Last year we got into BBQ smoking and enjoyed experimenting with our Brinkmann charcoal smoker, but we also learned how challenging charcoal can be. Consistent heat is the foundation of great smoking, and maintaining steady temperatures with a charcoal setup requires constant attention. The Brinkmann demands frequent adjustments to the charcoal to prevent it from cooling or overheating, making overnight smokes difficult and requiring you to babysit the fire for much of the day.
After buying a Char-Broil kettle-style grill and enjoying how it simplified charcoal grilling, we were eager to try the Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker when the opportunity arose. The electric smoker promised to reduce the hassle of managing fuel and temperatures while delivering reliable results.
We started with a rack of pork ribs that turned out excellent: the meat fell off the bone and picked up a rich smoke flavor. Below is a closer look at the Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker models we tested and their key features.
Char-Broil introduced two new vertical electric smokers: the Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker 725 (MSRP $249) and the 725 Deluxe (MSRP $299). Both models are designed to simplify smoking with integrated features like a smart meat temperature probe, a large-capacity wood chip box, and automatic shutoff. These features remove much of the guesswork from smoking and give backyard cooks greater control over the process.
These smokers are compact enough for patios, balconies, rooftop terraces, and decks while offering performance features that make low-and-slow smoking easier for home cooks:
- Integrated meat temperature probe: These models include a built-in smart meat probe that continuously displays the internal temperature of the meat during the cook. You can set the smoker to cook by time or by desired internal temperature. The unit will alert you when the target temperature is reached, automatically shut off to prevent overcooking, and then maintain a warming mode until you’re ready to serve.
- Large wood chip box: A four-cup capacity wood chip box provides extended smoke time. On a single full load of chips the box can deliver smoke for up to 6.5 hours at 225°F, which can be as much as 10 times longer than some competing electric smokers. That reduces interruptions to reload chips mid-cook.
- Spacious, customizable interior: The smokers offer 725 square inches of cooking space and include four removable racks that can be rearranged to handle a variety of items and sizes at once.
- Standard 120V power: These smokers run from a standard 120V outlet, which simplifies temperature control and minimizes fluctuations. Because there’s no live fire to monitor, you can step away for longer periods during a cook, making weeknight smoking practical.
- Digital controls: A simplified digital control panel includes Power, Temp, Time, and Meat Probe buttons. The easy-read LED display lets you monitor the cook at a glance and choose between cooking by time or by internal temperature.
- Remote control (725 Deluxe): The Deluxe model includes an advanced remote control with an LED status display that works up to 100 feet away, allowing you to monitor and adjust the smoker from a distance.
- Double-walled construction: Insulated, double-walled steel construction helps retain heat and maintain consistent cooking temperatures. The 725 Deluxe adds a large front glass door and an interior light for convenient viewing during a cook.
Overall, the Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker 725 and 725 Deluxe streamline the smoking process by combining consistent temperature control with practical features like a long-lasting wood chip box and an integrated meat probe. They deliver reliable, hands-off smoking—ideal for cooks who want to achieve regular results without constant attention.
The Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker 725 and 725 Deluxe are available for purchase at Amazon.com.