Char-Broil’s stripped down electric smoker is one step up from a box with a heating element on the bottom. Some electrics in this general price range have digital thermostatic control. This can be a blessing or curse in these low price points. While we love digital control which allows you to set a specific temp and rely on the controller to maintain it, inexpensive components are often inaccurate or fail completely. Char-Broil’s cooker uses a primitive dial thermostat that lets you dial low to high with no specific temperature settings. Used in conjunction with a good digital thermometer, you can dial up your desired temp and the simple controller should be less likely to malfunction over time than many cheap digital controllers.
We like Char-Broil and feel they often deliver a little better quality and customer support in the value priced categories, but electrics are our least favorite smokers. Without combustion from a gas, charcoal or wood flame, you just don’t get as good smoke flavor. Since the electric element is usually weak, manufacturers use minimal ventilation to hold in heat: great for keeping foods moist, not so good for browning meat or crisping skin.
Instead of a locking mechanism, the door is held shut with magnets. Magnets work OK if lined up properly, but bent parts and poor assembly can lead to frustration. Three chrome plated cooking racks, double walled insulation, porcelain coated side by side water tray and chip tray, and a small drip cup hanging at the bottom. It is what it is. Unless you live in an apartment or condo where open flame outdoor cooking is prohibited, we recommend you consider a vertical gas BBQ smoker in this price range.
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