Smokin-It vs. competitors

[Greenman72]

So I posted the "kamados vs. electric" thread a few weeks ago.  You guys have convinced me that I also need an electric smoker (in addition to my Big Green Egg and Weber Genesis). 

Now I'm wondering--it seems that there are three major "players" in the electric market.  The Cookshack, Smokin-Tex, and Smokin-It.  (There are others too, but none that I think I would buy.  There are also pellet poopers, but they don't look particularly appealing.) 

Anybody care to discuss the pros/cons of each?  Before the new 3d model, I was inclined to say that the Cookshack Amerique was better because it had a meat probe and digital controls, but now I'm not so sure. 

Other than price, does the Cookshack Amerique offer any real advantages?  I know it's not bigger, so is it better somehow?  Or do they just have a better marketing team? 

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[jcboxlot]

Price and marketing/fancy website: stick here with Smokin It and you won't go wrong for the price.

[gregbooras]

If you compare the two below I think you will find the Smokin-it a better product.

Smokin-Tex, and Smokin-It.

Greg

[kz0m]

Well, I'll jump in here.  I live 20 minutes away from SmokinTex HQ, I've been there, the guy in the YouTube videos, Scott Wallace, I talked to him and the owner.  I like their smokers, they are nice, and expensive!  It is I'd say the same materials that Smokin-It uses.  To get the same as a Model #3D, with the PID purchased for the ST, you would be well over $1200, about twice the price of a Model #3D.  This is my 2nd SI smoker, I purchased the first one in November, bam, the 3D came out a month later ;>(  I have since purchased a 3D and sold my 3, the new owner loves it by the way, they got a very good deal!
CookShack is another story, excellent quality and you will pay 3x the price of the 3D.  $1,000 will buy a lot of meat for the 3D.  I'm not here to bash anyone or any smoker, but for the same quality, excellent results and excellent price, the Smoking-It simply cannot be beat, hands down.  I really enjoy the 3D, I have 3 pork butts smoking right now, I put them on at 6 p.m. this evening, about 30 pounds worth.  I set the program to cook at 225 until the meat probe reads 198, then the box temperature will lower to 130 until I pull them off after work tomorrow, it just can't be easier unless there is a power failure, and then it doesn't matter which electric smoker you have, then they are all equal.  Get the SI 3D, make a home here on the forum and learn from these people, heaven knows I've learned a lot from them and given a few two cents worth myself, you will not be unhappy with the SI, all of us here on this forum promise you that.  And hey, what about customer service?  I've contacted Steve (the owner of SI) twice about certain items and he addressed them, that same day or if it was late in the day, the next day, no questions asked, that has to speak for something right there.  Enjoy the SI model 3D and you can help others here and newbies as well, it's all in the SI family right here!!

Carl

[old sarge]

Greenman72 - I have the Amerique and my brother the SI model 3. I would have to say that the final results of smoking meat are the same:  just plain good food. The racks in the SI3 are larger and made of stainless steel.  The CS racks are not stainless but nickel; stainless costs extra.  SI is imported but designed by Steve while the CS is American made. Quality of materials and construction are dead even, in my opinion. Repair parts when needed and accessories are far less expensive for the SI than the CS. I tested the temperature accuracy of the CS controller twice some time ago.  One test had me very worried, the temps between the on board controller and a remote were very different.  A subsequent test was much closer.  I don't know why there was a difference; maybe it was in the algorithm built in to the controller or maybe just a fluke. In any case, I put the remote away and do not worry. My brother has learned to trust his analog SI3 and uses the remote only for cooking to an internal temperature.  No more worrying about the smoker's actual temp; he tired of watching the swings (explained in the FAQ section of this site). As a matter of fact, digital or analog, a 5 hour smoke remains 300 minutes.

The SI forum is very busy.  Lots of posts daily.  The CS forum is sort of busy and the SmokinTex (ST) forum is less so.  Check them out and you will see. If interacting frequently with other brand specific smoker owners, this is the forum to be active in. There is no wrong smoker when looking at SI, CS, or ST.  They are all quality.  You have to look at what you are actually getting for the money spent (and your budget): element wattage, cord length, capacity, warranty, parts/accessories cost, etc.  Compare the smokers feature for feature.

I can wholeheartedly recommend both the CS and the SI. You have to determine which is the better value.  For most of us (me included) the choice is pretty obvious. And that is not a slam against CS; just a fact.

Good luck whichever way you go.

Dave

[DivotMaker]

Well, Greenman, I'd say they've pretty much covered it!  Bottom line is a) neither of the 2 others offer anything close to the real estate of the 3/3D!  Let me tell you, having started with a #1, then #2, and eventually the 3, the depth of the 3 can't be discounted.  Being able to fit big, uncut packer briskets, and full racks of ribs in there, is absolutely great!  And b) They don't have a 3 year warranty like SI, and just haven't moved forward with technology.  Yes, the Cookshack is "digital," but it actually experiences temperature swings approaching the analog dials.  It has a digital display, but is NOT a PID controller, like on the 2D/3D/4D.  Big difference, especially for 3x the price!

Superior product development, great construction, and a company owner that just can't be beat.  Best "bang for the buck" in electric smokers, and I'll stand behind that any day of the week!

[LongBall]

When I was looking it came down to the Amerique CS and the 3 smoking it. Size and more having the option to 300*. I haven't gone past 275 but who knows. The burner sizes where close I don't recall the TX having the burner element size. All things equal the extra grand in my pocket didn't suck as well. This forum was the push over the top.

[DivotMaker]

All things equal the extra grand in my pocket didn't suck as well. This forum was the push over the top.

Bingo!!

[es1025]

+1
I looked at cs and st before talking with steve on the si3.

Best decision i ever made.

[prudentsmoker]

A few months ago, in one of the many brisket threads, a gentleman revealed that his job was smoking brisket for a BBQ joint. He was an employee, not the owner. He shared with us that he used Smokin-It at his own home. Hard to get a better endorsement than that.

[Mr. D]

I did extensive research on CS, ST and SI and found at the end of the day the SI was the best value. All three will cook meat.

[RG]

A few months ago, in one of the many brisket threads, a gentleman revealed that his job was smoking brisket for a BBQ joint. He was an employee, not the owner. He shared with us that he used Smokin-It at his own home. Hard to get a better endorsement than that.

IIRC that was porkbelly right?

[DivotMaker]

IIRC that was porkbelly right?

Correct.  Brian, aka Pork Belly, is a pro pit master!

[mgj2727]

I'm pondering the purchase of a Smokin-It 3D this season, but the price differential seems to have faded away over the past two years.   The 3D is $900 and the 3D-WiFi is $1035 - and of course you need to spend additional dollars on the covers, etc.  Do folks still feel that Smokin-It is the best value? 

[gregbooras]

I have owned 3 models of the Smokin-It and I have loved each one. Right now I have the 3d with wifi and I think it was the perfect purchase!
Best Greg