Which of these two models would you choose

thunderjet · Jul 6, 2014

Both of these are being sold by Amazon and I don't see much differences are other than price.

First is the Masterbuilt Model 20070311 40-Inch Top Controller Electric Smokehouse with Window and RF Controller for $399 shipped

Then we have the Masterbuilt Model 20070512 40-Inch Front Controller Smoker with Viewing Window and RF Remote Control for $299

Is the more expensive model worth the price difference?

Thank you, and great forum. Am sure I will learn a lot here.

geerock · Jul 6, 2014

The more expensive one is the older and better generation 1. 1200 watt element, remote, wheels, and reliable design. The 0512 is the generation 2 that have had many issues with temp control, bad controllers, restrictive air flow, and very uneven hot spots. The gen 1 may be more expensive because it may be more in demand, but I'm surprised about the price difference. Beware the gen 2 as I have owned both designs and would never get the gen 2.

padronman · Jul 6, 2014

Neither.

dls1 · Jul 6, 2014

PadronMan said:
Neither.

X2

diggingdogfarm · Jul 6, 2014

PadronMan said:
Neither.

X3

~Martin

cliffcarter · Jul 6, 2014

PadronMan said:
Neither.

X4. For that money you can get a 22.5" WSM, much better pit.

thunderjet · Jul 6, 2014

Thanks. My research pointed me away from them as well and I am now leaning towards a Smokin-It model, just not sure of the size.

diggingdogfarm · Jul 6, 2014

Thunderjet said:
...I am now leaning towards a Smokin-It model, just not sure of the size.

I strongly recommend that you get the largest one you can afford.

~Martin

big fish · Jul 6, 2014

Thunderjet, forget about the SI units. I have had nothing but problems with my SI #3. I have had it apart more than I have used it. The temp sways are way too off to smoke. I was sold a unit that was over a year old and had a bad controller and was sent a new controller (that was also bad). Either it was a bad batch of thermostats or just not suited for the SI #3. If you do decide on the SI, be prepared to work and drill the cabinet/rewire (wasn't too bad) and get the Auber PID with the through the wall sensor, but then you have a CookShack.

Everyone ravs about the Customer Support (one guy) but he never returned my calls, just email. Just my experience with the company. My unit was still covered under the 30 day warranty, so he said he would take it back. Problem is, I threw the huge box out (which I never do - I thought I was going to be happy with it) and asked if he can send a box to me (my cost, of course) and his reply was, "get one from FedEx." The whole thing just put a bad taste in my mouth, so here it sits, in the back of my garage. Bad experience all around.

thunderjet · Jul 7, 2014

Thanks bigfish, I appreciate the good and bad. I thought they had a 3 year warranty? If it has to be returned is it on the company's dime?

diggingdogfarm · Jul 7, 2014

They do have a 3 year warranty,
I have two Smokin-It smokers and I haven't had a serious problem with either, they work great and they're built like a tank.

~Martin

old sarge · Jul 7, 2014

Thunderjet,

Here from the SI site, in their FAQ section, is the return and warranty information you are looking for. I hope this helps.

Q: What is the return and warranty policy?

A: 30-Day Money Back Guarantee: We accept returns for replacement or a full refund 30 calendar days after delivery of the product. At our sole discretion after 30 calendar days, we will offer a replacement or a full refund. Items must be in "new, unaltered and unused condition". Definition of new, unaltered and unused condition is: without showing signs of wear or damage in any way. If an item is received damaged or is incorrectly shipped by us please contact Customer Service immediately. Refunds are contingent upon inspection of item(s) once we receive it. Customer is responsible for all shipping costs.

Original Owner Limited Warranty Parts and Labor Only: This product is warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for three year from the date of delivery to original owner. Within this period Smokin-It, LLC will send replacement parts for your product without charge. Simply contact us at [email protected], or the phone number listed below.

Contact Us: P.O. Box 13423, 2711 West Market Street, Fairlawn, OH 44333.

Call, email or text any time to: 260-417-9951.

big fish · Jul 7, 2014

Like I said, I got 2-3 good smokes out of it (ribs) - best I have ever had. I used the "Money" rub from Big Poppa's. After that, the 5.5 hour cook time wielded a melted, wet, uncooked, babybacks that I had to finish on the grill. I replaced the electronics (controller and heating element) that were under warranty and it did the same thing - melted, wet, under cooked ribs. It didn't make sense to send the whole unit back (I was under 30 days) - it wasn't cost effective. I had to find a box and packing to send it back (like a dope, I threw it all out) and there was no way I could have packed it as good as when it was sent. Cost me $140 to ship to me and $150 (plus new packing materials) to ship back. If it didn't arrive back to them sound, I could just hear the argument about it being damaged from poor shipping - more money out the window. So, I would have been over $300 and I got nothing but disappointment. What gets me, is that the unit was defective, it should have cost me ZERO dollars to send back and the Owner emailed me his solution, "GO TO FEDEX" and get your own box. It just didn't make sense. I spent hours trying to get it to work again and to spend more time and money trying to find packing for this tank...no way.

big fish · Jul 7, 2014

One thing I might add, they are a great bunch over at their forums, they know their smoke (like here)!

old sarge · Jul 7, 2014

You are so correct about the folks here and at SI forum.

thunderjet · Jul 9, 2014

Bought the Smokin-It #3, it should be here in a couple of days. Really enjoyed tossing my propane cheap azz smoker in the dumpster tonight!

old sarge · Jul 9, 2014

Congrats on the smoker. Make sure you join up with the SI folks under the groups at the top of the page. They will be sure to help you when needed, if needed.

diggingdogfarm · Jul 9, 2014

Good deal!!!
They are good smokers when used as directed.

~Martin

big fish · Jul 10, 2014

I ripped the defective junk that was in there for a second time. PID Auber installed with permanent probe. I basically bought a stainless steel box and cart for $700 plus $215 for the PID Auber and $29.00 for a thru-the-wall probe. Never again!!! Back to smoking ribs - they were good!

Good luck with yours!

old sarge · Jul 10, 2014

Ernie, Are you saying your SI3 w/Auber is producing good grub now? Hard to determine with the old pre-Auber modification thrown in. Sort of confuses the issue of your unit working now (or not) and congratulating a new owner.

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