And the question: "How to choose a smokehouse?»Is of interest to many. After all, dishes, cooked on it, will not leave anyone indifferent.
Varieties of smokehouses
Smokehouses are classified into different types according to several parameters. So, by type of fuel distinguish coal, gas and electric devices.
In the household, electric smokehouses are most often used in apartments.
Home electric smokehouse
Smoke is produced by special heating elements. When choosing this type, you should choose a universal model, which allows you to carry out the process at different temperature levels.
In gas appliances, smoking is carried out due to the heat of stones of volcanic origin, heated by a gas burner. This species is extremely rare.
High-quality and natural smoking is carried out only in coal devices. Wood or coal is used as fuel. In the first case, the product acquires additional flavor through the use of wood of different species.
By purpose, there are professional and household smokehouses. The first type has significant dimensions, high performance. They contain a large batch of product in one go.
Industrial smokehouse
By design, there are stationary and mini-smokehouses. The second type is small, it can be easily moved from one place to another, weighs about 20 kg Stationary type has more powerful dimensions, installed in a certain place. Great option for a country house or a private house. There are also derivatives of smokehouses. It is easy to assemble and transport. Ideal for nature outings.
Derivative stainless steel smokehouse
According to the type of smoking, there are cold devices, hot or semi-hot type. When the process is hot, the product is treated hot. The duration of smoking is from 40 minutes to 2 hours. The disadvantage of this type of smoking is the short shelf life of ready meals, no more than two days. It is also not recommended for cooking fatty foods, as from the influence of hot temperatures the fat is melted.
Cold smoking is done by smoke, whose temperature 15-25 degrees. And it can last from 10 hours to several days. The finished dish can be stored longer.
Smoking chicken at home
According to the material there are smokehouses made of heat-resistant steel, stainless steel and cast iron. Cast iron has a significant weight, and heat-resistant steel - its short life. Therefore, it is best to choose stainless steel.
It will provide a long service life, differs in small weight. The optimal wall thickness of the tank - 1,5-2 mm. In this case, the best result from smoking is provided.
Choice of smokehouses: what to look for?
That the smoking process was carried out with the highest quality, products were prepared according to technology, it is necessary to consider some more nuances:
- The depth of the tank should be large enough, providing a considerable space between the lattice with food and fuel;
- There must be ventilation holes in the tank, which allow to create optimum temperature;
- The lid should fit snugly;
- The volume of the smokehouse should not be too small;
- Small containers must be equipped with a pallet.
- in addition, there are a number of devices, allowing to operate a smokehouse with the greatest efficiency and convenience. These include:
- Hydrolock. Allows you to close the lid as tightly as possible, forming an additional stiffening rib. This allows you to make the case stronger;
- Thermostat. With its help heat, emitted by fuel, evenly distributed inside the tank. This allows you to not constantly monitor the smoking of food;
- Automatic cleaning from pollution. The function makes the operation of the smokehouse much more convenient and hygienic.
A few words in prison
So, choosing a smokehouse is quite simple. The main thing is to decide, why do you need it, where and how often it will be used. For domestic use, the best option is a universal electric smokehouse. If you want to get a product, made by the most natural method, then you should use the coal type. But this option is suitable only for a private home or cottage.
If smoking will be carried out on a case-by-case basis, and not many products will be loaded, then you should choose a mini-smokehouse. And it is better to buy a device for hot smoking.
And it is worth saying, that if cooking will be carried out not more often, than once or twice a year, it is better to do with a standard air grill or multicooker.
With their help, you can also prepare the product, tastes like smoked. in addition, Disposable smoking kits are available on the market today, allow the process to take place once. The set includes not only a smokehouse, but also additional devices and seasonings.
AND, Of course, it is worth paying attention to the price. Don't buy an expensive device, if you use it, you will be extremely rare.