Smoked Barbecue is perhaps the world's most perfect food, but many people shy away from making it because they think it takes too much effort. Sure, tending the smoker, making sure things are set properly, that the temperature is maintained, etc - this can be difficult. But one way to take the pain out of cooking high quality smoked barbecue without the need to tend the coals is to go with an electric smoker.
If you're looking for an easy "set it and forget it" Smoked BBQ experience, an electric smoker is the way to go. These smokers provide high levels of precision and make it easy to enhance your meat with the wood smoke flavor of your choosing. Brisket, ribs, pork butt, and chicken cooked in an electric smoker will not only be easier to prepare, but you'll be the hit of your next family meal or get together. Get that I (Heart) BBQ Apron Ready!
Types of Electric Smokers - A Basic Overview
Electric smokers come in varying shapes and sizes, and can range in price - depending on what you're looking for. Reputable models provide reliable temperature control and flavoring options. For some, you'll be able to add wood chips directly into a smoker pan, others like the Bradley Electric Smokers use specially designed wood chip discs with flavors ranging from hickory, to mesquite, to apple.
Bradley smokers are especially user friendly, in that you pre-load the discs, and they are fed automatically into the smoker, extinguishing the disc in water as the next one loads in. This prevents the acrid acid taste from building up like it does when the wood goes beyond its natural smoke point. Pretty sweet, huh?
Your smoked barbecue stays nice and moist when prepared in an electric smoker, as the sealed container locks in the meat's natural juices. Additionally, these smokers allow the meat to develop a smoky flavor set to your liking.
If long hours of sitting by your barbecue smoker are not in the cards, due to family obligations, work, etc, then electric smokers are for you. You'll achieve top quality smoked meat flavor and texture, while also saving some time for the more pressing matters in your life.