Electric BBQ smokers are increasing in popularity.They do a good job of transforming every day cuts of meat into special dinners, imparting all of the smoky goodness and tenderness of a world-class BBQ pit.They are also surprisingly affordable and incredibly easy to use.However, electric BBQ smokers do pose a few unique challenges.One of them is the very basic issue of how to get the electricity to the smoker.Most of us do not have a wide assortment of outdoor AC electrical outlets on our patios.We may only have a single available outlet on the exterior wall of our home.Meanwhile, many electric BBQ smokers come with extremely short power cords.In some cases, it is not possible to plug the smoker into the available outlet.In other cases, it is possible but far from convenient.That leaves the smoker's owner with two choices.Either he or she can go through the hassle necessary to install an additional outdoor outlet or he or she can use an extension cord to power the unit.While electricians would undoubtedly love it if every frustrated electric smoker owner opted for outlet installation, utilizing an extension power cord is probably a more economically wise decision for most of us.However, smoker owners may be concerned about using an extension cord.Many of the owner's manuals that come from smoker manufacturers strongly advise against the use of the easier solution.Their concerns have a reasonable foundation.An extension cord poses a few problems when used with an electric smoker.Initially, there are always fire hazard issues associated with cord use.When you think about the activity that often surrounds an outdoor cookout and the heat that will be in close proximity to the cord, it is not difficult to imagine a wide range of potential dangers.Additionally, electric BBQ smokers need to pull enough current to heat up and to maintain their temperature over an extended cooking period.The use of an extension cord may limit the draw of power enough to prevent optimal smoker performance.So, if you do plan to use an extension cord with your smoker, follow these four recommendations for the sake of safety and in order to get the best cooking results.First, use an outdoor-rated, heavily insulated cord.That skinny cord in the kitchen utility drawer is not good enough.Second, use an extension cord that features heavy wiring.Look for one that uses twelve-gauge wire to insure adequate power.Third, do not use a long cord.Try to position your smoker in such a way that you do not need any more than ten total feet of help.Fourth, position the grill in a way that will minimize the risk of others coming into contact with, or tripping over, the cord.Keep your smoker away from foot traffic.If you follow those recommendations while keeping a close eye on your smoker, you should be able to produce amazing meat while remaining safe.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Powering Electric BBQ Smokers The Right Way
Electric BBQ smokers are increasing in popularity.They do a good job of transforming every day cuts of meat into special dinners, imparting all of the smoky goodness and tenderness of a world-class BBQ pit.They are also surprisingly affordable and incredibly easy to use.However, electric BBQ smokers do pose a few unique challenges.One of them is the very basic issue of how to get the electricity to the smoker.Most of us do not have a wide assortment of outdoor AC electrical outlets on our patios.We may only have a single available outlet on the exterior wall of our home.Meanwhile, many electric BBQ smokers come with extremely short power cords.In some cases, it is not possible to plug the smoker into the available outlet.In other cases, it is possible but far from convenient.That leaves the smoker's owner with two choices.Either he or she can go through the hassle necessary to install an additional outdoor outlet or he or she can use an extension cord to power the unit.While electricians would undoubtedly love it if every frustrated electric smoker owner opted for outlet installation, utilizing an extension power cord is probably a more economically wise decision for most of us.However, smoker owners may be concerned about using an extension cord.Many of the owner's manuals that come from smoker manufacturers strongly advise against the use of the easier solution.Their concerns have a reasonable foundation.An extension cord poses a few problems when used with an electric smoker.Initially, there are always fire hazard issues associated with cord use.When you think about the activity that often surrounds an outdoor cookout and the heat that will be in close proximity to the cord, it is not difficult to imagine a wide range of potential dangers.Additionally, electric BBQ smokers need to pull enough current to heat up and to maintain their temperature over an extended cooking period.The use of an extension cord may limit the draw of power enough to prevent optimal smoker performance.So, if you do plan to use an extension cord with your smoker, follow these four recommendations for the sake of safety and in order to get the best cooking results.First, use an outdoor-rated, heavily insulated cord.That skinny cord in the kitchen utility drawer is not good enough.Second, use an extension cord that features heavy wiring.Look for one that uses twelve-gauge wire to insure adequate power.Third, do not use a long cord.Try to position your smoker in such a way that you do not need any more than ten total feet of help.Fourth, position the grill in a way that will minimize the risk of others coming into contact with, or tripping over, the cord.Keep your smoker away from foot traffic.If you follow those recommendations while keeping a close eye on your smoker, you should be able to produce amazing meat while remaining safe.
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