Getting started with Jerky

[bigtexman]

Looking for recommendations on a dehydrator or smoker for jerky. I like my jerky dry and crispy, and I have had a hard time getting the desired flavor and texture from a traditional smoker. Mine turns out rubbery or over cooked. I am not sure if it is my technique or equipment. Anyway, I am willing to buy something specifically for jerky (as that is most requested at my house). Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Compulsive Smoker]

The Jerky Bible has some great recipes for jerky.

 

[kilo charlie]

I have a small Nesco dehydrator that I dot from the Walmart that seems to work well for the jerky experiments I've done, but I am sure others will have better ideas.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I recommend a dehydrator. I think it'll be easier and more consistent than a smoker, but I don't have a pellet grill so no comparison to that. I have a Magic Mill, but really most any of them will work. Just depends on how big of a dehydrator you want...

 

[Steve H]

I also prefer a dehydrator. I was a gifted a 10 tray one from a friend here. And it works awesome. And it will dry to crispy. Go to amazon and search for this.

FOHERE Food Dehydrator​

 

[Compulsive Smoker]

I have a LEM brand dehydrator with 6 shelves. It works very well, but I do like the smoke flavor that you get with a smoker…just my personal opinion.

 

[Steve H]

I have a LEM brand dehydrator with 6 shelves. It works very well, but I do like the smoke flavor that you get with a smoker…just my personal opinion.

That's true. That's why I add some liquid smoke to my marinade.

 

[zwiller]

Also on Team Dehydrator. Check out Owens Mixes. INSANELY good and makes stuff better than store bought. Have smoke in them already. https://www.owensbbq.com/collections/jerky-mixes

 

[bigtexman]

When making jerky in my Bradley electric smoker. I think I am smoking it too much. Maybe I should try one puck in the beginning, and then just let the heat of the smoker dry the jerky. I have been adding smoke for at least half the cook. One puck would mean adding smoke for just the first 20 mins. If I am still not happy, I am going to try a dehydrator... Learning as I go! Thanks for the info. I'll check some of these out!

 

[Fueling Around]

I have no experience with a Bradley. It has heat and a fan?
Friend of mine made a batch of jerky for me in a Bradley and it turned into meat leather.

 

[indaswamp]

Another vote for a dehydrator here. Though I can make jerky in my big outhouse style smoker. The key is keeping the temp. low so it will not get rubbery or overcook.