The standard smoker is ideal for outdoor use. Using it in your backyard makes its use and cleaning a simple task. There is also a reduced risk of smoke exposure, which can make you uncomfortable.
Many people would love to use the smoker indoors. However, they have not encountered a cooker to allow for it. The good news is that there are indoor smokers, ideal for your kitchen.
If you are looking for such an appliance, you are in the right place. We present you with the best indoor smoker reviews for 2022, which you can use to get a befitting cooker.
Best Indoor Stovetop Smoker Reviews
Starting the review, we will look at the stovetop variety. As the name implies, you place this appliance atop of your stove to use it. Highlighted below are the finest picks under this category.
Top Pick
Nordic Ware Stovetop Kettle Smoker
Do you love to smoke meat, but don’t always have the time or patience for a long-term smoker. This is where this smoker comes in handy.
It’s perfect for those days that you can’t go outside to use the big smoker and need something quick and easy!
If you are looking for a quick way to get some smoked flavor into your food without having enough time, this stovetop kettle smoker may be just what you need!
Among the attributes, you will enjoy with this utility is its user-friendliness. Prepping it is easy, and you can refer to its instruction guide on how to use it correctly.
This kettle smoker has a high-dome design to accommodate large dishes. For example, you can prepare several chicken pieces at once.
Another thing to love about the Nordic Ware stovetop smoker is its flexibility. It works on your indoor cooker, electric cooker, and it is oven-friendly. Moreover, you can remove the smoking rack and water pan to convert it to a kettle roaster.
There is a thermometer included to give you accurate heat readings. The smoker is also durable, courtesy of its sturdy aluminum construction.
Key Features
Product dimensions: 7*13*13.5-inches.
Product weight: 5-pounds.
Primary material: aluminum.
Provided accessories: thermometer, water pan, and smoking rack.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Its high-dome design can hold large dishes.
- Works on various cookers and is oven friendly.
- High-quality aluminum construction.
- Comes with a thermometer for temperature control.
- You can use it as a kettle roaster.
Con
- The aluminum build transmits heat fast. It may lead to your food burning if you do not control the temperatures.
Runner Up
CC4132 KitchenQue Indoor Stovetop Smoker
KitchenQue indoor smoker (model number CC4132) is the runner-up choice. The useful quality of this tool is its adaptability. It works with a variety of stovetops. These include cooktops that use gas, electricity, charcoal, and induction.
However, because to its adaptability, it can also support normal cooking in addition to smoking. It can get up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a respectable temperature range. Cooking and smoking may both be done on this stove.
If you just have a little amount of space in your kitchen, the smoker is ideal because it takes up little room. It may sit on your refrigerator or countertop when not in use.
The Charcoal Companion appliance is built with durability in mind. Steel serves as the primary component, and an enamel covering increases its resilience. The material is easy to clean, and the silicone on the grips keeps it secure in your hands.
You can see the interior temperature readings on the heat gauge installed on the lid.
Key Features
Item weight: 6.67-pounds.
Dimensions: 13.5*12.5*9.5-inches.
Material: steel and silicone on handles.
Provided accessories: Thermometer and Hickory InstaSmoke superfine smoking wood.
Pros
- The smoker works on many stovetops.
- It can cook and smoke simultaneously.
- Space economy.
- A high-quality construction.
- The silicone handles uphold its safety.
- It comes with a packet of superfine smoking wood.
Con
- You need extra effort for the lid to achieve a proper seal with the base
Budget Pick
Cameron’s Large Stovetop Smoker
If on a budget and want the best value, Cameron’s large stovetop smoker is an excellent option. It is a flexible cooker that is compatible with several heat sources including electricity, gas, charcoal, and campfire. Additionally, it functions as a roasting pan, poacher, and steamer.
The Cameron’s smoker is convenient to use whereby smoking is a straightforward affair. The same applies to cleaning as it is dishwasher-friendly.
It is an excellent camping utility, courtesy of its small size. Its parts nest inside the smoking chamber when not in use. This arrangement helps conserve space. The lid fits perfectly to the base, assuring you of excellent results. Despite having a compact body, it has a decent cooking area that can hold large dishes like steak or chicken.
Stainless steel is its prominent material, giving it an edge of durability. It is also responsible for its shiny appearance, upholding an aesthetic essence.
Provided add-ons include a wood chip sample and a recipe guide.
Key Features
Product weight: 5.6-pounds.
Item dimensions: 15*11*3.5-inches.
Main material: stainless steel.
Provided accessories: smoking wood chip sample and a recipe guide.
Pros
- Convenient to use
- You can use it for roasting, poaching, and steaming.
- Compatible with various heat sources.
- It is dishwasher-friendly.
- A stable stainless steel frame.
- It is economical on space.
- Adequate cooking space.
Con
- It lacks a temperature gauge.
Best Indoor Cold Smoke Generators in the Market
Cold smoking is a smoking technique where you expose food to smoke under low temperatures. In this case, the ideal temperature range is 65-85-degrees Fahrenheit. Let us look at a review of the finest cold smoke generators.
Top pick
MITBAK Electric Food and Drink Portable Smoking Gun
The MITBAK electrical smoking gun is an easy-to-handle gadget, supported by its design. When smoking, you will have an easy time, mostly due to its components.
It has a bowl that will help in the infusion of the smoky flavor. When using it, you fill the burning chamber with chips and light them up. You control the smoke flow via a button, which has three speeds. You can pick any of the speeds depending on your preference.
Another impressive thing is that cleaning is a hassle-free process. You can detach the parts and put them in the dishwasher.
The cold smoke generator gets its power from a lithium-ion battery. The rechargeable battery is powerful, long-lasting, and has a high energy density that ensures that you have enough energy to prepare your meals.
You can use this smoker with foods like beef, fish, chicken, drinks, and sauces. Included in its package is a sample of smoking wood chips.
Key Features
Product weight: 3.01-pounds.
Product dimensions: 17.7*12.1*5.2-inches.
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Smoking wood chips sample.
Pros
- Ease of use and maintenance.
- The smoker does not occupy much space.
- A durable rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- Dishwasher-friendly parts.
- Three smoking speeds.
- Sufficient smoke production.
Con
- Some smoke may leak from the dome’s bottom.
Runner Up
TMKEFFC Portable Smoking Gun, Food Cocktail Smoke Infuser
TMKEFFC portable food cocktail smoke infuser takes the runner-up position. A striking thing about this appliance is its simple design. The design makes it a looker, and an excellent conversation starter on your dinner table.
The design is also a spoiler of how effortless it is to use. When using it, you fill the burning chamber with chips and turn it on. You then light the wood chips which will produce sufficient smoke supplied to your dishes.
This appliance has a fan that will filter out heat for a consistent food texture. Additionally, it helps propel the smoke at a fast rate. The TMKEFFC smoking gun does not require a power outlet to run.
It runs on 2 AA batteries, which are easy to find. The smoking gun has a compact build, making it portable.
Its frameworks towards its storage as it does not require much space.
This appliance ensures that natural flavored chips maintain their essence. You can use it in many areas including your kitchen, bar or restaurant.
Key Features
Smoker weight: 14.8-ounces.
Dimensions: 7.9*5.3*3.2-inches.
Batteries: 2AA.
Provided accessories: spare filter grid, a screwdriver, and smoking wood chips sample.
Pros
- Hassle-free use and maintenance.
- Fantastic looks.
- Fast smoke production.
- A fan filters heat for uniform food texture.
- Its compact build translates to space economy and portability.
- The smoker comes with several add-ons, like a spare filter grid and a small screwdriver.
Con
- Wood chips may find their way to the electric fan. This may cause the fan to stall.
Budget Pick
NIA Portable Smoke Infuser Handheld Cold Smoking Gun
If you want the best value at a lower price, NIA handheld cold smoking gun is the to-go option. Among the standout features is its small build, making it portable. It weighs 227-grams, and you can have it resting comfortably in your pocket when not in use.
Using it is stress-free, where you fill its chamber with chips, turn it on and let the smoke flow. The nozzle is compatible with a glass dome or a modified plastic bag. You may use wood chip flavors such as applewood, hickory, mesquite, and cherry.
To power this smoke infuser, you need four AA batteries. Go for durable battery brands for lengthy service. Moreover, the NIA appliance is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
A factor not to overlook is its heavy-duty frame. Aluminum and silicone are the main materials used in its construction. They are food-grade elements, assuring you of safety.
It is a great gift to a loved one who is into cooking, courtesy of its simple design that gives it an amazing look.
Key Features
Product weight: 8-ounces.
Product dimensions: 6.6*2.4*1.7-inches.
Main material: aluminum.
Batteries: 4 AA.
Pros
- A lightweight smoking gun.
- A compact frame; hence, easy to store.
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
- High-quality construction.
- Amazing looks.
- Works well with various wood flavors.
Con
- Occasional clogging of the smoke outlets.
Types of Indoor Smokers
Electric smokers
As their name suggests, you need electricity to power electric indoor smokers. The power source may be batteries or via connection to the mains. The latter has a plug to connect to the socket. They are easy to use, as you only need to fill the wood chips and wait for smoke production.
Stovetop Smokers
Stovetop smokers resemble cooking vessels and almost work similarly. You put wood chips, water, and your food in the smoking chamber, then seal it. You then put it on your cooker, the same way you would put a cooking pot and wait.
Most stovetop smokers work on different cookers, showing off their versatility. However, you have to be keen on the temperature with the stovetop appliances, lest you end up with burnt food.
Handheld Smokers
Handheld smokers are suitable for cold smoking. They supply smoke to your food under low temperatures. They have a compact build, and some of them have a fan for smoke propulsion. To run the fan, they may use batteries or a connection to the socket. In this vein, you may consider them electric smokers.
When to Opt For an Indoor Smoker?
An indoor smoker is a handy appliance when you want to prepare your meals in the comfort of your kitchen. It is not prone to weather changes, allowing you to use it in indoor and outdoor settings. Furthermore, they do not produce too much smoke.
How Do Indoors Smokers Work?
Indoor smokers’ functionality depends on the type you have. For instance, if you have a stovetop smoker, the heat from the cooker heats the wood chips. The heat causes them to combust and release smoke into your food.
Some electric smokers have a heating element that heats the wood chips to produce smoke. For handheld smokers, you light the wood chips in the burning chamber. An electric-run fan will then propel the smoke to your food.
Factors to Consider When Getting an Indoor Smoker
Highlighted below are some of the factors to consider when looking for an indoor smoker.
Quality
The quality looks at the material used in the smoker’s construction. It is advisable that you go for top-quality materials, such as aluminum and steel. They are very resilient and less prone to wear. It translates to long service life.
Convenience
A convenient indoor smoker is easy to assemble, use and maintain. If you are a beginner, a user-friendly appliance is suitable, as you won’t have a hard time learning its ropes. Other attributes to look at are compatible heat sources and battery use.
Also, check on portability, especially if you are the kind that moves a lot.
Cost
When looking at cost, look at the value the smoke offers rather than go for a cheap pick. If it is cheap, ensure it offers you excellent features, almost closer to the prime options.
Limitations of Indoor Smoking
While indoor smoking is very convenient, it has some limitations. Among them is a small cooking space. Most indoor smokers have a small size; as such, you can prepare small dishes.
The other issue is on temperature control, as most lack a heat gauge. It means you cannot keep up with heat changes. If not careful, you may overcook your food instead of smoking them.
Some indoor smokers are prone to leakages. This might cause the cooking area to be stuffy and may turn off smoke detectors if too much.
Conclusion
Indoor smokers make it feasible to smoke inside. In this article, we examine some of the top kitchen-based indoor smokers. They are adaptable to use since some of them can manage various cooking techniques. They aren’t very smokey, which can make you feel uneasy.
Take the finest recommendations from this review, and enjoy creating smoked foods.