Hello from ohio

[huskerdude]

Don't have a smoker yet, but ready to get started. I've been thinking about getting a GOSM from walmart, they are on clearance for $74. It's the 3405GW model, I think it's only 16" wide.

I have seen opinions about the wider model (20") being better, but the price would be about twice ($140). Is it really worth the extra cash for 4 more inches in width ? Can I get quite a bit of meat if the 16" wide model ?

Looking forward to getting started.

 

[pineywoods]

Welcome to SMF glad you joined us. I have the 20" wide model and I like it you can get more in for sure but 1/2 the price is something to think about too. Whichever one you choose you will probably like then decide you need another smoker of some type

it seems we all do.

 

[txbbqman]

Welcome to the family

Plenty of knowledgeable and helpful folks around here

Remember the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask

 

[werdwolf]

Welcome from the Ohio contingent! I have an MES, so can't really comment; but 16 inches wide just sounds a little small. If it's just you and another maybe. I load up my MES when I get a chance to smoke and freeze the rest.

 

[Dutch]

Welcome to the SMF huskerdude, I always suggest to go with more that you need cuz after a couple of smokes, you'll wish that you had the bigger smoker.

Enjoy!

 

[fire it up]

Welcome huskerdude.
I agree with Dutch that once you realize how amazing smoking your own foods are you will want more room.
No reason not to go with the smaller one considering you are saving half of the price while sacrificing 4 inches. Plus that way you can perfect your particular style and still have 3-4 racks to work with. My own personal suggestion (since it is a nice deal) would be to grab the $74 one and smoke the hell out of it until you are comfortable, then go out and buy a bigger rig once you realize that the space isn't enough (just don't neglect the used up older baby). No such thing as enough space when it comes to smoking meat. Especially the fact that smoked meat keeps so much better than other meats also means you can smoke, store, freeze for such extended periods of time that you could load it to capacity and have spare smoked meats for months, or maybe only weeks in most peoples cases. If it isn't something I can "smoke", and it isn't smoked meats and isn't beer then it can't be that good.

 

[bassman]

Welcome to the forum. I concur with the others in that bigger is almost always better. Good luck.

 

[mulepackin]

Good to have you along. I too am of the get it bigger than you think you'll need it, school of shopping. My wife just loves that trait of mine (hah, hah).

 

[fired up]

A few months ago before I got my 20" gosm I asked the same question here. The response was a resounding "get the bigger one". I took their advise and am soooo glad that I did. Therefore I pass on to you to "get the bigger one".
After a smoke or two you will be glad you did, I promise. It is worth it.

 

[richoso1]

Welcome to the SMF. Always think of a smoker that is more than you normally need, it'll pay off in the end.

 

[ol' smokey]

Welcome to the SMF

 

[irishteabear]

Welcome to SMF. Get the biggest, best smoker you can afford. Use it for a while until you're old friends. By then, you'll want another smoker because there will be things you like and things you don't like about your current smoker.

It happens to most of us.

 

[seenred]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined us. I can only echo what others have already said. Bigger is Better! I have the 20" GOSM myself, and if it were any smaller, I'd have problems. I don't think you could get a full rack of spares in the 16" rig without cutting them down drastically, which is OK, just less room. In fact, I have 3 big racks of spares in mine as I write this. Couldn't 3 racks in the smaller rig.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Have fun and Happy Smokes

 

[BandCollector]

Welcome from Pittsburgh, PA

 

[carpetride]

Normally I would say get the bigger one but heck for half the price I would buy 2 of the 16 inch model.

Welcome to SMF!