Are you considering purchasing the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker but unsure if it is worth it? You have come to the right place because we tested it and have everything you need to know about the smoker right here.
In this TheGrillingDad.com review, you will discover:
- Everything you need to know about the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker
- Advantages and Disadvantages of this smoker
- And much more!
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Overview of the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker
Whether you are familiar with the Char-Broil brand or electric smokers or not, you will quickly see that the Deluxe Electric Smoker is different from most other models.
One of the first things you will notice about this smoker when you remove it from its packaging is the glass door on the front of the unit. This allows you to see what is happening inside without opening the door and losing heat.
The ample amount of cooking space in this smoker is easily seen with the four removable racks that you can position for whatever you decide to smoke. The smoker also features about 725 square inches of cooking space, which is more than most other smokers on the market today.
Another feature that is noticeable right out of the package is the attached meat thermometer probe which is conveniently located inside the unit. This will allow you to cook your food to the exact right temperature every single time.
Whether you are cooking for a small intimate group or are entertaining a larger crowd, this smoker is the perfect tool you need. Since you can smoke many types of meat all at the same time and keep them warm with the additional warming feature, it may be the best option for you.
Although this smoker is on the larger and heavier side, it can still easily be taken along on camping trips or for tailgating. This is because the unit features a handle and built-in wheels that allow portability to be relatively simple.
You should keep in mind that the Char-Broil Deluxe is not designed for the high heat, faster cooking methods that some people look for in an electric unit. This smoker is perfectly designed to smoke your meat using a low and slow method.
This electric smoker came in #2 in our Best Electric Smoker guide just behind the Masterbuilt 30″ electric smoker–simply because of the value Masterbuilt brings.
Main Features of the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker
When trying to decide whether or not a smoker is the right one for your needs, you will need to do a bit of research to determine if it has the features you are looking for. Since not all smokers are created equally, it is important to do a comparison of several different units before deciding which one to purchase.
Commonly Talked About Features
- Large digital display
- Multiple choices on the digital display
- Built-in meat probe
- Four removable racks
- Glassdoor
- Large wood chip box
Convenience Features
- Handle for easy maneuverability
- Built-in wheels for simple portability
- Remote control for distance control
- Electric means no need for additional fuel sources
Other Features
- 725 square inches of cooking space
- Familiar brand
- Insulated construction
Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker Build and Construction
As you take a closer look at the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker and the features that speak to the build and construction, you will see many that are high quality. If you are curious about the most prominent features that make this smoker top-notch, keep reading.
Construction
Right out of the box you will find that this Char-Broil Smoker screams high quality, durability, and reliability. This is seen through a variety of ways including the sleek design, digital controls, and solid feel of the smoker.
The Char-Broil Deluxe is designed with quality in mind with the two-toned finish of black and metallic that gives it a sleek look. In addition, the rounded edges at the top of the unit give the impression of high-quality construction.
With the glass door on the front, you can check on your food without having to open the door which is an added build feature. Additionally, the digital control that is built in on the top front of the smoker allows you to control the temperature much easier.
The outside walls of the Char-Broil smoker are constructed of stainless steel, while the interior walls are made from aluminized steel. This means that you will not have to worry about the unit losing heat at all.
As a bonus to the build and construction of this smoker, it has a steel latch that locks tight to ensure that no heat leaks out. Knowing this means that you can ensure that your meat is being cooked at even temperatures throughout the entire cooking process.
Size
The Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker is not only durable but is also built to the perfect specifications to allow you to cook for both large and small crowds. The four removable racks provide you with the flexibility to make the adjustments you need for whatever you decide to smoke.
The interior of the unit provides you with 725 square inches of cooking space which means that you can smoke a wide variety of meats, some at the same time. Whether you are cooking for a large group or just your family, you will have ample room to complete the process.
Keep in mind that this smoker does weigh quite a bit, coming in at about 50 pounds overall. It is also important to note that the overall height of the unit is less than 3 feet tall and sits pretty low to the ground.
Temperature Control
Conveniently located on the top front of the unit, you will find the advanced temperature control panel. This feature will allow you to monitor the temperature throughout the smoking process and make adjustments as needed.
For the most part, this smoker does not have any trouble holding in the temperature control since it is double-wall insulated. This means that you will not have to worry about heat escaping and your food not cooking evenly.
The unit also comes with a built-in meat thermometer which allows you to know when your food has reached the recommended temperature. The Char-Broil Deluxe also has a remote control so you can keep control even if you are not sitting in front of the unit.
Cost
When it comes to high-quality smokers, you typically can expect to pay upwards of $500 depending on the brand you choose. With the Char-Broil Deluxe, however, you will receive a top-of-the-line smoker for less than $500.
Since the unit can be used for both large and small crowds, you will most likely get your money’s worth within the first few times you use the smoker. This is mainly because the meat you cook will be smoked to perfection due to the well-insulated design.
So, although this smoker is not as large and overbearing as some of the other smokers in the market, it will still provide you with the quality that the Char-Broil brand is known for. You can see this through the construction of the unit, and also through the well-smoked meat that you will produce.
Warranty
The one area that the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker may be lacking in terms of providing top quality is the warranty. This is because while most other brands offer extended warranties, this Char-Broil unit’s warranty is only good for one year.
The one-year warranty for this unit is designed to cover manufacturing and material defects and perforations. With the limited scope of the warranty, you may end up responsible for anything that goes wrong with the unit after that time.
Cooking Capacity
The size and cooking capacity of the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker may be one of the best selling points of the overall unit. This is because it has more cooking capacity than most smokers, which are much larger.
With 725 square inches of cooking space, you can smoke quite a bit of meat during one setting, depending on the type you choose. With the four removable or adjustable racks, you can vary the types of meats you smoke.
One factor you should consider is the size of the meat you choose to smoke in the unit which can change the amount of cooking space overall. For example, if you are planning to smoke a larger item, you may have to remove one of the racks to make it fit, which reduces the amount of space you have for other items.
With a little bit of planning, however, you should be able to use the unit as you see fit which includes smoking a wide variety of meats. You will just need to keep in mind that even though the unit is spacious, you may have to make some adjustments along the way.
More Features of the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker
Just as you think Char-Broil thought of everything with the Deluxe Electric Smoker, you will begin to notice the additional features that continue to add to the quality of the unit. Many of these features are a bit of icing on the cake to a unit that is already better than most.
Even though this unit is considered on the smaller end of smokers, despite its large cooking capacity, the added features give it a feel of a top-of-the-line unit. Keep reading to learn more about these additional features.
Built-In Meat Probe
The Char-Broil Deluxe comes equipped with a built-in removable meat probe that allows you to smoke your meats to perfection every time. The meat probe is pre-programmed with the recommended temperatures for various types of meat and will take some of the guesswork out of cooking.
All you have to do is remove the meat probe from its housing and insert it into your meat during the smoking process. The unit, through its digital controls, will alert you when the correct temperature has been reached.
Large Smoker Box
The unit also comes equipped with a large smoker box which allows you to put in an ample amount of wood chips during a smoking session. The box can hold up to four cups of wood chips at a time, which is more than most other smokers.
What this means for you is that you can fill the smoker box once and it has enough wood chips to smoke for up to 7 hours without needing to be replaced. This means that you will not have to worry about the wood chips running out and having to replace them every little while.
Advanced Control Panel
The advanced control panel sits on the top front of the Char-Broil Deluxe and provides users with complete control. The display is large enough to be seen from a distance and can be controlled using a remote control.
The panel features the ability to not only see the current temperature and time, but also you can adjust these as well. You can also choose what numbers you see on the output display by changing the options right on the unit or the remote control.
Warming Feature
Even though the meat probe that monitors the temperature of the food you are cooking and the double insulated walls are enough to make you purchase the Char-Broil Deluxe, they have also added a warming feature.
What this means for you is that if your food is ready before you are set to serve it to your guests, the unit will keep your food warm. This means that you will never serve cold meat since it will keep it at the perfect temperature until you are ready.
Grease Tray
The Char-Broil Deluxe also comes equipped with a grease tray that is like no other. With the capacity to hold up to 8.5 cups of grease, you don’t need to worry about it overflowing.
With the large capacity to hold any grease that comes off the food, your clean-up is made simple and without hassle. This means that you can focus on other areas of the unit as you are cleaning it after a smoking session.
Popular Accessories for the Char-Broil Smoker
While the Char-Broil Deluxe is of perfect quality right out of the box, there are other accessories that you can purchase. These accessories will enhance your usage and increase the overall lifespan of the smoker.
Some of the accessories you can purchase to make your unit last longer and add to the quality are:
- Heavy-duty, weather-resistant cover
- Smoker Stand
- Comfort-grip Tool Set
Keep in mind that these are not the only add-ons you can purchase, however, they are the most popular.
Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker: Pros and Cons
As with most things that you purchase, especially larger items such as a smoker, you should also consider the advantages and disadvantages. Doing so can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Here are some of the pros and cons that you should consider before buying the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker:
Pros:
- 725 square inches of cooking space
- Wheels and a handle for easy portability
- 4 removable racks for convenience
- Built-in meat probe
- Warming feature to keep food warm
- Advanced digital control panel
Cons:
- Sits low to the ground
- Loses some of the space when cooking larger items
- Digital readouts may be hard to read in the sun
While this is not an exhaustive list of advantages and disadvantages, you can see what others have to say about the Char-Broil Deluxe.
Is the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker Worth It?
When you consider whether or not the Char-Broil Deluxe is worth purchasing, you have to take into account all of the features it comes equipped with. With a wide range of features including the cooking capacity and added features, it is easy to say that the unit is more than worth it in the long run.
The price you will pay for this unit is much less than other smokers that have less going for it. The Char-Broil Deluxe with its sleek design and features such as the large cooking space, built-in meat probe, and large smoker box, will provide you with the ability to smoke your favorite meats to perfection each and every time.
Considerations Before Buying the Char-Broil Electric Smoker
As with most outdoor cooking equipment you are considering there are many factors that you should think about before making your final decision. These considerations will help you to decide whether or not the Char-Broil Deluxe meets your needs completely.
Portability
Are you planning to take your unit along with you on camping trips or even to tailgating events often? If so, the Char-Broil Deluxe may be the perfect choice for you since it comes equipped with a handle and built-in wheels for convenience.
Smoking Ability
Before you take your unit with you to cook for larger crowds, you may want to consider using the unit a few times on your own. This is because you will be able to learn how the smoker works without the added pressure of cooking for the crowd.
Height of the Smoker
While this unit has great cooking capabilities, you may also want to consider that it sits low to the ground. If you have trouble with squatting and stooping, you may want to consider purchasing the smoker stand to raise the level of the overall unit.
Final Thoughts on the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker
The bottom line when it comes to the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker is that it is a top-of-the-line smoker for much less than most others. The great thing about this smoker is that even though it is smaller than other units, the interior provides you with much more cooking capacity than other smokers.
