Smokin-It User Forum!
General Discussions => Introductions => Topic started by: Texan in Tulsa on February 18, 2016, 05:32:06 PM
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During my research on what smoker was the right choice for me, I created this Excel spreadsheet to aid in making my decision on which smoker fit my needs and budget. Over a period of a few weeks, I ended up adding more and more (probably irrelevant) details on each smoker and ultimately I decided to purchase the Model 3D from Smokin-It.
Being the generous person that I am, I thought I should share this information with the forum in hopes that it might help some prospective buyers compare between these 3 similar manufacturers and assist them in their making their purchasing decision as it did me.
All information was obtained from the manufacturers websites and/or forums and was current as of today.
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Nice job, what sticks out to me besides price! is the element size.
Thanks
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Nice guide! One small point of clarification. With the addition of the optional Side Rail assemblies, you can at up to 9 shelves in the #2 and #3 smokers:
#2 - http://www.smokin-it.com/product_p/m2sra.htm
#3 - http://www.smokin-it.com/product_p/m3sra.htm
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Great comparison. That's exactly what's been going on in my head for the last couple weeks! I just ordered a 4D today.
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Great comparison, the depth of the #3 for the cost made the decision easy.
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Great job, Andy, and thank you for sharing it with us! That's a solid, unbiased, comparison, and should help anyone on the fence. I, too, was surprised that ST & CS, both, have not kept up on their element sizing! One other thing, about the CS controllers - they are NOT PID controllers, only an analog controller with a digital display. Old Sarge (Dave) owns one, and we did a temp test one time; the swings were every bit as big as the standard SIs!
Information is knowledge, and knowledge is power!
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Yup! That test nearly caused me to have a seizure. But I do get great chow from it and learned to just trust the controller. I like your chart. I like it a lot.
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Someone post that to Amazon! or you tube asap.
Ok, that was a plug.
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Someone post that to Amazon! or you tube asap.
Ok, that was a plug.
Steve wants to put it on the SI website, if Andy's OK with it!
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I'm okay with that Tony. Tell Steve to feel free to add or edit anything that might need clarifications, etc.
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One other thing, about the CS controllers - they are NOT PID controllers, only an analog controller with a digital display. Old Sarge (Dave) owns one, and we did a temp test one time; the swings were every bit as big as the standard SIs!
I agree the CS controllers are just digital displays for the most part. I watched one of their sales videos and it said the controls are either by time or by internal temp, but not both.
The CS control is not programmable while the SI is. Big difference in my opinion and while I understood the difference when doing the comparison, I just recorded the control type simply as "Digital."
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Nice guide! One small point of clarification. With the addition of the optional Side Rail assemblies, you can at up to 9 shelves in the #2 and #3 smokers:
#2 - http://www.smokin-it.com/product_p/m2sra.htm
#3 - http://www.smokin-it.com/product_p/m3sra.htm
Gregg i was not aware of that option. Thanks for bringing it up.
I didn't dive off into what type of accessories each manufacturer had available, as I was just trying to help narrow down which smoker was best for me at the time.
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I have used the CS for several years. About all I can say is that I think the controller may be pre-programed to accept temp and time or temp and internal temp. That is it. And those are user selectable. But no programming beyond that. It will automatically shift to a keep warm mode whet either the time runs out or the selected IT has been reached. So the SI controller is more flexible/programmable. Do if all other aspects of the smokers were to be considered equal, then the nod goes to SI for price as well as programming flexibility. And we know that SI is feature rich so they aren't really equal but I am addressing only the controller.
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I'd like to see that excel chart, but can't open it.
Thanks for the response. I've been researching these smokers and I have some questions.
How many full briskets will fit in the 3d model, ribs? It appears that the ribs and briskets don't need to be cut. Will the 3d model Temps be more aaccurate than the #3? I live in Tacoma and do a fair amount of grilling and smoking in the winter, and though it doesn't get too cold here, there are times when temperature will affect the cook.
Is there anyway to get the shipping lower? I'm sure that si can't control the pricing for shipping but getting it a little bit lower would be nice.
We're having a northwest food show at the middle of March in Seattle, any chance that smokin it will be there? The show is March 20th and 21st, Sunday, Monday. I will be there.
Thanks again for letting me know and letting me ramble on.
John Louderback
bdlouderback@yahoo.com
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What a valuable piece of information when considering a SS smoker 8)
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John - The 3/3D is a very heavy unit. Shipping is the actual cost with no mark-up. Like others have mentioned on other postings, it only hurts once. The 3D will give a more stable temperature throughout the cook whereas the analog will fluctuate through the on/off cycles as explained in the FAQ section. Some folks favor the digital PID (D models) while others are very content with the non-D models and the fluctuations don't bother them at all. I guess it is a matter of preference and/or budget. The trend is toward digital. I am seasoning mine right now. Dave
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I'd like to see that excel chart, but can't open it.
Thanks for the response. I've been researching these smokers and I have some questions.
How many full briskets will fit in the 3d model, ribs? It appears that the ribs and briskets don't need to be cut. Will the 3d model Temps be more aaccurate than the #3? I live in Tacoma and do a fair amount of grilling and smoking in the winter, and though it doesn't get too cold here, there are times when temperature will affect the cook.
Is there anyway to get the shipping lower? I'm sure that si can't control the pricing for shipping but getting it a little bit lower would be nice.
We're having a northwest food show at the middle of March in Seattle, any chance that smokin it will be there? The show is March 20th and 21st, Sunday, Monday. I will be there.
Thanks again for letting me know and letting me ramble on.
John Louderback
bdlouderback@yahoo.com
John, shipping is what it is...big box, no markup (based solely on weight & dimensions). Only way to get it lower is to go pick it up yourself. Not sure how many briskets, since I only do 1 at a time, but I would think 2 or 3 full packers wouldn't be a problem. Ribs?? 10 full racks, using 5 shelves. Weather?? lol. Spend a little time here, and you'll see how many folks we have in the northern-tier states. Trust me, you'll have no problems in Washington! I've smoked at 9°, with no problem, but some of these guys get crazy in the negative temps! Well-insulated, and the cold is not a problem.
Steve is doing a trade show in Lansing, MI, this weekend, and has a few more throughout Ohio & Kentucky. He won't be in Seattle.
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I am one of those crazy northerners that smoke in cold weather. :)
I have smoked in -20F with zero issues.
BTW, welcome from ND John!
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I'd like to see that excel chart, but can't open it.
John I just sent you an e-mail with the chart. I hope you'll be able to open it.
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Nice job on the spreadsheet Andy.
Ive learned more about these smokers 'after' I purchased my #2 than before but still very satisfied with it for the smoking Im doing. I was planning to just get the little guy but chose the #2 (primarily) because the element size doubles. Interesting to compare the elements on these other brands. Whenever I get ready to expand my smoker family, this info will be very useful :)
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I ran a similar comparison when deciding to purchase my SI. It had the same results and I too shared the information several years back .... Nice work.
That first time I used it my 6 year old son had a seizure that exact same night. It was an awkward coincidence. Fortunately after many months in the hospital he was diagnosed with a mild form of epilepsy that he will likely outgrow by the time he is 12 or 13. He has had only two more occurrences in the following 3 years.
While there are worse things in life I wouldn't wish it on anyone... Especially having a seizure over finding a good purchase like an SI piece of equipment.... But hey whatever analogy works for you so be it.
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Great chart. Wish the prices were the same :D
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Prices sure have gone up since this post was started. I paid $750 for the 2D last night, and it doesn't come with a cover like the spreadsheet says. Seems they have had to cut some costs.
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Everything changes with time. But the chart is still useful in comparing specs and also points you in the direction of competitors for current pricing. SI is still the best bang for the buck.
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If you are a beginner then I would recommend instead of getting too deep into the research try to get a basic smoker with minimum price. Smokebbq and Grills Guide is a good source to get basic knowledge.
What I have seen in the market that people start to research and they end up buying the wrong product based on their experience.
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This kind of information is always helpful for the ones who love to grill and i'm one of them
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This is the best comparison and i was looking just a clear comparison like this one
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So Emma, now that you have compared, which smoker are you thinking about getting?
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Great comparison! I would like to read more on this
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I want a smoker that is friendly for usage at apartment or balcony that will fit in my house
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Apt or house is very different. Depends whether apt will allow a smoker.
The #1 is fairly portable and can be moved by one person. I take my #1 camping and take it in and out of the pickup with some effort as it weighs about 60 lbs. I have both my #1 and #3 on a cart.
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Actually most of electric smokers are portable and you ca