Cost of operation?

[sidpost]

Having purchased 5 gun safes, I understand the the adage, buy more space than you think you need.  ;D ROFL

Being just myself and my mother 99% of the time, I question buying a Model 1 or 2 versus the Model 3.  A full brisket is way too much meat for a normal supper for the next week (or more  ).  A single pork butt is plenty for several meals.  Cutting ribs in half, well it doesn't really bother me and Mom can't eat a half rack anyway.

However, if I put on a rack of ribs or one small pork butt, would a model 1 or 2 be much cheaper to operate compared to the model 3?  I'm not worried about the footprint or the larger size or taking it camping so, I'm considering the benefit of having a RARE big smoke in it for a special holiday meal with a larger holiday family crowd.  For big smokes, I'm going to get a Shirley Fabrication stick burner.   

I'm looking for something small to possibly do daily smokes of chicken, steaks, meatloaf, pork, etc. in a "set and forget" style instead of using an oven or skillet.  I think I have ruled out pellet smokers but, that is the other "set and forget it" option though pellet cost adds up pretty fast.

TIA,
Sid from East Texas

 

[smokeasaurus]

I believe the #3 has a 1500 watt element. Shirley Fabrication makes a sweet offset smoker.....of course the #3 can probably hold as much as the off-set..........can't use the entire cooking surface due to the "hot-spot" at the fire box entrance. You could spend the coin for tuning plates if offered. Cry once and get the number 3 and pass on the off-set. #3 will cook for a crowd or a workday meal and you will have time to do other things.......unless you have the extra time to add wood every 45 minutes and monitor dampers for 12 hours with an offset.

Why do I say all this: I haven't used my 600 lb 2000 dollar off-set since I got my #3 8)

 

[sidpost]

Thanks smokeasaurus!

  The Shirley Fabrication (http://www.shirleyfabrication.com/) units are reverse flow, similar to the Lang units.  No tuning plates or hot spots with them.  The thing a Shirley offers the electrics don't is WHOLE HOG and really large, near catering sized events.  My friend does big charity events so, a trailer rig with fryers would get put to good use.  Also, I'd rather put the feral hogs in a smoker versus burying them with the Backhoe.  A Model 3 won't hold a boar and two sows plus piglets at one time.  I want enough room for a bunch of piglets and small sows, the rest can be buried. 

  The Shirley Fabrication unit is whole different topic and can probably smoke enough at one time to feed me for an entire year!  Smoked hog is good but, chicken, steaks, brisket (I'm a Texas boy), and other stuff are desired throughout the year.

Best Regards and Merry Christmas!
Sid

 

[NDKoze]

I think the difference in cost of operations is negligible between the 1/2 or the 3. They are all VERY efficient and I doubt you would even notice any change in your electric bill at all.

 

[DivotMaker]

Cost to operate the 1, 2, 3 or even 4, is less than using an electric oven.  Unless you're using your smoker commercially, all day lone everyday, the cost to operate is nowhere near a concern.  Besides, you only use up to 6 oz. of wood per smoke; how much does wood cost for that stick burner? 

 

[tnlyne]

I started a thread about this a while back:

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2826
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2826.msg22455#msg22455

In short, a brisket smoke cost me an estimated $1.03 for electricity on my #2. I think this is the cheapest method of cooking in general since the smoker is so well insulated.

 

[sidpost]

Thanks everyone!  These smokers are apparently very fuel efficient so, it looks like there is little reason to go too small.  Low wood use and cheap electricity is super helpful.  Now, I guess I just need to decide whether I want the new controller or the older analog version.