Smokin-It User Forum!
General Discussions => Anything Goes!! => Topic started by: BMann on April 24, 2014, 04:18:53 PM
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I am new to this forum, and pretty new to the smoking world.
I am wanting an electric smoker.
I have been researching and reading reviews on the Smokin-It Model #3 and the Smokin Tex 1400. After reading reviews, I am almost decided on the 1400. I saw this forum and decided that I would get on here and ask for expert advice! I figured that most on this forum were Smokin-It fans and might be able to alter my decision?
Can someone give me some advice? Some pro's and Con's of both units?
One aspect of the electric smokers that I do like is the set it and forget it. Is this the case with the Smokin-It model #3?
I have read that the 1400 is very well insulated, and does great in windy and cold conditions.
Thank you very much
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Well, I was between those two, as well. I thought the SI #3 was a better value. I liked the dual latch door and longer cord. I thought the customer service reviews were better with he SI too. Ironically I ended up with an auber and replacing the long cord with a short cold weather cord.
I don't regret my decision to go with the #3.
I think the units are pretty similar. The SI is very very well insulated. I'm sure the 1400 is too.
I was shipping either unit I decided to buy and if I recall correctly the SI was a bit cheaper. Assuming all things equal, I think the dual latch door and customer service swings toward SI.
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Hi Bmann! Welcome to the forum!
You are comparing the ST 1400 to the SI Model 3: A little bit "apples and oranges." I say this because of the size and capacity. The 1400 is much more comparable in size to the Model 2 (1400 has 14.5" x 14.5" shelves, and the Model 2 has 15" x 15" shelves. The Model 3 shelves are 15" x 20": that means you can easily fit a full packer-cut brisket in there; can't do that in a 1400.
Heating elements: The 1400 has a 700w element, same as the Model 2. The Model 3 is 1200 watts - big difference.
All stainless steel construction in both brands, same amount of insulation. Many of us have smoked in sub-zero temps with no problems. Check out some of the cold weather use posts, there are lots of them. Also, the inside and smoke boxes are virtually identical between the 2 brands.
Door latches: These types of smokers use a compression-fit door (no gasket). The latch(es) actually compress the door against the frame to seal it. The 1400 has one latch (insufficient, in my opinion, for that size door). One is fine on the Model 1, but not the Model 2 or 3; that's why there are 2 latches on the Model 2 and 3. Seals the door much better.
Wheels: The 1400 has small wheels, whereas all the Smokin-It models have larger, heavy-duty castors, 2 locking. May seem like a small thing, but makes a big difference when moving the smoker.
"Set and forget:" Yes! The SI units are absolutely set and forget! If you spend much time reading through the boards here, you will see that reinforced many, many times! They work exactly the same as the ST models!
Here's my opinion on what makes this such an easy decision:
Price: The 1400 is showing $595 on the ST website. You can get a Model 2 for $399. Almost $200 cheaper for the same size smoker. If you need the capacity, the Model 3 is still $100 cheaper, and a whole lot bigger! No brainer.
Warranty: ST has 2 years, SI has a 3 year warranty.
Customer Service: You absolutely will not find better customer service than with Smokin-It! When you call "customer support," you get a guy named Steve, who just happens to be the owner of the company! That doesn't happen very often! I can also personally endorse the service you will receive, and tell you that you won't find a finer group of people to deal with. Steve will bend over backwards to keep a customer happy.
Bottom line? I did the same research when I bought my Model 1 a year ago, and am so glad I made the decision I did. The reason you are finding many more reviews for the STs is they've been around longer. SI is hands-down more value for the dollar, and I believe has several improvements over the ST models, and is still cheaper (less-expensive, that is)!
Hope this helps - feel free to hit us with more questions, and look at the satisfied owners posts here. We have added about 400 members in the last year, which is pretty impressive, in my opinion! This forum is fast becoming the premiere "manufacturer's" forum on the web, built by satisfied owners. Hope to see you join the family! 8)
edit: I realized I said there were 3 latches on the #3; there are 2.
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Hey Bmann, I mentioned how active our forum is, so I thought I'd compare stats. This was eye-opening, and tells me how satisfied (and active) SI owners are! Check this out (just pulled these numbers from the ST and SI forums):
ST:
Members: 2,064
Threads: 782
Posts: 4,090
SI:
Members: 549
Threads: 921
Posts: 8,692
Notice anything? We have 1/4th the members, but more than twice the posts, all in just over 1 year! That should speak to the satisfaction of SI owners. ;D
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I thought there was a size difference but was too lazy to look it up.
Smoking ribs with out cutting them in the #3!!!
Packer brisket... no problem in the #3.
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Rickne and DivotMaker, thanks for responding. I thought I had my mind made up today on he ST. I do like the double latched door, bigger box, and larger element.
Let me ask another question. I am going to want to use this for family functions, feeding around 50 people. So I think the #3 would be great for that many pork Butts. I will also want to use it for just my family. Will the bigger box of the #3 be fine for doing a single chicken or smaller cuts for just the family?
I am trying to think of more questions for you guys.
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Bmann, you can always cook the smallest amounts in a larger unit, but you cannot cook more in a smaller one. Many owners do a single chicken, 1 pork butt, or a single rack of ribs in their #3s. Works just fine with small amounts, or large. Knowing that you may be smoking for that many people at a time, I would definitely recommend the #3.
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No issue at all with small cooks.
Definitely the #3 for larger cooks. Electric cookers are a little slower on large cooks. It just takes longer with loads of 38 degree meat. The #3 not only has more capacity, but more air space and volume... which I think helps with larger cooks in this style smoker.
I don't always subscribe to "bigger is better". I used to have a 18.5" Weber Smokey mountain. I upgraded to the 22" because bigger must be better. I regretted it.
BUT with the SI, I would take the #3 all day over the #2.
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I posted a trade off matrix I ran at one point comparing the models ... Cost, shipping, watts, racks, area, etc. cannot find post will look for spreadsheet ....
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You guys are awesome!
Polish Q, I would love to see the matrix you put together.
I had some number written down, but I do not have them in front of me right now.
The 1400 and the #3 were going to be right at the same price after shipping. #3 was just a few cheeper. ST was also throwing in some extra stuff. Seafood rack and Rib Hangers.
ST was charging 30$ for shipping where SI was telling me to figure $110 shipping to Missouri.
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I haven't heard anyone who actually uses the rib hooks, even if they own them. I have a rib rack that I used once for a large (9 racks of baby backs) cook in my number 2. The normal shelves are my preference but the rib rack in the top position allows for an extra 1-1/2. If cut in half each flat shelf will hold 2 racks in the #2. The cold smoke plate is handy for cheese, fish, bacon.... The jerky dryer good for jerky, snack sticks or anything you need a lot of moisture removed from without cooking. Seafood rack is nice to have as well. Go with the 2 or 3 depending on your needs.
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Bmann, the shipping is more for a #3 because it weighs about 50 lbs more, and is a much larger box. Walt's right about the rib hooks - never heard of anyone actually using them. You can't go wrong with the #3. Like Nike says..."Just Do It!" lol. Pretty sure Steve is including a cover now (about $30 value, I believe).
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Thanks guys
I will let you know what I decided. Leaning towards the # 3 now
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Glad to help! As you've probably noticed, we're pretty thrilled with our smokers, and this company! ;D
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Here is what I did.... I paid no shipping though...
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One other area to look at: The cost of accessories and parts. SI rules the roost in this department.
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I purchased the #3 over the #2 about 18 months ago and it is the GREAT! Most of the time I smoke for just the 2 of us and it works great, but when we have friends over, I have cooked for as many as 20 with no problems.
Mark
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I have a #2 and although it is just me at home I find that it is not too big. Generally load it up and then freeze the extra. I am convinced you will never regret getting a Smokin It product.
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I was faced with the same decision. I bought the #3 and have not looked back. I really like the 1200 watt heating element.
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Hi Bmann,
Welcome to the Smokin-it forum. I thought I would jump in to post my opinion. I researched for 2-3 months on all the forums and narrowed it down to Cookshack, Smokin It and Smokin Tex. Listed below are my findings.
COOKSHACK
I heard good things about the cookshack, but the price point was too high and there units were smaller. As well, if you look at replacement parts, the cookshack parts are substantially more to replace. Cookshack also has a reputation for being In business for over 50 years and for being build in the USA, but you really are paying a premium just for the name.
SMOKIN TEX 1400
They have been in business for approx 12-14 years now and have also seemed to be doing well for themselves. I called customer service and got an answer right away, very friendly and willing to answer any question I had. I was impressed at this point and leaning towards the 1400. I liked what I saw.
SMOKIN IT #3
Bigger unit than the 1400 and bigger heating element (700 vs. 1200 watts). Shelf size on the #3 allows for full racks of ribs or full packer brisket, double latched door, fully insulated and cheaper priced than the 1400. Replacement parts for both the 1400 and the #3 were comparable and a lot less expensive than the cookshack. So I called customer service and Steve (the owner) picked up, answered all my questions, was honest and truthful and was a great pleasure to talk to. Another advantage is 3 year warrantee for the SI vs. 2 years for the Tex.
MY DECISION
So which to choose. We'll throughout this process, I always kept coming back to the SI #3 for whatever reason, but was always hesitant because there was more info available online about cookshack and smokin tex. But personally I believe this is only because they were around longer while Smokin It was a more recent start up. As much as I kept coming back to Smokin It, I was considering the Tex because they have been around longer but I also didn't want to sacrifice on size.
I finally decided to go with the Smokin It #3 as I was impressed with the shelf size, heating element, warrantee and price. All I can say is WOW. this unit blows me away and it was the best decision I ever made and I never looked back. I drove from Toronto to Ohio to pick this unit up. I ended up picking up 2 units as a friend of mine wanted one as we'll. I met up with Steve to pick up the units and he was so helpful and backs his products up 100%.
This unit is so well built, fully insulated, the capacity is amazing and you will love it as soon as you lay eyes on it. You can easily get 8 full racks of ribs with the existing 4 shelves and 10 racks if you buy an additional self. You will not be disappointed. I also bought the jerky dryer and that works great.
The SI forum is great, everyone is friendly and always willing to help. Once you make your decision, let us know. My wife was a bit jealous because the smoker got more attention than she did when I first bought it, but with the product this thing delivers, we'll lets just say she is willing to compromise. Good Luck.
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Hey Bmann, any updates?
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Hi Bmann! Welcome to the forum!
You are comparing the ST 1400 to the SI Model 3: A little bit "apples and oranges." I say this because of the size and capacity. The 1400 is much more comparable in size to the Model 2 (1400 has 14.5" x 14.5" shelves, and the Model 2 has 15" x 15" shelves. The Model 3 shelves are 15" x 20": that means you can easily fit a full packer-cut brisket in there; can't do that in a 1400.
Heating elements: The 1400 has a 700w element, same as the Model 2. The Model 3 is 1200 watts - big difference.
All stainless steel construction in both brands, same amount of insulation. Many of us have smoked in sub-zero temps with no problems. Check out some of the cold weather use posts, there are lots of them. Also, the inside and smoke boxes are virtually identical between the 2 brands.
Door latches: These types of smokers use a compression-fit door (no gasket). The latch(es) actually compress the door against the frame to seal it. The 1400 has one latch (insufficient, in my opinion, for that size door). One is fine on the Model 1, but not the Model 2 or 3; that's why there are 2 latches on the Model 2 and 3. Seals the door much better.
Wheels: The 1400 has small wheels, whereas all the Smokin-It models have larger, heavy-duty castors, 2 locking. May seem like a small thing, but makes a big difference when moving the smoker.
"Set and forget:" Yes! The SI units are absolutely set and forget! If you spend much time reading through the boards here, you will see that reinforced many, many times! They work exactly the same as the ST models!
Here's my opinion on what makes this such an easy decision:
Price: The 1400 is showing $595 on the ST website. You can get a Model 2 for $399. Almost $200 cheaper for the same size smoker. If you need the capacity, the Model 3 is still $100 cheaper, and a whole lot bigger! No brainer.
Warranty: ST has 2 years, SI has a 3 year warranty.
Customer Service: You absolutely will not find better customer service than with Smokin-It! When you call "customer support," you get a guy named Steve, who just happens to be the owner of the company! That doesn't happen very often! I can also personally endorse the service you will receive, and tell you that you won't find a finer group of people to deal with. Steve will bend over backwards to keep a customer happy.
Bottom line? I did the same research when I bought my Model 1 a year ago, and am so glad I made the decision I did. The reason you are finding many more reviews for the STs is they've been around longer. SI is hands-down more value for the dollar, and I believe has several improvements over the ST models, and is still cheaper (less-expensive, that is)!
Hope this helps - feel free to hit us with more questions, and look at the satisfied owners posts here. We have added about 400 members in the last year, which is pretty impressive, in my opinion! This forum is fast becoming the premiere "manufacturer's" forum on the web, built by satisfied owners. Hope to see you join the family! 8)
edit: I realized I said there were 3 latches on the #3; there are 2.
So I see this post is from awhile back. Have these gone up that much in price. The ST is still $595 but the SI #2 is $499 and the SI#3 is $699? Is it still a better deal? I'm trying to decide between the 2.
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So I see this post is from awhile back. Have these gone up that much in price. The ST is still $595 but the SI #2 is $499 and the SI#3 is $699? Is it still a better deal? I'm trying to decide between the 2.
If you have done the research on electric smokers, and compared the smokers feature by feature including size and warranty, SI is still the best bang for the buck.
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Don't quote me on it but back in the day the cost didn't include shipping. Now, I believe it is included. That cost was anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on size and distance.
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Welcome Eden! SI is still the best bang for the buck, especially when you consider inside dimensions, shipping, features and warranty. The SI smokers are also NSF-Certified, which is a big deal in the food service industry, ST is not. Do side-by-side comparisons and you will see. The quality of the SI is certainly not debated - they're great!
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First, welcome to the group!
I have owned both and I can personally say that the customer service and support from SMOKIN-IT is the best in the Q world, not to mention the side by side product comparison mentioned previously. You owe it to yourself!
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So I see this post is from awhile back. Have these gone up that much in price. The ST is still $595 but the SI #2 is $499 and the SI#3 is $699? Is it still a better deal? I'm trying to decide between the 2.
I bought my SI #2 in November 2016 and paid $428.99 for the smoker + $64.22 for shipping for a total of $493.21. The price including shipping is now $499.99, so there really isn't much difference. I live in the greater Dallas, TX area which actually puts me ~30-40 minutes away from the Smokin-Tex home. I nearly bought a Smokin-Tex, but have been super happy with the choice to go with SI instead. I remember at the time thinking about the fact I'd have to pay shipping vs. picking it up locally. However, I was able to buy accessories and pay shipping with SI and still save money over the Tex option. I also got a slightly larger smoker, excellent support, and a community that is priceless.
There is no question that if I had it to do over that I'd go with Smokin-It again...