FAQ Frequently Answered Questions

Smoker Unit

            Q: What is included with my smoker purchase?

A: MODEL #1 - The electric smoker is made from 100%, 18 gauge, stainless steel and is designed for ease of use and portability. Every "SMOKIN-IT" Model #1 smoker comes with four heavy duty casters, two stainless steel grilling racks, smoke box, drip pan that slides under smoker and a rheostat for temperature control from 100 to 250 degrees. The smoker is fully assembled, all you need to do is add the casters and you are ready to go. Also included is a sample of hickory wood so you can start using your new smoker immediately.

This smoker Model #1 has the capacity to hold approximately 22 pounds of meat or seafood. It has a 350-watt heating element with LED indicator light, 3 amps 120-volt single phase. Temperature range is from 100F to 250F and is insulated with fiberglass to reduce heat loss.

The inside dimensions are 12-1/2" x 13-1/2" x 17-1/4" with a total weight of 57 pounds. The outside dimensions are 15" x 19" x 20-3/8", with casters add 2 3/4" to the height and has a twelve foot power cord.

MODEL #2 - The electric smoker is made from 100%, 18 gauge stainless steel and is designed for ease of use and portability. Every "SMOKIN-IT" Model #2 smoker comes with four heavy duty casters, four stainless steel grilling racks, drip pan that slides under smoker, smoke box, and a rheostat for temperature control from 100 to 250 degrees. The smoker is fully assembled, all you need to do is add the casters and you are ready to go. Also included is a sample of hickory wood so you can start using your new smoker immediately.

This smoker model #2 has the capacity to hold approximately 35 pounds of meat or seafood. It has a 700-watt heating element with LED indicator light, 6 amps 120-volt single phase. Temperature range is from 100F to 250F and is insulated with fiberglass to reduce heat loss.

The inside dimensions are 15" x 15" x 20" with a total weight of 79 pounds. The outside dimensions are 17 1/4" x 21 1/2" x 24, with casters add 2 3/4" to the height and has a double latch door with a twelve foot power cord.

MODEL #3 - The electric smoker is made from 100%, 18 gauge, stainless steel and is designed for ease of use and portability. Every "SMOKIN-IT" Model #3 smoker comes with four heavy duty rubber wheeled casters, four extra heavy duty stainless steel racks, smoke box, drip pan that slides under smoker and a rheostat for temperature control from 100 to 250 degrees. The smoker is fully assembled, all you need to do is add the casters and you are ready to go. Also included is a sample of hickory wood so you can start using your new smoker immediately.

This smoker model #3 has the capacity to hold approximately 45 pounds of meat or seafood. It has a 1200-watt heating element with LED indicator light, 10 amps 120-volt single phase. Temperature range is from 100F to 250F and is insulated with fiberglass to reduce heat loss.

The inside dimensions are 15" x 20 x 22" with a total weight of 135 pounds. The outside dimensions are 17" x 28" x 29-1/4", with casters installed and has a double latch door with a twelve foot power cord.

Q: Does the smoker come assembled?

A: Yes, you will just need to place the casters on the bottom and the drip pan slides under the smoker. Make sure you remove all packing material before use.

Q: What is the temperature range of the smoker?

A: The smokers have a temperature range of 100 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What type of voltage does the smoker require?

A: The smoker operates on a standard 120-volt outlet. If using an extension cord make sure it is a three prong, heavy-duty cord and connected properly. No special breaker is required.

Q: What type of heating element is on the smokers?

A:  Model #1 350 watt heating element.

     Model #2 700 watt heating element.

     Model #3 1200 watt heating element.

Q: How do I know if the heating element or the thermostat needs to be replaced?

A: You can run a simple test. Turn the temperature control to the off position and unplug the smoker. Remove the back cover from the smoker and disconnect the two wires off the thermostat. Place the wires together with an open paperclip. Plug the unit back in and turn the temperature control to 100 degrees. If the paperclip warms up this indicates the thermostat is bad, if the paperclip does not warm up the heating element needs to be replaced.

Q: What are the smokers made of?

A: 100%, 18-gage stainless steel.

    Q: How long is the cord on the smoker?

A:  All models have a twelve foot power cord.

    Q: Is it safe to operate the smoker in any type of weather?

A: Your smoker can be used safely in the rain or snow. We recommend a sheltered well ventilated location. Please keep the cover on for protection while not in use.

Smoker Care & Useful Hints

Q: How do you clean the smoker inside?

A: Replace the foil in the wood box and on the bottom of the smoker after each use. A warm damp sponge can be used to wipe the inside walls of the smoker. All racks, shelving and the drip pan are 100% stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. The smoker should never be returned to a like new appearance, as the creosote lining the inside caused by the heat and smoke acts as a barrier against moisture and locks in the smoked flavor. Always make sure your smoker is unplugged before cleaning.

Q: How do I clean the smoker outside?

A: You can use any stainless steel cleaner to shine your smoker. To remove heavy-duty stains you can use very fine steel wool moving it in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel on your smoker.

Q: Where does the grease go from what you are smoking?

A: The grease or drippings will fall through to the drip pan, which is included with all models. It is made from 100% stainless steel and is dishwasher safe.

Q: Where do I store my smoker?

A: The smoker should be kept in a dry and well ventilated location. If you have purchased a cover use it to protect your smoker when not in use, as well as your cart. Always unplug the smoker when not in use. We do not recommend storing your smoker outside without a cover.

Q: Why can the smoker not be used inside my home?

A: The vent hole on the top of the smoker will release small amounts of smoke as well as from around the door. This is NOT recommended. Smoke is heavier during the first hour of smoking.

Q: Why can I not use the smoker right out of the box without seasoning it?

A: Season it!! The food will taste so much better. We recommend seasoning for four hours prior to use at 250 degrees.

Q: How much wood should I use when smoking food?

A: Use one or two pieces from the sample we provide as your guide. Remember the more wood you use, the stronger the flavor will be in your food.

    Q: What type of wood should I use in my smoker?

A: You can use any type of wood you wish in the smoker as long as it has good flavoring properties. Recommended woods are apple, cherry, hickory or mesquite. Make sure the wood is cut into chunks so it fits in the wood box. Remember less wood is better than more as you can over flavor what you are smoking. Make sure the lid is completely closed on the wood box.

Q: What if I have small chips of wood for smoking?

A: You can use chips if you place them on a chip screen insert in the wood box, and line the wood box with foil so the chips do not fall through the holes. Remember cup of chips equal two ounces of wood. Do not operate the smoker without the wood box in position against the back wall of the smoker. We recommend soaking the chips for thirty minutes.

    Q: Why do I not have to soak the wood prior to placing in the wood box?

A: Our smokers use a heating element to heat the wood, which burns it slow and creates the smoke. The heating element is located directly under the wood box. We only recommend soaking the chips for thirty minutes.

    Q: Why do I have smoke coming out of the smoker door and hear popping sounds inside?

A: There can be gases trapped in the wood and when heated, it will release causing the popping sound. This is like the popping sound you hear when you burn wood in a fire place.

    Q: Should I preheat my smoker before use?

A: The smoke penetration is better when you start with a cold smoker and cold food.

    Q: How much variation does the thermostat have?

A: The temperature can sway 30-40 degrees either way from the set point. This is caused by heat still being produced by the wood box after the thermostat has been turned off. This is normal in any electric smoker.

    Q: Why is the door so hard to close on the smoker?

A: The smoker door on all models is a compression fit, which is better for containing the smoking flavor, and is low maintenance.

    Q: What is the capacity of my smoker?

    A:   Model #1 is 22 lbs.

      Model #2 is 35 lbs.

      Model #3 is 45 lbs.

    Q: What can I smoke in my new smoker?

    A: May we suggest:

Ribs - 4 to 5 hours

Whole Chicken - 4 to 6 hours (depending on size)

Brisket - One hour per pound

Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder - 5 to 8 hours (depending on size)

Turkey - 7 hours (depending on size)

Ham - If cured and cooked warm it up in the smoker to add flavor for 2 hours, if fresh ham cook for 5 to 6 hours (depending on size)

Salmon, Shrimp or Scallops 1-2 hours and try the cold smoke plate

Also try sausage, smoked potatoes and vegetables

    Remember the cold smoke plate for cheese too!!

We highly recommend using a thermometer with a probe to reach your desired internal temperature and to make sure all meats are fully cooked.

    Q: What other uses does my smoker have?

A: Use as a warmer. Set the temperature on a low setting and the smoker will maintain the temperature for long periods of time. You can also use the smoker to slow cook any food with no wood in the wood box.

    Q: Where do I get recipes for my smoker?

    A: We have added a recipe section to our web site and also a link on the home page. Share your recipes with us!!

Why Smokin-It??

    Q: Why should you buy Smokin-It?

    A: Shipping - We ship your purchase within 72 hours.

Durability - Our smokers are 100% 18-gage stainless steel, which makes for easy maintenance of all parts.

Customer Service - Our goal is to return your call or email ASAP or within 24 hours. We will continue to be here every step of the way to answer your questions regarding your smoker, recipes, maintenance and more. No matter how our business grows you will always get a personal thank-you for your purchase from the president!!

Parts - There are no plastic parts on our smokers. Due to heavy insulation you will not have to worry about burning yourself, your family, your pets or your guests. All smokers are safe to touch while on.

Built to last We want you to only purchase one smoker in your lifetime. Smokin-It is built to last a lifetime!!

    Q: What is the return and warranty policy?

A: 30-Day Money Back Guarantee: We accept returns for replacement or a full refund 30 calendar days after delivery of the product. At our sole discretion after 30 calendar days, we will offer a replacement or a full refund. Items must be in "new, unaltered and unused condition". Definition of new, unaltered and unused condition is: without showing signs of wear or damage in any way. If an item is received damaged or is incorrectly shipped by us please contact Customer Service immediately. Refunds are contingent upon inspection of item(s) once we receive it. Customer is responsible for all shipping costs.

Original Owner Limited Warranty Parts and Labor: This product is warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for 60 days from the date of delivery. Within this period Smokin-It, LLC will repair or replace at our option your product without charge for parts and labor. Simply send your product (postpaid) and a copy of your sales slip as proof of purchase to: Smokin-It Warranty Repair: 2711 West Market Street, P.O. Box 13423 Fairlawn, OH 44333.

Parts Only: This product is warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for three years (effective 9-15-2012) from the date of delivery to original owner. Within this period Smokin-It, LLC will send replacement parts for your product without charge. Simply contact us at customerservice@smokin-it.com, or the phone number listed below.

Contact Us: 2711 West Market Street, P.O. Box 13423 Fairlawn, OH 44333. Call, email or text any time to: 260-417-9951.

Please send us any questions or concerns you may gave if you do not see your answer here. We will respond to you and add your questions to our list. Thank you for your purchase and for being our customer!! Please share your recipes, photos and Smokin-It experiences with us.