Can a crockpot really mimic the flavor of a smoker?

  • Context: Misc. 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Stephen Tashi
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a crockpot to replicate the flavor of food cooked in a smoker. Participants explore methods, potential refinements, and the implications of flavor differences, touching on health considerations and cooking techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references an article that describes a method for using a crockpot as a smoker and inquires about its effectiveness and possible refinements.
  • Another participant suggests that the flavor will be distinctly different when using a crockpot compared to a smoker.
  • There is a mention of health benefits, with one participant arguing that the crockpot method avoids the toxic chemicals produced by combustion in traditional smoking.
  • A participant humorously misreads the thread title, indicating a playful tone in the discussion.
  • Several comments express skepticism about the flavor outcome of using a crockpot in this manner, with no definitive promises made regarding the results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness and flavor outcomes of using a crockpot as a substitute for a smoker. There is no consensus on whether the method will yield satisfactory results.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the flavor outcome may depend on additional cooking techniques, such as broiling after slow cooking, which introduces further variables into the discussion.

Stephen Tashi
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Education Advisor
Messages
7,864
Reaction score
1,605
TL;DR
Can a crockpot (i.e. slow cooker) be used to imitate a smoker ? The article https://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2008/08/you-can-use-your-crockpot-as-smoker.html claims it can be done.
The article https://www.a yearofslowcooking.com/2008/08/you-can-use-your-crockpot-as-smoker.html describes a method for using a crockpot to get the flavor of a smoker. Does this work well? Are their refinements to the method in the article?

I've cooked things in a crockpot "dry" without adding fluid to cover them. Respectable cooks do it. (e.g. )

The technique sans wood chips works but the result depends heavily on the broiling you do after the slow cooking. So I'm curious whether putting wood chips in a slow cooker and steaming them is a simpler and better way.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Man, what a crock. :wink:
 
Interesting. Expect a decidedly different flavor though.

With no combustion to create all those toxic chemicals in the smoke, the crock pot approach is probably the healthier one.

Please let us know if the flavor is any good!

Thanks,
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Fervent Freyja
I first read the title as "crackpot". I suppose you could, but I would make no promises as to flavor.
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: Ivan Seeking and Tom.G
Well, I've run across a few of "those-spelled-with-an-'A'" that I would like to stuff into one of "those-spelled-with-an-'O'"! :H
 
Tom.G said:
Well, I've run across a few of "those-spelled-with-an-'A'" that I would like to stuff into one of "those-spelled-with-an-'O'"! :H

Some types of cracks even try to sell you prime steak that they had stuffed under their shirt at the grocery store! 😂😂😂