A-Maze-N vs ProQ Cold Smoke Generators
- Thread starter pokey
- Start date
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Well I own a ams and volunteered to compare but was told no by Ian. Says he gave 2 out and Todd has to give them one. Then said that way he can get a fair judging. I took offence to him implying I would not give him a fair chance. As for now there will not be a comparision to answer the question that was asked.
LOL---Boxing squirrels---Machine gunning squirrels!Well said Wingman! This is not the place to be throwing any punches.
You're killing me Cheryl!
Bear
for that matter, as of yet any other american auto maker either... specially govt motors...
- Jul 26, 2009
- 14,315
- 73
So, who's got enough experience with "Cold Smoking" to post the "Test Criteria" for the testers to go by?
I would like the following to be part of the "Test Criteria".
Testers Experience With "Cold Smoking"?
Strictly "Cold Smoking", Under 100*?
Smoking over 100* temps?
Smoking over 200* Temps?
Construction, Materials, Fit and Finish?
Features and Benefits?
Recommended Cubic Inch or Cubic Foot of Smoker?
Performance Including the Quality and Quantity of Smoke?
Smoke Fish & Cheese or is Bacon, Sausages & Meat Included?
Type of Smoker Used?
Type of Sawdust Used?
What's Included In The Box?
Outside Temperature and Humidity?
Anything Else?
The test should be more than throwing $5 worth of cheese in the smoker for 3-4 hours and posting the results. We know both models can do that, but what are their similarities and their differences? What are the PROS and CONS of each model?
My AMNS was tested by (2) well respected Professionals in the BBQ industry. Jeff''s published review was unbiased and very much a surprise to me. I sent him a test unit back in April, but I never requested or expected his public review. The other review will be published this Fall.
Here's Jeff's Review: http://www.smoking-meat.com/may-2010-smoking-cheese.html
THANKS!
Todd
I would like the following to be part of the "Test Criteria".
Testers Experience With "Cold Smoking"?
Strictly "Cold Smoking", Under 100*?
Smoking over 100* temps?
Smoking over 200* Temps?
Construction, Materials, Fit and Finish?
Features and Benefits?
Recommended Cubic Inch or Cubic Foot of Smoker?
Performance Including the Quality and Quantity of Smoke?
Smoke Fish & Cheese or is Bacon, Sausages & Meat Included?
Type of Smoker Used?
Type of Sawdust Used?
What's Included In The Box?
Outside Temperature and Humidity?
Anything Else?
The test should be more than throwing $5 worth of cheese in the smoker for 3-4 hours and posting the results. We know both models can do that, but what are their similarities and their differences? What are the PROS and CONS of each model?
My AMNS was tested by (2) well respected Professionals in the BBQ industry. Jeff''s published review was unbiased and very much a surprise to me. I sent him a test unit back in April, but I never requested or expected his public review. The other review will be published this Fall.
Here's Jeff's Review: http://www.smoking-meat.com/may-2010-smoking-cheese.html
THANKS!
Todd
macsbbq
Newbie
- Aug 1, 2009
- 17
- 10
Guys I think this has gone way too far...
The original question was "Has anyone had hands-on experience with both of these smokers? I didn't see anything in a search and hoped for a direct comparison" to which there were several (13) replies promoting the Ams, the only mention of the ProQ was regarding shipping costs. All I did was rectify that.
I now sincerely wish I had never posted on your forum, but it's too late for that.
Bearcarver, please see the image below of one of my 1st prototypes, which I made back in around June 2009, hence my remark on your "cheese" post. If what Todd says is true (and I believe he is right about the possibility of 2 people coming up with the same idea from different sides of the world). The reason I did not go with this original design, was that it only gave me around an 6 hour burn and I was aiming for 8 - 10, as that's the time I like my Lox to smoke for. I, like Todd, sent out units for people to try (I guess I've sent out around 40 for free so far).
I have thought long and hard about this and have decided to honor my agreement to send units out to MossyMO and Dave54 for them to try. I honestly do not care if they write reviews or not, I'll leave that up to them to decide... I do know that 2 weeks ago enquired about advertising on this site, quite expensive compared to other similar forums, decision was going to be made this coming week, but hey you've all made it for me.
Thanks to all of you for listening and sorry to the OP for the way this thread has turned.
Ian McKend
The original question was "Has anyone had hands-on experience with both of these smokers? I didn't see anything in a search and hoped for a direct comparison" to which there were several (13) replies promoting the Ams, the only mention of the ProQ was regarding shipping costs. All I did was rectify that.
I now sincerely wish I had never posted on your forum, but it's too late for that.
Bearcarver, please see the image below of one of my 1st prototypes, which I made back in around June 2009, hence my remark on your "cheese" post. If what Todd says is true (and I believe he is right about the possibility of 2 people coming up with the same idea from different sides of the world). The reason I did not go with this original design, was that it only gave me around an 6 hour burn and I was aiming for 8 - 10, as that's the time I like my Lox to smoke for. I, like Todd, sent out units for people to try (I guess I've sent out around 40 for free so far).
I have thought long and hard about this and have decided to honor my agreement to send units out to MossyMO and Dave54 for them to try. I honestly do not care if they write reviews or not, I'll leave that up to them to decide... I do know that 2 weeks ago enquired about advertising on this site, quite expensive compared to other similar forums, decision was going to be made this coming week, but hey you've all made it for me.
Thanks to all of you for listening and sorry to the OP for the way this thread has turned.
Ian McKend
dale5351
Smoking Fanatic
Here are a couple the things I would like to see in reviews.
What is the construction? I've been unable to tell from pictures of the ProQ if it is solid sides, wire mesh, or stainless steel with air holes like the AMNS.
What is the cost of the sawdust? I can look at Todd's web page and see dust sold in 1 lb lots and in 5 lb lots. He passes on the shipping cost of US Priority mail without additional cost. Hence 1 lb dust is 4.49 + 10.70 = 15.19 and 5 lb dust is 10.95 + 10.70 = 21.65 (ordering in 5 lb lots is a no-brainer choice). The web page (www.smokinlicious.com) that handles the US market for the ProQ sells sawdust. It charges 10.90 for a 5-6 cup bag, including shipping. I'm not sure, but I think that a pound of sawdust would be ten cups or more. I see no option for reducing shipping cost by ordering larger amounts from Smokinlicious. Of course, one cannot judge the two dust products by cost alone. It would take a head to head comparison to see if both are the same quality and produce the same results.
What is the construction? I've been unable to tell from pictures of the ProQ if it is solid sides, wire mesh, or stainless steel with air holes like the AMNS.
What is the cost of the sawdust? I can look at Todd's web page and see dust sold in 1 lb lots and in 5 lb lots. He passes on the shipping cost of US Priority mail without additional cost. Hence 1 lb dust is 4.49 + 10.70 = 15.19 and 5 lb dust is 10.95 + 10.70 = 21.65 (ordering in 5 lb lots is a no-brainer choice). The web page (www.smokinlicious.com) that handles the US market for the ProQ sells sawdust. It charges 10.90 for a 5-6 cup bag, including shipping. I'm not sure, but I think that a pound of sawdust would be ten cups or more. I see no option for reducing shipping cost by ordering larger amounts from Smokinlicious. Of course, one cannot judge the two dust products by cost alone. It would take a head to head comparison to see if both are the same quality and produce the same results.
Ian,
It's sad that things have to end this way and I was certainly hoping for a good test. There are features and benefits to both units that I truly believe would be beneficial to all who are interested. I posted positive things about my AMNS and not (1) negative statement about the ProQ throughout this entire thread. All I asked for was some Ground Rules and Test Criteria for the testers to use.
In all fairness to our customers, they should know all the facts, not just a few facts that are biased one way or the other.
Just to clarify, I've NEVER seen the picture posted by Ian before today, and for the record, it's eerily similar to one of my first "AMNS Looking" prototypes from February 2010. I guess great minds think alike!
Your welcome to play in my sandbox anytime!!!
Regards,
Todd
It's sad that things have to end this way and I was certainly hoping for a good test. There are features and benefits to both units that I truly believe would be beneficial to all who are interested. I posted positive things about my AMNS and not (1) negative statement about the ProQ throughout this entire thread. All I asked for was some Ground Rules and Test Criteria for the testers to use.
In all fairness to our customers, they should know all the facts, not just a few facts that are biased one way or the other.
Just to clarify, I've NEVER seen the picture posted by Ian before today, and for the record, it's eerily similar to one of my first "AMNS Looking" prototypes from February 2010. I guess great minds think alike!
Your welcome to play in my sandbox anytime!!!
Regards,
Todd
Last edited:
Great point Dale!
I guess it's good Toyota doesn't sell gas (Petrol).
You could then buy a Dodge, Ford, or Chevy pickup for say $50,000, or a Toyterta for $40,000, but the Toyerta buyers would have to buy their special gas for only $15 per gallon (or maybe per "Liter").
- Jul 26, 2009
- 14,315
- 73
Ian
I have been a very successful sales guy for nearly 40 years. I am sure you have some success as well. One thing I have never done with any customer or potential customer is to be confrontational which is the approach that was taken in this forum.
If I went to a European site and started to spout my wares and tell folks I was the first one and that I have more units in the field I would expect that the folks on that forum would respond the same way many of us here did. It may be that you lit a patriotic fire under some here but you also lit a fire under those of us who have been friends with Todd for a long time. Todd has supported everyone on this forum in one way or another thru donations or help with smokes. You jumped in here to hawk your product then mistakenly engaged some members is what can only be seen as argumentative. That is flat out a marketing mistake and you are paying the price for it in negative publicity.
I wish you the best of luck with your business but I for one will not be a customer
I have been a very successful sales guy for nearly 40 years. I am sure you have some success as well. One thing I have never done with any customer or potential customer is to be confrontational which is the approach that was taken in this forum.
If I went to a European site and started to spout my wares and tell folks I was the first one and that I have more units in the field I would expect that the folks on that forum would respond the same way many of us here did. It may be that you lit a patriotic fire under some here but you also lit a fire under those of us who have been friends with Todd for a long time. Todd has supported everyone on this forum in one way or another thru donations or help with smokes. You jumped in here to hawk your product then mistakenly engaged some members is what can only be seen as argumentative. That is flat out a marketing mistake and you are paying the price for it in negative publicity.
I wish you the best of luck with your business but I for one will not be a customer
dale5351
Smoking Fanatic
Bear
The sawdust comparison is something that is independent of the smoker -- I think. See no reason that either dust could not work in either device. OTOH, I think I'll continue to dance with my original partner:-}}
The sawdust comparison is something that is independent of the smoker -- I think. See no reason that either dust could not work in either device. OTOH, I think I'll continue to dance with my original partner:-}}
Hey Todd you mentioned earlier that you grind your own dust. Can I ask what you use to grind it with? curiosity has got me wondering.
Maybe you could fill out your profile?Guys I think this has gone way too far...
The original question was "Has anyone had hands-on experience with both of these smokers? I didn't see anything in a search and hoped for a direct comparison" to which there were several (13) replies promoting the Ams, the only mention of the ProQ was regarding shipping costs. All I did was rectify that.
I now sincerely wish I had never posted on your forum, but it's too late for that.
Bearcarver, please see the image below of one of my 1st prototypes, which I made back in around June 2009, hence my remark on your "cheese" post. If what Todd says is true (and I believe he is right about the possibility of 2 people coming up with the same idea from different sides of the world). The reason I did not go with this original design, was that it only gave me around an 6 hour burn and I was aiming for 8 - 10, as that's the time I like my Lox to smoke for. I, like Todd, sent out units for people to try (I guess I've sent out around 40 for free so far).
I have thought long and hard about this and have decided to honor my agreement to send units out to MossyMO and Dave54 for them to try. I honestly do not care if they write reviews or not, I'll leave that up to them to decide... I do know that 2 weeks ago enquired about advertising on this site, quite expensive compared to other similar forums, decision was going to be made this coming week, but hey you've all made it for me.
Thanks to all of you for listening and sorry to the OP for the way this thread has turned.
Ian McKend
Dan,
It's a closely guarded secret, but if you don't tell anyone, I'll spill my guts. I use a hammermill to grind my sawdust. Recently, I purchased another unit as a back up, in the event the 1st one goes down.
There's absolutely no secret to sawdust. "Sawdust is Sawdust", but the type and size may or may not burn well. I don't B.S. my customers into thinking they have to buy from me. If they have a friend or relative, who does woodwork, have them save the sawdust from their miter saw or table saw. Just make sure it's clean and not contaminated with glue, MDF, Plywood or any other icky stuff that can make you sick. I can fill 1/2 a 5 gallon pail with oak, maple or hickory when I trim a house out.
Todd
dale5351
Smoking Fanatic
I missed seeing that picture before in this thread. That try did not fare too well! Which brings me to the quote I just put into another first cheese post about experience coming from mistakes.
Another question about your dust -- do you use the entire limb of wood, bark and all -- or do you use only the wood?
I had thought about going to an oak furniture store near me -- but then thought about the fact that they would not tend to care what was in their dust bin. Sometimes pure oak, sometimes composition board. The later would *NOT* be a good thing.
Dale,
I would have thought that too, because the A-MAZE-N-SMOKER works with various Dust, but according to the "Pro Q" instruction manual, it is designed for their special dust, or their dust is made for their smoker. It says other dusts may not give you the good results (paraphrasing). I didn't say that to put their smoker down--their manual says it, but maybe that is stated to sell their more expensive dust. So at least according to their manual, their dust is not independent of their smoker.
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