Electric smoker for jerky help

Ikeepitcold

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,028
1,615
Reno Nv
I'm looking for an electric smoker to make jerky. I need one that is ideot proof more then anything for around $300 or less.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
buckbull

buckbull

Veteran member
Jun 20, 2011
2,167
1,353
Whatever you decide to get, make sure you buy a unit that you can digitally set the temperature and forget it. I bought a cheaper model with a rheostat temperature control and its a constant battle trying to keep the temperature correct. I'm getting better with use but it can take an hour of jacking with the controls to get the temp right.
 
pmcgovern

pmcgovern

Active Member
Feb 11, 2014
190
0
Oregon
Team Kabob said:
Bradley Smoker works great. Used one to help a friend smoke salmon for hours and it automatically feeds the chips to make smoke.

I personally don't have one yet!

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bradley-reg-Original-Smoker/1344838.uts
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I have a Bradley. Absolutely love it. Set the temp. Set the time. Turn on the smoke. set the smoke time. Walk away. The only thing I do is check and make sure it's got enough biscuits. Burns about 3 per hour. Oh, and keep the bowl full of water.
 
pmcgovern

pmcgovern

Active Member
Feb 11, 2014
190
0
Oregon
buckbull said:
Whatever you decide to get, make sure you buy a unit that you can digitally set the temperature and forget it. I bought a cheaper model with a rheostat temperature control and its a constant battle trying to keep the temperature correct. I'm getting better with use but it can take an hour of jacking with the controls to get the temp right.
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Completely agree. I also take my ol' manual meat thermometer and stick it through the vent holes on the top and manually check the internal temp of the smoker, while smoking. Unless it's windy out, it stays pretty much spot on.
 
Musket Man

Musket Man

Veteran member
Jul 20, 2011
6,457
0
colfax, wa
I have a Bradley and I really like it! Its an older one and its not digital but once you get used to it its not that hard to figure out where to set it. The new ones are digital and easier to set I think. When I make sausage I have a thermometer and 2 probes for it and I put 1 probe in the bottom rack and 1 on the 3rd rack so I know whats going on and when to rotate treys. the bottom always gets done faster so I rotate them when the bottom is getting close to temp. The only bad thing about the Bradley is you have to buy their biscuits for it, but the good thing is it feeds them automatically and is easy to use. I think there are 2 sizes now and I would get the bigger one. I have the smaller one because its all they made then but alot of times I wish it was a little bigger.
 
J

jlmoeller

Member
Nov 10, 2012
75
0
Iowa
jlmoeller said:
I picked up one of these this spring and I really like it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B7W8NHW/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687622&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00104WRCY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=059B61YSG5J21K265VFH

It is very simple to run.

Jason Moeller
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One more thing. Get this:
http://www.amazon.com/Ivation-Range-Wireless-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B00ANCXJR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413316363&sr=8-1&keywords=bbq+thermometer

It is a wireless thermometer with 2 probes, one for the meat and one for the air temp in the smoker. It works great to "check" on your smoker without opening the door. I checked both probes in boiling water and they were right on. The wireless readout reaches all the way to my recliner. Nothing like smoking ribs while watching football.

Jason Moeller
 
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B

Bughalli

Member
Jan 15, 2012
139
1
I have a Bradley as well and really enjoy smoking all kinds of meats, but I still prefer making Jerky in my food dehydrator. I make jersey and beef sticks. I've made these in both. Dehydrator is easier to use, programmable, I can run it in the kitchen over night, has more racks to cook more, fewer gadgets and far less cleanup. Plus they generally cost less. If you get a good spice mix you'll never know the difference. I like Hi Mountain Seasonings. http://www.himtnjerky.com

Still love the Bradley and wouldn't discourage you from getting one for ribs, chicken, pork, etc.
 
pmcgovern

pmcgovern

Active Member
Feb 11, 2014
190
0
Oregon
buckbull said:
I can't say enough about hi mountain jerky seasoning, its awesome and well worth the money. It might seem expensive but the kits make 15lb of meat.
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I read about them on here and placed an order yesterday. I love trying new things and I've got a bunch of deer meat to cut up, so I'm excited to try it. Once again, great info/ideas/experience on this forum!!
 
BobJohansen

BobJohansen

New Member
Apr 12, 2013
37
0
Minnesota
I have a Masterbuilt 30" with the digital temp setting. Love it. Easy to use. I would also agree with the Hi Mountain Jerky seasoning. I used the Hunter Blend on some venison jerky the other day and while it cured added a couple cups of real maple syrup to the container. Turned out awesome! Once you get a smoker you will be addicted, it's a fun hobby.
 
Ikeepitcold

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,028
1,615
Reno Nv
I went with a dehydrator. It works awesome! Thanks for all the help with the smokers and I will be picking one up soon.
 
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