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.