Can You Use Electric Smokers Indoors?

There are many controversial talks about “Can You Use Electric Smokers Indoors?” but today we are going to settle the debate by providing authentic data about in what cases you can use an electric smoker in indoor conditions and in what cases you can’t.

Without further ado let’s straight to the answer.

Can You Use Electric Smokers Indoors?

The straightforward answer is YES and NO!

If you have an electric smoker that is specifically designed for indoor uses like Nordic Ware Indoor/Outdoor Kettle Smoker you can use it indoors fearlessly but make sure that it is free from carbon monoxide, fire hazards, etc.

PRO TIP: Make sure to check out the specifications or labeling of the electric smoker if it is designed to be used in indoor conditions opt for it, otherwise there may be life-threatening risks not only for you but also for all neighbors.

Why Electric Smoker Can’t Be Used In Indoor?

We have gathered the following valid reasons to not operate an unsafe electric smoker indoors.

Emission Of Carbon Monoxide (silent Killer):

The burning of wood chips, charcoal, briquettes, etc. produces a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide (CO) which will not even give you a warning before attacking; literally, it will affect your vital organs like the heart, lungs, etc. and leaves you unconscious within a matter of minutes. CO mainly attack in enclosed spaces where there is no ventilation.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) also has published a detailed guide about the dangers of carbon monoxide and its precautionary measures.

Fire Hazards:

Though modern electric smokers have properly enclosed space to mitigate the risks of fires, still in a closed space like a room or apartment we have many things like carpet, furniture, etc. that can catch fire instantly due to user error. I come up with a story of a boy who almost got fired; you can also check out his story here.

Moreover, several apartments don’t allow electric or any kinds of smokers that are not labeled to use indoors.

Health Issues:

Since smoke contains a lot of compounds like CO, CO2, sulfur oxides, etc. that may be injurious for health if you are getting too much exposure to them. Also as per the study of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), the smoke of wood may contain carcinogens that lead to chronic lung cancers. The best way to prevent them is to make some ventilation or reduce the exposure.

Smell:

Smoke smell amazing if you are smoking outdoors, just because the smoke and smells of meat, fish, etc. merge with natural air and do not last for a long time. In the case of indoor smoking, the smoke particles may stuck with your furniture, carpet, etc., and emit a Smokey smell for a long time. That Smokey small may be appealing for a smoke lover but not for your all neighbors and guests.

Precaution Measures For Smoking Food In indoor

Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector In Your Apartment:

CO detector will indicate you once the concentration of carbon monoxide is close to the danger levels, it is a must for every house owner who is using fire pits, electric stoves, smokers, etc. As per the study of centers for disease control and prevention around 430 people die in the U.S with exposure to Carbone monoxide. Also, more than 50,000 accidents were recorded.

It is a wise decision to install a CO detector before it’s too late.

Make Ventilation:

If your apartment allows you to use a smoker please make some ventilation or you can use it on a balcony.

Inspect The Cord Of The Electric Smoker:

Sometimes the cord of electric smokers becomes too hot or even broken, if you found a broken cord please tape it or replace it to avoid sparking.

If you want a detailed guide about can you run an electric smoker in the garage? Click Here.

My Say

Never use an unlabeled electric smoker in indoor conditions whether you have a CO detector sufficient ventilation, etc.  There may be fire risks; health-related issues and many more.

You can use a proper indoor electric smoker which is specifically designed for indoor conditions.