Many people want to know How to Use an Electric Smoker before or after buying it. So, you want to cook some smoky foods, but the way of making it is fully unknown, right?
If you want to get into smoking your own foods at home, then an electric smoker can be the smart choice for you. Even though it takes a bit more time to cook food. But, the real smoky taste that it provides is actually amazing! You have to keep less attention on the cooking, as the process is relatively simple. Whereas, you have to pay more attention while cooking if you are using the so-called traditional charcoal smoker!
Therefore, we have made an article to let you know how to use an electric smoker. Stay tuned until the end!
How to Use an Electric Smoker
Well, it is not a task like which is very tough, even though it is easier to use. All you need to ensure that you have read the entire article. Go down below to get the step by step info about how to use an electric smoker:
Step #1: Select an Electric Smoker
At first, choose an electric smoker that is compatible with you. You can choose a vertical smoker, as it is relatively simple to use as well as keep a balanced temperature.
Step #2: Identify Safe Place:
As it runs with electricity, so you have to pick out the place which is safe for you. It can be either outside or inside, but, it should be secure. We prefer you to choose the backyard or patio.
Step #3: Read the Manual Thoroughly
Almost every electric smoker comes with a manual. Don’t throw it away by simply read it! The instructions can be efficient for you, as they provide the specs and some major guidance to use as well.
Step #4: Turn On the Power
Find out the nearest source to power up your electric smoker. Make sure to take the manufacture’s guide to assist you.
Step #5: Season it
Perhaps, your smoker is brand new. In that case, the first duty is to run the smoker empty. It sounds awkward, but this is a good way that used by experts to get rid of bad odors and dust as well.
Further on, it helps to reduce solvents and other residues that might have stand behind during the construction process.
Make sure you leave it going for at least 2-3 hours with a temperature of 220 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step #6: Preparing the Food
It depends on what you are going to make. A smoked turkey is comparably easy to make for a beginner in a smoker. Moreover, you can make the desired food by learning the way from the recipe book, or you can choose any other source.
You need to marinate the food whatever it is a slice of pork, turkey, or meats. Trim the unnecessary fat to confirm maximum moisture is contained.
Step #7: Preparing the Smoker
Well, it is time to prepare the smoker. But once again, this step highly depends on the smoker that you are going to use. Though we are putting a general idea of preparing the smoker.
If the smoker that you are using has a water tray, then it’s time to fill it up. This will help to keep the food (whatever it is) moist and nice during the big season of the cook.
Add some wood chips afterward on the wood tray. It is not used to create burn or fire. However, it produced the real smoke that you want. There are a couple of flavors out there to enhance the smoky taste. You can use either apple flavor, strawberry, hickory, mulberry, oak, and many more.
Step #8: Check Out the Temperature
It is one of the core things that you have to know. You have to keep checking the temperature during the cooking period. Moreover, most of the electric smoker comes with a temperature gauge.
So, it will be very easy to monitor the temperature in your specific needs. The ideal temperature range should be 200F to 250F. However, it differs from food to food.
Step #9: Put the Food into the Smoker
Time to prepare! After fixing the temperature, you need to put the food into the electric smoker. Open the lid quickly as well as add the foods smoothly into the racks. Keep the door open for a few minutes. If the wood cheap is needed, then add a little more to get a more smoky taste from your food. Shut the door off.
Whereas it is a lengthy process, so you need to be patient and wait for 2-12 hours on average (The duration depends on the food).
You have to re-check the cooking process by opening the door after 20 minutes. You’ll need to smoke it until the food is tender. If you feel that the food reaches the ideal temperature, then turn off the smoker. Your food is ready! So now, you can enjoy the food that you have prepared.
Final Words
Now that you know how to use an electric smoker, you can make the desired food with your electric smoker. This brief yet effective guide will help you to learn the rules of making smoky foods so that you can cook your favorite foods once in a while!
