need some advice about size of #3

[4wd-n-archery]

I am 95% that the 3 is the perfect size for me. Most often I will be cooking for parties of 10 to 20 people, but for the occasional meal that feeds my family of 4, is the #3 too much
Pretty sure I know the answer, but I'm so excited about jumping into this premium smoker, I cant stop thinking about it.

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[swthorpe]

You can always smoke less in a larger unit, but not more in a smaller unit!   So, yes, the #3 will accommodate both large smokes and small.   Cheers!

[DivotMaker]

Well-put, Steve!  That's the bottom line!

[es1025]

I agree with Steve, I have never filled mine up, but I thought the extra wattage on the thermostat was worth the extra $$.  Size does matter.

[DivotMaker]

I might also add that I originally bought the #1.  Just 3 of us in the house, and I don't really do a lot of big cooks for entertaining.  While the #1 has performed admirably, I have always felt very limited on "Q real estate!"  I'm currently testing the electronic controller model 2, and wish that I had gone with that from the start.  It seems huge compared to my #1, and would have fit my needs better.  If I did the large cooks, like you, I would definitely have gone for a #3.  You won't be disappointed!

[Three Sons BBQ]

I never had a 1,2,3 or 4.

I too went with the 3. Mostly I feed my family of five; where my little guys aren't eating much. Once a month I feed a larger group of 30. So far the #3 has done well with both crowds.

I guess for me I am not certain why the #2 is on the market because for $100 more you get the extra size. I guess having never seen a #2 I will just say I was happy when I opened up my #3 that I went for it over the others. 

Bottom line: if I had to do it again I'd get a 3 again!

[DivotMaker]

You make a valid point, Steve, and I think the #2 might ought to be the "small" size.  I don't know, though, because my model 1 has been a champ!  It, too, fits the needs of many customers.  I think it boils down to "need."  You, obviously, have a bigger need than many (feeding 30).  While I would love to have a 3, if for "bragging rights" alone, it's really overkill for me.  You have to consider more than just the "$100 price difference."  There's quite a bit more in shipping cost, approximately 50 pounds more weight, and a substantially larger "footprint."  Yes, it's a fantastic unit, but this is not a "one size fits all" scenario.  Price aside, I don't think I would have ordered a #3 for my own needs....but that's just my 2-cents!

[4wd-n-archery]

All really good points.
I have plenty of room for it. If all goes well with it I will shoot more deer next year and do big batches of snack sticks. They go quick.
evrryones input just helps re-affirm my decision is the right one for me.

[Three Sons BBQ]

... And to be serious here we are splitting hairs here really.

By my simple math it all equates.

1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = Smoked

[DivotMaker]

... And to be serious here we are splitting hairs here really.

By my simple math it all equates.

1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = Smoked

Well-put!