Using your Brinkmann smoker with an extension cord

Brinkmann electric smoker models do a wonderful job in terms of output quality. You can create a delicious rack of ribs in a Brinkmann and the chickens that emerge from the electric smokers are absolutely spectacular. These smokers are reasonably priced, easy to use, easier to maintain, and consistently earn rave reviews from consumers. However, they are not perfect.

Brinkmann electric smoking units come with relatively short power cords. Most of us don’t have AC outlets near our desired smoking locations, which can make it difficult to effectively place a Brinkmann without hiring the services of a professional electrician or powering the units with an extension cord.

Obviously, an extension cord would seem to be the best option. Using a cord is certainly cheaper than wiring your yard’s electricity and will give you the flexibility these smokers lack right out of the box.

Unfortunately, Brinkmann does not recommend the use of an extension cord. You explicitly recommend against using a cord with any Brinkmann electric smoker.

Does that mean it’s time to get online where you can or do you need to start reading the yellow pages for an electrician? Not necessarily. Brinkmann may not recommend using an extension cord, but he can use them effectively. Here are some guidelines for using the extension power cord with a Brinkmann smoker.

First, don’t use long cables. The company has stated that those who use cables should avoid any extension longer than twelve feet. When you add twelve feet to the drive’s cable length, it should provide enough distance for most users.

Also, you should only use heavy-duty cables. Don’t even think about using a cheap thin indoor wire to run your smoker. You’ll want to invest in an extension cord that uses heavy twelve-gauge wire.

There are two reasons why you should take these recommendations seriously. The first is, unsurprisingly, a security issue. Less resistant cables are not rated for outdoor use and are not well insulated. Your smoker consumes a large amount of power and a cord that is too small creates a fire hazard. When you think about the heat involved in smoking meats, it’s not hard to imagine situations that could overload a thinner wire or burn through its minimal insulation.

Second, your Brinkmann smoker needs all that electricity to produce great grilled meats. A thicker, minimum length cord will help prevent power loss from the outlet to the smoker. If you don’t get enough power to your smoker, you won’t get the results you want. Your only recourse is to use a short length of strong wire.

Brinkmann may not like the idea of ​​using an extension cord with his smokers, but he can. Just be sure to exercise good judgment when selecting your cable.