Brinkmann Electric Smoker User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL WARNINGS AND
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL TO AVOID
PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
WE WANT YOU TO ASSEMBLE AND USE YOUR SMOKER AS SAFELY AS POSSIBLE.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
IS TO ATTRACT YOUR ATTENTION TO POSSIBLE HAZARDS AS YOU ASSEMBLE AND USE YOUR SMOKER.
WHEN YOU SEE THE SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE INFORMATION WHICH FOLLOWS!
READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE ASSEMBLING AND OPERATING YOUR SMOKER.
1
WARNING
• Only use this smoker on a hard, level, noncombustible, stable surface (concrete, ground, etc.). Never use on wooden or
other surfaces that could burn.
• Always use a drip pan/ash guard under smoker to protect surface from heat damage and/or discoloration and to catch
ashes, embers and drippings. Place a thin layer of water in drip pan/ash guard to help extinguish falling ashes and
embers. A drip pan/ash guard is designed for use with a smoker for easy clean up of drippings that can cause discol-
oration of surface and to catch falling ashes and embers.
• Proper clearance of 10 feet between the smoker and combustible material (bushes, trees, wooden decks, fences, build-
ings, etc.) or construction should be maintained at all times when smoker is in use. Do not place smoker under a roof
overhang or other enclosed area.
• For household use only. Do not use this smoker for other than its intended purpose.
• For outdoor use only. Do not operate smoker indoors or in an enclosed area.
• Do not leave smoker unattended when in use.
• Do not move smoker when water pan contains hot liquids.
• Water pan should always be used when smoking. Do not allow liquid in water pan to completely evaporate. Check water
pan every 2 hours and add water if level is low (a sizzling sound may indicate a need for water). Follow instructions in
“Adding Water During Cooking” section of this manual.
• Always keep water in water pan even after food is removed from smoker. Water will evaporate and grease in water pan
can catch on fire.
• Use extreme caution when adding charcoal/wood. Follow instructions in “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section
of this manual.
• Never move smoker when it is in use.
• Do not store or use smoker near gasoline or other flammable liquids, gases or where flammable vapors may be present.
• We recommend the use of a Charcoal Chimney Starter to avoid the dangers associated with charcoal lighting fluid. If you
choose to use charcoal lighting fluid, only use lighting fluid approved for lighting charcoal. Carefully read instructions on
the charcoal lighting fluid and charcoal prior to use.
• When using charcoal lighting fluid, allow charcoal to burn until covered with a light ash (approximately 20 minutes) prior
to closing door and placing dome lid on smoker. This will allow charcoal lighting fluid to burn off. Failure to do this could
trap fumes from charcoal lighting fluid in smoker and may result in a flash-fire or explosion when door is opened or dome
lid is removed.
• Do not use self-starting charcoal. Use only high grade plain charcoal or charcoal/wood mixture.
• Do not use gasoline, kerosene or alcohol for lighting charcoal. Use of any of these or similar products will cause an explo-
sion possibly leading to severe bodily injury.

2
WARNING
• Never add charcoal lighting fluid to hot or even warm coals.
• When grilling, grease from meat may drip into the charcoal and cause a grease fire. If this should happen replace dome lid
to suffocate the flame. Do not use water to extinguish grease fires.
• Use caution since flames can flare-up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. When opening the dome lid,
keep hands, face and body safe from hot steam and flame flare-ups. Remove the dome lid by tilting it toward you to allow
heat and steam to escape away from your face.
• Use caution when assembling and operating your smoker to avoid scrapes or cuts from sharp edges of metal parts.
• Check support brackets to make sure they are secure and notches are upright before each use.
• Place smoker in an area where children and pets cannot come into contact with unit. Close supervision is necessary when
smoker is in use.
• Use caution when lifting or moving smoker to prevent strains and back injuries.
• In windy weather, place smoker in an outdoor area that is protected from the wind.
• Do not wear loose clothing or allow hair to hang freely while using smoker.
• Use caution when reaching into or under smoker. Always wear oven mitts or gloves to protect your hands from burns.
Avoid touching hot surfaces.
• We advise that a fire extinguisher be on hand. Refer to your local authority to determine proper size and type of fire extin-
guisher.
• Accessory attachments not manufactured by The Brinkmann Corporation for this particular product are not recommended
and may lead to personal injury or property damage.
• Never leave coals and ashes in smoker unattended.
• Before smoker can be left unattended, remaining coals and ashes must be removed from smoker. Use caution to protect
yourself and property. Place remaining coals and ashes in a noncombustible metal container and completely saturate with
water. Allow coals and water to remain in metal container 24 hours prior to disposing.
• Extinguished coals and ashes should be placed a safe distance from all structures and combustible materials.
• With a garden hose, completely wet the surface beneath and around smoker to extinguish any ashes, coals or embers
which may have fallen during the cooking or cleaning process.
• Store the smoker out of reach of children, indoors in a dry location when not in use.
• Do not attempt to service smoker other than normal maintenance as explained in “After-Use Safety and Proper Care &
Maintenance” sections of this manual. Repairs should be performed by The Brinkmann Corporation only.
• Properly dispose of all packaging material.
USE CAUTION AND COMMON SENSE WHEN USING YOUR SMOKER.
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE SAFETY WARNINGS AND GUIDELINES IN THIS MANUAL
COULD RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS & ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE
ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR SMOKER.
FOR MISSING PARTS, PLEASE CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-527-0717.
(Proof of purchase will be required.)
Inspect contents of the box to ensure all parts are included and undamaged.
3
Tools required to assemble your
Gourmet Charcoal Smoker and Grill:
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Pliers
PARTS LIST:
1 Dome Lid
1 Smoker Body
2152" Chrome Cooking Grills
1 Porcelain Water Pan
1 Base Pan
1 Charcoal Pan
1 Door
1 Door Hinge
3 Metal Brackets for Handles
6 Wooden Handle Halves
6 Support Brackets
1 Heat Indicator
12 10-24 x s" Screws and Square Nuts
6 6-32 x 4" Screws and Nuts (for Door)
6 8-32 x w" Screws and Nuts (for Handles)
1 Recipe Booklet
Wood Chunk (sample)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
1
2
4
9
1
3
9
11
9
7
5
6
8
11
10
10
12
12
2

4
STEP 1:
a. Attach wooden handle halves to metal brackets using 8-32 x w"
screws and nuts as illustrated.
b. Attach two handle assemblies to side of smoker body using 10-24 x
s" screws and nuts as illustrated.
c. Attach three support brackets to inside of smoker body through the
three 4" holes that are located about halfway down the smoker body
(lower level). Mount each bracket with notched side facing up using
10-24 x s" screws and square nuts. Tighten screws securely.
d. Attach remaining three support brackets to inside of smoker body
through the three 4" holes located near the top edge. Mount each
bracket with notched side facing up using 10-24 x s" screws and
square nuts. Tighten screws securely.
STEP 2:
a. Attach hinge to inside of smoker body as illustrated. Use
6-32 x 4" screws and nuts to attach hinge to smoker body.
NOTE: Attach the hinge so pin is facing out of smoker as illustrated.
b. Attach door to hinge using the remaining 6-32 x 4" screws and nuts. Pin Facing Out
Bracket with notched
side facing up.

5
STEP 3:
a. Place charcoal pan inside base pan.
STEP 4:
a. Place water pan inside smoker body on top of lower support brackets.
Position water pan so the rim is resting securely on notched out step
of all three support brackets. Place smoker body on base pan.
b. Place a cooking grill on the lower support brackets directly above
water pan.
c. Place a cooking grill on the upper support brackets so the outer rim is
resting securely on notched out step of all three support brackets.
STEP 5:
a. Attach the handle assembly on top of dome lid using 10-24 x s"
screws and square nuts.
b. Install heat indicator in dome lid by aligning tabs on heat indicator
with slots in the opening on the front of dome lid. Insert and turn
4revolution until the word "IDEAL" on the heat indicator is at the top
of the dial.
c. Place dome lid on upper support brackets of smoker body.
NOTE: The dome lid is not designed to fit snugly in the smoker body.
The gap between dome lid and smoker body allows
proper air draft.
YOUR GOURMET SMOKER IS NOW COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED.
NOTE: Before first use and after cleaning, apply a light coat of vegetable
oil or vegetable cooking spray to the interior surface of the dome
lid, smoker body, cooking grills and water pan. This simple
process will help reduce interior rusting. DO NOT apply oil to
the charcoal pan.
READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
PRIOR TO USING YOUR SMOKER.
BRINKMANN
DALLAS,TX 75244
BRINKMANN
DALLAS,TX 75244

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
PLACE THE SMOKER OUTDOORS ON A HARD, LEVEL, NON-COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE
AWAY FROM ROOF OVERHANG OR ANY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. NEVER USE ON WOODEN OR OTHER SUR-
FACES THAT COULD BURN. PLACE THE SMOKER AWAY FROM OPEN WINDOWS OR DOORS TO PREVENT SMOKE
FROM ENTERING YOUR HOUSE. IN WINDY WEATHER, PLACE THE SMOKER IN AN OUTDOOR AREA THAT IS PRO-
TECTED FROM THE WIND.
READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SMOKER.
6
CAUTION: Before each use, check handles and support brackets to
make sure they are securely fastened.
1. Remove dome lid and smoker body from base pan.
2. Always use high quality charcoal. If using a Charcoal Chimney Starter,
follow all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions regarding the use
of their product. Carefully place 10-15 pounds of hot coals in the char-
coal pan. Proceed to Step 5.
If using charcoal lighting fluid, follow all manufacturer’s warnings and
instructions regarding the use of their product. Use charcoal lighting
fluid approved for lighting charcoal ONLY. Do not use gasoline,
kerosene or alcohol for lighting charcoal. Place 10-15 pounds of high
quality charcoal in charcoal pan.
3. Saturate charcoal with lighting fluid and wait 2 to 3 minutes for fluid to
soak in. Store charcoal lighting fluid safely away from smoker.
4. Carefully light the charcoal and allow to burn until covered with a light
ash (approximately 20 minutes) prior to closing door and placing
dome lid on smoker. This will allow charcoal lighting fluid to burn off.
WARNING: Failure to do this could trap fumes from charcoal lighting
fluid in smoker and may result in a flash-fire or explosion
when door is opened or dome lid is removed.
5. Refer to “Flavoring Wood” section of this manual for the recommend-
ed amount of flavoring wood. Use long cooking tongs to carefully
place flavoring wood on top of hot charcoal.
NOTE: Depending on the weather, a full pan of charcoal will burn for
5-6 hours.
6. Place empty water pan inside smoker body on the lower support
brackets. Position water pan so rim is resting securely on notched out
step of all three support brackets.
7. Place the smoker body on base pan, making sure the water pan is
still in place.
8. Carefully, fill water pan with warm water or marinade to 1" below the
rim. A full pan holds 5-6 quarts of water and will last for approximately
3-4 hours. Do not overfill or allow water to overflow from water pan.
9. Place a cooking grill on the lower support brackets directly above the
water pan.
10. Place food on the cooking grill in a single layer with space between
each piece. This will allow smoke and moist heat to circulate evenly
around all pieces.
Smokin
1"

11. Place the other cooking grill on the upper support brackets. Make sure
the rim is resting securely on notched out step of all three support
brackets. Place food on the cooking grill.
12. Allow food to cook. After 3-4 hours of cooking, check water level and
add water if level is low. Follow instructions in the “Adding Water
During Cooking” section of this manual.
13. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food is fully cooked before
removing from smoker.
14. After cooking, allow smoker to cool completely then follow instruc-
tions in the “After-Use Safety and Proper Care & Maintenance” sec-
tions of this manual.
7
POULTRY
LAMB
BEEF WELL
PORK
VEAL
HAM
BEEF MED.
BEEF RARE
COOKED HAM
200
180
160
140
120
85
80
77
70
60
Grilling & Searing 1. Remove dome lid and smoker body from base pan.
2. Always use high quality charcoal. If using a Charcoal Chimney Starter,
follow all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions regarding the use
of their product. Carefully place 5-6 pounds of hot coals in the char-
coal pan. Proceed to Step 6.
If using charcoal lighting fluid, follow all manufacturer’s warnings and
instructions regarding the use of their product. Use charcoal lighting
fluid approved for lighting charcoal ONLY. Do not use gasoline,
kerosene or alcohol for lighting charcoal. Place 5-6 pounds of high
quality charcoal in charcoal pan.
3. Saturate charcoal with lighting fluid and wait 2 to 3 minutes for fluid
to soak in. Store charcoal lighting fluid safely away from smoker.
4. Carefully light the charcoal and allow to burn until covered with a light
ash (approximately 20 minutes) prior to placing dome lid on smoker.
This will allow charcoal lighting fluid to burn off.
WARNING: Failure to do this could trap fumes from charcoal lighting
fluid in grill and may result in a flash-fire or explosion when
dome lid is removed.
5. Place a cooking grill on the base pan.
6. Place food on the cooking grill in a single layer with space between
each piece.
7. For best results, the dome lid should be placed on base pan when
grilling food.
8. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food is fully cooked before
removing from smoker.
9. After cooking, allow grill to cool completely then follow instructions in
the “After-Use Safety and Proper Care & Maintenance” sections of this
manual.
WARNING: When grilling, drippings from meat may cause flame flare-
up. Use extreme caution when removing the dome lid. Lift
dome lid by tilting it toward you to allow heat and flame to
escape away from your face. If flame flare-ups occur,
replace the dome lid to smother flame. Do not use water to
extinguish a grease fire.

8
Additional flavoring wood should not have to be added during the cooking
process, however, it may be necessary when cooking very large pieces of
meat. Follow the instructions and cautions below to avoid injury while
adding wood and/or charcoal.
Additional charcoal may be required to maintain or increase cooking tem-
perature.
NOTE: Dry wood burns hotter than charcoal so you may want to
increase the ratio of wood to charcoal to increase the cooking
temperature. Hardwood such as oak, hickory, mesquite, fruit and
nut wood are an excellent fuel because of their burning rate.
When using wood as fuel, make sure the wood is seasoned and
dry. DO NOT use resinous wood such as pine as it will produce
an unpleasant taste.
1. Remove dome lid by tilting it toward you to allow heat and steam to
escape away from your face. Use caution since flames can flare-up
when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire.
2. Wearing oven mitts, remove food from cooking grills, then smoker
body from base pan.
WARNING: The water in water pan will be extremely HOT. When lifting
smoker body from base pan, use extreme caution and make
sure the water pan is securely in place on the three lower
support brackets. Keep legs and feet out from under the
smoker body to avoid being scalded by hot liquids spilling
from water pan. Be extremely careful not to tilt or jar smoker
so hot water does not spill out of water pan.
3. Set the smoker body with the water pan aside on a hard, level, non-
combustible surface.
4. Stand back a safe distance and use long cooking tongs to lightly brush
off ashes on hot coals. Use tongs to add charcoal and/or wood, being
careful not to stir-up ashes and sparks.
WARNING: Never add charcoal lighting fluid to hot or even warm coals!
5. Replace smoker body with the water pan on base pan.
WARNING: The water in water pan will be extremely HOT. When lifting
smoker body from ground, use extreme caution and make
sure the water pan is securely in place on the three lower
support brackets. Keep legs and feet out from under the
smoker body to avoid being scalded by hot liquids spilling
from water pan. Be extremely careful not to tilt or jar smoker
so hot water does not spill out of water pan.
6. Replace food on cooking grills then place the dome lid on smoker body.
Adding Charcoal/Wood
During Cooking
1"
To obtain your favorite smoke flavor, experiment by using chunks, sticks
or chips of flavor producing wood such as hickory, pecan, apple, cherry,
or mesquite. Most fruit or nut tree wood may be used for smoke flavoring.
Do not use resinous woods such as pine as it will produce an unpleasant
taste.
Wood chunks or sticks 3" to 4" long and 2" to 1" thick work best. Unless
the wood is still green, soak the wood in water for 20 minutes or wrap
each piece in foil and tear several small holes in the foil to produce more
smoke and prevent the wood from burning too quickly. A lot of wood is
not required to obtain a good smoke flavor. A recommended amount is
3-4 wood chunks or sticks. Experiment by using more wood for stronger
smoke flavor or less wood for milder smoke flavor.
Flavoring Wood

9
1"
• Variation in flavor can be achieved by adding wine, soft drinks, herbs,
spices, bits of citrus peel, fruit juice, onion or marinades to the water
pan.
• Brush poultry and naturally lean meats with cooking oil, butter or mar-
garine before cooking.
• Meat should be completely thawed before cooking.
• When cooking more than one piece of meat, the cooking time is deter-
mined by the largest single piece being cooked.
• The meat bastes itself while cooking in the smoker. No basting or
turning is necessary after the meat is placed on the grill. For added vari-
ety, barbecue sauce or marinade may be applied on meat before placing
on grill.
• There is very little difference in temperature and cooking time between
top and bottom grill levels. When cooking different types or cuts of meat
at the same time, place the meat that requires the least cooking time on
the top cooking grill so that it may be easily removed first. If only one
cooking grill is required, use the upper grill level for best results.
Cooking Tips
Check the water level in water pan if the complete cooking process takes
longer than 3 hours. A low water level can be detected by listening for the
sound of water sizzling. Water can be added to the water pan through the
top of smoker or side door. Use caution and follow instructions carefully.
OPTION 1: ADDING WATER THROUGH TOP OF SMOKER
1. Lift the dome lid off the smoker body by tilting the dome lid toward you
to allow heat and steam to escape away from your face. Use caution
since flames can flare-up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact
with fire. Inspect the water level in pan.
2. If water level is low, add water to water pan. If food is on top cooking
grill only, water may be added to the water pan by moving food aside
on cooking grill and pouring water down through the cooking grill. Fill
water pan to 1" below the rim. Pour slowly to avoid splashing or over-
filling.
If using both cooking grills, wear oven mitts to remove food and the
top cooking grill. Move food aside on the lower cooking grill and pour
water into water pan through the lower cooking grill. Pour slowly to
avoid splashing or overfilling.
3. Set the top cooking grill on the upper support brackets and place food
back on the cooking grill.
4. Place the dome lid on smoker body.
OPTION 2: ADDING WATER THROUGH THE SIDE DOOR
1. Stand back and carefully open side door. Use caution since flames can
flare-up when fresh air suddenly comes in contact with fire. Inspect the
water level in pan.
2. If water level is low, add water to water pan. Stand back and carefully
add water using a funnel or a container with a spout. Fill water pan to
1" below the rim. Pour slowly to avoid splashing or overfilling.
3. Close side door and allow food to continue cooking.
Adding Water
During Cooking