There are a few items that we need to look for when buying electric smoker.
Buying Electric Smoker Tips: Size & capacity
When looking at the statistics, most electric smokers appear to have plenty of room, but you must also consider the breadth of the smoker. It’s pointless to have four cooking racks if you can’t fit a complete rack of ribs on each of them. This is a typical issue with the smaller 30′′ smokes, but you can always fold or cut your way around it. Consider a 40-inch model if you want to fit huge goods like complete packer briskets and full racks of ribs.
Buying Electric Smoker Tips: Features
We like smokers like the Masterbuilt Mes 140g Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker, which has a wood chip tray that can be accessed without opening the main door, which allows heat and smoke to escape.
Check what kind of temperature and meat probes are supplied so you can monitor the internal temperature as well as the doneness of your meat. Also, look at the digital control panel and see what alternatives are available. Most versions allow you to regulate the internal temperature, and some even allow you to select a cooking time.
Bluetooth or any level of remote control is another important feature to look for. To be sure, it’s a good thing to have, but the last few generations of smokes have had troubles with Bluetooth range and disconnection. However, because the landscape is constantly changing, I recommend downloading the manufacturer’s app and reading some of the most recent reviews.
Buying Electric Smoker Tips: Portability
Electric smokers aren’t designed to be portable due to their need on mains electricity. Pellet grills, despite the fact that they must be plugged in, appear to have received all of the advancements in terms of portability.
Buying Electric Smoker Tips: Budget
While an electric smoker may be found for about $100, we recommend shopping in the $200-$300 region, since this appears to be the sweet spot. Expect to pay up to $500 for the latest Bluetooth variants. Looking for best electric smoker? we have a list you can check.
Pros and Cons of Buying Electric Smoker
So you’ve studied everything there is to know about the best electric smokers on the market and are almost ready to buy, but you’ve also read some negative reviews. One thing is guaranteed when you purchase an electric vehicle. You’ll have to get used to hearing jokes about how much better charcoal tastes (unless your friends don’t eat meat, in which case they’ll gush about your cuisine and proclaim it to be the nicest thing they’ve ever tasted).
Food cooked on a charcoal smoker by a good pitmaster has a better flavor, we agree. However, 95% of people will be unable to taste the difference, and the minor loss of flavor is more than compensated for by the convenience of use.
It’s a no-brainer to go electric if it means you can BBQ every weekend instead of twice a year. We’ve provided a full look at the advantages and cons of going electric, rather than merely telling you which is the best electric smoker to buy:
Buying Electric Smoker Pros
Set it and forget it when it comes to electric smokers. Depending on what you appreciate and dislike about barbecuing, this could be a pro or a drawback. If you live in an apartment or unit where cooking with charcoal is prohibited, an electric smoker may be your only alternative.
Electricity has a lower environmental impact than charcoal burning. CO and CO2 emissions from burning charcoal have been demonstrated to be hazardous in studies such as those conducted by Iowa State University.
Buying Electric Smoker Cons
This one’s obvious from the name, but you’ll need a nearby power outlet or a waterproof extension cord. Electric smokers have a lot more parts than traditional smokers, so you’re more likely to run into issues that will require costly repairs.
There will be no smoke ring (more on this below) Electric should only be used as a smoker in its own right. An electric smoker, unlike other types of smokers that can work in a pinch, cannot produce the higher temps required for crisp skin when roasting a chicken or grilling meat.
Compromise is the name of the game in the electric world. You give up a little in terms of flavor, but you gain in terms of convenience. Despite being completely capable of doing
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
