beef jerky questions?

[gloksrule]

Hey all,was wondering why I need the jerky drier to smoke jerky, my #1 goes down to 100 degrees,  can I not just use the smoker itself? Thanks much

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[Walt]

The dryer is to help dehydrate the jerky.  The somke & heat come from the smoker & the dryer helps remove the humidity while the meat is still in the smoker.

[NDKoze]

Without the dryer it is just too moist of an environment in the smoker to dry the meat.

Without the dryer, you would end up steaming the jerky and it wouldn't get the texture and color that is so important for good jerky.

[Pork Belly]

If you wish to proceed without the drier, do a low temp smoke. After a few hours pull the jerky and transfer it to your oven racks. Run your oven on the lowest possible setting, with a wooden spoon wedged in the top of the door. The gap created by the spoon allows moisture to escape.

[gloksrule]

Thanks much,, great explanation