One of the many questions you might be asking if you are contemplating investing in a new smoker is: how does an electric smoker work? More and more people are investing in new smokers for use at home, so of course you want to find the best electric smokers when time comes to purchase one.
But, understanding how they work, and how you are going to use your new smoker alongside the best wireless meat thermometer, is important if you want evenly smoked meat, and the best taste possible.
Push-button start
In terms of how the smoker functions, it is typically started with the push-button or switch on your electric smoker. A digital control panel makes it extremely simple to use an electric smoker.
You will see the temperature ranges (typically from 100 to 275 or 300 degrees F) right on the panel screen. Depending on what is being smoked, you can easily adjust and regulate temperatures on the digital panel.
The walls of these smokers are also insulated, meaning heat retention is achieved. Therefore you don’t have to worry about over or under cooking when smoking meats.
Design
Most new smokers have a digital panel. Here you will choose the meat being smoked, temperature, and many of them feature 24 hour timers. You can delay cook start times, you can set timers when smoking a particular type of meat, or you can choose the desired temperature based on how you want the meat prepared.
Every smoker is a little different, so you should familiarize yourself with the configurations and setting options prior to starting to use your new smoker.
Space
Most new model electric smokers are also extremely spacious inside, and have different racks/levels for you to smoke different kinds of meat. The beauty of this is that your smoker is intuitively designed. You simply select the type of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables you are smoking, and the smoker will adjust for you.
There are preset temperature ratings, so you don’t have to worry about over or under grilling. There’s no need to continually open the door to add wood chips or other fuel; the smoker automatically adjusts the heat based upon the chosen settings.
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Adjustment settings
Many new electric smokers allow you to adjust settings based upon the desired taste and texture you prefer as well.
For example, if you prefer milder flavors when smoking, an adjustable air damper which is found on most devices, helps increase air smoke levels, to achieve that desired taste and texture.
The same goes if you prefer a more robust taste. Simply leave the air damper closed, for the smokier, richer taste when smoking a specific cut of meat.
Of course no two electric smokers are alike. So it is important for you to understand the features, as well as the adjustment options which are available with different models, so you find the best one for your personal preferences and taste.
Wood chip tray
Although electric smokers eliminate the need for you to continually check the temperatures and stay on top of the foods you are smoking, many do have a wood tray panel for you to add wood chips if chosen. Using this feature will allow you to add a richer taste and texture to the meats you are smoking.
Even with these chip trays, the smoker does have the internal configuration setting, so it will automatically adjust the smoking times and temperatures for you. There is virtually no guesswork with using the smoker.
As long as you choose the specific cut or type of meat you are smoking, it will automatically adjust, making your life easier, and ensuring a more enjoyable taste regardless of what foods you plan on placing in the smoker.
Temperature adjustment
It is important to bear in mind that not all electric smokers have the temperature adjustment option, which is one of the drawbacks you should consider when choosing a smoker. Due to the fact that it relies on thermal energy and internal heating from the heating element, it automatically adjusts the temperature on its own when smoking.
So depending on the type of meat you have chosen, and the internal temperature it should be cooked to, the smoker is going to set that temperature, and will simply inform you via the alarm once this temperature has been reached.
It is ideal for the beginner griller
There really is no guesswork when it comes to smoking with an electric smoker. A switch or a push down button on the front, a large, easy to use and intuitive LCD display panel, and a few touch buttons on the front screen and you are ready to go.
Simply choose the type of meat you are smoking, and the thermal heating element will do the rest of the work for you. There is no guesswork, no need to add water routinely into the drip pan, and no need to constantly turn the meat, rub it, or add water/seasoning to it, as you would do with a traditional smoker.
Although there are a number of products you can choose from, an electric smoker is one which truly does take the guesswork out of smoking meats. It makes it easy, error proof, and ensures the even taste, and ideal internal temperature, for any meat you are smoking.
There are a couple drawbacks, but the simplicity in design and ease of use, make it a great option for many grillers. For those who are pressed for time, do not want to do the heavy lifting on their own, and want something seamless for smoking, the electric smoker is the ideal solution.
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Conclusion
The best grillers know that the right tools make the best grilled meat, texture, and taste. Alongside the best thermometer for smoker should be the right electric smoker.
So when the time comes to invest in a new smoker, consider the functionality, ease of use, and the type of meat you will be smoking, and overall functionality of your new smoker. Doing so not only ensures you will be pleased with the quality of your smoker, but also the finished product every time you fire it up.