If you have to choose between gas or electric smoker-which is better, so you are landed at the right place. In this article, I’ll give you a descriptive comparison between both products. After reading this you will be able to choose which product is more suitable for you.
You will find many types of smokers available in the market including electric and gas smokers. These are the most popular smokers nowadays. But if the concern is in your mind “which is more good to smoke electric or gas?” Both are to some extent different from each other, however, these smokers are used for the same purpose.
Propane smoker does not depend on electricity supply and you can set them outside. On the other hand, electric smoker gives reliability, convenient usage, and good temperature control. Both types of smokers have their own durability and shortcomings. If you want to get an electric smoker or a propane smoker you can check out and contrast their features below:
Overview Of An Electric Smoker
Modern cooking appliances have emerged with incredible cooking techniques and innovations in the food sector. The electric smoker is comprised on its own strong and weak aspects. This is a new type of cooking device that generates heat through power. An electric smoker has a heating element that works to produce heat for cooking and controls the temperature. It has a wood chips compartment below. It contains a high-tech integral thermostat to continuously control the temperature without inserting instructions.
In general, an electric smoker works slowly similarly to an oven. It adds delicious smoke flavor in your food. You can add wood chips in segments which is another satisfactory point for the users. It has a built-in adjustment that helps to set the temperature and you don’t need to monitor it while cooking. Electric smokers take preheating time. It cooks between 100°F to 275°F. You can easily clean and maintain it.
Overview Of Gas Or Propane Smoker
Gas smokers usually utilize propane gas or natural gas to fire. A gas smoker needs propane and wood chips to smolder and cook tasty food. These are versatile and portable. Smoking, grilling, and roasting can be done through these smokers. Maintenance and cleaning of such types of smokers are easy.
A gas smoker is built with a rear burner with a top-shelf. You need to set adjustments of the knob to increase or lessen the flow. While using a gas smoker, you have to be careful about the rapid fluctuation of temperature. It cooks between 150°F to 400°F. These are not finely insulated and high-tech as electric smokers. These are more popular than other smokers.
Comparison And Contrast Between Electric And Gas Smokers
You need to know about the worth and usefulness of both smokers to pick up the right item for your kitchen first. We will discuss below the important facts of each item.
User-Friendly
Electric and gas smokers both are easy and user-friendly, but you will get more comfort using electric smokers. They are perfect for beginners as well. You just need to set the temperature for preheating 20 or 30 minutes before cooking your meat. Then you are ready to cook.
Warranty
One year is the normal warranty of an electric smoker. Gas smokers have a long warranty duration as compared to electric smokers.
Temperature Control
Although gas smokers can range higher temperature than electric smokers of about 300°F. These can’t defeat the good performance of electric smokers in temperature control.
Electric smokers are more flexible in temperature adjustments and consider ideal for cooking.
Smoke Flavoring
Electric smokers offer a yummy taste of smoked food. Whereas, gas smoker offers conventional charcoal flavor in its food.
Maintenance
You can clean and maintain both smokers but gas smokers are easier to clean to maintain.
Safe to Use
You need to follow the precautions accurately using a gas smoker. It can be risky to adjust. But electric smokers are safe to use and control the heat range.
Reliability
The reliability of the smokers depends on their quality. If you will buy a credible smoker it will give a high-end result, but if you choose to buy a cheaper one, it won’t give the desired result.
Impacts of Weather Change
A gas smoker is portable and can be easily adjusted anywhere outside. You need to be careful in the entire smoking process while using a gas smoker. Bad weather can affect the smoking process. Wall insulation helps to protect from harsh weather conditions. Whereas, high-quality electric smokers provide good insulation.
Cost of the smoker
Gas smokers are less costly than electric smokers, but if you want to get a high-quality smoking outcome then you need to pay more to attain the desired smoking result. There are many budget-friendly smokers of both types available in the market.
Benefits Of Using An Electric Smoker
- Electric smokers are safe to use.
- They don’t need any fuel to run.
- Easy to use and control temperature adjustments.
- It can be free of cost if you use a solar energy system instead of electricity.
- Ideal for beginners.
- Users don’t need to look at it again and again during cooking.
- Extremely beneficial for people living in places where a gas supply is not available.
Detriments Of Using An Electric Smoker
- You can’t operate the smoker if you have no electricity.
- It is not suitable in the rainy season.
- Less a strong flavor than a gas smoker.
- More costly than a propane smoker.
Benefits Of Using A Gas Smoker
- Food smoked in gas smoker gives out best aroma.
- Gas smokers are suitable in all weather conditions.
- Versatile to smoke, grill, and roast.
- Less expensive as compared to the electric smoker.
- It is a good option to cook if you are away from home.
Detriments Of Using A Gas Smoker
- It is more costly to run because every time you need to buy propane.
- Not suitable for beginners.
- You need to keep your eye on the gas smoker during the whole process.
- Less easy to use than the electric smoker.
Final Verdict
Both smokers are beneficial in their own ways. Now it depends on you to choose the right product for yourself. If you want a smoker which can run efficiently and easily without keeping an eye on it especially when you have little kids in your home or you are a busy person then an electric smoker will defeat the gas smoker.
But if you are a strong flavor aspirant and want a traditional smoker to smoke the food then a gas smoker will serve better duty but you need to babysit the smoker.