How to Use Masterbuilt Electric Smoker (8 Easy Steps)

Can you imagine a picnic sport without any grilled meats? Of course not; it’s impossible to imagine a picnic without grilled foods, let alone actually doing it.

However, making a grill can seem like rocket science and very hassle work to do in a fun time like a picnic. That’s when Masterbuilt electric smokers jump in to get your work done with much less hassle. What? Did you buy that already? That’s awesome, but do you know how to use a Masterbuilt electric smoker? No? Then a Masterbuilt digital electric smoker is nothing rather than a sleeve.

Don’t need to ruin the mood. Using a Masterbuilt electric smoker isn’t that hard if you can understand the steps correctly. I’m here to explain the way to use Masterbuilt in the easiest way possible. So, read on, learn that, make the testiest grill, and take the picnic to the next level.

Table of Contents

How to Use Masterbuilt Electric Smoker: Step by Step

Step 1: Season Smoker

Seasoning your Masterbuilt electric smoker is an important step before you can start using it. This process is different from seasoning a charcoal smoker, as the main goal is to burn off any oil, dust, or other substances that may be present in the smoker due to manufacturing. Using machine oil for this process is not recommended, so it’s best to follow these steps instead.

First, check the power cord to see if it’s okay, then ensure all the equipment, such as the water box, is in its proper place and that there is no water in the pan.
Then turn on the smoker and let it heat up until it reaches at least 250°F. Once it has reached this temperature, leave it running for about an hour while keeping an eye on the temperature gauge.
After an hour has passed, turn off the smoker and allow it to cool down completely before storing away or using it for cooking.

Step 2: Get the Meat

Preparing every type of meat is an important part of any recipe. Depending on the recipe, you may need to season and marinate your meat for a certain amount of time. For best results, cuts of meat and marinate your meat for several hours prior to cooking. This will help to tenderize the meat and bring out its natural flavors.

When preparing every type of meat, make sure to follow the instructions in the recipe closely. Seasoning ingredients and marinating times vary according to the recipe. For example, if you make a steak, you may want to season it with salt and pepper before cooking it. If you are making a stew, you may want to marinate the beef overnight in red wine or beer before adding it to the pot. After the meat ready, you should place the meat in grill trays.

Step 3: Switch on Smoker

Preheating a smoker is an important step in the smoking process. It helps ensure that the food is cooked evenly and has the desired smoky flavor.

To preheat a smoker, place water in the smoking chamber, and add wood chips to a cold smoker before switching it on.
Food should be added to the smoker 45 minutes after it has preheated.
During this time, add half a cup of wood chips at one time and wait until they stop producing smoke before adding the other half cup. This will help to maintain an even temperature throughout the cooking process.
Additionally, avoid placing foil on the racks, as this can hinder heat circulation and prevent your food from cooking properly.

Step 4: Get the Ideal Cooking Temperature

A temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for cooking meat and fish. You can also use a meat probe to track proper heat circulation.
This temperature ensures that your food is cooked without becoming dry or overcooked. Proteins are broken down slowly and evenly at this temperature, resulting in juicy and tender dishes.
Additionally, this low heat allows for more flavor development and better texture retention. The slow cooking process also helps retain moisture, which is important for keeping your food from drying out during cooking.
With a little practice and patience, you can easily master the art of setting the perfect cooking temperature for all your favorite dishes.

Step 5: Turning Off the Power

The smoker should be turned off after the smoker seasoning has been completed. After the meat or food has reached the desired internal temperature, it is time to turn off the smoker. The temperature dial on an analog electric smoker can be turned off by simply turning it off. A digital smoker must be turned off by pressing the Power button. Every electric smoker model would have a different system.

Step 6: Wood Chips and Water Pan Refilled

Smoking meat is a great way to add flavor and texture to your favorite dishes. To get the best results, it’s important to use the right amount of wood chips and refill the smoker’s water pan accordingly.

If you find that the first batch of wood chips has stopped producing smoke, you can add more, but only half a cup at a time. Overdosing the smoker with too many wood chips will affect your food results, so be sure to follow the instructions in your manual carefully.
Your smoker’s water pan turns water into steam while smoking, keeping the meat soft and juicy or you can use cold smoking by going lower. This steam helps keep moisture in the meat while also adding flavor.
To ensure that you get optimal results from your smoker, always check and refill the water pan as needed. Also, always check smoker instructions to be on the safe side.

Step 7: Cook the Meat for the Perfect Time Being

Keeping the meat moist is essential for a delicious and juicy meal. Depending on the thickness and size of the meat, along with the cooking temperature, it will take different amounts of time to cook it. To ensure that your meat remains moist during cooking, it is important to baste it after approximately two-thirds of its cooking time. Basting involves brushing or spooning liquid over the food’s surface while it cooks to keep it moist and flavorful. This can be done with any liquid, such as butter, oil, stock, water or smoking racks.

Basting helps to keep moisture locked inside the meat while also adding flavor and preventing burning. It also helps to create a golden brown crust outside of the meat, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. When basting your meat, use a brush or spoon thoroughly cleaned beforehand to avoid cross-contamination. Additionally, you should always use clean utensils when handling cooked food in order to prevent foodborne illnesses from occurring.

Step 8: Add Sauce for Extra Flavour

Adding sauce to your smoked meat can be a great way to add some extra flavor and make it instantly ready to eat. Whether you choose a classic barbecue sauce or something more unique, adding sauce for the final touches is an easy way to take your smoked meat from good to great.

When adding sauce, it’s important to do so for at least 45 minutes before taking the meat out of the smoker. This will give the flavors time to meld together and create a delicious combination with everyone asking for seconds.
You can also experiment with different sauces and marinades until you find one that perfectly complements your smoked meat.
Adding sauce is optional but can elevate your food’s flavour and make it even more enjoyable. Check the meat to see if it’s done or not. If it’s done, then take it out, and it brings joy to your family picnic.
After all the fun, remember the cleaning process and wipe off dirty smoke with a wet cloth soaked in hot water. Main cleaning equipment includes smoke racks, drip pans, water bowls, and grates. With those 3, you can complete the whole cleaning matter.

FAQs:

1. How often should I add wood chips to a Masterbuilt electric smoker?

When using a Masterbuilt electric smoker, it is important to add wood chips for desired smoke flavor. The frequency of adding wood chips can vary depending on the type of wood chips used and the type of food smoked. Generally, you should add more wood chips after about 45 to 60 minutes of smoking if you aim for a stronger smoky flavor. If you want a milder flavor, you can wait longer before adding more wood chips.

2. Do you add water to the Masterbuilt electric smoker?

In order to control the temperature of a smoker, water can be used. The smoker will come up to temperature faster if you add hot or boiling water to the pan when it’s cold outside.

Conclusion

Using a Masterbuilt electric smoker is an easy and delicious way to enjoy smoked meat. I hope I have cleared out your how-to-use Masterbuilt electric smoker doubts fully. With these electric smoker tips in mind, you’ll be able to create mouth-watering dishes with an electric smoker chamber.

Also Read:

Troubleshooting Guide – Masterbuilt electric smoker