Ian is sending a ProQ for me to use and review also. It will be interesting, only cold smoker I have is a Smoke Daddy "Big Kahuna" to compare, which is a totally different operation and has its own issues. I am looking forward to checking ProQ out!
A-Maze-N vs ProQ Cold Smoke Generators
- Thread starter pokey
- Start date
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Ian is sending a ProQ for me to use and review also. It will be interesting, only cold smoker I have is a Smoke Daddy "Big Kahuna" to compare, which is a totally different operation and has its own issues. I am looking forward to checking ProQ out!
Dave,
Be kinda rough for you to compare. Someone who owns an A-MAZE-N-SMOKER should try one---Not me---I'm biased.
LOL---Dave's gonna compare it to home made smoke generators.
Mossy's gonna compare it to the Big Kahuna, that I gave up on a long time ago.
Who is going to compare it to the A-MAZE-N-SMOKER.
Come on guys, their must be a couple of A-MAZE-N-SMOKER owners who can be unbiased.
How 'bout one of you MES 30/A-MAZE-N-SMOKER owners---want a free Pro Q ?
Get um while they're hot,
Bear
Don't mind me---I want to see the real match-up. Mano -V- Mano----Smoko -V- Smoko
Oh-Oh, I just thought of it--How 'bout "Beer-B-Q"---He has an A-MAZE-N-SMOKER---and he used to be a "Cop"---That would be a "Bobby" in some foreign countries. Aren't Bobbies/Cops trained to be unbiased?
Mossy's gonna compare it to the Big Kahuna, that I gave up on a long time ago.
Who is going to compare it to the A-MAZE-N-SMOKER.
Come on guys, their must be a couple of A-MAZE-N-SMOKER owners who can be unbiased.
How 'bout one of you MES 30/A-MAZE-N-SMOKER owners---want a free Pro Q ?
Get um while they're hot,
Bear
Don't mind me---I want to see the real match-up. Mano -V- Mano----Smoko -V- Smoko
Oh-Oh, I just thought of it--How 'bout "Beer-B-Q"---He has an A-MAZE-N-SMOKER---and he used to be a "Cop"---That would be a "Bobby" in some foreign countries. Aren't Bobbies/Cops trained to be unbiased?
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When talk started around here about Todd's new cold smoker, I couldn't help but see it as a knockoff of Mac's ProQ.
I visit a couple sites that are based in Europe and Mac's ProQ has been around a while and has had excellent reviews. I'm sure they are both fine units that do what they say they will do. But I have to wonder when did the rules change so it is ok to put down other members for whatever reason.
Ok mini rant OFF
I visit a couple sites that are based in Europe and Mac's ProQ has been around a while and has had excellent reviews. I'm sure they are both fine units that do what they say they will do. But I have to wonder when did the rules change so it is ok to put down other members for whatever reason.
Ok mini rant OFF
Why not?
Because you would be comparing it with the A-MAZE-N-SMOKER in question?
It probably wouldn't be fair anyway. One is Great for cold smoking, and great for warm smoking (up to at least 200˚), and good for up to 220˚, and being worked on to work good up to 250˚ or higher.
The other is only good (maybe great ?) for cold smoking (only going by their instructions).
Not much of a contest.
Said he already gave out 2 and hopes Tod will send them one. I agree the whole thing started with that question and I do have one of the 2. But that is fine saves me from having to write haha
If I did not think I could give a fair comparison I would not have offered. You have offended me!!! Before I offered I had made no comments on this.
Dan,
Actually, I found Mac's ProQ long after I found these (2) Charcoal Mazes on the Internet, so your "Knock Off" Statement is unwarranted. Is it possible for (2) ideas to come from (2) different parts of the world? It happens all the time. The fact that both units burn sawdust in the efficient shape of a maze, does not make mine a "Knockoff". I also grind my own sawdust, but that does not mean I "Knocked Off" other companies who make and sell sawdust. It's all a process of "Trial and Error" until you get it right!
History:
I own a construction company, and in December 2009, worked for a retired Cop, who smoked 6 big fat nasty cigars every day. My new smoker lacked consistent smoke, and the thought crossed my mind, "Why couldn't I get sawdust to burn like a big fat cigar in my new smoker?" The next day, I made my 1st prototype. It wasn't pretty, but it burned sawdust. I knew I was on to something!!! In March & April 2010 I sent out 15 prototypes to guys on SMF for extensive testing. Their feedback got my gadget to where it is today.
We started with these (2) Charcoal Mazes and miniaturized them until they would work. We made more than (10) prototypes and logged hundreds of hours burning sawdust, before we landed on the right combination of design, materials and sawdust. While doing research for my my patent application, we found Mac's ProQ and had to provide this info to the the U.S. Patent Office as "Prior Art". Yes, it is "Patent Pending" in the USA!
So, if I knocked off a "Charcoal Maze", I guess I'm guilty!
Here is where it all started:
Todd
Actually, I found Mac's ProQ long after I found these (2) Charcoal Mazes on the Internet, so your "Knock Off" Statement is unwarranted. Is it possible for (2) ideas to come from (2) different parts of the world? It happens all the time. The fact that both units burn sawdust in the efficient shape of a maze, does not make mine a "Knockoff". I also grind my own sawdust, but that does not mean I "Knocked Off" other companies who make and sell sawdust. It's all a process of "Trial and Error" until you get it right!
History:
I own a construction company, and in December 2009, worked for a retired Cop, who smoked 6 big fat nasty cigars every day. My new smoker lacked consistent smoke, and the thought crossed my mind, "Why couldn't I get sawdust to burn like a big fat cigar in my new smoker?" The next day, I made my 1st prototype. It wasn't pretty, but it burned sawdust. I knew I was on to something!!! In March & April 2010 I sent out 15 prototypes to guys on SMF for extensive testing. Their feedback got my gadget to where it is today.
We started with these (2) Charcoal Mazes and miniaturized them until they would work. We made more than (10) prototypes and logged hundreds of hours burning sawdust, before we landed on the right combination of design, materials and sawdust. While doing research for my my patent application, we found Mac's ProQ and had to provide this info to the the U.S. Patent Office as "Prior Art". Yes, it is "Patent Pending" in the USA!
So, if I knocked off a "Charcoal Maze", I guess I'm guilty!
Here is where it all started:
Todd
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Scarbelly,
If I'm not mistaken the candle only stays under it long enough to get the smoke going so I don't think there would be a problem with it melting. Unless I'm not understanding it correctly.
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Jeeze you guys I kinda hard on this chap.
Todd sponsorred units to Smoking in the and I won a unit on the throw down just before that event. I ended up giving them all away to people who wanted them or really paid attention to the class I did on smoking cheese with the unit. I like the unit and like Todd... But I don't think there is a reason to jump down the chaps gullet because he wants to tell you about another product. More information is better and capitalism is not based on monopolies, but open competition.
I have seen and used Todd's unit, I recommend it cause I think it is a good product and Todd works hard at keeping customers happy.
But the key to staying in front of a competitor is not keeping them out, but letting them in and doing battle in the open market place... so let the tests begin and lets get the information out there for people to evaluate, and lets not chase Ian off... it is good to have a barbeque person from another country... look at Curious Ardvark? Except for that crazy accent he seems to fit in well. Or as well as a Brit can!
Todd sponsorred units to Smoking in the and I won a unit on the throw down just before that event. I ended up giving them all away to people who wanted them or really paid attention to the class I did on smoking cheese with the unit. I like the unit and like Todd... But I don't think there is a reason to jump down the chaps gullet because he wants to tell you about another product. More information is better and capitalism is not based on monopolies, but open competition.
I have seen and used Todd's unit, I recommend it cause I think it is a good product and Todd works hard at keeping customers happy.
But the key to staying in front of a competitor is not keeping them out, but letting them in and doing battle in the open market place... so let the tests begin and lets get the information out there for people to evaluate, and lets not chase Ian off... it is good to have a barbeque person from another country... look at Curious Ardvark? Except for that crazy accent he seems to fit in well. Or as well as a Brit can!
BBQ person?
Or salesman.
Not a thing wrong with any of the Brit Smokers on here.
In 13 months, all posts have been trying to sell his product.
None were about smoking meat.
No questions about smoking.
No answers about smoking.
No compliments to any other member.
Just keeping an eye on the A-MAZE-N-SMOKER, and trying to sell his product.
I think the forum has places for salesmen to show their wares.
Or salesman.
Not a thing wrong with any of the Brit Smokers on here.
In 13 months, all posts have been trying to sell his product.
None were about smoking meat.
No questions about smoking.
No answers about smoking.
No compliments to any other member.
Just keeping an eye on the A-MAZE-N-SMOKER, and trying to sell his product.
I think the forum has places for salesmen to show their wares.
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Would you prefer neither are able to post and only able to purchase advertising to SMF?
- May 1, 2007
- 10,099
- 40
I have to agree with Bear, It appears the only reason Macsbbq is here is to sell his product... I see no other participation in any of his posts.
Todd has participated in posts other than those relating to his product and is also a sponsor of our monthly throwdowns offering his A-Maze-N-Smoker as a prize.
Todd has been more than helpful to members not just with his smokers... He has posted his smokes and also answered questions on smoking for a number of members.
If you notice When he was first starting out with the A-Maze-N-Smoker he sent out a lot of units to be tested by the members, NOT JUST 2.
I for one will support the product made in the USA over foreign made and also one made by a productive member of this site not just a member who is a member so they can sell their products to other members. Todds product is well made and has great customer support, that is a known fact.
As for Macsbbq and his ProQ, nobody here has apparently seen or tried one so how can anyone speak of if it is or isn't well made or how good of job it does. The only thing we have to go on is Ian's posts,
I think if Ian was serious about getting his product known a good way to start would be have more than 2 members test them...
Also on the Dealers page of his website it lists the following:
Napoleon Appliance Corp - 214 Bayview Dve, Barrie, Ontario, Canada - +1 705 726 4278 - Website
I didn't realize that Canada was part of the USA, did I miss the part where we made it a state?
Todd has participated in posts other than those relating to his product and is also a sponsor of our monthly throwdowns offering his A-Maze-N-Smoker as a prize.
Todd has been more than helpful to members not just with his smokers... He has posted his smokes and also answered questions on smoking for a number of members.
If you notice When he was first starting out with the A-Maze-N-Smoker he sent out a lot of units to be tested by the members, NOT JUST 2.
I for one will support the product made in the USA over foreign made and also one made by a productive member of this site not just a member who is a member so they can sell their products to other members. Todds product is well made and has great customer support, that is a known fact.
As for Macsbbq and his ProQ, nobody here has apparently seen or tried one so how can anyone speak of if it is or isn't well made or how good of job it does. The only thing we have to go on is Ian's posts,
I think if Ian was serious about getting his product known a good way to start would be have more than 2 members test them...
Also on the Dealers page of his website it lists the following:
I didn't realize that Canada was part of the USA, did I miss the part where we made it a state?
The reason Todd was able to post about his product was because he is a contributing member here at SMF. He contacted Jeff to see if it was ok and because he was active Jeff allowed it. Also Todd is a Premier member and that gives him the right to post a link to his product in his signature.
Now as for Ian. Based on the time he has been a member here and the post he has on the forum It doesn't appear he was here to be part of the SMF community. He has his roll call post. One of his first post of his product, one on someone thread using the AMNS where he stated "Looks like the copies have begun
What price are the A-MAZE-N-SMOKER's " and then the several on this thread. Now since he is not a contributing member of the forum should he be allowed to advertise his product? No I don't think he should be able too. If Ian or people who have it post Qview with it then that is more than welcomed. I would welcome Ian posting Qview of his Q more often and becoming active on the forum.
As for the design being copied I can go online and find other products that use a maze for things like charcoal that have been around longer than both of these smokers. Does that mean that they both stole a design? They both server the same purpose but do it differently. The AMNS can be lit from both ends to generate more smoke. The ProQ cannot. The AMNS requires a torch for about 30-45 seconds the ProQ does not. They both have different things that make them unique.
Bottom line is that they both have a certain audience. I hope that the testers can highlight the positive features of both products.
Ian I would recommend that you contact Jeff. Im sure he would be willing to test your product for you and give you a review. He may even put it in his newsletter if its as good as it appears.
dale5351
Smoking Fanatic
This thread has sure produced a lot of heat:-}}
I would agree that Todd does a lot more here than talk about his product -- in fact my perception is that he does very little of that, others do it for him:-}}
Ian has only made a few posts here, many of which are in this thread. I don't fault him for that. I might make a comparison to the MBtechguy (Darryl). He has made fewer posts. Many of them are in support of his produce, but are prompted by the fact that he is reading and responding to comments made by others here. Both he and Todd also make use of PM, as did Ian.
I'd say that Ian should be given a chance -- but that he should try to be reactive instead of proactive, following the example of Darryl and Todd.
As to my personal experience, I did see the ProQ but only after I had purchased the A-Maze-N smoker. Even so, had I seen both of them, I would have still ordered the A-Maze-N smoker for several reasons. Primary reason was that it was made and shipped in US. Secondary reason was the reviews I saw of it here, and videos linked from here of it in use. Final reason was cost -- I recall that the ProQ was more expensive (or should I say "a bit more dear" ).
Them's my two cents.
I would agree that Todd does a lot more here than talk about his product -- in fact my perception is that he does very little of that, others do it for him:-}}
Ian has only made a few posts here, many of which are in this thread. I don't fault him for that. I might make a comparison to the MBtechguy (Darryl). He has made fewer posts. Many of them are in support of his produce, but are prompted by the fact that he is reading and responding to comments made by others here. Both he and Todd also make use of PM, as did Ian.
I'd say that Ian should be given a chance -- but that he should try to be reactive instead of proactive, following the example of Darryl and Todd.
As to my personal experience, I did see the ProQ but only after I had purchased the A-Maze-N smoker. Even so, had I seen both of them, I would have still ordered the A-Maze-N smoker for several reasons. Primary reason was that it was made and shipped in US. Secondary reason was the reviews I saw of it here, and videos linked from here of it in use. Final reason was cost -- I recall that the ProQ was more expensive (or should I say "a bit more dear" ).
Them's my two cents.
Sorry Todd I really didn't mean for it to sound like an insult and if it was taken that way, I apologize.
What I was trying to say is they are similar products which do what the say they will do, and there is no reason for anyone to put down another member or there product.
Also thanks for the background history on your smoker.
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