There are many kinds of smokers nowadays but the most common are none other than electric smokers. If you have one at home, then you will be able to smoke many food items quick and easy. But the secret to preparing well-smoked food is knowing the proper use of your electric smoker.
Basic Parts
After buying an electric smoker, you may be tempted to smoke something immediately. But without even knowing the basics of the smoker, this can be disastrous. Start by learning each part and how it functions.
Also take a look at the the manufacturer’s manual and read even the smallest details. Learn the machine’s working principle and follow every safety guideline provided.
Seasoning the Smoker
Prior to using your brand new electric smoker, you must season it. You can start by covering the sides, racks and top with vegetable oil.
Any inexpensive vegetable oil is good enough (don’t waste your pricey extra virgin olive oil for this purpose). Keep the oil away from the electrical components. Next, switch on the smoker and leave it for 3-4 hours.
You can add some wood chips too in the container provided by the manufacturer. Seasoning your electric smoker like this helps to eliminate undesirable odors and keep it from rusting.
Smoking Preparation
To smoke any kind of meat or vegetables successfully, it is important to prepare the food beforehand. So if you’re thinking of smoking meat and fish, for instance, check that they are fully thawed before you let them inside the smoker. Otherwise, the flavor of the food can suffer. Brining or marinating is also a good way to ensure a good smoky flavor.
Electric Smoker Preparation
After seasoning your smoker, it’s time to prep it for work. All electric smokers have temperature regulators in the form of water pans.
It is important to monitor the level of water in the pan so you don’t end up overheating the grill. Never let the water fully dry up fully or your food will be overcooked and over-smoked, which means it won’t taste as great.
An electric smoker is truly one of the most convenient pieces of equipment you can have, allowing you to enjoy smoky food without the usual rigors of traditional smoking. The moment you purchase a smoker for you home, read the manual so you know exactly how to use it well. This isn’t only about ensuring the best smoky flavors on your food, but also extending the lifespan of your smoker. Besides, this machine will probably cost you some, so make it work for you as best and long it could.