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If you regularly smoke large cuts of meat or even fish, then a dedicated smoker would be a great investment.
Unlike traditional charcoal and wood smokers, an electric smoker is more convenient and much easier to use.
You can simply set and forget, which is perfect for relaxing on the weekends or preparing for large family meals.
The Smoke Hollow 26142e is an affordable electric smoker that would suit the needs of any family.
Let’s take a look at all the features of this model and find out if it’s the right one for you.
Smoke Hollow 26142e Smoker Key Features
- 1500 Watt rating for efficient smoking.
- Electronic temperature control.
- Two cooking grids for a total of 1.3 cubic feet cooking capacity.
- Porcelain water pan and smoker chip tray.
- Integrated temperature gauge.
First Impressions and Assembly
A dedicated smoker needs to satisfy a number of key requirements before it can truly be considered one of the best.
The Smoke Hollow 26142e smoker thankfully meets all of our initial expectations, as well as exceeds them in a few areas.
Construction quality in a smoker is perhaps even more critical than in a standard grill.
The frame needs to be made from high-quality insulated metal, and the door should provide an efficient seal so that heat, humidity, and smoke levels can be tightly controlled.
This electric smoker is made from thick welded steel that feels more solid than other dedicated smokers in this price range.
Assembly is quick and easy with clear instructions provided in the package.
Initial impressions are good, with the weight and quality of the steel being apparent from the moment that you unpack the smoker from its box.
Assembly can be completed in under an hour, and there are no complaints to be made after getting everything set up.
The engineering and manufacturing is of top quality, with all components fitting as well, if not better than smokers and grills that cost three times as much as this one.
How Well Does it Cook?
If a smoker can’t perform its primary function then it won’t be worth the investment.
In the case of the Smoke Hollow 26142e, it will be reassuring to know that it’s one of the highest quality smokers of this size.
The most important thing to note is that this smoker uses electricity as a heating source.
This is important because it makes the smoker much more convenient than one that would rely on only wood, charcoal, or gas.
Electricity is cheaper than other fuel sources in most states, so if you’re someone that regularly smokes meat and other food then you will find this to be one of the most economical options available.
The heater can operate at up to 1500 watts when running at peak power, or you can turn things down depending on what you’re cooking.
Low and slow is the goal of most smoking sessions, and you’ll find that this smoker has plenty of power to get the job done.
The maximum internal temperature is 325F, or you can get things right down to 175F when you need to.
This offers plenty of flexibility and extends your cooking options for any kind of poultry, meat, fish, vegetables, and specialty game.
The cooking grids offer plenty of flexibility and are mounted on a rack system that can be height adjusted to meet your needs.
You can fit two large birds or roast cuts inside the smoker, with the total height measuring at 26”.
The depth is 12”, and the grids are 14” wide.
That makes for plenty of capacity even if you are smoking large cuts of meat for a gathering of family and friends.
Being electric, you can consider this to be a “set and forget” smoker.
Simply plug it in, add your smoker chips and water for humidity, and then let the cooking run its course.
There’s very little involvement in the process except when you need to top up your wood or water for longer sessions.
This makes it perfect for use at home when you are busy preparing other food on the grill or entertaining guests.
It’s also great if you simply want to take time to relax while your food cooks slowly and thoroughly in the background.
Construction Quality and Materials
The Smoke Hollow 26142e is an affordable smoker, but that doesn’t mean that the manufacturers have cut any corners.
The steel is heavy and the smoker box is fully welded to provide a long lifetime and durability.
You’ll get more than a few seasons out of this smoker, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see it last ten years or even more.
It’s built like a tank, and the heating element, power cable, and regulator can all be replaced.
One area that could be improved is the door seal.
The standard design doesn’t allow for any significant loss of smoke and heat, but you could get an even better deal if you install your own high-temperature sealing kit.
As it is from the factory, you’ll still be able to maintain constant temperatures, thanks to the highly efficient design.
Adding a new seal would simply make a great product even better than it currently is.
The legs could also be a minor problem on some surfaces.
As the design doesn’t allow for adjustable legs, you may need to place some pavers or tiles underneath the smoker to get it completely level.
Some owners have gone as far as slightly bending the legs to get things level.
This is not exactly a design flaw and won’t be noticed by everyone.
It’s ideal to keep the smoker on the most level surface that you have available.
Overall, this is a well-constructed and long-lasting smoker.
If you want to make an investment in something that’s going to last you for many years to come, then the Smoke Hollow 26142e electric smoker should be on your list.
Biggest Pros and Cons of the Smoke Hollow 26142e Electric Smoker
The most obvious benefits of this smoker are the price and construction quality.
Despite it being priced around the entry-level of the market, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of cooking ability or overall quality.
There is ample cooking space provided for the average user, and if this doesn’t quite fit your needs then there are larger models available from the manufacturer.
The electric heat source will definitely be an advantage if you don’t want to deal with the constant adjustment and refueling that is required from charcoal or pure wood smoker.
The downsides are minor and can be overlooked considering the price.
The lack of adjustable legs could require some creative thinking on your part, and the lack of door seals could be disappointing for some buyers.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
Owners have been extremely positive when reviewing the Smoke Hollow 26142e.
More than 80% of user reviews are above four stars, with an average rating of 4.0/5 stars from more than 150 reviews.
Owners loved the practicality of the electric smoker, as well as the excellent construction quality.
Some owners have commented that even though it’s not the largest smoker, it’s possible to split large cuts between both levels, allowing for flexibility when you are cooking for a larger group of people.
Owners were also positive about the ease of setting the smoker up and letting it run in the background.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The Smoke Hollow 26142e is one of the most affordable all-steel smokers on the market, and it represents excellent value.
It’s perfect for the enthusiast who wants to start smoking on something other than the grill, and it would be a great addition to any outdoor cooking station.
High-quality materials and excellent construction make this a real investment that would provide enjoyment and great food for many years to come.