How to Use a Propane Smoker

If you are a fan of outdoor cooking or an intending barbecue chef, you are probably acquainted with charcoal smokers. While we love our charcoal smokers, propane smokers are the fastest smokers to use and are also easy to manage. They use gas for fuel and come with in-built knobs designed to control the heat levels in seconds.

If you just got a propane smoker or are looking to get one, we have steps and tips to help you use a propane smoker for delicious meat, fish, vegetables, and any other meal you want to explore. Let us get into it.

STEP 1: SET UP YOUR PROPANE SMOKER 

Start by covering the propane Smoker with aluminium foil. Fill the water pan and connect the smoker and the propane tank. Then, open the valve, turn on the burner and follow other directives in the manufacturer’s manual.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR FOOD 

Season your meat or fish with spices or dry rubs to your taste, wrap it in film and marinate in a refrigerator between 30 minutes and 1 hour. If you are smoking vegetables, the prep process is a bit different depending on the vegetable recipe you are following.

 STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR WOOD CHIPS 

Your propane smoker comes with a tray or compartment meant for your wood chips. You should line your wood chips in the tray after soaking it for 30 minutes. 

When you line the wood chips in the chamber, open up a few vents probably located around the bottom of the smoker to provide air to the flames once you set it up.

Your wood chip is an excellent choice because it gives your meal a nice flavor.

STEP 4: CHECK YOUR CYLINDER AND ADD WOOD CHIPS

While you wait for your food and wood chips to get ready, check your propane cylinder, and ensure the connection is secure to prevent leakage.

Get a piece of foil paper and wrap it around the aluminum pan in the smoker. 

Add water to the pan and include some herbs of your choice for extra flavoring.

STEP 5: CONFIRM AIRFLOW AND HEAT UP SMOKER

Open the Propane vent and chimney halfway for circulation and to allow the bad smoke to escape through the chimney. Then, turn on the Propane smoker with an ignition, release the gas knob and turn on the burner. 

STEP 6: COOK YOUR FOOD 

Remove your meat or fish from the refrigerator and let it sit out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you cook it.

Place the meat or fish on the grill grates sitting above the water bowl where you added your herbs. Cook your food at a temperature somewhere around 225 °F to 250 °F for it to cook properly.

STEP 7: MONITOR YOUR PROPANE COOKER 

Monitor your ignition frequently to prevent the fire from going out and causing contaminations.

Close the door of the Propane smoker and try not to open it to check the food while it is smoking. If you have to check it, only open it between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours after your meal starts smoking.

Step 8: REMOVE THE SMOKED MEAL

Depending on the preparation time for your food, observe the texture, turn off the gas and take your food off Smoker. Unplug the Propane tank from the smoker and leave it to cool.

Extra Tips

1. While several vegetables have their unique preparation methods with the Propane smoker, use oil when necessary to prevent your vegetable from burning. Cut them into small pieces for easy cooking, and smoke at low temperature when necessary.
2. Use the right wood for your oven; avoid plywood or lumber as they might be harmful.
3. Clean your smoker after every use when it is clean.
4. Always have an extra gas tank in case one burns out while you’re cooking.
5. The Propane smoker’s temperature gauge isn’t always accurate, so you should own a Thermometer to check your food when cooking.
6. Use a metal dish in your cooker rather than a wooden because wood takes time to heat.
7. Purchase a small, large, or medium Propane smoker depending on the size of meals you plan to cook.
8. Always turn off the burners and tighten the gas release knob immediately after your food is cooked and you take it off.
9. Read your manufacturer’s guide and ask questions on how to use your specific brand or Propane smoker.