Regardless of the method employed, the type of wood chips also influences the flavor of the food.
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Perhaps the most important feature of a smoker is the smoking method. If you want to keep food flavors intact though, it is recommended to invest in a smoker with heat flow from the bottom towards the top, despite the longer cooking time. The top to bottom heat flow cooks the food faster, and this type of smoker is typically used in industrial kitchens with high-volume demands. Heat can flow either from upside to downwards or in the opposite direction, from the bottom of the smoker upwards. The way heat circulates inside the smoker influences the cooking time but also the flavor of the food. Most digital units allow for infinite temperature settings in the unit’s temperature range, and some even have preset cooking functions which automatically set the unit to the optimal temperature and cooking time for the food you want to prepare. Digital controls: Are also very easy to use and give you better control over both temperature and time.However, you will typically only be able to choose between a low and high or few preset temperature settings. Most analog units come with two controls, one for the temperature and a timer. Analog controls: Are very easy to use and have standard knobs or dials.You’ll typically need:īrisket, roast, meatloaf, ribs, pork buttĮlectric smokers can have analog or digital controls. What cooking temperature do you need?Įlectric smokers typically have variable temperatures between 100 and 275☏, which is sufficient for slow-cooking most foods. Furthermore, this technology also reduces flare-ups and provides an even temperature inside the environment. The infrared technology uses radiant or indirect heat which is transferred to the food rather than the air, sealing the meat and locking its natural juices. They can be made of either cast iron or steel, but the best are the infrared heating elements present on the high-end units, similar to those used on the best infrared grills. Heating elements and temperatureĮlectric smokers have heating elements similar to electric grills. Most units have wattage output specifications between 500 and 1,500 watts, with most high-end and commercial electric smokers ranging between 800 and 1,200 watts. The purpose of a smoker is to slow-cook food, which means the most reliable units offer a restricted temperature range. The heating power of an electric smoker is expressed in watts, and unlike the common belief, the best electric smokers don’t need a very high wattage. Electric smokers are the safest models.īesides the propane and electric smokers mentioned above, meat smokers also come in the following types:.If you have a lower budget electric smokers are the cheapest models and provide flavorful food.If you live in a condo where charcoal and propane smokers are forbidden.If you don’t want to worry about refueling your smoker.If you want a very easy to use smoker for enjoying no-frills outdoor cooking, just as easy to handle as an air fryer.Nevertheless, in many instances, an electric smoker is your best bet.Īn electric smoker could be a better option – or your only option – in the following situations: The food cooked with an electric smoker is delicious, although it tends to taste slightly less barbecued. Electric smokers: Are perhaps the easiest to use and save you the hassle of checking fuel levels.
![char broil smart chef simple smoker char broil smart chef simple smoker](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kzua4bPlnX4/maxresdefault.jpg)
However, they tend to be more expensive than electric and are not always suitable to use.
![char broil smart chef simple smoker char broil smart chef simple smoker](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CAqUHe8MezM/mqdefault.jpg)
They have larger capacities than the electric, are very easy to use, and produce flavorful food. Propane smokers: Blend the benefits of the electric smoker with those of a charcoal smoker.The latter run on electricity and all they need for power is a standard wall outlet. The former run on liquid propane, although some models adapt to the use with natural gas. Smokers come in many styles, but perhaps the most popular two are the propane smokers, a type we’ve covered in a previous guide, and the electric smokers.