who want a top-quality product but are on a tighter budget. “High End” is for people who just want the best, and price is no object.
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Product
Pit Boss 7 Series Vertical Electric Smoker
Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments
Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby
Smokin-It Model 2, Electric Smoker
Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments
Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby
Cookshack SM009 Smokette Electric Smoker
Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments
Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby
Reviews of Each Pick
Have a restaurant and want a commercial smoker? We have found the best smokers for small to medium size restaurants and created this list.
Pit Boss 7 Series Vertical Electric Smoker
The smoker comes with a clean-out door at the bottom if you want to change pellets.
It has double-walled insulation that protects the internal temperatures.
This smoker is very easy to assemble.
None
Because of its versatility and originality, the Pit Boss 7 Series Vertical Smoker is the best electric smoker for a restaurant out there. Its heat output is astonishing, with double-walled insulation capable of reaching 420 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the highlights of this commercial electric smoker is that they have a front-facing window, which lets you see your food cooking without opening up the entire door. This feature means all the smoke and heat are trapped inside for maximum smokiness.
There are 1853 square inches of cooking surface on this commercial electric smoker. It also ensures that you have more than enough space to smoke anything you want- be it for a family of four or a large party.
It has an internal temperature control that lets you monitor the food’s heat and smoke. The five porcelain-coated water pan and a heat deflector make cooking more convenient.
Lastly, it comes with a fully programmable temperature range from 150 to 459-degree Fahrenheit, making this the highlight of this smoker.
Do BBQ restaurants use electric smokers?
You will find that the most common type of smokers used in restaurants selling BBQ includes electric smokers. Because of the straightforward and undemanding procedure required to set up and start an electric smoker, commercial businesses usually opt for electric smokers.
They are also hassle-free as they don’t need any additional fuel such as wood, charcoal, or gas. Without a doubt, electric smokers are the easiest of smokers to operate and manage.
Not only this, but electric smokers also produce the same, if not better and healthier, result in cooking the food.
Why is commercial electric smoker better than other fuel types?
Commercial or restaurant smokers use electricity to run and are very easy to maintain and clean. For most other smokers, you might have to clean the charred remains from propane and charcoal use. However, you don’t need to clean up as thoroughly for an electric smoker since they run on electricity.
Notably, electric smokers use wood chips and pellets to achieve that authentic smoky aroma and taste so that you aren’t missing out on the signature taste and smell of BBQ and other smoked food. Electric smokers start automatically and are safer than other smokers.
What to look for in an electric smoker for restaurant use?
When purchasing an electric smoker for restaurant use, always look for these critical components:
- Durability- Always make sure that the smoker you are purchasing is of high-quality so that it can withstand years of use. It would be best if you had even more sturdiness for portable electric smokers. You may have to pay a little more when buying an exceptionally well-built smoker, but it is definitely worth the money you spend.
- Cooking area- The cooking area of a smoker should be enough to feed your ideal crowd. If you are purchasing one for just family and friends, you can go for smaller-sized smokers, whereas for more significant gatherings and parties, you can buy an electric smoker with a more generous cooking space.
- Temperature control- Check that there is a feature that helps you control the temperature in your smoker. This makes it easier and more efficient to manage the heat and smoke inside the smokebox.
Here is a video reviewing electric smokers that every restaurant should have.
Smokin-It Model 2, Electric Smoker
The smoker comes fully-assembled
It comes with side handles that make it easy to transfer
This smoker is NSF certified for restaurant use.
There is a lack of damper controls with this smoker.
This electric smoker is made up of all stainless steel construction that makes it very durable. This smoker is insulated all over so that they can reduce heat aid in even air circulation for an even cooked meal. The Smokin’-It Model 2 Electric Smoker is designed for ease of use and portability.
It has a double latch door that doesn’t allow heat to escape and comes with a drip pan, four racks, and a rheostat.
Cookshack SM009 Smokette Electric Smoker
The grills and racks in this smoker are dishwasher-friendly
The airtight seal on this smoker doesn’t allow any heat or smoke to escape.
The smoker is very easy to clean.
It doesn’t have a feature to check the temperature of the smoke-box.
As an entry-level smoker, the Cookshack SM009 is great at flavoring food with small wood chips and chunks. You can use this smoker all year round since it is powered by electricity. With four lockable casters, this smoker is reasonably very easy to move.
This smoker holds heat well and incredibly durable. It always delivers high-quality food with a delicious smoky aroma.
Cookshack SM360 SmartSmoker Electric Oven
This smoker carries the approval of NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)
It has a large cooking area, ideal for large crowds.
The smoker features a whole lQ5 electronic time and temperature controller.
You need the extra support of a hood or an exhaust fan for proper ventilation with this smoker.
Cookshack SM360 is an electric smoker primarily meant for commercial use. Made with stainless steel, this smoker is the largest Cookshack Smoker made. This smoker is 100 percent durable, long-lasting, and high-quality. It cooks food at a low temperature, keeping the food moist and full of flavor.
The heat in the smoker comes from four 1500 watt heating elements that are electronically controlled.
KBQ C-60 BBQ Smoker Pit
This smoker is the winner of Hearth & Home’s Vesta Award Innovation.
It has an inverted flame firebox that automatically makes thin blue smoke.
The smoker has two wheels on the rear legs, making it easier to carry around.
The fans in this smoker tend to be noisy.
The KBQ Smoker pit provides you with astonishing results when it comes to smoking food items. Firstly, three James Beard Foundation Award winners cited this smoker, which provides all the authenticity needed.
It uses real firewood as opposed to gas, charcoal, electricity, or pellets. This smoker also comes with a control box that automatically maintains the temperature inside.
About The Author
Reviewed by
James
James is a writer who is a self-confessed kitchenware and coffee nerd and a strong advocate of Sundays, good butter, and warm sourdough.