Char-Broil 30" analog electric

[StClair72]

I bought a new charbroil electric the other night and was thinking I had a pretty good smoker. The next day I did a google search and found this forum. It seems that there aren't very many people using the Charbroil smokers. Did I make a mistake? I've already tried jerky in it and found out that I set my temp way too high. My fault not the smoker. First cook was a failure. No biggy, I'm not deterred. I learn from my mistakes. The one thing I am worried about is that there is no way to manage the air flow at the vents. They are just there, wide open. I have been watching the temperature fluctuation and it seems to be about 10 degrees up and down. I was thinking the fluctuation would be more like 3 to 4 degrees. Because this was my first smoker I wasn't going to go all out and buy a fancy expensive digital with all the bells and whistles. I wanted to learn and see if I was even any good at it before I spent the real money. Any thoughts?

 

[kruizer]

The change of 10+/- is pretty much the norm. I would say you are good to go.

 

[dr k]

If this is yours, then you can play with it from an open bottom exposed element to putting in the bottom rack with a disposable aluminum pan on the bottom rack and sliding left and right against the back wall to even out temps etc. I like how everything comes out and those of us that use the Amnps tray without water in the pan can optimize the smoker to the way you like your food smoked. I'd put down alum foill on the bottom under the element right off the bat and anything else you want covered below the bottom rack for easy cleaning. Fridge magnets to cover the right side vent to move heat left since the element is on the bottom right may not be good from the heat and will melt but lots of potential and this is smaller than other electric smokers so even heating may be better.

 

[StClair72]

Thanks, great advice! So far the only problem I have had is getting the initial temperature right. I'm sure I'll get better at that in time.

 

[old sarge]

The analog will cycle on and off and average out to your set temp. And if you are only 10 degrees off, that is pretty good. Analogs over shoot the set temp by several degrees, cycle off till the temp drops below the set temp then cycle back on. Normal. See the FAQ on analog smokers from Smokin-it and SmokinTex. They state temp variance by upwards of 20 degrees. So you should rest/smoke easy. Also, you may not have the most popular electric smoker on the forum or the most talked about, but you are part of the family of smokers so enjoy.

 

[StClair72]

Thanks old sarge! I know I'm having a blast so far!