USING AN ELECTRIC SMOKER

My current smoker/cooker line-up is fairly comprehensive. (It includes a Grill Dome Komado cooker, a 16ft offset smoker, an 8ft offset smoker, and a gas grill.) However, in an effort to continue my BBQ Quest, I decided to add an electric smoker to the line-up. I was hesitant at first as competitive cookers (and backyard purists) frown on the use of “electricity” to produce quality food. However, after purchasing and test-driving my new Masterbuilt, this style of cooker is a great option for many BBQ enthusiasts.

The primary difference between traditional and electric smokers is their fuel source. Instead of burning lump charcoal or wood, electric smokers use a heating element plugged into an outlet to warm their smoking chamber. Woodchips are added to create smoke, and controls regulate cook times and temperatures. This particular model accommodates both “cool” smoking (110 degrees), but also handles hot and fast with a top end temp of 275 degrees.

One of the main reasons to use an electric smoker is the maintenance, or lack thereof. In a well-insulated model, the temperature is VERY consistent. You can literally “set it and forget it.” (This is the primary reason for them being banned from competition). While I thoroughly enjoy an afternoon of tending the pit, there have been numerous occasions where I needed to attend a kids soccer game, family event, or simply can’t stay put for the 6 hours necessary to finish a brisket or pork butt. I can enjoy some great BBQ that night, but also participate in a busy schedule.

After seasoning the smoker, I’m ready for the first run. I decide to cook a pork butt and some chicken thighs. First step is getting some wood chips soaking in water. The chips get loaded through the side of the smoker, land on a hot plate, and produce a nice amount of smoke. For this cook, I use some apple wood and soak them in a bowl of water for 30 minutes to an hour. I also add some liquid to the water pan. This helps keep the cooking environment nice and moist.

After the meat is prepped, I set the smoker to 275 and the digital timer to 6 hours. This particular model also includes a meat thermometer. With the digital read out, I can get up to the minute updates on my internal smoking temp, the amount of time remaining in my cook, and the current temp of the meat I’m smoking. As long as the door is closed, the temp stays rock steady. The only real attention needed after the smoker is loaded is addition of wood chips. I prefer a heavier smoke flavor and will re-load the smoke box about once an hour.

Digital thermometer is showing the current temp. Smoke from my soaked chips is flowing from the vents.

Temperature gauge is loaded into the pork butt and the water pan is full.

The results from my cook are surprisingly good. The meat is super moist and tender and with a minimal amount of effort or set-up. While I can taste the smoke in both the pork and chicken, it’s not as intense as the results from my charcoal and wood burners. While I won’t cook on the electric exclusively, I will definitely rely on this unit on a regular basis. It’s a great option for any backyard enthusiast.

Below are a few of the well-known options for electric smokers:

Masterbuilt

Masterbuilt models start at $175.00 and are available at most big box retailers (Cabela’s, Lowe’s, Acadmey) This is the 30” version and runs $299.00.

Bradley Smoker

Bradley smokers start around $235.00. These unit rely on a flavored “bisquette” to generate smoke. Options include Hickory, Alder, Pecan, Cherry, and even Jim Beam.

Brinkmann Gourmet Electric Smoker

The Brinkman units start around $75.00. Capacity on these cookers is smaller than some of the other options, but at this price point, it’s a great unit to start your smoking exploration.

Cookshack Smoker

Cookshack make both commercial and residential units. The backyard units start around 500 bucks, but the reputation and quality of this brand easily justify the extra money.

Smokin Tex

Smokin Tex takes a page from the Cookshack line and offers both backyard and pro models. They are a bit cheaper than their big brother (entry models are around $400.00) and available on-line and in select retailers.