Buying guide

Bradley Smokers: Models, Bisquettes and Who They Suit

Updated on · By the Steam Pig team

A Bradley smoker suits you if you want an electric vertical smoker that uses wood bisquettes to make smoke. Choose a 4-rack model for four racks, a 6-rack model for six racks, and match bisquette flavor to the food.

On this page (5 sections)
  1. What makes a Bradley smoker different?
  2. Which Bradley smoker model fits your cooking space?
  3. What do Bradley bisquettes do?
  4. What should you check before choosing a Bradley smoker?
  5. Is a Bradley smoker right for you?

A Bradley smoker suits you if you want electric heat and smoke from wood bisquettes in a vertical cabinet. Choose the 4-rack digital model or BS1019 for four racks, or the 6-rack model for six.

Bradley models combine an electrically heated cabinet with a separate way to make smoke. You need power and compatible bisquettes, rather than charcoal or propane.

This guide compares three smokers and a cherry bisquette pack. For a wider look at fuel types, see electric, charcoal and propane smokers compared.

What makes a Bradley smoker different?

A Bradley smoker uses electric power for heat and wood bisquettes for smoke. These vertical smokers differ in rack count, cabinet height and described smoke duration.

Bradley describes the smokers as fully automatic. The two digital models describe smoke for up to 9 hours, while the BS1019 describes up to 10 hours.

That duration is not a promised cook time or temperature. Food size, setup and conditions affect a cook, so follow the smoker's instructions and use a food thermometer.

A 24-pack of Bradley cherry bisquettes has a mild, sweet and fruity aroma, suggested for foods such as chicken and cheese.

Bradley says its bisquettes extinguish before turning to ash and produce cleaner smoke than loose chips in a pan or burn box when used with a Bradley smoker.

Which Bradley smoker model fits your cooking space?

Compare a Bradley smoker by rack count, cabinet height and described smoke duration. The 6-rack model offers more rack positions, while the other two models have four racks.

ModelRacksOutside dimensionsSmoke duration described
Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker419 x 22 x 34 inUp to 9 hours
Bradley 6-Rack Electric Smoker619 x 22 x 41 inUp to 9 hours
Bradley BS1019 4-Rack Electric Smoker417 x 22.5 x 28.5 inUp to 10 hours

The dimensions are depth, width and height. Measure your setup area, including room for the generator or other parts, access to power, and space to work around the cabinet.

Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker: a 4-rack digital option

The Bradley 4-Rack Digital Smoker has four racks, a stainless steel interior and a digital control system. Its dimensions are 19 x 22 x 34 in.

A 4-rack digital Bradley smoker has a stainless steel interior and describes up to 9 hours of smoke.

Its four racks each measure 11 x 13 in. This model is described as a natural-draft vertical smoker.

Choose it if four racks suit your usual food load and you want a digital Bradley cabinet. Compare it with the 6-rack model if you need more rack positions.

Bradley 6-Rack Electric Smoker: six rack positions

The Bradley 6-Rack Electric Smoker has six racks measuring 11 x 13 in each. Its 41 in height makes it the tallest cabinet among these models.

Six 11 x 13 in racks give you more rack positions, and Bradley describes smoke for up to 9 hours.

Bradley describes this model as fully automatic. Its stainless steel interior is described as easy to clean, and its smoke diffuser system is intended to keep smoke flowing and prevent drips described as “black rain.”

Choose it for the extra rack space if its height fits your setup. Rack count alone does not tell you how much food will fit, since food shape and size matter too.

Bradley BS1019: a shorter 4-rack model

The Bradley BS1019 has four racks in a 28.5 in high cabinet, shorter than the other two smokers in this comparison.

The 28.5 in high BS1019 has four racks, separate heating elements and a removable diffuser.

Bradley describes separate heating elements: one maintains cabinet temperature and another heats bisquettes to generate smoke. The model has a removable diffuser to help with cleanup, and describes smoke for up to 10 hours.

Choose the BS1019 when its shorter height fits your space and its features suit your needs. Check its dimensions and power requirements before planning where to set it up.

For other vertical designs across fuel types, see our best vertical smokers guide. If you are deciding between electric and another fuel, our best smokers by use guide can help narrow the style.

What do Bradley bisquettes do?

Bradley bisquettes provide wood smoke in a form made for Bradley smokers. The cherry variety has a mild, sweet and fruity aroma, with chicken and cheese among its suggested pairings.

The 24-pack offers one flavor option. Bradley also names poultry, fish, seafood, beef, pork, lamb, waterfowl, vegetables and cheese as possible pairings.

A 24-pack of Bradley cherry bisquettes has a mild, fruity aroma for use with Bradley smokers.

If you are choosing wood flavor for a wider range of foods, read our guide to the best wood for smoking. That guide can help you compare flavors by food, while this pack is designed for Bradley smokers.

What should you check before choosing a Bradley smoker?

Check cabinet fit, power access and bisquette needs before buying. These details help you choose a smoker that fits your space and cooking routine.

  • Measure the space. The 6-rack model is 41 in high; the BS1019 is 28.5 in high. Leave working room around the cabinet and check the full setup dimensions.
  • Confirm power access. These are electric smokers, so plan for a suitable outlet where you intend to cook.
  • Choose rack count by food shape. Six racks offer more positions, but large pieces may take more room.
  • Choose compatible bisquettes. The cherry 24-pack is designed for Bradley smokers. Check the smoker instructions for approved fuel and operation.
  • Plan cleanup. The smokers have stainless steel interiors, and the BS1019 has a removable diffuser. Follow the smoker instructions for cleaning steps.

For broader advice on fuel and upkeep, see our smoker fuel and care guide. Our smoker accessories guide covers additions to consider once you know which smoker you plan to use.

Is a Bradley smoker right for you?

A Bradley smoker suits you if you want electric cabinet heat with bisquette-fed smoke and can work with its rack count and dimensions. Choose the 4-rack digital model for a digital cabinet, the 6-rack model for six racks, or the shorter BS1019 for four racks.

Choose a model around your space and the food you cook most often. If you already own a compatible Bradley smoker, cherry bisquettes offer a mild, fruity flavor option; if you are still choosing a smoker style, compare the wider electric smoker options first.

Frequently asked questions

How does a Bradley smoker make smoke?

A Bradley smoker uses electric power for the cabinet and wood bisquettes to create smoke. The two digital models here describe up to 9 hours of smoke, while the BS1019 describes up to 10 hours.

Follow the instructions for your specific model.

What is the difference between a 4-rack and 6-rack Bradley smoker?

The 6-rack model has 6 racks measuring 11 x 13 in each and stands 41 in high. The 4-rack digital model has 4 racks and stands 34 in high, while the BS1019 is a shorter 4-rack option at 28.5 in.

Compare the dimensions with your available space.

Can I use any wood chips in a Bradley smoker?

Bradley bisquettes are designed for Bradley smokers. The cherry 24-pack has a mild, sweet and fruity aroma, with chicken and cheese among the suggested pairings.

Check your smoker's instructions for approved fuel and operation.

Are Bradley smokers electric?

The three Bradley smokers compared here use electric power. They suit cooks who have access to power where they plan to use the cabinet.

If you are still deciding on fuel, compare the trade-offs in our electric smoker guide.