Smoker

I got a new digital smoker for xmas so today its getting used for the first time. I'm smoking a couple chickens using mesquite wood. I used a rub on one and nothing on the other chicken just to see which one I like best. I brine them in water, salt and sugar. They should be done some time early afternoon, cant wait! h.h.

Try apple on poultry! Mesquite is good, but a little bitter for me. Either way, it's gonna be awesome! I bought an electric smoker 4 or 5 years ago, and use the heck out of it.

Try a meatloaf using cherry.. Just cook it in the smoker like you would in the oven,,,just hit the right temps and pull it! My wife won't eat meatloaf any other way now...

Hey HH is it an electric smoker?... My dad has 40 inch one and loves it...

Bryan, its a Masterbuilt 30" electric with digital top panel. I got it on sale for $123.00 shipped off of Amazon. Chickens just got done, 175 degrees and are resting as I type this. I do have to say they look really tasty! h.h.

All I can say chickens are dam good! h.h.

Droolin' here!

Weed, I like the mesquite but next time I smoke poultry Im going to use apple like you suggested.

Years ago I use to smoke a lot of salmon we caught in Michigan and used a combo of apple and cherry. That was the best tasting smoked fish you ever ate. A cold beer and a big hunk of smoke salmon and you thought you were in heaven. h.h.

I like mesquite..but it leaves a bitter after-taste to me. It's a powerful smoke for sure!

Dang....that salmon and beer gig sounds awesome!

Hey here is another tip I use when smoking poultry! Instead of water in your vapor pan use apple juice along with your apple wood! It really puts some good flavor in there. Make sure you line your pan with aluminum foil.

We set a whole chicken upright in the smoker with can of apple juice inside the cavity. The juice doesn't boil but still adds flavor. If you want to make work out of it, loosen the skin just enough to add bacon under the skin and then pin the skin back down before smoking. If you want a real crispy skin, brush the skin with oil lightly when you take it out and take your "flame thrower" and quickly sear the skin.

I cooked the chickens at 225 for about 3 hours. I used water in the moisture pan and vent closed. The chickens were done except in between the thigh and cavity was slightly red but thats were I had the digital thermometer which read 175. Skin wasnt as dry as I would have liked so next time Im smoking them until 180 degrees with the vent 1/2 open so they dry out some. Each smoker is different and takes some time to figure out what a person likes best. h.h.

I was looking at adding a cold smoker to my unit and the cost is fairly cheap. Anyone use a cold smoker? h.h.

I never have, but it has peaked my interest a few times.

Delaney, did u get the smoker?

I waited too long for the cold smoker attachment and they have sold out. Im wanting one to smoke fish this spring. I plan on hitting Lake Michigan early for some salmon and trout fishing. h.h.

Yeah my dad wrapped everything in foil so clean up is a breeze...

My dad had one but the wire for the element burned up while cooking the Christmas turkey (luckily it was basically done)...

He has a 40 inch one that he uses up here and likes it better so he is buying another one to take to Florida next December...

I'm under the impression that those smokers had an issue with the element but it is reasonably easy to replace. Some guys who have replaced them have done so with heating elements that apparently generate more heat and have said it makes a significant difference.

Masterbuilts basically had problems with the wiring being under-rated for the task....thus burning up. There was a "how-to-do" article on re-wiring the units, that didn't look too complicated, using heavier gauge wiring, and some insulation. You might "Google" it if you have issues.

Since mine is a new unit maybe its one that has been updated from the factory. h.h.

My co-worker has one that he purchased 3 years ago, with no problems so far.

My dad's first one was the first generation so you would have to replace the whole box... They improved it and made the elements replaceable with newer models...

My uncle took it and rigged it up and it worked fine... Not worth risking a fire or injury for it though...