gathumper
New member
Title sums it up well, but for a little more info, I've been smoking with charcoal on a 22" Weber Smokey Mountian for about 5 years now and have turned out some really good ribs, butts, brisket, turkey, etc. No complaints at all with the Weber and I'll likely continue to use it for these products.
Now I'm thinking about geting into some different things where I'm thinking an electric smoker would be a nice addition to my outdoor cooking arsenal. Right now I'm interested in traditional jerky and "sausage" type meats (with or without casings), but would almost certainly try some other smoked/cured meats. My thinking are lower temps and longer, controlled curing/smoking would lead me to an electric smoker.
Started out looking at a Masterbuilt 40" on sale this season for $299, but my research led me to consider spending a little more for the Smokin-It Model 3. Now I'm about 90% sure I'll get an SI smoker, but I want to be sure I shouldn't go ahead and get the Model 4.
Pretty sure I'll get the Auber, so that makes the price $851.09 for the Model 3 with an Auber vs $1550.43 for the Model 4 which comes with the Auber including shipping to me here in Georgia. So that's about a $700 difference. Given I'm going to add the Auber to the Model 3, is there any reason other than capacity to get the Model 4?
Here are my thoughts.
Rack Size - Model 3 15"x20" vs Model 4 18"x18" - I like the slightly longer racks, comparable to my 22" WSM
(Question, will 18x18 hold a typical brisket packer? Racks of ribs without cutting in half?)
correction: looks like the Model 4 racks are actually about 18"x21.5"!
Height - Model 3 has 8" less "headroom" (22" vs 30") - more shelf capacity and more height for hanging
(question, How long are typical sausage and stick casings?)
Number of racks - 5 racks in the Model 3 vs 11 in the Model 4 - A lot more capacity for jerky or sticks
(questions, Is this correct? Racks closer together in the Model 4? Can you add more than 5 to the Model 3?)
Heating elements should be comparable, although the elements are different they should be sized for the unit. I notice the element/chip enclosure is a lot larger in the Model 4. (corrected) Any advantage?
Right now I am leaning toward the Model 3. I think the capacity of the Model 3 would be fine for my needs and I like the slightly longer racks. 45 pound capacity should be enough and 75 pounds is more than I can imagine needing! I DO like the idea of having twice the rack capacity. That could come in handy for jerky or sticks. I also like the LOOK of the larger element/wood enclosure, but that's not a good reason to spend $700 extra! AND for $700 I could ALMOST buy a second Model 3 later. Hmmmm, if I need more capacity later, 2 Model 3s might be a better plan.
I would appreciate any advice you have to share. I'm reading through old threads and trying to decide.
Thank You!
Now I'm thinking about geting into some different things where I'm thinking an electric smoker would be a nice addition to my outdoor cooking arsenal. Right now I'm interested in traditional jerky and "sausage" type meats (with or without casings), but would almost certainly try some other smoked/cured meats. My thinking are lower temps and longer, controlled curing/smoking would lead me to an electric smoker.
Started out looking at a Masterbuilt 40" on sale this season for $299, but my research led me to consider spending a little more for the Smokin-It Model 3. Now I'm about 90% sure I'll get an SI smoker, but I want to be sure I shouldn't go ahead and get the Model 4.
Pretty sure I'll get the Auber, so that makes the price $851.09 for the Model 3 with an Auber vs $1550.43 for the Model 4 which comes with the Auber including shipping to me here in Georgia. So that's about a $700 difference. Given I'm going to add the Auber to the Model 3, is there any reason other than capacity to get the Model 4?
Here are my thoughts.
Rack Size - Model 3 15"x20" vs Model 4 18"x18" - I like the slightly longer racks, comparable to my 22" WSM
(Question, will 18x18 hold a typical brisket packer? Racks of ribs without cutting in half?)
correction: looks like the Model 4 racks are actually about 18"x21.5"!
Height - Model 3 has 8" less "headroom" (22" vs 30") - more shelf capacity and more height for hanging
(question, How long are typical sausage and stick casings?)
Number of racks - 5 racks in the Model 3 vs 11 in the Model 4 - A lot more capacity for jerky or sticks
(questions, Is this correct? Racks closer together in the Model 4? Can you add more than 5 to the Model 3?)
Heating elements should be comparable, although the elements are different they should be sized for the unit. I notice the element/chip enclosure is a lot larger in the Model 4. (corrected) Any advantage?
Right now I am leaning toward the Model 3. I think the capacity of the Model 3 would be fine for my needs and I like the slightly longer racks. 45 pound capacity should be enough and 75 pounds is more than I can imagine needing! I DO like the idea of having twice the rack capacity. That could come in handy for jerky or sticks. I also like the LOOK of the larger element/wood enclosure, but that's not a good reason to spend $700 extra! AND for $700 I could ALMOST buy a second Model 3 later. Hmmmm, if I need more capacity later, 2 Model 3s might be a better plan.
I would appreciate any advice you have to share. I'm reading through old threads and trying to decide.
Thank You!