full size packer trim briskets

drains

drains

New member
Afew questions. Which is the best value the for the dollar the #2 or the #3? Is the #3 worth the extra 100? Will the racks in the #3 hold full size packer trim briskets without cutting them in half? Which one I buy depends on the answers to these questions.  Thanks
 
I have a #2 but have found I would really really like the extra space the #3 has. The #4 is very large and would be super awesome but just a bit out of my range atm.
 
Welcome, Drains!  The #1 or 2 will not hold a full packer (longer than 14").  The #3 is 22" deep, so will easily hold whole packers (usually don't see any longer than that). 

If your budget fits the #3, go for it.  Best bang for the buck!
 
Drains, I have a #2. Just smoked a 13.9 lb packer yesterday. I had to trim a pound and a half off the point end to fit. Funny thing was I put the Lil cut on the top shelf to smoke. I was gonna take the Lil one to work Tuesday morn thinking it would be done.... …I forgot to take it out that morning when I got home at 2 pm I thought it would be a nice doorstop after cooking for so long (15 hours or so) Wrong I stuck it with the instant read..... 199 pulled the Lil piece out it was the most tender tasty Lil morsel. I couldn't believe it wasn't  ruined. Made a nice snack before the real one came out. I love this Smokin-It smoker!
 
How many packers could be cooked in the #3 at one time? Just trying to get it right before I pull the trigger. Given the long cooking times involved it would make sense to fill the smoker as full as possible even if you have to remove some before others as they get done. Thanks to all for the info. I'm learning more each time I log on.
 
drains said:
How many packers could be cooked in the #3 at one time? Just trying to get it right before I pull the trigger. Given the long cooking times involved it would make sense to fill the smoker as full as possible even if you have to remove some before others as they get done. Thanks to all for the info. I'm learning more each time I log on.
Click to expand...

#3 owners??  Based on the internal height, maybe 3 at one time?  Or could it be 4?
 
Caveat SI3 rookie speaking....

I'd say 3 with 4 a stretch having to cut stuff up and so forth; but again I'm guessing at that part.

For me, I firmly believe with no peaking. But if three full sized boys I'd want to open and rotate every couple hours. My fear would be the bottom rack so considering quick recovery times on these it wouldn't be an issue.

Go with the SI3 if worried about the $100 don't be worried.

If you want more, than go for broke and get the SI4.  I couldn't do it because my family of 5 cannot eat that much food. But as my dad would say just get the SI4 ... It's only money ... They print it every day. :-) (well that's good and maybe true, if they don't send it to me it means nothing)... But at some point when older and frankly no more worries because there simply isn't time left to worry... What the hell.

SI3 is a steal if a deal.

Steve
 
I'd be happy to run a 3 packer test in my #3.  Please send me 3 packers in your choice of sizes.  ;D

Honestly, I don't think my #3 would have had the horsepower to cook 3 packers.  If it could have, it would have taken a very long time (48 hours +).  Now, with the auber, I think I could.  But like polish q stated, you'd probably want to rotate them and keep a close eye on individual temps.  The packer in the bottom rack would likely gobble up most of the heat.
 
I would  like to buy the #3  but just cant get past having to spend 25% of the purchase price (124.52) for shipping. Maybe in the future there will be a more economical shipping choice. I contacted steve and there isn't an alternative to fedex except picking it up. I live in Texas, so much for that one. If anyone around eastern Texas has on for sale post it here and let me know how to contact you. Many thanks I always enjoy reading all the great info here.
 
Drains, I know the shipping seems, on face value, a little high.  Remember, though, this is a big, heavy unit (135 lbs).  Plus, this type of shipping (they're very close to a FedEx hub) almost eliminates the possibility of shipping damage (very few transfers).  With that said, I think many will agree that - even with the shipping cost - the #3 is a bargain, compared to any "close" competitors' prices!  In my opinion, a one-time, lifetime cost.  This unit will last you that long!

Edit:  Bite the bullet, one time, on the shipping cost.  I didn't, and really needed a #2, but got a 1 based on shipping and total cost.  Now that I know how good these are, I kick myself for not getting the size I needed.  The #1 is a fantastic unit, I just find myself limited on size.  Bottom line - if you can afford it, go for it!  The #3 is a formidable beast of Q! ;D
 
The #2 is substantially less to ship with it being 79lbs.  Its a good size.  I cooked dinner for 15 in it @ Christmas & had room for more food in it as well I had leftovers.  I'm sure the #3 is great but the #2 ain't so bad if the shipping costs are an issue.  I absoloutly love mine.  Good luck.
 
DivotMaker:

Not sure if its okay I post this b/c it has some other OEM information; however, its information I collected to help make my decision and thought it may be useful considering this thread. I won't be offended if it must be removed.

ST1400 SI1 SI2 SI3 SM009
Cost 595 289 399 499 675
Cart Cost 200 169 169 199 375
PID            ?? 199 199 199 0
Drip Pan      0 0 0 0 0
Cover        50 30 35 40 175
Shipping 100 0* 0* 0* 100
Total        945 687 802 937 1325

* note is instore pickup so $0 shipping.

Heating 700 W 350W 700 W 1200 W 500W
Weight 90 lbs 57 lbs 80 lbs 135 lbs 74 lbs
Capacity 35 lbs 22 lbs 35 lbs 45 lbs 25 lbs
Racks 5 2 4 4 3
Rack L 14.5 12.5 15 15 14
Rack W 14.5 13.5 15 20 14
Rack Area 210.25 168.75 225 300 196
Tot AREA 1051.25 337.5 900 1200 588
Insulated YES YES YES YES YES
 
Chart looks good to me.  Nothing negative.  As Joe Friday used to say:  "Just the facts". 
 
I have a #3 i ordered it durring the cyber monday special.  I felt a little guilty for buying it as a gift for myself.  So I offered to smoke brisket for my wife's work.  I got a lug of meat from the buisness Costco that included 5 briskets.  They were between 11 and 14 lbs.  I smoked 2 one day and 3 the next.  I think it would be tough to fit more than 3 in at a time. 

I also smoked some spatchcocked chickens in my #3 and I can put two birds on each shelf.  So you could easily smoke 8 chickens at a time.   
 
Welcome, MidnightBrewer!  Good info on the #3 capacity.  Take time to post something about yourself in the Introductions sections when you can.  We look forward to your pictures and recipes!  We love pictures!
 
Did you rotate the briskets during the smoking process? Did you use a pid? How many hours did it take to finish the 3 briskets at once? How much wood did you use? Any other details would be appreciated.
 
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