Nordic Ware 36550 Smoker Review
Our verdict
The Nordic Ware 36550 is a compact stainless steel smoker that runs on wood pellets and weighs only 3.7 lb at 8 x 7 x 7 inches, putting it firmly in the stovetop or countertop smoker category. At $94.28 with a 4.3 rating from 712 buyers, it is a low-commitment way to add smoke flavor to everyday cooking.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Home cooks who want to add smoke flavor indoors or in small outdoor spaces without investing in a full-size backyard smoker.
Skip if
You want to smoke full racks of ribs or whole briskets, or need a unit that handles large volumes of food at once.
- Fuel Pellet
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Red
- Dimensions 8 X 7 X 7 In
- Weight 3.7 lb
- Priced 71% below the category median ($329.50 across 122 tracked models)
- Weight of 3.7 lb - lighter than 81% of the 122 models we track
Pros
- At 3.7 lb and 8 x 7 x 7 inches it stores in a kitchen cabinet
- Stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean
- Wood pellet fuel produces genuine smoke flavor without an outdoor fire
- Under $100 price point is accessible for first-time smokers
- 4.3 rating from 712 buyers shows consistent satisfaction
Cons
- Tiny cooking chamber limits quantity to small portions only
- Not suitable for large cuts like brisket, pork shoulder, or full racks of ribs
- Stovetop use can generate smoke indoors if ventilation is limited
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 712 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.9/5
712 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Nordic Ware 36550 is not a traditional backyard smoker. At 8 x 7 x 7 inches and 3.7 lb, it is a stovetop-style unit that sits on a burner and uses wood pellets to generate smoke inside a lidded stainless steel chamber. It is built for smaller portions: fish fillets, chicken breasts, vegetables, small cuts of meat.', 'Stainless steel construction at this size means the unit is easy to clean and will not rust. The pellet fuel type gives a genuine wood smoke flavor without charcoal management or an outdoor setup. This makes it practical for apartment dwellers or anyone without backyard space for a dedicated smoker.', 'The $94.28 price and 4.3 rating across 712 reviews suggest buyers find real value here for what the product actually is. Expectations matter: buyers who want a full-size smoking experience will be disappointed, but those who understand the stovetop format report solid results.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Pellet |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Red |
| Dimensions | 8 X 7 X 7 In |
| Weight | 3.7 lb |
Performance notes
Fuel type is wood pellets, which burn cleanly and produce a consistent smoke flavor. Stainless steel construction handles heat well at stovetop temperatures. At 3.7 lb and 8 x 7 x 7 inches this is clearly a compact indoor or small-batch unit. No BTU rating or cooking area square-inch figure is available, which is typical for stovetop smoker formats where the burner heat comes from your range, not a built-in element.
What buyers say
The Nordic Ware 36550 has 712 reviews at a 4.3 average, which is solid evidence that the product works as described for most buyers. The score suggests that people who buy it understanding the format, small-batch stovetop smoking, come away satisfied. It is one of the more reviewed compact smokers in its category.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use this smoker outdoors on a gas grill side burner?
The Nordic Ware 36550 is designed to work on any stovetop burner, including gas, electric, and induction. A side burner on a gas grill would work the same way. Just make sure the burner size suits the unit's footprint and watch for wind affecting the smoke seal.
What kinds of food work best in a stovetop smoker this size?
Fish, chicken pieces, pork chops, vegetables, and small cuts of beef all fit well. The compact chamber is not sized for whole chickens, racks of ribs, or brisket. Think of it as a precision smoke tool for smaller portions rather than a substitute for a full backyard smoker.