3.5D Vs 4D

[BonaireBBQ]

Ok a a question. 3.5D vs 4D smoker box - heating element size (not watts but area covered). It looks like the 4D is a much bigger (covers more area vs the 3.5D) as they are both similar sizes smoke box area size meat area. I was wondering if the larger size of the 4D would give a more even heat temp in the meat smoking area vs the 3.5D. Sorry a technical question but I need to pull the trigger in the next few days.

 

[SuperDave]

The price difference between a 3.5D and a 4D at $600.  It looks like for $120 you could put a 4D element and wood box in a 3.5D. 

 

[BonaireBBQ]

Thanks Super Dave. Anyone else have thoughts?

 

[old sarge]

Walt - Here is Steve's original introduction video on the Model 4. In it he explains the heating element. The 4D came out later with upgrades but the element remained the same. Hope this helps.  Dave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFDSldA6fB8

 

[BonaireBBQ]

Thanks Old Sarge.

Looks like the 4D would have better heat distribution with the larger by area not watts heating element?

BonaireBBQ

 

[SuperDave]

Thanks Old Sarge.

Looks like the 4D would have better heat distribution with the larger by area not watts heating element?

BonaireBBQ

So says the seller. 

 

[old sarge]

Thanks Old Sarge.

Looks like the 4D would have better heat distribution with the larger by area not watts heating element?

BonaireBBQ

Makes sense to me!

 

[EFGM]

Another thing about the 4D would be as SuperDave pointed out to me is the ability to have an internal drip pan without having an impact on temps! worked great for me on a 2 brisket smoke and clean up was a snap, and able to reuse bottom foil and woodbox foil over several smokes. Dave could chime in with more on this. Don't know if you could do the same with the 3.5 or not. I have never regretted getting the most real estate you can afford, not once.