Smoking is a traditional method of cooking and it has been passed on to generations. Nowadays, smoking has been embraced through the use of smokers, which can either be gas, charcoal or electric. Gas smoker are in two types and this depends on the type of fueling used. They include natural gas and liquid propane (LP). In order to find it easy using gas smokers, one has to the right set of information for a better understanding. These smokers are the best if one is interested in simplicity and budget.
How to use gas smokers
Gas smokers are either powered by the natural gas or propane. Those smokers that rely on propane are portable, thus they can be moved from one place to another. However, natural gas smokers are not portable since they are connected to a natural gas supply at home. There are certain things that one needs to have before using gas smokers. Depending on the type of the smoker, one will need either natural gas or propane. Smoking ships also needed and they can come from apple wood, mesquite or hickory. The first step demands that the water pan should be filled with water. However, the fill line should not be over flooded. The pan is found at the bottom of the smoker.
The smoker will then be ignited through pushing an ignition button on the smoker. If the smoker is not faulty, then on the first or second push, it should light. However, if this does not happen, then one should check the gas source. Slow cooking entails setting the smoker at 225 degree Fahrenheit. Once the meat has been prepared for cooking, it should be placed on the grill in the smoker. On estimate, the meat should cook for three to four hours, but this depends on the quantity of the meat.
What should be done for better use
In order to determine if the meat is ready, the use of a food thermometer is handy. The internal temperature will vary depending on the type of meat being cooked. If the meat is ready, the smoker should be turned off. The button should be turned opposite to the direction of ignition. Cleaning of the gas smoker should be undertaken once they have cooled.
The cleaning process is simple since one is required to remove the components of the smoker. The racks should be washed with warm soapy water while the water pan is to be rinsed and dried for future use. It is important to ensure that the pan is dry to prevent rusting.
What to look out for
A food thermometer is a good tool in determining if the food is ready. The thermometer should be placed in the thickest part of the meat. However, the temperatures vary based on the type of meat being cooked. Lastly, one has to be more cautious when cooking with gas. This is because there is a high chance of leaks. This demands that regular maintenance of the gas smokers is essential and one has to ensure that the hoses are always in good shape.
