New smoker purchase

[old sarge]

I just purchased a model 3 smoker from Smokin-it for  my brother's family as a Christmas gift. I've only seen a few comments or posts regarding this brand/model and would like to know if it has any peculiar quirks I should be aware of to pass on.  It looked like a pretty good cyber Monday deal considering its size.  My own experience has been with a wood burner with a fire box, a Weber kettle, and this spring, a scratch and dent Cookshack at a good price. So I can provide some advice based upon what I have done over the years but this will be a new experience for my brother. Hints and tips will be appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

[once a marine]

I have Smokin-it number 2 I purchased about a month ago and have used five times so far. My previous smoker was an inexpensive propane type that did ok, but the colder, windier weather has precluded its use.

The Smokin-it is about as close to a "turn on and forget" smoker that I could imagine. load it up, plug it in, batten down the hatch, and let it do it's think until the meat has hit the target time or time. If you're used to the Cookshack, I'd bet it's the same experience.

I've been using my Amazen tube smoker (12in) with the Smokin-it #2 without issue. I've yet to use the actual wood burner in the unit - but again, I'd expect that to be a similar experience to the Cookshack.

 

[old sarge]

I'm hoping the Smokin-it is as simple and reliable as I have read it is.  I haven't heard of any problems or complaints with this brand, and it was a whole lot less than Cookshack and Smokin Tex. Comparing the Smokin Tex 1400 and the Smokin-it Model 3, capacity, price, and the heating element, it just made sense. Hopefully he will sign up for the forum and post after he gets it and starts using it.

 

[wingzofsteel]

I have a Model 1 that is a week old. I have smoked on it every day since I received it and I am impressed. All my smoking experience is from a Big Green Egg I had for years and wore out. This time around I went for convenience and reviews, plus something I can put in my truck if I ever get a notion to do any remote smoking while sojourning. 

So far, I have had nothing but excellent results as I work through my recipes. It definitely has passed the pork test. I am amazed just how little wood it takes. Coming from a Big Green Egg, which I thought consumed a lot of wood chunks, this is miserly by comparison. This is the thing I am having the most time getting my mind around. Before purchasing, I considered making the A-maze-n Pellet smoker purchase and applying the modification to the unit, but I don't think that will be necessary at all.

All in all, I am pleased with my purchase. The unit is very well built, very well insulated, easy to clean and makes great BBQ. I know your brother will enjoy it.

Perry R.

 

[old sarge]

I went back and forth for some time on which brand and size to buy. While I am very pleased with my Cookshack, I just could not swing the cost for a similar one  so it came down to the Smokin-it and the SmokinTex. The Smokin-it seemed to be the better value; just not a lot of comments and no dedicated Forum as with the other two makes. And Steve was always there to answer questions, even on the weekends.  That pretty much sealed it for me.  It is certainly large enough for a feast and your comments are very encouraging. Thanks.