#1 vs #2 ?

[KyDog]

I was thinking about getting my son a #1 for christmas, is there much different in the performance of the smokers. The #1 has a 400 watt element vs the 700 watt on #2. I own an #2 and really like the smoker, just wish it got a little hotter to crisp up the skin on poultry.

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[jcboxlot]

Buy yourself a #3, clean up the #2 and give that as the gift!

I can't attest to performance between the 1 and 2 but the extra rack space should always help. 

Weather its the 1 2 or 3, I dont think chicken ever gets crispy.

John

[DivotMaker]

First:  Give up on chasing "crispy skin" in any electric smoker - ain't gonna happen.  When I finally realized this, and just settled for the best smoked poultry I've ever had, a burden was lifted off my shoulders!  Crisp in a hot oven or on the grill at the end, if you need to!

Now, with that being said, size needs should determine which one you buy.  I have pretty solid experience with both the #1 and #2, and I hands-down prefer the #2.  The Little Guy is a solid performer, but for not much more, the #2 offers a lot more smoker.  More room, bigger element, 2 door latches.

If you need the room of a #3, John's suggestion isn't bad, either!

[es1025]

I would go with the 2 or 3.  the bigger element and the internal size is worth the extra $$$.

[old sarge]

Here is my 2 cents:  Regarding performance between the two different element wattages, they are sized for the capacity of the smoker. Your finances will dictate how much to spend, as will the size of your son's family. Having said that, the old adage that you can cook less in a larger smoker but not more in a smaller smoker needs to be considered. Handing down a cherished possession from one generation to another is a time honored tradition. Getting something new and shiny 'just like dad's' is always is always appreciated.

Can a smoker really be called a cherished possession?

[DivotMaker]

Can a smoker really be called a cherished possession?

Great point of view, as always, Dave.  To answer your question directly - YES!!

[KyDog]

sorry about the late responce, ended up buying the #1 and he was more then happy  with the christmas gift.
thanks for the replies.
Dog

[DivotMaker]

Great gift, Dog!  I bet he loves it.  Make sure he joins us here!