Smokehouse Products
ActiveOverview
Smokehouse Products is a manufacturer of electric smokers and smoking accessories founded in 1968. The company specializes in compact, user-friendly electric smoking equipment including the Little Chief, Big Chief, and Mini Chief smoker lines, along with complementary products such as smoking woods, brines, seasonings, and sausage-making kits. The brand is positioned as a reliable option for home smoking enthusiasts seeking consistent low-temperature smoking results without complex setup or maintenance.
History
Smokehouse Products was founded in 1968 and introduced the first Little Chief electric smoker. The product line expanded in 1979 with a front-load model, followed by the larger Big Chief in the early 1980s and the portable Mini Chief in 1990. In 2007, the company was acquired by Bob Sourek, owner of Bear Mountain Forest Products, which had been supplying Smokehouse with smoking chips since 2003. The Smokehouse trademark was officially registered by the USPTO in 2013 for wood chips, chunks, and BBQ pellets.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Little Chief Smokers | Compact electric smoker for home use | $150 - $400 |
| Big Chief Smokers | Larger capacity electric smoker | $300 - $600 |
| Mini Chief Smokers | Portable electric smoker for travel and small batches | $100 - $250 |
| Smoking Woods and Chips | Flavored wood products for smoking | $10 - $50 |
| Sausage Making Kits | Complete kits for home sausage production | $50 - $200 |
| Brines and Seasonings | Flavor mixes and dry rubs | $5 - $25 |
| Smoker Accessories | Replacement parts and add-on components | $15 - $150 |
Manufacturing
Smokehouse Products manufactures its smokers and accessories, with operations based in Hood River, Oregon. The company sources smoking woods and chips through its parent company, Bear Mountain Forest Products. Manufacturing details regarding in-house versus outsourced production are not publicly detailed.
Notable Products
- Little Chief Electric Smoker - The original 1968 electric smoker model that established the brand, available in top-load and front-load configurations.
- Big Chief Electric Smoker - Larger capacity electric smoker introduced in the early 1980s for increased smoking volume.
- Mini Chief Electric Smoker - Compact portable electric smoker introduced in 1990, designed for RVs, travel, and limited-space applications.
- Smoking Wood Chips - Flavored wood chip products in multiple varieties for use with electric and gas smokers.
- Sausage Making Kits - Complete kits combining meat grinders, sausage mixes, and accessories for home sausage production.
Reputation
Smokehouse Products is regarded as a reliable and accessible option for home smoking, particularly among beginners and casual enthusiasts seeking straightforward electric smoking solutions. The brand's long operational history since 1968 and consistent product availability contribute to its credibility. The compact, low-maintenance design of its smokers appeals to users with limited space or experience, though the brand does not position itself as a premium or high-capacity option compared to larger commercial or wood-fired alternatives.