3 vs 3.5. Which one?

[BoatworksToday]

Hey all

So will be ordering one of these units after the 1st of May (hoping there will be a mother’s day sale like past years). Question is which one?  We’re a family of 4 and realistically don’t see using more than 2 racks  at a time. *But* that’s providing the 2.25” space between each rack is enough to actually fit anything.  Burgers, jerky, wings etc no issues but what about ribs?  Will they fit without skipping levels?  I know, dumb question . Leaning towards the 3 but not sure of the amount of space it actually can hold.

Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated!

Thank you

 

[old sarge]

I have the 3D and have not experienced any problems with baby backs or St. Louis style.  Plenty of room. I have not smoked beef ribs.  My advice would to get what your budget allows.  Bigger is always better even if you do not need the room now; but what about the future?  And welcome to the forum.

 

[LarryD]

The 3 series is certainly large enough for a family of four.  Even if you only used 2 shelves you could easily fit 4-6 full racks of ribs.  I'm pretty sure you could use all 4 shelves, though.  I suspect the spacing of the shelves took ribs into consideration, in particular. 

The 3.5D is $500 more than the 3D.  I would recommend getting getting the 3DW instead...  it's only $120 more than the 3D and then you have the convenience of programming and controlling the PID from your phone or tablet.

 

[BoatworksToday]

@LarryD  Definitely going with the WiFi unit  !  What's funny is that I had previously decided on the 3.5 and I've been on hold ordering a smoker as I was waiting for the 3.5 to get back in stock.  Once that happened I took another look at the 3 and as much fun as it sounds to have 50+ pounds of something smoking it just isn't practical given the size of our family lol.  As small as the dimensions of the 3 are, looks like you can still fit a crap load in there (50+ burgers or wings, few butts, 4-6 full racks, etc) and most of those smokes would feed 40 people or more.  I don't even know that many people that I'd like to have over for dinner  lol ! 

As long as ribs will fit stacked one on top of another without skipping racks then I'm sold!  @old sarge so you can confirm that the spacing between  levels is enough to stack pork ribs?

One quick followup on how the WiFi works; if the smoker is running at the house (connected to wifi) am I able to monitor and adjust settings when I'm on the road or at work, or does it only work if I'm connected on the same wifi router?

Again thank you!

 

[LarryD]

As small as the dimensions of the 3 are, looks like you can still fit a crap load in there (50+ burgers or wings, few butts, 4-6 full racks, etc) and most of those smokes would feed 40 people or more.  I don't even know that many people that I'd like to have over for dinner  lol ! 

Despite being 7" shallower, my #2 never failed to feed a family of 4 with tons of leftovers that I would vacuum seal and throw in the freezer.

One quick followup on how the WiFi works; if the smoker is running at the house (connected to wifi) am I able to monitor and adjust settings when I'm on the road or at work, or does it only work if I'm connected on the same wifi router?

I'm relatively certain it will only connect when you are on the same network and not out in the wild.

 

[barelfly]

This may help with the 3D.  This is the most racks of ribs I’ve done at once, this was a few years ago and I believe they are baby backs.

I am also a family of four, the 3D is perfect for me. When I made these racks, I was cooking for a party, did a few pork butts and these ribs. I’m cooking for 70mor so this Friday, so had to call in my Dad’s #2 to help with the load. 2 briskets in my 3D and 2 butts in the 2.

I think the 3 is a great size. Enjoy whichever you choose!

 

[BoatworksToday]

@Barelfly  That pic was very helpful, thank you!  Decision made, going with the 3D Wifi 
Thanks again everyone for the input!

 

[LuvMyQ]

First, LarryD is right.  The 3 is probably plenty for most families of 4.  And his WiFi recommendation is right on.  As for ribs, you can fit 2 full racks in one shelf.  I have not tried, but believe you could do stack ribs in successive rack slots.  But I have seen other advice on here that having space around your meat is good. 

As for the WiFi, it has been awhile, but I know I have been able to monitor mine when I was mikes away.