As we get closer and closer to the start of BBQ and grilling season, it’s only natural to start thinking about all the incredible dishes you’re going to create this year. Depending on what you’re planning on cooking up, you may need to take that jump and invest in some new cooking equipment. The electric smoker is an item that is becoming increasingly popular with people, giving them a way to smoke their own meats at home. They come in all kinds of sizes, shapes, and price points, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
So, if you’re in the market for an electric smoker this year, but are feeling overwhelmed at the options out there, then take a deep breath, relax, and check out this guide on what to look for when shopping for an electric smoker.
How Much Do Electric Smokers Cost?
Smokers can range quite a bit in price. You’ll find models that start as low as $50 and go all the way up to $10,000. The big part of what determines the price is the size of the unit, the features, and the type of “fuel” it takes. Besides electric smokers, there are pellet, charcoal, and propane smokers. The electric models are just the easiest and most convenient ones to use, making it ideal for novices.
How User-Friendly is the Smoker?
The next question you’ll want to ask is how easy it is to use the electric smoker. Again, this is something that is really important for first-time smokers. Traditionally, there tends to be a bit of apprehension with smoking, as clearly people, want to be sure it is safe to do at home.
Ideally, you want to start with a model that doesn’t have a lot of controls and fancy features; rather, it does the basics. You can start to perfect the art of smoking and work your way up from there. As electricsmokercenter.com discusses, it’s also a good idea to pick a smoker that is on wheels so you can move it around the yard and place it where you want with ease.
Take a Look at the Temperature Controls
Another key feature is the temperature controls. You want to be able to have full control over the temperature, as cooking something too hot or too cold isn’t going to produce the results you’re after. By controlling the temperature you’ll also be able to control how long the meat takes to cook. This is extremely important when you’re trying to plan a meal and coordinate a variety of dishes at the same time.
How Big a Smoker Do You Need?
The final tip is to figure out what size smoker you need. In order to do this, you need to give thought as to what kind of meat you plan on smoking and how much at one time. Take into consideration the size of your family and if you plan on entertaining and cooking big meals.
Let the Smoking Begin
Now that you’re set with a list of shopping tips, you’re ready to pick up that perfect smoking and get cooking.
