Using An Electric Smoker On A Covered Porch? (Read This First)

Using An Electric Smoker On A Covered Porch

Cooking food in an electric smoker adds flavor and juiciness to your food.

However, there are some things you should keep in mind when smoking outdoors, especially on a covered porch. For example, smokers and grills all need adequate airflow and enough distance from combustible objects to be operated safely.

So can you use an electric smoker on a covered porch?

Electric smokers can be used on a covered porch especially if the electric smoker is rated for indoor use. Any electric smoker that produces smoke needs to have sufficient airflow to blow the smoke away. Always ensure that the electric grill is placed at least 3 feet away from any objects combustible objects.

Now let’s cover some things to keep in mind when using an electric smoker on a covered porch.

Tips For Using An Electric Smoker On A Covered Porch

Electric smokers are a great way to cook without having the hassle of an open fire, but there are still some things to keep in mind.

1. Place Smoker On Flat Surface

The most important step when using an electric smoker is making sure it is placed on a flat surface.

When using a grill or smoker, never place it on an uneven surface.

The weight of your food could cause the electric smoker to tip over if the ground is uneven. So always ensure that the smoker is placed on a flat surface.

2. Keep Objects 3 Feet Away

Combustible objects should be placed as far away as possible from the electric smoker.

Generally, the deck railing, tree branches, or the side of the house should be kept at least 3 feet away from the electric smoker.

Some covered porches are not large enough to allow for 3 feet of clearance in all directions so make sure that any walls or objects close to the electric smoker do not get too hot.

Make sure that the electric smoker’s vent has the space and clearance to allow any smoke and heat to safely vent away. Never place any smoker vents next to any combustible objects such as a wall or tree branch.

3. Use Insulation To Protect Nearby Objects

If the electric smoker cannot be placed far enough away from some objects such as the porch’s railing then place a welding blanket or some other form of insulation.

The electric smoker will heat up and can cause nearby objects to dry out, or even ignite so take the necessary steps to prevent anything from catching on fire.

welding blanket

Welding blankets and other forms of heat insulation can be purchased at local hardware stores or on Amazon.

4. Use A Grill Mat To Protect Floor

Protective grill mats are a must-have for your outdoor kitchen.

Unlike cooking mats, these grill mats protect porch decks and other floorings from damage caused by any grease, embers, or heat from the smoker.

With its absorbent material that prevents soak-thru, grill mats are a must for protecting surfaces such as brick or wood. 

Grill mats can be purchased at local hardware stores or on Amazon.

How To Store An Electric Smoker Long Term

When it comes to storing your smoker for any length of time, the goal is to keep both the inside and outside dry. Most electric smokers are made out of metal can rust which will reduce the lifespan of the smoker.

Tip: Stainless steel is more resistant to rust than other metals but stainless steel will still rust over time. So always take preventative measures to ensure that the smoker will not rust.

Clean The Inside Of Electric Smoker

Cleaning the smoker is a necessary step for extending the lifespan of the smoker. Having a clean smoker will also prevent strange food orders and flavors from contaminating the food you decide to smoke.

Below are some easy steps to clean your electric smoker like a pro.

1. Remove Ash

To eliminate corrosion from the carbon, remove any old ash.

The chip tray or smoker box is where all the wood chips are burnt, adding a smoky flavor, and after smoking, everything collects at the bottom.

Remove this round-shaped ashtray and dump out all the ash once the electric smoker has cooled down.

2. Remove and Clean Water Pan, Shelves, and Drip Pan

Source: Foodfirefriends

Once you have rinsed the shelves, water pan, and drip pan clean, place them back in the smoker to finish cleaning everything else.

If the removable parts of the electric smoker are not dishwasher safe then scrape out the grease in the drip tray with a metal scraper and then wash each part individually under warm soapy water using a brush.

3. Scrub The Bottom And Sides Of The Smoker

When you are done scrubbing the inside walls, use a sponge or damp cloth with warm soapy water to get rid of any thick and stuck on grease.

Once this is done, scrape off all fallen lumps and grit from the bottom of the grill into a bag

4. Oil The Grates

Use a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to help prevent food and grime from sticking to the grates. The oil will also help keep the grates clean and prevent any rusting.

Clean The Exterior Of The Electric Smoker

Cleaning the exterior of the electric smoker is just as important as cleaning the interior.

Follow the steps below to ensure that the exterior of the smoker is clean.

1. Rinse With Soapy Water

Scrub the door seal and wash away any soap suds with a damp cloth or sponge.

Use a garden hose on a low power setting when cleaning, so you don’t damage anything. Rinse thoroughly before drying the exterior completely.

2. Use Stainless Steel And Glass Cleaner

If the outside of your appliance has glass or stainless steel, use cleaners for these surfaces so as not to damage them and leave residue behind.

The right cleaner can make your smoker look as good as new.

How To Protect Electric Smokers From Outdoor Elements

Electric smokers are great cooking devices that can benefit from some preventative care.

Some electric smokers are rated for indoor use so most of the time the outdoor elements will not be a worry.

However, for any electric smoker being used outdoors, here are some things to keep in mind.

Direct sunlight can lead to corrosion. UV rays in sunlight will quickly degrade the exterior finish of the electric smoker, leaving the metal more susceptible to any adverse effects from water exposure.

Make sure you protect the electric smoker when not in use by storing the smoker indoors or in a covered location.

Final Thoughts

You can use an electric smoker on a covered porch, but you need to be careful.

With the necessary safety precautions in place, smoking food on your covered porch is possible and a great option.

Make sure to check if the electric smoker has been created specifically for outdoor use before you decide to put it out there.

Although a covered porch is a safe location to use an electric smoker rated for indoor use as long as the smoker is brought indoors or into the garage once you finished using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric smokers safe?

Electric smokers are safe, versatile cooking appliances that can be used for indoor and outdoor purposes. Electric smokers have an insulated oven to prevent heat from escaping through the surface, so you don’t have to worry about burning your hands or having nearby objects from being burned by the smoker.

What is the effect of cold weather on electric smokers?

In cold weather, it is imperative that you carefully monitor your smoker’s temperature. As temperatures drop and the winds pick up, the electric smoker will have to work even harder to cook the food. However, with some items such as welding blankets, the electric smoker can be used outdoors even in extremely cold temperatures.

Steven

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