- May 25, 2014
- 1
- 10
I want to get back into smoking. I used a standard wood years ago and want to start again. I've looked at a lot of reviews and info on this site (a wealth of info!) and here's what I have so far:
1. I'm looking for something around $500.
2. I prefer electric for less interaction and longer smoke times.
3. I live in the north and want to smoke in the winter (months below freezing).
4. Normally I'll be smoking for a small group. I don't need anything huge however it wouldn't hurt.
5. I would prefer it being mobile (ie wheels/weight).
6. I may get a cover and leave it outside. Can it stand up to the elements?
7. I would smoke pretty much everything (meat, turkey, fish, etc.).
I've narrowed it down to three smokers so far:
1. MES 40 ($300)
30+ pounds per load
Stainless door; everything else plastic
Digital w/ RF remote and probe
Internal light
4 Racks
Wheels/Handle
1200W Element
65 Pounds
Chips load in side
Pros:
Best bang for the buck. Most tech included. Highest rated element and lightest unit (this is a pro and con). Side load chips help maintain temp.
Cons:
After adding AMNPS and door mod it is priced closer to Smoking-It and Tex. I'm not sure about quality and longevity.
2. Smoking-It #2 ($429)
35 pounds per load
18 Gauge full stainless
Analog controls
4 Racks
Wheels
700W Element
79 Pounds
Chips load in main door
Pros:
Good overall price; seems comparable to Tex. The door has two latches. Seems very well built and great reviews.
Cons:
Analog controls, would need to add any tech if needed.
3. Smoking Tex 1400 ($539)
38 Pounds per load
Full stainless
Analog controls
3 Racks (can support 5)
Wheels
700W Element
93 Pounds
Chips load in main door
Pros:
Very good reviews, seems like the best built smoker in the group.
Cons:
Expensive, analog, and heavy.
Can anyone speak to the three options above? Should I look at any other models/brands? Are there any additional costs or add-ons I need if I buy one of the smokers above? I'm really stuck on which one to go with. I was leaning towards MES 30/40 but I want it to last and may just cover it and leave it outside. I'm also concerned about failures for the unit with all of the tech. I really like the Tex but that is the most expensive. The Smoking-It looks like it is a Tex clone and may be the best compromise. Thanks everyone!
1. I'm looking for something around $500.
2. I prefer electric for less interaction and longer smoke times.
3. I live in the north and want to smoke in the winter (months below freezing).
4. Normally I'll be smoking for a small group. I don't need anything huge however it wouldn't hurt.
5. I would prefer it being mobile (ie wheels/weight).
6. I may get a cover and leave it outside. Can it stand up to the elements?
7. I would smoke pretty much everything (meat, turkey, fish, etc.).
I've narrowed it down to three smokers so far:
1. MES 40 ($300)
30+ pounds per load
Stainless door; everything else plastic
Digital w/ RF remote and probe
Internal light
4 Racks
Wheels/Handle
1200W Element
65 Pounds
Chips load in side
Pros:
Best bang for the buck. Most tech included. Highest rated element and lightest unit (this is a pro and con). Side load chips help maintain temp.
Cons:
After adding AMNPS and door mod it is priced closer to Smoking-It and Tex. I'm not sure about quality and longevity.
2. Smoking-It #2 ($429)
35 pounds per load
18 Gauge full stainless
Analog controls
4 Racks
Wheels
700W Element
79 Pounds
Chips load in main door
Pros:
Good overall price; seems comparable to Tex. The door has two latches. Seems very well built and great reviews.
Cons:
Analog controls, would need to add any tech if needed.
3. Smoking Tex 1400 ($539)
38 Pounds per load
Full stainless
Analog controls
3 Racks (can support 5)
Wheels
700W Element
93 Pounds
Chips load in main door
Pros:
Very good reviews, seems like the best built smoker in the group.
Cons:
Expensive, analog, and heavy.
Can anyone speak to the three options above? Should I look at any other models/brands? Are there any additional costs or add-ons I need if I buy one of the smokers above? I'm really stuck on which one to go with. I was leaning towards MES 30/40 but I want it to last and may just cover it and leave it outside. I'm also concerned about failures for the unit with all of the tech. I really like the Tex but that is the most expensive. The Smoking-It looks like it is a Tex clone and may be the best compromise. Thanks everyone!