advice plz

[tammywier]

Hi, looking to buy a Smokin-It.  Trying to decide 2? 2D? or 3.  Would love your thoughts on the "D".  Worth it?  Improved your results?  Would you purchase the D again??  Do you store in a covered area or is the cover sufficient weatherproofing? Thanks! 

And if anyone in the central Texas area has a 2 or 3 and is looking to upgrade and want to sell, let me know!

 

[BedouinBob]

Hi Tammy, if I had it to do over I would have a #3. The reason is that it is only slightly more expensive than the #2 but allows whole briskets, etc. to be put on the racks. You don't need the D version to turn out great Q. Many of us did the non D method before the controllers came around. That being said, I got an external controller that SI sells and love the fact that I can program it. I store mine on the back deck (covered) in Colorado. With the cover on I have had no problems. Obviously if you have a way of keeping it more out of the weather, that's better IMHO. You will love the SI! Makes great BBQ. 

 

[Grampy]

Tammy, I have a SI#2 and love it. However, if i had it to do over again knowing what I know now, I would get a #3 just for reasons that Bob mentioned. You can put whole racks of ribs and briskets in the #3 without having to cut them in half and there is not a big difference in price between a #2 & #3. As far as the D models go, I can not comment about that, as I have a #2 with the analog controller. What I can tell you is that you do not have to have the D model to put out some great BBQ. I'm not a big gadget guy so I would just get the #3 with the analog controller. Now the "D" people love the PID controllers and swear by them. Don't fall for the hype that the PID models equals better BBQ. It is just not true. Now the digital controllers do help maintain a constant temperature and allow you to set up different programs.  Bottom line it just comes down to personal preference.

 

[drains]

+1 What BedouinBob and Grampy said. 

 

[Mr.Ed]

I've always said buy the biggest you can afford first, if you can swing the cost of the D go for it. Almost every post they say "If I had to do it all over again I would?". The "I would" is most always the 3 or the 3D.
 

 

[Glock_21]

I have the #3, no regrets.  My main reason for getting the bigger uint was to be able to fit full racks of ribs and whole packer briskets.  The "D" models were not available yet when I bought mine.  I doubt I would have spent the extra money on the digital controller.  The food doesn't taste any different using a digital controller vs analog.  The programability would be nice, but I don't know if it is 200 bucks nice.  Just my 2 cents.

 

[old sarge]

Tammy - I would get the largest unit that the budget allows for. Seriously, it is worth it. While I have the 3D, my brother has the 3. Smoke times and results are pretty much the same. 5 1/2 hours for ribs is the same on both smokers. One just has tighter control of the temp. But the end result is always consistently good eats. Really good eats.

 

[Perkolater]

Tammy - I would get the largest unit that the budget allows for. Seriously, it is worth it.

Truer words never spoken!

I was going to get the #1 and went for the #2 but wish I had the #3.  No bad decisions so once you choose, don't look back with second thoughts and great smokin Tammy

 

[DivotMaker]

Tammy, welcome, and thanks for asking our advice! 

I've done a few smokes in the analog versions (1, 2 and 3), and a couple using Aubers and D-models (2D and 3D), so maybe I can help.

First, the advice on going with the 3, if in your budget, is very sound!  Having used all models smaller, I can definitely say that the real "Q" estate of the number 3 is off the charts!  If you want to smoke a big, whole packer brisket, the 3 is the only way to go!  Full racks of ribs? ...child's play!

As for the D model over the analog controller?  Having used both, pretty extensively, I would not go back to the analog controller!  I like the ability to go above 250°, should I choose.  I like the fact it keeps the box temp within a degree or two (consistently).  I like the ability to program 6 different program "steps" into the controller, so I can "automate" my smokes.  Bottom line?  I love the PID controller, since I first used the standalone.  Now that it's integrated, I would never go back to the stock controller!

I know it's a little extra, but my philosophy is "Pay once, cry once, because you'll be smiling the rest of the time!"

 

[Greenenvey]

Hi Tammy,  in the beginning I was going to get the #1. Then I decided to get the #2D. It shipped and while it was in transit to my home I started regretting not getting the 3D. So I shipped the #2 back and ordered the #3D. Lol. Moral of story is if your even thinking about the 3D and its in the budget it's a fantastic choice.

 

[tammywier]

Thanks everyone. Ordering the 3D based on your comments. It's for my hubby's 60th and he is worth it! He's not really a gadget guy but I'm a techie nerd so I'll love that side of it .

 

[Grampy]

Tammy, What an awesome wife you are! Your husband is going to love it!

 

[DivotMaker]

Sounds like a match made in Heaven, Tammy! 8)