How Does an Electric Smoker Work – Step by Step Explanation

How does an electric smoker work? What is the importance of an electric smoker?

Why is that more people are investing in these appliances leaving Gas and Charcoal smokers behind? The answer to all these questions is; technology.

All hail the advancing technology!

Electric smokers are one of the best inventions of science and technology. Why is that? Because these electric smokers have eased up the process of cooking barbecue.

Not only that, if you know how an electric smoker works, you would be fascinated by the idea of its construction as well. From insulated walls to separate chambers that create a smoky aroma, these digital smokers have everything you can imagine.

But the real question is, how does an electric smoker work? Do they even work well? Can they beat charcoal smokers in taste and quality?

Let’s find out!

How Does an Electric Smoker Work

Well, the answer to the most highlighted query, how does an electric smoker work, is a one-line giveaway. And that is, they work the best.

These electric smokers are designed to save your time, meanwhile, smoke the meat just the way you want.

Moreover, they are now considered superior to the other types of smokers; mostly because the prepared meal is equally tempting, even though it’s all done electrically without coal.

Parts of an Electric Smoker

parts of electric smoker
Parts of Electric Smoker

Now to know how an electric smoker works, you need to be aware of its parts. Don’t worry! We have listed them down for you to easily understand the functionality of an electric smoker.

Plug-in and switch on design

If you are someone who loves to procrastinate but at the same time wants to be fed delicious meals on weekends, the electric smokers would do you wonders!

An electric smoker, as the name suggests, runs on electricity. All you have to do is:

  • Plug-in the wire
  • Press the start button to turn it on
  • Adjust the temperature
  • And voila! You are done!

Now, wait for the raw meat to come out cooked without you having to touch the food or reset the temperature.

Insulated body

What makes the electric smokers stand out among the others? Their self-regulating ability!

It is because of the stainless steel interior that these electric smokers can store heat inside. And this is also the answer to whether electric smokers work well in heat or not. (Hint: they do)

In addition, the insulated walls of the electric smokers make sure to save the smoky flavor that comes from the wood chips. It ensures that the whole meat is smoked perfectly and no part of it is left uncooked.

If it were not for this ingenious design, we wouldn’t have probably been enjoying the last piece of meat with a finger-licking taste.

Note: Make sure to buy an electric smoker that has a wood chips tray somewhere outside the insulated chamber. So that you don’t have to open the door when it’s time to refill the chips-box.

Or simply buy an electric smoker with a large chips tray that doesn’t require refilling at all.

Digital control system

Maybe this section will clear your query about how an electric smoker works, that is, digitally. This system defines its importance as an electric smoker for beginners as well as professionals.

All the digital electric smokers have a digital control paneling system which makes it easy to control them. This digital system has a screen displaying the numbers that represent the adjusted temperature.

digital control of electric smoker
Digital Control Panel

Here is how the digital panel helps you take over:

  • You can start and stop the smoker simply by clicking the buttons.
  • Adjusting the temperature ideally from 100 to 300-degree Fahrenheit is in your hands as well.
  • Though once settled, the temperature is maintained by the smoker itself. So you barely have to keep a check on the food.

Moreover, some of these smokers have arrows that denote the temperature regulation mechanism. While in others, you will find a plus or minus sign to perform the same function.

Stainless Steel Racks

pizza in electric smoker

The vertically designed electric smokers usually have around three to four stainless steel racks placed inside. And a regular electric smoker can fit six chickens, ribs, and two to three turkeys.

Not only that, but you can also place a large-sized pizza on the top racks along with the chicken in the bottom racks.

Basically, anything that is 19-inches wide can be smoked within a standard size electric smoker.

Drip tray

Well, it doesn’t just end here. Some of the electric smokers have a drip tray at the bottom of the chamber. But what does it do? You guessed it right!

It collects all the drippings from the meat, and you can save these drippings for later. This can be useful for those who love bacon fat or smoky flavor in every other meal.

On top of that, it saves you from the risk of getting burnt by the flames. For example, in coal-smokers; when the oil or fat drips on the burning coals. Besides, it will take an extra hour or so when it’s time to clean the smoker.

Vents

The two sets of vents, one at the bottom for oxygen intake and one at the top acting as an exhaust, provides proper ventilation to the electric smoker.

FAQs

Do electric smokers work well?

Yes! The answer to this question will always be positive. To tell you the truth, electric smokers work the best and prepare the best smoky flavored meat.

However, knowing how an electric smoker works is the real deal. But don’t worry, their working process is well-controlled, maybe even better than what you are expecting.

How an electric smoker works in the garage?

Electric smokers do not work well in the garage. And you need to be very careful to use an electric smoker in a place that has a roof. Try your best to use an electric smoker in the open air.

Conclusion

The most important thing about the electric smokers is that they are self-adjustable.

Thanks to the manufacturers who didn’t fail to invent a device that saves time, prepares tempting meals, and requires the least attention.

Simply know that electric smokers work well if you have seasoned them properly, used the right wood chips, and adjusted the temperature ideally at an optimum range.

Hopefully, your mind is pretty much clear now and there is no confusion related to how does an electric smoker work. Happy smoking!

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