Smoker fire got me thinking: electric vs charcoal for overnight cooks

My WSM caught fire on me two weeks ago during a 14 hour brisket cook in Nashville. Damn grease fire melted my temp probe wires and ruined the bark. I've always been charcoal only, but after that night I'm wondering if electric smokers are more reliable for long unattended burns. Electric keeps steady temp no question, but you lose that smoke flavor. A buddy swears by his pellet grill for overnight cooks and hasn't looked back. Is sacrificing flavor worth the peace of mind for an all night cook? Anyone else have a smoker fail on them during a long session?

2 comments

2 Comments

max_ross9d ago

Pellet grills are the easy button for overnight.

charlie_ellis9d ago

Four years on a Traeger, been charcoal ever since that thing died mid-pork butt.