Skip to main content
  • We support our mission through our Environmental, Social and Governance practices.

Home
  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search
Menu

Search form

Electric Smoker Thanksgiving Turkey Safety

11/05/2020

Smoking a Thanksgiving Turkey in an Electric Smoker Safely

 

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many families are already planning their meals and deciding how to cook the turkey. Over the years, smoked turkey has become increasingly popular due to its juicy, flavorful qualities. But most people shy away from this method because getting a turkey right with a smoker can be challenging, not to mention risky if it doesn’t work out.  

As beneficial electrification efforts work to improve electrified cooking methods, such as electric smokers, smoking a turkey this Thanksgiving isn’t as difficult as you might think. With a little time and patience, you can have an award-winning turkey that everyone will talk about for years to come.

According to expert pitmasters, the key to a perfect smoked turkey is “slow and low.” Slow (as in a longer cook time), with a lower heat setting than what you’re used to with typical roasting. 

Before you get started with your electric smoker, there are some precautions and electrical safety tips to consider.

Electric Smoker Safety

  1. Smokers are for outdoor use only. 

  2. Do not use an electric smoker when exposed to wet weather. Remember, it is an electrical appliance. 

  3. If an outdoor extension cord is needed, make sure it is a grounding-type 3-wire cord, marked with a “W” and with the statement “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances”

  4. The electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the smoker.

  5. Never leave your smoker unattended, and unplug after use.

  6. To prevent a fire hazard, your smoker should be at least 10 feet away from any structure. 

  7. Do not operate under any overhead construction such as roof coverings, garages, overhangs, or awnings. 

  8. Make sure your smoker is on a level surface of the ground

  9. Do not operate a smoker on a wooden deck

  10. Make sure you can use pellets with your smoker. Some electric smokers use wood chips only. Check with your owner’s manual to make sure.

  11. Do not use glass, plastic, or ceramic cookware in a smoker. 

Thanksgiving Turkey Smoker Tips

Before you get started, there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind for your smoked turkey. A little bit of planning will go a long way. 

  • For one, make sure your turkey fits! Whatever type of electric smoker you use, make sure the bird you buy will fit into it. Usually, a bird between 12 to 14 pounds is ideal. If you have a tall smoker and a large family to feed, you can consider two birds. With a tall electric smoker box, you should be able to fit 2 smaller birds on the upper and lower shelves.
  • Make sure you thaw the turkey completely before beginning. Most home chefs will agree that a frozen turkey can take 2-3 days to thaw in the refrigerator.
  • Some experts recommend brining the bird for up to 12 hours to make it juicier. Whether you brine or not, thoroughly rinse the bird under cool running water and pat the inside and outside of the turkey with paper towels until it is completely dry. Some chefs stuff the cavity with halved apples or celery to lock in moisture while it’s cooking!

Electric Smoker Safety Turkey

Electric Smoker Tips

Every electric smoker is slightly different, however, many will have their share of quirks. The good news is, electric smokers, like many electrical cooking devices, can be as easy as setting a temperature, time, and touching the ‘on’ button. For first-time use, many manufacturers suggest doing a test-run to “season” your smoker. 

You’ll also want to use a grease pan on the lower shelves to catch the grease and make clean-up easier, as well as a separate water pan to keep moisture in the box while you’re cooking.

Always preheat your smoker. Because electric smokers can take more time to heat than other types of smokers, you’ll want to make sure you give it ample time to warm up to the right temperature. Keep in mind the top rack temperature will be higher than the bottom shelves, so you’ll want to arrange your turkey accordingly. 

Wood chips are some of the favorite ingredients in a smoked turkey! Whether you choose applewood, hickory or even post oak is up to you. Keep in mind, some electric smokers may not perform well with soaked wood chips, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. 

Electric Smoker Safety

Herb Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

(Courtesy of mrecipes.com)

Ingredients:

  • 12 to 14-pound turkey, prepared as directed above.

  • 2 Tbsp dried thyme

  • 1 Tbsp powdered sage

  • 2 tsp dried oregano

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 2 tsp sea salt

  • 1-1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

  • 1 tsp onion or garlic powder (optional)

  • Zest of 1/2 an orange

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 1/2 cup apple cider

  • 1/2 cup water

  • Apple or pecan wood chips

Total time: 6 hours 30 min – Prep time: 30 min – Smoke time: 6 hours
Serves: 16 people

Directions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225˚F.

2. In a small bowl, mix together all the dry herbs and spices. Rub the interior cavity of the turkey with 1/3 of the dry seasonings.

3. Add the EVOO and orange zest to the rest of the seasonings and rub all over the outside of the turkey.

4. Place the water and apple cider in the water pan in the bottom of the smoker, filling it only halfway. Place a drip pan on the next shelf above the water pan to collect drippings from the turkey. Fill the side drawer with the wood chips.

5. Tuck the wing tips tightly beneath the turkey. Place the seasoned turkey on the middle rack of the smoker, close the door, and set a timer for approximately 6.5 hours. The turkey should smoke for 30 to 40 minutes per pound until the inside temperature reaches 165˚F.

6. Check every hour for smoke. Add wood chips if you don’t see any smoke. Start checking the internal temperature of the bird after 3 hours and every 45 minutes with an accurate meat thermometer. Alternatively, use the digital probe thermometer that came with your smoker.

7. Remove the cooked turkey to a cutting board, tent it with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest for a minimum of 20 minutes to 2 hours before carving.

 

___________

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 45 members, including 42 member utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State and our Responsible Energy Plan, visit www.tristate.coop.  

 

 

Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager

Contributor:

Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager

Blog Posts

Electric Trucks for The Rocky Mountains

Electric Trucks May Be the Future for The Rockies

As electric vehicles (EV) are expanding into the mainstream, so too are the choices for new electric models including electric trucks.  And while there aren’t any on the road right now, several manufacturers expect to be selling these as early as 2021. 
Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager 
Read more >
Induction vs. Gas Cooktops

Induction vs. Gas Cooktops

Are you ready to switch out your gas cooktop? The equipment you use to cook your food is just as important as the ingredients you use. If you are looking to switch out gas for electricity or buy an induction cooktop or range, here are some pros and cons for each, and tips for going with induction. 
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
what is beneficial electrification

What is Beneficial Electrification?

What is ‘Beneficial Electrification,’ and why is it important?
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
Tips for Switching to LED Lighting

Tips for Switching to LED Lighting

Thinking of transitioning to LED bulbs? Learn how making the switch to LED light bulbs offers significant energy savings over incandescent and halogen alternatives, and how you can choose the best lighting options for your home
Sander Blackburn, Member Relations Program Manager
Read more >
Energy Saving Water Heaters

Energy Saving Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters may be a thing of the past with the introduction of a variety of new energy-efficient water heaters. The type of water heater you choose will also affect your water heating costs. Whether you are shopping around for a new energy-saving water heater, looking to replace an old one that just went out, or looking for the best model for a new house build, here are some tips to help you choose carefully.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient in 2021

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient in 2021

Many homeowners are now looking for more ways to make their home energy efficient by stepping into smart home technology, electrified appliances, embracing cleaner energy sources, and pursuing more energy-efficient ways to heat and cool their homes. Here are a few energy-saving tips to make your home more efficient in 2021.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
Advantages of Heat Pumps for Energy Efficiency

Advantages of Heat Pumps for Energy Efficiency

A heat pump is considered one of the most energy-efficient methods for heating and cooling a home, especially compared to homes heated with baseboard electric heat or propane heated homes. With the improvements in technology over the last 5 years, heat pumps are becoming competitive even in homes heated by natural gas.
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Fun Winter Activity Ideas for the Whole Family

Fun Winter Activities for the Whole Family

Snowy, winter days are here, which means outdoor snow activities! Whether you’re heading outdoors for the slopes, trails, ice skating rink, or backyard, remember to practice safety first. Too snowy to go outside? We also have some unique winter activities to enjoy indoors, as well as a few within our members’ footprint throughout Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
Kristen Wurth, Communications Specialist
Read more >
Holiday Gift Ideas for Electricians

Gift Ideas for the Electrician

If you’re lost for gift ideas for the lineworker or electrician who is also a gadget lover, we've put together a handy list with some of the best tech and electrician gifts of 2020 for those who seem to have it all.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >

Pagination

  • Currently on page   1
  • Page   2
  • Page   3
  • Page   4
  • Page   5
  • Page   6
  • Next pageNext ›
  • Last pageLast »

Subscribe

* indicates required
Join our mailing list for
updates and member news
 
 

Quick links

  • About Us
  • Environmental, Social and Governance
  • Financials
  • Media
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Member Tools
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Employee login

Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2021 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search