re: Opinions on electric smokers?

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Did not know this. I soak mine because I just thought you were supposed to.

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I use wood chunks and i throw them in a bucket of water the night before. It works fine. No wrapping or anything. I've only used chips when i ran out of the chunks. Also, soaking chunks is optional. I do it to prevent flare ups, but i've also thrown straight chunks on without it setting fire.

A tip though. If you are using a smoker and an extension cord. Buy a higher voltage extension cord. They will draw more power and get higher heats, if needed. Though the lower voltage cords do well when smoking long and slow.

The big box brand wood chip/chunk bags are notorious for being super dry and causing flare ups.

I use fruitawoodchunks.com for woods that aren't local to me or if my wood is too green. Good quality wood from them, highly recommend. Their sampler gives me plenty of wood since I use so little per smoke. Storing your wood so it doesn't dry out but seasons makes a big difference too.

With my electric I can move the placement of my wood chunks over my element to move it to a cooler section of the element to get a slower burn where it won't flare up as well. This may not be an option on some smokers though.