One of the most popular electric smokers
The Bradley Smokers are made of high quality stainless steel and are more than a step up from the tier of starter electric smokers. These smokers allow for full digital temperature control and have separate burners for heating the unit and heating the wood biscuits. The biscuits are fed to the smoker every 20 minutes allowing for a constant, even smoke. Front loading four adjustable racks provide accessibility to the 520 square inches of cooking capacity. Fully insulated interior and stainless exterior insulate the unit from external conditions. There are many reviews which rave about the product itself and its ease of use, to be fair, there are also compaints of a microswitch that sometimes requires replacement (a part within the bisquette distributor) as well as difficulties with the heating element. Bradley does seem to be responsive to the claims and most are easily fixed by the owner.
- Moderately priced
This is not your base level smoker and the price tag reflects that. We’ve seen them as low as $299 and they are currently selling on Amazon for $399, so once you’ve decided on this product, shop around to find the best deal. This smoker has two separate heating elements for temperature control and firing of smoke bisquettes. Because it uses the bisquettes (pressed wood pellets), you’ll need to factor that into the cost of operating the smoker. For a good eight hour smoke, the Bradley will use 24 bisquettes. A 48 pack costs about $16.50.
- Adjustable heat
The Bradley features a separate generator provides cool controlled smoke for up to eight hours and reaches a temperature threshold of 350 degrees. This temperature is higher than other electric models profess. In an actual cooking process, some heat will be lost to outside weather conditions. This is something that can be expected with most models, electric or propane, but it should be taken into account. Because this electric smoker achieves higher temperatures, it does have the ability to put a good solid bark on a brisket. On the flip side, the cool, low temperature smoke can also cure delicate fish, which makes it more versatile than other models.
- Stable smoke
The hickory bisquettes and feeder provide a gentle even smoke. The downside to the bisquettes is the added expense and the residual ash left behind. This is the tradeoff for not dealing with a pan of wood chips that must be checked, stirred and refilled manually throughout the cooking process.
- Hot or cold smoke? You decide!
If your smoking repertoire is varied and you like to try new things, you’re definitely going to want a smoker that is just as versatile. Otherwise you’ll end up with a collection of smokers, grills and steamers cluttering the patio. I suggest determining what types of proteins (and fruits and nuts) that you can honestly see smoking, and then narrow down the features you need from that point. Do a little bit of research about hot smoke and cold smoke and make certain you have a firm grasp on the two concepts.
- Bigger size and weight
The Bradley Smoker is not touted as a convenient, portable model for many reasons. One, it weighs close to 50 pounds, does not have wheels and does not have handles. With the generator attached to the exterior, its shape and size are really meant to be permanently placed and covered. The powder coated stainless steel exterior allows for easy cleanup and the smoker assembly itself will weather the elements nicely. The digital portion must be covered and protected. Covers are available for an additional charge.
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