I am of the school that bigger is better, LOL, and would like a lot bigger unit than the 1 or the 2. I just can't justify it to myself. Normally would smoke for 3 to 5 people.
Fred... if it's useful to you at all... I also typically smoke for 3 to 5 people. (Honestly, I often smoke with the intention to vac-seal and store for many more meals, but you'll see that's not highly pertinent to what I'm about to say. : )
I started with a #2 using it for over 2 years and was perfectly happy with it. I cut ribs and briskets to make them easily fit. I never felt like the #2 was too big and don't think I would have been as happy with the #1. I also never ran into anything where the #2 was technically too small. That said, there was always a very small part of me that wondered about the #3. On the con side was a concern that it would be enough bigger to look odd in my space for it, that I wouldn't make good use of the extra space, and the extra cost with cost being a pretty major one. On the pro side, it would mean that I *could* smoke more at one time if I wanted and I wouldn't have to cut briskets or ribs. (I know *have to* is subjective... that's another conversation. : )
Anyway... along came a deal for barely used 3DW that I just couldn't pass up... it completely eliminated the cost factor and I decided the other two cons weren't show stoppers by a long shot.
Now that I've been using the 3DW for several months I can say with confidence that if I were starting over I'd probably get the #3. I don't mind having the PID, but I hardly consider it necessary and think it has more cons that pros. The #3 actually fits nicely in the same space where I had the #2 so that concern turned out to be unfounded. I also find that the extra space really isn't a problem for me. It gives me extra capacity if I should choose to use it. (For instance, I'll probably do two briskets at the same time next time.) I did 6 racks of ribs last time instead of 3. It means I have more leftovers than with the #2, but not so much more that it is unmanageable. I actually end up using fewer resources overall due to economy of scale. If I ever want to throw a party, I'm set. It's nice not having to cut anything.
If you don't have a freezer and a vacuum sealer then this obviously wouldn't work as well for you. Hopefully sharing my experience will provide more useful information than more conflict.
