SMOKIN-IT SMOKER

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Chef Willie, with the larger element wat r the cookin advantages being 1200 watts opposed  to smaller 700,Thx
Well, I believe #1 it heats up faster from a totally cold start. Mine went from off to set temp of 250 in about 15 minutes. Then I'd imagine there's the on-off cycling to maintain temps. I'd assume easier to maintain with a bigger element. I'm not an electrical engineer so truthfully couldn't answer technically 'why' bigger is better. Just reading other posters lamenting on a smaller element in other brands comes to mind with recovery time if the door is opened. I do recall a post from a Smokin It owner who had a #1 I believe comment on how the smaller element in that one was more than enuf for the size. So, all relative I guess.
 
Chef Willie, with the larger element wat r the cookin advantages being 1200 watts opposed  to smaller 700,Thx
I don't have the Smokin-It yet, but when I had the MES, the 1200 watt heating elements was especially handy when smoking in freezing temperatures. You will be amazed as to how much heat you lose when you open the door for any reason and how long it takes to recover with a small heating element. The other thing I didn't realize is that once you load the smoker with food, it takes even longer to get to temp. 

Personally, (I'm still a rookie so take this for what its worth) I have resolved to open my smoker as little as possible especially during the winter (Wisconsin). So, I look for recipies that don't call for me to mop the meat, or spritz the meat or anything else that requires regular opening during the process.  Maybe during the summer, but not now.
 
For those that own the #1, can you tell me if you find it is big enough?  I'm looking to buy my first smoker and I will only be cooking for myself and my gf.   Smoking fish is my main reason for wanting a smoker though I also plan to do meats from time to time.  My envisioned use it to start something Sunday morning and have it ready in time for Sunday dinner, so don't really have a desire to smoke much more than enough food for two people with leftovers.   I've learned from experience it's better to buy top quality the first time.  Rather than buying a cheap smoker only to replace it with something better in a few years I think I've settled on a Smokin it Smoker.  What really sold me is the owner (I assume) has his cell phone number right on his website and he got right back to me with a few questions I had.  The #1 comes in right around what I'd like to spend, but I don't want to with I had bought the #2 instead. 
 
I use the #1 and it will smoke all that 6-8 people can eat, probably more with a capability of 20 to 25 lbs. I, too, did not want to mortgage the house to buy a smoker. I love the thing. Which ever you choose you can't go wrong. I had about every kind of set up before landing the Smokin-it.
 
 
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I hate answerin with a phone. Maybe I'll get it right this time.
I have the No 1 and it is plenty big for cooking for two. My wife and I really enjoy ours. I would not trade it for something bigger because it is perfect for us. Plus, I like the idea of picking it up and putting it in the back of my truck, easily, when the time comes for me to go to the farm.
You can't go wrong.
 
Bought a #2 the other day, should be here in a week or so.  It will be my first smoker.  I'm a bit concerned about the brokerage fees as I'm in Canada and the shipping was FedEx ground but we'll see what happens.  Did a lot of research and it seems like the best quality unit out there that should last many years.
 
I think they are approx 14 X 21, possible a 1/4 inch or so larger.  I know they are deeper than the shelves in my Cookshack:  14 X 17.  Hopefully a model 3 owner will chime in.  
 
I think the element is sized appropriately for the size of the smoker. If you look at a couple of other sites with similar yet more expensive smokers (Cookshack and SmokinTex), you will see their elements are similar in wattage for similar sized smokers.
 
14.5" x 21.25" on the #3 rack, comes with 4.

Edit: 22" deep, 20" high, 15" wide. Sorry missed that 2nd part of the question from shtrdave.
 
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I have a very rookie type question that is a little off of the thread. I just recieved my Smokin it 2 a couple of days ago and it looks great (Thanks old Sarge for the suggestion) The Alderwood available in my area is chips and it looks like this smoker mostly uses large chunks. I recieved the chip screen free when I bought the unit but was curious about using my own wood. I have alders and cherry trees in my back yard. Here is the newbie part, can I use this wood? I assume I cannot use green wood but are there other considerations?
 
Sure you can. I have an orchard within a mile of home and they trim in the spring and fall. Apple, peach, cherry, you name it. You being in washington might be near an apple farm and you'll have all the variety you'll ever need. One good chunk is good for 2 to 3 hours in a well insulated box.
 
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Donald, try Home Depot or Lowe's for chunks. As you're in Lynnwood, you can also try Rich's on hwy 99, or even Olympic Hot Tubs & Spas on 196th (they each have a bbq section.) Even Ace Hardware has them on occasion.

Mike
 
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Closer to spring we get the big box stores will be restocking as well, can be slim picking this time of year. Mesquite and hickory is about all they have. I was at Cabela's in Marysville yesterday and they had a bunch, several varieties as well.
 
What ever you use, start off lightly with the wood.  Too little smoke is edible.  To much smoke is possibly a disaster.
 
I'm getting ready to order soon, any recommendations on which accessories to get?  I'm definitely getting the cord hanger, going to get the 5 lb bag of wood chunks, debating whether to get the smoker box chip insert.   I plan on using an extra air conditioner cover if I store it outside.   Any recs on what accessories to order or NOT order?   Right now he's including free rib hooks with purchase, but that's literally the last accessory I care about.
 
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