Some individuals just want to be able to enjoy slow-cooking their meat without having to watch a fire for hours on end. Should their wallets be penalised for preferring convenience with their smoked meats?
I, for one, vote no! Fortunately, Charbroils’ range of Digital Electric Smokers provides such customers with an electric smoker at an affordable price.
In this review, I’ll offer my impressions on the 725 Square Inch Deluxe Electric Smoker, which we featured in our round-up of electric smoker reviews, after four months of cooking.
Contents
- Overview and first impressions
- My experience cooking with the Char-Broil
- Should you buy the Char-Broil Deluxe?
- FAQs
- How long does it take the Charbroil electric smoker to heat up?
- Can I use my char broil electric smoker without WiFi?
- How long does it take to smoke a chicken on a Char-Broil electric smoker?
- How long does it take to smoke a turkey in a Char-Broil electric smoker?
- Do I need to put water in my electric smoker?
- Do electric smokers need to be seasoned?
- Do you preheat electric smoker with wood chips?
- Do you have to flip the meat on electric smoker?
Overview and first impressions
When I was invited to evaluate this electric smoker, I had no idea what to anticipate.
My unfavorable perception of electric smokers had already been flipped upside down by my pleasant encounters with the Masterbuilts 40 Bluetooth Electric Smoker and the little but formidable Smoking Tex Pro. Both of these smokers surpassed my expectations in terms of taste and quality, but I was left wondering what Charbroil had to offer in this area.
Charbroil has long been a no-frills company, producing inexpensive grills and smokers.
The Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker seemed to be no different at first sight. It was little in comparison to the 40 Masterbuilt, thus smoking a full-size brisket would be impossible. Other substantial cuts would be required to fit within the 725 sq in frame.
The following are some of the Char-Broil’s notable features:
- Temperature and timing are controlled by a digital electric controller. A meat probe and remote control are also provided.
- 4 Stainless Steel Cooking Racks: 15.16 x 12.44
- The Large Capacity Smoke Box holds 4 cups of wood chips, which is convenient since it reduces the number of times you have to open the smoker door to replace it.
- Grease Tray with 8.5 Cup Capacity contains a decent quantity of grease.Water Pan with Porcelain Coating Simple to clean. The majority of the drippings will also drain into the water pan, which is convenient for creating gravy and sauces.
The huge glass door is the first thing you notice about the Char-Broil. While other manufacturers of electric smokers provide a glass door option, Char-Broil requires it.
For the most part, the glass on the front entrance is a bonus. You may view inside the smoker without releasing the heat and smoke by opening the door. The seal on the door is tight, so smoke will not escape once it is locked.
Specifications for the Char-Broil Deluxe Digital Electric Smoker:
| Weight | 50.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 16.50 x 18.10 x 32.50 Inches |
| Total Cooking Area | 725 square inches |
| Temperature Range | 275° Max |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | Check Latest Price |
What I like:
- Insulation with two layers A tight seal is provided by the massive locking latch and double-walled installation.
- System for Draining Grease The drain mechanism focuses the majority of the oil and droppings into the water pan, making cleaning the smoker a breeze.
- Convenient Starting and operating the smoker is as simple as cooking in an oven.
What I don’t like:
- Size I dislike the fact that I can’t fit a complete brisket onto this smoker.
- There is no internal thermometer. You’ll have to trust that the temperature setting is correct if you don’t have your own thermometer to check ambient temps.
- Ventilation that is not adjustable It’s a simple feature to implement, however it’s somewhat inconvenient since I can’t regulate the quantity of smoke that leaves the smoker.
Cleaning the cooking pieces is as simple as taking them out of the smoker and into the dishwasher since they are dishwasher safe and tiny enough to fit inside one.
My experience cooking with the Char-Broil
I evaluated the product for four months to see whether any of the quality issues stated in customer reviews arose during that period.
These concerns include:
- causing the GFCI breaker on the electrical outlet to trip
- Wild Temperature Swings
- Probe Failure
- Heating Element Failure
I can attest that I did not encounter any of these problems. For context, I cooked on it at least once a week, but generally twice a week throughout those four months. I want to keep using the smoker beyond this review, so I’ll be sure to provide any updates if I run into any problems.
To get the electric burner to your chosen temperature, you must first set the temperature AND one of two additional settings: the timer or your meat temperature (which is monitored with the supplied meat probe). Otherwise, the smoker will remain at a toasty 130F temperature.
It’s a handy function to have when your timer runs out or your meat reaches the desired temperature and you’re not present to remove it.
I prepared a variety of BBQ while testing, including baby back and St. Louis style ribs, corned beef style point end brisket, chicken leg quarters, hog shoulder, and others. Everything came out tasty and tender from the smoker.
Because the maximum temperature setting on this smoker is 275 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best suited for lengthier cooking. While I have not tested it, it is unlikely to reach temperatures low enough for cold smoking unless you live in a northern winter environment.
Should you buy the Char-Broil Deluxe?
As previously said, this is a smaller smoker; if you want something larger, try the Charbroils Deluxe XL Electric Smoker (1,000+ sq. in. of cooking area) or the Masterbuilt 40 inch Digital Electric Smoker (978 sq. in. of smoking space).
If you want a smoker with a few additional features and a larger cooking space, I would recommend a cheap pellet grill like the Z Grills 450B.
While the overall cooking surface is just 459 square inches, the rectangular design allows for larger portions of meat to be accommodated.
I’m not going to lie: Char-Broil’s failure to monitor interior ambient temps is unforgivable. I understand that a few other smokers in this category do not, but any chef should be able to check temperatures without the need for a separate gauge.
Another vexing omission is the absence of adjustable vents. This is most likely a safety feature, however it’s not straightforward to install a stop guard and prevent the vents from closing completely.
Despite these flaws, I would definitely suggest the Charbroil if this is your first time smoking.
It is quite easy to use and cook on. When you utilize the meat temperature option, your meat will finish cooking when it reaches the temperature you select on the controller and switch to a warming temperature setting.
This will keep the meat warm while preventing it from overcooking if you forget to check on it. The smoker is well-built to maintain enough smoke inside to give your meat a wonderfully smokey taste.
