Smoking is a wonderful way to add flavor to the meat, fish, and poultry and to tenderize meat. It takes less time and energy than you would think with the right electric food smoker and a few Bradley Smoker tips and tricks.

The Bradley Smoker is fun to use. Here we’re going to show you what you need to know for a safe food smoking experience.

How to Use a Smoker Safely?

Follow these basic safety tips so you can enjoy your food smoker for a long time to come.

1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Read and follow the manufacturer instructions before use. First things first:

• Don’t exceed the temperature limit of 280°F. The vast majority of foods are better smoked at lower temperatures anyway.
• If you decide to use a different thermometer to check the food temperature, make sure it is oven safe. Do not leave the thermometer inside the smoker.

We recommended safe minimum food temperatures as follows:

RED MEAT	Smoking Temp (F)
Brisket	190-205 F (100 C)
Ribs	190-200 F (100 C)
Back Ribs	185-190 F (90 C)
Chuck Roast	190-200 F (100 C)
Sausages	160 F (72 C)

POULTRY	Smoking Temp (F)
Chicken – (whole)	170 F (77 C)
Chicken thighs & wings	170 F (77 C)
Turkey – (whole)	170 F (77 C)
Turkey legs/wings/breast	165-170 F (77 C)

SEAFOOD	Smoking Temp (F)
Salmon	145 F (63 C)
Shrimps	225 F (107 C)

• Always use gloves or oven mitts to protect hands from burns.
• Never wear loose clothing while cooking. If you have long hair, secure it.
• Use knobs or handles for hot surfaces.
• Never put the cords in liquids and never use them in frayed condition. This will protect you against electric shock.
• Also, do not put cables close to anything too hot.
• Always unplug cords when not in use.
• We recommend NOT using any additional accessory attachments that may cause you injuries.
• If you think there’s a need for an extension cord, it must be an approved 3‑prong heavy-duty cord (grounded)–– we recommend not over 6 ft long because of the risk of power loss that might occur through long extension cords.

2. What to avoid

● Don’t use your Bradley smoker for any purposes it wasn’t designed for.

● The water bowl needs to filled before starting, and you need to check at least every 2 to 3 hours to empty it and refill with fresh water to make sure there is space for the bisquettes to be extinguished.

3. For Outdoor Use Only

• Never operate a Bradley smoker in an enclosed area or near things that may catch fire.
• We recommend you place a fire extinguisher near the smoker in case of an emergency.
• Use extreme caution when moving the smoker containing hot grease. Let it cool down first, and then move it.
• Do not use a smoker near gasoline. Also, keep it away from other flammable liquids or gases.
• Do not cover the smoker tray or racks with aluminum foil.
• Do not move the smoker when it is operational.

● always protect your smoker from natural elements such as rain and snow, as it can damage it.

● Always use approved electrical outlet (grounded)

4. Store the Smoker after Every Use

Unplug the smoker when not in use, clean out any grease and store it in a dry covered area. Remember, grease, when built up may cause a fire, so cleaning is essential before storing

● Keep extinguished Bradley Bisquettes away from all flammable materials.

● Keep smokers out of reach of children and pets.

● Do not use paper products/ packaging boxes to cover the smoker.

These are the basics of using our food smoker safely.

3 Essential Hacks before Smoking Your Meat

All you really need is flavored wood chips, low heat, a little water, and of course the right amount of smoke to get delicious smoking food every time. Below we have highlighted some essential tips to help ensure you are serving healthy, tasty, and safe smoked meat to your loved ones.

1) Prefer to Smoke Raw Food:

Flavor compounds in smoke are water-soluble, so whatever you plan to cook always smoke raw so you get the best flavor on it. You can always smoke cooked ham for example, but the smoke flavor is not going to be the same as one smoked since raw, and if you choose to smoke food that is cooked, vac seal it and allow it to refrigerate for a while so the smoker “sink in”

2) Thawing and Defrosting:

If your meat is in a frozen state, you need to thaw it before cooking in your smoker thoroughly. There are three methods of thawing meat safely; refrigeration, cold water, and microwave.

3) Marinating:

If you use a marinade, always marinate your meat at controlled temperatures. This prevents bacteria from growing in the food.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are just getting started or an old pro who regularly smokes meats using our Bradley smoker, we recommend you follow the safety tips above. These tips will make sure you have the best experience possible with the Bradley smoker and your smoked food turns out delicious, tender, and safe every time.

For more great ideas on how to get the most of your Bradley Smoker, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Food Smoking Blog for more tips & tricks.