Misc. Can a crockpot really mimic the flavor of a smoker?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effectiveness of using a crockpot to replicate the flavor of smoked food, referencing an article that outlines a method for this technique. Participants confirm that while the method can work without wood chips, the final flavor heavily relies on broiling after slow cooking. The inclusion of wood chips in the crockpot is suggested as a potentially simpler alternative, although it is noted that the resulting flavor will differ significantly from traditional smoking methods. Additionally, the crockpot method is considered healthier due to the absence of combustion-related toxins.

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  • Understanding of crockpot cooking techniques
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  • Research the impact of wood chips on flavor in slow cooking
  • Explore broiling techniques to enhance crockpot dishes
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Home cooks, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring alternative cooking methods to achieve smoky flavors without traditional smoking equipment.

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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.
 
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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
 
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I first read the title as "crackpot". I suppose you could, but I would make no promises as to flavor.
 
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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! 😂😂😂
 

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