Electric smokers -- anybody got one?

If you know your giving up some quality for the ease then yea they're worth it. Just don't expect to be putting out competition quality meats. Main complete most people have is food doesn't taste as good as off charcoal but if you know that going in sounds like it would work for you

Yes, I have a Smokin-It model 2. With your preference for minimal tending, electric is a good fit for you. Mine is not digital and I've been happy with it. I do get some bigger temp swings but nothing that has hurt the final product.

quote:

---

Are they any good? I know charcoal tastes better. But I'm all about minimal tending.

---

I love, love, love my 40 inch Masterbuild Electric smoker and I refute you give up flavor for convenience.

Do it...you will only regret you didn't do it sooner.

I've also got the MB 40 with Bluetooth and the app. It's an amazing device.

I do find that while the food comes out fine taste-wise, it is harder to achieve that good bark that I can get on a natural smoker.

I've had mine for about a year and use it at least once a month so it's fair to say I'm still learning it.

Personally, I adore it just for being able to handle so much at once. I spatchcocked 8 chickens a few weeks ago for a family function and had plenty of room leftover.

40 inch masterbuilt here, and like others have said i only wish i would have done it sooner.

its so easy. just set it and forget it. my ribs use to compete in a local contest for years and i went from my vertical charcoal to an electric and they still finished top 3.

i dont seem to have as much bark, but for the convenience and ease of use, you cant beat it.

How easy is it to clean?

After I finish on my Kamado I open up the dampers and get it to 600+ and burn everything off and then shut down the airflow.

I have a Masterbilt electric and love it. I am asked all the time to cook for events and have friends that have had my pork butts to cook one for them. Very easy and I sleep thru the night.

Actually bought my dad one for fathers day. I will have to ask how he is enjoying his.

I was at Sam's today and looked at the 40 inch version with four shelves. I'd go bigger than smaller. You'll regret it later. Besides I think the one at Sam's is $299.00.

I have a vertical box smoker that uses propane. I love it, but sometimes I wish I had an electric. It puts out quality food, but has its drawbacks. You need to either exchange each tank or have them filled, rather than simply plugging in the unit. Electric will always maintain a consistent temperature too as it can adjust on its own. Gas can be problematic depending on whether the chips are burning, the outside temperature, wind, etc. Also, electric smokers can come with a probe that you can stick right into the meat, and the unit will shut off when it hits your desired temp. This way, if you're smoking a butt overnight, the unit is capable of shutting off while you're still sleeping.

My biggest fails with gas is running out during a long cook. I have spares, but my tank has gone dead twice now while I've been asleep, and it's messed up my food.

You'll love your smoker. I've been trying all sorts of strange things lately like nectarines, watermelon, nuts, pineapple, tomatoes, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Bottom line, if you're looking for minimal tending, choose electric over gas.