Pre heating a Modle 2

[Kentcr]

I have had a modle 2 for a few years now. Today I thought I would try it with a pre heating. It actually says not to do this on the label. Can some one explain why this would be bad to do?

 

[Snout]

I found that the instructions are a bit confusing regarding preheating. I don't think that there is a technical reason for not preheating (meaning that preheating probably won't damage the smoker) but rather the consensus seems to be that smoke penetration is better when you start with a cold smoker and cold food.

 

[old sarge]

With a cold smoker to start, the heating element will ramp up fast and start producing smoke and the cell structure of the meat will be wide open to absorb the smoke, which is what you desire. Aside from that, you lose smoke and heat when you open the smoker to put the meat in. If you pre-heat without the wood, you could get burned when putting wood in as the box will be scorching hot. All three manufacturers of stainless steel electric smokers say to not preheat.