Smokin-It User Forum!
General Discussions => Anything Goes!! => Topic started by: DivotMaker on January 01, 2014, 02:07:04 PM
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The Smokin-It forum is fast becoming one of the best "manufacturer" forums on the web. We're curious how it affected your decision to buy from Smokin-It, if any. Thanks for taking the poll!
Edit: I am not an employee of Smokin-It. I'm just a raving owner, who happens to be the moderator on the forum. This is for me. I have a pretty strong background in sales and marketing (not my current career), and I like to analyze things like this. Hopefully, this will help the company in the long run. I just wanted to see if our great group of members is actually influencing folks in the market for a smoker - I know it did me!
Thanks again!
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At the time I made a purchase (SI3), there was no forum. There were a few testimonials on the site, and the FAQs. There were other bbq/smoking sites with forums, but little to nothing on the Smokin-it units. I joined all the forums I found (and I am banned for life on one of them), and realized early on that no matter the manufacturer or cost, these were good units with very few problems. Emails to Steve were answered promptly, and he even took the time to return a couple of phone calls, as did another well known site.
It came down to comparing size, features, warranty and price. And in the end, the Smokin-it came out on top, in all categories. A real no-brainer.
And now there is the forum, and an entire cadre of enthusiastic users, spreading the word and sharing the experience.
To Steve and Rebecca, Ben and Tony, as well as every one else, Happy New Year.
Dave
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Thanks for the history, Dave! You're right; we're pretty new, compared to some others, but sure seem to be growing fast! I was thinking about this last night, and thought I'd take a poll! I seem to be seeing more intros from folks that say they watched us for awhile, and finally got one.
Here's to a great 2014!
Tony
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Even though I saw the SI at an outdoor show last March I found this forum when I was ready to buy. I lurked here a few times then pulled the trigger so to speak.
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Like Dave, the forum had not been created when I purchased the #2. I pulled the trigger based on feedback that I saw from other sites. I think the forum came around about a month after my purchase and has been a real help to me in finding new recipes and different ways to smoke meat. The forum is clearly a great source of information. Today, the forum is clearly a great resource for people that want to research the SI smokers and learn about the smokers from folks in the field that are using them successfully week after week!
Cheers
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Tony, correct me if I'm wrong but this forum has really seen the momentum shift in the last 3-4 months, has it not?
I remember visiting the forum before I purchased in October. But it didn't seem that active and honestly, it didn't sway my decision too much. The couple of posts on the other bbq forums that praised the SI units had a much bigger impact on my decision.
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You're correct, Rick. There's been a lot of growth, both in members and number of posts, since Sep/Oct. That's why I'm asking the question. Just curious, I guess, but it seems like more people are visiting before buying.
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the forum was HUGE in my decision to buy my #2. When you can converse with someone who has the same exact product, it simply brings the best out of us newbies. I really want to thank all who have helped me in previous cooks and I am sure I will be able to help others down the line. I got the #2 rib rack for Christmas and am looking forward to trying it out. i am banking on your guys advice to not foil ribs...LOL.
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That's great input, Bob - thanks! Definitely let us know how the rib rack works out, and yes, stay away from the foil! ;D
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I first saw the Smokin-It listed on Amazon with very good reviews and then found the main site and this forum. I saw how pleased everyone was with the unit and that helped a lot with the decision.
The forum had a lot of posts that included pictures so you knew they were credible reviews from actual users of the product.
I decided on this product pretty quickly for how expensive it was, just a day or two after I found it. It is actually pretty rare for me to purchase an appliance type of product (#3 smoker) without researching more in depth, but I was impressed with what I saw and the quick responses I got.
Jamie
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I think you made the right call Jamie! I too relied on the amazon site and practically 100% positive reviews as I recall, which was not something that I had seen for other electric smokers. The forum did not exist when I purchased my #2, so I am glad to know that it was helpful for you (and others) to see real life results! Cheers
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I picked it via amazon ratings! glad I did been happy with my results so far.
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Ive had my # 3 for about 4 months. Love will be glad to get pid in it, dont think im getting the temps im setting it at. But any way yes I was on the forum a lot. And there was a lot of other forums that were talking about the smokin it brand smokers. Dont take me long to look at a horse shoe. My buddy in Hamilton Mt is ordering the smokin# 2.
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Thanks for the comments, Randy! Hope to see you around often!
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I started looking at this forum on last Super Bowl Sunday. I was an avid fan of BBQ pitmasters and I thought I wanted to try my hand at smoking meats. I read a lot about Bradley, Cookshack, etc and I just did not like the pucks with the Bradley and the cost of the cookshack.
I came across SI, I reviewed the web site and Steve was running a special. I was not ready to pull the trigger but Steve said he would have some specials around Mother's day. I joined the forum in April and started reading about which smoker I should get. With the help of Joe and Sarge I was guided to get the SI#3. I purchased in May (the specials was a cover, cord hook, and rib hooks). I have not looked back since, and yes I would buy the #3 again in a heart beat.
The forum is an excellent resource and I have made many friends even though we have never met.
I really enjoy reading the posts and trying my best to perfect a recipe.
I recommend this forum to all smokers not just SI based upon the detailed procedures and awesome recipes.
What has really impressed me is that Steve answers email within hours not days. Thats Customer service.
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Being new, and converting from the lump charcoal method I needed the help from this site and the valuable comments from all the users. Thank you to all who helped me select my smoker.
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Good to hear we were able to help you, Coach! Welcome aboard!
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Originally I was pretty hot to buy either an MES or a Bradley and read their forums to try to get a feel for how their customers liked their products. I found out, from people complaining on their post, the MES has electrical issues, you can't change out the element easily, and it can't burn wood if set too low. I start Salmon at 100 degrees so that was a deal breaker. The Bradley sounded pretty good except for users complaining about the smoker or the conveyor belt breaking. What impressed everyone on their site was Bradley's customer service, they ship you a brand new smoker unit! That wasn't a great testimonial about their smoker's workmanship. It was on one of these sites that I heard the names, Smokeshack, Smokin Tex and Smokin-it. Wow, I suddenly had more choices. When I first saw the Smokin-It #1 I knew right away I found what I was looking for. I went straight to your forum and found a bunch of happy smokers who freindly and helpfull. How many company's can you call and speak directly to the boss. I rate Smokin-It and your forum Five stars. Well done.
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Thank you very much, Chipper! We're glad you found us!! ;D
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I read every post in the Mod 3 forum and a bunch of the others before I ordered.
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No. I never visited the forum before purchasing. I too was heavily influenced by reviews on Amazon, and I saw great comments on SmokingMeatForums.com.
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The Forum is great but I didn't find it until after I ordered.
The main influence for my order was another owner. He loved his machine and the food it makes. I was impressed with the quality of construction. I told Smokin-It about my buddy's referral and they sent him a flavor savor and seafood rack for his #2.
Well Played SI
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That's awesome, Brian! Hope your buddy is a forum member!!
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DivotMaker and old sarge beat the heck out of me until I was forced to buy the SI #3 - they took turns doing the beatin'. :o
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Oh, sheeza out back making me some spareribs and beef short ribs. I let you know if the beatin' was worth it. :P
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Not so much a "beatin'," Ernie...I like to look at it as "logical persuasion!" ;D
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I was heavily leaning towards the Smokin-it, and the forum pretty much confirmed my research and pushed me to pull the trigger and order it.
All the helpful posts have really helped me get started, as I have zero smoking experience.
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Glad to have you with us, Bruce! We'll turn you into a SI Pit Master in no time! 8)
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Where I live (in a codominium complex), if you want a gas/charcoal smoker/grill you have to move it 10 feet from the building to meet fire codes, which is a pain. Electrics have no restrictions. I bought a Brinkmann electric smoker back in June but was very dissatisfied with no temp controls, so started researching other electrics. Long story short, I saw something in my research about SI, visited the site and forum. The amazing thing about the SI was the virtual absence of negative reviews. Then after a call to SI and Steve actually answered the phone and took the time to answer my questions, I was sold.
Bought the #1 but in the last 3 weeks I've had several people ask me to cook ribs, chicken and salmon for them, so one of the people that sampled the excellent results bought the #1 from me yesterday, and I promptly ordered a #2 as its replacement. I can't wait to break it in.
Stevemakes a great product, and the customer orientation is first class.
I'm telling all my friends about SI!
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Thanks for the comments, Carl! Good luck (like you'll need "luck") with the #2! 8)
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We're glad you're here, Ed! 8)
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I was looking at an electric smoker, and the reviews recommended the Smokin-It smoker. Went over to the site, saw the smokers and clicked on forums. Came here read the stories of the owners are how happy they are with the smoker, and I was sold.
had a few questions, and members here were more than helpful. A real credit to the quality of the product, and the people who have come together to make this forum special.
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Thanks, John! Welcome to the family! 8)
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I learned from my prior electric smoker experience to definitely visit the owner's forum. That is where you get a true sense of the product. If I had done that before my prior purchase, I would not have made that purchase. Issues such as, "placing a brick in the cabinet to act as a heat sync", "installing a second heating element" and other absurd methods the owners were utilizing just to get the unit to function like it should have out of the box. Those were all red flags but unfortunately, I didn't discover the forum until after my purchase.
So yes, I read through a lot of the forum here and what I read definitely convinced me to go with Smokin-It over the other two brands that were in the running. Believe me, that says a LOT. One of the brands I was considering is manufactured in my home state, and I take a great deal of pride in that fact.
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Great story, Kevin! Thanks for adding to our success stories! I look forward to hearing of all your successes, and am always willing to help in any way I can! 8)
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Ratings on Amazon had a major influence. I didn't even know this forum existed when I purchased.
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The forum convinced me the smokers here were high value...and they are. After two smokes, we purchased a second one for our son in law this Christmas. Enjoy the community of everyone trying to get it right and helping each other.
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I have been smoking for a long time and have been using a Big Green Egg for over 13 years. While I always enjoyed the results of the egg, I was looking for something easier that could produce the same or better results.
My research took to to amazon and all over the internet. In the end I was looking at three vendors, Smokintex 1400, Iron Chef and #2 Smokin-it smoker.
I read a lot of the forum posts and in the end I have purchased the #2 smoker. The info on this forum is excellent and I felt much needed when changing from a different kind of smoking process.
Thanks for everyone's post, I plan to do my first smoke tomorrow night with Jerk Chicken Wings.
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The first thing that got me looking at these was they seemed to be the same thing as the Cookshack smokers minus the built in controller, but for half the price (I haven't seen that mentioned before here, is that a taboo subject?). Then I saw videos of Steve on youtube showing off the smoker and he seemed like a down to earth guy, it reminded me of my dad and his business. Finally I made it to the forum and saw an active community discussing smoking on this specific line of smokers, and I figured it was a done deal.
When I went from a cheap Kenmore grill to a Weber, my BBQ basically instantly got 10x better and more consistent. Same thing here going from a Masterbuilt gas smoker to the Smokin-it smoker instantly made my smoked goods 10x better and more consistent.
Having the forum here has been a great source for knowledge and a way to provide feedback on experiences, all up I'd be pretty disappointed if the forum died as it is now one of my daily checked sites.
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Thanks for the comments, guys! :D
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I honestly didn't know about the forum until I already made up my mind to buy :D
Glad I did find it though, you guys are great!
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Sure glad you found it, Jason!
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To be honest my Smokin-It smoker is my second favorite possession next to my gun collection!!
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Smokin' It was recommended to me from a friend. I started looking at the reviews on Amazon and then found the forum. It definitely solidified my decision to buy the #3. Haven't set it up yet, but should be seasoning it by next weekend
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I lurked for several months as I wasn't in a position where I felt I could spend the money. I was originally looking at the #3 to make big batches of whatever and give my foodsaver a workout. After seeing the delays once I was ready to purchase and figuring out just how easy these things were to operate, I went with the #2 and think that was definitely the right choice. I can still cook for parties involving 15 people easily and have leftovers for a day or two.
The recipes and information available, as well as the established members' willingness to answer any question (no matter how obviously from a newb) sealed the deal for me.
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I was pretty sure I was going to buy a MES during Christmastime when they were on sale. Even went to Academy, but they were out of stock. Someone there told me not to buy one because they were junk. Put it on the backburner until I built a patio earlier this year.
Asked a question on another generic smoking forum I lurked about electrics. Started talking to oldsarge on that forum a good bit about different models. He helped me narrow my search to the Cookshack 045 and the SI3. I was leaning heavily towards the Cookshack because of temps it offers as we eat a lot of poultry and the electronic controls. oldsarge directed me to this forum and the auber posts, that pretty much sealed the deal when I could get the temps I wanted, cost, and a better size. Then I found the heatermeter thread and it was a done deal. So count me as one of the ones that the forum got the sale.
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Tom, Steven and Trip - thanks for taking the time to comment! We really appreciate you all being here, and look forward to many happy smokes! 8)
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The forums were huge in my decision!!!!
Just purchased #2. Seasoned Friday and smoking first batch of boneless pork ribs with homemade rub tonight.
I will post results soon.
Doug
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Nice, Doug!!! Sure glad to have you with us! Be sure to head over to the "Introductions" section and tell us a little about yourself. Go ahead and throw your first name and town in your signature line, too! You're off to a great start, dive dude! 8)
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I am a researcher and smokin it kept coming up. I cannot say the forum swayed me to buy one but it did help my decision to buy a #2. I like to buy once cry once. So far it has been what i expected and looking forward to many trouble free years.
The forum now is great and a lot of great individuals willing to help and give their advise.
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Glad we can help, Eric!
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I heard about the Smokin It over in the Smoking Meat Forums. Lots of people had lots of good things to say and i've gotten nothing but good advice from that site over the years so I went for it. I was nearly ready to pull the trigger on the Yoder 640 pellet grill and I backed away from the edge and decided to stick with a propane grill and the SI#3 instead. Haven't regretted it for a second. I went to MI to pick it up and was more than surprised to find out that had I purchased it only a few months prior to when i did, I could have driven about 10 minutes up the road from my house instead of the 3 hrs to MI as Steve was in the next town over when the business was in OH. Oh well, road trip to MI was worth it.
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Steve did.
When I bought my 2, the forum did not exist. In fact, there were not a lot of reviews either. I exchanged emails and then a phone call with Steve. Bought right after that. Buying the 3 was a no brainer after having the 2 for a couple of years.
Mark
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This forum was huge influence. One of SI's direct competitors is local, and I could have had their equivalent model warming up on my back porch within an hour. It's hard to fake the kind of enthusiasm and community I found here if your product isn't at least as good as advertised. If y'all are a fraud you're a good one. ;)
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One of SI's direct competitors is local, and I could have had their equivalent model warming up on my back porch within an hour.
Just curious who is the competitor, and welcome to the forum from West Mich .
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This forum was huge influence. One of SI's direct competitors is local, and I could have had their equivalent model warming up on my back porch within an hour. It's hard to fake the kind of enthusiasm and community I found here if your product isn't at least as good as advertised. If y'all are a fraud you're a good one. ;)
That's a great endorsement, Scott! And, no frauds allowed here! :D Just a bunch of happy owners!
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One of SI's direct competitors is local, and I could have had their equivalent model warming up on my back porch within an hour.
Just curious who is the competitor, and welcome to the forum from West Mich .
The Texas connection is SmokinTex,a good smoker in it's own right. BUT! While they resemble each other in many ways, there really is no comparison. $ for $ you are way ahead with SI. Just do a comparison, feature by feature, warranty, size for money spent, etc.
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i actually joined the forum in sept. of 2013 and just lurked for a while then brooded over which size to get and the cost of shipping and put off buying what i already knew was the best smoker on the market. finally i purchased a masterbuilt 40 inch with the window on black friday of 2014 for a couple hundred bucks. Two so so smokes and it died in the middle of the third smoke. I didnt even clean it up i just loaded it in my truck and took it back and got a refund. Long story short i should have had my #3 a lot longer than i have. I am trying to make up for lost time though. I have been very pleased with my decision and the forums definitely played a part in my choice. Thank you!
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I really wished I had visited the forum first b/4 ordering. But, that is water under the bridge... I think I would have went with the #2. But, had pretty good reasoning for the #1, mostly will be cooking for 2 or maybe 3. Sooooooooooo really do not need the #2. But, may change my mind again. Can always sell the #1 on Ebay if I find I need more room. As someone said better to have the room and not use it as to not have the room and need it.
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Hi Bill... I think you will find the #1 will work great for smoking for a couple of people. Enjoy!
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When I bought my first #3, Smokin It was pretty scarce on the net...not too many reviews and of course no forum. 4 years later you can see the obvious improvements that have made to the models along with the #4 (which I need about as much as I need a hole in my head)......(but I want it...sooooooo bad) ::) and now there is this vibrant forum.
There is a member here that cancelled his order with another Mfg when seeing a little first impression review I did over on Lets Talk BBQ.....not many reviews were around then...........
Today.....Smokin-It is a major player in the Lazy-Que smoker market and still offers the best value for your hard earned dollar 8)
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Thanks for the good words, Scott! Glad you found time to get back with us! :D
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I did not know about the forum prior to my purchase. Only after asking Steve if the smoker came with a book of recipes and how to use. He told me to check out the forum as there are plenty of recipes and also great tips on the use of the smoker. Had I known would have purchased the #2 instead of the #1. But, it worked out ok as also have a #3 for large smokes.
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i've been looking at Smokin-it for a few years now (i believe since #2 came out) but i did not buy it... i wanted something mainly for fish and sausages, WSM doesn't have enough room for sausages.
I found this forum when i bought the #3 and i was looking for a controller, Auberin came up and somehow led me here...
I glad SI has its own forum, not much info about it on bbq-brethren (ok, full disclosure here :) ) It looks like i have to learn how to smoke all over again :-[
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i've been looking at Smokin-it for a few years now (i believe since #2 came out) but i did not buy it... i wanted something mainly for fish and sausages, WSM doesn't have enough room for sausages.
I found this forum when i bought the #3 and i was looking for a controller, Auberin came up and somehow led me here...
I glad SI has its own forum, not much info about it on bbq-brethren (ok, full disclosure here :) ) It looks like i have to learn how to smoke all over again :-[
Hey Pete, even if you have to learn all over look at it this way. You can sample all the great smoked items you will create in your new smoker and that is a great thing.
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Most likely would not have went ahead and bought the SI smoker in June, if I wouldn't have found this forum. It was the game changer!
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Thanks Jeff! Glad to have you with us!
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I can honestly say that my Smokin' It smoker is THE BEST single food preparation device I have ever bought...PERIOD!!
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This forum did sell me on the quality of this smoker and the loyal user support that the other brands did not offer.
I love the simplicity of the design and the ruggedness of the build; that and the three year warranty. ;D
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Thanks for the comments, guys!
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Made up my mind to buy an Electric smoker, I needed to be able to smoke my own fish instead of trying to swing it at relatives houses. Unfortunately I always gravitate towards quality which usually means more dinero. After all the research I settled in on either the smoking Tex or the SI. After I made up my mind that it would be one of these two I called and talked w Steve he answered all my questions and told me about the forum for further details. I just got this thing (The SI#3) last week and I'm confident I made the right decision. I had kinda already made up my mind about this before I was told about the forum, but the forum sealed the deal. Although it was a lot of money, less than the competitors, I find myself coming away thinking with the quality of this thing I don't think I paid too much. You can't say that about a lot of things these days.
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Good decision, Jayson.
It's built like a tank and the three year warranty certainly helps.
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Actually, my wife found Smokin-it. We had been talking about an upgrade and had looked at several stores - various brands. We came upon one that was interesting with a digital temp display. When we learned it had a 90 day warranty, we gave up and went home. My wife was surfing the web and came across a forum where some one asked if anybody knew about SI. From there she found the SI website and this forum. We read a fair bit and it sold us. In fact, we ordered our #2 & cart and a second set for our son!! The forum is a wealth of knowledge and advice. I learn stuff on every visit. But, yes, the forum cinched the deal! Thanks a lot.
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Great to hear, Steve! Thanks for the comment!
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I researched for months and kept coming back to Smokin-it. I can say without the forum I would probably still be struggling. Thanks to the advice and vast amount of information I'm producing Q that rivals any out there.
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Great to have you with us, Hulk! Thanks for the comment!
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I've been researching smokers for nearly a year. Almost decided on the "texas" smoker when I noticed the Smokin-It brand. I read ALL of the reviews I could find about Smokin-It smokers and took a look at the forum to see what user support was available. What an impression you all made on me!! The next day, I ordered my SI#1 and have been extremely happy with my purchase, though it took ruining a beautiful rack of pork spare ribs (from a local farmer friend) to impress on me the importance of using the right amount of wood. I've not been this excited about a purchase for a long time. This weekend I'll be smoking a whole chicken, using Tony "DivotMaker's" brine recipe and smoking directions. I'm already scouting the local farmer's markets for some fresh cheese to smoke! What fun!! Thank you, Smokin-It and the gang at the Smokin-It forum!
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Welcome from ND Keith!
Please head over to the Introductions forum and start a new thread to get some better visibility and tell us a little bit about yourself and your smoking experience along with what type of things you will be smoking in your new smoker.
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That's what we like to hear, Keith! I stumbled onto the Smokin-it smokers when I was researching smoker options over three years ago, and what a great decision! Happy smok'in!
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Welcome Keith from SE Arizona. You cannot find a better smoker or a better forum than right here.
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Hi Kieth! So great to have you with us! Very grateful to hear your kind words!! Hope you like the chicken! I also hope to see ya' around the boards often. Congrats!
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Hey, I was the #100 to vote that feedback from this forum was the tipping point for me to order the #3.
So, what kind of prize do I get for being the 100th to vote the forum as the reason I ordered the #3?
I knew what kind of electric smoker I didn't want. But, wasn't sure what kind I did want. The good folks here answered all of my questions and that gave me the confidence to jump in the water. It was shipped this morning. I will come back and post after I have had a chance to use it a few times. Hopefully, I wasn't led astray :)
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Welcome Daphnechen from SE Arizona.
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I was in the market for an electric smoker a few years ago. There were several that looked good to me and they all seemed to have the ability to do a fair/good job with hot smoke. But, the single most important job I wanted from it was cold smoke as well. None of those I had researched had the ability. Now, with all that in mind, Smokin-It was not even on my radar at that time so don't know if it would have swayed my opinion or not. Movin up to present days I was lookin once again and stumbled on the Smokin-It unit and the forum. Seems to be able to do it all and do it well so after lurking around the forum and asking a few questions I pulled the plug and ordered a 3d. It's sitting in the box at home and I'll be there next weeks to begin to mess around.
ThanX all for helping me to spend my $$$. And make some fine smoked meat & fish.
Roger from NJ
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I knew I wanted a small electric smoker but didn't really know where to start other than the obvious - google and amazon. A buddy recommended a pellet something-another that did get good reviews but somewhere along the google research path I happened across this forum. The product itself seemed to get good reviews, and this forum helped make the decision. I figured a user group of enthusiasts is a) a sign of a good product, and b) helpful in case I run into trouble of any sort.
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I knew I wanted a small electric smoker but didn't really know where to start other than the obvious - google and amazon. A buddy recommended a pellet something-another that did get good reviews but somewhere along the google research path I happened across this forum. The product itself seemed to get good reviews, and this forum helped make the decision. I figured a user group of enthusiasts is a) a sign of a good product, and b) helpful in case I run into trouble of any sort.
You made a great choice. I've had mine going on 5 years and it's as good as day one
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I did not spend much time on the forum before my purchase but I definitely utilize when I need suggestions or ideas for a smoke. Thanks for keeping it going.
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I love this smoker too much not to throw in positive reviews everywhere I can! I've had my smoker for a few weeks and I've cooked four times on it in two weekends. This was one of the best purchases I've made and I absolutely love the smoker! What's better is the support and community you get from people on here! This is one of the best forums for anything I've ever been a part of. I've posted questions which i get good answers to and when I've posted my food people have been very nice and often offer tips on how to improve! Reading through the forum you find that everybody is positive, nice, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable when you have a question. Using this smoker isn't that hard but this forum is like getting a full library of knowledge on everything you would need to know and people are constantly experimenting with new ideas! To anybody looking at this forum as part of their research before purchasing I say this.
*The smokin-it smokers are top quality and very easy to use. To the people telling you using an electric smoker isn't "real" BBQ, using a smokin-it smoker will turn out some of the best BBQ you or the naysayers have ever had.
*I've seen and used (but never owned) Cajun Injector and Masterbuilt smokers, and the quality doesn't compare to the smokin-it insulated stainless steel smokers.
*Get the biggest one you think you might need. It's a theme throughout the forum and if you can afford it totally worth it. I bought the 3D after some prompting from this forum and I will say the amount of space in it is amazing!
*Being active on the forum is great! The people here are fantastic and I love spending time on here reading and seeing what other people do and getting feedback on what i'm doing! There is no forum that is more helpful and positive then this one on any subject!
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My research on other forums and mentions of the pros and cons of many different branded electric smokers led me to the Smokin-It Forum. It's here within the forum's wisdom, guidance and encouragement I found just the right smoker for my needs ... the big little #1. Could not be any more happier with my decision.
Smoke On!
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Sarge told me I would be a moron if I didn't buy one so I did. And man I am glad I did.
And Sarge did not say that. He was the reason I know about this unit and maybe 90% of why I bought it. He reccomended it on another board and sent me here. I have to admit I love my smoker It is about to be loaded in the camper (3rd time) for Turkey day at the campground. Using this thing that I love. Thanks sarge for the kick in the ass I needed.
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Good thing Old Sarge gave you that kick, Ray! Great to have you with us, and great to see the forum is still the driving force behind SI sales!! Great job, everyone!
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Huge impact!!!
I found out about this forum from a post on Smoking Meat Forum by Old Sarge. (Knew of Cookshack, but had never heard of Smokin-It before that.)
All I can say is "wow!". This forum is full of information to help in the decision-making process. So, I've been lurking here, reading as much as I could for a couple of months before joining, and, ultimately ordering a Smokin-It!
And, although I'm a relative newby to smoking, I already have confidence that there's going to be a short learning curve with the smoker once it arrives, thanks to everyone and all the info on this site. And I know where to go first with questions.
Hope to get to be a contributor at some point. What a great community here!!
Thanks again.
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Huge impact for me also I was on Smoking Meat forum looking to up grade my 35 year old big Chief for smoking salmon and ribs. Wanted a good quality Electric that I did not have to mess with it as soon as I bought it, a turn key good easy to learn smoker. Old Sarge sent me here and now waiting till Tuesday to pick mine up. With out this Forum I am sure I would not of bought my #1 All good reports about all their smokers and very friendly members that answered all my dumb questions I had to ask.
Thanks Hank R
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Yes. Son-in-law and daughter have a #2, recommended it, and the site. I spent a couple hours on the site and pulled the trigger. Great smoker, and the site is invaluable. Still use the site before every smoke!
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Huge impact and with the advice of another current owner, lots of straight forward answers and proven tricks of trade, and bare none the best and hardest working owner that goes out of his way to attain his customers happiness, been smoking for some years now on my brinkman/CS smo25! always find great help/info in the forum.
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Simply put, the forum was the bomb! I would not have invested this much money without reading this forum for a few hours. I was a doubter when it came to electric smokers. After 3 weeks with my 3D Wifi, I am spreading the Smokin-It word!
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No influence on purchase but has had a substantial impact on purchase satisfaction. Simply put the forum is both a tech support and how to community that is really a pretty huge value add for owners.
Jason
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I still haven't purchased, but the site is beneficial for helping me understand (and learn) about the differences between the 2,2D,3 and 3D models. Still undecided about a purchase and hoping there's a Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Thanksgiving deal/discount. Currently comparing to a few similar models from other manufacturers to determine on which to pull the trigger. Replacing a MES40 Gen1.
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Under this section you will find a smoker comparison chart. A tad out dated but you can easily compare different smokers then and now by visiting the sites.
https://www.smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=4678.0
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Here is the updated comparison chart
https://www.smokin-it.com/v/vspfiles/files/SmokerCompare1.pdf
Thanks,
Ben
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Thanks Ben. The chart has needed some updating. A really useful tool!
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The forum was the biggest impact on making a purchase. I felt the price of the #1 was high. However after reading reviews for the Masterbuilt and problems with the electronic board and virtually no customer service help that pushed me to buy the little tank! Another thing was Smokin-It is family owned, I work for a family owned business and I want to support Steve.
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Well said Brian.
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The forum had a great impact on my decision to buy. I ran across Smokin-It in a web search on best smokers for a small balcony in a condo. Found the forum about two minutes after that and spent about 1 month reading. Was going to originally buy a Model 1 but decided on a 2 after reading the forum. Would have bought a three but the closet I have to put it in won't hold it.
Arrived Monday, already seasoned and will be smoking my first pork butt tomorrow after using Divot's brine today....can't wait until that pulled pork is ready will try to post pics....Being from NC, I love pulled pork!!!!
Looking forward to getting to know all of you as I learn to smoke various different things.....The prime rib sounds to die for ;D
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Arrived Monday, already seasoned and will be smoking my first pork butt tomorrow after using Divot's brine today....can't wait until that pulled pork is ready will try to post pics....Being from NC, I love pulled pork!!!!
Looking forward to getting to know all of you as I learn to smoke various different things.....The prime rib sounds to die for ;D
Welcome to the family, Thomas! I absolutely loved my #2... it will treat you right. :)
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I think this forum is incredibly helpful for anyone doing any research before they buy. I actually found out about SI smokers when I was researching another brand. I saw a comment about how well SI smokers were made and another poster said that it really wasn’t fair to compare SI and other brands due to the price difference. That led me to to look into SI, and I found this forum. I probably spent 8 hours reading post after post, and that changed my mind about my purchase.
Most reviews/forum discussions of other brands talk about the failures. There are not many failure discussions on here. The discussions are from people who have been happily using their smokers for years. The sense of community and support here is amazing.
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I just happened to surf across Smokin-It while looking at another brand as well. CS was very familiar to me after using it in a commercial establishment over 30 years ago. I had also learned of ST while searching for electric smokers. When I came across SI I became very interested after seeing and comparing their equipment to the others. While looking through every page on the SI website I came across the link to the forum. I read through many posts and it became very clear as to which electric smoker I should buy. I’m very happy with the choice I made.
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Amazon ratings have bought me to the best place where I can quench the thirst of my knowledge about smoker
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Amazon charges more and charges for shipping. And assembly. No assembly required except for wheels. So, which model are you buying? Also, I rarely trust amazon ratings.
https://www.amazon.com/Smokin-It-Model-2-Electric-Smoker/dp/B003KKLDX0/ref=sr_1_2?c=ts&keywords=Outdoor+Smokers&qid=1648144358&refinements=p_89%3ASmokin-It&rnid=2528832011&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-2&ts_id=553774