FAQ - Smoker

Expand all Collapse all

• What temperature does turkey, pork, chicken and beef have to be before it is considered safe to eat?

  Turkey - 180°F

  Pork - 160°F

  Chicken - 180°F

  Beef - 145°F

• What is the best wood to use for smoking?

  For the best smoking results, use fruit or non-producing trees.

• Why are wood chunks better than wood chips for smoking?

  Wood chunks are more effective for great tasting smoked foods because the chunks last longer and slower than wood chips.

• What is the purpose of the water pan in my smoker?

  The water pan creates humidity to prevent the meat products from drying out during the cooking process.

• How long does it take to smoke a turkey?

  Estimate cooking time by the formula of 45 minutes to an hour per one pound of meat at an average cooking temperature of 250°.

• How many slabs of ribs can you put on the rib rack?

  Although it depends on the actual size of your smoker, most Brinkmann smokers will accommodate 4-6 slabs on the rib rack.

• Why do your electric smokers not have a temperature gage?

  The Brinkmann smoker is manufactured to heat to a 250° smoking temperature with no adjustments.

• Which is better - gas, electric or charcoal?

  The electric smoker is made to be the most convenient and easiest to use smoker; however, the electric smoker has limited adjustability in regards to cooking temperature. The gas smoker is convenient and portable, but a gas tank is required for use. The gas smoker offers a greater range in cooking temperatures. The charcoal smoker has an adjustable temperature range and charcoal chips or nuggets are required to operate.

• What is the purpose of the marinade injector?

  The injector provides a quick and easy way to marinate the meat on the inside, adding to the amount of juices which will be absorbed from the exterior of the meat.

• What is the purpose of curing my smoker?

  Curing your smoker before the first use will remove any machine oils, paints or odors in a new Brinkmann smoker. Long term, curing the smoker will minimize any rust damage.

• My smoker has two levels. Can I smoke two different types of meat at the same time? Will the meat smoking on the top grill affect the meat on the bottom grill?

  Yes, you can cook two different meats at the same time on the two levels of your Brinkmann smoker. The tastes and odors of the two different meats will remain independent for the most part.

• Why does the lid to my smoker fit loosely?

  The Brinkmann Smoker is designed with a 1/2" gap to facilitate airflow during the smoking process.

• I have an older Brinkmann smoker, but a brand new propane tank. Are they compatible?

  Yes. The older model Brinkmann smokers are still compatible with new propane tanks.

• What can I do to increase the temperature on my square vertical charcoal smoker?

  Use as much charcoal as you can put in the pan.  It is always harder to keep the temperature up in cold weather, especially if it is windy.  Keep the smoker in an area that is protected from the wind.

• I am not able to plug the Smoker in and keep the GFCI circuit from popping on my electric smoker. The circuit does not have any other appliances on it. How many watts is the smoker pulling?

  1500 watts.  The 1500 watts should not trip the circuit unless: the circuit has other items plugged in to it; the heating element in the smoker is bad and tripping the GFCI due to a ground trip; if the heating element has a rust spot, hole, etc. then moisture can get inside the heating element and trip the GFCI.

• I have a Brinkmann gourmet electric smoker and the cord is not long. Can I use an extension cord? If so, is there a specific kind?

  If you have to use an extension cord, keep it as short as possible.  12 gauge wire is recommended.

• Can I use an extension cord with my electric smoker?

  We recommend not using an extension cord with electric smokers.  If you must use an extension cord make sure it is a heavy duty, thick gauge cord to help prevent losing power.