Where it used to be that to enjoy a tender and flavorful piece of smoked meat, you’d have to visit a gourmet deli or restaurant, today, more and more people are discovering they can indulge in smoking meat at home. Avid foodies will find no shortage of electric smokers in the marketplace today, which are meant for home use whether you are a beginner or a novice.
If you’re looking at purchasing your first electric smoker and are unsure of what you should be looking for as far as features, size, and functionality goes, then you’re going to want to read on. The electric smoker center website is an excellent tool to find information regarding the best electric smoker for your needs.
Figure Out What Size Works for Your Needs
The first place to start is usually with the size of the smoker. You need to find one that isn’t too big or small, which means it’s a good idea to think about how you plan on using it. What kind of cuts of meat and fish do you plan on smoking and what will the quantity be? Maybe you only want to smoke a small amount at a time, in which case a smaller electric smoker will get the job done. Then again, if you have a large family or tend to do a lot of entertaining, then a large smoker may make more sense.
Look for a Model That Uses a Small Amount of Wood
Even though an electric smoker uses electricity rather than fuel and charcoal that you have to light, it will still require some wood. The wood is what imparts the flavor into your meat or fish, so this is still an important element. You want to find a model that uses very little wood, so it keeps things easy on your end. Luckily, this is pretty easy to do since manufacturers realize people are after convenience and don’t want to have to be packing their smoker full of wood each time they use it.
Ease of Use
As a beginner, you also want to be looking for a model that is relatively simple to figure out. The last thing you want to have to deal with is all kinds of dials and functions that make the process overwhelming and confusing. Over time, as you grow more confident in your smoking abilities, you can always upgrade your electric smoker model.
The most important control for the smoker is the temperature. You need to be able to keep an even and consistent temperature and smoke. Without this, your meat and fish won’t turn out very good.
Don’t Be Afraid to Set a Budget
Just because you want to buy an electric smoker, it shouldn’t mean you need to go out there and purchase the most expensive model. Don’t be afraid to set a budget, shop around, and wait for deals and sales. Because smokers are becoming more popular, the pricing is getting more competitive and sales are bound to pop up.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find an electric smoker that is perfect for a beginner such as yourself.