How did you find out about Smokin-It?

I thought I would revive a good thread since I'm a brand new Model 3 owner.

Like several others, I never thought I would go Electric.  It wasn't "natural".  I love cooking and my family loves BBQ.  But I just didn't have time to do it and didn't.  My neighbor bought a MES and I helped him with his first two cooks.  The food turned out good and I was amazed how simple it was.  I decided I had to have electric so that I could cook more often.  Thus, the search started.  It quickly came down to CS, ST, and SI through internet research.  I entertained a Blazin Grill Works Pellet cooker for a while. It's a really nice unit.  But I didn't think I would get the smoke that I wanted from it and it was pricey.  I have a grill and didn't need another one.

I chose the Smokin-it for four reasons:  Size/value = larger cooking area for the money, double latched door, 12 foot cord, and couldn't find a negative review.

I almost went Smokin Tex 1400  because I could pick one up for the same price locally.  But I decided I would be "settling".  I wanted the extra capacity and the double latch door. 
 
I just registered, thanks for the tipoff.  Now we can start spreading the news on the Smokin-It product line, help Steve grow his business.  He will have to start some kind of smokin point system that we can use to get discounts on future purchases.....  Kidding of course, anything to help Steve out.
 
Smokster said:
I just registered, thanks for the tipoff.  Now we can start spreading the news on the Smokin-It product line, help Steve grow his business.  He will have to start some kind of smokin point system that we can use to get discounts on future purchases.....  Kidding of course, anything to help Steve out.

Hehe...I'm all about the "point system," T!  I'm wanting to upgrade to a #3 next spring! ;)
 
In regards to my purchase, I spent many hours researching and I really liked what I saw about the Smokin-It smoker, but with very little information, I was hesitant.  I kept learning towards cooks hack, but the price and size where a sticking point, but then I started looking at replacement parts and the electronic temp control was a steep $225 large ones.  At the same time, time I couldn't get the Smokin-It out of my mind.  Then I started looking at the smokin text as an alternative to the cookshack, but the features on the Smokin-It were just to good to be true and a comparable product.  Well, needless to say, my heart was set on the #3 and I never looked back and absolutely no regrets.  It is the. Best bang for the buck, great quality, customer service and Steve stands behind his product.  I love my smoker.
 
I have never owned a smioker, so I researched a lot of reviews, almost bought a MES, my buddy has a MES Xl propane, and I knew it was a lot of babysitting, and strangely, one day... Smokin-it review came across the screen, - i was intrigued, all reviews were great for the most part.    BUT.... the true selling point for me was this forum. I know that I could ask questions, share ideas, etc with others who have the same smoker as me. That is what sealed the deal.
 
My son and I were at the Ohio Deer and Turkey Expo last March and saw t the Smokin-it display I talked to whom ever was working the booth. He was very knowledgeable , I liked what i saw.They had a deal on a scratch and dent #2........ We wandered around the show for a while..... I then went back to pull the trigger but all the smokers they had on hand were spoken for. So 8 months later I had to have one(#2) when my POS smoker crapped out on a brisket I was doing for a neighborhood party. My neighbors tend to collect on my back porch when there's smoke in the air  ;)
 
I had gone through a lot of smokers from the big box guys and a unit from the local BBQ shop. I went online to search for something better. Glad that I found Smokin-It, never been happier.
 
Found this post and as a new recruit to the forum I thought I'd add my short, simple story. 

For decades I'd been a dedicated 'griller'....certainly not a week would pass without something coming from the grill, and most weeks, several 'cookouts' per week. 

Maybe 7-8 years ago my youngest daughter (bless her soul!!) bought me a small electric smoker that looked like one of those old-timey electric 'roasters'.  Well it was love at first smoke, and over a period of years, despite caring for my baby with religious fervor, it finally rusted-out.  Replacement parts weren't to be found, and the unit was no longer sold.

I was BUMMED.... so began my search (Internet of course given the age) for a new one.  Stainless steel was my first priority, and fitting the designated space on my porch/deck (wife calls it my outdoor kitchen...but not fancy enough to deserve such a name) was second. 

I examined closely the offerings of several makers, reading reviews about them, checking out their forums if they had one, etc.  It pretty easily narrowed down to Smokin-it and now I have a new 'love at first smoke'. Despite living on the water (salt that is), I'm thinking the cabinet will still be in bristol shape when it becomes an inventory item in my 'estate'.  I stocked up on several temperature controllers and heating elements, so I should be good to go for as long as I'm good to go.
 
Sounds like you're set, George!  Pretty smart thinking, buying elements and controllers ahead of time!  You never know what the future holds, so good to be prepared! ;)
 
For me it was some intense web searching.  I had my eye on one of the competitors for a couple years, then this fall I began my search again on web, amazon, etc.  I think Amazon probably was probably my first hit on this smoker along with another similar brand.  I basically sat down and compared models / sizes / features.  Granted I knew I wanted a "hold" feature, but it was just too expensive on all the competitors.  Then I seen Smokin-it with its analog version and on the same site the Auber PID if I wanted to add that type of feature.  It still seemed like a better value than all the competition.

So the only thing that I was caught up on is made in USA or not.  To be honest I have some Beer Brewing equipment from overseas from Stout Tanks and by far it was the best value out there, so I decided to let go made in the USA factor and pull the trigger on a Smokin-it #3.  Shipping was prompt and I was impressed with the quality and sturdiness of the smoker.  Needless to say I only waited a couple weeks to order the Auber PID from right here as well.  Again shipping was very quick.

Lastly I had one small issue and when I reached out (on Christmas Eve since it was front of mind during my smoke that day).  I really didn't think I would have anyone contact me until later that day or after the 1st of the year for that matter, but within a hour or two I got a response back and resolution was already planned.  I about fell out of my chair when I saw the email that day.

Needless to say I'm TOTALLY impressed with the product, customer service, and all the great people contributing and helping others out on this forum.  I sound like a salesperson, but this is definitely one purchase I will never 2nd guess.

Happy new year everyone,
Wik
 
This is a Copy of my Email to SI that I sent with my order:

Smokin-it,

I stopped at a friends house last night for a few beers and to admire their new baby boy. While visiting I mentioned that I  was getting a Bradley Smoker.  I had borrowed a Bradley in the past and had good results. At that time , my friend looked at me like I had just dropped his child and stated "Oh……K"

A few later beers into the evening he put his hand on my shoulder and with a grave look on his face, and said "I know you may have your heart set on that Bradley, but let me show you what you need."
I then received a demo and testamonial on his Smokin-it Model #2. He is thrilled with it and loves the food he can produce. I admired the quality of construction and the ability to use multiple wood types. While the Bradley does make tasty food I had always been slightly turned off by it's Refurbished Dorm-Frige appearance, and frustrated by being limited to the hockey pucks for smoke.

I thought your prices were reasonable for what I am receiving and I appreciate the gift of the chip tray and rib hooks. However I was shocked by the obscene shipping costs. I guess that is the negative aspect of All Stainless Steel Construction.

If you would like to include a thank-you note or small gift as commission to your Michigan Sales Representative, Detective Adam (Name and Dept. included on original) PD with my order I would be happy to deliver it to him.

I look forward to using my #3,
Brian

*Update SI sent my buddy a Flavorsavor and Seafood Rack, so get out there and refer some new owners!
 
I was researching pellet grills because of the auto feed system and realized I wanted one mostly for smoking.
One internet link led to another and I found electric smokers.  The competitors all seemed to have major flaws in the $300 - $500 price range.  It is almost like Steve looked at the more expensive smokers and thought he could make one just as good for less money.  Positive reviews on customer service, replaceable inexpensive heating elements, and comments on this forum made my decision easy.
 
Seriously? You could be smoking right now. Your only talking about a few dollars worth of stuff. It would be nice but dont let it get in the way of good food.
 
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