Electric smoker and a charcoal smoker
Got a electric smoker recently.
Are there any differences that one should consider in terms of recipes when using an electric smoker?
Or are there any processes that one must take additional steps when utilizing a smoker?
I want to make sure that there isn't any additional work I need to consider, things I must consider to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Best Answer
Recipes for smoked meat are usually mostly about the preparation and then a note about target temperatures. These things will not change; the air will just be heated differently.
With grilling there is quite a bit of difference between charcoal and other heaters. Flavor and the fact that charcoal can get much hotter are the two big differences. Neither of these are important for smoking, in my opinion. You don't want it to get hot at all and any flavor the charcoal might have provided is wholly eclipsed by the flavor of the smoke itself.
One advantage of charcoal smokers is that they are cheaper and you can smoke much larger quantities of meat- you just need a big enough barrel to hold it all.
You can use your recipes as is- you just won't have to check your fire all the time to maintain your target temps.
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What is better an electric smoker or a charcoal smoker?
Pick the Meat Smoker That Fits you BestIf you're after convenience above all else, go with an electric smoker. If you want the best smoky flavor at all costs, then you'll want a charcoal meat smoker. If you mainly want convenience, but you'd like better flavor than the electric offers, get a propane smoker.Can you smoke charcoal in a electric smoker?
The answer is yes; you can add coal to an electric smoker. Most electric smokers have an internal tray for storing wood chips, but you can also place charcoal on this tray. The electric smoker's purpose is to add flavor to the food and increase the hygiene and cooking process effectiveness.What is the difference between electric and charcoal smokers?
Electric smokers rely on electricity to smoke meat. Charcoal smokers rely on charcoal burning, adjusting air vents, upkeeping the heat source, and temperature control. So, it's safe to say an electric smoker wins the battle of convenience and ease of use.Is an electric smoker better than a regular smoker?
In this category, there is a very clear winner \u2014 electric. If you ignore the cost of wood chips (that'll be about the same no matter what type of smoker you buy), the per hour cost to run a charcoal smoker is many, many times higher than an electric.Electric vs Charcoal Smoker
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Answer 2
Temperature will be the only variable that affects your cooking process. An electric smoker typically runs at one temperature, and holds it fairly consistently. A charcoal smoker will be a bit more erratic, and can be run hotter or cooler. Granted, a 25f (14c) temperature swing will not affect the quality of the food, but it will affect the cooking time. It also will give you a deep smoke ring, while an electric will not (but that is purely cosmetic).
Regardless, your process will be the same -- put meat on smoker. Wait a long time. Take meat off smoker when finished. You just won't have to check your fuel level with an electric.
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