Hello from not so sunny Wisconsin!

[restorick2378]

Hello everyone,

My name is Rick, and I've been interested in smoking meat ever since my brother turned me on to it a few years back.  I've been using an old bullet smoker, but am looking at either a #2 or #3.  I'm a bit of a geek as well, so building a PID is likely a project I'll be undertaking as well!

Looking forward to meeting you all - thanks for a great resource!

Rick

 

[DivotMaker]

Welcome to our new friend from Packers country, Rick!  I've spent a lot of time in Wisconsin, and have been a lifelong Packers fan!  Good to have you here.

As far as the decision between a #2 and #3 - it's all about how many people you smoke for on a regular basis.  Also, if you want the room to smoke whole packer-cut briskets or full racks of ribs (without cutting them into half-racks), then the #3 is the choice.  Either way, they're both great!

 

[Pork Belly]

Hi Rick,
At least you are considering the right brand of smoker. You wont regret the decision. What you may regret is getting a 2 instead of a 3. Factor in friends company, children as to how much meat you will need to put out. You can always cook less in a big smoker.

My friend that introduced me to SI has a 2, I bought a 3. He gave me a hard time for going bigger than his. I laughed and said "You have a baby and a toddler that 2 is going to get outgrown when those boys start eating piles of meat.

Let us know what way you decide and post pictures of your creations.

 

[restorick2378]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  Yep - I'm leaning toward the 3, and ultimately would be integrating it into a kitchenette on my deck, once I get that built.

I took a hard look at a number of smokers, and this one really gets great reviews not only for quality but also for customer service.  I've pinged Steve a couple of times with questions and he's always quick with a response.  I just need to finish up my deck railing rebuild and another #3 will have a home!

Go Pack!

 

[DivotMaker]

Sounds like the #3 will be a great addition to an outdoor kitchen!

 

[Smokster]

Hi Rick.

Welcome to the forum.  I have the #3 and it is the way to go. The extra capacity and higher heating element is worth the extra cost and at the price point, any competitor brands does stand a chance.

It is a solid unit and even if you start with smaller smokes, there will eventually come a point when you need the extra space without the need to upgrade.

 

[mnsmoker]

Couldn't agree more the #3 is an awesome unit add an Auber with fixed probe an you'll be stunned with how this thing performs.

 

[old sarge]

Welcome from Arizona!

 

[es1025]

Rick
Old sarge told me a year and half ago. Go big!
You can always cook less in the #3 than more in the #2.
Best decision i ever made.

 

[NDKoze]

I think Old Sage told me the same thing on another forum and also as the one to get me looking at the Smokin-It verses the Masterbuilt and Landmann smokers that I was originally looking at.

Sage advice from the Smokin-It veteran!