Adding Hickory Chips to Your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker: A Quick Guide

Updated at: 02/01/2025

The Masterbuilt electric smoker offers incredible convenience for backyard chefs, allowing you to achieve that smoky, tender perfection without the fuss of charcoal. But what truly elevates your smoked meats from good to unforgettable is the choice of wood chips. Hickory, with its strong, bacon-like flavor profile, is a popular choice, adding a depth and complexity that many enthusiasts crave. Whether you're smoking ribs, brisket, or even poultry, hickory can transform your culinary creations.

This guide focuses specifically on utilizing hickory chips within your Masterbuilt electric smoker, offering a straightforward approach to achieving the best results. From selecting the right type of chips to the optimal placement within your smoker, we'll walk you through the process step by step. Ready to infuse your next smoke with the rich, robust flavor of hickory? Let's dive into the detailed instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Never add hickory chips directly to the heating element. This can cause a fire.
  • Always use a sufficient amount of water in the water pan to prevent the smoker from overheating and potentially causing damage.
  • Ensure proper ventilation is maintained throughout the smoking process to avoid smoke buildup and potential carbon monoxide poisoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Hickory Chips

    • Gather your hickory chips. The amount needed depends on your smoking session, but a little goes a long way.
    Gather your hickory chips. The amount needed depends on your smoking session, but a little goes a long way.
    Prepare Hickory Chips

  2. Access the Chip Tray

    • Open the smoker's wood chip tray.
    Open the smoker's wood chip tray.
    Access the Chip Tray

  3. Add Chips to Tray

    • Add the hickory chips to the tray, keeping the tray upright to avoid spillage.
    Add the hickory chips to the tray, keeping the tray upright to avoid spillage.
    Add Chips to Tray

  4. Insert and Distribute Chips

    • Carefully insert the tray back into the smoker.
    • Rotate the tray to distribute the chips into the smoker box. This will release the chips into the smoker chamber.
    Rotate the tray to distribute the chips into the smoker box. This will release the chips into the smoker chamber.Rotate the tray to distribute the chips into the smoker box. This will release the chips into the smoker chamber.
    Insert and Distribute Chips

  5. Secure the Smoker

    • Close the smoker to maintain temperature regulation.
    Close the smoker to maintain temperature regulation.Close the smoker to maintain temperature regulation.
    Secure the Smoker

Read more: Masterbuilt Electric Smoker: The Ultimate Wood Chip Loading Guide

Tips

  • Use a storage bin to keep your wood chips organized.
  • A small amount of hickory chips goes a long way, so don't overfill the tray.
  • Consider adding a meat temperature and ambient temperature monitor for better control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Too Many Hickory Chips

Reason: Overpowering the flavor of the meat with a strong smoky taste.
Solution: Start with a smaller amount of chips and add more gradually as needed.

2. Not Soaking the Hickory Chips

Reason: Leads to uneven smoking and potential flare-ups, resulting in burnt meat and a bitter taste.
Solution: Soak hickory chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.

3. Incorrect Chip Placement

Reason: Inefficient smoke distribution, leading to unevenly cooked and flavored meat.
Solution: Ensure the chips are evenly distributed in the designated chip tray or box for optimal smoke circulation.

FAQs

How many hickory chips should I use in my Masterbuilt electric smoker?
The amount depends on the size of your smoker and the length of your cook. Start with 1-2 cups for a smaller smoker and a shorter cook (2-4 hours), adding more as needed. It's better to add more gradually than to overwhelm your smoker with smoke.
When should I add the hickory chips to my Masterbuilt electric smoker?
You generally add hickory chips to the smoker's designated chip tray. The best time is at the beginning of the cooking process to allow for consistent smoke flavor throughout. You can add more later if needed, depending on your smoking time.
What happens if I use too many hickory chips?
Using too many hickory chips can lead to an overly strong, bitter, or acrid smoky flavor. It can also potentially cause a flare-up if the chips ignite. Always start with a smaller amount and add more gradually as needed.