Most electric smokers have thermostat settings so that you can control the temperature for whatever you may be cooking. Some models use the standard low, medium and high settings but other models have the temperature in actual degrees, just as comes with a conventional oven. This allows for the most precise setting, and is very handy for adapting recipes used for the oven or other cookers.
Almost all electric smokers have a compartment or drawer where you place the wood chips, wood pellets or wood chunks for smoking. If your model does not have one, you can place the wood on the heating element, but these special compartments are a great feature, and you can add fresh herbs as well as wood for a truly special flavor in the foods you cook.
Not all electric smokers have thermometers, but most models are designed so that you can purchase one separately and add it yourself. This is a great way to make sure that your thermostat remains accurate and allows you to make temperature adjustments if they become necessary during the cooking process. Most new electric smokers will be pretty accurate, but if the smoker is fitted with low, medium and high settings, the thermostat will let you judge what these settings mean in actual temperature.
Some electric smokers are also fitted with a water pan. This should always be used, because it adds moisture during the cooking process. If your model does not have one, you can use any small metal bowl in the interior of the unit during cooking. Always keep the door tightly shut during the cooking process. Opening the unit will allow all of the heat, moisture and smoky flavor you are trying to infuse into the food out of the unit.
Almost all electric smokers are fitted with a timer. This is one of the best features of an electric smoker, making it a truly set it and forget about it appliance. It is not necessary to be around when the automatic timer goes off because the smoker will shut off and keep your food for quite awhile. This is a great feature for families who want smoked food when they get home for dinner and for family cookouts when the cook is also busy entertaining and preparing other dishes.
An electric smoker should be the only appliance plugged into any electrical outlet, and always use a heavy duty electrical cord if needed. Standard household electrical cords will overheat if used with an electric smoker.
Almost all electric smokers have a compartment or drawer where you place the wood chips, wood pellets or wood chunks for smoking. If your model does not have one, you can place the wood on the heating element, but these special compartments are a great feature, and you can add fresh herbs as well as wood for a truly special flavor in the foods you cook.
Not all electric smokers have thermometers, but most models are designed so that you can purchase one separately and add it yourself. This is a great way to make sure that your thermostat remains accurate and allows you to make temperature adjustments if they become necessary during the cooking process. Most new electric smokers will be pretty accurate, but if the smoker is fitted with low, medium and high settings, the thermostat will let you judge what these settings mean in actual temperature.
Some electric smokers are also fitted with a water pan. This should always be used, because it adds moisture during the cooking process. If your model does not have one, you can use any small metal bowl in the interior of the unit during cooking. Always keep the door tightly shut during the cooking process. Opening the unit will allow all of the heat, moisture and smoky flavor you are trying to infuse into the food out of the unit.
Almost all electric smokers are fitted with a timer. This is one of the best features of an electric smoker, making it a truly set it and forget about it appliance. It is not necessary to be around when the automatic timer goes off because the smoker will shut off and keep your food for quite awhile. This is a great feature for families who want smoked food when they get home for dinner and for family cookouts when the cook is also busy entertaining and preparing other dishes.
An electric smoker should be the only appliance plugged into any electrical outlet, and always use a heavy duty electrical cord if needed. Standard household electrical cords will overheat if used with an electric smoker.