Is the model 1 big enough

K

KevinS

New member
Hi all,
I don't mean to beat a dead horse as I've seen numerous other posts regarding the sizes but wanted to ask a few more before I pull the trigger. Is the model 1 really any smaller than many other smokers I have looked into (ie:masterbuilt 30)? I've got 3 young kids and a wife who isn't really all that fond of smoked food (many other redeeming qualities!) in your opinion(s) will this be enough for me and the boys and maybe a neighbor to enjoy a brisket with? I don't want to make a mistake and order too small but also have a hard time dropping between $400-$500 for the model 2. Thanks in advance. -Kevin-
 
Hi Kevin,

As a #1 owner, and user of a #2, I can address this question.  First, I love my #1.  It has been nothing but ultra-dependable, and adequate in size for me, my wife and son.  Btw, my wife didn't much like smoked food either, until I started smoking it in a Smokin-It.  Now, she asks for it!  ;) 

The #2 is great.  I like that there is a lot more height than in the 1, which comes in handy.  In the 1, you are "vertically limited" if you want to smoke, say, 2 Boston butts at once...can't.  You can do 3 racks of baby back ribs in the #1, and 1 packer brisket (14 lbs or so), and up to a 13 lb turkey.  The #2 can comfortably do more.  If you plan on smoking for more people, the #3 is also a great value in this kind of smoker. 

If I had it to do over, from the start, I would have gone with a #2, or even a #3.  From what you are saying about family size, I think the #2 will be perfect.  You won't regret the extra cost.

My advice is to go as big as your budget allows, but be realistic about your needs.  As much as I would like a #3, I know it's too big for my needs.  Like you've probably read here, you can always cook less in a bigger unit, but you can only cook so much in a smaller one.  If you need the space, it's nice to have.
 
I would go with the #2. It sounds like the #3 may be overkill for what you are looking at doing, but the #1 may be too small. The #2 fits right in there in size for the average home smoker.

If I wouldn't occasionally do large batches of Jerky and Pepper Stix that fill all five of my shelves, I might have gone with the #2.

The nice thing is that these things are built like tanks and it should be the last smoker that you buy for a long time. Over the course of 5-10 years the extra $130 bucks or so works out to $10-20 a year.

Like many here have said, you can cook a smaller piece of meat in a larger smoker no problem, but you cannot cook a larger piece of meat in a smaller smoker.

My thinking is that if the #1 were big enough, you probably wouldn't be asking the question. I say splurge for the #2.

Either way you go, you will be happy with the Smokin-It.

-----> Later. I am heading to drop a Boston Butt in a brine for an overnight soak. 8)
 
DivotMaker said:
My advice is to go as big as your budget allows, but be realistic about your needs.
Click to expand...

That's perfect advice.

There's just two of us here.

The #1 is a great smoker, but I wish I'd gone with the #3....actually....I'm seriously considering it.


~Martin
 
I have 4 in the family...wife and 2 kids.  I also smoke for family parties of 8-10 people.  The #2 works perfectly for me.  I would recommend the #2 if you can swing it...you can always smoke less in a bigger unit, but you can't smoke more in a smaller unit!
 
I think the number of friends you have is the determining factor.  If you're a popular guy, nice hair, own your own home and have  lots of friends and relatives constantly coming over, go for a #2 or a #3.  If you have no friends,  live in a  trailer with your overweight wife-who gives off a funny smell-and your forty year old "failure to launch" step-son,  defintely go for a #1.    I chose the number 1. 
 
Chipper said:
I think the number of friends you have is the determining factor.  If you're a popular guy, nice hair, own your own home and have  lots of friends and relatives constantly coming over, go for a #2 or a #3.  If you have no friends,  live in a  trailer with your overweight wife-who gives off a funny smell-and your forty year old "failure to launch" step-son,  defintely go for a #1.    I chose the number 1.
Click to expand...

I think we just learned more than we wanted to know about Chipper.  LOL!!  Funny stuff, right there! ;D ;D
 
I literally Laughed out Loud on that one Chipper.  ;D ;D Thanks for giving me a humorous sidebar to my day today.
 
Hi Kevin, Sorry for the late reply, I have the number 1. After placing the order and sleeping on it I called Steve the next morning to change to the #2. I was too late as it had already shipped. It is a good little smoker but really wish I had the #2. And there are just 2 of us. But, sometimes we have friends over and need more space in the #1.
 
Agreed with the previous posts.  A #2 will provide plenty of space for 8-12, maybe more with plenty of sides.  However, it is easy to smoke small amounts as well.
 
Holy Zombie thread, Batman!! ;D ;D ;D  I think KevinS may be long gone...2 posts since April 2014.  No problem "resurrecting" a really old post, if there's value to the OP, but this probably wasn't one of them....lol. 
 
Chipper, now I'm afraid to admit that I went with the #1..............although its a nice fit for us, I'm very happy with it and no need to step up..........Good luck Kevin
 
Hey All, I just purchase a slightly used #3, with cart and Auber. Now will have plenty of smokin real estate.  :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Considering the Model 2 unit...which one...
Replies
3
Views
683
old sarge
old sarge
O
Smokin-It is the real deal
Replies
11
Views
1K
OldeSmoker
O
C
Really struggling with smoke flavor - 4D Owner
Replies
13
Views
4K
OldeSmoker
O
K
Had a masterbuilt, a bradley, have a kamado joe, time for the model 1?
2
Replies
22
Views
6K
kevreh
K
L
Wish me luck - Two in the #2
Replies
7
Views
2K
LarryD
L
Back
Top