The electric unit uses a 1500-watt UL-listed heating element to warm its lava rocks; this maintains an ideal smoking temperature of 220 degrees inside of the unit when it is turned on. Are Brinkmann smokers any good? It's not a finely refined smoker, but it is a competent one. One of the biggest problems with this smoker comes after it has been running for several hours, so while you might be able to avoid it with a chicken or even a rack of ribs if you are smoking for more than 6 hours you are going to have an ash problem. Learn more about How to use a Brinkmann electric smoker Thank You