To season a new outdoor smoker, start by coating the inside of the smoker with a layer of cooking oil. Ensure that all surfaces are covered, including the racks and walls.
Next, preheat the smoker to a high temperature, around 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it run for 2-3 hours. This will help burn off any residues or contaminants from the manufacturing process.
After the initial burn, add some wood chips or chunks to the smoker for additional seasoning. Let the smoker run at a lower temperature, around 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit, for another 2-3 hours to infuse the metal with a smoky flavor.
Once the seasoning process is complete, allow the smoker to cool down completely before cleaning it out. Your smoker is now ready for use, and the seasoning will help enhance the flavor of your smoked meats and other foods.
Best Outdoor Smokers of September 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421
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Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
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Digital controls to easily set cooking time and temperature up to 275°F
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Four chrome-coated smoking racks
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Removable water bowl to add moisture and catch food drippings
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker, Outdoor Smoker with Glass Door and Meat Thermometer, 725 Sq Inches of Cooking with Remote, 4 Detachable Racks Smoker Grill for Party, Home BBQ, Night Blue
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𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿: The smoker features a side wood chip loader for continuous smoking for 2-3 hours without opening the door and adding chips, preserving the internal heat, and locking in the smoked flavors
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𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝𝘂𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲: The 800W power heating tube in the electric smoker creates consistent smoke from wood chips, guaranteeing tender, juicy meats through low and slow cooking. Follow EAST OAK's website for more delectable recipes
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𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱: The visual glass door allows you to directly observe the food in the smoker, and the internal light also aids in illumination. The meat probe detects food temperature and keeps track of smoking progress and heat in real-time
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𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: The digital smoker features a casing made of three layers of high-quality materials. Additionally, aluminum plating along the edges reduces deformation and damage, ensuring long-lasting durability for outdoor use
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker, Bluetooth, App Enabled, 7-in-1 Master Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, Woodfire Technology, 2 Built-In Thermometers, Black
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7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
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WOODFIRE TECHNOLOGY: Powered by electricity, flavored by real wood burning pellets for all the flavor and none of the flame. Add woodfire flavor you can see and taste.
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FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Authentic BBQ bark and flavor—fast and easy with just ½ cup of pellets.
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DUAL THERMOMETER COOKING: Includes 2 built-in thermometers so you can cook 2 different protein types to 2 different doneness settings from rare to well.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Ninja OG701 7-in-1 Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker - Grill, BBQ, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate & Broil - Uses Woodfire Pellets - Portable & Weather Resistant
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MASTER GRILL, BBQ SMOKER, & AIR FRYER: All in one with 100% real smoky flavor..Voltage: 120 volts
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MASTER GRILL: Get all the performance of a full-size propane grill with the same char and searing.
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FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Create authentic BBQ bark and flavor fast and easy with just 1/2 cup of pellets.
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OUTDOOR AIR FRYER: Add smoky flavor to your air fried favorites and cook all your side dishes outdoors.
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WEATHER-RESISTANT: Cook and store outdoors year-round.
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1760-WATT ELECTRIC POWER: No charcoal, propane, or flareups. Balcony & apartment friendly.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature & Smoke Control, Four Removable Shelves, 36", Black
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Product Dimensions: 19.3" L x 18.1" W x 38.6" H | Weight: 69.5 lb
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FOUR 14 X 14-INCH REMOVABLE STAINLESS STEEL SHELVES: Four stainless steel racks can be easily removed for smoking whole birds or large cuts of meat. Racks are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
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BUILT-IN THERMOMETER: Features easy-to-read thermometer on the front door for accessible monitoring of the internal temperature.
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SEAL-TIGHT TWIST-LOCK DOOR AND HANDLE: The door stays tightly sealed with a twist of the handle.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316
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Vertical propane smoker with 960 square inches of cooking space
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Ignition button to easily light fuel with the push of a button
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Four chrome-coated smoking racks
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Woodchip tray to add delicious smoky-flavor to food
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Adjustable air damper for smoke control
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Cooking Grates, 454 sq inches Cooking Area in Total, 1350W Output, Outdoor BBQ Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control, Black
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Better Smoked Flavor: The bottom heating tube works with a removable stainless steel water pan and a chip box to add smoked flavor and make it more tender.
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Outstanding Heating Performance: 1350-watt heating power and an insulated chamber provide an even and consistent heating experience.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature Control, BBQ Smoker Grill Outdoor Heavy Duty Three Removable Smoking Shelves, Black
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With its simple design and a large smoking chamber, this vertical gas Smoker is the perfect choice for any enthusiast of smoked food, its compact design fits nicely on most patios or decks.
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Incredibly solid and well-built, this sturdy smoker’s door seals in the smoke. The extra wide racks allow for ample airflow around the meat. Both the water bowl and wood chip tray are easy to access.
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Smokers with wider racks to allow for larger-format smoking or big cuts of meat. The door of the cooking chamber can seal tightly shut, to trap smoke inside with minimal leaks.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control, Chrome Smoking Racks and 535 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070210
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SPACIOUS VERTICLE DESIGN with 535 cooking square inches that fits up to 3 chickens, 2 turkeys or 3 racks of ribs
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REMOVABLE WOOD CHIP TRAY – Add rich smoky flavor to your food and experiment with different wood chip types.
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THREE chrome coated smoking racks included
What is the best way to season a new outdoor smoker for maximum smoke penetration?
To season a new outdoor smoker for maximum smoke penetration, follow these steps:
- Preheat the smoker to about 250°F. This will help burn off any residues left from the manufacturing process.
- Apply a thin coat of cooking oil or spray to the interior surfaces of the smoker, including the grates. This will help create a protective barrier and prevent rusting.
- Add some wood chips or pellets to the smoker and let them burn for about 2-3 hours. This will help infuse the smoker with the smoky flavor and aroma.
- Monitor the temperature and smoke levels during the seasoning process to ensure they are consistent.
- After seasoning, allow the smoker to cool completely before using it for cooking. This process will help ensure that the smoker is properly seasoned and ready to use for maximum smoke penetration.
What is the recommended temperature range for seasoning a new outdoor smoker?
The recommended temperature range for seasoning a new outdoor smoker is typically between 225-275 degrees Fahrenheit (107-135 degrees Celsius). It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for seasoning your specific smoker, but most recommend maintaining this temperature range for a few hours to help cure the smoker and remove any manufacturing residues before using it to cook food.
How to maintain a seasoned outdoor smoker?
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, make sure to clean the grates, drip pan, and inside of the smoker thoroughly. Use a wire brush and hot soapy water to remove any buildup or residue.
- Seasoning: It's important to season your smoker regularly to keep it working effectively. Coat the inside of the smoker with a thin layer of cooking oil or a specialized seasoning product and heat it up for a few hours to ensure the oil is properly absorbed.
- Check for Rust: Regularly inspect your smoker for any signs of rust. If you notice any rust spots, remove them immediately using a wire brush and then re-season the area to prevent further corrosion.
- Replace Parts: Over time, certain parts of your smoker may wear out or become damaged. Make sure to regularly inspect and replace any worn-out parts such as gaskets, vents, or seals to ensure optimal performance.
- Store Properly: When not in use, make sure to cover your smoker with a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements. Store it in a dry and sheltered area to prevent rust and damage.
- Control Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature of your smoker during use and make adjustments as needed to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. This will ensure that your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
- Avoid Overloading: To prevent damage or uneven cooking, avoid overloading your smoker with too much food at once. Make sure to leave enough space between the meat and use a proper technique for arranging the food inside the smoker.
- Keep it Dry: Moisture and humidity can lead to rust and mold growth in your smoker. Make sure to properly dry the smoker after cleaning and before storing it to prevent these issues.
