dsskid
New member
Basically, just getting started.
I was given a charcoal Smoker from my daughter as a gift. Nothing fanct, just a very low end from Lowe's, not very well made at all, ie tin doors and latch, no top vent, not insulated, etc... , but I didn't want to not use it, as my daugher bought it with her hard earned money, so I modified it by adding an adjustable top vent, and changed out the door latch to bolt latch.
I used it a few time and was able to make some tastey ribs and sausage in it, which my family enjoyed, however the charcoal was a nuisance and with the difficulty of maintaining any sort of temperature for any length of time was extremely difficult, if not near impossible. My family liked the smoked meat, but seeing the difficulties and all the attention needed with the charcoal, my wife questioned whether we would continue, or whether I should spend money on another unit. I read about the Smokin-It electric, and how fairly easy it is to use. At first, I was taken aback by the cost, because I had seen cheaper brands, but the more I read about the Smokin-It model, and it's durability, I knew if I was going to pursue smoking, I would have to have a good smoker.
So yesterday I decided to order a #1 with a chip insert.
Now the need to monitor Internal Temp. I'm not sure how much of an impact temp swings are with the unit, my assumption is as long as the internal temp of the meat is reached, all is well. (Perhaps it's my newbie-ness coming through.)
I've read a lot about the $60 Mavericks, good and bad, but their durability seems suspect. I don't want to spend $60 on something that is going to fail, or will need continuous maintenance to keep it working.
I've also read some reviews on the Thermoworks dual probe ($129?), it's accuracy and durability, but at it's price point, it's probably worth it to just add a few dollars and get an Auber PID ($188).
What is the consensus here? Will I get a year or two out of the Maverick, or should I spend the $188 on the PID?
I was given a charcoal Smoker from my daughter as a gift. Nothing fanct, just a very low end from Lowe's, not very well made at all, ie tin doors and latch, no top vent, not insulated, etc... , but I didn't want to not use it, as my daugher bought it with her hard earned money, so I modified it by adding an adjustable top vent, and changed out the door latch to bolt latch.
I used it a few time and was able to make some tastey ribs and sausage in it, which my family enjoyed, however the charcoal was a nuisance and with the difficulty of maintaining any sort of temperature for any length of time was extremely difficult, if not near impossible. My family liked the smoked meat, but seeing the difficulties and all the attention needed with the charcoal, my wife questioned whether we would continue, or whether I should spend money on another unit. I read about the Smokin-It electric, and how fairly easy it is to use. At first, I was taken aback by the cost, because I had seen cheaper brands, but the more I read about the Smokin-It model, and it's durability, I knew if I was going to pursue smoking, I would have to have a good smoker.
So yesterday I decided to order a #1 with a chip insert.
Now the need to monitor Internal Temp. I'm not sure how much of an impact temp swings are with the unit, my assumption is as long as the internal temp of the meat is reached, all is well. (Perhaps it's my newbie-ness coming through.)
I've read a lot about the $60 Mavericks, good and bad, but their durability seems suspect. I don't want to spend $60 on something that is going to fail, or will need continuous maintenance to keep it working.
I've also read some reviews on the Thermoworks dual probe ($129?), it's accuracy and durability, but at it's price point, it's probably worth it to just add a few dollars and get an Auber PID ($188).
What is the consensus here? Will I get a year or two out of the Maverick, or should I spend the $188 on the PID?
