Spend my 550$. What electric smoker would you buy

[bigtoot]

I'm taking advice on what electric smoker to buy with any accessories to make it better. So spend my money haha

Thanks
Bigtoot

 

[weev]

Last summer I bought my son a charbroil digital electric smoker got it at home Depot bought the smoker with the stand and a cover paid right around 200 and he absolutely loves it he says it is so easy to use. Every weekend his buddies come over and he cooks for them. Luckily they rotate who brings the meat so if you got that and used the other 350 for meat you would have a freezer full. Good luck and I hope you find one you like

 

[bigtoot]

Thanks my friend.

 

[daveomak]

Save a few more $$$ and get the TSM 30# Digital smoker...  Made in America...   nepas likes it...     Below are a few of his 900+ threads....

If you purchase a Chinese built smoker, who knows what parts will be available in the future...

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/238907/early-christmas-gift

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/241636/red-barn-bologna

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/244274/amish-sweet-bologna

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/244399/amish-style-sweet-sticks

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/250360/few-batches-going

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/250697/sweet-sticks-again

30LbSmoker_06.jpg

• daveomak
• Jan 26, 2017

TSM 30 smoker.jpg

• daveomak
• Jan 26, 2017

 

[BGKYSmoker]

I'm taking advice on what electric smoker to buy with any accessories to make it better. So spend my money haha

Thanks
Bigtoot

I can help you but you will need to add $600 to your 550 to get a top of the line electric smoker.

GL

 

[mr t 59874]

Both Dave and nepas make very good points. I have a couple Cookshacks myself which are made in the U.S.A. also, but as nepas referred, you will have to chip in a few extra bucks if you want top of the line. 

T

 

[chipmanbbq]

What makes those cook shacks better than other electric smokers?

 

[mr t 59874]

 
What makes those cook shacks better than other electric smokers?

Other than being quality built in the U.S.A., they are very well insulated which requires less energy. They also require very little fuel for smoke, usually a two or three ounce chunk is all that is required for most cooks. Their customer service is unparalleled.

Suggest you go their site and research them yourself. You will find they have been making smokers for the backyard and professionals for over 50 years. 

T

 

[Bearcarver]

I'm taking advice on what electric smoker to buy with any accessories to make it better. So spend my money haha

Thanks
Bigtoot

Or you can get what I have for a lot less:

MES 40 Gen #2.5 with window for Currently $330.

AMNPS Smoke Generator----$35.

Maverick ET-732 Wireless Therms---$60.

Total ----$425

Works Great for me---Been using MES for 7 years.

Made all these things:

Just click on "Bear's Step by Steps".

Bear

 

[mr t 59874]

Some would like to see their neighbors go to work rather than someone in China. 

 

[nopigleftbehind]

My advice.  I have used the cookshacks in the restaurant industry before from the $2500 to the $30,000 units (no thats not a misprint).  AMAZING.  Quality every single time.  Low energy and low consumption on pellets and wood.  I decided after being out of the game for about 10 years to buy a smoker. My research (limited to what is offered here in SO CAL and not doing enough forum searches) was go with a MES 40 with window (didn't have a grand to spend).  (WINDOW NOT NEEDED - GETS DIRTY AND HARD TO CLEAN TO BE CLEAR).  The lower end electric smokers are challenging.  The first unit I got - brand new off amazon - had a bad thermostat control.  Temps vary where the cookshack was perfect everytime.  STILL - I have enjoyed the smoking. It wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't a challenge RIGHT?  Just be happy with whatever you buy and know these guys here will get you through the tough times. (FYI, I have "wasted" about $80 in pork, $30 in chicken, and $75 in beef so almost $200 in getting food "edible")HAHA.  Add that to the final price of everything.  

 

[old sarge]

bigtoot - If Made in America is important, go with the Cookshack. Very solid and top quality. I never had any problems with the Amerique I owned and used for over 4 years (passed on to my son now). If best bang for the buck interests you, look at the line from Smokin-it.  While it is imported, the quality is up there with the Cookshack. All stainless steel inside and out, glass insulated, heavy and well built. The company is a family owned business in Michigan. Check out their site. Well worth the time.

 

[bigtoot]

Thank you guys for all the advice

 

[801driver]

I have the Smoke-it #2 brand electric, mine was pre-digital.  I have been totally satisfied with it in every way, Well built, well insulated, no modifications needed, just simple.  You might take a look at them also.