Smoking food goes back centuries as one of the first methods for preserving meats with water, wood chips, and an enclosure. The Japanese invented the egg-shaped Kamoda with charcoal and modern smokers work with electric power to burn chips.
Learn the details about which is better for your situation from a complete guide to the Big Green Egg vs electric smoker.
The Big Green Egg is better than an electric smoker. It’s versatile for smoking, grilling, baking, and roasting. It’s well-constructed of sturdy materials and comes with a lifetime warranty to meet all outdoor smoking and grilling needs.
Table of Contents
Difference Between Big Green Egg And Electric Smoker
The Big Green Egg and electric smokers differ in shape, versatility, cooking methods, convenience for users, materials, and temperature range.
Electric smokers come in various shapes and sizes, but none are like the Kamodo-style smoker.
The Big Green Egg is a Komodo style with an oval shape like an egg with a domed top.
The design promotes the ideal air flow for evenly distributed heat. Foods smoke or cook evenly to avoid over-charring with raw centers.
Most electric smokers have a single purpose to smoke foods. Some can grill meats.
The Green Egg is a smoker, but it also bakes roasts, and grills foods. It uses charcoal vs. the electric rod-driven smokers that need an electrical outlet.
You can use the Green Egg anywhere because it doesn’t need electricity.
Most electric smokers have a limited low-heat range. The Green Egg can cook from low to high heat for quick grilling or slow smoking or roasting.
You set electric smokers, add the foods, and let them go for a specified time. You can open the Green Egg to check on foods, turn them, and cook or smoke items to perfection.
Is The Green Egg The Best Smoker
The Green Egg is the best smoker for infusing smoky goodness into foods. Charcoal delivers the richest and most aromatic smoke.
The oval design encapsulates the smoke and drives it deep into the contents. Kamodo-style smokers are more fuel-efficient because they retain heat better, reducing the amount of charcoal needed.
Green Egg smokers can be set at a specific temperature and left to smoke for hours without checking them or adding more charcoal.
It’s recommended as the best combination smoker and grill in the world by KickAsh.
Is Green Egg Smoker Worth It
The Green Egg Smoker has a lifetime warranty. Typically, electric smokers last 5 to 10 years. Glazed ceramic construction is durable for years of reliability.
Additional accessories are available for the Green Egg smoker and it comes in a range of sizes from mini to extra-large.
The Big Green Egg smoker is a value compared to electric smokers that wear out faster. You will spend less and get more options.
Some electric smokers are more expensive without a lifetime warranty, but if you seldom smoke, or dislike charcoal, it may be your best option.
Big Green Egg Features
- Precision Temperature Control – US-made temperature gauge provides exact temperature readings to 750 degrees F. patented airflow systems provide exact temperature control with an easy adjustment mechanism.
- Lifetime Glaze – The elegant exterior has a lifetime glaze. It cleans quickly by wiping in a lovely green color for stunning visual appeal and low maintenance.
- Self-Cleaning – Grease buildups burn away with residual heat with minimal ash buildup when used with natural, lump coal.
- Ceramic Fire Box and Exterior – The exceptional thermal properties of the ceramic firebox retain heat with durable materials for long life.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty – The Big Green Egg limited lifetime warranty is ranked best in class.
- Precision Flow Draft Door – The Draft Door controls the amount of air that enters the firebox from the bottom to the firebox.
- Sealed Fire Box – The ceramic cooking chamber is air-tight to retain heat. It maintains moisture in food. It uses 100% natural lump charcoal for fuel-efficiency.
- Heated Air Exits – The rEGGulator Vent Cap is up for patent. It controls airflow through the cooking chamber.
What’s New
Big Green Egg’s new models have a cast iron regulator cap that improves its function. The cap is heat resistant and stays cool.
It solves the former problem of the cast iron vent cap movement that changed the regulation of temperature.
You no longer need a heat-resistant glove to avoid burns when changing the temperature.
- Cooking Grates are made of professional-grade stainless steel, made in the USA.
- High-Temperature Gasket last longer and provide an improved seal.
- Side Bands are easier to adjust.
- New Acacia Wood Handle is stronger, high-quality, and matches the color of the Green Egg
What Is The Advantage Of The Big Green Egg
The advantage of the Big Green Egg is that it is a complete outdoor cooking system. It will bake bread, cookies, or pies, and it can slow cook roasts to perfection.
It smokes foods and can be turned up to high heat to perfectly sear steaks and other grilled meats to your preferred level of crispness or char, without losing the juices.
It performs all cooking, grilling, and smoking functions in one unit.
Which Big Green Egg Is Best
- Premium 18″ Ceramic Grill with Cast Iron Cart & Locking Wheels – The Kamado Joe Classic II gives the perfect cooking size of 18 inches along with its Premium cart that comes with the purchase of your grill, including locking casters and wheels.
- 2-Tier Divide & Conquer - Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System transforms the humble grill grate into the most powerful cooking tool in your arsenal. The revolutionary multi-level, half-moon design frees you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures—all at the same time
- Kontrol Tower Top Vent - Maintains consistent air setting for precise airflow management during dome opening and closing. Constructed of powder coated cast aluminum, the patent pending dual-adjustment top vent is rain resistant and allows you to smoke from 225F all the way to searing at 750F.
- Air Lift Hinge – The air lift hinge significantly reduces dome weight. The grill dome can be lifted with a single finger giving the most comfortable grilling experience there is.
- AMP (Advanced Multi-Panel) FireBox – The patent pending six-piece design eliminates breakage and increases grill efficiency.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best Big Green Egg depends on your needs and preferences. There is a size for all situations. The MiniMax is portable with 133 square inches of space.
You can cook 4 burgers simultaneously, or a 12-pound turkey, and all sizes in between. It’s best for taking with you away from the home, for small gatherings and families from one to four people.
The Small Big Green Egg is the same size as the MiniMax but is not portable. It cooks the same amounts but is best for home use.
The Medium is 15-inches in diameter with 177 square inches of cooking space. It can cook 6 burgers simultaneously or an 18-pound turkey for roasting or smoking.
The Large Big Green Egg is the most popular with 262 square inches of interior space.
You can cook 12 burgers simultaneously or smoke or roast a 20-pound turkey. It’s best for larger families or entertaining guests.
The XLarge is the biggest with 452 square inches of cooking space. It cooks up to 24 burgers or two turkeys up to 20 pounds each.
The model is best for heavy-duty cooking for large families, larger gatherings, or for preparing holiday meals.
- Featuring a heavy ceramic body the kamado is the ideal environment for efficiently burning charcoal
- The cast iron top tamper gives you full control over air flow allowing you to set the perfect cooking temperature
- The solid bamboo side shelves are sturdy and fold down for easy storage
- Dual tier cooking grates provide even more space to make the most of the encapsulated heat
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Is It Worth Getting An Electric Smoker
It’s worth getting an electric smoker if you want a less expensive unit to fit a tight budget. They’re worth buying if you occasionally smoke or grill foods and don’t mind replacing them every 5 to 10 years.
They’re the best alternative for anyone who doesn’t like charcoal and wants an easy smoker to use.
It’s not worth getting an electric smoker if you grill and smoke foods often because the unit will wear out faster with repeated use.
Most cheap electric smokers are limited to smoking foods only. Electric smokers and grill combo units are more expensive.
Why Electric Smokers Are The Best
Electric smokers produce less smoke. They’re more convenient than Kamodo smokers if there’s access to an electrical outlet.
They’re easier to use and take less of your time. You plug them in, set the preferences, and return when the time expires.
The heat is cleaner with no charcoal residue or ashes to clean. There’s a smaller learning curve, and they’re easy to use.
Electric Smoker Features
Electric Smoker models vary in features, but all share common traits. The Water Pan raises the humidity to help food retain moisture.
You can add spices to the water to enhance the aroma and flavor imparted to the smoke-infused foods.
- Low Temperature – The average temperature is 225 to 250 degrees F for smoking foods. Some cook at higher settings.
- Choices of Cooking Fuels – An electric rod heats the fuel for making smoke. Some models use pellets, and others use wood chips in various aromas and flavors.
How Long To Smoke On An Electric Smoker
Masterclass confirms that electric smokers average 75 minutes per pound for thick cuts of meat. They smoke at an average temperature of 225 degrees F.
A ten-pound brisket takes 12.5 hours to smoke thoroughly. Electric smokers can be time-consuming, but there’s not much work involved. The electric smoker does it all for you.
Which Electric Smoker Is Best
- 548 SQUARE INCHES OF INTERIOR: The spacious 548 square inch interior means there is plenty of room to smoke a variety of meats and vegetables. The vertical footprint makes it a perfect size for patios and barbecue kitchens.
- THREE REMOVABLE SMOKING SHELVES: Three chrome plated steel racks can be easily removed for smoking large cuts of meat. Racks are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy
- BUILT-IN THERMOMETER: Features easy-to-read thermometer on the front door for accessible monitoring of the internal temperature.
- 1500-WATT HEATING ELEMENT: Featuring a heating coil that provides the 1500-watt heating element able to produce a temperature from 100°F to 400°F easily controlled with a dial.
- STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS HOLDS WOOD AND WATER: Stainless steel trays hold the wood chips and water, so clean-up is easy after use. Smoker requires wood chips when grilling.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best electric smoker meets the owner’s needs for size, capacity, and quality.
Small, electric smokers are cheaper for the budget-conscious, and it’s best for smoking small batches.
You can find electric smokers in all sizes to accommodate batch sizes, from small to large. Look for a smoker in your price range with an adjustable top vent to control the flavor and levels of smoke.
A water pan is essential for moistening foods, and a 24-hour timer with an alert.
An extra convenience feature is a digital programmable temperature control panel with probes to monitor the internal temperature of food.
Electric smokers with durable materials and solid insulation retain heat and smoke more efficiently.
Buy a smoker with easy-clean features and a solid consumer rating for performance and longevity.
Pros And Cons Of Big Green Egg And Electric Smoker
Big Green Egg Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Durable ceramic, stainless steel, and glazed materials
- Online support available
- Versatile for smoking, grilling, roasting, baking, charring, and searing
- It produces the strongest smoke aroma and flavor
- Self-cleaning/low maintenance
- High and low-temperature settings
- Even heat distribution
Disadvantages
- The longer learning curve to master/Not ideal for novices
- Setup and heating times are longer
- More expensive to operate
- Not as easy to hold the desired temperature
Electric Smoker Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Easy to use for beginners
- Steady temperature
- Range of sizes, features, and prices for indoor and outdoor smoking
- More economical than gas or charcoal
- It provides less smoke for more of the meat flavor
- The smoker does most of the work/little monitoring
Disadvantages
- Limited temperature range for searing, charring
- Some smokers are bulky
- You must season it with heat before use
- High maintenance to clean grease deposits from grill and drip trays
- Requires electrical outlets to operate
- Lack of versatility. It only smokes foods.
Big Green Egg vs Electric Smoker Cost
The Big Green Egg is more expensive than the average cost of an electric smoker. The cost of the MiniMax size to the XLarge is $499 to $2,350.
Prices of electric smokers are from $100 to $1,500 for smokers with advanced functions, similar to the Big Green Egg.
Big Green Egg vs Electric Smoker: Which Is Easier To Use
Electric Smoker is easier to use than the Big Green Egg.
Electric versions require filling with wood chips and water, plugging them in, and setting the temperature, while the Big Green Egg needs filling with charcoal and an igniter to light the fuel.
The warm-up time is longer for the egg. The electric smoker lights immediately and heats quickly.
Charcoal takes longer to catch and heat to the desired temperature. The internal temperature of the egg is more tricky to maintain. It also requires monitoring.
Big Green Egg vs Electric Smoker: Which Lasts Longer
The Big Green Egg has a lifetime limited warranty. Failure through no fault of the owner is covered under the egg by a lifetime guarantee.
Electric smokers have a shelf life of 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of materials and construction.
None of the brands carry a lifetime warranty. Big Green Egg lasts longer.
Helpful Tips To Know About Big Green Egg vs Electric Smoker
- Big Green Egg and electric smokers have a few things in common, but there are a few things to know about each, to operate properly.
- Lighter fluid in the egg ruins the taste of foods. Instead use an electric or butane lighter or fire starter cube. Electric smokers light automatically when you plug them in and turn them on.
- Season the egg before using high heat or risk damage to the interior. Electric smokers require seasoning before use.
- Only open an electric smoker to add more wood chips and water. Keep the lid closed on the Big Green Egg while cooking. Open no more than three times during smoking and cooking to preserve temperature and smoke volume.
- The Big Green Egg needs to be cleaned at the first use of the season and before placing in storage. Electric smokers require frequent cleaning after each use.
Final Thoughts
The Big Green Egg is a versatile grill, baker, roaster, and smoker with a lifetime warranty that trumps the singular focus of electric smokers.
The value for the cost is better for outdoor grilling and smoking enthusiasts.
The comparisons show that electric smokers are best for those who prefer smoking and do so on a limited basis, and don’t want to invest in a premium quality, multipurpose unit.
The Big Green Egg has a longer lifespan than electric smokers. It’s more work to use, and requires knowledge of charcoal grilling and smoking, with a longer learning curve, but it’s easier to clean and maintain.
Overall, the Big Green Egg has more advantages than electric smokers.