Newbie looking for reccs from NotNewbies

[SmokinNevada]

Greetings new member here. Been lurking around for a while reading, soaking up knowledge etc. I started fire cooking a long time ago and was sold after experimenting with my first beer can chicken. My primordial cave man brain has driven me to purchasing countless grills, Kamado Joes, mangals, kettles, the list goes on. Thankfully wifey is patient with me.

My latest obsession is to level up my game with smoking, mostly around jerky, meat sticks, salmon and the occasional larger cuts of meat like brisket turkey ribs. I would also like to experiment with edgy (for me) stuff like smoked cheeses desserts pineapple concoctions etc. I want to get a cabinet style smoker since I am tight on space (can't bring myself to get rid of the current fire implements!).

I am looking at a buy once-cry once USA-made cabinet smoker from Smoking-it, SmokingTex or CookShack. I would rather spend the kid's inheritance than live like a pauper :-) so price isn't necessarily a driver here. Forum comments on these brands are generally strong. I plan to call each of the companies just to get a sense of how they communicate with customers.

The ideal setup is something that doesn't require a lot of fuss on my part yet impresses family and friends to the point that they see me as a mystery meat magician. I don't want to wire in PIDs or buy tubes versus buying a thing that works on arrival.

Your input is most appreciated! Any of these brands good? Is there a standout? Since I am buying new it helps to understand how a company's current products function versus something they made 15 years ago.

\As a newbie this forum is incredibly valuable so a serious thank-you to the experts that take time to help old guy newbies such as myself.

 

[GatorAGR]

I'm not your guy on this, but I can assure someone will chime in soon with great advice. I did the MB40 with PID and it works very well, but I'm also not sure I'd do it that way again. I went cheap because I wanted to prove to myself that I'd enjoy sausage making enough to invest, so I totally get where you're coming from with the buy once cry once. That normally my MO as well, but I could also see my wife giving me the look on this one so I made a "business decision" :) Good luck on your search.

 

[cpaysonc]

I move my analog smokin-it. No regrets whatsoever. Solid, built to last, set it and forget it.

 

[jcam222]

I like my analog Smokin Tex but would love the PID version

 

[cpaysonc]

I like my analog Smokin Tex but would love the PID version

I certainly understand the appeal! I specifically went with analog because our power is prone to outages and surges, figured it might be too easy to fry the electronics. Something to consider of your power supply is sketchy perhaps?

 

[Jim_C]

Welcome from California. These smokers are well out of my price-point. Good looking smoker though.

 

[jcam222]

Welcome from California. These smokers are well out of my price-point. Good looking smoker though.

I got my analog Smokin Tex for $150 used in pristine condition. I do love used smokers as my 270 cabinet , Lang 84D and Weber kettle were all used scores.

 

[normanaj]

I am looking at a buy once-cry once USA-made cabinet smoker from Smoking-it, SmokingTex or CookShack.

All excellent smokers but manufactured in China except for CookShack though their residential electrics are also made in China.

 

[SmokinNevada]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I called the three companies and enjoyed conversations with each one. It was refreshing to have a human answer the phone and engage in a conversation about their products. I could feel the passion from each of the three companies. I decided to purchase the Smokin-It 2D digital with a few accessories. The owner (Steve) was the one that answered the phone so I really liked that. Although the smoker is made in China, I offset that with countless comments that the unit is built like a tank and Steve himself shared that he directs the manufacturing to ensure a quality product.

All three companies truly have remarkable products so I really couldn't go wrong with any of them. Now I'm excited to get to smoking! Thanks again everyone and it's great to be a part of this group.