Help me pick a new smoker!

[Texascat]

I currently use a Pellet Smoker and I have been shopping for a High End model to replace my Pit Boss. The high end (Lone Star, Pitts & Spitts, Yoder) is pricy so I've researched it to death before pulling the trigger.

My wife made a comment the other day though that caused me to rethink the whole thing. She says "The BBQ you used to make on that little Masterbuilt tasted better to me" and I can't deny she is right. Now I'm down the rabbit hole of High End Electric Smokers!

I'm willing to spend the money for quality and my list so far is Cookshack SM066, Smokin-Tex XL Legacy, Smokin-It 3.5D, and Southern Pride SC-100.

I like the Southern Pride because of their reputation in the restaurant space but I can't find out much about this particular model and it is the top of my price range.

I'd like opinions on these or at least on the brands. I could even be swayed to upgrade to a higher model of each particular brand if there is a reason too. I want something that will last and has the capacity to cook for large family gatherings.

 

[Elf@shore]

Grilla grills has a vertical pellet smoker
Called the Mammoth
Can crank out a lot of food.
BBQ labs has a review on it.
They have a discount code too.
It’s more of a smoker, not a grill.
Might be what you’re looking for?
Take a look!
Hope that helps you ?
ELF

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

Why not just get another Masterbuilt?
Spending more money doesn't automatically equal better results.

Happy wife, happy life.

 

[Texascat]

Why not just get another Masterbuilt?
Spending more money doesn't automatically equal better results.

Happy wife, happy life.

I want more capacity mainly and the issue I had with the Masterbuilt was having to add chips. The high end models have a bigger fire box and use chunks so you can just load it and walk away. I'm all about simplicity.

 

[okie sawbones]

Keep in mind the Smokin-Tex XL Legacy only goes to 250F, so not a problem with low and slow, but no hot and fast cooks.

Cookshack turns out great products for the most part. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one of their smokers. And it tops out at 300F.

 

[schlotz]

The issue with MES and chips has been resolved by most via the mailbox mode which allows a full tray of pellets thus eliminating the PITA chip feeding. Add a good PID to one and you'll end up with a pretty darn good smoker. Looking at pellet units, if I were in the market I'd spend time reviewing MAK and Lone Star. For me there are two things on the list of requirements that have to be there. An internal grease collection (no hanging bucket) to keep the critters away and a pellet dump feature. Obviously there are more items the check off like American made for example. Yoder uses a hanging bucket, not certain if they have a pellet dump option. First pic on Pitts & Splits also shows a hanging bucket. Didn't spend anytime to find out about a pellet dump.

 

[PolishDeli]

All of those smokers have very small vents, so I don't understand how you can get good air flow.

The desingers are smarter than me, so there gotta be something I'm not understanding about thermal mass, low oxygen, or humidity retention But without air flow, it seems the meat would just swim in high humidity, and stagnate smoke. Isn't that a recipie for ashtray flavors?

My analog MES had a 1in exhaust in the top back corner. I plugged it and put a 3in diameter, 3ft tall smoke stack on top. Got much better smoke after that.

With a "cheap" MES, i'm happy to do mods and customize the tool. But not if I'm paying a primium price for a high-end unit.

 

[Texascat]

With a "cheap" MES, i'm happy to do mods and customize the tool. But not if I'm paying a primium price for a high-end unit.

I agree. I am hoping some folks that own some of these will chime in.

I have a favorite that I'm leaning toward but for this kind of money I want to be sure.

 

[normanaj]

Find a used 40" MES on Craigslist,FB market place or wherever.Rewire it for a PID then do the mailbox mod and use an Amazen tube/tray in it.

You'll never have a better electric smoker for the money.