Pit Boss 2-Series Digital Electric Smoker Hammer Tone or Char Broil Smoker (Basic Model)

[SistaSmoke]

Hello again, Help PLEASE....... A while back I made a post asking about what kind of smoker I should buy. Well, this week there is a sale on two smokers that I have been eyeing for a while. The first one is Pit Boss 2-Series Digital Smoker Hammer Tone Finish and the second is the Char Broil Electric Smoker 725. Both are on sale for $248.00CAD. The Pit Boss has a see through window, temp 100-400 and the wood chip tray is on the outside so I would not have to open to refill. I have gone on youtube to see reviews but there is only like 3 short videos. BOO.....The Char Broil Smoker 725 I would have to open the door to refill, temp 100-250. I have read reviews about how good this smoker works, so now I'm torn between the two. Oh by the way, the sale ends this week and I would like to buy my smoker tomorrow . I appreciate any and all input .

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

I hear good things about the smaller Pit Boss smokers.
Perhaps one or more Pit Boss owners will chime in here.

 

[Winterrider]

Would you be ok with 250° as your high temp? I know most smokes are near that range, but if you ever wanted crispy chicken or needed to hurry your smoke along a little?

 

[SistaSmoke]

I hear good things about the smaller Pit Boss smokers.
Perhaps one or more Pit Boss owners will chime in here.

Good Morning SecondHandSmoker, when it comes to the Pit Boss I have read mixed reviews, it's the Walmart edition but on the Pit Boss website it has 5 stars.

 

[SistaSmoke]

Would you be ok with 250° as your high temp? I know most smokes are near that range, but if you ever wanted crispy chicken or needed to hurry your smoke along a little?

Good Morning Winterrider, I am pretty much fine with what is reliable and works the best.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Good Morning SistaSmoke,
I just read those reviews on Walmart's site.
That was quite a mix of good and bad reviews.
PB's website has two versions of this unit.
I think the unit with the 5 star reviews is the pellet version.

The thing about online reviews, is that most need to be taken with a grain of salt.
However, there were a few reviews that mentioned control board failures and that is very concerning.

 

[SistaSmoke]

Good Morning SistaSmoke,
I just read those reviews on Walmart's site.
That was quite a mix of good and bad reviews.
PB's website has two versions of this unit.
I think the unit with the 5 star reviews is the pellet version.

The thing about online reviews, is that most need to be taken with a grain of salt.
However, there were a few reviews that mentioned control board failures and that is very concerning.

Yes I noticed that as well, the last thing I want is to be in the middle of a smoke and then the unit shuts off. Well I guess Char Boil it is plus, I really don't feel like spending two hours assembling it no thanks!

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

SistaSmoke ,
I am not sure what your price range is, but Char Broil has a deluxe version of the 275 and has a glass window in the door.
The manual states that max temperature is 275 degrees. I am not sure if that would be a limitation for how you intend to smoke.
It certainly won't do hot and fast or crisp poultry skin.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Here is a link to the deluxe version.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Yes I noticed that as well, the last thing I want is to be in the middle of a smoke and then the unit shuts off. Well I guess Char Boil it is plus, I really don't feel like spending two hours assembling it no thanks!

Yes, that too would make me run toward the Char Broil!

 

[SistaSmoke]

It $249.99USD+$292.78USD for shipping and import fee WOOOOW
that's $711.75CAD that's a BIG difference. I think for my first smoker I will keep it simple until I get the hang of it all then, I will get a bigger unit with all the bells and whistles. Plus, I can always return if it's a bust.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

WOW!

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

I had no idea how badly you guys get screwed over on those shipping and import fees.

 

[SistaSmoke]

Sorry, one more question. I like heavy smoke flavor and a smoke rings on my meat, if I get the Char Broil smoker will I get that or would I have too add a tube smoker?

 

[SistaSmoke]

I had no idea how badly you guys get screwed over on those shipping and import fees.

YUP..... It tons of fun.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Sorry, one more question. I like heavy smoke flavor and smoke rings on my meat, if I get the Char Broil smoker will I get that or would I have too add a tube smoker?

Unfortunately, you will not get a smoke ring using an electric smoker since there is no other combustion gasses from the smolding wood chips.
A tube couldn't hurt for adding extra smoke. Still no smoke ring though.
With that said, I don't use a tube or tray in my smoker because I don't need one.

 

[SistaSmoke]

Unfortunately, you will not get a smoke ring using an electric smoker since there is no other combustion gasses from the smolding wood chips.
A tube couldn't hurt for adding extra smoke. Still no smoke ring though.
With that said, I don't use a tube or tray in my smoker because I don't need one.

Okay thanks for the help I just ordered my smoker I got the Char Broil, I'm excited............

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Contratualtions!

Let us know how your first smoke turns out.

P.S.
I really don't miss the smoke ring.
Sure, it looks nice.
But, it doesn't add to the smoked flavor at all.

 

[Winterrider]

Congrats on the new purchase SistaSmoke. Keep us posted on your smokes.

 

[SistaSmoke]

Absolutely, it is supposed to arrive by July 16 so I will have enough time to find some delicious recipes Cheers.