#2 or #3

[Boone]

I can’t decide between the #2 or #3. I’m leaning toward the #2. The width appears to be the same and only the depth is longer. I mostly smoke ribs, brisket and pork butt on my WSM but would like to start doing sausages also.

Would the extra depth on the #3 make much of a difference for my needs? Would the extra 400 watts with the heating element make much of a difference?

Thanks

 

[gregbooras]

Boone,

I have a #2 and I am very happy with it. When doing babyback ribs, most of the time I can fit them on the 14x14" rack. But if you are doing larger ribs you might need to cut them in half to fit them on the shelf. I don't think the difference in the heating element makes any difference between the two, I am sure others will chime in.

The discussion of what size to buy always comes up

Greg

 

[Libohunden]

Go for the 3, you won't regret it!  Bigger is better and you can smoke the biggest monster of a brisket you can find... And 2 or 3 at that!

 

[swthorpe]

Hi Boone, I have a #2 as well and I have very pleased with it.  I am typically smoking for just my wife and kids, although I often end up sending the extras to neighbors.  So, #2 fits my needs (always have left overs).  I smoke 3-4 racks of BB ribs at a time with no problem, or two 5# chickens side by side, or a 8# boston butt on a rack.  I can also fit a 12# turkey, or several times I have done half chickens on multiple racks.  The point is, for me, the #2 produces more than enough smoked meat for my needs.

However, as is often pointed out here, you can always smoke less in a larger unit but not more in smaller unit.  If you need to smoke more meat at a time than what I have described above, then you might want to go with the #3.   

 

[old sarge]

Hi Boone - Here is my 4 cents worth, today being the 4th:
1. While Steve has designed the smokers with a heating element perfectly sized for the capacity of each model smoker, and while they are super insulated, the extra 400 watts is COULD be viewed as advantageous for smoking in cold weather. However, there are plenty of posts regarding all models where the units performed flawlessly in cold/freezing weather.

2.  Bigger is better if you can afford it and foresee a need for a larger size unit on special occasions such as family gatherings.

3.  Go with your gut.  Whichever model you choose, you will be getting an proven performer and joining a very special family of smokers.

Dave

 

[Grampy]

Boone, I have a #2 and love it. If I had it to do over again I would choose the #3 simply because there is more room and you wont have to cut ribs or briskets in half. IMO you cant go wrong with either one.

 

[Limey]

+1 to what Dave said(although as the owner of two #3s I would give the nod to the #3 over the #2-more real estate is always helpful)

 

[jcboxlot]

If you have to have uncut slabs of ribs the #3 will be a better fit.  The #2 holds a lot, but long stuff has to be cut. 

 

[gregbooras]

Alright it's time for the easy answer..... Drum roll.........

Buy both!

I know not happening, but whatever you decide, you will have a top notch smoker and your food will reflect that.

Greg

 

[SuperDave]

IMO, #3 price is pretty close to the #2 but much more volume.  For all you that went with the #2, I've been curious why you made that choice over a #3.  I would have picked the #3 every time. 

 

[jcboxlot]

Perfect Greg!  I'm trying to talk my wife into the #1 as an appetizer spare  No luck yet.

 

[DivotMaker]

Multiple smokers are great!  But, my #1 and #2 still don't equal what a #3 can do!  If the 3 is in your budget, don't hesitate.  It's the most-versatile of the bunch. 

 

[SuperDave]

John,
I kept my propane smoker for side dishes and appetizers.  The SI units are best suited for meat, regardless of model size.  Frequent door opening and fast recovery is just not what an electric was meant for. 

 

[gregbooras]

IMO, #3 price is pretty close to the #2 but much more volume.  For all you that went with the #2, I've been curious why you made that choice over a #3.  I would have picked the #3 every time.

Dave,

For some it is the price, but price was not the decision on the smoker here.

I wanted a smoker that didn't stand out in our pool area. With the kids in their own places in the Midwest, most of the time I am only cooking for the little woman. But I must admit that several of my neighbors also benefit from my hobby.

Greg

 

[Boone]

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like maybe the #3 is the way to go.

 

[drains]

Don't know if you have looked yet but the #3 shipping cost is quite a bit more than the #2. It was 140.00 to ship my #3 to me here in Texas. That stung quite a bit. It is heavy though.

 

[mizzoufan]

While everyone is a bit different, I struggled with the same question.  In my case, I ended up with the #2 because of the port strikes on the west coast and couldn't be happier.  I was originally looking for the #3 to be able to do more at one time rather than smoke more frequently but the ease of use on any SI makes me glad I got the #2.  I have a higher % of capacity filled so temp swings are more even and even with the reduced capacity, I can feed 6-8 hungry guys pretty easily even with ribs being the only meat.

 

[va_rider]

I'm very happy with my #2, but I wouldn't have regretted getting the #3. Something that Tony (DivotMaker) indirectly reminds me of quite often is that the larger size is really only an advantage if you're smoking a lot of the same thing. (Or things with similar cooking times) It's not the best idea to load up a smoker with a brisket, several racks of ribs, ABT's, and chickens. If you're cooking up several briskets, or loading it up with half a dozen racks of ribs, it's all good. But, if you've got a pile of things with different cooking times, you'll be opening the smoker far too often.

So, take a look at what you plan to be smoking, and how many people you'll be serving. For my needs, the #2 is great. My first smoke was 3 racks of ribs, followed by a whole chicken, brats, and a tray of mac n' cheese. The next smoke was a ~6lb brisket. The next, more ribs. The next,(Father's Day) a 12.5lb brisket, followed by ABT's and a Fatty. Then did some St Louis ribs last Friday. The #2 performed admirably for all of these. Now, I've got a ~16lb brisket waiting in the freezer, and my admin at work is bringing me another ~7lb brisket.

Once I learned the best way to load it up, and the limitations of cooking different things at the same time, I was much happier and got much better end results. My house fills with neighbors every time they smell smoke in the neighborhood, lining up to eat. I've only had mine for just over a month, but it's keeping me happy no problem.

 

[Ohio1956]

It's like a tool box, you always end up needing more room. I went with the #3 and I am glad I did. 

 

[DivotMaker]

I'm very happy with my #2, but I wouldn't have regretted getting the #3. Something that Tony (DivotMaker) indirectly reminds me of quite often is that the larger size is really only an advantage if you're smoking a lot of the same thing. (Or things with similar cooking times) It's not the best idea to load up a smoker with a brisket, several racks of ribs, ABT's, and chickens. If you're cooking up several briskets, or loading it up with half a dozen racks of ribs, it's all good. But, if you've got a pile of things with different cooking times, you'll be opening the smoker far too often.

So, take a look at what you plan to be smoking, and how many people you'll be serving. For my needs, the #2 is great. My first smoke was 3 racks of ribs, followed by a whole chicken, brats, and a tray of mac n' cheese. The next smoke was a ~6lb brisket. The next, more ribs. The next,(Father's Day) a 12.5lb brisket, followed by ABT's and a Fatty. Then did some St Louis ribs last Friday. The #2 performed admirably for all of these. Now, I've got a ~16lb brisket waiting in the freezer, and my admin at work is bringing me another ~7lb brisket.

Once I learned the best way to load it up, and the limitations of cooking different things at the same time, I was much happier and got much better end results. My house fills with neighbors every time they smell smoke in the neighborhood, lining up to eat. I've only had mine for just over a month, but it's keeping me happy no problem.

Well-said, Grasshopper! 8)