Electric
water smokers are also easy to use and fairly
portable. Their strongest suit is convenience. Simply add your
meat,
wood chips, and plug it in.
An added safety feature
is No Fire
or Flammable Fuel concerns.
This is great if you have kids or pets. The
biggest drawback is the need for a nearby electrical plug or extension
cord. Expect to pay around $150.00 for a nice unit.
Most
electric smokers have no temperature adjustment.
Nicer models
may have a "high" and "low" setting. The heat level is preset
and is
determined by how much wattage the heat element draws.
The
key
in
proper heat control is keeping the water pan full, the smoker
will do
the rest. When using our "Little Chief" electric unit we
keep monitor
temperature with a good oven thermometer.
Charcoal
Water Smokers
Charcoal
water smokers require more knowledge and attention to
use than a gas or electric unit. However, purists
insist the flavor of
charcoal units are second to none. On the plus side they
are less expensive and are the ultimate in
portability, no burners,
bottles, or electrical cords to worry about. Taking
safety into account
there is really no place a charcoal unit cannot be used.
One thing you must master is
temperature control. Start out by
following manufactures directions on charcoal is
arrangement, effects
of outdoor temperature, amount of charcoal to use,
and how to safely
ignite the coal. Smoker chefs willing to spend a little extra
time
willing to learn the ropes of charcoal units swear by them.
Highly Recommended BBQ
Smokers
Consider what type of vertical
water smoker suits your
needs. Then buy the best quality model you can
afford.
Quality, construction, and fit vary widely. A good
quality smoker has a
big impact on your food smoking enjoyment. Be sure and ask
experienced
smokers for "reasonable" recommendations.
If you can, buy a dual-wall construction
model, this
adds to the smoker's efficiency. Not only will you use less
fuel but
the exterior walls are cooler, a nice safety
feature.
Look for quality construction. If
you don't know what
good quality looks like ask a friend who knows. Check
for straight and
clean welds, thick metal, doors that open easily and secure
tightly,
and a high temperature powder coat finish. Ask to see an
assembled unit
and test it's stability.
If you can afford it consider a
stainless steel
unit with a cover, you will pass that one on to your
kids! If possible
avoid sheet metal, unless you don't mind tossing it
after a few
years. However, folks that TLC
cheap smokers claim they get five or
more years out of their smokers.
Lighting
an electric charcoal smoker
Charcoal:
First, start with good, dry charcoal made of premium hardwoods, because
they light easily, maintain a steady cooking temperature, and burn
longer.
Lighter cubes: Second,
to light briquettes safely and
with minimum hassle, try Weber FireStarter lighter cubes. These solid
fuel cubes light as easily as a birthday candle (even when wet!) and
are odorless and non-toxic, leaving no residue to mar the flavor of
your delicious grilled meal.
Chimney starter:
Another handy tool is our Chimney
Starter, which holds the coals in a cylinder for fast, easy lighting.
Fill the canister-shaped starter with the proper amount of charcoal,
place on the charcoal grate over two or three FireStarters cubes or
crumpled newspaper, ignite the cubes or paper, and let the coals burn
until they have a coating of light grey ash (about 25 to 30 minutes).
Pour the hot coals onto the charcoal grate and arrange for Direct or
Indirect cooking with long-handled tongs. For safetys sake, wear Weber
grill mitts.
