Q&A for How to Use an Electric Smoker

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  • Question
    What are some ways I can lower the temperature of a smoker if it's too high?
    Mark Nichols
    Classically Trained Chef & BBQ Expert
    Mark Nichols is a Classically Trained Chef & BBQ Expert and the Owner of Arizona BBQ Company in Gilbert, Arizona. Mark has over 30 years in the hospitality and culinary industry. Mark and his wife, Colette, opened their first business, JC’s Catering in 2011, catering many private and corporate events. In September 2017, Mark and Colette opened their second business, Arizona BBQ Company, to share comfort food while infusing the flavors of the Southwest with their community. They are known for their high-quality smoked brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, St. Louis Ribs, smoked wings, Green Chile & Bacon Mac n’ Cheese, and signature Arizona BBQ sauces. Arizona BBQ Company has been featured on local news outlets including Fox 10 News, The New Times, East Valley Tribune, and Gilbert Sun Times. Additionally, Arizona BBQ Company had the pleasure of being featured on PBS’s "Check Please” hosted by Chef Mark Tarbell. Mark is a graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Le Cordon Bleu.
    Classically Trained Chef & BBQ Expert
    Expert Answer
    The easiest way is just cracking the door to let the heat out, depending on the kind of smoker. You can also scatter your coals. And you can put a pan of water at the very bottom. That'll actually help regulate your temperature a little bit more evenly.
  • Question
    Can I put my water and chips in when I preheat?
    Community Answer
    This is not recommended. You're going to open it to put the meat in, and get "smoked" in the face.
  • Question
    Can I use beer in the water receptacle?
    Community Answer
    Yes!
  • Question
    Will meat be browned or charred using the smoker?
    Community Answer
    The smoker may cause something called a "smoke ring" around the meat inside, but it is unlikely that a piece of meat will char in a smoker.
  • Question
    How far should I open the vent while smoking fish?
    Community Answer
    Vents are used for two purposes, to maintain ideal temperature, and to allow the smoke to leave the smoker so your food does not taste like soot. The shorter smoking time, the more the vents should stay closed. Fish smokes very quickly compared to other meats. To achieve the smoky flavor you want to shut vents.
  • Question
    What makes an electric smoker smoke?
    Community Answer
    The smoke comes from wood chips that heat up due to the heating element, a metal rod that heats up when electricity flows through it.
  • Question
    Can I use the wood chips dry?
    Community Answer
    It is not recommended, as they will burn very quickly and the slow absorption of the flavor is lost.
  • Question
    What could be wrong if the temperature doesn't go past 200 degrees?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what kind of smoker you have. For an electric smoker you would have to consult the manufacturer. For a propane smoker, check to make sure the flame is adjusting when you turn the heat up. You may have a leak somewhere in the smoker that is letting heat out. You may also have a faulty thermometer.
  • Question
    How often do I need to add additional wood chips?
    Matthew Bartow
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you are cooking and how long you cook it for, also how big your pieces of wood are. For example, big blocks of wood for a whole pig, you'd need more wood after about 12-15 hours. For a rack of ribs and smaller chips, check it every 4 hours.
  • Question
    How often do I check the water?
    Community Answer
    Depending on the size of the receptacle, you should check your water whenever you check your wood chips.
  • Question
    What is the minimum temperature for smoking food?
    Community Answer
    There is none really. The lower the temperature, the longer it takes. You probably wouldn't want it below 70°, though most smokers don't go that low.
  • Question
    Can I put my meat on a cookie sheet instead of directly on the racks in my smoker?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    It's not recommended. Electric smokers are designed in such as way as to allow you to cook the meat directly on the racks. Hours and hours in intense, direct heat and thick smoke could cause cookie sheets or other pieces of cookware to warp or become permanently discolored.
  • Question
    Can you cook pre-smoked meat in a smoker?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    I suppose you could, but I'm not sure why you'd want to, unless it's only briefly to add extra smokey notes.
  • Question
    How much smoke is exhausted by an electric smoker? Can I keep one on my balcony?
    Community Answer
    Depends the size and location of your balcony. It is better to use one in a backyard of some sort.
  • Question
    Is the smoker supposed to shut off when it reaches the desired temperature?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    No--it needs to stay at a constant temperature the entire time you're smoking. Otherwise, the wood chips would eventually cool down and stop producing smoke.
  • Question
    How often do you have to preseason a Masterbuilt electric smoker?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    You should only have to preseason a smoker once. After that, it will simply be a matter of using and cleaning it regularly.
  • Question
    After adding the meat, how long will it take to reach 225 degrees?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Most smokers heat up in 30-45 minutes. However, you should only add your meat after the smoker has finished preheating. Otherwise, you'll throw off your cooking time.
  • Question
    Does the wood need to be wet if the unit has a separate water dish?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    No. The water dish is there to provide moisture, while the smoke is generated straight from the dry hardwood chips.
  • Question
    Can I use liquid smoke in an electric smoker?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    It's not recommended. And there's no need to when you've got the real deal!
  • Question
    Our smoker heats up, but there's no smoke. The chips just get hot. The food comes out cooked, but with no smoky flavor. Help!
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    There could be an issue preventing the heating element from getting as hot as it needs to be to incinerate the wood chips. Have it checked out by a technician. If you've got a faulty smoker that's under warranty, you might even be able to get it replaced at no charge.
  • Question
    What goes on the top rack, the water or the chips?
    Community Answer
    Water typically goes on bottom. Chips over the heating element or they will not smoke.
  • Question
    Can you use an electric smoker inside?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use an electric smoker inside if it doesn't use gas, charcoal, or wood for fuel. However, many electric smokers were designed to use small amounts of wood chips or liquid smoke so they can safely be used indoors. Check the packaging or the owner's manual to make sure your electric smoker is safe for indoor use.
  • Question
    Can an electric smoker be left outside?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as it's protected from rain, most electric smokers can be safely stored outside. Because of the electrical components, exposure to water or rain can damage the heating and control elements. Keep the electric smoker covered beneath a roof so it's safe from the elements.
  • Question
    How do you clean the inside of an electric smoker?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    It's good practice to clean your electric smoker after each use. Unplug it and allow it to cool completely. Take out all of the racks, water cup, chip tray, and any other attachments from it. Use a damp paper towel to brush out any large particles of food or debris. Then, scrub the inside of the smoking chamber thoroughly with a stiff-bristled brush and soapy water. Once you've scrubbed it clean, use a clean cloth to wipe it out and dry it off.
  • Question
    Why are my wood chips not smoking?
    Edwin ng
    Community Answer
    Because it is a electric smoker, you need to turn on the electric smoker for it to start smoking.
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